Comparative analysis of lung function of rats using a new intubation technique and tracheostomy / Análise comparativa da função pulmonar de ratos usando uma nova técnica de intubação e a traqueostomia

Several studies use intubation or tracheostomy for data collection in lung function of rats. Due to the difficulty of performing intubation, tracheostomy is most commonly used. Knowing this difficulty, this paper demonstrates a new way to perform the intubation technique and compares pulmonary function variables obtained using intubation or tracheostomy. For the analysis of our new technique of intubation, 30 rats were used, and the comparative analysis of lung function data obtained through the use of our technique of intubation and tracheostomy, 16 rats were used, divided into two groups. The T group underwent tracheostomy. The IT group underwent initial intubation and, awaiting recovery, a week later was again subjected to intubation group, which was then called IT-1W. Our intubation technique is performed with the aid of a wedge, inclined bed and percutaneous transillumination. No animals died during the intubation procedure, and about 77% of the animals were intubated at the first attempt. We did not obtain statistically significant differences in the pulmonary function variables between the groups. Our intubation technique is easily learned and reproduced. The implications of such a technique can be generalized to all laboratories dealing with intubation of rats.(AU)

Vários estudos utilizam a intubação orotraqueal ou traqueostomia para coleta de dados na função pulmonar de ratos. Devido à dificuldade de realização da intubação, a traqueostomia é mais comumente utilizada. Conhecendo esta dificuldade, este trabalho demonstra uma nova maneira de realizar a técnica de intubação e compara as variáveis de função pulmonar obtidas por intubação ou traqueostomia. Para a análise de nossa nova técnica de intubação, foram utilizados 30 ratos, e para a análise comparativa dos dados da função pulmonar obtidos pelo uso de nossa técnica de intubação e traqueotomia, 16 ratos foram utilizados, divididos em dois grupos. O grupo T foi submetido a traqueostomia. O grupo de IT foi submetido inicialmente a intubação e, esperada sua recuperação, uma semana depois foi novamente submetido a intubação, que foi então chamado de grupo IT-1W. Nossa técnica de intubação é realizada com a ajuda de uma cunha, cama inclinada e transiluminação percutânea. Nenhum animal morreu durante o procedimento de intubação, e cerca de 77% dos animais foram intubados na primeira tentativa. Não foram obtidas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas variáveis de função pulmonar entre os grupos. Nossa técnica de intubação é facilmente aprendida e reproduzida. As implicações de tal técnica podem ser generalizadas para todos os laboratórios que lidam com a intubação de ratos.(AU)

Triple bothropic envenomation in horses caused by a single snake

In the present study, snakebites caused by a single Bothrops pauloensis simultaneously affecting three male adult horses are described. Whereas the first two affected horses were six years old, the third was 16 years old; they weighed respectively 555, 550 and 500 kg. All horses presented swollen muzzles. The first animal received an initial antivenom dose of 19 vials and adjuvant medication, it was also subjected to tracheostomy due to the progression of acute respiratory failure. The second and third horses respectively received 15 vials of antivenom each, in addition to adjuvant medication. Due to continuous changes in blood coagulation observed during hospitalization, the first and the second horses received five more vials of antivenom, respectively, in the second and third days of treatment. The first animal was discharged on 15th day and the other on the 8th day of hospitalization. Several factors including the main actions of Bothrops venom (coagulation, proteolytic and vasculotoxic activities), the importance of early diagnosis based on clinical history and clinical examination suggesting the diagnosis of Bothrops snakebite, the adequate doses of antivenom, and finally the immediate tracheostomy are herein discussed. The tracheostomy, required to save the life of the first horse, should only occur after the administration of antivenom and control measures for changes in blood coagulation.