Medullary Conus Topography in White-Tufted-Ear-Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Background: The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) belongs to the family Cebidae and Subfamily Callitrichinae, a group formed by the smallest anthropoid primates. It is a very common species and adapts easily to captivity, an aspect that encourages the clandestine capture of these animals and makes them susceptible to wounds resulting from clandestine rearing and inadequate management, so that studies to understand the species are extremely important.  With the objective of supplying anatomic bases for the practice of epidural anesthetic, data were studied regarding the topography of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).Materials, Methods & Results: The study was carried out at the Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), PA, Brazil. Ten adult common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were used, 5 males and 5 females, with different causes of death. A round workbench magnifying lamp was used to better visualize the dissecation field.  Number 15 scalpel blades, surgical pincers and scissors were used to dissect.  After fixing in 10% formaldehyde aqueous solution, dissecation was made along the mid dorsal line, from the cranial thoracic region to the tail base to expose the vertebral arches and measure the intervertebral spaces.  The vertebral arches were removed, and consequently the spinal dura mater was exposed, that was sectioned longitudinally to expose the spinal chord and identify the lumbar intumescence, the conus medullaris and the cauda equina. The length of the conus medullaris was measured and its skeletopy was established. The body and tail length data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. The mean value of the conus medullaris length was 1.4 cm, while the anatomic location of the conus medullaris varied slightly among the animals, but did not pass the limit between L3 for the base and L6 for the apex. On average, the lumbosacral space measured 3.03 mm, that is sufficient to introduce a needle similar to that used in syringes for insulin injection. The results of this study suggest the lumbarsacral space as location for epidural anesthetic application in Callithrix jacchus, at a safe point situated in the center of an isosceles triangle, the base of which is found when a line is drawn from one side of the pelvis to the other, and the apex corresponds the spinal process of the first sacral vertebra.Discussion: The anatomic location of the conus medullaris is different compared to two other primate species, the red handed tamarin (Saguinus midas), in which the cone base was registered at L4 and the apex at S2, and the common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) where the conus medullaris base occurs at L7-8 and the apex at S3 or Cc1. However, some similarities with other mammal groups were observed in the conus medullaris topography, such as the black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus). The mean conus medullaris length of the species Callithrix jacchus of 1.4 cm was close to that observed in the coypu, capuchin monkey and sloth, and significantly smaller than the means obtained for the red handed tamarin and common squirrel monkey and other non-primate mammals reported in the literature. The lumbosacral space is the location indicated for epidural anesthesia in Callithrix jacchus, that has also been indicated for other wild mammals such as the black-striped capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus), the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the tayra (Eira barbara), the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the crab-eating racoon (Procyon cancrivorus) and the coypu (Myocastor coypus)

Anesthesia of Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) with Dextroketamine and Midazolam

 Background: Research has increasingly focused on wild animals, and this requires the use of chemical restraints that are safe for both the species and the team involved. Dextroketamine is the levorotatory ketamine isomer that has been used on domestic species as an alternative that is more potent and safer than the racemic form. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that induces muscle relaxation and minimal cardiorespiratory changes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a combination of dextroketamine and midazolam can be safely used for the chemical restraint of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha), and the effects of this protocol on physiological and anesthetic parameters. Materials, Methods & Results: This study was carried out under conditions similar to those found for wild animals in captivity or in zoos. A pre-evaluation was also made to compare the baseline values of this study with those of other studies on the same species. Nine healthy adult agoutis were used, weighing between 1.5 kg and 2 kg. All the parameters were evaluated and recorded before the drugs were applied, and this was considered the baseline moment (M0). The dextroketamine and midazolam combination was then administered intramuscularly, in the same syringe, in dosages of 15 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively. Successive evaluations were made every 10 min over a period of 40 min (M10, M20, M30 and M40). The latency stage of anesthesia, effective stage and recovery stage were observed. Heart rate (HR) and breathing frequency (f), body temperature (BT), systolic blood pressure (SBP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and electrocardiogram were recorded. HR and SBP showed no significant difference between moments. Breathing frequency (f) showed a significant decline at M10 and M20 when compared to baseline values (P < 0.05). BT decreased from the moment the drugs were administered until the end of the experimental period, with a significant difference between M0 and M40, and M10 and M40 (P < 0.05). SpO2 decreased significantly at M10 and M20 when compared to baseline values (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the duration and amplitude of the P wave or in the duration of the QRS complex, QT interval and amplitude of the R wave. Regarding the PR interval, there was a significant difference only at M40 when compared to baseline values (P < 0.05). No arrhythmia was observed. An evaluation of the effects of anesthesia indicated that the animals had an average latency stage of 2 min, an effective stage of 87 min, and an average recovery stage of 111 min. Adverse effects observed during the anesthetic recovery period consisted of tearing, salivation, tongue protrusion, vocalization and chewing reflex. Discussion: The results indicated that the association of anesthetic drugs under study caused minimal changes in the animals’ physiological parameters, except for the breathing frequency (f), which declined considerably, resulting in a reduction in SpO2, which was compensated during the study. In addition, there was a rapid onset of restraint and a satisfactory duration. Thus, from the cardiorespiratory standpoint, the combination of dextroketamine and midazolam in the doses used provides a safe anesthetic protocol for agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) and can be used for the chemical restraint of these animals for the performance of non-invasive and short-term procedures

Anatomic Bases for Brachial Plexus Block of Capuching (Sapajus libidinosus)

Background: In captivity, capuchin monkeys compete for space and rank. Fights can result in traumas, especially to the limbs, requiring interventions that are often outpatient. Local anesthesia as a tool in these procedures, as an aid to chemical restraint, is very relevant for small outpatient surgeries, or even for pain relief. Knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy is essential to perform local anesthesia. Thus the objective of the present study was to determine, by anatomical studies of the brachial plexus region, the best access pathways for anesthetic blocking of the nerve.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Seven adult capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) were used, weighing 2-3 kg, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde aqueous solution at 10%. In five of these animals the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar regions were dissected to visualize the muscles, clavicle and bracchial plexus nerves. An analogical pachymeter was used to measure the depth of the plexus in relation to the cranial and caudal clavicle face and axillary fossa, comparing the length of two hypodermic needles (13x4.5 mm and 15x5 mm). Simulation of the anesthetic block was tested in two animals: before dissecting an acrylic varnish solution was injected using a syringe and 13x4.5 mm needle in the supraclavicular, infraclavicular regions and axillary fossa. To assess the positioning points of the syringe, dissection was performed and the varnish perfusion in the plexus was observed. For the anesthetic block in the supraclavicular region the dorsal median of the clavicle with a 95º deltoclavicular angle with the needle perpendicular to the skin was taken as point of reference. In the infraclavicular the reference point was the caudal face of the median clavicle with an 80º deltoclavicular angle. In the axillar region, with the limb at 90º, the syringe was positioned perpendicular to the axillar at the height of the mid portion of the thorax. The mean and standard deviation of the skin-brachial plexus distance for the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar techniques were, respectively, 1.76 ± 0.1387 cm, 1.12 ± 0.239 cm and 1.59 ± 0.365 cm. These data showed the viability of executing the anesthesia technique by three access pathways. However, in the supraclavicular access pathway in the anesthetic simulation with the 13x4.5 mm hypodermic needle, the stain diffused to the plexus, showing, when compared with the 1.76 cm mean skin- plexus distance a safe distance to prevent the needle from perforating the nerve.Discussion: The techniques reported in the human literature for brachial plexus block presented a series of complications, with incomplete blocks and hemorrhages when the axillar access pathway was used and presented risk of pneumothorax in the supraclavicular. In the capuchin monkey the supraclavicular access pathway in anesthetic simulation with 13x4.5mm hypodermic needle showed a safe distance for the needle not to perforate the nerve, so that the use of this needle could be indicated in 2-3 kg animals. However, hypodermic needles are not recommended for use in this area because of the risk of perforating the subclavicular artery close to the plexus. As an alternative some anesthesiologists use the infraclavicular access pathway with atraumatic needles recommended for brachial plexus block, with relative success and fewer complications. Although the supraclavicular region showed the best depth in relation to the technique used here, anesthetic tests should be made to confirm the efficaciousness of executing the brachial plexus anesthetic technique in capuchin monkeys using atraumatic needles for nerve block

Aspectos biológicos e comportamentais de Sapajus libidinosus: Revisão

Os macacos-prego da espécie Sapajus libidinosus são conhecidos como os macacos mais robustos e inteligentes do Novo Mundo, e dentre as espécies neotropicais, é a que apresenta maior distribuição geográfica. Devido a isso e também pelo fácil manuseio e a facilidade de reprodução em cativeiro, o gênero vem sendo utilizado em diversas pesquisas, dada a sua proximidade filogenética com a espécie humana, servindo de modelo biológico em experimentos aplicados a essa espécie, com ampla variedade de pesquisas biomédicas. É uma espécie considerada quase ameaçada no Brasil segundo critérios de avaliação do ICMBio (2012-2014) e o estudo do comportamento animal surge como um meio de pesquisa científica que tem proporcionado importantes contribuições além do estudo do comportamento humano, neurociências, meio ambiente e bem-estar animal, também com a preservação de espécies. Considerando a relevância que a pesquisa do comportamento e biologia animal vem tomando dentro da comunidade científica, esse estudo tem por objetivo uma revisão de literatura acerca da espécie Sapajus libidinosus enfatizando, dentro do tema em questão, sua taxonomia, distribuição geográfica e população, características gerais e adaptações, vida social, alimentação e reprodução

Biological and behavioral aspects of Sapajus libidinosus: review

Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária. Patos, PB, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária. Patos, PB, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Unidade Acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária. Patos, PB, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária. Patos, PB, Brasil / Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Departamento de Morfologia. Natal, RN, Brasil.Os macacos-prego da espécie Sapajus libidinosus são conhecidos como os macacos mais robustos e inteligentes do Novo Mundo, e dentre as espécies neotropicais, é a que apresenta maior distribuição geográfica. Devido a isso e também pelo fácil manuseio e a facilidade de reprodução em cativeiro, o gênero vem sendo utilizado em diversas pesquisas, dada a sua proximidade filogenética com a espécie humana, servindo de modelo biológico em experimentos aplicados a essa espécie, com ampla variedade de pesquisas biomédicas. É uma espécie considerada quase ameaçada no Brasil segundo critérios de avaliação do ICMBio (2012-2014) e o estudo do comportamento animal surge como um meio de pesquisa científica que tem proporcionado importantes contribuições além do estudo do comportamento humano, neurociências, meio ambiente e bem-estar animal, também com a preservação de espécies. Considerando a relevância que a pesquisa do comportamento e biologia animal vem tomando dentro da comunidade científica, esse estudo tem por objetivo uma revisão de literatura acerca da espécie Sapajus libidinosus enfatizando, dentro do tema em questão, sua taxonomia, distribuição geográfica e população, características gerais e adaptações, vida social, alimentação e reprodução

Medullary Conus Topography in White-Tufted-Ear-Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Background: The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) belongs to the family Cebidae and Subfamily Callitrichinae, a group formed by the smallest anthropoid primates. It is a very common species and adapts easily to captivity, an aspect that encourages the clandestine capture of these animals and makes them susceptible to wounds resulting from clandestine rearing and inadequate management, so that studies to understand the species are extremely important.  With the objective of supplying anatomic bases for the practice of epidural anesthetic, data were studied regarding the topography of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The study was carried out at the Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), PA, Brazil. Ten adult common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were used, 5 males and 5 females, with different causes of death. A round workbench magnifying lamp was used to better visualize the dissecation field.  Number 15 scalpel blades, surgical pincers and scissors were used to dissect.  After fixing in 10% formaldehyde aqueous solution, dissecation was made along the mid dorsal line, from the cranial thoracic region to the tail base to expose the vertebral arches and measure the intervertebral spaces.  The vertebral arches were removed, and consequently the spinal dura mater was exposed, that was sectioned longitudinally to expose the spinal chord and identify the lumbar intumescence, the conus medullaris and the cauda equina. The length of the conus medullaris was measured and its skeletopy was established. The body and tail length data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. The mean value of the conus medullaris length was 1.4 cm, while the anatomic location of the conus medullaris varied slightly among the animals, but did not pass the limit between L3 for the base and L6 for the apex. On average, the lumbosacral space measured 3.03 mm, that is sufficient to introduce a needle similar to that used in syringes for insulin injection. The results of this study suggest the lumbarsacral space as location for epidural anesthetic application in Callithrix jacchus, at a safe point situated in the center of an isosceles triangle, the base of which is found when a line is drawn from one side of the pelvis to the other, and the apex corresponds the spinal process of the first sacral vertebra.Discussion: The anatomic location of the conus medullaris is different compared to two other primate species, the red handed tamarin (Saguinus midas), in which the cone base was registered at L4 and the apex at S2, and the common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) where the conus medullaris base occurs at L7-8 and the apex at S3 or Cc1. However, some similarities with other mammal groups were observed in the conus medullaris topography, such as the black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus). The mean conus medullaris length of the species Callithrix jacchus of 1.4 cm was close to that observed in the coypu, capuchin monkey and sloth, and significantly smaller than the means obtained for the red handed tamarin and common squirrel monkey and other non-primate mammals reported in the literature. The lumbosacral space is the location indicated for epidural anesthesia in Callithrix jacchus, that has also been indicated for other wild mammals such as the black-striped capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus), the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the tayra (Eira barbara), the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the crab-eating racoon (Procyon cancrivorus) and the coypu (Myocastor coypus)

Morfometria e craniometria de Tuim-de-asa-azul (Forpus xanthopterygius Spix, 1824)

O estudo Craniométrico e Prosoprométrico é de grande valia para se estabelecer dados que podem vir a tornar-se chave para identificação da espécie. São escassos na literatura dados morfométricos e descritivos de crânios de psitacídeos. O presente estudo buscou descrever os principais ossos e estabelecer medidas do crânio de “Tuim-de-asa-azul” (Forpus xanthopterygius). Foram utilizadas duas cabeças de exemplares adultos, um macho e uma fêmea, doados pelo Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres da Paraíba (CETAS – PB). Estas foram submetidas a maceração e à identificação, caracterização e medição das estruturas e dos ossos componentes de seus respectivos crânios. Apesar do processo natural de fusionamento dos ossos dificultar a identificação dos mesmos, foi possível identificar os ossos frontal, quadrado, arco jugal, maxilar e mandíbula. Estes ossos são característicos e facilmente identificados, servindo como base para localização e identificação dos demais. O comprimento máximo do crânio foi de 29,0 mm e a largura de 16,0 mm. Os dados obtidos servem de base para a caracterização taxonômica da espécie, já que não são encontrados dados na literatura

Diagnóstico por tomografia computadorizada da extrusão de disco intervertebral em paciente geriatra: Relato de Caso

A doença do disco intervertebral (DDIV) é a causa mais comum de compressão medular em cães, resultando em problemas neurológicos, podendo ser classificada em dois tipos, Hansen tipo I (extrusão de disco) e Hansen tipo II (protrusão de disco), que pressionam os nervos da medula ocasionando quadro de dor, ataxia, paralisia e paraplegia. O tratamento à se indicar deve ser baseado no grau da lesão, podendo ser o tratamento clínico associado à fisioterapia, para casos menos graves, visto que é relatado sucessos na recuperação do quadro, na literatura. O objetivo desse trabalho foi relatar a eficiência da tomografia computadorizada como ferramenta complementar para diagnostico conclusivo da DDIV e o sucesso do tratamento clínico e fisioterápico para esta doença. O animal em questão era um poodle com 11 anos de idade que apresentava quadro de ataxia e incoordenação motora e que foi diagnosticado com uma extrusão de disco intervertebral entre as vertebras T12 e T13 através de tomografia computadorizada. O tratamento eleito foi à base de antiinflamatórios e fisioterapia com enfoque o fortalecimento da musculatura epaxial e hipaxial. Transcorrido 45 dias do início do tratamento, foi observado uma melhora significativa do animal, entretanto, uma futura intervenção cirúrgica não foi descartada

Anatomic Bases for Brachial Plexus Block of Capuching (Sapajus libidinosus)

Background: In captivity, capuchin monkeys compete for space and rank. Fights can result in traumas, especially to the limbs, requiring interventions that are often outpatient. Local anesthesia as a tool in these procedures, as an aid to chemical restraint, is very relevant for small outpatient surgeries, or even for pain relief. Knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy is essential to perform local anesthesia. Thus the objective of the present study was to determine, by anatomical studies of the brachial plexus region, the best access pathways for anesthetic blocking of the nerve.Materials, Methods & Results: Seven adult capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) were used, weighing 2-3 kg, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde aqueous solution at 10%. In five of these animals the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar regions were dissected to visualize the muscles, clavicle and bracchial plexus nerves. An analogical pachymeter was used to measure the depth of the plexus in relation to the cranial and caudal clavicle face and axillary fossa, comparing the length of two hypodermic needles (13x4.5 mm and 15x5 mm). Simulation of the anesthetic block was tested in two animals: before dissecting an acrylic varnish solution was injected using a syringe and 13x4.5 mm needle in the supraclavicular, infraclavicular regions and axillary fossa. To assess the positioning points of the syringe, dissection was performed and the varnish perfusion in the plexus was observed. For the anesthetic block in the supraclavicular region the dorsal median of the clavicle with a 95º deltoclavicular angle with the needle perpendicular to the skin was taken as point of reference. In the infraclavicular the reference point was the caudal face of the median clavicle with an 80º deltoclavicular angle. In the axillar region, with the limb at 90º, the syringe was positioned perpendicular to the axillar at the height of the mid portion of the thorax. The mean and standard deviation of the skin-brachial plexus distance for the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar techniques were, respectively, 1.76 ± 0.1387 cm, 1.12 ± 0.239 cm and 1.59 ± 0.365 cm. These data showed the viability of executing the anesthesia technique by three access pathways. However, in the supraclavicular access pathway in the anesthetic simulation with the 13x4.5 mm hypodermic needle, the stain diffused to the plexus, showing, when compared with the 1.76 cm mean skin- plexus distance a safe distance to prevent the needle from perforating the nerve.Discussion: The techniques reported in the human literature for brachial plexus block presented a series of complications, with incomplete blocks and hemorrhages when the axillar access pathway was used and presented risk of pneumothorax in the supraclavicular. In the capuchin monkey the supraclavicular access pathway in anesthetic simulation with 13x4.5mm hypodermic needle showed a safe distance for the needle not to perforate the nerve, so that the use of this needle could be indicated in 2-3 kg animals. However, hypodermic needles are not recommended for use in this area because of the risk of perforating the subclavicular artery close to the plexus. As an alternative some anesthesiologists use the infraclavicular access pathway with atraumatic needles recommended for brachial plexus block, with relative success and fewer complications. Although the supraclavicular region showed the best depth in relation to the technique used here, anesthetic tests should be made to confirm the efficaciousness of executing the brachial plexus anesthetic technique in capuchin monkeys using atraumatic needles for nerve block

Obtenção de oócitos em cadelas e gatas submetidas a ovariosalpingohisterectomia

A utilização de técnicas modernas para aplicação na área da reprodução cresce cada vez mais na medicina veterinária e com isso se fazem necessários estudos que avaliem a eficiência destas técnicas. Devido à localização cortical dos folículos dentro do ovário, a técnica mais adequada para obtenção dos oócitos caninos é o Slicing, o qual apresenta melhores resultados em relação a quantidade de oócitos coletados quando comparado com outras técnicas. Buscou-se com este estudo, verificar a qualidade dos oócitos coletados em ovários de cadelas e gatas com diferentes idades que foram submetidas à procedimento de Ovário Salpingo Histerectomia (OSH) no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Os oócitos foram classificados quanto a sua qualidade com relação a morfologia do complexo cumulus oophorus. A idade e a fase estral em que as cadelas e gatas se encontravam no momento da coleta não influenciou na qualidade e quantidade dos oócitos coletados