Anesthetic Management of a Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) Captive Undergoing Incisional Biopsy of a Skin Nodule

Background: The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is considered one of the largest terrestrial carnivores, native from temperate forest regions of North America, Europe and Asia. In Brazil, they are founded in captivity and their safe capture and immobilization are obtained with one effective anesthesia for management and surgical and diagnostic procedures. Some anesthetic protocols are described for these purposes, however, there is a lack for data on the anesthetic and adverse effects they have on bears when used. The aim of this case is to report the use and effects of the association of dexmedetomidine with tiletamine and zolazepam in the chemical containment of a captive adult brown bear.Case: A 33-year-old female brown bear, weighing 100 kg, belonging to the Zoobotanic Park of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, was chemically immobilized for an incisional biopsy of a cutaneous nodule with 1.0 cm diameter in the right face region. The anesthetic protocol included 6 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine associated with 3 mg/kg of tiletamine and zolazepam, administered intramuscularly by dart into the gluteal region of the right pelvic limb. The animal showed moderate ataxia at 5 min and assumed sternal decubitus 7 min after anesthetic administration. The bear's degree of sedation was considered adequate and safe to perform the biopsy at 10 min after administration. Heart rate (47 ± 3 bpm), respiratory rate (17 ± 2 mpm) and rectal temperature (38.7 ± 0.1ºC) were monitored. The bear remained immobile and unconscious throughout the procedure, with intense muscle relaxation, bilateral eyeball rotation, absent lateral palpebral reflex and mild medial reflex and without nystagmus. Complementary sedative doses were not necessary. At the beginning of anesthetic recovery, the bear received 6 µg/kg of atipamezole, intramuscularly. After 25 min of administration of atipamezole, the animal showed signs of recovery in the level of consciousness and reactivity to external stimuli, and assumed the quadrupedal position at 60 min after reverser application.Discussion: Even in captivity, the bears behavior is unpredictable and attack can occur, causing trauma or death to people. For this, the chemical immobilization is important to keep safety of everyone. This procedure was performed using blowgun-assisted darts thrown by a staff member who had experience in using this method, who darted accurately and effectively. The latency time observed after administration of the anesthetic protocol used is similar to reported in other studies with bears that also received intramuscular dexmedetomidine and tiletamine and zolazepam and showed intense muscle relaxation and immobility. The doses used contributed to the absence of bradycardia and hypoventilation and, performing the procedure in the morning, when the temperature is milder in the city, minimized the chance of hyperthermia and thermal stress in the animal, not requiring body cooling. The use of dexmedetomidine in chemical containment protocols for short and minimally invasive procedures allows the subsequent use of its antagonist, atipamezole, contributing to a shorter recovery time, return of the animal’s degree of consciousness and lower incidence of ataxia after assuming a quadrupedal position. The anesthetic protocol used was considered efficient, providing a quick and gentle chemical containment, adequate anesthetic plan and good anesthetic recovery in an adult brown bear from captivity.Keywords:atipamezole, dexmedetomidine, wildlife.Título: Manejo anestésico de um urso pardo (Ursus arctos) cativo submetido a biópsia incisional de nódulo cutâneoDescritores: atipamezole, dexmedetomidine, animais selvagens

Xenogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Formation of Hyaline Cartilage in Osteochondral Goat Failure

Background: Osteochondral knee failures are among the most common causes of disability among the elderly human population and animal athletes. The xenogeneic transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells is a questionable therapeutic alternative that, despite the low expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex type II by these cells, still has relevantuncertainties about the safety and clinical efficacy. The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether the xenogeneic transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells induces hyaline cartilage formation, without histopathological evidence of rejection, in osteochondralfailures of goats.Materials, Methods & Results: Five female goats were used, submitted to three surgical osteocondral failures in the right knee, treated with xenogenic mesenchymal stem cells of dental pulp, xenogenic platelet-rich plasma and hemostatic sponge of hydrolyzed collagen, respectively. The lesions were evaluated after 60 days of treatment, aiming to identify thepresence of hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage and the subchondral bone pattern (regenerated or disorganized). Transplantation of xenogenic mesenchymal stem cells induced predominant formation of hyaline cartilage (P 0.05). Macroscopically, the lesions of the stem cell treated group showed formation of firm repair tissue, opaque staining, integrated with adjacent cartilage and with the failure filling almost completely. The groups treated with PRP and hemostatic sponge of hydrolyzed collagen presented, on average, partial filling of the lesion, with irregular shape and darkened coloration.Discussion. The absence of macroscopic and histopathological evidences of an inflammatory process on the surface and in the internal portion of the osteochondral lesions treated with xenogeneic stem cells, probably due to the low expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex type II by these cells, which would theoretically induce low rejection response. Such observations are of great importance, since graft-versus- host disease syndrome is a serious condition, responsible for the low therapeutic efficacy with transplantation of cells or grafts in humans. The formation of fibrocartilage, although without macro and microscopic evidence of degeneration or necrosis, in the osteochondral failures treated with PRP and hemostatic collagen sponge suggest that paracrine factors of the local microenvironment of the osteochondral failure are possibly responsible for the formation of fibrocartilaginous tissue or by inhibition of normal cartilage formation. The fibrocartilage formed in the Plasmaand Control groups, contributed to the commitment in the filling of the lesion, contrasting with the almost complete fill of the lesions treated with stem cells. The xenotransplantation of mesenchymal stem cells induced formation of hyaline cartilage and did not promote histopathological evidence of rejection in osteochondral lesions of goat knees. The treatments with PRP and hemostatic sponge of hydrolyzed collagen induced greater formation of fibrocartilaginous cartilaginous surface in the osteochondral failures

Reconhecimento e avaliação da dor em bovinos: Revisão

A dor, além de ser uma experiência desagradável, é um mecanismo importante de proteção do organismo e manutenção da vida, e o entendimento da sua fisiologia, suas principais causas, seu reconhecimento e avaliação em bovinos é necessário para o direcionamento do tratamento ideal, que promova o bem-estar animal minimizando os prejuízos na cadeia produtiva. A avaliação da dor em bovinos representa um desafio e o seu tratamento é considerado muitas vezes inadequado, devido à falta de conhecimento sobre os comportamentos relacionados a dor e a crença que pela sua rusticidade e resistência sintam menos dor que os pequenos animais, ou até mesmo não setem dor. Os estudos a respeito da avaliação da com base no comportamento tem recebido atenção crescente, e geralmente comportamentos de dor em bovinos descritos na literatura são aqueles frequentemente associados a doenças como mastites, metrites, pododermatites, artrite séptica, peritonite, miíases externas, ou práticas de manejo como castrações, marcação com ferro quente e descornas. Algumas ferramentas, como escalas de avaliação da dor, estão sendo produzidas e utilizadas para a avaliação da dor em bovinos, e é notória a percepção da sociedade sobre a importância do reconhecimento e tratamento da dor não só em bovinos, mas em todos os animais de produção, objetivando sobretudo o bem-estar animal

Melanoma amelanótico oral em cão jovem: Relato de caso

A cavidade oral é bastante acometida por neoplasias e corresponde ao quarto local mais frequente em pequenos animais. O melanoma é uma neoplasia maligna caracterizada com muita ou pouca produção de melanina, tendo o último um comportamento mais agressivo. O presente trabalho objetiva relatar o caso de um cão, macho, da raça dachshund, de 2 anos de idade que apresentava leve aumento da região infraorbitária e na cavidade oral uma massa de coloração avermelhada, com áreas enegrecidas, de consistência firme, localizada na região maxilar direita. O exame histopatológico sugeriu melanoma amelanótico. O paciente foi submetido a tratamento quimioterápico com carboplatina (300 mg/m², EV) a cada 3 semanas totalizando 3 sessões e corticoterapia com prednisolona (2,2 mg/kg, SID, VO) uso contínuo, seguido de 3 sessões de criocirurgia com intervalo de 15 dias. Devido à agressividade da neoplasia e o péssimo estado geral do animal, foi realizada a eutanásia seguida à necropsia, que constatou metástase em linfonodo submandibular direito. O melanoma amelanótico é freqüentemente diagnosticado na clínica de pequenos animais, necessitando de mais estudos para desenvolvimento de tratamentos eficazes para este tipo de neoplasia

Uso da Dexmedetomidina para a contenção química de uma Anta Brasileira (Tapirus terrestris) de cativeiro

Background:  The Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris), considered the largest land mammal in South America, is a vulnerable species in terms of its degree of conservation. In captivity, its health is evaluated through behavioral and physical observation and laboratory exams, and in some cases, chemical restraint, to reduce stress. Dissociative anesthetics and sedatives are used for the sedation of these animals, and few studies have reported the use of dexmedetomidine and its effects when associated with other drugs in chemical containment protocols; therefore, this work reports its use, in conjunction with ketamine and midazolam, in a young Brazilian tapir. Case:  A male Brazilian tapir, male, weighing 89 kg, 1 and a half year old,  housed at CETAS in Rio Branco, Acre, was chemically restrained with dexmedetomidine (7 µg/kg), ketamine (1.5 mg/kg), and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) for venous blood collection, oral and rectal mucosal swabs, and microchipping. The protocol was administered intramuscularly to the right triceps brachii, after physical restraint. After 5 min of application, the animal assumed sternal recumbency and presented reflux. After 15 min, the patient was placed in the right lateral decubitus position. During collection, heart rate (48 ± 10 bpm), respiratory frequency (29 ± 1 mpm), rectal temperature (38.1 ± 0.18 °C), oxyhemoglobin saturation (97 ± 1%), and electrocardiographic tracing were recorded. The tapir showed deep sedation, immobility, good muscle relaxation, discreet medial palpebral reflex, and bilateral rotation of the eyeball. After 40 min of protocol administration, sedative reversal was performed intramuscularly with 14 µg/kg atipamezole. Five min after administration, the tapir showed signs of mild sedation. After 10 min, he assumed the quadrupedal position, remained in this position for 8 min, and gently resumed the sternal decubitus. After only 20 min, he resumed the quadrupedal position, with mild ataxia and good muscular and conscious tone. After 50 min, the patient was discharged from anesthesia. Discussion: Domestic horses are phylogenetically close to tapirs, so the choice of drugs and doses of the protocol used was based on their use in horses, and on studies carried out with tapirs as well. Despite being docile and passive, the tapir was not conditioned and did not allow the manipulation and collection of samples collaboratively; therefore, it was chemically contained. The physical restraint performed did not generate satisfactory immobilization of the tapir, resulting in agitation and stress and causing the needle to break. The reflux presented by the tapir minutes after sedation and at recovery was induced by dexmedetomidine, and only the undigested banana pieces were offered to the animal. Reflux plus stress from extensive fasting and suboptimal physical restraint was responsible for the change in the tapir's eating behavior, with possible stress gastritis 24 h after chemical restraint. Only one study reported the use of dexmedetomidine in tapirs, associated with continuous infusions of ketamine, midazolam and guaiacol glyceryl ether for moderate to long-term field procedures. Sedative reversal of dexmedetomidine by atipamezole reduced the recovery time and the risk of death from cardiorespiratory depression. The anesthetic combination used was effective, promoting immobility, muscle relaxation, and stability of the physical parameters evaluated, with rapid and gentle induction and an adequate level of sedation for the objective, good sedative reversal, and anesthetic recovery. Keywords: anesthesia, anesthetic management, wild animals, mammals, sedative.Antecedentes: Considerado o maior mamífero terrestre da América do Sul, a Anta brasileira (Tapirus terrestris), é uma espécie vulnerável quanto ao seu grau de conservação. Em cativeiro, sua saúde é avaliada por meio da observação comportamental, física e por exames, sendo necessária, e alguns casos, a contenção química, reduzindo o estresse. Anestésicos dissociativos e sedativos são utilizados para a sedação destes animais, e poucos estudos relatam o uso da dexmedetomidina e seus efeitos quando associadas a outros fármacos em protocolos de contenção química, por isso, este trabalho relata o seu emprego, com cetamina e midazolam, em uma anta brasileira jovem. Caso:  Uma anta brasileira, macho, 89 kg, um ano e meio de idade, lotada no CETAS de Rio Branco, Acre, foi contida quimicamente com dexmedetomidina (7µg/kg), cetamina (1,5mg/kg) e midazolam (0,2 mg/kg), para a coleta de sangue venoso, swab da mucosa oral e retal, e microchipagem. O protocolo foi administrado por via intramuscular, no tríceps braquial direito, após contenção física. Após cinco minutos da aplicação, o animal assumiu decúbito esternal, e apresentou refluxo. Passados 15 minutos, este foi posicionado em decúbito lateral direito. Durante a coleta, foram monitoradas, a frequência cardíaca (48 ± 10 bpm), frequência respiratória (29 ± 1 mpm), temperatura retal (38,1 ± 0,18 °C), saturação da oxihemoglobina (97 ± 1%) e o traçado eletrocardiográfico pelo monitor multiparamétrico. A anta apresentou grau de sedação profundo, imobilidade, bom relaxamento muscular, reflexo palpebral medial discreto e rotação bilateral do globo ocular. Após 40 minutos da administração do protocolo, foi realizada a reversão sedativa com 14 µg/kg atipamezole, por via intramuscular. Depois de cinco minutos dessa administração, a anta apresentou sinais de grau de sedação leve. Após dez minutos, assumiu a posição quadrupedal, permaneceu nesta por oito minutos, e retomou o decúbito esternal, de modo suave. Somente após 20 minutos, reassumiu a posição quadrupedal, com leve ataxia, bom tônus muscular e consciente. Depois de 50 minutos, recebeu alta anestésica. Discussão: Os cavalos domésticos são filogeneticamente próximos das antas, por isso a escolha das drogas e das doses do protocolo utilizado foi baseada em seu uso em cavalos, e também em estudos realizados com antas. Apesar de dócil e passiva, a anta não era condicionada e não permitia a manipulação e coleta de amostras de forma colaborativa; portanto, estava quimicamente contido. A contenção física realizada não gerou uma imobilização satisfatória da anta, resultando em agitação e estresse e causando a quebra da agulha. O refluxo apresentado pela anta minutos após a sedação e na recuperação foi induzido pela dexmedetomidina, e apenas os pedaços de banana não digeridos foram oferecidos ao animal. Refluxo mais estresse de jejum prolongado e contenção física abaixo do ideal foi responsável pela mudança no comportamento alimentar da anta, com possível gastrite de estresse 24 h após a contenção química. Apenas um estudo relatou o uso de dexmedetomidina em antas, associado a infusões contínuas de cetamina, midazolam e guaiacol gliceril éter para procedimentos de campo de moderada a longa duração. A reversão sedativa da dexmedetomidina pelo atipamezol reduziu o tempo de recuperação e o risco de morte por depressão cardiorrespiratória. A combinação anestésica utilizada foi eficaz, promovendo imobilidade, relaxamento muscular e estabilidade dos parâmetros físicos avaliados, com indução rápida e suave e nível adequado de sedação para o objetivo, boa reversão sedativa e recuperação anestésica

Uso da Dexmedetomidina para a contenção química de uma Anta Brasileira (Tapirus terrestris) de cativeiro

Background:  The Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris), considered the largest land mammal in South America, is a vulnerable species in terms of its degree of conservation. In captivity, its health is evaluated through behavioral and physical observation and laboratory exams, and in some cases, chemical restraint, to reduce stress. Dissociative anesthetics and sedatives are used for the sedation of these animals, and few studies have reported the use of dexmedetomidine and its effects when associated with other drugs in chemical containment protocols; therefore, this work reports its use, in conjunction with ketamine and midazolam, in a young Brazilian tapir. Case:  A male Brazilian tapir, male, weighing 89 kg, 1 and a half year old,  housed at CETAS in Rio Branco, Acre, was chemically restrained with dexmedetomidine (7 µg/kg), ketamine (1.5 mg/kg), and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) for venous blood collection, oral and rectal mucosal swabs, and microchipping. The protocol was administered intramuscularly to the right triceps brachii, after physical restraint. After 5 min of application, the animal assumed sternal recumbency and presented reflux. After 15 min, the patient was placed in the right lateral decubitus position. During collection, heart rate (48 ± 10 bpm), respiratory frequency (29 ± 1 mpm), rectal temperature (38.1 ± 0.18 °C), oxyhemoglobin saturation (97 ± 1%), and electrocardiographic tracing were recorded. The tapir showed deep sedation, immobility, good muscle relaxation, discreet medial palpebral reflex, and bilateral rotation of the eyeball. After 40 min of protocol administration, sedative reversal was performed intramuscularly with 14 µg/kg atipamezole. Five min after administration, the tapir showed signs of mild sedation. After 10 min, he assumed the quadrupedal position, remained in this position for 8 min, and gently resumed the sternal decubitus. After only 20 min, he resumed the quadrupedal position, with mild ataxia and good muscular and conscious tone. After 50 min, the patient was discharged from anesthesia. Discussion: Domestic horses are phylogenetically close to tapirs, so the choice of drugs and doses of the protocol used was based on their use in horses, and on studies carried out with tapirs as well. Despite being docile and passive, the tapir was not conditioned and did not allow the manipulation and collection of samples collaboratively; therefore, it was chemically contained. The physical restraint performed did not generate satisfactory immobilization of the tapir, resulting in agitation and stress and causing the needle to break. The reflux presented by the tapir minutes after sedation and at recovery was induced by dexmedetomidine, and only the undigested banana pieces were offered to the animal. Reflux plus stress from extensive fasting and suboptimal physical restraint was responsible for the change in the tapir's eating behavior, with possible stress gastritis 24 h after chemical restraint. Only one study reported the use of dexmedetomidine in tapirs, associated with continuous infusions of ketamine, midazolam and guaiacol glyceryl ether for moderate to long-term field procedures. Sedative reversal of dexmedetomidine by atipamezole reduced the recovery time and the risk of death from cardiorespiratory depression. The anesthetic combination used was effective, promoting immobility, muscle relaxation, and stability of the physical parameters evaluated, with rapid and gentle induction and an adequate level of sedation for the objective, good sedative reversal, and anesthetic recovery. Keywords: anesthesia, anesthetic management, wild animals, mammals, sedative.Antecedentes: Considerado o maior mamífero terrestre da América do Sul, a Anta brasileira (Tapirus terrestris), é uma espécie vulnerável quanto ao seu grau de conservação. Em cativeiro, sua saúde é avaliada por meio da observação comportamental, física e por exames, sendo necessária, e alguns casos, a contenção química, reduzindo o estresse. Anestésicos dissociativos e sedativos são utilizados para a sedação destes animais, e poucos estudos relatam o uso da dexmedetomidina e seus efeitos quando associadas a outros fármacos em protocolos de contenção química, por isso, este trabalho relata o seu emprego, com cetamina e midazolam, em uma anta brasileira jovem. Caso:  Uma anta brasileira, macho, 89 kg, um ano e meio de idade, lotada no CETAS de Rio Branco, Acre, foi contida quimicamente com dexmedetomidina (7µg/kg), cetamina (1,5mg/kg) e midazolam (0,2 mg/kg), para a coleta de sangue venoso, swab da mucosa oral e retal, e microchipagem. O protocolo foi administrado por via intramuscular, no tríceps braquial direito, após contenção física. Após cinco minutos da aplicação, o animal assumiu decúbito esternal, e apresentou refluxo. Passados 15 minutos, este foi posicionado em decúbito lateral direito. Durante a coleta, foram monitoradas, a frequência cardíaca (48 ± 10 bpm), frequência respiratória (29 ± 1 mpm), temperatura retal (38,1 ± 0,18 °C), saturação da oxihemoglobina (97 ± 1%) e o traçado eletrocardiográfico pelo monitor multiparamétrico. A anta apresentou grau de sedação profundo, imobilidade, bom relaxamento muscular, reflexo palpebral medial discreto e rotação bilateral do globo ocular. Após 40 minutos da administração do protocolo, foi realizada a reversão sedativa com 14 µg/kg atipamezole, por via intramuscular. Depois de cinco minutos dessa administração, a anta apresentou sinais de grau de sedação leve. Após dez minutos, assumiu a posição quadrupedal, permaneceu nesta por oito minutos, e retomou o decúbito esternal, de modo suave. Somente após 20 minutos, reassumiu a posição quadrupedal, com leve ataxia, bom tônus muscular e consciente. Depois de 50 minutos, recebeu alta anestésica. Discussão: Os cavalos domésticos são filogeneticamente próximos das antas, por isso a escolha das drogas e das doses do protocolo utilizado foi baseada em seu uso em cavalos, e também em estudos realizados com antas. Apesar de dócil e passiva, a anta não era condicionada e não permitia a manipulação e coleta de amostras de forma colaborativa; portanto, estava quimicamente contido. A contenção física realizada não gerou uma imobilização satisfatória da anta, resultando em agitação e estresse e causando a quebra da agulha. O refluxo apresentado pela anta minutos após a sedação e na recuperação foi induzido pela dexmedetomidina, e apenas os pedaços de banana não digeridos foram oferecidos ao animal. Refluxo mais estresse de jejum prolongado e contenção física abaixo do ideal foi responsável pela mudança no comportamento alimentar da anta, com possível gastrite de estresse 24 h após a contenção química. Apenas um estudo relatou o uso de dexmedetomidina em antas, associado a infusões contínuas de cetamina, midazolam e guaiacol gliceril éter para procedimentos de campo de moderada a longa duração. A reversão sedativa da dexmedetomidina pelo atipamezol reduziu o tempo de recuperação e o risco de morte por depressão cardiorrespiratória. A combinação anestésica utilizada foi eficaz, promovendo imobilidade, relaxamento muscular e estabilidade dos parâmetros físicos avaliados, com indução rápida e suave e nível adequado de sedação para o objetivo, boa reversão sedativa e recuperação anestésica

Anesthetic Management of a Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) Captive Undergoing Incisional Biopsy of a Skin Nodule

Background: The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is considered one of the largest terrestrial carnivores, native from temperate forest regions of North America, Europe and Asia. In Brazil, they are founded in captivity and their safe capture and immobilization are obtained with one effective anesthesia for management and surgical and diagnostic procedures. Some anesthetic protocols are described for these purposes, however, there is a lack for data on the anesthetic and adverse effects they have on bears when used. The aim of this case is to report the use and effects of the association of dexmedetomidine with tiletamine and zolazepam in the chemical containment of a captive adult brown bear.Case: A 33-year-old female brown bear, weighing 100 kg, belonging to the Zoobotanic Park of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, was chemically immobilized for an incisional biopsy of a cutaneous nodule with 1.0 cm diameter in the right face region. The anesthetic protocol included 6 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine associated with 3 mg/kg of tiletamine and zolazepam, administered intramuscularly by dart into the gluteal region of the right pelvic limb. The animal showed moderate ataxia at 5 min and assumed sternal decubitus 7 min after anesthetic administration. The bear's degree of sedation was considered adequate and safe to perform the biopsy at 10 min after administration. Heart rate (47 ± 3 bpm), respiratory rate (17 ± 2 mpm) and rectal temperature (38.7 ± 0.1ºC) were monitored. The bear remained immobile and unconscious throughout the procedure, with intense muscle relaxation, bilateral eyeball rotation, absent lateral palpebral reflex and mild medial reflex and without nystagmus. Complementary sedative doses were not necessary. At the beginning of anesthetic recovery, the bear received 6 µg/kg of atipamezole, intramuscularly. After 25 min of administration of atipamezole, the animal showed signs of recovery in the level of consciousness and reactivity to external stimuli, and assumed the quadrupedal position at 60 min after reverser application.Discussion: Even in captivity, the bears behavior is unpredictable and attack can occur, causing trauma or death to people. For this, the chemical immobilization is important to keep safety of everyone. This procedure was performed using blowgun-assisted darts thrown by a staff member who had experience in using this method, who darted accurately and effectively. The latency time observed after administration of the anesthetic protocol used is similar to reported in other studies with bears that also received intramuscular dexmedetomidine and tiletamine and zolazepam and showed intense muscle relaxation and immobility. The doses used contributed to the absence of bradycardia and hypoventilation and, performing the procedure in the morning, when the temperature is milder in the city, minimized the chance of hyperthermia and thermal stress in the animal, not requiring body cooling. The use of dexmedetomidine in chemical containment protocols for short and minimally invasive procedures allows the subsequent use of its antagonist, atipamezole, contributing to a shorter recovery time, return of the animal’s degree of consciousness and lower incidence of ataxia after assuming a quadrupedal position. The anesthetic protocol used was considered efficient, providing a quick and gentle chemical containment, adequate anesthetic plan and good anesthetic recovery in an adult brown bear from captivity.Keywords:atipamezole, dexmedetomidine, wildlife.Título: Manejo anestésico de um urso pardo (Ursus arctos) cativo submetido a biópsia incisional de nódulo cutâneoDescritores: atipamezole, dexmedetomidine, animais selvagens

Primeira ocorrência documentada de Dioctophyma renale em dois cães no Estado do Acre, Brasil

Background: Known as the “giant kidney worm,” Dioctophyma renale is the nematode that causes dioctophymosis in domestic and wild animals and in humans. Its biological cycle is indirect and dogs are definitive hosts. In this case, the adult parasite generally located in the right kidney; however, it can also be found in the left kidney, abdominal cavity, bladder, and testes. Dioctophymosis is diagnosed by visualizing parasite eggs in the urine or by visualizing the adult form using abdominal ultrasonography. This study aimed to report the occurrence of 2 cases of D. renale infection in dogs who underwent right unilateral nephrectomy, in the State of Acre, Brazil. Cases: Case 1. An adult, mixed breed bitch was treated at a private veterinary clinic in the city, having presented with a 1-month history of apathy and hematuria. During abdominal  ultrasonography, a right kidney with increased dimensions, total loss of parenchyma, and the presence of several tubular structures with anechoic content, suggestive of D. renale infestation was observed. After diagnosis, the animal was referred for nephrectomy of the right kidney, and after sectioning the capsule and renal parenchyma, the parasites were identified. Case 2. An approximately 3-year-old male, mixed breed dog, weighing 17 kg, rescued from the street by volunteers from an animal protection NGO in the city, was treated at the Teaching Veterinary Clinic of the Federal University of Acre. The animal exhibited lethargy and brown urine and had already been treated at another private veterinary clinic in the city, where an ultrasound examination had been performed that revealed the presence of the D. renale worm in the right kidney. Urinalysis of this animal revealed cloudy urine, dark yellow to greenish in color, and structures compatible with D. renale eggs (+++). The animal was referred for right unilateral nephrectomy. A total of 3 helminths measuring 25 - 40 cm in length were found inside the right kidney. D. renale was identified by considering the morphological characteristics of the worms, such as a simple mouth without lips and the presence of the copulatory bursa in males. The eggs found in the urine were elliptical in shape and brown in color, with thick walls, rough appearance, and transparent bipolar plugs. Discussion: The 2 animals described in this study were stray dogs. The change in urine color corroborates clinical findings in dogs with dioctophymosis. Dioctophyma renale is capable of generating direct renal lesions that lead to the destruction or atrophy of parenchyma of the organs and hematuria. In some cases, only the renal capsule is preserved, as in the animal reported in case 1. In both animals, the parasite was found only in the right kidney and was not present in the abdominal cavity, left kidney, testes, or bladder. Urinalysis is an excellent diagnostic tool for dioctophymosis; however, it should not be considered as the only diagnostic method, as it is not always possible to observe parasite eggs in the urine, as they are not constantly released even when adult female worms are present in the kidneys and not at all in their absence. Nephrectomy and surgical removal of parasites are the most effective methods for treating this disease in animals because there are no effective and safe antiparasitic drugs to combat the worm. The macroscopic characteristics of parts of the parasite’s body were sufficient for its identification and diagnosis of the first 2 cases of dioctophymosis in dogs in the state of Acre, Brazil. Keywords: endoparasite, parasitology, nephrectomy, nematode, kidney. Título: Dioctofimose renal em cães Descritores: endoparasita, parasitologia, nefrectomia, nematoide, rim.