Retinal dysplasia in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous)

Descrita no homem e em animais domésticos, a displasia de retina, se apresenta nas formas focal/multifocal, geográfica e completa. Um espécime de cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) de vida livre, macho, com 45 dias de vida foi capturado e encaminhado aos Serviços de Medicina de Animais Selvagens e de Oftalmologia do Hospital Veterinário “Governador Laudo Natel” da Universidade Estadual Paulista – Unesp, Câmpus Jaboticabal-SP, Brasil, onde recebeu atendimento primário ambulatorial. O paciente apresentava-se em bom estado geral, sem alterações hematológicas e sorológicas, e não havia sinais de déficit visual. A oftalmoscopia binocular indireta mostrou alterações retinianas no olho esquerdo, distribuídas na área tapetal na forma de pregas e de rosetas de coloração acinzentada. Nas áreas acometidas, a reflectividade tapetal estava reduzida. Não foram observadas outras alterações oftálmicas. Trata-se do primeiro relato de literatura sobre displasia retiniana em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Previously described in humans and domestic animals, retinal dysplasia has three clinical forms: focal/multifocal, geographic and total. A young orphan crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) from wildlife, male, approximately 45 days old referred to the Wildlife Medicine and Ophthalmology Services of the “Governador Laudo Natel” Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal Campus, SP, Brazil, where it received primary outpatient care. The patient was in good general health condition, without hematological, biochemistry or serological alterations and no signs of visual impairment. Indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy showed retinal changes in the left eye, distributed over the tapetal area in the form of grayish folds and rosettes. In the affected areas, tapetal reflectivity was reduced. No other ophthalmic abnormalities were observed. This is the first report of retinal dysplasia in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) from wildlife

Percutaneous Endoscopic Retrieval of Gizzard Foreign Body in a Goose Using an Operative Telescope

Background: Foreign bodies are most commonly diagnosed in stomach (proventriculus and gizzard) of galliformes birds and waterfowl. Endoscopyis routinely used to assess birds’ respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. Endosurgeryis also used for sex determination and intra-coelomaticorgan biopsy. Benefits of endoscopic approaches are widely reported in birds. Conventional surgical approaches are far more invasive and risky for those patients. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe a successful case of gizzard foreign body removal in a greylag goose (Anseranser), using a rigid endoscopic approach through a minimally invasive percutaneous access. Case: A 2-year-old female greylag goose, weighting 3,116 g, was referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital presenting apathy and anorexia for at least 24 h. The results on hematologic assessment were within normal range for the species. Radiographic examination indicated presence of radiopaque content, resembling gizzard sediment. Thus, the patient undergone to endoscopy for examination and aspiration of the content. The goose was fasted for 6 h. Anesthesia was induced by face mask and maintained by endotracheal tube, using isoflurane vaporized in 100% oxygen. The patient was positionedin the lateral recumbence. The patient’s neck was longer than the working length of the rigid endoscope. Thus, the telescope was inserted into the esophagus following a small distal esophagotomy, carried out on the caudal third of the neck. A 0º 10-mm operative rigid telescope, with a 6-mm working channel, and a 5-mm diameter and 42-cm in length laparoscopic Babcock forceps were used. The endoscope was inserted through the esophagotomy up to the ventricle level. Sand sediments and stones were viewed. The stones were grasped and retrieved, and the sediments were rinsed with normal saline solution and aspirated with a suction cannula through the working channel of the telescope. Inspection following sediment and foreign body retrieval revealed moderate inflammation of the gizzard mucosa. Total procedure time was 24 min. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged following 72 h. Discussion: Rigid endoscopy provided accurate visualization of the thoracic esophagus, proventriculus and gizzard. In general, endosurgery is usually employed for sex determination in birds. It is also useful to access digestive tract using rigid endoscopy, in order to remove foreign body. Such minimally approach reduces postoperative morbidity, which is usually seen following conventional surgical approaches. This technique has been used for removal of foreign body in the digestive tract of several species. Foreign bodies found within crop should require ingluviotomy. However, could be easily removed by endoscopy. If the foreign body is within the proventriculus or gizzard, rigid endoscopy may be useful, as celiotomy could cause morbidity. The small esophagotomy access at the base of the neck was essential for the procedure. In short-necked birds, a 30º Trendelenburg positioning provides more caudal access to the digestive tract. In this case, such positioning was unnecessary. In conclusion, the use of an operative telescope provided accurate retrieval of foreign bodies and drainage of sediments within the digestive tract. Moreover, it can be used as a minimally invasive approach to foreign bodies in the esophagus, crop or stomach (esophagus and gizzard) of geese

Vasectomy in Spotted Paca (Cuniculus paca)

Background: Cuniculus paca is the second largest neotropical rodent. It is not endangered, but your habitat has been destroyed and the specie has been hunted, because of its prized meat. In this context captive breeding is an alternative to reduce the hunt. Then, adult male vasectomy is an interesting alternative for Cuniculus paca since the animal does not lose libido and maintain cyclicity of females into the enclosure. This technique is a method of sterilization which the vas deferens is surgically clamped, cut, or otherwise sealed and thus prevents the release of sperm when a male ejaculates. The aim of this study was to describe the vasectomy technique on a male spotted paca kept in captive. Case: A captive adult male of Cuniculus paca, lived in Brazilian wild fauna breeding for scientifc research. It was maintained on precinct with no other animal, ate fruits, vegetables, tubers and rodent chow and water offered ad libitum. It was submitted to bilateral vasectomy to maintain reproductive behavior on bevy, but not impregnate females. The anaesthesia was performed using ketamine hydrochloride (25 mg/kg IM) and midazolam (0.5 mg/kg IM) as premedication, and isoflurane in open system by facemask diluted in 100% O2 for induction and maintenance. Immediately after induction, was performed epidural anesthesia using 4 mg/kg of lidocaine hydrochloride without vasoconstrictor associated in the same syringe with 0.2 mg/kg of methadone hydrochloride to promote analgesia. As the testes in this species are inside the abdomen, the surgical approach was made by paraprepucial skin incision and ventral midline abdominal incision. After access the cavity, the testes were located and the vaginal tunics were incised to access the vas deferens. After exposed, both were doubly ligated, sectioned and removed a segment of approximately 1 cm of each duct. Finally, the occlusion of subcutaneous and muscle layers were made using 2-0 absorbable and skin with 2-0 non-absorbable sutures. Postoperatively, benzathine penicillin (30,000 IU/kg IM once), tramadol (4 mg/kg IM once) and meloxicam (0.3 mg/kg SC SID for 3 days) were administered. Ten days post-surgery, the animal was fully recovered and after twenty days, it was transferred to enclosure of females. None were fertilized after vasectomy, and there was no change in reproductive behavior among individuals. Discussion: Zoos and breeding have a problem when animal population increases too much, thus vasectomy is an important alternative to avoid this, because it does not lose sexual behavior, but cannot impregnate. The spotted paca presented intracavitary testicles without elevation Skin evidence to scrotum formation, however may also present inguinal regions testes beside penis or scrotum, most evident in reproductive season, similarly occurs in rats and agoutis. In the present case was performed bilaterally vasectomy to have satisfactory results for spermatogenesis reduction, confrming was indicated by some studies in rats and rabbits. Some studies in monkeys and rodents showed that after some time the spermatic cells decrease. In the present study sexual behavior and quality of patient ejaculate, were not completely monitor, to not interfere on management, but there was no female fertilized in a period of 1 year. This procedure showed to be feasible and an easy implementation for maintenance of the estrous cycle of females. Keywords: Cuniculidae, reproduction, rodent, surgery, vas deferens

Pesquisa de agentes virais de doenças hemorrágicas em cervídeos brasileiros: Imunodetecção de células-tronco tumorais em neoplasias mamárias caninas

Os cervídeos têm sido acometidos por doenças hemorrágicas virais, tais como, doença epizoótica hemorrágica (DEH), língua azul (LA) e doença hemorrágica por adenovírus (DHA). Como as lesões macroscópicas, entre elas, enterite hemorrágica, edema pulmonar, petéquias e sufusões em diversos órgãos, são observadas nas três doenças, há necessidade de técnicas acuradas para realizar o diagnóstico definitivo. A partir do material de arquivo (blocos de parafina) existente no Departamento de Patologia Veterinária da FCAV – Unesp, 42 cervídeos brasileiros, tanto de vida livre como de cativeiro, foram selecionados, por apresentarem sinais clínicos e/ou lesões macroscópicas sugestivas de doenças virais hemorrágicas. Das amostras analisadas, utilizando técnica de imunoistoquímica, todas apresentaram resultado negativo para adenovírus. Utilizando técnica de RT-PCR em tempo real para vírus da doença epizoótica hemorrágica, os resultados foram também negativos. A mesma técnica aplicada para vírus da língua azul revelou sete animais positivos (16,66%) confirmados com eletroforese em gel de agarose 4% e sequenciamento. Todos os casos positivos foram de animais provenientes de cativeiro, sendo três fêmeas (duas jovens, uma adulta) e quatro machos jovens. As principais alterações macroscópicas observadas nesses animais foram conteúdo intestinal hemorrágico, mucosas avermelhadas do trato gastrointestinal, úlceras em língua e petéquias em diversos órgãos. Na histologia observou-se principalmente infiltrado inflamatório, hemorragia e congestão em diversos órgãos. Os vírus da DHA e DEH não estão envolvidos nos óbitos dos cervídeos estudados. A relevância deste trabalho está no fato de ser a primeira descrição de material genético do vírus da LA em cervídeos brasileirosCervids have been affected by viral hemorrhagic diseases, such as Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), Bluetongue (BT), and Adenoviral hemorrhagic disease (AHD). Once that gross lesions, among them, hemorrhagic enteritis, pulmonary edema, petechiae and suffusions in several organs, are similar, it is necessary to use accurate techniques to the definitive diagnosis. From the archival material (paraffin blocks) available in the Department of Veterinary Pathology of FCAV – Unesp, 42 Brazilian deer, both free living and captive, were selected because they had lesions suggestive of hemorrhagic viral disease. The samples analyzed, using Immunohistochemistry, were all negative for adenovirus. Using real time RT-PCR for EHD, the results were also negative. The same technique applied to BT virus revealed seven positive animals (16,66%) confirmed after agarose 4% gel electrophoresis and gene sequencing. The main macroscopic changes observed in these animals were hemorrhagic intestinal contents, reddish mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcers on tongue and petechiae in various organs. Mostly histological changes observed were inflammatory infiltrate, hemorrhage, and congestion in various organs. All positive cases were from captive animals, three females (two young and one adult), and four young males. The AHD and EHD virus are not involved in the deaths of the deers studied in this research. The significance of this study is due to the fact that it was the first time the genome of BT virus was identified in Brazilian cervid

Exames anatomopatológicos em animais selvagens

The necropsy and histopathology in non domestic animals, from wild or captivity, is an important material for various purposes, such as study of anatomy, biology, food habits, parasitism, their diseases, etiologic agent, etc. From the carcasses of these animals can be mounted skeletons and skins (taxidermy) for use in museums, schools, environmental education, among others. From the study of etiologic agents and existing vectors, studies can be done to verify the participation of these animals in the epidemiology as reservoir or as host, of many diseases that affect both, captive or free wild animals, as well domestic animals and humans. Finally this study aims to contribute to "One Health", considering the health of the environmental, animal and human. In addition, the results of the necropsy and histopathology exam sent to the owners provide information for the treatment, prevention, control of the detected diseases.A utilização de exames necroscópicos e histopatológicos em animais selvagens (de vida livre ou de cativeiro) é uma importante ferramenta para diversos fins, tais como: estudo da anatomia, biologia, hábitos alimentares, parasitismo, suas doenças, agente etiológicos. A partir das carcaças desses animais é possível montar os esqueletos e as peles (taxidermia) para utilização em museus, escolas, na educação ambiental, entre outros. Ainda a partir do estudo dos agentes etiológicos e vetores existentes, podem ser feitos estudos para verificar a participação deste animal na epidemiologia de inúmeras doenças que acometem tanto animais selvagens (vida livre ou de cativeiro), assim como animais domésticos (de produção ou de estimação) e os seres humanos. Finalmente este estudo visa o princípio do "One Health", uma só saúde, considerando a saúde ambiental, animal e humana. Além disso, os laudos emitidos referentes aos exames, enviados aos proprietários servem de orientação e esclarecimento para o tratamento, prevenção, controle das enfermidades detectadas

Single-port laparoscopic ovariectomy using a pre-tied loop ligature in Santa Ines ewes

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to develop and assess the feasibility, postoperative pain and inflammatory response of the single-port laparoscopic ovariectomy in ewes, using a simple pre-tied loop ligature technique. Pre-tied Meltzer's knot was employed for prophylactic hemostasis of the ovarian pedicle. Slipknot was inserted within the abdominal cavity through a 14-gauge needle and tied surrounding the ovarian pedicle. Mean surgical time, manipulation, ligature and resection of each ovary and anesthesia time were 63±20, 20±10 and 91±26 minutes, respectively. No bleeding occurred during the surgeries. Ewes showed low scores pain (0.5±0.5) at all time-points. Postsurgical plasma fibrinogen was within the normal range for sheep specie at all time-points. The ewes showed a significant weight gain in comparison to the basal scaling (one day before the surgery). Single-port laparoscopic ovariectomy using a pre-tied loop ligature is feasible in the ovine specie and provided minimal postoperative distress and quick weight gain

Conventional and Doppler Abdominal Ultrasonography in Pacas (Cuniculus paca)

Background: The first report of ultrasound evaluation in pacas was for gestational diagnosis and monitoring. However, there are no reports of the use of this technique for the evaluation of abdominal structure in pacas. Elucidating the biology of wild species is important for preservation and potential use as experimental models for human and animal research. As such, this study aimed to describe an ultrasonographic view of major abdominal organs and determine the vascular indices of abdominal aorta and renal arteries in pacas (Cuniculus paca) by Doppler mode.Materials, Methods & Results: Fifteen adult females with a mean weight of nine kilograms were positioned into dorsal or lateral recumbency. A specific gel was applied, and transabdominal ultrasound examination was performed by a single experienced evaluator using MyLab 30 VET ultrasound equipment (ESAOTE, Italy) with 7.5 and 10.0 MHz linear transducers. Anatomy, biometry and ultrasonographic findings, such as ecogenicity, echotexture and wall thickness of main abdominal organs (bladder, kidneys, adrenals, spleen, liver, digestive system and ovaries), were assessed during the ultrasound scan. Doppler ultrasound was used to determine the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistance index (RI = [PSV - EDV]/PSV) and pulsatility index (PI = [PSV - EDV]/mean velocity) of the abdominal aorta and renal arteries. The animals were healthy based on physical examination, hemogram and biochemical profile. Furthermore, we determined that the ultrasound technique for abdominal evaluation of these animals was feasible. Major abdominal organs were accessed using conventional ultrasonography biometric values and sonographic characteristics. Doppler examination was used to determine mean vascular indices of the abdominal aorta and the left and right renal arteries.Discussion: Several studies using the ultrasound technique in wild animals have demonstrated the clinical importance and applicability of this imaging method for veterinary medicine. As mentioned, ultrasound examination is feasible, effective and important for the assessment of topographical relations and ultrasound characteristics of abdominal organs in pacas. During urinary bladder ultrasound examination of the caudal abdomen, little repletion with anechoic content without sediment was observed, renal structures presented a topography, echogenicity and cortico-medullary relationship (1:1) and sonographic findings of the spleen and liver of pacas were similar to those described in dogs and cats. Upon digestive system ultrasound, the stomach showed sonographic characteristics similar to dogs such as peristaltic movements (3 to 5 per minute) and intestinal silhouettes (2 to 3 per min). The adrenal glands were easily detected by ultrasound, located cranial to the ipsilateral kidney, the same as in dogs, ferrets and coatis. Ovaries, as well as the internal follicular structures, were observed near the caudal renal pole. These findings corroborate the findings of normal ovaries in dogs and cats. Doppler mode of the abdominal aorta and renal arteries was feasible and useful for the study of the physiology and detection of hemodynamic abnormalities in pacas. Conventional and Doppler ultrasonography allowed the study of the abdominal structures of pacas (Cuniculus paca), providing original and valuable information on the topographic anatomy and morphophysiology of abdominal tissues and their sonographic descriptions. The results of this study may aid in abdominal injury evaluation in these animals and other wild species.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP