Standard Electrocardiographic Data of Peccaries (Tayassu tajacu)

Background:Peccaries (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758) are wild suiformes that belong to the Tayassuidae family. Electrocardiography is an important technique for cardiovascular evaluation. Analysis of various intervals, segments, complexes and waveforms of electrocardiographic (ECG) traces aids in the diagnosis of cardiac alterations and in the differentiation of congenital and acquired heart diseases from physiological cases. However, in wild animal medicine, the various patterns of normality and the evaluation of electrical traces associated with heart disease have not yet been sufficiently elucidated. The purpose of this study was to characterize the electrocardiographic (ECG) traces of peccaries sedated using ketamine and xylazine.Materials, Methods & Results:Fourteen healthy adult animals that were subjected to digital ECG examination were used. Animals with evidence of systemic diseases, cardiovascular abnormalities (murmurs or arrhythmias), or any degree of valve insufficiency observed on echocardiogram and animals that exhibited excessive stress during the examination were excluded from the study. All animals presented with a normal sinus rhythm. A combination of 15 mg/kg of ketamine hydrochloride and 3 mg/kg of midazolam maleate was applied intramuscularly for chemical immobilization. The animals were manipulated after 15 min, when the onset of the anaesthetic effect was verified, for a duration of 45 min, and no reinforcement dose was necessary to complete the electrocardiographic examination.  No significant differences were observed in the P-wave duration, PR interval and QT interval between genders (P > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the amplitudes of the P and R waves between males and females (P > 0.05). The observed P waves were small, monophasic and positive. The QRS complex was positive in the DI, DII, DIII, aVF, V4 and V10 derivations and negative in the aVR, aVL, V1 and V2 derivations. In 71% of the animals, the T wave showed negative polarity in the DI, DII, DIII, aVL, aVF, and V10 derivations and positive polarity in the aVR, V1, V2 and V4 derivations. The ST segment was isoelectric in 100% of the animals. GraphPad Prism 7 (La Jolla, CA, USA) software was used to analyze the data, with non-parametric tests used to test for differences in the variables between the sexes. In these tests, a P-value of 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.Discussion:Although studies on the cardiac electrophysiology of wild animals have previously shown good results for several species, this is the first study concerning the standardization ECG traces for peccaries. However, due to the wild nature of these animals, their manipulation for handling and data collection purposes is only feasible under chemical containment, although other studies have used non-anaesthetized agoutis. It is not known to what extent these results may have been influenced by the effects of stress. Drugs used for this function may have direct effects on cardiac function. Therefore, the presumed normal ECG values, as well as the recognition of changes due to drug or iatrogenic interactions, are of fundamental importance.  This protocol provided high-quality anaesthetized peccary ECG traces, allowing reliable measurements of waves and intervals and assessment of the cardiac rhythm and heart rate. The surface registry digital ECG recording technique used with chemical containment allowed good monitoring and rapid acquisition and was well tolerated by the animals. 

Macroscopic Anatomy, Histopathology, and Image Diagnosis of Joints and Synovial Cartilages

Joints are physiological connections formed by the association of two or more bones that confer mobility to the skeleton of vertebrates. Composed of several structures, these are often related to pathologies of varied origins, which determine symptomatology of varying degrees of intensity and impairment, responsible for the decrease in life expectancy and the well-being of affected populations. Most of the time, the treatment for these diseases is only symptomatic, aiming at the relief of pain and the return of the patient to daily activities. Thus, there has been an increasing interest in the search for new knowledge about the mechanisms that lead to joint disorders and effective therapeutic resources that may contribute to the fight against pain and to the definitive treatment of joint dysfunctions. To this aim, the knowledge of diagnostic methods, especially imaging methods, is of fundamental importance for the recognition of articular affections, enabling a targeted and effective treatment. Among these auxiliary exams currently used to evaluate the joints, the noninvasive ones are the first choice, where radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography, and arthroscopy are inserted

Ocular Echobiometry and Resistivity Index of External Ophthalmic Artery in Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha)

Background: Veterinary Ophthalmology provides complementary information for the diagnosis of ocular pathologies. Studies in wild species are essential. Among the diagnostic techniques in ophthalmology, two-dimensional ultrasonography stands out. The agouti is a rodent belonging to the Dasyproctidae family that has been widely used as an experimental model. For these animals, sight is one of the crucial senses for their survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the two-dimensional ocular ultrasound technique to obtain anatomical measurements and the external ophthalmic artery resistivity index, presumably normal in the species Dasyprocta prymnolopha.Materials, Methods & Results: Forty eye bulbs of 20 adult rodents of the species were evaluated by ultrasonography. In these animals, B-mode echobiometry was performed using the transpalpebral approach and the hemodynamic study of the external ophthalmic artery using the color Doppler technique. All examinations were initiated by the left eye bulb and all measurements were performed by only one examiner. The collected data related to echobiometry were analyzed using Bioest 5.0 for Windows. Initially, normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test for each parameter, then the paired t-test was performed, comparing right and left eyes, and a significance level of 5% (P < 0.05) was adopted. Based on the methodology used, the following values were obtained for the right and left eyeballs, respectively: anterior chamber thickness - mean of 1.28 ± 0.3 mm and 1.22 ± 0.1 mm; lens thickness - 8.27 ± 0.9 mm and 8.11 ± 0.9 mm; vitreous chamber thickness - 5.35 ± 0.48 mm and 5.30 ± 0.47 mm and axial length - 12.7 ± 0.9 mm and 13 ± 0.68 mm. The mean external ophthalmic artery resistivity values were 0.4305 ± 0.0390 and 0.4258 ± 0.0387 (right and left eye, respectively), characterizing a low resistance. There was no statistical difference between the right and left eyeballs in any of the studied parameters.Discussion: The use of the convex transducer was feasible, promoting adequate contact with the ocular surface and images of satisfactory quality for obtaining measurements, similar to what was observed in studies evaluating the ocular biometry of primates and dogs. The anterior chamber thickness values in this experiment did not differ statistically between the antimers, as well as observed for dogs. The data obtained for lens thickness did not differ statistically for antimers, like those obtained for other rodent species evaluated with the same methodology. The mean values of vitreous chamber thickness were like those observed in chinchillas but correspond to about half of that obtained for capybaras. In this study, the external ophthalmic artery was characterized in all animals, but obtaining the spectral tracing was difficult due to its fine caliber. In wild animals, and especially in wild rodents, there are few data reporting the resistivity of the ophthalmic artery, and there is a lack of studies, which can be explained by the behavioral characteristics of defense and by the high susceptibility to stress in capture, since the performing the technique requires, as in other procedures, the use of chemical containment.Keywords: Doppler flow, ultrasound, eye, agouti

Functional anatomy of the sternoglossus muscle of the tamandua tetradactyla (linnaeus, 1758)

The lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) (Linnaeus, 1758) presents a feed mechanism triggered thanks to the synergistic activity of the extrinsic muscles related to it, with the example sternoglossus muscle. This paper proposes characterizing this muscle, considering the origins and insertions, and discussing the results compared to similar species studied. Five anteaters donated by ICMBio were used. The samples were subjected to dissection procedures for access to the thoracic cavity and visualization of the muscle. The sternoglossus muscle of the lesser anteater originates on the side of the xiphoid process and continues with two bundles of muscles in the cranial direction that join near the base of the tongue, as part of its constitution. During the course of the muscle there is no connection to the hyoid bone and adjacent structures, connecting the cranium to the tongue, which justifies the nomenclature sternoglossus rather than sternohyoglossus. Thus, the combined muscle characteristics demonstrate a specific aspect within the analyzed species and highlight the main function performed by the muscles to move the tongue out of the oral cavity. Therefore, the absence of this muscle makes impossible the animal feed, since its directly related to the seizure of food through tongue

Tromboembolismo em artéria femoral direita de um felino: análise dopplervelocimétrica

O tromboembolismo arterial é definido como a formação de um trombo na circulação sanguínea, que se desloca e provoca a obstrução do fluxo sanguíneo no interior de uma artéria. Essa obstrução pode causar lesões isquêmicas em diversos órgãos, de acordo com a sua localização. A artéria femoral é um dos principais vasos na perfusão dos membros pélvicos de felinos e trombos nessa região podem comprometer a função desse membro. O presente estudo teve como objetivo relatar a análise dos parâmetros Doppler de um felino com tromboembolismo em artéria femoral direita em estágio avançado e com indícios de isquemia. A ultrassonografia Doppler demonstrou um estreitamento do lúmen dos vasos e velocidade reduzida no interior da artéria femoral, sugerindo um quadro de tromboembolismo. A ultrassonografia Doppler foi um método eficaz na detecção e no prognóstico de tromboembolismo da artéria femoral de um felino

Tromboembolismo em artéria femoral direita de um felino: análise dopplervelocimétrica

O tromboembolismo arterial é definido como a formação de um trombo na circulação sanguínea, que se desloca e provoca a obstrução do fluxo sanguíneo no interior de uma artéria. Essa obstrução pode causar lesões isquêmicas em diversos órgãos, de acordo com a sua localização. A artéria femoral é um dos principais vasos na perfusão dos membros pélvicos de felinos e trombos nessa região podem comprometer a função desse membro. O presente estudo teve como objetivo relatar a análise dos parâmetros Doppler de um felino com tromboembolismo em artéria femoral direita em estágio avançado e com indícios de isquemia. A ultrassonografia Doppler demonstrou um estreitamento do lúmen dos vasos e velocidade reduzida no interior da artéria femoral, sugerindo um quadro de tromboembolismo. A ultrassonografia Doppler foi um método eficaz na detecção e no prognóstico de tromboembolismo da artéria femoral de um felino

Fetal Distress during the Last Third of Pregnancy in Bitches - Evaliation by Doppler Ultrasound Imaging

Background: Diagnostic ultrasound has revolutionized obstetric practice. Doppler techniques provided in vivo studies of the fetus-placental and uterus-placental circulations, in an increasingly precise manner. The assessment of fetal well-being is essential in obstetric practice, however, in veterinary medicine, there is a deficit of ultrasound parameters related to fetal distress. The main of this research was to determine the hemodynamic characteristics and behavior, through Doppler ultrasonography, of maternal-fetal vessels during the final third of gestation in bitches with fetuses under stress, as well as correlating them with each other and with fetal distress. Materials, Methods &amp; Results: An observational, prospective study was carried out, in which 30 healthy bitches were examined, during the last third of pregnancy, with fetuses under fetal distress. Fetuses were evaluated in 2 stages: (1st): 50-54 days and (2nd): 55-60 days of gestation. All fetuses were calmly assessed, one by one, and fetal heart rate (FHR) was measured 5 times, for at least 3 min, to identify and confirm fetal distress. At least 3 fetuses were evaluated in each bitch and each measurement was performed in triplicate, setting a hemodynamic mean for each value evaluated. The flow pattern in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), internal carotid artery (ICA) and umbilical artery (UA) was evaluated. The analyzed vessel was initially visualized in B mode, followed by evaluation by color and spectral Doppler. The variables observed were: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and the resistivity (RI) and pulsatility (PI) index, as well as the systole/diastole ratio (S/D). The analysis of RI and PI of the umbilical artery showed a statistically significant difference between the mean values ​​found for the times studied, increasing from time 1 to time 2. For middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries, PI, RI and the relationship systole/diastole (S/D), showed a statistically significant difference between the mean values ​​found for the times studied, decreasing from time 1 to time 2. Discussion: Fetal heart rate (HR) findings are considered normal above 200 beats per minute (bpm), only if preceded by acceleration and deceleration. This fact confirms the presence of fetal stress, by this parameter, for the fetuses in the present study. Corroborating the picture of fetal distress, another study concluded that HR tends to increase up to 20 days before delivery, a fact that did not occur in the study in question, where animals in the same gestational period were evaluated. Recent research has concluded that an elevated umbilical artery PI at 28 weeks of gestation, in the absence of fetal growth restriction or prematurity, is associated with some adverse cognitive findings in 12-year-olds children. In the present study, a progressive increase in this index was observed throughout the final third of pregnancy. Although the pups were not monitored after birth, this data serves as a warning for veterinarians, and can be useful in the assessment and diagnosis of possible postnatal nervous alterations. Like what was found in the present study, a study reported that from the 4th week to birth, the PSV of the umbilical artery (UA) increased almost linearly, with high significance. For the middle cerebral arteries, the PI showed a statistically significant difference between the mean values ​​found for the times studied, however, decreasing throughout the final third of pregnancy. Keywords: Imaging diagnosis, obstetrics, reproduction, clinical medicine.Background: A ultrassonografia diagnóstica revolucionou a prática obstétrica. As técnicas de Doppler propiciaram estudos in vivo das circulações feto-placentária e útero-placentária, de forma cada vez mais precisa. A avaliação do bem-estar fetal é fundamental na prática obstétrica, no entanto, em medicina veterinária, observa-se um déficit de parâmetros ultrassonográficos relacionados ao sofrimento fetal. O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar as características hemodinâmicas e o comportamento, por meio de ultrassonografia Doppler, de vasos maternofetais durante o terço final da gestação de cadelas com fetos sob estresse, bem como correlaciona-los entre si e com o sofrimento fetal. Material, Métodos e Resultados: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, prospectivo, onde foram examinadas 30 cadelas saudáveis, durante o último terço de gestação, com fetos sob estresse fetal. Os fetos foram avaliados em dois tempos: (1º): 50-54 dias e (2º): 55-60 dias de gestação. Todos os fetos foram avaliados com calma, um a um, e a frequência cardíaca fetal (FCF) foi mensurada cinco vezes, por pelo menos três minutos, para identificação e confirmação do estresse fetal. Parte superior do formulárioForam avaliados pelo menos três fetos em cada cadela e cada mensuração foi realizada em triplicata, configurando uma média hemodinâmica para cada valor avaliado. Avaliou-se o padrão de fluxo em artéria cerebral média (ACM), artéria carótida comum (ACC) e cordão umbilical (CU). O vaso analisado foi inicialmente visualizado em modo B, seguindo-se com a avaliação por Doppler colorido e espectral. As variáveis observadas foram: velocidade de pico sistólico (VPS), velocidade diastólica final (VDF) e os índices de resistividade (IR) e de pulsatilidade (IP), bem como a relação sístole / diástole (S/D). A análise do IR e IP do cordão umbilical, demonstrou diferença estatística significativa entre os valores médios encontrados para os tempos estudados, aumentando do tempo 1 para o tempo 2. Para as artérias cerebral média e carótida comum, o IP, o IR e a relação sístole / diástole (S/D), demonstraram diferença estatística significativa entre os valores médios encontrados para os tempos estudados, diminuindo do tempo 1 para o tempo 2. Discussão: Achados de frequência cardíaca fetal (FCF) são considerados normais acima de 200 batimentos por minuto (bpm), apenas se precedida de aceleração e desaceleração. Tal fato confirma a presença de estresse fetal, por este parâmetro, para os fetos do presente estudo. Corroborando o quadro de sofrimento fetal, outro estudo concluiu que a FCF tende a aumentar até 20 dias antes do parto, fato este que não ocorreu no trabalho em questão, onde foram avaliados animais no mesmo período gestacional. Recente pesquisa concluiu que um IP da artéria umbilical elevado na gestação de 28 semanas, na ausência de restrição do crescimento fetal ou prematuridade, está associado a alguns achados cognitivos adversos em crianças de 12 anos.&nbsp;No presente estudo, observou-se um aumento progressivo deste índice ao longo do terço final de gestação. Apesar de não ter sido realizado o acompanhamento dos filhotes após o nascimento, este dado serve como alerta para médicos veterinários, e pode ser útil na avaliação e diagnóstico de possíveis alterações nervosas pós-natal. Semelhante ao encontrado no presente estudo, um trabalho relatou que da quarta semana ao nascimento, a VPS da artéria umbilical (AU) aumentou quase linearmente, com significância elevada. Para as artérias cerebral média, o IP demonstrou diferença estatística significativa entre os valores médios encontrados para os tempos estudados, no entanto, diminuindo ao longo do terço final de gestação

Presumed Normal Hemodynamic Values of the Arteries in the Final Third Period of Gestation in Bitches

Background: Doppler ultrasonography enables the investigation of vascular blood flow indexes in gestational assessment, being able to detect vascular resistances that can affect fetal and maternal circulation, such as cases of placental insufficiency, associated with fetal cerebral oxygenation deficit and fetal distress. The study aims to assume hemodynamically normal values in the final third of gestation in bitches, of the umbilical, uteroplacental, middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries, correlating the obtained Doppler velocimetric indexes, for the assessment of the feto-placental circulation, and prediction of fetal viability indexes, fetal centralization and probable date of delivery.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty healthy bitches were examined in the final third of gestation (40-60 days). These were evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography at 2 times (T): T1: between 40-50 days; T2: between 51-60 of gestation. At each time point, the peak systolic velocities (PSV) and end-diastolic velocities (EDV) used to obtain the pulsatility (IP) and resistivity (IR) indexes of the umbilical, uteroplacental, middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries of fetuses were evaluated. Also, the systole/diastole (S/D) ratio of these vessels was evaluated. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey test, using a P value equal to 5%. A significant difference was observed between velocities and Doppler velocimetric indexes between the 2 phases of the gestational final third in all studied vessels. There was an increase in the values of PSV and EDV and a decrease in the indexes, as the probable date of delivery approached. The analysis of the umbilical cord IR showed an increase from P1 to P2 (P < 0.05), while the IP decreased at the same time. For all studied variables there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In the uteroplacental artery, similarly to the umbilical artery, the PSV and EDV values showed an increase between P1 and P2, while the S/D ratio decreased up to 60 days of gestation (P2). The IR and IP of these vessels decreased during the study interval in pregnant bitches. The studied variables showed a statistically significant difference when analyzed comparatively between P1 and P2 (P < 0.05). As for the middle cerebral artery and internal carotid artery, the PSV and EDV values increased until the end of pregnancy. Likewise, the Doppler velocimetric values and the S/D ratio decreased until the end of pregnancy (P2).Discussion: The hemodynamic values obtained for the umbilical artery and uterine artery were significantly different between 40 and 50 days of gestation (P1) and 50 and 60 days of gestation (P2), with a decrease in vascular resistance and an increase in velocities. It can be related to a greater association of maternal-fetal blood perfusion, due to the increased demand for the development of the fetus. The Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) also showed changes between P1 and P2, with an increase in PSV and EDV in the final third of pregnancy, and the S/D ratio was reduced, differing significantly between P1 and P2. The systolic (PSV) and diastolic (EDV) flow velocities of the internal carotid artery increased progressively, while the IR, IP and the S/D ratio decreased, between the evaluated periods (P1 and P2), providing greater flow in canine fetuses, maintaining normal heart rate, indicating positive fetal viability. Keywords: Doppler, gestational ultrasound, bitches, fetal circulation, umbilical artery, internal carotid, fetal middle cerebral artery

Cardiovascular System of Agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha)

Background: The species Dasyprocta prymnolopha is a wild rodent with a geographic distribution that extends from Mexico to South America, including Brazil. Agouti has been the subject of morphophysiological research, but data on the cardiovascular system remains limited. Therefore, the objective was to describe the macroscopic and microscopic morphology, including the study of the cardiac and coronary system syntopy of the species D. prymnolopha. Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Twelve Dasyprocta primnolopha adults were used, 6 males and 6 females. Topographic analysis of the heart was evaluated in situ, with subsequent measurement, anatomovascular description and macroscopic study of cardiac and coronary vascularization. A microscopic investigation and identification of structural cardiac aspects were also carried out in adult agoutis, the biological samples of the heart were submitted to histological techniques and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's Trichrome. The heart is located between the end of the 2nd and the beginning of the 5th intercostal space, with the apex reaching the 6th space. It presents the presence of 2 ligaments: phrenopericardium and sternopericardium. The right atrioventricular valve is composed of 2 cusps, the parietal and the septal, with variations within the same species for 3 cusps. Projections that interconnect the papillary muscles with each other were observed. In the left ventricle there are variations in the number of papillary muscles (range 2 to 4). In the region of the aortic valve, 5 ostia were observed in the left aortic sinus in all animals. The coronary circulation has a predominantly left distribution. Histologically, the heart consists of 3 main layers: endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium. The cusp valves of the atrioventricular openings are composed of endocardial folds that contain a central plate of dense connective tissue, and inserted in this cardiac musculature was observed the cardiac skeleton, with its fibrous ring consisting of collagen and elastic fibers that surrounds the atrioventricular opening. Discussion: Cardiac assessment in wild animals is challenging, as in-depth knowledge of the morphology of the cardiovascular system is required for the use of diagnostic tools. In this first anatomical study of the heart, this organ presents syntopy with those of other rodents, but the topography may vary in individuals of the same species, which may be related to the accentuated vertebral curve. The phrenopericardial and sternopericardial ligaments were observed in this research, although there are no reports in other species of Dasyprocta sp. The arrangement of the arteries has, as a particularity, the larger left atrium in relation to the heart/atrium size ratio when compared to other domestic species, covering the left coronary sinus until it reaches the left atrial surface. In the agouti, it was observed that the vascularization is left, with the left coronary artery giving rise to both the paraconal and subsinuous interventricular branch, a fact found in animals such as ruminants, dogs. In the histological observations of the present study, the heart was similar to that of other mammals. Our data reveal morphological characteristics similar to those of other mammals, but with very expressive characteristics that differ even within the species. It is important to generate new information to elucidate cardiac and coronary diagnostic analyses, which can be extended to different species. Keywords: agouti, wild rodent, coronary arteries, cardiac, heart, histology, morphology

Prevalência de ansiedade em trabalhadores da fundação dos esportes do Piauí – FUNDESPI / Prevalence of anxiety in workers from the sports foundation of Piauí – FUNDESPI

A ansiedade é uma sensação de emoção desagradável que caracterizam sintomas de tensão muscular e apreensão. De acordo com os fatores físicos, eles estão caracterizados por um alto índice de elevação na ativação do sistema nervoso autônomo, e em relação aos fatores motores, que implicam simplesmente com a mal adaptação de comportamento. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar nível de ansiedade em trabalhadores da Fundação dos Esportes do Piauí localizada na cidade de Teresina. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal com abordagem quantitativa desenvolvida com 39 trabalhadores. A coleta de dados ocorreu no mês de outubro de 2019, após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Para esta etapa utilizou-se dois instrumentos: questionário sociodemográfico da atividade laboral e hábitos de vida e o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck. Após a coleta os dados foram tabulados no programa Excel e disposto em tabelas e gráficos. Como resultado constatou-se que trabalhadores de setores administrativos apresentam percentuais expressivos de ansiedade com ênfase para o tipo suave do transtorno mental. A presença destes distúrbios entre os trabalhadores mostrou-se de modo direto associada a tais fatores como: consumo de bebidas estimulantes, prática casualmente de atividade física e poucas horas de sono.