Radiographic and sonographic features, and histogram parameters of the liver and spleen in healthy Toco toucans (Ramphastos toco, Müller 1976).

This study aimed to evaluate radiographic and sonographic features, and histogram parameters based on grayscale ultrasound of the liver and spleen in healthy toco toucans. Fifteen adult toco toucans (Ramphastos toco), seven females and eight males, weighing approximately 650 g, were enrolled in the study. On the right lateral radiographic view, the liver was visualized in the midventral region of the coelomic cavity; ultrasonographically, the liver was located in the middle portion of the coelomic cavity in close relationship to the heart, and thoracic and abdominal air sacs. Two hepatic lobes were identified; the right lobe was larger than the left one. The spleen was visualized in 10 toco toucans on radiographs and only in eight toucans on ultrasound exams. The gallbladder was identified only on ultrasound. On the right lateral radiographic view, the spleen was visualized dorsal to the proventriculus and ventral to the lungs/air sacs as an oval shape. Ultrasonographically, the spleen was observed caudal to the liver, cranial to the proventriculus and craniodorsal to the ventriculus. There was no significant difference in spleen length for either radiographic or ultrasound measurements. The brightness intensity (BI) for mean gray level (G) and standard deviation of gray levels (SG ) in the liver were 101.315 (± 16.170) and 12.453 (± 2.616), respectively. Mean G and SG levels in the spleen were 63.940 (± 18.321) and 7.494 (± 3.595), respectively. In conclusion, the sonographic features and histogram parameters indicated that the liver is more echogenic and heterogeneous than the spleen, which must be considered for diagnosing alterations in these organs.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver and gallbladder and hepatic histogram of non-venomous snakes.

This study aimed to describe sonographic features of the liver, gallbladder and hepatic histogram from grey-scale ultrasound in three species of healthy non-venomous snakes. Twenty-eight adult snakes were enrolled in the study, including 10 common boas (Boa constrictor), eight black-tailed pythons (Python molurus) and 10 rainbow boas (Epicrates crassus). The snakes fasted for 30 days and were manually restrained while conscious. For B. constrictor and P. molurus the liver and gallbladder were best visualized in ventral recumbency, and E. crassus in dorsal recumbency. A single elongated hepatic lobe was identified in all snakes. The gallbladder was positioned caudal and separated from the liver, with an oval shape and homogeneous anechoic content in the lumen, and thin and regular walls. A region of interest by pixel number was chosen for the liver, fat bodies, left kidney, and splenopancreas. The mean grey level (G) of the organs had significant differences within each species. Standard deviation of grey levels (SG ) had significant differences within B. constrictor and E. crassus. P. molurus had no significant difference among organs. The comparison among snakes showed that E. crassus had G of liver and splenopancreas lower than B. constrictor and P. molurus. The SG of the liver in E. crassus was lowest compared to B. constrictor and P. molurus. P. molurus showed the highest values in mean of G and SG . In conclusion, despite the liver and gallbladder having similar sonographic features, the grey-level histogram showed that liver echotexture and echogenicity differ among species.

Ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal tract of toco toucans (Ramphastos toco).

Baseline data for wall thickness in healthy toucans can be used to diagnose disease in sick individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the use of ultrasonography for the examination of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy toco toucans (Ramphastos toco). Ten non-anaesthetized healthy adult toco toucans were evaluated. Food was withheld for 3 h prior to the ultrasound examination. Longitudinal and transverse images of the gastrointestinal tract were obtained using ventromedian cranial and ventromedian caudal approaches to evaluate the morphology and stratification. The wall thickness of the sections was measured: proventriculus and ventriculus, duodenum, jejunum/ileum, and cloaca. Additionally, the thickness of the mucosal layer of the duodenum and jejunum/ileum was also measured. Subsequently, the ratios of the duodenal wall thickness to the duodenal mucosa layer and the total wall thickness of the jejunum/ileum to the jejunum/ileum layer mucosa were stablished. The wall thickness of the proventriculus was significantly higher than the wall thickness of ventriculus. The wall thickness of the duodenum was significantly higher than the wall thickness of jejunum/ileum. The mean ratios of the duodenal wall thickness to the duodenal mucosa layer and the wall thickness of the jejunum/ileum to the jejunum/ileum layer were 83.15% and 80.07%, respectively. In conclusion, it was possible to assess the stomach and intestines using ultrasound examination in healthy toco toucans, due to their medium body size and no interference by surrounding air sacs.

Influência da idade na ultrassonografia renal de cães e gatos: o que se sabe / Age influence on renal ultrasonography of dogs and cats: what is known / Influencia de la edad em la ultrasonografía renal de perros y gatos: lo que se sabe

Para o correto diagnóstico clínico de doença renal, é importante que se conheça o aspecto normal do órgão e sistemas, incluindo como o amadurecimento, crescimento e envelhecimento podem influenciar os parâmetros nos exames diagnósticos. O rim é um órgão de extrema importância para a manutenção da homeostase corporal, e o comprometimento de sua função pode resultar em desequilíbrios, predispondo a morte. Deste modo torna-se primordial a detecção precoce de lesões renais, sendo o exame ultrassonográfico rotineiramente usado para sua avaliação. Nos mamíferos os rins são considerados imaturos ao nascimento, passando por um gradativo processo de amadurecimento e, com o envelhecimento o rim é submetido a um progressivo processo degenerativo. Ambos os processos resultam em alterações ultrassonográficas morfológicas, dimensionais e vasculares que não são consideradas patológicas, sendo um assunto bem estudado na medicina humana. Em humanos é relatada a presença de diferenças ultrassonográficas significativas entre os rins de neonatos, crianças, adultos e idosos. Na medicina veterinária existem poucos estudos que demonstrem a influência da idade sobre o aspecto ultrassonográfico renal, sendo a maioria destes estudos direcionados para a diferença dos valores hemodinâmicos renais entre cães jovens e adultos, mas não entre cães adultos e idosos ou entre diferentes faixas etárias de gatos. Ademais, as diferenças bidimensionais e morfométricas relacionadas à idade são ainda pouco estudadas, tanto nos cães quanto nos gatos. Embora a influência da idade sobre a ultrassonografia renal seja bem evidente em humanos, existe ainda um déficit de estudos em cães e gatos.(AU)

For a correct diagnosis of renal diseases, it is important to know the normal appearance of organs and systems, including how maturation, growth and aging can influence the parameters in diagnostic tests. The kidney is an extremely important organ for the maintenance of body homeostasis, and impairment of its function may result in imbalances, predisposing in death. Thus, early detection of renal lesions is relevant, and ultrasound examination is routinely used for renal evaluation. In mammals the kidneys are considered immature at birth, undergoing a gradual process of maturation and, with aging, the kidney undergoes a progressive degenerative process. Both processes result in morphological, dimensional and vascular ultrasound changes that are not considered pathological. This topic is well-studied in human medicine, with the presence of significant sonographic differences between the kidneys of neonates, children, adults and the elderly. In veterinary medicine there are few studies about the influence of age on the renal ultrasound, and most of these studies focuses on the difference of renal hemodynamic values between young and adult dogs, but not between adult and elderly dogs or between different age groups in cats. Moreover, age-related two-dimensional and morphometric differences are still poorly studied in both dogs and cats. Although the influence of age on renal ultrasound is quite evident in humans, there is still a lack of studies in dogs in cats.(AU)

Para el diagnóstico clínico de enfermedad renal, es importante conocer la apariencia normal de los órganos y sistemas, incluida la forma en que la maduración, el crecimiento y el envejecimiento pueden influir en los parámetros de las pruebas de diagnóstico. El riñón es un órgano extremadamente importante para el mantenimiento dela homeostasis del cuerpo, y el deterioro de su función puede provocar desequilibrios y predisponer a la muerte. Por lo tanto, la detección temprana de las lesiones renales es primordial, y el examen de ultrasonido se usa de forma rutinaria para la evaluación renal. En los mamíferos, los riñones se consideran inmaduros al nacer, passado por un proceso gradual de maduración y, con el envejecimiento, el riñón sufre un proceso degenerativo progresivo. Ambos procesos dan como resultado alteraciones morfológicas, dimensionales y vasculares del ultrasonido que no se consideran patológicas, siendo un tema bien estudiado en medicina humana. En humanos, se informa la presencia de diferencias sonográficas significativas entre los riñones de los recién nacidos, niños, adultos y ancianos. En medicina veterinaria hay pocos estudios que demuestren la influencia de la edad en el aspecto de la ecografía renal, la mayoría de estos estudios abordan la diferencia en los valores hemodinámicos renales entre perros jóvenes y adultos, pero no entre perros adultos y ancianos o entre diferentes grupos de edad gatos. Además, las diferencias bidimensionales y morfométricas relacionadas con la edad aún se estudian poco en perros y gatos. Aunque la influencia de la edad en la ecografía renal es bastante evidente en humanos, todavía faltan estudios en perros en gatos.(AU)

Radiography and computed tomography of the heart and lower respiratory tract in toco toucans (Ramphastos toco).

This study aimed to evaluate normal features of the heart and lower respiratory tract in toco toucans by means of radiography and helical computed tomography (CT) scanner. Fifteen healthy adult toco toucans (Ramphastos toco), 10 females and 5 males, average body mass of 650 g were studied. CT examination as well as right lateral and ventrodorsal radiographic examinations of the coelomic cavity were performed under chemical restraint. Heart, lungs, air sacs, trachea and syrinx were analysed. The mean values of heart length, heart width and thoracic cavity in radiographs were, respectively, 23.76 mm, 25.94 mm and 48.87 mm. In both X-rays and CT scans, the lung parenchyma had honeycomb-like pattern. The topographic areas of the anterior and posterior air sacs were visualized as dark and air-filled spaces in X-rays. On CT evaluation, the air sacs occupied a larger area in the coelomic cavity compared to X-ray. In the lateral radiographic view, the cervical part of the trachea was positioned more ventrally in the transition from cervical to thoracic regions showing a V-shaped appearance. In all CT planes was visible division of the trachea into the right and left main bronchi at the level of 3rd thoracic vertebra. The syrinx was difficult to visualize in X-rays, but on CT it was easily identified in axial slice. In conclusion, the normal features of toco toucan's heart and lower respiratory tract that were determined on X-rays and CT scans are useful to compare with sick toco toucans, as well as other bird species.

Influência da idade na ultrassonografia renal de cães e gatos: o que se sabe / Age influence on renal ultrasonography of dogs and cats: what is known / Influencia de la edad em la ultrasonografía renal de perros y gatos: lo que se sabe

Para o correto diagnóstico clínico de doença renal, é importante que se conheça o aspecto normal do órgão e sistemas, incluindo como o amadurecimento, crescimento e envelhecimento podem influenciar os parâmetros nos exames diagnósticos. O rim é um órgão de extrema importância para a manutenção da homeostase corporal, e o comprometimento de sua função pode resultar em desequilíbrios, predispondo a morte. Deste modo torna-se primordial a detecção precoce de lesões renais, sendo o exame ultrassonográfico rotineiramente usado para sua avaliação. Nos mamíferos os rins são considerados imaturos ao nascimento, passando por um gradativo processo de amadurecimento e, com o envelhecimento o rim é submetido a um progressivo processo degenerativo. Ambos os processos resultam em alterações ultrassonográficas morfológicas, dimensionais e vasculares que não são consideradas patológicas, sendo um assunto bem estudado na medicina humana. Em humanos é relatada a presença de diferenças ultrassonográficas significativas entre os rins de neonatos, crianças, adultos e idosos. Na medicina veterinária existem poucos estudos que demonstrem a influência da idade sobre o aspecto ultrassonográfico renal, sendo a maioria destes estudos direcionados para a diferença dos valores hemodinâmicos renais entre cães jovens e adultos, mas não entre cães adultos e idosos ou entre diferentes faixas etárias de gatos. Ademais, as diferenças bidimensionais e morfométricas relacionadas à idade são ainda pouco estudadas, tanto nos cães quanto nos gatos. Embora a influência da idade sobre a ultrassonografia renal seja bem evidente em humanos, existe ainda um déficit de estudos em cães e gatos.

For a correct diagnosis of renal diseases, it is important to know the normal appearance of organs and systems, including how maturation, growth and aging can influence the parameters in diagnostic tests. The kidney is an extremely important organ for the maintenance of body homeostasis, and impairment of its function may result in imbalances, predisposing in death. Thus, early detection of renal lesions is relevant, and ultrasound examination is routinely used for renal evaluation. In mammals the kidneys are considered immature at birth, undergoing a gradual process of maturation and, with aging, the kidney undergoes a progressive degenerative process. Both processes result in morphological, dimensional and vascular ultrasound changes that are not considered pathological. This topic is well-studied in human medicine, with the presence of significant sonographic differences between the kidneys of neonates, children, adults and the elderly. In veterinary medicine there are few studies about the influence of age on the renal ultrasound, and most of these studies focuses on the difference of renal hemodynamic values between young and adult dogs, but not between adult and elderly dogs or between different age groups in cats. Moreover, age-related two-dimensional and morphometric differences are still poorly studied in both dogs and cats. Although the influence of age on renal ultrasound is quite evident in humans, there is still a lack of studies in dogs in cats.

Para el diagnóstico clínico de enfermedad renal, es importante conocer la apariencia normal de los órganos y sistemas, incluida la forma en que la maduración, el crecimiento y el envejecimiento pueden influir en los parámetros de las pruebas de diagnóstico. El riñón es un órgano extremadamente importante para el mantenimiento dela homeostasis del cuerpo, y el deterioro de su función puede provocar desequilibrios y predisponer a la muerte. Por lo tanto, la detección temprana de las lesiones renales es primordial, y el examen de ultrasonido se usa de forma rutinaria para la evaluación renal. En los mamíferos, los riñones se consideran inmaduros al nacer, passado por un proceso gradual de maduración y, con el envejecimiento, el riñón sufre un proceso degenerativo progresivo. Ambos procesos dan como resultado alteraciones morfológicas, dimensionales y vasculares del ultrasonido que no se consideran patológicas, siendo un tema bien estudiado en medicina humana. En humanos, se informa la presencia de diferencias sonográficas significativas entre los riñones de los recién nacidos, niños, adultos y ancianos. En medicina veterinaria hay pocos estudios que demuestren la influencia de la edad en el aspecto de la ecografía renal, la mayoría de estos estudios abordan la diferencia en los valores hemodinámicos renales entre perros jóvenes y adultos, pero no entre perros adultos y ancianos o entre diferentes grupos de edad gatos. Además, las diferencias bidimensionales y morfométricas relacionadas con la edad aún se estudian poco en perros y gatos. Aunque la influencia de la edad en la ecografía renal es bastante evidente en humanos, todavía faltan estudios en perros en gatos.

Medidas biométricas, avaliação do escore corporal e índice de massa corpórea em Quatis (Nasua nasua) de vida livre da região Centro Sul do estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Biometric measures, body score and body mass index evaluation in wild coatis (Nasua nasua) living in the South-Central region of São Paulo State, Brazil

Background: Coatis (Nasua nasua) have easy interaction with man, besides being sociable and curious animals. Theproximity to urbanized areas encourages them to intake food from anthropogenic sources, and it can change their eatinghabits and make them prone to obesity. The body condition evaluates the animals’ energetic status and measures variations in their body fat reserves. There are direct-invasive methods and indirect methods that rely on size and body massto evaluate the body condition, like body condition score and body mass index. Thus, the aim of the present study was toassess different methods to determine the body condition of wild coatis (Nasua nasua) living in urban areas.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen wild coatis (Nasua nasua), nine females and seven males, were captured at Facultyof Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ) of São Paulo State University, Botucatu, in pitfalls. The animals wereanesthetized with ketamine and midazolam and subjected to biometric evaluation after physical exams proved normal. Thefollowing variables were analyzed: body weight, body condition score (BCS) based on the five-point scale for dogs, thoracicand abdominal circumference, height at the withers, spine length and distance from the patella to the calcaneus. Two bodymass index (BMI) were calculated from these data, one was based on dogs (BMI1) and another one on cats (BMI2), as well asthe body fat percentage (%BF). Results showed that 25% of the assessed coatis were overweight. Body weight, thoracic andabdominal circumference, height at the withers, spine length and distance from the patella to the calcaneus were significantlyhigher in males than in females and the other assessed parameters did not present differences between sexes. The correlationbetween fat percentage and body weight was significant, and that between fat percentage and BCS was not. There was closer correlation...

Medidas biométricas, avaliação do escore corporal e índice de massa corpórea em Quatis (Nasua nasua) de vida livre da região Centro Sul do estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Biometric measures, body score and body mass index evaluation in wild coatis (Nasua nasua) living in the South-Central region of São Paulo State, Brazil

Background: Coatis (Nasua nasua) have easy interaction with man, besides being sociable and curious animals. Theproximity to urbanized areas encourages them to intake food from anthropogenic sources, and it can change their eatinghabits and make them prone to obesity. The body condition evaluates the animals energetic status and measures variations in their body fat reserves. There are direct-invasive methods and indirect methods that rely on size and body massto evaluate the body condition, like body condition score and body mass index. Thus, the aim of the present study was toassess different methods to determine the body condition of wild coatis (Nasua nasua) living in urban areas.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen wild coatis (Nasua nasua), nine females and seven males, were captured at Facultyof Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ) of São Paulo State University, Botucatu, in pitfalls. The animals wereanesthetized with ketamine and midazolam and subjected to biometric evaluation after physical exams proved normal. Thefollowing variables were analyzed: body weight, body condition score (BCS) based on the five-point scale for dogs, thoracicand abdominal circumference, height at the withers, spine length and distance from the patella to the calcaneus. Two bodymass index (BMI) were calculated from these data, one was based on dogs (BMI1) and another one on cats (BMI2), as well asthe body fat percentage (%BF). Results showed that 25% of the assessed coatis were overweight. Body weight, thoracic andabdominal circumference, height at the withers, spine length and distance from the patella to the calcaneus were significantlyhigher in males than in females and the other assessed parameters did not present differences between sexes. The correlationbetween fat percentage and body weight was significant, and that between fat percentage and BCS was not. There was closer correlation...(AU)

Importancia del gestión racional en examen radiográfico de la articulación metacarpo/metatarsofalángica (menudillo) en caballos - revisión / Importance of rational handling in radiographic examination of metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint (fetlock) in horses - review / Importância do manejo racional no exame radiográfico da articulação metacarpo/metatarsofalângica (boleto) em equinos - revisão de literatura

Actualmente los caballos han sido incluidos en diversas actividades como el ocio, el deporte y la terapia. Entre los diversos sitios posibles de lesiones musculoesqueléticas en los caballos, las lesiones en la articulación metacarpofalángica son consideradas como una de las principales causas de claudicación. La radiografía es uno de los métodos de diagnóstico de mayor accesibilidad y contribuye al diagnóstico de las lesiones del aparato locomotor en la especie equina. Muchas de las tareas asociadas a la gestión de los caballos durante el procedimiento radiográfico, particularmente en las partes distales de las extremidades, pueden aumentar las reacciones de miedo, que conduce a la falta de cooperación del animal con el procedimiento y, en consecuencia, la generación de situaciones adversas para el animal y profesional involucrados. Esta revisión bibliográfica tiene como objetivo destacar la importancia de la gestión racional asociado con el examen radiográfico del metacarpo / metatarso-falángica (menudillo), destacando las principales dificultades para llevar a cabo lo examen radiográfico y los métodos facilitadores para el éxito de las proyecciones radiográficas esa región.(AU)

Currently the equines are being included in the most varied activities, such as leisure, sport and therapy. Among the various sites of musculoskeletal lesions in horses, the metacarpophalangeal joint injuries are considered as a major cause of lameness. Radiographic examination is one of the diagnostic methods of greater accessibility and contributes to the diagnosis of locomotor injuries in the equine species. Many of the tasks associated with the handling of equine during the radiographic procedure, particularly on the distal parts of the limbs, can increase fear reactions, leading to non-cooperation of the animal to the procedure and, consequently, generating adverse situations to the animal and professionals involved. This literature review aims to highlight the importance of rational management associated with radiographic examination of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (fetlock), highlighting the main difficulties for the realization of the radiographic exam and the facilitators methods to success on radiographic projections of this region.(AU)

Atualmente os equinos têm sido incluídos nas mais variadas atividades, como lazer, esporte e terapia. Entre os vários possíveis sítios de lesões musculoesqueléticas em cavalos, as injúrias na articulação metacarpofalângica são consideradas como uma das principais causas de claudicação. A radiografia é uma das metodologias diagnósticas de maior acessibilidade e que contribui para o diagnóstico das lesões locomotoras na espécie equina. Muitas das tarefas associadas ao manejo dos equinos durante o procedimento radiográfico, particularmente nas regiões distais dos membros, podem aumentar as reações de medo, levando a não cooperação do animal para a realização do procedimento, gerando, consequentemente, situações adversas para o animal e profissionais envolvidos. Esta revisão de literatura tem como objetivo destacar a importância do manejo racional associado ao exame radiográfico da articulação metacarpo/metatarsofalângica (boleto), ressaltando as principais dificuldades enfrentadas para a realização do exame radiográfico e os métodos facilitadores para o sucesso das projeções radiográficas dessa região.(AU)

Importancia del gestión racional en examen radiográfico de la articulación metacarpo/metatarsofalángica (menudillo) en caballos - revisión / Importance of rational handling in radiographic examination of metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint (fetlock) in horses - review / Importância do manejo racional no exame radiográfico da articulação metacarpo/metatarsofalângica (boleto) em equinos - revisão de literatura

Actualmente los caballos han sido incluidos en diversas actividades como el ocio, el deporte y la terapia. Entre los diversos sitios posibles de lesiones musculoesqueléticas en los caballos, las lesiones en la articulación metacarpofalángica son consideradas como una de las principales causas de claudicación. La radiografía es uno de los métodos de diagnóstico de mayor accesibilidad y contribuye al diagnóstico de las lesiones del aparato locomotor en la especie equina. Muchas de las tareas asociadas a la gestión de los caballos durante el procedimiento radiográfico, particularmente en las partes distales de las extremidades, pueden aumentar las reacciones de miedo, que conduce a la falta de cooperación del animal con el procedimiento y, en consecuencia, la generación de situaciones adversas para el animal y profesional involucrados. Esta revisión bibliográfica tiene como objetivo destacar la importancia de la gestión racional asociado con el examen radiográfico del metacarpo / metatarso-falángica (menudillo), destacando las principales dificultades para llevar a cabo lo examen radiográfico y los métodos facilitadores para el éxito de las proyecciones radiográficas esa región.

Currently the equines are being included in the most varied activities, such as leisure, sport and therapy. Among the various sites of musculoskeletal lesions in horses, the metacarpophalangeal joint injuries are considered as a major cause of lameness. Radiographic examination is one of the diagnostic methods of greater accessibility and contributes to the diagnosis of locomotor injuries in the equine species. Many of the tasks associated with the handling of equine during the radiographic procedure, particularly on the distal parts of the limbs, can increase fear reactions, leading to non-cooperation of the animal to the procedure and, consequently, generating adverse situations to the animal and professionals involved. This literature review aims to highlight the importance of rational management associated with radiographic examination of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (fetlock), highlighting the main difficulties for the realization of the radiographic exam and the facilitators methods to success on radiographic projections of this region.

Atualmente os equinos têm sido incluídos nas mais variadas atividades, como lazer, esporte e terapia. Entre os vários possíveis sítios de lesões musculoesqueléticas em cavalos, as injúrias na articulação metacarpofalângica são consideradas como uma das principais causas de claudicação. A radiografia é uma das metodologias diagnósticas de maior acessibilidade e que contribui para o diagnóstico das lesões locomotoras na espécie equina. Muitas das tarefas associadas ao manejo dos equinos durante o procedimento radiográfico, particularmente nas regiões distais dos membros, podem aumentar as reações de medo, levando a não cooperação do animal para a realização do procedimento, gerando, consequentemente, situações adversas para o animal e profissionais envolvidos. Esta revisão de literatura tem como objetivo destacar a importância do manejo racional associado ao exame radiográfico da articulação metacarpo/metatarsofalângica (boleto), ressaltando as principais dificuldades enfrentadas para a realização do exame radiográfico e os métodos facilitadores para o sucesso das projeções radiográficas dessa região.