Effects of 1% Topical Brinzolamide on Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Dogs

Background: Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs, and is generally characterized by death of the retinal ganglion cells associated with a rapid loss of vision. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) occurs in patients with primary glaucoma, due to genetic abnormalities in pectinal ligaments and the trabeculae of the iridocorneal angle, producing inadequate drainage of aqueous humor. IOP is the result of the dynamic equilibrium between the production and drainage of aqueous humor. Intraocular surgery, anterior lens luxation, systemic diseases, immune-mediated, neoplastic and infectious diseases lead to the breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier and increase the amount of protein and cells in aqueous humor, which can block this drainage pathway. Under these conditions, becomes indispensable the pharmacological control of IOP by reducing aqueous humor production. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of topical 1% brinzolamide on intraocular pressure (IOP) in twelve healthy dogs.Materials, Methods & Results: The age range of affected dogs was 1-5 years, with a mean age of 2.5 years. Twelve dogs were included in this study. All animals were healthy based on clinical, ophthalmic and hematological examinations. Selected animals were kept in a room with 500 lux luminosity, 56.8% relative humidity, 20°C temperature, exposed to 12 h of light/dark cycle, were fed twice daily and water ad libitum. All animals were adaptation to the procedures and examiners and IOP was measured by applanation tonometry at 08:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 02:00 p.m., 05:00 p.m., and 08:00 p.m., for 7 days and 2 days of baseline. Subsequently, one eye of each dog was randomly assigned, the eye received one drop of 1% brinzolamide at 08:30 a.m., 02:30 p.m., and 08:30 p.m. during four consecutive days and adelfo eyes received one drop of sterile saline solution and were considered control eyes. During the treatment phase and on the day after the treatment had finished, all parameters were evaluated in a blind fashion at the same pre-established time points. The value for IOP during the baseline of the treated eye were 16.77 ± 0.22 mmHg. The baseline period, values did not differ significantly between treated and control eyes. Comparison between the first day of brinzolamide-treated eyes with the average daily values of the two days of the baseline period showed that IOP decreased significantly 8.88%. IOP after four days of daily instillations of brinzolamide was able to decrease overall IOP by 1.42 mmHg (8.47%) when compared with the baseline period. Overall IOP values in the brinzolamide-treated eyes decreased 1.02 mmHg (6.24%) when compared to the control eyes. There were no statistically significant differences when compared control eye to baseline. Three times daily instillations of 1% brinzolamide in healthy dogs significantly decrease 8.47% IOP. During the post-treatment period, the average daily values of the brinzolamide-treated eyes remained 1.52 mmHg below the average daily values observed at baseline period.Discussion: The present research showed that, the average daily IOP values in the brinzolamide-treated eyes decreased 1.49 mmHg (8.88%) at the end of the first day, 1.69 mmHg (10.07%) at the end of the fourth day, and the cumulative IOP values after four days of treatment, were able to decrease by 1.42 mmHg (8.53%). Three times daily instillations of 1% brinzolamide in healthy dogs significantly decrease IOP, and therefore may be indicated to management of intraocular hypertension and glaucoma

Occurrence of oral diseases in neotropical wild carnivores kept in captivity at the zoo from Federal University of Mato Grosso – Cuiabá

Control of oral lesions contributes directly to the health, survival and welfare of captive animals. In order to investigate the occurrence of oral diseases in neotropical wild carnivores kept at the zoo at the Federal University of Mato Grosso – Cuiabá, we evaluated 31 oral cavities from three families of carnivores (Felidae, Canidae and Procyonidae) between July 2012 and June 2013. Twelve coatis (Nasua nasua), three raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus), two maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), six crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), one hoary fox (Pseudalopex vetulus), three ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), one cougar (Puma concolor) and three wild cats (Puma yagouaroundi, Leopardus wiedii and Leopardus colocolo) were reviewed. The most frequent lesions were dental absences 21/31 (67.7%), dental fractures 20/31 (64.5%) and tooth wear 19/31 (61.3%), which were suggestive of trauma caused from stress. Of lesser importance, we also observed occurrence of dental calculus grade I in 18/31 (58%), caries 1/31 (3.2%), foreign bodies 2/31 (6.4%), orofacial fistulas 1/31 (3.2%), hyperplasia in the oral mucosa 1/31 (3.2%), dental dimming 3/31 (9.7%) and chafing of the soft tissue 5/31 (16.1%). Therefore, it was concluded that environmental enrichment strategies and oral routine evaluation must be implemented to ensure the welfare of these animals, reducing local and systemic adverse effects of oral lesions. The diet has been successful in preventing periodontal disease, suggesting that this diet for the captive animals in the institution should be maintained

Ruminal Acidosis Caused by Excessive Ingestion of Mango Fruit (Mangifera indica) in Cow

Background: Digestive disturbances in ruminants are associated with forage shortages during periods of dry weather. Foods available at this time are generally of poor quality and low digestibility, which makes it necessary to pursue alternative food sources where available. Grain-heavy diets; concentrated rations rich in rapidly fermenting carbohydrates; and whey, tubers and fruits high in starch and glucose, contribute to ruminal acidosis. Here we report a case of ruminal acidosis due to excessive ingestion of the mango fruit (Mangifera indica), "manguita" cultivate, by an adult bovine.Case: In the municipality of Boa Vista, Roraima, during December, a Dutch female bovine adult, weighing approximately 600 kg, was observed showing signs of apathy for two days with diarrhea. The animal had a rumenostomy with flexible cannula in the left paralumbar fossa and was in the final third of gestation. During clinical examination, the animal was in season, and an increase in the volume of the left dorsal region and changes in physiological variables were observed (lightly pale mucosa, capillary filling time of 4 s, heart rate [HR] of 82 beats per min; respiratory rate (f) of 30 moments per min; absence of ruminal movements and rectal temperature [RT] of 39.5°C). Upon removal of the cannula lid, a considerable amount of liquid and a large quantity of mango (Mangifera indica), "manguita" cultivate, were observed. Blood sample and ruminal fluid were collected and ruminal contents weighing approximately 40 kg were evacuated. Physical-chemical analysis of the ruminal liquid (pH = 4.0, brown color, aqueous consistency and characteristic fruit odor) resulted in a diagnosis of ruminal acidosis. Treatment included administration of fluid therapy (Lactate Ringer; 2 mL/kg/h), hepatoprotector (1 mL/20 kg), antimicrobial (Ampicillin Sodium; 10 mg/kg/IV and Sulfadoxine; 30 mg/kg/IV) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam; 0.5 mg/kg/IV) drugs, associated with evacuation of ruminal contents, and administration of grass and transfaunation, for three days. Following treatment, the physiological variables and physical-chemical characteristics of the ruminal liquid returned to normal limits (pH = 6.0, greenish brown coloration, aqueous consistency and aromatic normal ruminal liquid odor). By 30 days of initial care, the animal was active and had given birth, with no abnormal changes in physiological variables and physical-chemical characteristics of the ruminal fluid.Discussion: A decrease in food supplies during the dry season forces animals to seek alternative sources of food to meet their needs, as observed in this case study. Intake of a large amount of mango was the cause of ruminal acidosis due to an overabundance of simple sugars. The measures established for the clinical evaluation, diagnostic methods used, collection of blood sample and rumen fluid, and the adopted therapy, administration of fluid therapy, antimicrobial and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, associated with evacuation of the ruminal content, transfaunation, administered directly to the rumen, were essential to directing the diagnosis and obtaining a fast recovery time for the female bovine. Therefore, it can be concluded the excessive intake of fruit was the primary cause of rumen acidosis, and efficient case management led to observed clinical improvements in the physical-chemical characteristics of the ruminal liquid, with no recurrence of previous clinical signs

Efeitos da anestesia epidural com tramadol, ropivacaína ou sua associação, em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia sob anestesia com isoflurano

Epidural anesthesia is a locoregional anesthetic technique that provides analgesia and muscle relaxation in the-retroumbilical region. The combination of opioids and local anesthetics increased the intensity and duration of analgesia by causing immediate motor and sensory nerve blockade, and improved recovery after surgery. The objective was to comparatively evaluate the trans- and postoperative cardiorespiratory and analgesic effects of epidurally administered tramadol, ropivacaine and tramadol-ropivacaine combination in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. The effect of isoflurane concentration was also evaluated. This study was performed on 24 female mongrel dogs, pre-medicated with chlorpromazine (0.5 mg kg-1, IV) and, anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. The dogs were randomly divided into three groups. The first group receveid epidural tramadol (2 mg kg-1, GT group), the second group received ropivacaine (1.5 mg kg-1, GR group), and the third group received a tramadol-ropivacaine combination at the above-mentioned doses (GTR group). At pre-defined time points, classified into pre-, trans-, and postoperative periods, cardiorespiratory variables and analgesia were analyzed for a period of up to 420 min following epidural anesthesia. The check analgesia was check of approximately 105, 217 and 382 minutes, in GR, in GT and GTR respectively, and no cardiovascular and respiratory depression. The drugs used in this study are considered safe and effective for ovariohysterectomy due to the cardiorespiratory stability and trans-operative analgesia provided by them. However, the combination of ropivacaine and tramadol ensured a greater reduction in the inhaled anesthetic dose and better analgesia during in the postoperative period.A anestesia epidural é uma técnica anestésica locorregional que proporciona analgesia e relaxamento muscular na região retroumbilical. A associação de opioides com os anestésicos locais contribui para o aumento da intensidade e prolongamento da analgesia, ocorrendo bloqueio sensitivo e motor imediato, melhorando a recuperação no período pós-operatório. Objetivou-se avaliar comparativamente no trans- e pós-operatório, os efeitos cardiorrespiratórios e a analgesia proporcionada pelo tramadol, ropivacaína ou sua associação, pela via epidural, bem como a concentração anestésica do isoflurano no trans-operatório, em cadelas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia eletiva. Este estudo foi realizado com 24 fêmeas da espécie canina, pré-medicadas com clorpromazina (0,5 mg Kg-1 IV), anestesiadas com propofol (à efeito) e isoflurano, e distribuídas aleatoriamente em três grupos, nas quais foi utilizado pela via epidural 2 mg Kg-1 de tramadol (GT), 1,5 mg Kg-1 de ropivacaína (GR) ou sua associação (GTR) nas doses citadas anteriormente. Em momentos pré-definidos, dos períodos pré, trans- e pós-operatório, foram analisadas variáveis cardiorrespiratórias e a analgesia por um período de até 420 minutos após a anestesia epidural. Pode-se verificar analgesia de aproximadamente 105, 217 e 382 minutos, no GR, no GT e no GTR respectivamente, e ausência de depressão cardiovascular e respiratória. Os fármacos utilizados neste estudo podem ser considerados seguros e eficientes para a técnica cirúrgica em questão devido à estabilidade cardiorrespiratória e analgesia trans-operatória, porém, a associação de ropivacaína e tramadol promoveu maior redução no anestésico inalatório e melhor analgesia no período pós-operatório

Total Intravenous Anesthesia with Propofol Associated with Fentanyl, Lidocaine or Ketamine in Bitches Submitted to Elective Ovariohysterectomy

Background: Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol is an alternative to inhalation anesthesia because it offers smoother anesthetic recovery, however, since propofol does not have adequate analgesic action, it is necessary to associate it with some drug to avoid the pain process. In addition, the combination may minimize cardiovascular depression resulting from continuous infusion of propofol by reducing infusion rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiorespiratory parameters and anesthetic recovery in bitches submitted to continuous infusion of fentanyl, lidocaine and ketamine associated with total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and submitted to elective ovariohisterectomy.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-four bitches were medicated intramuscularly with 0.03 mg/kg of acepromazine. After 30 min, they were divided into three groups with different analgesic treatments: group F (GF) received a loading dose (LD) of 0.0036 mg/kg fentanyl, followed by continuous infusion of 0.0036 mg/kg/h; group L (GL), LD of 3 mg/kg lidocaine, followed by 3 mg/kg/h and group K (GK), LD of 0.6 mg/kg ketamine, followed by 0.6 mg/kg/h. First a LD of analgesic treatment was administered, followed by induction (to the effect) and beginning of continuous infusion of the analgesic treatment and propofol. The animals were intubated with endotracheal tube of adequate size, and connected to 100% oxygen, being kept under spontaneous ventilation during the entire period of anesthetic maintenance. The infusion of propofol started at 0.34 mg/kg/min and was adjusted so as to maintain the surgical anesthesia plane of Guedel and the cardiovascular parameters within the physiological limits for the species. The cardiorespiratory parameters were measured at different moments: basal (before application of any drug) and 5, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 min after induction. The surgery started 20 min after anesthetic induction and lasted 60 min. At the end of the surgery, infusions were terminated and anesthesia recovery was evaluated by measuring the extubation time, sternal decubitus, and quadrupedal position in min. A variance analysis was performed to compare means of cardiorespiratory parameters for the moments and groups followed by the Scott-knott test. Differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. The baseline parameters, age, weight and dose of propofol IC were not statistically different between groups. The infusion rate of propofol increased in all groups from M5 to M15. GF and GL presented lower values for heart rate and GK presented higher values for the same variable. Blood pressure decreased after induction and increased in M40, M50 and M60. The variables EtCo2, PaCo2 and HCO3 increased and pH decreased showing respiratory depression in all groups. The mean time, in min, for orotracheal extubation, sternal decubitus and quadrupedal position were respectively 5 ± 3, 20 ± 6 and 39 ± 13 for GF; 6 ± 2, 23 ± 7 and 51 ± 15 for GL; 4 ± 2, 18 ± 6 and 42 ± 22 for GK and did not present statistical difference between the groups.Discussion: The combination of continuous infusion of fentanyl, lidocaine or ketamine to total intravenous anesthesia with propofol provides cardiovascular stability, but does not prevent respiratory function depression. The dose of propofol IC was the same in all groups, thus demonstrating that analgesics have the same potency in the transoperative period and justifies similar anesthetic recovery times. Thus, it can be concluded that these associations are feasible for total intravenous anesthesia provided proper monitorins for respiratory function

Effects of dorzolamide/timolol and tafluprost on intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in healthy dogs

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of the fixed combination of dorzolamide/timolol with those of tafluprost on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in healthy dogs (n=10). Two experiments were conducted with an interval of 30 days. In both, IOP and PD were assessed at 8, 11, 14, 17, and 20h. Parameters were evaluated during baseline, treatment period of four days, and one day of post-treatment. During treatment phase, IOP decreased by 0.74 (P<0.05), 1.88 (P<0.01), 2.94 (P<0.001), and 3.10mmHg (P<0.01), in dorzolamide/timolol-treated eyes; and by 1.50, 2.18, 2.14, and 2.18mmHg (P<0.001), in tafluprost-treated eyes. PD decreased by 0.24 (P<0.01), 0.32 (P<0.01), 0.49 (P<0.001), and 0.40mm (P<0.001), in dorzolamide/timolol treated eyes; and by 2.31, 2.55, 2.43, and 2.70mm (P<0.001), in tafluprost-treated eyes. Dorzolamide/timolol and tafluprost were able to decrease IOP and PD in healthy dogs. However, a cumulative effect of the fixed combination of dorzolamide/timolol was more effective in reducing IOP, than tafluprost. Comparisons between treatments showed that tafluprost was more effective in reducing PD throughout the treatment phase

Porphyromonas gingivalis in the Oral Cavity of English Bulldog Newborn Puppies

Background: Periodontal disease (PD) is the most common disease of the oral cavity in cats and dogs, and it affects up to 80% of these animals. PD begins with the accumulation of bacteria on the surface of the teeth, and it poses a risk for the health of pets. Research on PD in dogs has focused on the identification and characterization of bacterial communities present in the oral cavity. Porphyromonas gingivalis is highly prevalent in the oral cavity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to detect P. gingivalis before and after dental eruption in 15 English bulldog newborn puppies, hoping to contribute to early guidance of oral hygiene management and prevent future PD.Materials, Methods & Results: Fifteen English bulldog newborn puppies were used in this study. Two groups (G1 and G2) were formed with eight and seven puppies, respectively. Oral swab samples were taken from the maxillary incisor region of animals from G1 and G2 10 days after birth (T10). At this moment, the clinical evaluation of the oral cavity showed healthy gums with a thin, shiny, pinkish, and firm margin, without any odor or granular appearance, and with no tooth eruption. On postnatal day 25 (T25), a subgingival sample was collected with a Gracey curette from the maxillary incisors; the oral cavity examination revealed healthy gums and presence of gingival sulcus. Bilateral subgingival samples were also collected from the maxillary canines and fourth premolars of the dams at T10 and T25. All newborn puppies were fed maternal breast milk and supplementation exclusively with commercial milk for dogs in individual bottles. The dams were fed commercial dry food. The average weight of G1 and G2 at T10 was 625.87 ± 85.26 g and 543.50 ± 92.88 g, respectively, and 100% (15/15) of the animals were negative for PG as assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on oral swab samples. At T25, puppies from groups G1 and G2 weighed 1.465 ± 194 g and 1.206 ± 201 g, respectively, and 100% (15/15) of the puppies were positive for P. gingivalis as assessed by PCR on subgingival samples collected with a Gracey curette. The dams of the puppies in G1 and G2 were positive for PG at T10 and T25 as determined by PCR on subgingival samples.Discussion:An important finding of this study was that the dams of the puppies in G1 and G2 were positive for P. gingivalis at T10. Several species of bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be transmitted from humans to pets; therefore, transmission from dam to puppy would be possible, but was not observed in this study at T10, when 100% (15/15) of the animals were negative for P. gingivalis. Subgingival microbiota associated with periodontitis consists essentially of Porphyromonas spp., and the presence of gingival sulcus and dental eruption are determinant factors for the presence of P. gingivalis in the oral cavity. Nevertheless, the hygiene habits of dogs, with the dam licking the puppies after dental eruption, could have been a relevant factor for transmission and appearance of P. gingivalis in the subgingival sample in 100% (15/15) of the puppies at T25. The oral microbiota is closely related to many diseases, and resident pathogenic oral bacteria can be transferred by close contact. Certain species of bacteria present in the subgingival biofilm exhibit higher etiologic relevance during the onset and progression of periodontitis, and Porphyromonas spp. is among the most important of these species. It is important to keep in mind that age is a relevant factor to prevent periodontitis. Therefore, providing owners with instructions for thorough dental brushing of animals when they still have deciduous teeth can prevent the appearance of future PD