Intestinal Rupture Due to a Non-Perforating Foreign Body

Background: Intestinal obstruction by a foreign body is a common occurrence in domestic animals, needing the attention of veterinarians and owners, given that a serious complication of this condition is intestinal rupture, with consequent peritonitis. Perforating objects are the ones most often associated with rupture, but any object that obstructs the intestinal tract, if not removed properly, can lead to intestinal rupture, generating a poor prognosis. This article reports a case of intestinal rupture caused by a non-perforating foreign body in a dog. Case: A 1-year-old Chow-Chow dog was taken by its owner to the Portal Pet private clinic, with a history of foreign body ingestion and emesis. The owner reported that he took the animal to veterinary care in another establishment on the day he noticed vomiting, with no other abnormality being detected. An injectable medication was administered, but the owner did not know what it was, and the dog was discharged. After 15 days, the owner sought care at the clinic initially mentioned, due to the persistence of emesis, in addition to the onset of diarrhea and apparent apathy. On physical examination, the dog was apathetic, with pale mucosa and pain on abdominal palpation. A firm structure was felt, located in the epigastric region, compatible with a foreign body. The dog was referred for hospitalization and an abdominal ultrasound was requested, in addition to blood samples for hematological and serum biochemical tests (urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase). Serology for parvovirus was also performed. The blood count revealed leukopenia (4,800 thousand/mm3) and biochemical analysis showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase (895.5 U/l). The results for parvovirus were negative. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a foreign body. The animal was referred for exploratory laparotomy, in which the foreign body was found in the abdominal cavity as a result of intestinal rupture, and peritonitis was observed. The foreign body was removed, the abdominal cavity washed, intestinal raffia made, and an abdominal drain inserted. The foreign body was identified as a silicone makeup sponge. Three days later, the drain was removed. The patient had good post-surgical clinical evolution and was discharged. The prescription given was as follows: omeprazole 1 mg/kg (VO, every 24 h in the morning, for 2 weeks); dipyrone25 mg/kg (VO, TID, for 4 days); cephalexin 25 mg/kg (VO, BID, for 10 days); mineral vitamin supplement based on probiotics and prebiotics 1 tablet/10 kg (VO, every 24 h, for 10 days); vermifuge based on milbemycin oxime and praziquantel 5-25 mg (VO, in a single dose, with repetition after 15 days); enrofloxacin 50 mg 10 mg/kg (VO, every 24 h, for 7 days); immunoglobulinbased on blood plasma, vitamins and minerals 1 tablet/10 kg (VO, BID, until new recommendations); and metronidazole 40 mg/mL oral solution at a dose of 25 mg/kg (VO, BID, for 7 days). As topical treatment, an antiseptic spraybased on laurel, diethylene glycol ether, sodium sulfate, and povidine iodinewas prescribed for surgical wound cleansing, until the suture removal, and the use of a surgical collar was requested. A reassessment was scheduled after 10 days, during which the suture was removed. At this point the dog had fully recovered.Discussion: Intestinal obstruction by a foreign body is a common cause of veterinary emergencies. As observed in the reported case, rupture of the intestinal wall and peritonitis can result. Although the prognosis of the affected animals is guarded, diagnosis prior to the worsening of septicemia as well as immediate surgical intervention were essential for recovery.     

Intoxication by Lornoxicam in Two Dogs

Background: The indiscriminate use of drugs is routinely observed in the field of veterinary medicine. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the class of drugs that most commonly cause intoxication in pet animals. Lornoxicam, an NSAID, is a cyclooxygenase COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor and is only recommended for human treatment. Here we present cases involving two dogs who presented with Lornoxicam intoxication following administration without veterinary prescription.Cases: 1) - A 1-year-old female Rottweiler was presented for clinic with claudication, profuse vomiting, and fetid blackish diarrhea. The owner reported administer two tablets of oral Lornoxicam. Physical examination revealed lethargy, a bulging abdomen and pale mucous membranes. Contrast-enhanced imaging of the gastrointestinal tract revealed decreased stomach flow. The ultrasound revealed predominantly gaseous contents in the stomach with normal walls, a large amount of accumulated gas in the pyloric region. Therefore, exploratory laparotomy was held and a nonperforated ulcer was observed in the pyloric region. There were hemorrhagic areas in the stomach mucosa and enlarged lymph nodes in the duodenum. The ulcer was resected without complications. Medications included after surgery were intravenous fluid, antibiotic, analgesic, antiemetic, histamine H2-receptor antagonist and Cytoprotective drugs. The day after the surgical procedure, no episode of vomiting or diarrhea was observed and the food and water were introduced gradually in the following days. 2) - An 11-yearold male Old English Sheepdog came to the clinic with a history of vomiting, blackish diarrhea, and loss of appetite. The owner reported that first was administered deltamethrin for tick infestation and approximately 3 days after, the amitraz. The animal began vomiting, limping, and lost its appetite. Because of the limping, the owner administered Lornoxicam in a single dose and the animal start vomiting and manifested fetid, blackish diarrhea. On physical examination, the patient showed 7.0% dehydration and tenderness on palpation in the epigastric region. For diagnostic screening was performed: hematological and biochemical evaluation; the Canine Test SNAP 4DX; and total abdominal ultrasound. The results only showed leukocytosis and predominantly gaseous contents in the stomach. Then, pyrethroid and formamidine intoxication with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis secondary to Lornoxicam administration was suspected. Intravenous fluid therapy was performed with Ringer’s lactate solution. In addition, metoclopramide, ranitidine, sucralfate and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim were administered along the gradual insertion of food and water. The patient showed complete clinical recovery after 7 days of hospitalization and was discharged.Discussion: The clinical signs presented by the both cases were similar to those described in the literature on NSAID intoxication in animals. In the two cases, none of the exams confirmed the presence of the ulcer, but they helped to suspect. Blood tests performed for the second animal revealed findings similar to previously reported nonspecific laboratory findings for gastric ulcers. In both cases, ultrasound did not identify any changes that proved the existence of gastric ulcers. However, this test is necessary to rule out complications such as perforation or peritonitis. In the first case, exploratory laparotomy was required for a definitive diagnosis because of suspected obstruction in the pyloric region. For the second animal, surgery was not planned because all the performed tests only raised a suspicion of hemorrhagic gastritis, and the suspected diagnosis was confirmed by the positive response to the treatment. The underlying etiology in both cases was identified as Lornoxicam intoxication due to administration without veterinary medical prescription.Keywords: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, gastritis, gastric ulcer

Renal Dysplasia in a Maltese dog

Background: Renal dysplasia (RD) is a common cause of renal failure in young dogs. It is defined as a disorganization in renal parenchymal development, with abnormal differentiation. In all domestic animal species, RD may be hereditary or acquired. The affected animals show clinical signs of early chronic kidney disease, usually between 3 months to 3 years of age. The alterations include persistent metanephric ducts surrounded by primitive mesenchyme, glomeruli and fetal tubules, and abnormal interstitial fibrous tissue. We aimed to report the case of a 1-year-old canine with renal dysplasia.Case: A 1-year-old male Maltese dog experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, recurrent episodic vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, apathy, and anorexia was referred to a private clinic in the municipality of Itabuna-Bahia. Physical examination revealed hypochromic mucosa, dehydration estimated at 8%, rectal temperature of 37.5º C, halitosis, and a body score of 3 out of 9. Laboratory abnormalities included hematocrit of 18%, with hypochromic normocytic aregenerative anemia, azotemia (urea - 530 mg/dL, creatinine - 10.5 mg/dL), hyperglobulinemia (4.7 g/dL), low urinary density (1005), proteinuria (300 mg/dL), and urinary pH - 7.0. Ultrasonography revealed bilateral small kidneys with loss of cortico-medullary definition, cystic formations of different sizes on the renal surface, and hyperechoic areas in the parenchyma; these alterations were suggestive of bilateral chronic nephropathy. Considering the clinical, hematological, biochemical, and ultrasonographic presentation associated with the age of the patient, renal dysplasia was suspected. The patient's clinical condition progressed to loss of consciousness and convulsions, followed by death. Necropsy revealed pale, hypotrophic kidneys with firm consistency, irregular capsular surface containing multiple cortical cysts of different sizes, and altered cortico-medullar proportion. . Kidney fragments were sent to the Laboratory of Histopathology of the State University of Santa Cruz.  Histopathological analysis revealed a marked alteration of renal architecture with glomeruli and immature tubules (adenomatous aspect), persistent primitive mesenchyme, and remnants of the metanephric ducts, as well as tubular dilatation associated with marked interstitial fibrosis, discrete lymphohistiocytic interstitial nephritis, and multifocal areas of mineralization.Discussion: The clinical changes observed in the present case occurred as a consequence of chronic kidney failure caused by RD and included anorexia, apathy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, polyuria, polydipsia, and dehydration. These alterations were also found in other reported cases. The macroscopic findings were similar to those described in the literature and are characteristic of chronic kidney disease: small, firm, pale-colored kidneys. Microscopic changes of renal dysplasia include persistent metanephric ducts surrounded by primitive mesenchyme, glomeruli and fetal tubules, and abnormal interstitial fibrous tissue. In the histopathological renal evaluation in the present report, morphological alterations compatible with the described alterations in the literature were observed, thus allowing the diagnosis of renal dysplasia. Renal dysplasia can affect young dogs of different breeds, causing clinical manifestations of chronic kidney disease. In view of this, this disease should be included as a differential diagnosis in patients under 3 years old who present signs of chronic nephropathy.

Esophageal Diverticulum and Megaesophagus in a Dog and a Cat

Background: Esophageal diverticula are pouch-like dilatations in the esophageal wall that rarely affect dogs and cats, and may have the megaesophagus as a base cause. The definitive method of diagnosis is the contrasting chest X-ray that will visualize the sacculation.Cases: Case 1. A feline male, mixed breed, with 40 days of life was seen with complaint of postprandial regurgitation that was repeated at each meal. On physical examination, the animal was below ideal weight, apathetic, with pale mucosa and bristly. It was suspected of megaesophagus, which was confirmed by contrasting thoracic lateral-lateral (LL) radiography, and the patient also had anterior partial esophageal dilation to the topographic image of the heart. The image was suggestive of persistence of the right aortic arch, and corrective surgery was indicated but it was not authorized by the tutors. Therefore, conservative dietary treatment was instituted. The animal remained stable for a period of one and a half years. After this period the patient returned with an aggravated condition of vomiting, anorexia and apathy. The same clinical condition was maintained in the chest X-ray. An esophageal flushing was indicated, which was not authorized by the tutors, being prescribed mucosal protector and antibiotic. The medication was maintained by the tutor and after 1 month of the initial care, the clinical condition worsened and the animal died. Case 2. A 6-month-old male Pinscher dog weighing 1 kg was seen with postprandial regurgitation complaint since the beginning of the weaning transition period. In the esophagography performed a compatible radiographic image was seen with a diverticulum of the cranial thoracicesophagus and congenital total megaesophagus. The treatment adopted was conservative. Twelve months after the initial care, the animal presented radiographically resolution of the diverticulum and megaesophagus and was in good health.Discussion: These cases report two rare conditions of esophageal diverticulum associated with megaesophagus in a feline and canine. In the case of the feline, it was possible to conclude that the formation of the diverticulum was secondary to not surgical resolution of the persistence of the right aortic arch, with consequent maintenance of the megaesophagus,since the diverticulum was not present in the first radiographic examination. In the second case, when the radiograph was taken, the animal already presented the cranial diverticulum to the total megaesophagus, which, together with the history of postprandial vomiting since the 45 days of life, suggested a delay in the maturation of the esophageal nervous system that caused the megaesophagus and impairment of normal peristalsis of the organ culminating in the formation of the diverticulum. Due to the rare condition in both species, there are no reports of predilection for race, age or sex of the animals affected by the diverticulum, whereas for the megaesophagus, when in the congenital form, it preferentially occurs in young dogs and cats [less than 2 years of age], at the time of transition from the liquid to the solid diet. Both reportswere of young animals that had recently undergone a food transition, which would justify the appearance of the megaesophagus as the main cause of the esophageal diverticulum. The clinical signs presented by the animals were compatible with those reported in the literature. It is concluded that although the esophageal diverticulum occurred in both cases as aconsequence of megaesophagus, the resolution of the underlying cause is decisive for the resolution of the clinical condition determining the patient’s prognosis.Keywords: regurgitation, food impacts, esophageal dysfunction

Clinical, Hematological and Biochemical Profiles of Dogs with Leishmania infantum

Background: Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis affecting dogs worldwide. Its epidemiological importance is observed in Brazil, wherein the largest number of cases originates in the Northeast Region of the country. The disease is caused by the etiologic agent Leishmania chagasi (= infantum) and transmitted by an invertebrate form of sand fly of the genus Lutzomia. Domestic dogs are one of the main reservoirs. The aim of this study was to use molecular analysis to diagnose dogs naturally infected with Leishmania spp. in the city of Jequié, State of Bahia, Brazil, and to describe the clinical signs, as well as the hematological and biochemical profiles associated with these cases.Materials, Methods & Results: In the present study, 198 dogs underwent physical examination and had blood samples collected for hematological, biochemical and PCR tests for Leishmania infantum. Two primers have been used for the molecular diagnostic technique (PCR): first, the ITS-1 specific to Leishmania species followed by the PCR-RFVL to identify the genus; and second, the primer pair RV1/RV2 specific to the Leishmania infantum species in all the samplesAmong the 198 samples collected, four animals tested positive for the Leishmania infantum via PCR, two of which were symptomatic and two asymptomatic. Among the symptomatic animals, animal one presented with diffuse alopecia, ulcerated lesions on the tip of the ears, ophthalmopathy, onychogryphosis, cachexia, anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis, and animal two presented with alopecia, pustules, crusting, diffusely-spread erythema, anemia, hyperproteinemia, thrombocytopenia and azotemia. Among the two asymptomatic dogs, one animal had anemia, hyperproteinemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, and azotemia; the other animal’s laboratory findings revealed hyperproteinemia and leukocytosis with neutrophilia.Discussion: Although 48 animals presented clinical signs, as well as hematological and biochemical alterations commonly reported in the available literature on Leishmaniasis, only two tested positive by PCR. This implies that a positive diagnosis for this pathology should not be given only based on nonspecific clinical and laboratory data. On the other hand, two animals positive via PCR were asymptomatic, and could act as silent disseminators of the parasite in the region. Since the region is considered endemic for the disease, many dogs may be in the chronic phase, with low parasitemia. The fact that blood with low parasitemia was examined may have influenced the estimate of the ocurrence, as it is common knowledge that in such cases the PCR can deliver a false-negative result due the low amount of DNA for amplification. The ideal tissue should be obtained from the spleen, liver, lymph nodes or via bone marrow puncture. However, it was not possible to collect this kind of tissue due to the need for general anesthesia, which is a limiting factor when the study is conducted with domiciliated animals. Clinical signs found in positive animals involve different systems, due to the multisystemic nature of the disease, and evaluation for differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other pathologies that lead to similar changes, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis, among others. Some of the hematologic changes found in positive animals included: anemia, hyperproteinemia, leukocytosis; all of which are respectively correlated with spinal cord dysfunction, splenic sequestration and hyperglobulinemia due to the intense immune response. We concluded that the PCR enabled the identification of canine visceral leishmaniasis cases in the city of Jequié. However, our study did not identify a relationship between the molecular positivity of dogs to Leishmania infantum and the clinical signs and the hematologic and biochemical analysis of samples from suspected cases

Hematological and Biochemical Evaluation of Dogs Undergoing Treatment with Veterinary Dental Gel for the Reduction of Plaque and Dental Calculus

Background: Periodontal disease affects a large proportion of dogs, causing both local and systemic symptoms. Several studies to identify alternative approaches for plaque reduction and removal have been conducted. Recently, Tropiclean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Gel was introduced as an adjuvant to aid in plaque and calculus removal. This product is formulated using Aloe vera, green tea, and mint; however, studies on the toxic potential of this product have not been performed yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Tropiclean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Gel product on hematological and biochemical profiles in dogs undergoing 90-day treatment with the product.Materials, Methods & Results: Per manufacturers' recommendation, the product should be used daily for 30 consecutive days, and subsequently, as maintenance at two to three times a week. In this study, 48 dogs with periodontal disease who received prolonged daily treatment for 90 consecutive days underwent hematological and biochemical evaluation. During the 90 days’ treatment duration, the animals were examined daily to identify the presence of adverse effects; and changes in halitosis were reported. At pre-treatment time-point, 5 mL of blood was collected via cephalic or jugular vein puncture in EDTA tubes for determining the complete blood count (CBC), and in tubes without EDTA for the urea, creatinine, and ALT levels; in addition, for comparison, blood was collected after 90 days’ treatment. At post-treatment time-point, the hematological and biochemical analyses showed significantly lower total leukocyte count as compared to that at pre-treatment (P < 0.01); comprising lower neutrophil count as the cell type involved (P < 0.05). The other parameters showed no statistically significant differences, demonstrating an absence of the products’ effect in terms of alteration of these profiles. All the dogs showed absence of apathy, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, or abnormalities in the mucosal color; in addition, all showed improvement in halitosis; of which, 39 showed improvement at 1 weeks’ treatment duration.Discussion: In the present study, the analyzed parameters were used to determine the hemolysis, leukocytes or platelet abnormalities, renal function, and liver injury. The kidneys and liver are organs that are closely linked to the metabolism and excretion of drugs; hence, their functions are often altered by the toxic effects of some substances. Despite the reported toxicity of Aloe vera, in the present study, there were no changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters in the dogs undergoing treatment for 90 days, except for the reduced total leukocyte count with differential reduction of the neutrophil population, indicating the products’ safety at 90-days’ treatment duration. The hematological and biochemical results were corroborated by the result of the absence of abnormal clinical signs at daily evaluation. In the dogs included in this study, the reduction of halitosis was associated with the reduction of the leukocyte count related to the bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties of the active ingredients of Aloe vera such as opirocatechol, cinnamic acid, ascorbic acid, and p-coumaric acid which were reported in the field of dentistry; and with regard to green tea, catechin galatoepigallocatechin (EgCG) may be responsible for the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. Thus, the product at 90 days’ treatment duration showed safety, without changes in the hematological and biochemical profiles in the participating dogs

Canine Hypothyroidism with Neurological Disorders

Background: Hypothyroidism is characterized by hypofunction of the thyroid gland. It results in deficient production of thyroid hormones. Neurological disorders resulting from hypothyroidism are rare, which highlights the importance of this study. This study reports a case of hypothyroidism in a dog with neurological clinical signs, that was treated at the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz’s Veterinary Hospital (HV-UESC).   Case: A 4-year-old male intact Dogo Argentino breed dog, weighing 64 kg, presenting obesity, anorexia, prostration, walking in circles, and chronic dermatopathy was presented at HV-UESC. Upon physical examination, the animal presented a deficit of proprioception in the 4 limbs, with preserved superficial and deep pain. No alteration was observed in the ears, that could explained the clinical signs. In terms of dermatopathy, the animal presented symmetrical alopecia in the lateral region of the thighs and tail. Blood samples were collected for a complete blood count and biochemical tests of urea, creatinine, ALT, AST and cholesterol. Imaging radiography and ultrasonography were performed, which ruled out thoracic and abdominal changes that could be related to the case. Prior to receiving the blood test results, idiopathic encephalitis was suspected and enrofloxacin and prednisone were prescribed for 7 days. During the medication period, previous exams were provided, which indicated only increased cholesterol (500 mg/dL). The animal showed no improvement with the prescribed medication. In view of the clinical signs presented by the patient and the results of the additional tests, hormonal disease was suspected, compatible with hypothyroidism. Thus, hormonal tests of total T4, free T4, and TSH were requested, leading to verification of reduced total T4 (0.3 ng/dL) and free T4 (0.15 ng/dL) levels, and confirming the dysfunction of the thyroid gland. The previous treatment was suspended and thyroid hormone replacement was initiated. After 3 days of treatment, the neurological signs regressed and the animal became more active; after 30 days, the areas of alopecia decreased. Although the patient did not receive the recommended clinical follow-up for such cases, it was possible to establish the ideal levothyroxine dosage for the dog after appropriate adjustments, which permitted thyroid hormone levels to return to normal. Discussion: This report refers to a case of hypothyroidism in a giant dog breed. The dog in the report showed clinical signs of a dermatological, metabolic, and neurological nature, which is consistent with a lack of thyroid hormone. The main signs presented by the animal were neurological, such as walking in circles and a deficit of proprioception in the four limbs. These clinical signs are rarely mentioned in the literature associated with hypothyroidism. Laboratory abnormalities are correlated with the severity and chronicity of the disease. The animal showed a decrease in total T4 and free T4, which is to be expected in a hypothyroid animal. As a result, levothyroxine replacement treatment was initiated. The dose used for the dog, which is the recommended dose in the literature, greatly increased its total T4 levels. As a result, the dose was readjusted after a new clinical evaluation. The rate of metabolism and absorption of levothyroxine varies widely and is independent of weight. The patient showed quickly improvement in neurological signs, activity level, and serum cholesterol rate. Regarding dermatological signs and body condition, there was a more gradual improvement. This corroborates what is mentioned in the literature, which indicates that improvements can take many months. Keywords:  hormonal Disease, hypothyroidism, neuropathy

Corneal Ulcer in a Sheep - Treatment with Third Eyelid Flap

Background: Corneal ulcers are frequently reported in the literature in several species, however, the treatment of traumatic lesions on the corneal surface of ruminants is still poorly described.  The use of the third eyelid flap is questioned when applied to deep ulcers, since the technique prevents the evolutionary follow-up of corneal healing and compromises care. However, several authors report its successful use for the treatment of superficial and deep corneal ulcers. This technique protects the ocular surface and prevents the occurrence of new lesions or their aggravation. The aim of this study was to report the treatment of corneal ulcers in sheep through the third eyelid flap associated with the use of topical antibiotics.Case: A 2-year-old Dorper sheep, with ocular discomfort, conjunctival hyperemia and mucopurulent secretion in the left eye, was assisted in a private rural property in the West region of Bahia, Brazil. The owner reported that before seeking veterinary help he used a spray based on oxytetracycline and hydrocortisone, which worsened the animal's condition. Upon inspection, it was observed eyelid asymmetry, slight lateralization of the head to the left, periorbital alopecia on the left face, intense blepharospasm in the left eye, with projection of the third eyelid occurring at times. The ophthalmic examination was performed after application of anesthetic eye drops based on proxymetacaine to reduce eye discomfort. A corneal stromal lesion, edema and fibrovascular tissue in the left eye were identified, but the cause of the lesion was not defined, with lagophthalmia, entropion, dystychiasis or ectopic cilia being ruled out. So, it was suggested that the lesion had occurred by a foreign body, such as dust or feed fiber.  The contralateral eye showed no changes, Schirmer 15 mm, no changes in sensory and sensory reflexes and negative fluorescein. No signal clinical disease. Due to the severity of the lesion, it was performed a third eyelid flap associated with drug treatment with ciprofloxacin eye drops, every 8 h for 21 days. The animal was placed in the right lateral decubitus position and palpebral akinesia was achieved with the application of 2 mL lidocaine without vasoconstrictor in the region of the auriculopalpebral nerve. This was followed by the routine performance of the third eyelid flap.Discussion: The delay in seeking veterinary care and the application of spray based on oxytetracycline and hydrocortisone aggravated the lesion, since the corticosteroid delays corneal healing and favors the aggravation of the lesion. After desensitization of the cornea, the animal allowed eye manipulation and it was possible to observe the lesion and choose the best treatment, with option for the third eyelid flap because it is a simple and fast technique, does not require special equipment or materials, ideal for performed in the field and is widely used in the treatment of injuries involving the cornea and, besides that, helps to contain corneal perforation and protect the ocular surface. Corneal debridement was also performed to remove necrotic debris and improve drug action, in addition to using broad-spectrum antibiotic eye drops until complete regeneration of the lesion. Twenty-one days after the surgical procedure, the patient had no ocular discomfort, the flap was removed and no changes in the corneal surface were observed. The treatment was considered satisfactory for the healing of the corneal ulcer, guaranteed the esthetics and visual function of the sheep.Keywords: keratitis, surgery, ciprofloxacin, ocular, ruminant

Occurrence of Dental Disorders in Dogs

Background: The anatomy of the canine oral cavity and its variations should be understood to facilitate clinical and surgical approaches. Several conditions can be identified during inspection of the oral cavity, including persistent deciduous teeth, enamel hypoplasia, gingival retraction, tooth abrasion and mobility, absence of dental elements, and periodontal disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of dental disorders in dogs older than one year, from the microrregion Ilhéus - Itabuna, Bahia, Brazil. Materials, Methods &Results: A total of 74 dogs were evaluated immediately prior to surgical procedures for periodontal disease treatment. After visual inspection and examination with a millimeter probe, the dogs were classified into three groups according to the degree of periodontal disease. All other findings were recorded on an odontogram. Of the 74 dogs, 23 were classified as mild periodontal disease (mean age, 3.6 years), 26 as moderate periodontal disease (mean age, 5.7 years), and 25 as severe periodontal disease (mean age, 9.7 years). There was significant correlation (0.7 p ≤ 0.01) between age and severity of periodontal disease. Fifteen of the 74 dogs did not present any other dental disorder than periodontal disease. Of the remaining 59, nine showed a single dental problem, and 50 had more than one dental problem. Six dogs (of the breeds Pinscher, Yorkshire Terrier, and Lhasa Apso) had deciduous teeth. Of the nine deciduous teeth, all were canine (dental elements 104, 204, and 304). Ten dogs had dental fractures and of the 11 fractured teeth, three were canine (dental elements 104 and 404). Dental wear was observed in 25 dogs (154 teeth). Of the evaluated dogs, seven showed furcation defects and 10 had teeth mobility. Dental absence was observed in 47 dogs.Discussion: In the present study, increased age had a positive correlation with the degree of periodontal disease; this is consistent with reports in the literature, which indicate severity of periodontal disease increases with advancing age. In one of the three cases of enamel hypoplasia, the dog owner reported that the dog presented clinical signs compatible with distemper before the teeth changed, corroborating studies that showed that this virus can act on the enamel cells causing hypoplasia lesions. All the deciduous teeth found were dental elements 104, 204, and 304, consistent with literature reports that these teeth are among the most frequently affected by this condition. In the present paper, of all the teeth examined, the canine teeth presented the majority of fractures. Canine teeth are used for grasping and tearing food, and defense, and are more vulnerable to fractures. Dental wear was observed in many dogs in the present study, presenting as loss of dental surface caused by friction, abrasion, or erosion from a variety of causes. Dental wear may be considered as a physiological process as long as it does not compromise function. Dental mobility is an important clinical sign of periodontal disease and generates pain and discomfort to the patient; in the presence of advanced periodontitis, there is a marked loss of periodontal tissues, including alveolar bone, which is an irreversible process. As the dogs evaluated in the present study were older than one year, any absent teeth could be verified as being due to periodontal disease. In conclusion, disorders of the oral cavity have high prevalence in dogs and must receive special attention to be properly diagnosed and treated

Bullous Keratopathy in a dog treated with Third Eyelid Flap and Autologous Serum Eye Drops

Background: Bullous Keratopathy (BK) is characterized by decompensation of the corneal stroma resulting in visual impairment by corneal opacity, discomfort, excessive tearing, blepharospasm and pain. The aim of this study was to report a case of BK in a dog and the complete recovery of the ocular structure and visual function, with a third eyelid flap associated with the use of autologous blood serum topically.Case: A 2-year-old Shih Tzu male dog, weighing 4.3 kg, with recurrent bilateral eye discomfort was brought to Ophthalmologist Veterinarian Assistance. The patient had already been seen by other veterinarians, but the signs returned in a short period of time after the prescription was suspended. During physical examination it was observed moderate blepharospasm in the right eye, epiphora in the left eye, and in both eyes was noted exophthalmos, medial corneal entropion, caruncle trichiasis and ectopic cilia in the upper and lower eyelids. Fluorescein test was positive in both eyes, and a large bullous, opaque and gelatinous lesion with irregular appearance was observed occupying a large part of the cornea of the right eye. Superficial corneal ulcer was diagnosed in left eye and BK in right eye, both probably in consequence of ectopic cilia presence. Surgical intervention was made, with the cauterization and excision of the ectopic cilia and third eyelid flap in the right eye. The cauterization of caruncle trichiasis was not authorized by the owner. Moxifloxacin eye drops in the dose of one drop four times a day in both eyes, lubricant based on hyaluronic acid in the dose of one drop four times a day in both eyes, and autogenous blood serum, obtained from the centrifugation of a blood sample of the dog itself, in the dose of one drop every hour in the right eye for 24 hours, and meloxicam in the dose of 0.1 mg/kg every 24 h for 3 days were prescribed. Elizabethan collar was recommended until removal of the third eye flap. During the surgery, a sample of eye secretion was collected and sent for culture and antibiogram and did not show growth of microorganisms. After seven days of the procedure, the animal did not show eye discomfort and corneal ulcer in the left eye was healed. The third eye flap remained stable until the return of 28 days and after removal of the capton, adhesions were identified, which were removed with Castroviejo scissors after application of topical anesthetic proxymetacaine hydrochloride eye drops. A fluorescein test was performed and the absence of corneal keratitis was confirmed. Discrete corneal scars (macula) were identified.Discussion: The patient in this report had several changes in ocular morphology that favored the formation of recurrent injuries which contributed to the formation of BK. The use of topical medications as unique treatment was not performed due to the severity of the lesion and the presence of alterations such as medial entropion, caruncle trichiasis and ectopic cilia that needed surgical corrections to resolve the causes of the lesions. In order to protect the cornea and provide compression of its epithelium, a third eyelid flap was performed, a low-invasive procedure that is quick and easy to perform. Ectopic cilia were cauterized to eliminate one of the causes of the corneal injuries, however, the other changes could not be corrected because they were not authorized by the owner. The adjuvant uses of ocular lubricant based on hyaluronic acid, a broad-spectrum topical antibiotic and mainly autogenous blood serum favored the epithelial reconstruction of the cornea by providing protection, vitamins, growth factors, immunoglobulins, anti-collagenolytic and bacteriostatic substances. The protocol used it enabled a rapid reduction in patient discomfort, reversal of injuries and recovery of visual function