External morphology and biometry of newborn agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) / Morfologia externa e biometria de neonates de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831)

Morphological features are essential to assess neonates' viability. In order to characterize the morphology and biometry of newborn agouti, 36 animals born at 103 days of gestation under human care in Teresina-PI, Brazil were evaluated. After birth, the newborns were weighed on digital precision scales, measured with a flexible tape measure and their external morphology was assessed. The animals observed had coat color trait of adults, open eyes, hairs in the nasal region and four incisor teeth. The forelimbs had developed four digits and the hind limbs three digits, with white edged claws and a short hairless tail. The following were observed: weight of 144.58 ± 33.39g and lengths: crown-rump 14.73 ± 1.82cm, total 19.88 ± 1.52cm, head to tail 16.95 ± 1.55cm, head 7.33 ± 0.59cm, thoracic girth 11.78 ± 1.36cm, abdominal girth 10.73 ± 1.21cm, tail length 1.18 ± 0.25cm, eye diameter 1.27 ± 0.27cm and ear length 0.21 ± 0.35cm. The agoutis presented morphological maturity at birth with external morphology very similar to that of the adult animals. Most of the births in this species are the double type and newborns that weigh more than 90g have better chances of survival in captivity.

As características morfológicas são essenciais para avaliar a viabilidade dos neonatos. Para caracterizar a morfologia e biometria de cutias recém-nascidas, foram avaliados 36 animais nascidos aos 103 dias de gestação sob cuidados em Teresina-PI, Brasil. Após o nascimento, os recém-nascidos foram pesados em balança digital de precisão, medidos com fita métrica flexível e avaliada sua morfologia externa. Os animais observados apresentavam traço de pelagem de adultos, olhos abertos, pelos na região nasal e quatro dentes incisivos. Os membros anteriores desenvolveram quatro dedos e os membros posteriores três, com garras brancas afiadas e uma cauda curta e sem pêlos. Foram observados: peso de 144,58 ± 33,39g e comprimentos: garupa 14,73 ± 1,82cm, total 19,88 ± 1,52cm, cabeça a cauda 16,95 ± 1,55cm, cabeça 7,33 ± 0,59cm, perímetro torácico 11,78 ± 1,36cm, abdominal perímetro 10,73 ± 1,21 cm, comprimento da cauda 1,18 ± 0,25 cm, diâmetro do olho 1,27 ± 0,27 cm e comprimento da orelha 0,21 ± 0,35 cm. As cutias apresentaram maturidade morfológica ao nascimento com morfologia externa muito semelhante à dos animais adultos. A maioria dos nascimentos nesta espécie são do tipo duplo e recém-nascidos que pesam mais de 90g têm melhores chances de sobrevivência sob cuidados humanos.

Pelvimetric characteristics in agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) bred under human care / Características pelvimétricas em cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) criadas sob cuidados humanos

The aim of the study was to establish the pattern of the agouti pelvis by obtaining external and radiographic internal pelvimetric values. Forty-three agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha), females and males bred in under human care were used. The parameters measured were the external biiliac diameter; the external biischiatic diameter; right and left external ilioischiatic diameters and radiographic internal measurements (true conjugated, the diagonal conjugated; the vertical, the sacral, sagittal, coxal tuberosity, upper biiliac, lower biiliac, and biischiatic diameter. The inlet pelvic area and the outlet pelvic area were calculated, as well the height/width ratios of the entrance area of the pelvis and the pelvic outlet area were calculated. The mean values for each body measurement of females and males were: weight 1.91kg and 2.04kg, external biiliac diameter 6.32cm and 6.30cm, external biischiatic diameter 4.34cm and 4.28cm, right external ilioischiatic diameter 9.01cm and 9.33cm, left external ilioischiatic diameter 9.13cm and 9.30cm, true conjugated 3.90cm and 3.68cm, diagonal conjugated 7.13cm and 6.91cm, vertical diameter 2.59cm and 2.45cm, sacral diameter 2.63cm and 2.44cm, sagittal diameter 3.30cm and 3.09cm, coxal tuberosity diameter 2.52cm and 2.43cm, upper biiliac diameter 6.28cm and 6.24cm, lower biiliac diameter 2.98cm and 2.58cm, biischiatic diameter 2.60cm and 2.70cm, height/width ratio - vertical/ lower biiliac diameter 0.88cm and 0.95cm, sagital/coxal tuberosity diameter 1.32cm and 1.28cm, inlet pelvic area 82.38cm and 77.83cm and outlet pelvic area 24.76cm and 20.07cm. Agouti are dolichopelvic animals, demonstrating the existence of a discrete sexual dimorphism in adults and low intensity correlations between the external and internal measures studied.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer o padrão da pelve de cutia, masculina e feminina, por meio da obtenção dos valores médios da pelvimetria externa e interna radiográfica. Foram utilizadas 43 cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha), fêmeas e machos criadas sob cuidados humanos. Os parâmetros medidos foram o diâmetro biilíaco externo; o diâmetro biisquiático externo; diâmetros ilioisquiáticos externos direito e esquerdo e medidas internas radiográficas (diâmetros conjugado verdadeiro, diagonal conjugado, vertical, sacral, sagital, tuberosidade coxal, biilíaco superior, biilíaco inferior e diâmetro biisquiático). A área pélvica de entrada e a área pélvica de saída foram calculadas , assim como foram calculadas as razões altura/largura da área de entrada da pelve e da área de saída da pelve. Os valores médios para as medidas das fêmeas e dos machos foram, respectivamente: peso 1,91kg e 2,04kg, diâmetro biilíaco externo 6,32cm e 6,30 cm, diâmetro ilioisquiático externo 4,34cm e 4,28cm, diâmetro ilioisquiático externo direito 9,01cm e 9,33cm, diâmetro ilioisquiático externo esquerdo 9,13cm e 9,30cm, diâmetro conjugado verdadeiro 3,90cm e 3,68cm, diâmetro conjugado diagonal 7,13cm e 6,91cm, diâmetro vertical 2,59cm e 2,45cm, diâmetro sacral 2,63cm e 2,44cm, diâmetro sagital 3,30cm e 3,09cm, tuberosidade coxal diâmetro 2,52cm e 2,43cm, diâmetro biilíaco superior 6,28cm e 6,24cm, diâmetro biilíaco inferior 2,98cm e 2,58cm, diâmetro biisquiático 2,60cm e 2,70cm, relação altura/largura - vertical/diâmetro biilíaco inferior 0,88cm e 0,95cm, diâmetro sagital/coxal tuberosidade 1,32cm e 1,28cm, área pélvica de entrada 82,38cm e 77,83 cm e área pélvica de saída 24,76cm e 20,07cm. As cutias são animais dolicopélvicos, demonstrando a existência de um discreto dimorfismo sexual em adultos e correlações de baixa intensidade entre as medidas externas e internas estudadas.

Ocular echobiometry and resistivity Index of external ophthalmic artery in agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha)

Veterinary Ophthalmology provides complementary information for the diagnosis of ocular pathologies. Studies in wild species are essential. Among the diagnostic techniques in ophthalmology, two-dimensional ultrasonography stands out. The agouti is a rodent belonging to the Dasyproctidae family that has been widely used as an experimental model. For these animals, sight is one of the crucial senses for their survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the two-dimensional ocular ultrasound technique to obtain anatomical measurements and the external ophthalmic artery resistivity index, presumably normal in the species Dasyprocta prymnolopha. Forty eye bulbs of 20 adult rodents of the species were evaluated by ultrasonography. In these animals, B-mode echobiometry was performed using the transpalpebral approach and the hemodynamic study of the external ophthalmic artery using the color Doppler technique. All examinations were initiated by the left eye bulb and all measurements were performed by only one examiner. The collected data related to echobiometry were analyzed using Bioest 5.0 for Windows. Initially, normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test for each parameter, then the paired t-test was performed, comparing right and left eyes, and a significance level of 5% (P < 0.05) was adopted. Based on the methodology used, the following values were obtained for the right and left eyeballs, respectively: anterior chamber thickness - mean of 1.28 ± 0.3 mm and 1.22 ± 0.1 mm; lens thickness - 8.27 ± 0.9 mm and 8.11 ± 0.9 mm; vitreous chamber thickness - 5.35 ± 0.48 mm and 5.30 ± 0.47 mm and axial length - 12.7 ± 0.9 mm and 13 ± 0.68 mm. The mean external ophthalmic artery resistivity values were 0.4305 ± 0.0390 and 0.4258 ± 0.0387 (right and left eye, respectively), characterizing a low resistance. There was no statistical difference between the right and left eyeballs in any of the studied parameters. The use of the convex transducer was feasible, promoting adequate contact with the ocular surface and images of satisfactory quality for obtaining measurements, similar to what was observed in studies evaluating the ocular biometry of primates and dogs. The anterior chamber thickness values in this experiment did not differ statistically between the antimers, as well as observed for dogs. The data obtained for lens thickness did not differ statistically for antimers, like those obtained for other rodent species evaluated with the same methodology. The mean values of vitreous chamber thickness were like those observed in chinchillas but correspond to about half of that obtained for capybaras. In this study, the external ophthalmic artery was characterized in all animals, but obtaining the spectral tracing was difficult due to its fine caliber. In wild animals, and especially in wild rodents, there are few data reporting the resistivity of the ophthalmic artery, and there is a lack of studies, which can be explained by the behavioral characteristics of defense and by the high susceptibility to stress in capture, since the performing the technique requires, as in other procedures, the use of chemical containment. (AU)

Standard electrocardiographic data of peccaries (Tayassu tajacu)

Background: Peccaries (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758) are wild suiformes that belong to the Tayassuidae family. Electrocardiography is an important technique for cardiovascular evaluation. Analysis of various intervals, segments, complexesand waveforms of electrocardiographic (ECG) traces aids in the diagnosis of cardiac alterations and in the differentiationof congenital and acquired heart diseases from physiological cases. However, in wild animal medicine, the various patternsof normality and the evaluation of electrical traces associated with heart disease have not yet been sufficiently elucidated.The purpose of this study was to characterize the electrocardiographic (ECG) traces of peccaries sedated using ketamineand xylazine.Materials, Methods & Results: Fourteen healthy adult animals that were subjected to digital ECG examination wereused. Animals with evidence of systemic diseases, cardiovascular abnormalities (murmurs or arrhythmias), or any degreeof valve insufficiency observed on echocardiogram and animals that exhibited excessive stress during the examinationwere excluded from the study. All animals presented with a normal sinus rhythm. A combination of 15 mg/kg of ketaminehydrochloride and 3 mg/kg of midazolam maleate was applied intramuscularly for chemical immobilization. The animalswere manipulated after 15 min, when the onset of the anaesthetic effect was verified, for a duration of 45 min, and noreinforcement dose was necessary to complete the electrocardiographic examination. No significant differences wereobserved in the P-wave duration, PR interval and QT interval between genders (P > 0.05). No significant differences werefound between the amplitudes of the P and R waves between males and females (P > 0.05). The observed P waves weresmall, monophasic and positive. The QRS complex was positive in the DI, DII, DIII, aVF, V4 and V10 derivations andnegative in the aVR, aVL, V1 and V2 derivations...(AU)

Standard electrocardiographic data of peccaries (Tayassu tajacu)

Background: Peccaries (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758) are wild suiformes that belong to the Tayassuidae family. Electrocardiography is an important technique for cardiovascular evaluation. Analysis of various intervals, segments, complexesand waveforms of electrocardiographic (ECG) traces aids in the diagnosis of cardiac alterations and in the differentiationof congenital and acquired heart diseases from physiological cases. However, in wild animal medicine, the various patternsof normality and the evaluation of electrical traces associated with heart disease have not yet been sufficiently elucidated.The purpose of this study was to characterize the electrocardiographic (ECG) traces of peccaries sedated using ketamineand xylazine.Materials, Methods & Results: Fourteen healthy adult animals that were subjected to digital ECG examination wereused. Animals with evidence of systemic diseases, cardiovascular abnormalities (murmurs or arrhythmias), or any degreeof valve insufficiency observed on echocardiogram and animals that exhibited excessive stress during the examinationwere excluded from the study. All animals presented with a normal sinus rhythm. A combination of 15 mg/kg of ketaminehydrochloride and 3 mg/kg of midazolam maleate was applied intramuscularly for chemical immobilization. The animalswere manipulated after 15 min, when the onset of the anaesthetic effect was verified, for a duration of 45 min, and noreinforcement dose was necessary to complete the electrocardiographic examination. No significant differences wereobserved in the P-wave duration, PR interval and QT interval between genders (P > 0.05). No significant differences werefound between the amplitudes of the P and R waves between males and females (P > 0.05). The observed P waves weresmall, monophasic and positive. The QRS complex was positive in the DI, DII, DIII, aVF, V4 and V10 derivations andnegative in the aVR, aVL, V1 and V2 derivations...

B-Mode and Doppler ocular ultrasound evaluation in healthy and positive dogs for visceral canine leishmaniasis

Background: The use of ultrasound examination in the evaluation of ophthalmopathies has been gaining more and more space within the ophthalmologic clinical routine. The hemodynamic study of ocular vascularization may anticipate future changes, aiding in the adequate establishment of therapeutic conduits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the structures of the ocular bulb and to perform the hemodynamic evaluation of the flow of the external ophthalmic artery of dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) correlating with healthy animals. Materials, Methods & Results: For this purpose, 100 animals were used, of these 70 positive for CVL and 30 healthy animals, submitted to B-mode and Doppler ultrasound examination. Two-dimensional evaluation included identification of ocular changes and biometry of the following segments: axial length (M1), anterior chamber depth (M2), lens thickness (M3), lens length (M4), glass chamber depth (M5), optical disc length (M6) and optic nerve length (M7). The Doppler velocimetric evaluation included the identification and hemodynamic evaluation of the external ophthalmic artery, being measured: systolic peak velocity (SPV), final diastolic velocity (FDV), resistivity index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). Ophthalmopathies were frequent in animals with leishmaniasis in both right (91.42%) and left (29.14%) eyes, with identification of capsular cataract, lens dislocation, retinal detachment and lens rupture. No significant statistical difference (P > 0.05) was observed when comparing the biometric values between the right and left eyes of the animals with CVL, as well as for the measurements between healthy and CVL animals. Hemodynamic indexes of the flow of the external ophthalmic artery presented narrow limits for the right and left eyes of the positive animals, not statistically...

Pectus carinatum em felino / Pectus carinatum in a cat

Background: Pectus are congenital sternal deformities considered rare in small animals, and they are divided into twotypes. Pectus excavatum causes a concave aspect in the ventral portion of the animals thorax, which is known as “funnelchest,” while pectus carinatum produces a convex appearance and is therefore called “pigeon chest.” The etiology of theseanomalies has not yet been fully elucidated, but it is assumed that there is genetic involvement. The diagnosis is basedon clinical examination and is confirmed by thoracic radiography. This report describes a case of pectus carinatum in aone-month-old domestic cat.Case: An unspayed female domestic cat, about one month old, weighing 0.1 kg, was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital ofthe Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). When her history was taken, her owner reported that he had rescued the animal theprevious day and noticed that showed difficulty breathing, so naturally worming and vaccination were not reported. Uponphysical examination, the patient showed an abdominal breathing pattern, severe dyspnea, pale mucosa, nasal discharge,apathy, poor nutritional status (body score 1), signs of apparent dehydration and a temperature of 38.5ºC. Palpation revealedincreased volume in the thoracic region. X-rays were ordered due to suspicion of diaphragmatic injury. The chest X-rayreport indicated ventral segment displacement of the 4th to the 8th sternebra, with accommodation of the cardiac silhouettein the right lateral, left lateral and dorsoventral projections, suggesting pectus carinatum. Pulmonary radiodensity wasalso augmented, with greater intensity in the right middle lobe, an alveolar pattern, radiographic signs suggestive of aninfectious process (pneumonia), and pulmonary hyperinflation. A qualitative analysis revealed cardiac silhouette whosedimensions showed no radiographic evidence of alterations at the moment of the examination. The diaphragmatic domewas intact...(AU)

Structural plasticity and isolation of umbilical cord progenitor cells of agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) raised in captivity / Plasticidade estrutural e isolamento de células progenitoras do cordão umbilical de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) criadas em cativeiro

The agouti has been used as an experimental model in several studies focused on reproductive biology. The umbilical cord, an embryonic attachment that connects the foetus to the placenta, has been reported as an important anatomical site for obtaining stem cells. The objective of this study was to describe macro- and microscopically the umbilical cord of agoutis at different stages of gestation, to expand and cultivate in vitro the progenitor cells and to report their morphological characteristics. Seven cutias were submitted to caesarean section to collect the umbilical cords: five were destined for studies of cord structure in different stages of gestation (30, 35, 50, 75 and 100 days postcoital), and two were collected in the third stage of gestation for isolation and cell culture. The umbilical cord of cutias assumes a spiral arrangement, with veins and arteries on it starting 50 days after coitus. The arteries present an outer layer of smooth muscle fibres in a longitudinal and circular arrangement and a medium layer of smooth muscle fibres with only longitudinal and intimate orientation and coated by the endothelium. The veins consist of longitudinal smooth muscle fibres with an extract of smooth muscle cells, and the endothelium, in all analysed gestational phases, is a structure bounded by simple pavement epithelial tissue originating from the amnion, adhered to Whartons Jelly and forming the umbilical vessels and allantoid duct. The proposed protocol allowed the collection of a high cellular concentration of umbilical cord progenitor cells from viable cutias.(AU)

A cutia vem sendo utilizada como modelo experimental em diversos estudos voltados à biologia reprodutiva. O cordão umbilical, anexo embrionário que une o feto à placenta, tem sido relatado como um importante sítio anatômico para obtenção de células-tronco. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever macro e microscopicamente o cordão umbilical de cutias, em fases diferentes da gestação, expandir e cultivar in vitro as células progenitoras e relatar suas características morfológicas. Foram utilizadas sete cutias submetidas à cesariana para a coleta dos cordões umbilicais, cinco foram destinadas aos estudos da estrutura do cordão, em diferentes estágios de gestação (30, 35, 50, 75 e 100 dias pós-coito), e duas, no terço final da gestação, para isolamento e cultivo celular. O cordão umbilical de cutia assume disposição espiralada, com veias e artérias sobre ele a partir dos 50 dias após o coito. As artérias apresentam camada externa de fibras musculares lisas, disposição longitudinal e circular, camada média de fibras musculares lisas, apenas com disposição longitudinal e íntima revestida pelo endotélio. As veias constituídas por fibras musculares lisas longitudinais com um extrato de células musculares lisas e pelo endotélio. Em todas as fases gestacionais analisadas é uma estrutura delimitada por tecido epitelial simples pavimentoso, proveniente do âmnio, aderido a Geleia de Wharton e com formação de vasos umbilicais e ducto alantóide. O protocolo proposto permitiu a coleta de células progenitoras do cordão umbilical de cutias, viáveis com elevada concentração celular.(AU)

Pectus carinatum em felino / Pectus carinatum in a cat

Background: Pectus are congenital sternal deformities considered rare in small animals, and they are divided into twotypes. Pectus excavatum causes a concave aspect in the ventral portion of the animal’s thorax, which is known as “funnelchest,” while pectus carinatum produces a convex appearance and is therefore called “pigeon chest.” The etiology of theseanomalies has not yet been fully elucidated, but it is assumed that there is genetic involvement. The diagnosis is basedon clinical examination and is confirmed by thoracic radiography. This report describes a case of pectus carinatum in aone-month-old domestic cat.Case: An unspayed female domestic cat, about one month old, weighing 0.1 kg, was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital ofthe Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). When her history was taken, her owner reported that he had rescued the animal theprevious day and noticed that showed difficulty breathing, so naturally worming and vaccination were not reported. Uponphysical examination, the patient showed an abdominal breathing pattern, severe dyspnea, pale mucosa, nasal discharge,apathy, poor nutritional status (body score 1), signs of apparent dehydration and a temperature of 38.5ºC. Palpation revealedincreased volume in the thoracic region. X-rays were ordered due to suspicion of diaphragmatic injury. The chest X-rayreport indicated ventral segment displacement of the 4th to the 8th sternebra, with accommodation of the cardiac silhouettein the right lateral, left lateral and dorsoventral projections, suggesting pectus carinatum. Pulmonary radiodensity wasalso augmented, with greater intensity in the right middle lobe, an alveolar pattern, radiographic signs suggestive of aninfectious process (pneumonia), and pulmonary hyperinflation. A qualitative analysis revealed cardiac silhouette whosedimensions showed no radiographic evidence of alterations at the moment of the examination. The diaphragmatic domewas intact...

Structural plasticity and isolation of umbilical cord progenitor cells of agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) raised in captivity / Plasticidade estrutural e isolamento de células progenitoras do cordão umbilical de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) criadas em cativeiro

The agouti has been used as an experimental model in several studies focused on reproductive biology. The umbilical cord, an embryonic attachment that connects the foetus to the placenta, has been reported as an important anatomical site for obtaining stem cells. The objective of this study was to describe macro- and microscopically the umbilical cord of agoutis at different stages of gestation, to expand and cultivate in vitro the progenitor cells and to report their morphological characteristics. Seven cutias were submitted to caesarean section to collect the umbilical cords: five were destined for studies of cord structure in different stages of gestation (30, 35, 50, 75 and 100 days postcoital), and two were collected in the third stage of gestation for isolation and cell culture. The umbilical cord of cutias assumes a spiral arrangement, with veins and arteries on it starting 50 days after coitus. The arteries present an outer layer of smooth muscle fibres in a longitudinal and circular arrangement and a medium layer of smooth muscle fibres with only longitudinal and intimate orientation and coated by the endothelium. The veins consist of longitudinal smooth muscle fibres with an extract of smooth muscle cells, and the endothelium, in all analysed gestational phases, is a structure bounded by simple pavement epithelial tissue originating from the amnion, adhered to Wharton’s Jelly and forming the umbilical vessels and allantoid duct. The proposed protocol allowed the collection of a high cellular concentration of umbilical cord progenitor cells from viable cutias.

A cutia vem sendo utilizada como modelo experimental em diversos estudos voltados à biologia reprodutiva. O cordão umbilical, anexo embrionário que une o feto à placenta, tem sido relatado como um importante sítio anatômico para obtenção de células-tronco. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever macro e microscopicamente o cordão umbilical de cutias, em fases diferentes da gestação, expandir e cultivar in vitro as células progenitoras e relatar suas características morfológicas. Foram utilizadas sete cutias submetidas à cesariana para a coleta dos cordões umbilicais, cinco foram destinadas aos estudos da estrutura do cordão, em diferentes estágios de gestação (30, 35, 50, 75 e 100 dias pós-coito), e duas, no terço final da gestação, para isolamento e cultivo celular. O cordão umbilical de cutia assume disposição espiralada, com veias e artérias sobre ele a partir dos 50 dias após o coito. As artérias apresentam camada externa de fibras musculares lisas, disposição longitudinal e circular, camada média de fibras musculares lisas, apenas com disposição longitudinal e íntima revestida pelo endotélio. As veias constituídas por fibras musculares lisas longitudinais com um extrato de células musculares lisas e pelo endotélio. Em todas as fases gestacionais analisadas é uma estrutura delimitada por tecido epitelial simples pavimentoso, proveniente do âmnio, aderido a Geleia de Wharton e com formação de vasos umbilicais e ducto alantóide. O protocolo proposto permitiu a coleta de células progenitoras do cordão umbilical de cutias, viáveis com elevada concentração celular.

Ecocardiografia Padrão, com Strain e Strain Rate com Speckle Tracking Bidimensional em Macaco-Capuchinho (Cebus Apella, Linnaeus, 1758) / Standard Echocardiography, Strain and Strain Rate by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking in Capuchin Monkey (Cebus Apella, Linnaeus, 1758)

Introdução: O macaco-capuchinho é uma espécie de primata não humano que demonstra grande potencial para estudos pré-clínicos devido às semelhanças anatômicas e fisiológicas com os seres humanos. Objetivo: Estudar os índices de deformação miocárdica em macacos-capuchinhos anestesiados utilizando speckle tracking. Métodos: Foram utilizados dezesseis animais do Parque Zoobotânico, em Teresina, Piauí, Brasil, com restrição química, utilizando uma combinação de cetamina e midazolam. Os estudos ecocardiográficos foram obtidos nos modos B, M e Doppler, medindo-se strain e strain rate através de speckle tracking. Resultados: As variáveis que apresentaram coeficientes de correlação estatisticamente significativos em relação ao peso foram a parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo em diástole (PLVEd), diâmetro interno do ventrículo esquerdo em diástole (DIVEd), diâmetro interno do ventrículo esquerdo em sístole (DIVEs), onda E, A'VD, movimento do anel mitral (MAM) e excursão sistólica do plano do anel tricúspide (TAPSE). A frequência cardíaca (FC) mostrou correlação positiva com a onda E e a onda A e correlação negativa com o tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico (TRIV). A fração de encurtamento (FS) apresentou correlação positiva com a razão entre as ondas E e A (r = 0,61). TAPSE mostrou correlações positivas com E'VD e A'VD. Os valores obtidos para o strain circunferencial (-18,17 ± 4,68%), radial (47,13 ± 5,24%) e longitudinal (-26,46 ± 5,155%) para os macacos-capuchinhos estavam dentro dos intervalos normais para machos e fêmeas. Conclusão: O presente estudo fornece os primeiros valores de referência para medidas ecocardiográficas em modos B, M e Doppler para macacos-capuchinhos anestesiados com cetamina e midazolam. Os valores de strain e strain rate obtidos utilizando a técnica de speckle tracking mostraram-se semelhantes aos obtidos em seres humanos, sugerindo que esta ferramenta pode ser explorada em estudos pré-clínicos utilizando o modelo do macaco-capuchinho

Introduction: The capuchin monkey is a type of nonhuman primate that has shown great potential for preclinical studies because of its anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. Objective: To study the indices of myocardial deformation in anesthetized capuchin monkeys using speckle tracking. Methods: Sixteen animals from the Zoobotanical Park, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, were used and chemically restrained using a combination of ketamine and midazolam. Echocardiography recordings were obtained in B, M and Doppler modes, and strain and strain rate were measured using speckle tracking. Results: The variables that showed statistically significant correlation coefficients in relation to weight were LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, E wave, A'RV, MAM and TAPSE. HR showed a positive correlation with the E wave and A wave and a negative correlation with IVRT. FS presented a positive correlation with the E/A wave relationship (r = 0.61). TAPSE showed positive correlations with E'RV and A'RV. The values obtained for circumferential (-18.17 ± 4.68%), radial (47.13 ± 5.24%) and longitudinal (- 26.46 ± 5.15%) strain for the capuchin monkeys were within the normal ranges for males and females. Conclusion: The present study provides the first reference values for echocardiographic measurements in B, M and Doppler modes for capuchin monkeys anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam. The strain and strain rate values obtained using speckle tracking showed similarities with those obtained in humans, suggesting that this tool has the potential to be exploited in preclinical studies using the capuchin monkey model

Serum biochemistry in hystricomorpha: agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) during pregnancy / Bioquímica sérica em hystricomorpha: cutia (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, WAGLER, 1831) durante o período gestacional

The aim of this estudy was to establish the levels of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, phosphorus, urea, creatinine, bilirubin and glucose during pregnancy in agoutis. Animals: Twelve pregnant agouti from the Center for the Study and Preservation of Wild Animals (CSPWA) of the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) were used in this research. After identification of the estrus, the day of the coverage was confirmed by means of vaginal cytology with the visualization of spermatozoa (day zero) and confirmation of pregnancy by ultrasonographic examination after 15 days. Blood samples were collected by lateral saphenous vein puncture after physical restraint, every 10 days until the end of pregnancy, for biochemical analyzes. A completely randomized experimental design was used and the means compared by the Duncan test at 5% probability using the SAS (Statistical Analysis System). The results of the biochemical analysis of total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, serum ALT, glucose, AST, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin in pregnant agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) did not differ when compared to nonpregnant females. The serum biochemical levels during pregnancy in agoutis, except for calcium and phosphorus, were unchanged compared to those found in the non-pregnant adult animal, as occurs in other species. The changes during pregnancy reflect the physiology and biology of wild species, elucidating information about the biochemical parameters during pregnancy, thus characterizing the animal as a benchmark for comparisons with other species, extolling its importance both for nature conservation and production in capivity.

O estudo objetivou estabelecer os níveis séricos de proteínas totais, albumina, globulina, Alanina Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartato Aminotransferase (AST), cálcio, fósforo, ureia, creatinina, bilirrubina e glicose durante a gestação em cutias. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida utilizando-se 12 cutias fêmeas criadas no Núcleo de Estudos, Produção e Preservação de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Após a identificação do estro, o dia da cobertura foi confirmado por meio de citologia vaginal com a visualização de espermatozoides (dia zero) e confirmação da gestação por exame ultrassonográfico após 15 dias. Confirmada a gestação, foram coletados 03 mL de sangue mediante punção da veia pudenda interna, após contenção física, a cada 10 dias, até o final da gestação. Foi feita a análise de variância para um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com teste de Duncan para comparação das médias a 5% de probabilidade utilizando-se do programa estatístico SAS (Statistical Analysis System). Os resultados obtidos por meio da análise bioquímica de proteína total, albumina, globulina, ureia, creatinina, cálcio, fósforo, ALT séricas, glicose, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), bilirrubina total, bilirrubina direta e bilirrubina indireta de cutias gestantes (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) diferem de forma absoluta quando comparados a fêmeas não gestantes. Os níveis bioquímicos séricos durante a gestação em cutias, com exceção do cálcio, fósforo, sofrem alterações comparadas ao animal adulto não prenhe, como ocorre em outras espécies. Os níveis nas cutias gestantes sofrem alterações de acordo com o tempo de gestação, com maiores mudanças no período inicial e final da prenhez. As mudanças durante a gravidez refletem a fisiologia e a biologia da espécie silvestre, elucidando informações sobre os parâmetros bioquímicos durante a gestação, caracterizando o animal como referência para comparações com outras espécies, exaltando a importância tanto para sua conservação quanto para a sua produção em cativeiro.

Electrocardiographic pattern of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) chemically contained by the association of ketamine and xylazine

Background: The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831) is an existing wild rodent in almost all of Brazil, usedas a biological model in several scientific studies. Veterinary cardiology has showed great advances in the diagnostic areadue to the possibility of cardiac evaluation by non-invasive methods. For the practice of scientific or handling proceduresin wild animals, chemical containment is essential. Thus, it is important to know the effect of anesthetic protocols on thecardiovascular system, observed through complementary tests, such as the electrocardiogram. The objective of this studywas to describe the computerized electrocardiographic tracing of agoutis chemically contained by the association of Ketamineand Xylazine.Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen male and female clinically healthy animals, aged among 2 years, submitted todigital electrocardiographic examination, were used. The device used to obtain the tracing was the veterinary electrocardiograph(Electrocardiogram Acquisition Module for Computer) - Brazilian Electronic Technology (TEB). The analysiswas always made from derivation II (DII). Chemical containment was performed by the combination of Ketamine andXylazine, intramuscularly. The results showed that the heart rate for males was on average 113.25 bpm, while for femalesthe value of 124.60 bpm was observed, and there was no significant difference between the genders (P > 0.05). The meanweight of males was 2.31 kg and for females 2.28 kg; there was no statistical difference for this variable (P > 0.05). Forthe QRS duration of 46.14 ± 5.05 ms (males) and 44.66 ± 5.94 ms (females) and PR interval of 79.94 ± 12.01ms (males)and 84.29 ± 12.37ms (females), there was no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The amplitude of the R wave of 0.42 ± 0.31mV (males) and 0.36 ± 0.22 mV (females) showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The T wave showed itself bothnegative (10 animals) [...]

Standard strain and strain rate by two-dimensional speckle tracking in agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine

Background: The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831) is a wild rodent widely found throughout America which has stood out as a good animal model for scientific investigations. The aim of this study was to study the cardiovascular function of chemically contained agoutis, by performing echocardiographic examinations and measuring Strain and Strain Rate by Speckle Tracking to obtain reference values for the species and verify the applicability of these animals as models for the study of cardiovascular changes in humans.Materials, Methods & Results: It was selected 16 animals, sedated by the combination of ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine and submitted to transthoracic echocardiography. To obtain the standard measurements, B, M and Doppler mode images were taken. The analysis of the radial and longitudinal myocardial deformation of the left ventricle was carried out. The right parasternal window was used for access to the short cardiac axis and the left for access to the long axis. Six radial profiles of strain (ST) and Strain rate (SR) values were obtained, corresponding to the mean of the values for each segment. A total of 18 myocardial segments were analyzed for each specimen and the mean values were used to compose the statistical analysis. The comparison of the means between the genders did not show statistical difference, being the other statistical treatments based on the total sample of 16 animals. The variables that showed statistically significant correlation coefficients in relation to weight were: LA, LA/AO, HR, AVmax, E’ wave, E/IVRT (P > 0.05). HR showed a positive correlation with IVSd (r = 0.51), EPSS (r = 0.55) and E’ wave (r = 0.68); negative with IVRT (r = - 0.41), A wave (r = - 0.54), AVmax (r = - 0.53) and Pmax (r = - 0.65).[...]

Standard strain and strain rate by two-dimensional speckle tracking in agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine

Background: The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831) is a wild rodent widely found throughout America which has stood out as a good animal model for scientific investigations. The aim of this study was to study the cardiovascular function of chemically contained agoutis, by performing echocardiographic examinations and measuring Strain and Strain Rate by Speckle Tracking to obtain reference values for the species and verify the applicability of these animals as models for the study of cardiovascular changes in humans.Materials, Methods & Results: It was selected 16 animals, sedated by the combination of ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine and submitted to transthoracic echocardiography. To obtain the standard measurements, B, M and Doppler mode images were taken. The analysis of the radial and longitudinal myocardial deformation of the left ventricle was carried out. The right parasternal window was used for access to the short cardiac axis and the left for access to the long axis. Six radial profiles of strain (ST) and Strain rate (SR) values were obtained, corresponding to the mean of the values for each segment. A total of 18 myocardial segments were analyzed for each specimen and the mean values were used to compose the statistical analysis. The comparison of the means between the genders did not show statistical difference, being the other statistical treatments based on the total sample of 16 animals. The variables that showed statistically significant correlation coefficients in relation to weight were: LA, LA/AO, HR, AVmax, E wave, E/IVRT (P > 0.05). HR showed a positive correlation with IVSd (r = 0.51), EPSS (r = 0.55) and E wave (r = 0.68); negative with IVRT (r = - 0.41), A wave (r = - 0.54), AVmax (r = - 0.53) and Pmax (r = - 0.65).[...](AU)

Electrocardiographic pattern of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) chemically contained by the association of ketamine and xylazine

Background: The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831) is an existing wild rodent in almost all of Brazil, usedas a biological model in several scientific studies. Veterinary cardiology has showed great advances in the diagnostic areadue to the possibility of cardiac evaluation by non-invasive methods. For the practice of scientific or handling proceduresin wild animals, chemical containment is essential. Thus, it is important to know the effect of anesthetic protocols on thecardiovascular system, observed through complementary tests, such as the electrocardiogram. The objective of this studywas to describe the computerized electrocardiographic tracing of agoutis chemically contained by the association of Ketamineand Xylazine.Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen male and female clinically healthy animals, aged among 2 years, submitted todigital electrocardiographic examination, were used. The device used to obtain the tracing was the veterinary electrocardiograph(Electrocardiogram Acquisition Module for Computer) - Brazilian Electronic Technology (TEB). The analysiswas always made from derivation II (DII). Chemical containment was performed by the combination of Ketamine andXylazine, intramuscularly. The results showed that the heart rate for males was on average 113.25 bpm, while for femalesthe value of 124.60 bpm was observed, and there was no significant difference between the genders (P > 0.05). The meanweight of males was 2.31 kg and for females 2.28 kg; there was no statistical difference for this variable (P > 0.05). Forthe QRS duration of 46.14 ± 5.05 ms (males) and 44.66 ± 5.94 ms (females) and PR interval of 79.94 ± 12.01ms (males)and 84.29 ± 12.37ms (females), there was no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The amplitude of the R wave of 0.42 ± 0.31mV (males) and 0.36 ± 0.22 mV (females) showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The T wave showed itself bothnegative (10 animals) [...](AU)

Polihidrâmnio decorrente de atresia intestinal fetal diagnosticado por ultrassonografia em cadela no terço final da gestação / Polyhydramnios due to fetal intestinal atresia diagnosed by ultrasound in bitch in the final third of pregnancy

This paper reports a case of a bitch diagnosed with polyhidrammnio by ultrasonography due to fetalintestinal atresia in the third trimester of pregnancy. The flow in umbilical artery presented parabolic profile,high strength, measured at 27,5cm/s and 0.69 resistance index (RI), counteracting to normal between 54,3cm/sand RI=0,34cm/s. It was verified duodenal‘s peristalsis and gastric dilatation and proximal duodenal dilatation.A high resistivity was measured, this is indicative of suffering and fetal hypoxia thats why surgery withstabilized bitch was indicated.(AU)

Polihidrâmnio decorrente de atresia intestinal fetal diagnosticado por ultrassonografia em cadela no terço final da gestação / Polyhydramnios due to fetal intestinal atresia diagnosed by ultrasound in bitch in the final third of pregnancy

This paper reports a case of a bitch diagnosed with polyhidrammnio by ultrasonography due to fetalintestinal atresia in the third trimester of pregnancy. The flow in umbilical artery presented parabolic profile,high strength, measured at 27,5cm/s and 0.69 resistance index (RI), counteracting to normal between 54,3cm/sand RI=0,34cm/s. It was verified duodenal‘s peristalsis and gastric dilatation and proximal duodenal dilatation.A high resistivity was measured, this is indicative of suffering and fetal hypoxia that’s why surgery withstabilized bitch was indicated.

Comparative B-mode and Doppler renal ultrasonography with histopathological findings in dogs positive for canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Morphological parameters and renal flow were assessed and measured in six clinically healthy dogs with negative serological and parasitological examinations for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and six dogs with CVL-positive serological and parasitological tests and asymptomatic condition of the disease. Kidney length and diameter were measured and compared with the aorta/kidney ratio. Alterations in flow were measured using the flow velocity (cm/s) and resistance index (RI). Renal function was assessed by serum biochemical examination (urea, creatine, total proteins, albumin, and globulin) and urinalysis. CVL-positive animals presented heterogeneous kidney echotexture, reduced vascular flow, hypoperfusion, lesser visualization of the arcuate arteries, high RI values (1.06 ± 0.28 for the right kidney and 1.10 ± 0.30 for the left kidney), reduced diastolic flow, and high systolic peak. They also presented positive creatine/RI correlation and between the renal artery vascular flow and kidney diameter. Histopathological analysis of CVL-positive animals was compatible and confirmed hemodynamic changes observed by Doppler ultrasound. The findings in the present study showed that Doppler ultrasonography is a valid method to assess and detect alterations in flow in renal pathological processes with kidney vascular damage, as in the case of leishmaniasis, and can help in the diagnosis of animals with this infection. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:637-645, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Isolation, expansion, differentiation and growth kinetics essay in mesenchymal stem cells culture from the bone marrow of collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu)

Background: There are few studies on stem cell isolation in wild animals that provide isolation and culture protocols of these cells in vitro. Among the wild species studied, we present the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) as a model with potential to obtain and use MSC in preclinical studies. These animals are phylogenetically close to the domestic pig, popularly known as peccaries and found naturally in South America, Central America and the South of the United States. The aim of the present study was to establish a protocol for the isolation, in vitro cell expansion, differentiation and assessment of the stromal MSC growth curve before and after thawing. Materials, Methods & Results: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from collared peccary bone marrow (Tayassu tajacu) were isolated and expanded by centrifuge in Ficoll® solution and cultured in DMEM® High Glucose medium. The culture was assessed by assays of colony forming units CFU-F and growth curve by saturation (GCS). Cultures in the third passage, with 70% confluence, were replicated at 105 cells/mL concentration in the culture media to induce osteogenic cell differentiation and adipogenic cell differentiation, respectively. The MSC were frozen in nitrogen for 40 days, thawed and re-assessed for cell viability and GCS. Discussion: The bone marrow collected presented high mononuclear cellularity, with a mean variability of 94.5% and 60.83 ± 4.27 UFC were identified in the samples and cells with fibroblast-like-cell morphology were observed. When they were expanded, the mean cell viability was 95%, the mean cell concentration obtained was 233.31 ± 20.04 cells per 25cm2 bottle and the culture reached the growth plateau in GCS between the 13th and 16th day. The osteoblastic cell differentiation assay showed after 18 days, morphology similar to osteoblasts, with irregular cytoplasm limits, cell prolongation formation and flattened appearance. [...](AU)