Diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy in dogs and cats. Report of twenty-two cases and proposition of technique for correction of phrenocostal tears

During an eight-year period, from January 1984 to December 1992, nineteen dogs and three cats with diaphragmatic hernia were submitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The hernias were due to traumatic etiology. The common herniated contents were liver, stomach, small intestine, spleen and omentum. The liver was complicated with pleural effusion in a dog and the stomach timpanized in another one. Two dogs and one cat died during radiographic management. One bitch died during anesthetic induction and anoather one in post-operative period. Other patients were recuperate without complications. Hernias were corrected by intercostal approach. In nine animals with phrenocostal tears, the correction was made by diaphragmatic advancement and fixation in the caudal edge of intercostal muscles from the 8th intercostal space. This technique ensure efficient hemiorraphy without respiratory distress.No período de janeiro de 1984 a dezembro de 1992 foram reduzidas pelo autor 22 hérnias diafragmáticas, em cães e gatos, através de abordagem intercostal. Os animais fizeram parte da casuística do Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Em todos os casos a hérnia foi adquirida, de origem traumática. Os órgãos comumente herniados foram o fígado, estômago, alça intestinal, baço e epíploo. As complicações foram efusão pleural por compressão hepática e timpanização gástrica. Um gato e dois cães morreram durante as tomadas radiográficas, uma cadela durante indução anestésica, outra 4 horas após a cirurgia. Os demais apresentaram excelente índice de recuperação. Em 9 animais com ruptura freno-costal a redução foi feita por deslocamento cranial do hemidiafragma até o oitavo espaço intercostal com bom resultado

Perineal herniorrhaphy in dogs - analysis of 35 cases

Entre janeiro de 1980 e dezembro de 1992 foram atendidos, pelo autor, 35 cães portadores de hérnia perineal. Os animais fizeram parte da casuística do Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. A prevalência da hérnia foi de 0,5% no período. As complicações encontradas foram retroflexão vesical, aumento de volume da próstata, divertículo ou dilatação retal, tecido adiposo retroperitoneal necrosado e efusão serosa ou serossanguínea. Foram recuperados 85,68% dos pacientes. O sucesso da cirurgia depende da desobstrução dos tratos digestivo e urinário, adequada obliteração da abertura perineal e controle do tenesmo e infecção.During a twelve-year period, from January 1980 to December 1992, 35 male dogs with perineal hernia were managed by the author. These dogs were submitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. RS, Brazil. The prevalence of herniation represented 0.5% of the dogs and cats seen at VTH in this period. The complications diagnosed were as the follow: retroflexion of the urinary bladder, rectal dilatation or diverticulum, necrotic retroperitoneal fat and serum or serosanguineous effusion. The surgical efficiency are dependent of digestive and urinary patency, obliteration of the perineal opening and control of tenesmus and infection

Surgical cannulation of proximal duodenum in steers

Na área de produção animal, diferentes artifícios e técnicas têm sido utilizados visando ao comportamento da digestão ao longo do trato digestivo dos ruminantes. Dez terneiros da raça holandesa, pesando, em média, 138 kg, foram submetidos a fistulação do duodeno proximal com o objetivo de testar uma técnica operatória simplificada. A preparação e adaptação de uma cânula, confeccionada com PVC em duplo L, associada à enteropexia, mostrou-se como opção simples e de baixo custo na preparação de unidades experimentais para colheita de digesta no intestino proximal. A inspeção e higienização freqüentes são fundamentais para manter a patência da cânula.Different procedures are utilized to determine aspects of digestibility and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants. In order to evaluate a simplified technique, ten six-month old holstein steers, weighing 138 kg average, were submitted to cannulation of the proximal duodenum. Double L-shapped cannulas were constructed from PVC pipe and fittings. The cannula device and enteropexy has been a simple and inexpensive option for experimental duodenum cannulation in steers. Inspecting and clearing the cannula each 48 hour period is fundamental for patency maintenance

Os efeitos da radiação laser arseneto de gálio (AsGa) sobre a regeneracão de tendões em cães

Trinta cães sem raça definida foram divididos em três grupos e submetidos à tenotomia e tenorrafia do tendão calcâneo comum direito e esquerdo. No membro esquerdo foi efetuada aplicação laser AsGa (4j/cm2) para avaliar o processo cicatricial dos mesmos. Posteriormente, as articulações do tarso foram imobilizadas durante 11 dias nos animais do grupo I (sacrificados nesta data) e 21 dias naqueles do grupo II (sacrificados aos 22 dias) e III (sacrificados aos 40 dias de evolução pósoperatória). Os cães do grupo III foram submetidos a caminhadas diárias de 30 minutos nas duas semanas seguintes para estimular a mobilidade do tendão. A avaliação clínica dos efeitos da terapia laser na funcionalidade dos membros foi feita através de exames físicos. Os tendões foram avaliados à necropsia através de análise macroscópica e pelo estudo microscópico realizado em todos os segmentos aos 11 (grupo I), vinte e dois (grupo II) e quarenta dias (grupo III) de evolução pós-operatória. O desempenho funcional do membro esquerdo nos animais do grupo III, exposto à radiação laser mostrou-se melhor que no membro direito. Macroscopicamente os tendões irradiados apresentaram melhor vascularização, menos aderências e cicatrização com melhor aparência estética que os tendões testemunhos. Os estudos histológicos revelaram que o laser não interferiu significativamente na produção de fibroblastos e na síntese de fibras colágenas.In order to evaluate the influence of lasertherapy on the healing process. Thirty crossbred dogs were divided into three groups (group I, II and III: dogs were sacrificed respective at day 10th, 21st and 40 th after starting the experiment) and submitted to tenotomy and tenorraphy of the calcanean common tendon of both limbs.Tarsal joints were fixed for eleven days in those dogs of group I and for twenty-one days on group II and III. All dogs from group III were submitted to daily 30 minutes walks for two weeks in order to stimulate the tendon mobility. AsGa laser was applied daily (4j/cm2) during ten days on the left limb of all dogs during the first postoperative days and the first ten days of the exercises period for group III. Clinical evaluation of lasertherapy on limb functionality was made by physical examination. Involved tendons were evaluated at necropsy and by optic microscopy at eleventh post-operative day (group I), twentieth-first day (group II) and fortieth day (group III). Functional performance of the left hind limbs, exposed to the laser beam was better than that of the right limb. Grossly irradiated tendons showed better vascularization, less adherence and better repair than the non-irradiated one. Histological studies showed that laser the rapy did not interfere significantly on fibroblast production and collagem synthesis

Cardiorespiratory and analgesic effects of ketamine via epidural route, intravenous continuous infusion or association of both, in dogs submitted to femoral osteosynthesis

A cetamina tem demonstrado efeito analgésico em doses subanestésicas, além da manutenção da estabilidade dos parâmetros fisiológicos. O estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos cardiorrespiratórios e a analgesia pós-operatória da cetamina administrada por via epidural, por infusão intravenosa contínua ou pela associação de ambas, em cães submetidos à osteossíntese de fêmur. Foram utilizadas 25 cadelas, hígidas, distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro grupos: CEP (2mg kg-1 de cetamina associada à lidocaína 2% via epidural), CIV (lidocaína 2% via epidural e 1mg kg-1 de cetamina IV seguido de infusão contínua IV com 100µg kg min-1 da mesma), CIVEP (2mg kg-1 de cetamina associada à lidocaína 2% via epidural e 1mg kg-1 de cetamina IV, seguido de infusão contínua IV com 100µg kg min-1) e CON (anestesia epidural com lidocaína 2%). Avaliaram-se FC, f, PAS, PAM, PAD, T°C, tempo de bloqueio motor e analgesia pós-operatória por meio de escala analógica visual. Houve elevação da FC no CIV e diminuição desse parâmetro no CEP. As pressões arteriais mantiveram-se dentro dos valores fisiológicos e não foram observadas diferenças na f e T°C. O tempo de duração do bloqueio anestésico foi potencializado nos grupos que receberam cetamina epidural, diferindo significativamente em relação ao controle. O tempo para a analgesia resgate não diferiu entre os grupos. Conclui-se que a administração de cetamina pela via epidural, por infusão contínua intravenosa ou pela associação de ambas promoveu estabilidade cardiorrespiratória no período transcirúrgico, porém não foi capaz de prolongar a duração da analgesia pós-operatória em cães submetidos à osteossíntese de fêmur.Ketamine has demonstrated analgesic effects in subanesthetic doses, besides the maintenance of stability of physiological parameters. The study aimed to evaluate the cardiorespiratory effects and the post operative analgesia of ketamine via epidural route, intravenous continuous infusion or association of both, in dogs submitted to femoral osteosynthesis. Twenty-five healthy bitches were randomly assigned to four groups: CEP (2mg kg-1 of ketamine associated with lidocaine 2% via epidural route), CIV (lidocaine 2% via epidural route and 1mg kg-1 of ketamine IV, followed by IV continuous infusion of 100µg kg min-1 of ketamine), CIVEP (epidural anesthesia identical to CEP and ketamine infusion as in CIV) and CON (epidural anesthesia with lidocaine 2%). HR, RR, SAP, MAP, DAP and T°C, sensitive blockade time and post operative analgesia measured with visual analog scale were evaluated. There was an increase in HR in CIV and decrease of this parameter in CEP. Arterial pressures kept within physiological values and differences in RR and T°C were not observed. The anesthetic blockade time was augmented in the groups which received epidural ketamine, differing significantly in relation to the control. The time for rescue analgesia did not differ between the groups. It can be concluded the administration of ketamine via epidural route, intravenous continuous infusion or the association of both promoted cardiorespiratory stability during the operative period; however, it was not able to extend the duration of post operative analgesia in dogs submitted to femoral osteosynthesis

The galium arsenide (GaAs) laser radiation in the radial nerve regeneration submitted to secundary surgical repair

Vinte e quatro cães adultos, sem raça definida, foram separados em quatro grupos e submetidos a neurotomia bilateral do nervo radial, em nível do terço distal do úmero e, 21 dias após, sofreram anastomose epineural secundária, término-terminal. Nos 10 dias subseqüentes à neuroanastomose, o membro esquerdo de todos os cães foi irradiado com laser arseneto de gálio no intuito de investigar sua influência na regeneração do nervo. O membro contralateral serviu como testemunha. A recuperação funcional foi verificada através da característica da deambulação, testes de sensibilidade e avaliação motora. Foram efetuadas biópsias bilaterais, na região de anastomose, aos 10 dias (grupo A), 30 dias (grupo B), 60 dias (grupo C) e 90 dias (grupo D) após a reconstituição cirúrgica, para estudo morfológico em microscopia óptica. A proliferação de tecido conjuntivo na linha de anastomose é a complicação mais séria no processo de regeneração nervosa. A radiação laser diminui a intensidade da resposta inflamatória ao fio de sutura, mas pode contribuir para a formação de neuroma mais exuberante.Twenty-four cross bred adult dogs were separated into four groups and submitted to bilateral neurotomy of the radial nerve, at the level of the distal third of the humerus. In each dog the epineural anastomosis was made 21 days after neurotomy. The surgical region of the left forearm received daily irradiation with GaAs laser for a ten day period in order to evaluate its influence on the repair process. The right forearm was the control. Functional recovery of the forearms was evaluated through ambulation, test of sensibility and motion evaluation. Nerve regeneration was confirmed by histological studies of the anastomosed nervous stumps, collected by biopsy in the 10th day (group A), in the 30th day (group B), in the 60th day (group C) and in the 90th day (group D) after neuroanastomosis. The histological studies showed that the proliferation of the connective tissue on the anastomosis region was the factor that proved to be the greatest impeachment for the nervous regeneration. The GaAs laser radiation decreases the local inflammatory response but may contribute to neuroma formation

Fígado: vascularização colateral após isquemia induzida por clampeamento da aorta torácica

A visibilização e a identificação dos vasos que irrigam os tecidos é facilitada quando são utilizadas substâncias com poder corante e de distensão vascular ou meios radiopacos. Nesta pesquisa, em 22 cães foi realizada toracotomia lateral intercostal esquerda no 8º espaço intercostal e clampeamento da aorta torácica a ± 1 cm cranial ao diafragma. Em 10 animais, foi perfundida solução de gelatina/anilina e, no restante, injetado contraste vascular positivo e acompanhamento radiográfico. Foram identificadas artérias que vascularizavam o diafragma, mas não o fígado quando é efetuado o clampeamento aórtico no tórax.The visual observation and identification of the vessels that irrigate the corporal tissues is greatly facilitated by using special staining dyes and vessel distenders, or by using a positive vascular contrast solution. In this research, lateral intercostal thoracotomy was performed on the eighth intercostal space in the left side of 22 dogs followed by clamping of thoracic aorta ± 1 cm cranial to the diaphragm. Ten dogs were then injected with the gelatin/aniline mixture, and the other 12 dogs were given a positive vascular contrast solution. In summary, following clamping of the thoracic aorta, arteries that irrigate the diaphragm, but not the liver, were identified

Adverse effects of levomepromazine in sheep

Variações do hemograma, frequência cardiorrespiratória, temperatura retal e movimentos ruminatórios foram estudados, antes e após a aplicação de levomepromazina em oito ovinos separados em dois lotes de igual número. O primeiro lote recebeu a droga por via intramuscular (2 mg/kg) e o segundo pela via intravenosa (1 mg/kg). As amostras sanguíneas e os sintomas clínicos foram colhidos antes e aos 15, 30 e 60 minutos após a aplicação do fármaco. Em todos os animais evidenciou-se a diminuição do número de eritrócitos (8,57 - 7,32 milhões/mm3) e dos valores do hematócrito (32,37 - 27,12%), eosinopenia (708,75 - 452,50 mm3) e neutrofilia (2.337,50 - 3.345,00 mm3). A taxa de leucócitos e linfócitos permaneceu praticamente constante. A frequência cardíaca e respiratória diminuiu nos primeiros 15 minutos (130 - 118 bat./min. e 97,50 - 49,87 mov./min.), aumentando logo após (132 - 143 bat./min. e 60,00 - 68,75 mov./min.). A temperatura retal e os movimentos de rúmen permaneceram sem alteração.Change of hemogram, cardiopulmonary frequency, rectal temperature and rumen motility was studied prior and post application of levomepromazine in eight sheep divided into two groups of equal number. The first group received intramuscularly (2 mg/kg) and the second intravenously (1 mg/kg). The blood samples and the clinical symptoms were gathered prior. 15, 30 and 60 minutes post the drug application. In all animals a decrease of erythrocyte number (8.57 - 7.32 million/mm3) and haematocrit values (32.37 - 27.12%) was observed. Eosinopenia (708.75 - 452.50 mm3) and neutrophilia (2,337.50 - 3,345.00 mm3) were also observed. The leukocytes and lymphocytes counts remained constant. The cardiac and pulmonary frequency decreased 15 minutes after the drug application (130 - 118 bat./min and 97.60 - 49.87 mov./min.). After this time increase (132- 143 bat./min. and 60.00-68.75 mov./min.) was observed. The rectal temperature and rumem motility rate remained practically constant during the experiment

Two–dimensional real-time ultrasonic biometry of ocular globe of dogs

Para realizar a biometria ultra-sonográfica em tempo real, foram utilizados 60 globos oculares de 30 cães oftalmologicamente sadios, com o objetivo de se obter medidas das distâncias no interior do globo ocular. Essas foram tomadas de imagens de cortes sagitais obtidas com os animais posicionados em decúbito esternal, contidos manualmente, e com a aplicação de colírio anestésico. Empregou-se transdutor setorial mecânico de 7,5 MHz sem almofada de recuo. As médias das medidas obtidas foram; para D1- distância entre a córnea e a cápsula anterior da lente 3,9 ±0,7mm, D2- espessura da lente 6,1 ±1,2mm, D3 diâmetro da lente 10.5 ±1,0mm, D4- profundidade da câmara vítrea 9,1 ±0,4mm e D5 distância córnea/retina 18,8 ±0,9mm. Foi observada diferença significativa entre os olhos direito e esquerdo somente em D1. __________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTSixty ocular globes of 30 health dogs were utilized to perform a real-time ultrasonic biometry, with the objective of getting distance measurement of intra-ocular structures. The measurements were taken from cross-sectional sagital image with the dogs in esternal recumbence, and manual containment, with the use of topical ocular anesthetic vehicle applied in the cornea. A 7.5 MHz transducer of a mechanical sector scanner without flotation pad was used. The measure averages were 3.9 ±0.7mm (D1) distance between the midcornea to anterior capsule; 6.1 ±1.2mm (D2) lens thickness; 9.1 ±0.4mm (D4) vitreous chamber depth; and 18.8 ±0.9mm (D5) midcornea to retinal distance. Significant difference was observed among the right and left eyes only in D1

Surgical Correction of Esophageal Stenosis by Right Aortic Arch Persistence in Two Cats

 Background: Vascular ring anomaly is considered a hereditary change. It occurs when the fourth right aortic arch persists instead of the fourth left aortic arch, forming a vascular ring that compress the esophagus causing esophageal dilatation cranial to the compression site. Diagnosis is based upon anamnesis, physical examination, clinical signs and complementary exams (radiograph, complete blood count and biochemical tests). The clinical treatment is inadequate, since the dilatation persists and tends to progress causing irreversible tissue injury. Surgical correction is indicated and consists of the arterial ligament resection and correction of the esophageal stenosis.Case: The objective of the current study is to report two case of persistence of right aortic arch in two cats referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria. On physical examination the patients were alert, in good nutritional status, adequately hydrated and presented normal colored mucous membranes. Each animal underwent radiog­raphy and esophagogram with barium sulphate. The exam demonstrated partial esophageal dilation cranial to the cardiac silhouette, suggestive of vascular ring anomaly. An exploratory thoracotomy was performed in order to achieve the definitive diagnosis. The arterial ligament was resected and esophageal stenosis corrected. Anesthesia, surgery and the postoperative period undergo without any complications. Patients remained hospitalized in the first 24 h for observation and were dis­charged after this period. Ten days surgery they returned for revaluation and removal of the skin suture. Four months after the surgical correction the animals underwent a new radiography and esophagogram examination. Radiographic findings evidenced persistence of esophageal dilation and narrowing of the esophageal lumen. Patients were evaluated periodically up to 10 months after surgery, verifying excellent quality of life and remission of clinical signs.Discussion: Vascular ring anomalies affects both dogs and cats, occurring more commonly in purebred dogs than in mixed breed. The literature reports cases in young Siamese and Persian cats, although the absolute numbers are insufficient to make conclusions about the racial predisposition. This case report enrolled two cases of PRAA in adult mixed breed cats (one male and one female from the same litter). Surgical correction is the recommended treatment for PRAA, either con­ventional or minimally invasive techniques. To assist the dissection of the fibrous ring and correction of esophageal stenosis we utilized a 22 Fr Foley catheter, introduced through the oral cavity to the esophageal stenotic area. The inflation of the balloon on the constricted area allows visualization of residual fiber rings and facilitates its dissection and removal. The PRAA mortality is associated with late diagnosis and the coexistence of aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, surgery should be performed as soon as possible after the onset of clinical signs, in order to reduce damage to the esophageal muscles and nerves. It is estimated that 80% of cases survived the postoperative period. In both cases, no clinical signs were observed, and there was a reduction of the esophageal diameter compared with the previous dilation, as well as better esophageal transit. Ten months after surgery, the animals returned for revaluation, presenting adequate body development and good quality of life. As shown in this case report, surgical intervention allowed for the accurate diagnosis and correction of PRAA in cats, with remission of clinical signs and full recovery of the animal.Keywords: cat, regurgitation, megaesophagus, thoracotomy, anomaly