Morphology of the syrinx of three species of birds from Brazilian cerrado (Psittacara leucophthalmus, Rhynchotus rufescens and Cariama cristata): Gross anatomy and light microscopy study.

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the trachea and syrinx at macroscopic and light microscopy levels of three species of birds from different orders that inhabit the Brazilian cerrado. For that, five adult specimens (three males and two females of each species) of white-eyed parakeet (Psittacara leucophthalmus), red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) and red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata) were used. The trachea and syrinx of the birds were collected and destined for anatomical and histological studies. The trachea of the studied birds presented an elongated path and originated in the larynx and extended caudally to the syrinx. No sexual dimorphism was observed in the syrinx of the studied species, probably because it is associated with their song, which is very similar between males and females of these species. The findings of this study allowed us to classify the syrinx as tracheal in the white-eyed parakeet and tracheobronchial in the red-winged tinamou and red-legged seriema. In general, the morphological features of the trachea and syrinx were similar to those described for other species of birds, such as the presence of intrinsic and extrinsic syringeal muscles, and the lateral and medial tympaniform membranes, which would represent important anatomical structures in sound production through vibration during expiration and eventual inspiration. The morphological structure of the syrinx in the three avian species of the Brazilian cerrado is consistent with the ability of these avian species to perform a potential vocalization, especially the red-legged seriema that emits characteristic sounds very loud and can carry several kilometres.

Mandibular morphometry applied to local anaesthetic blockage in the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris).

Capybaras have been victims of collisions against vehicles, which can result in fractures of the teeth and mandible. Then, a local anaesthetic block of the inferior alveolar and mental nerves is important for performing therapeutic procedures in the oral cavity of these rodents. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the mandibular morphometry of the capybara with emphasis on the establishment of anatomic references for anaesthetic block of the inferior alveolar and mental nerves. For this, mandibles from eight young and adult capybaras were used. Radiography and morphometry of the capybara hemimandible were performed. The mandibular foramen had a dorsoventral diameter of 2.1 mm in young and 2.2 mm in adult capybaras, and it was situated ventrally to the third molar tooth. For extraoral block of the inferior alveolar nerve, the needle should be introduced obliquely 63.5 and 77.4 mm from the angular process in young and adult capybaras, respectively. In another extraoral approach, the needle should be introduced perpendicularly 20.8 mm in young and 26.3 mm in adult animals from the ventral margin of the capybara mandible. For blocking only the mental nerve, the needle should be inserted perpendicularly from the interalveolar margin, 10.7 and 11.5 mm in the young and adult capybaras, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that the age group should be taken into account when performing the anaesthetic block of the inferior alveolar and mental nerves in capybaras.

Skull of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) - morphometric parameters

Background: The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. They are territorial animals,and live in social groups, commonly occurring in anthropized area, what has attracted the attention of researchers in relation to this animal species, since it is the host of the Amblyomma cajennese tick that transmits spotted-fever to humansand are responsible for severe impact on livestock and public health. The skull is a part of the axial skeleton that enclosingthe brain, sensory organs and digestive and respiratory structures. Moreover, the phenotypic appearance of the capybarahead depends on the shape of the skull. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the reference values of cranial measurements of capybaras. The knowledge of morphometric parameters of skull is pivotal for veterinary treatment of pathologicalconditions and taxonomic affiliation.Materials, Methods & Results: Eight capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) skulls were used in this study, irrespectiveof age and sex. The skulls belonging to the anatomical collection of the Laboratory of Wildlife Anatomy and AnatomicalMuseum, Department of Anatomy, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo.A total of 35 morphometric parameters were performed using a digital caliper and 6 cranial indices were calculated. Allinvestigated features were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Anatomically, capybara skull were elongated, rectanglelike and consisted of cranial and facial bones. The morphometric parameters were used to calculate the following craniometrics indices: skull index (57.86 ± 3.62), cranial index (50.49 ± 2.08), facial index (49.22 ± 3.82), basal index (33.98 ±0.86), nasal index (26.73 ± 3.1), and the foramen magnum index (149.61 ± 1.07). Moreover, the facial part length (mean137.90 mm) and cranium part length (mean 87.76 mm) also were calculated. The facial part...(AU)

Skull of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) - morphometric parameters

Background: The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. They are territorial animals,and live in social groups, commonly occurring in anthropized area, what has attracted the attention of researchers in relation to this animal species, since it is the host of the Amblyomma cajennese tick that transmits spotted-fever to humansand are responsible for severe impact on livestock and public health. The skull is a part of the axial skeleton that enclosingthe brain, sensory organs and digestive and respiratory structures. Moreover, the phenotypic appearance of the capybarahead depends on the shape of the skull. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the reference values of cranial measurements of capybaras. The knowledge of morphometric parameters of skull is pivotal for veterinary treatment of pathologicalconditions and taxonomic affiliation.Materials, Methods & Results: Eight capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) skulls were used in this study, irrespectiveof age and sex. The skulls belonging to the anatomical collection of the Laboratory of Wildlife Anatomy and AnatomicalMuseum, Department of Anatomy, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo.A total of 35 morphometric parameters were performed using a digital caliper and 6 cranial indices were calculated. Allinvestigated features were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Anatomically, capybara skull were elongated, rectanglelike and consisted of cranial and facial bones. The morphometric parameters were used to calculate the following craniometrics indices: skull index (57.86 ± 3.62), cranial index (50.49 ± 2.08), facial index (49.22 ± 3.82), basal index (33.98 ±0.86), nasal index (26.73 ± 3.1), and the foramen magnum index (149.61 ± 1.07). Moreover, the facial part length (mean137.90 mm) and cranium part length (mean 87.76 mm) also were calculated. The facial part...

Blood supply and arteriography of the pelvic limb of the Southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba).

The aim of this study was to compare the arterial vascularization of the pelvic limb between southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba) by dissection and radiographic examinations. Five specimens of caracaras (three males and two females), and seven great egrets (five males and two females) were used. Barium sulphate and latex suspension were injected into the left ventricle of the birds. The radiographs were taken with the pelvic limbs in the ventrodorsal, dorsoplantar, mediolateral and lateromedial recumbency. Thereafter, the material was fixed in a 10% solution of formaldehyde and dissected. The pelvic limb received its arterial supply from two main vessels, the ischiatic and external iliac arteries. The ischiatic artery presented to be the principal artery of pelvic limb in the caracara and great egret. Several branches arised from the ischiatic and external iliac arteries were described. No gender differences were observed in both species. The caracara and great egret showed arteries similar to those reported for the ostrich and domestic fowl. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that the caracara has a pelvic limb with more arterial branches and larger arterial diameter than the great egret, which is probably related to the specific behaviour of these birds, since the caracara is a bird that exercise more their pelvic limbs to capture its prey when compared with the great egret.

Unilateral renal agenesis in Chilean-flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

Background: Phoenicopterus chilensis is a South American wild bird classified as a near threatened specie in the List ofEndangered Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. With the increase of the contact between human population and wild animals, this species habitat is becoming increasingly vulnerable, with a declining population.Due to the importance of its conservation, the knowledge of abnormalities that affect this species becomes essential. Thisreport aims to describe the first diagnosed case of unilateral renal agenesis in chilean-flamingo.Case: A captive male chilean-flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) was found dead in its enclosure and then was referredat necropsy. The cause of death was the presence of tracheal fungal granuloma, caused by Aspergillus sp. Macroscopically,during the examination of the body cavity, the absence of the right kidney was noted, also evidencing the absence of thecaudal renal vein. Emerging from the caudal division of the kidney was noted a blind-end renal vessel. For the histopathological examination, the remaining kidney was fixed in 10% formalin, processed by paraffin embedding technique andstained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE). When analyzing the left kidney parenchyma, preserved histological architecturewas noted, without any changes in the tissue structures of the organ. Thus, no hypertrophy by compensatory mechanismsof the remaining kidney was observed.Discussion: Unilateral renal agenesis is a very rare congenital defect in dogs, cats and also in birds. It occurs in the complete absence of one of the kidneys, a situation with which the animal can live satisfactorily if there is a normal kidney toassume the functions. In association, ipsilateral ureteral agenesis and compensatory...(AU)

Effects of clamping umbilical cord on the neonatal viability of puppies delivered by cesarean section.

In human neonates, when the umbilical cord is kept intact postpartum, blood continues to flow to the neonate, but this procedure might be difficult in dogs owing to a shorter umbilical cord and several neonates in a litter. However, it might be possible to detach the placenta and keep the umbilical cord intact, allowing residual blood to flow to the puppies. This study compared the effects of clamping versus no clamping of the umbilical cord in dogs born by cesarean section on neonatal vitality. The puppies were assessed by Apgar and reflex scores. Fifty puppies delivered from 16 bitches were randomly allocated to receive immediate umbilical cord clamping (n=25) or no clamping for at least 3 min after the onset of breathing (n=25). The puppies were assessed during the first 5 min of life and 10 min after the first assessment. The no clamping group showed significantly higher Apgar scores (second assessment, P<0.01) and reflex scores (first and second assessments, P<0.05) than the clamping group, implying higher vitality in the no clamping group. The differences observed between the moments (first versus second assessment) of each group was significant (P<0.01), revealing higher vitality in the second assessment. The results suggest that keeping the umbilical cord intact for at least 3 min after the onset of breathing may contribute to increased vitality in puppies delivered by cesarean section without any negative consequences.

Unilateral renal agenesis in Chilean-flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

Background: Phoenicopterus chilensis is a South American wild bird classified as a near threatened specie in the List ofEndangered Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. With the increase of the contact between human population and wild animals, this species’ habitat is becoming increasingly vulnerable, with a declining population.Due to the importance of its conservation, the knowledge of abnormalities that affect this species becomes essential. Thisreport aims to describe the first diagnosed case of unilateral renal agenesis in chilean-flamingo.Case: A captive male chilean-flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) was found dead in its enclosure and then was referredat necropsy. The cause of death was the presence of tracheal fungal granuloma, caused by Aspergillus sp. Macroscopically,during the examination of the body cavity, the absence of the right kidney was noted, also evidencing the absence of thecaudal renal vein. Emerging from the caudal division of the kidney was noted a blind-end renal vessel. For the histopathological examination, the remaining kidney was fixed in 10% formalin, processed by paraffin embedding technique andstained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE). When analyzing the left kidney parenchyma, preserved histological architecturewas noted, without any changes in the tissue structures of the organ. Thus, no hypertrophy by compensatory mechanismsof the remaining kidney was observed.Discussion: Unilateral renal agenesis is a very rare congenital defect in dogs, cats and also in birds. It occurs in the complete absence of one of the kidneys, a situation with which the animal can live satisfactorily if there is a normal kidney toassume the functions. In association, ipsilateral ureteral agenesis and compensatory...

Hypoplasia of ribs associated with cleft palate, cleft lip, and unilateral renal agenesis in a neonate dog of undefined breed / Hipoplasia de costelas associada a fenda palatina, lábio leporino e agenesia renal unilateral em cão neonato sem raça definida

Congenital defects can cause changes in the normal function or morphology of organs, thus contributing to neonatal mortality. Malformations in dogs occur as a result of genetic factors or by the action of teratogenic agents during pregnancy. Genetic defects can be inherited from one or both parents. These defects are more common in purebred puppies or can even be the result of consanguinity. Teratogenic agents, such as toxins, drugs, infectious diseases, mechanical influences, and irradiation, may affect the litters during gestational development. Hypoplasia of ribs has been described in human newborns. It is a rare and lethal malformation of autosomal recessive inheritance that prevents thoracic expansion and reduces pulmonary compliance, causing respiratory failure. A pregnant bitch of undefined breed was submitted to caesarean section. At birth, a neonate exhibited respiratory distress, and the palpation of the thorax indicated absence of ribs. In addition, the newborn had cleft palate and cleft lip, which led to perform the euthanasia of the animal. Post-mortem examination indicated hypoplasia of ribs and unilateral renal agenesis. As in the canine neonate, hypoplasia of ribs in human newborns is also associated with other malformations, such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and urogenital defects. The present report describes the first case of hypoplasia of ribs associated with other malformations in a canine neonate, the cause being possibly related to a genetic hereditary factor.(AU)

Os defeitos congênitos podem causar alterações na função ou na morfologia normal de órgãos, contribuindo para a mortalidade neonatal canina. As malformações em cães podem ocorrer devido a fatores genéticos ou por ação de agentes teratogênicos durante a gestação. Os defeitos genéticos podem ser herdados de um ou ambos os pais, sendo mais comum em filhotes de raça pura, ou ainda ocorrerem por consaguinidade. Já os agentes teratogênicos como toxinas, fármacos, doenças infecciosas, influências mecânicas e irradiação, podem afetar a ninhada durante o desenvolvimento gestacional. A hipoplasia de costelas é relatada em recém-nascidos humanos, é uma malformação rara e letal de herança autossômica recessiva que impede a expansão torácica e reduz a complacência pulmonar, causando insuficiência respiratória. Uma cadela prenhe sem raça definida foi submetida à cesariana, ao nascimento um neonato apresentou sofrimento respiratório, à palpação do tórax presumiu-se ausência de costelas, o recém-nascido apresentava ainda fenda palatina e lábio leporino, e optou-se pela eutanásia do animal. No exame post-mortem foi diagnosticado hipoplasia de costelas e agenesia renal unilateral. Assim como encontrado no neonato canino, em recém-nascidos humanos a hipoplasia de costelas também está associada com outras malformações, como fenda labial e do palato e defeitos urogenitais. O presente relato descreve o primeiro caso de hipoplasia de costelas em neonato canino, associada com outras malformações, sendo a causa possivelmente relacionada a um fator genético hereditário.(AU)

Hypoplasia of ribs associated with cleft palate, cleft lip, and unilateral renal agenesis in a neonate dog of undefined breed / Hipoplasia de costelas associada a fenda palatina, lábio leporino e agenesia renal unilateral em cão neonato sem raça definida

Congenital defects can cause changes in the normal function or morphology of organs, thus contributing to neonatal mortality. Malformations in dogs occur as a result of genetic factors or by the action of teratogenic agents during pregnancy. Genetic defects can be inherited from one or both parents. These defects are more common in purebred puppies or can even be the result of consanguinity. Teratogenic agents, such as toxins, drugs, infectious diseases, mechanical influences, and irradiation, may affect the litters during gestational development. Hypoplasia of ribs has been described in human newborns. It is a rare and lethal malformation of autosomal recessive inheritance that prevents thoracic expansion and reduces pulmonary compliance, causing respiratory failure. A pregnant bitch of undefined breed was submitted to caesarean section. At birth, a neonate exhibited respiratory distress, and the palpation of the thorax indicated absence of ribs. In addition, the newborn had cleft palate and cleft lip, which led to perform the euthanasia of the animal. Post-mortem examination indicated hypoplasia of ribs and unilateral renal agenesis. As in the canine neonate, hypoplasia of ribs in human newborns is also associated with other malformations, such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and urogenital defects. The present report describes the first case of hypoplasia of ribs associated with

Os defeitos congênitos podem causar alterações na função ou na morfologia normal de órgãos, contribuindo para a mortalidade neonatal canina. As malformações em cães podem ocorrer devido a fatores genéticos ou por ação de agentes teratogênicos durante a gestação. Os defeitos genéticos podem ser herdados de um ou ambos os pais, sendo mais comum em filhotes de raça pura, ou ainda ocorrerem por consaguinidade. Já os agentes teratogênicos como toxinas, fármacos, doenças infecciosas, influências mecânicas e irradiação, podem afetar a ninhada durante o desenvolvimento gestacional. A hipoplasia de costelas é relatada em recém-nascidos humanos, é uma malformação rara e letal de herança autossômica recessiva que impede a expansão torácica e reduz a complacência pulmonar, causando insuficiência respiratória. Uma cadela prenhe sem raça definida foi submetida à cesariana, ao nascimento um neonato apresentou sofrimento respiratório, à palpação do tórax presumiu-se ausência de costelas, o recém-nascido apresentava ainda fenda palatina e lábio leporino, e optou-se pela eutanásia do animal. No exame post-mortem foi diagnosticado hipoplasia de costelas e agenesia renal unilateral. Assim como encontrado no neonato canino, em recém-nascidos humanos a hipoplasia de costelas também está associada com outras malformações, como fenda labial e do palato e defeitos urogenitais. O presente relato descrev

Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis in a free-living maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

Background: Chrysocyon brachyurus is a South American wild canid considered a species near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is classified as vulnerable in the National List of Endangered Species. With the increase of the contact between domestic animals, human population and wild animals, there was a greater exposure of the maned wolf to pathogens. Due to the importance of its conservation, the knowledge of emerging infectious diseases that affect this species becomes essential. This report aims to describe the first diagnosed case of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis in a maned wolf.Case: A free-living female maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), approximately 60 days old, was rescued with presence of alopecia, non-pruritic lesions, one of circular shape located in the nasal plane and the other with signs of scaling and crusts in the region of the left pina. The animal was active, in good general condition and without other significant changes to clinical examination. Skin scraping was performed for mycological culture of both lesions. Fungal growth on Sabourauds agar identified Microsporum canis. Topical therapy with ketoconazole ointment and cleaning of lesions with 0.2% chlorhexidine was instituted. After 20 days of treatment, remission of clinical signs and repilation of affected areas were observed. New mycological cultures of both areas were carried out, which were negative for Microsporum canis.Discussion: Although Microsporum canis is described as causing dermatophytosis in several animal species, it has apparently not yet been reported in maned wolves. Microsporum canis is one of the most isolated zoophilic dermatophytes in domestic cats and is also cited in reports of symptomatic wild felids, such as tigers, in which it has been identified as either the only agent of infection or in association with Trichophyton mentagrophytes.[...](AU)

Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis in a free-living maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

Background: Chrysocyon brachyurus is a South American wild canid considered a species near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is classified as vulnerable in the National List of Endangered Species. With the increase of the contact between domestic animals, human population and wild animals, there was a greater exposure of the maned wolf to pathogens. Due to the importance of its conservation, the knowledge of emerging infectious diseases that affect this species becomes essential. This report aims to describe the first diagnosed case of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis in a maned wolf.Case: A free-living female maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), approximately 60 days old, was rescued with presence of alopecia, non-pruritic lesions, one of circular shape located in the nasal plane and the other with signs of scaling and crusts in the region of the left pina. The animal was active, in good general condition and without other significant changes to clinical examination. Skin scraping was performed for mycological culture of both lesions. Fungal growth on Sabouraud’s agar identified Microsporum canis. Topical therapy with ketoconazole ointment and cleaning of lesions with 0.2% chlorhexidine was instituted. After 20 days of treatment, remission of clinical signs and repilation of affected areas were observed. New mycological cultures of both areas were carried out, which were negative for Microsporum canis.Discussion: Although Microsporum canis is described as causing dermatophytosis in several animal species, it has apparently not yet been reported in maned wolves. Microsporum canis is one of the most isolated zoophilic dermatophytes in domestic cats and is also cited in reports of symptomatic wild felids, such as tigers, in which it has been identified as either the only agent of infection or in association with Trichophyton mentagrophytes.[...]