Serum butyrylcholinesterase activity in healthy dogs with and without exposure to diazinon.

BACKGROUND: Cholinesterase is a biomarker for poisonings by anticholinesterase agents, but its reference values are scarce, and possible interaction with collars containing parasiticides has not been studied. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the serum cholinesterase activity of healthy dogs without a history of contact with anticholinesterase agents and healthy animals exposed to commercial collars containing organophosphate. METHODS: Ninety-nine dogs were used and included healthy animals without recent exposure to anticholinesterase agents and healthy animals previously exposed to diazinon collars. Serum quantification of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BuchE) through spectrophotometry was conducted on all samples. In experiment 1, BuchE activity was quantified at time 0 and 7 days after, a time when the samples were kept at -18°C. In experiment 2, sampling times were 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 days. RESULTS: Time 0 values were 4622.38 ± 1311.53 U/L. After 7 days, a significant decay was observed, with a mean of 3934.45 ± 1430.45 U/L. Spearman's test was performed, finding a weak correlation between ALT, creatinine, total plasma proteins, age, weight, red blood cells, platelets, leukocytes, and BuchE activities. In experiment 2, the mean at time 0 was 4753 ± 454.8 U/L. With exposure to the collar, there was a decay of up to 93% after 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: Normality values of serum BuchE in healthy dogs without a history of exposure to anticholinesterase agents were 4360.8-4883.96 U/L. Freezing serum caused a decrease in BuchE activity. Exposure to commercial collars containing diazinon also reduced BuchE activity without clinical signs, indicating that previously exposed animals should be evaluated carefully.

Sonographic Assessment of the Normal and Abnormal Feline Mammary Glands and Axillary and Inguinal Lymph Nodes.

Ultrasound has been used as a diagnostic tool in normal mammary glands and mammary tumors of several species. This study aims to describe the B-mode and Doppler ultrasound features of the mammary glands and draining lymph nodes in 32 adult female cats. Group 1 (G1) consisted of 22 cats without changes in the mammary glands. The average age was 45 ± 25.09 months, where 63.6% (n = 14) were neutered and 31.8% (n = 7) had received progestin at some point for reproductive control. Mammary gland structure was predominantly hypoechoic and homogeneous, with well-defined margins. The average thickness was 1.52 ± 1.59 mm, although it may be affected by estrus, pregnancy, and lactation. In G1, 100% of lymph nodes were homogeneous, 98% were hypoechoic, and 100% were with well-defined margins and hilar vascularization. Group 2 (G2) consisted of 10 cats with mammary nodules. The average age was 88.8 ± 40.5 months, and 70% were intact and all had already received progestin. Ultrasound demonstrated enlarged mammary glands, with nodules of different textures clinically, mainly affecting the abdominal mammary glands (61%). In 33.33%, there were visible mammary ducts. Only 54.17% were homogeneous, 95.83% were hypoechoic, and the margins were regular in 52.08%. Lymph nodes in abnormal mammary chains may present changes in size, shape, echotexture, and echogenicity. Ultrasound examination of the mammary glands and lymph nodes are possible to evaluate the entire mammary chain as well the superficial inguinal and axillary lymph nodes for abnormalities in the feline.

Anatomy description of cervical region and hyoid apparatus in living giant anteaters Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758 / Descrição anatômica da região cervical e aparato hioide em espécimes vivos de tamanduá-bandeira, Mymercophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758

The giant anteater has specific anatomical adaptations resulting from its ant and termite feeding habits. The unique arrangement of its hyoid apparatus is essential for the ingestion of food. However, its description in the literature is based on fragments and fossils, making it difficult to determine existing anatomical details in live animals. Imaging techniques, which enable the topographical anatomy of animals to be examined noninvasively, provide essential information for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The aim of this study is to describe the bone contours in the hyoid apparatus of the giant anteater by means of radiographic and tomographic images. Giant anteaters of varying ages from the Wild Animal Screening Center (CETAS-GO) were used, seven for X-ray exams and two adults for CT exams. The hyoid elements in all the animals were evaluated using the two imaging techniques, and were visualized in the cervical region of C2 to C6, which comprises three paired bones (stylohyoid, epihyoid, ceratohyoid) and one unpaired bone (basihyoid). The presence of air in the oropharynx enabled the assessment of soft tissue structures in this region, such as the epiglottis and the soft palate. CT axial sections are of limited usefulness for evaluating the hyoid bones, but enable assessments of the basihyoid bone and its characteristic V-shape. Thus, to analyze the hyoid region in anteaters based on radiographic and tomographic images, one must keep in mind that the stylohyoid, epihyoid and ceratohyoid bones are situated ventrally to the C2 to C5 vertebrae and that the basihyoid at the level of C5-C6 demarcates the transition between the nasopharynx and the trachea. The nasopharynx and oropharynx extend from C1 to C5, and the trachea begins at the level of C6.(AU)

O Tamanduá-Bandeira possui adaptações anatômicas específicas, devido aos hábitos alimentares de ingestão de formigas e cupins. O arranjo singular do aparato hioide dos tamanduás é fundamental para a ingestão de alimentos. Sua descrição na literatura é baseada em peças e fósseis, o que dificulta a determinação de detalhes anatômicos existentes em animais vivos. As técnicas de imagem permitem a avaliação da anatomia topográfica dos animais, de maneira não invasiva, e o conhecimento desta é fundamental para o diagnóstico e prognóstico de afecções. O objetivo desse trabalho foi descrever o contorno ósseo do aparato hioide do tamanduá-bandeira, por meio de imagens radiográficas e tomográficas. Foram utilizados tamanduás-bandeiras provenientes do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS-GO), sendo sete, de variadas idades, para os exames radiográficos e dois adultos para os tomográficos. Os elementos hioideos foram avaliados em todos os animais por meio de ambas as técnicas de imagem, sendo visibilizados na região cervical, de C2 até C6, composto por três elementos pares (estiloioide, epioide, ceratioide) e um elemento ímpar (basitireoide). A presença de ar na orofaringe permitiu a avaliação das estruturas de tecidos moles desta região, como a epiglote e o palato mole. Os cortes tomográficos axiais têm importância limitada na avaliação dos hioides, mas permitem a avaliação do basitireoide e de seu formato característico (V-bone). Desta forma, para avaliar a região hioidea por meio dos exames radiográficos e tomográficos em tamanduás-bandeira, deve-se considerar que os ossos estiloioide, epioide e ceratioide localizam-se ventral às vértebras C2 até C5 e o basitireoide, em C5-C6, delimita a transição entre a nasofaringe e a traqueia. A orofaringe e a nasofaringe estendem-se de C1 a C5, e a traqueia inicia-se a partir de C6.(AU)

Anatomy description of cervical region and hyoid apparatus in living giant anteaters Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758 / Descrição anatômica da região cervical e aparato hioide em espécimes vivos de tamanduá-bandeira, Mymercophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758

The giant anteater has specific anatomical adaptations resulting from its ant and termite feeding habits. The unique arrangement of its hyoid apparatus is essential for the ingestion of food. However, its description in the literature is based on fragments and fossils, making it difficult to determine existing anatomical details in live animals. Imaging techniques, which enable the topographical anatomy of animals to be examined noninvasively, provide essential information for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The aim of this study is to describe the bone contours in the hyoid apparatus of the giant anteater by means of radiographic and tomographic images. Giant anteaters of varying ages from the Wild Animal Screening Center (CETAS-GO) were used, seven for X-ray exams and two adults for CT exams. The hyoid elements in all the animals were evaluated using the two imaging techniques, and were visualized in the cervical region of C2 to C6, which comprises three paired bones (stylohyoid, epihyoid, ceratohyoid) and one unpaired bone (basihyoid). The presence of air in the oropharynx enabled the assessment of soft tissue structures in this region, such as the epiglottis and the soft palate. CT axial sections are of limited usefulness for evaluating the hyoid bones, but enable assessments of the basihyoid bone and its characteristic V-shape. Thus, to analyze the hyoid region in anteaters based on radiographic and tomographic images, one must keep in mind that the stylohyoid, epihyoid and ceratohyoid bones are situated ventrally to the C2 to C5 vertebrae and that the basihyoid at the level of C5-C6 demarcates the transition between the nasopharynx and the trachea. The nasopharynx and oropharynx extend from C1 to C5, and the trachea begins at the level of C6.(AU)

O Tamanduá-Bandeira possui adaptações anatômicas específicas, devido aos hábitos alimentares de ingestão de formigas e cupins. O arranjo singular do aparato hioide dos tamanduás é fundamental para a ingestão de alimentos. Sua descrição na literatura é baseada em peças e fósseis, o que dificulta a determinação de detalhes anatômicos existentes em animais vivos. As técnicas de imagem permitem a avaliação da anatomia topográfica dos animais, de maneira não invasiva, e o conhecimento desta é fundamental para o diagnóstico e prognóstico de afecções. O objetivo desse trabalho foi descrever o contorno ósseo do aparato hioide do tamanduá-bandeira, por meio de imagens radiográficas e tomográficas. Foram utilizados tamanduás-bandeiras provenientes do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS-GO), sendo sete, de variadas idades, para os exames radiográficos e dois adultos para os tomográficos. Os elementos hioideos foram avaliados em todos os animais por meio de ambas as técnicas de imagem, sendo visibilizados na região cervical, de C2 até C6, composto por três elementos pares (estiloioide, epioide, ceratioide) e um elemento ímpar (basitireoide). A presença de ar na orofaringe permitiu a avaliação das estruturas de tecidos moles desta região, como a epiglote e o palato mole. Os cortes tomográficos axiais têm importância limitada na avaliação dos hioides, mas permitem a avaliação do basitireoide e de seu formato característico (V-bone). Desta forma, para avaliar a região hioidea por meio dos exames radiográficos e tomográficos em tamanduás-bandeira, deve-se considerar que os ossos estiloioide, epioide e ceratioide localizam-se ventral às vértebras C2 até C5 e o basitireoide, em C5-C6, delimita a transição entre a nasofaringe e a traqueia. A orofaringe e a nasofaringe estendem-se de C1 a C5, e a traqueia inicia-se a partir de C6.(AU)

Morphological evaluation of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral column of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758) / Avaliação morfológica da coluna torácica, lombar e sacral do tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758)

This study aimed to describe the number of thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae in tridactyla through radiographic examinations associated with gross anatomy determination. For this purpose, 12 adult specimens of M. tridactyla were analyzed, assigned to the Screening Center of Wild Animals (CETAS), IBAMA-GO, and approved by the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals (Process CEUA-UFG nr 018/2014). In the radiographic examinations the following numbers of thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) vertebrae were observed: 16Tx2L (n=7), 15Tx2L (n=3), and 15Tx3L (n=2). In contrast, the numbers of vertebrae identified by anatomical dissection were as follows: 16Tx2L (n=4), 15Tx2L (n=3), and 15Tx3L (n=5). This difference occurred in cases of lumbarization of thoracic vertebrae, as seen in three specimens, and was explained by changes in regional innervations identified by anatomical dissection and the presence of floating ribs (right unilateral=1, left unilateral=1 and bilateral=1), which were not identified by radiographic exams. Regarding the sacral vertebrae there was no variation depending on the methods used, which allowed the identification of 4 (n=1) or 5 (n=11) vertebrae. Thus, we concluded that there is variation in the number of thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae, in addition to lumbarization, which must be considered based on the presence of floating ribs, in this species.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever o número de vértebras torácicas, lombares e sacrais em Myrmecophaga tridactyla por meio de exames radiográficos e por contagem anatômica. Foram analisados ​​doze espécimes adultos de M. tridactyla oriundos do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS), IBAMA-GO, após aprovação pela Comissão de Ética no Uso de Animais (Processo CEUA-UFG no. 018/2014). Nos exames radiográficos, foram observados os seguintes números de vertebras torácicas (T) e lombares (L): 16Tx2L (n=7), 15Tx2L (n=3), e 15Tx3L (n=2). Em contraste, o número de vértebras identificados através de dissecção anatómica foram como se segue: 16Tx2L (n=4), 15Tx2L (n=3), e 15Tx3L (n=5). Essa diferença ocorreu em casos de lombarização da vertebra torácica, como visto em três exemplares e, foi explicada por mudanças nas inervações regionais identificadas por meio de dissecção anatômica e a presença de costelas flutuantes (unilateral direita=1, unilateral esquerda=1 e bilateral=1) que não foram identificados por meio de exame radiográfico. Em relação ao número de vértebras sacrais não houve variação dos métodos utilizados, sendo que ambos permitiram a identificação de quatro (n=1) ou 5 (n=11) vértebras. Assim, concluiu-se que há variação no número de vértebras torácicas, lombares e sacrais, devido à lombarização, que devem ser consideradas com base na presença de costelas flutuantes nesta espécie.(AU)

Morphological evaluation of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral column of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758) / Avaliação morfológica da coluna torácica, lombar e sacral do tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758)

This study aimed to describe the number of thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae in tridactyla through radiographic examinations associated with gross anatomy determination. For this purpose, 12 adult specimens of M. tridactyla were analyzed, assigned to the Screening Center of Wild Animals (CETAS), IBAMA-GO, and approved by the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals (Process CEUA-UFG nr 018/2014). In the radiographic examinations the following numbers of thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) vertebrae were observed: 16Tx2L (n=7), 15Tx2L (n=3), and 15Tx3L (n=2). In contrast, the numbers of vertebrae identified by anatomical dissection were as follows: 16Tx2L (n=4), 15Tx2L (n=3), and 15Tx3L (n=5). This difference occurred in cases of lumbarization of thoracic vertebrae, as seen in three specimens, and was explained by changes in regional innervations identified by anatomical dissection and the presence of floating ribs (right unilateral=1, left unilateral=1 and bilateral=1), which were not identified by radiographic exams. Regarding the sacral vertebrae there was no variation depending on the methods used, which allowed the identification of 4 (n=1) or 5 (n=11) vertebrae. Thus, we concluded that there is variation in the number of thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae, in addition to lumbarization, which must be considered based on the presence of floating ribs, in this species.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever o número de vértebras torácicas, lombares e sacrais em Myrmecophaga tridactyla por meio de exames radiográficos e por contagem anatômica. Foram analisados ​​doze espécimes adultos de M. tridactyla oriundos do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS), IBAMA-GO, após aprovação pela Comissão de Ética no Uso de Animais (Processo CEUA-UFG no. 018/2014). Nos exames radiográficos, foram observados os seguintes números de vertebras torácicas (T) e lombares (L): 16Tx2L (n=7), 15Tx2L (n=3), e 15Tx3L (n=2). Em contraste, o número de vértebras identificados através de dissecção anatómica foram como se segue: 16Tx2L (n=4), 15Tx2L (n=3), e 15Tx3L (n=5). Essa diferença ocorreu em casos de lombarização da vertebra torácica, como visto em três exemplares e, foi explicada por mudanças nas inervações regionais identificadas por meio de dissecção anatômica e a presença de costelas flutuantes (unilateral direita=1, unilateral esquerda=1 e bilateral=1) que não foram identificados por meio de exame radiográfico. Em relação ao número de vértebras sacrais não houve variação dos métodos utilizados, sendo que ambos permitiram a identificação de quatro (n=1) ou 5 (n=11) vértebras. Assim, concluiu-se que há variação no número de vértebras torácicas, lombares e sacrais, devido à lombarização, que devem ser consideradas com base na presença de costelas flutuantes nesta espécie.(AU)

Morphological evaluation of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral column of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758)

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to describe the number of thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae in tridactyla through radiographic examinations associated with gross anatomy determination. For this purpose, 12 adult specimens of M. tridactyla were analyzed, assigned to the Screening Center of Wild Animals (CETAS), IBAMA-GO, and approved by the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals (Process CEUA-UFG nr 018/2014). In the radiographic examinations the following numbers of thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) vertebrae were observed: 16Tx2L (n=7), 15Tx2L (n=3), and 15Tx3L (n=2). In contrast, the numbers of vertebrae identified by anatomical dissection were as follows: 16Tx2L (n=4), 15Tx2L (n=3), and 15Tx3L (n=5). This difference occurred in cases of lumbarization of thoracic vertebrae, as seen in three specimens, and was explained by changes in regional innervations identified by anatomical dissection and the presence of floating ribs (right unilateral=1, left unilateral=1 and bilateral=1), which were not identified by radiographic exams. Regarding the sacral vertebrae there was no variation depending on the methods used, which allowed the identification of 4 (n=1) or 5 (n=11) vertebrae. Thus, we concluded that there is variation in the number of thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae, in addition to lumbarization, which must be considered based on the presence of floating ribs, in this species.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever o número de vértebras torácicas, lombares e sacrais em Myrmecophaga tridactyla por meio de exames radiográficos e por contagem anatômica. Foram analisados doze espécimes adultos de M. tridactyla oriundos do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS), IBAMA-GO, após aprovação pela Comissão de Ética no Uso de Animais (Processo CEUA-UFG no. 018/2014). Nos exames radiográficos, foram observados os seguintes números de vertebras torácicas (T) e lombares (L): 16Tx2L (n=7), 15Tx2L (n=3), e 15Tx3L (n=2). Em contraste, o número de vértebras identificados através de dissecção anatómica foram como se segue: 16Tx2L (n=4), 15Tx2L (n=3), e 15Tx3L (n=5). Essa diferença ocorreu em casos de lombarização da vertebra torácica, como visto em três exemplares e, foi explicada por mudanças nas inervações regionais identificadas por meio de dissecção anatômica e a presença de costelas flutuantes (unilateral direita=1, unilateral esquerda=1 e bilateral=1) que não foram identificados por meio de exame radiográfico. Em relação ao número de vértebras sacrais não houve variação dos métodos utilizados, sendo que ambos permitiram a identificação de quatro (n=1) ou 5 (n=11) vértebras. Assim, concluiu-se que há variação no número de vértebras torácicas, lombares e sacrais, devido à lombarização, que devem ser consideradas com base na presença de costelas flutuantes nesta espécie.

DXA, bioelectrical impedance, ultrasonography and biometry for the estimation of fat and lean mass in cats during weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Few equations have been developed in veterinary medicine compared to human medicine to predict body composition. The present study was done to evaluate the influence of weight loss on biometry (BIO), bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and ultrasonography (US) in cats, proposing equations to estimate fat (FM) and lean (LM) body mass, as compared to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the referenced method. For this were used 16 gonadectomized obese cats (8 males and 8 females) in a weight loss program. DXA, BIO, BIA and US were performed in the obese state (T0; obese animals), after 10% of weight loss (T1) and after 20% of weight loss (T2). Stepwise regression was used to analyze the relationship between the dependent variables (FM, LM) determined by DXA and the independent variables obtained by BIO, BIA and US. The better models chosen were evaluated by a simple regression analysis and means predicted vs. determined by DXA were compared to verify the accuracy of the equations. RESULTS: The independent variables determined by BIO, BIA and US that best correlated (p < 0.005) with the dependent variables (FM and LM) were BW (body weight), TC (thoracic circumference), PC (pelvic circumference), R (resistance) and SFLT (subcutaneous fat layer thickness). Using Mallows'Cp statistics, p value and r2, 19 equations were selected (12 for FM, 7 for LM); however, only 7 equations accurately predicted FM and one LM of cats. CONCLUSIONS: The equations with two variables are better to use because they are effective and will be an alternative method to estimate body composition in the clinical routine. For estimated lean mass the equations using body weight associated with biometrics measures can be proposed. For estimated fat mass the equations using body weight associated with bioimpedance analysis can be proposed.

Protein intake during weight loss influences the energy required for weight loss and maintenance in cats.

The effects of 2 diets with different protein contents on weight loss and subsequent maintenance was assessed in obese cats. The control group [Co; n = 8; body condition score (BCS) = 8.6 +/- 0.2] received a diet containing 21.4 g crude protein (CP)/MJ of metabolizable energy and the high-protein group (HP; n = 7; BCS = 8.6 +/- 0.2) received a diet containing 28.4 g CP/MJ until the cats achieved a 20% controlled weight loss (0.92 +/- 0.2%/wk). After the weight loss, the cats were all fed a diet containing 28.0 g CP/MJ at an amount sufficient to maintain a constant body weight (MAIN) for 120 d. During weight loss, there was a reduction of lean mass in Co (P < 0.01) but not in HP cats and a reduction in leptinemia in both groups (P < 0.01). Energy intake per kilogram of metabolic weight (kg(-0.40)) to maintain the same rate of weight loss was lower (P < 0.04) in the Co (344 +/- 15.9 kJ x kg(-0.40) x d(-1)) than in the HP group (377 +/- 12.4 kJ. x kg(-0.40) x d(-1)). During the first 40 d of MAIN, the energy requirement for weight maintenance was 398.7 +/- 9.7 kJ.kg(-0.40) x d(-1) for both groups, corresponding to 73% of the NRC recommendation. The required energy gradually increased in both groups (P < 0.05) but at a faster rate in HP; therefore, the energy consumption during the last 40 d of the MAIN was higher (P < 0.001) for the HP cats (533.8 +/- 7.4 kJ x kg(-0.40) x d(-1)) than for the control cats (462.3 +/- 9.6 kJ x kg(-0.40) x d(-1)). These findings suggest that HP diets allow a higher energy intake to weight loss in cats, reducing the intensity of energy restriction. Protein intake also seemed to have long-term effects so that weight maintenance required more energy after weight loss.