Thermographic analysis of perforations in polyurethane blocks performed with experimental conical drill bit in comparison to conventional orthopedic drill bit: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Conical orthopedic drill bits may have the potential to improve the stabilization of orthopedic screws. During perforations, heat energy is released, and elevated temperatures could be related to thermal osteonecrosis. This study was designed to evaluate the thermal behavior of an experimental conical drill bit, when compared to the conventional cylindrical drill, using polyurethane blocks perforations. RESULTS: The sample was divided into two groups, according to the method of drilling, including 25 polyurethane blocks in each: In Group 1, perforations were performed with a conventional orthopedic cylindrical drill; while in Group 2, an experimental conical drill was used. No statistically significant difference was observed in relation to the maximum temperature (MT) during the entire drilling in the groups, however the perforation time (PT) was slightly longer in Group 2. Each drill bit perforated five times and number of perforations was not correlated with a temperature increase, when evaluated universally or isolated by groups. The PT had no correlation with an increase in temperature when evaluating the perforations universally (n = 50) and in Group 1 alone; however, Group 2 showed an inversely proportional correlation for these variables, indicating that, for the conical drill bit, drillings with longer PT had lower MT.

Influence of intravenous fentanyl or dexmedetomidine infusions, combined with lidocaine and ketamine, on cardiovascular response, sevoflurane requirement and postoperative pain in dogs anesthetized for unilateral mastectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of constant rate infusions (CRI) of fentanyl or dexmedetomidine, combined with lidocaine and ketamine, on cardiovascular response during surgery, sevoflurane requirement and postoperative pain in dogs undergoing mastectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 29 female dogs with mammary tumors. METHODS: Premedication consisted of intramuscular acepromazine and morphine. General anesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. Dogs were randomized to be administered intravenous DLK [dexmedetomidine 1 µg kg-1 loading dose (LD) and 1 µg kg-1 hour-1; lidocaine 2 mg kg-1 LD and 3 mg kg-1 hour-1; ketamine 1 mg kg-1 LD and 0.6 mg kg-1 hour-1; n = 14] or FLK (fentanyl 5 µg kg-1 LD and 9 µg kg-1 hour-1; same doses of lidocaine and ketamine; n = 15) during anesthesia. Cardiorespiratory variables and end-tidal sevoflurane (Fe'Sevo) were recorded during surgery. The number of dogs administered ephedrine to treat arterial hypotension [mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mmHg] was recorded. Meloxicam was administered to both groups. Postoperative pain and rescue analgesia requirement were assessed for 24 hours using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale. Data were compared using a mixed effects model or a Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: More dogs required ephedrine in FLK than in DLK (67% versus 7%). Heart rate was not significantly different between groups, whereas lower values of MAP (p ≤ 0.01) and Fe'Sevo (p = 0.018) were observed in FLK than in DLK. Rescue analgesia was administered to 2/15 dogs in FLK and 0/14 dogs in DLK. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the cardiovascular response during surgery, intraoperative infusions of FLK and DLK provided adequate antinociception. Infusion of DLK provided greater stability of blood pressure. Both protocols resulted in minimal need for additional analgesia within 24 hours postoperatively.

Reconstruction of large scalp defect in a brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans): A case report.

This case report describes different repair techniques used to reconstruct a large scalp defect in a brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) hit by a vehicle. Three reconstructive procedures were performed in two surgical stages. The repair techniques had successful outcomes on the patient's rehabilitation.

Psoralges libertus mite infestation in Tamandua tetradactyla: a 127-year gap in the literature due to scarcity of reports.

This study addresses the report of Psoralges libertus mite infestations in Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) after a 127-year gap in the literature, detailing clinical conditions, histopathological findings, and mite identification via morphology. The research broadens our understanding of mite habitats, highlighting challenges in managing parasitic health in free-ranging and captive animals. It underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance for conservation and public health, including potential zoonotic concerns. A P. libertus report in T. tetradactyla after over a century highlights the scarcity of publications on mite-induced mange in this mammalian species. Investigating potential P. libertus' impacts on tamanduas' well-being necessitates further research, particularly regarding pathogenicity, agent epidemiology, and host interaction. This study enhances our comprehension of parasite-host interactions and their relevance to wildlife conservation.

Radiographically guided femoral neck osteosynthesis with cannulated compressive titanium screw and anti-rotational component in a Brown Howler Monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans).

A Brown Howler Monkey presented with a femoral neck fracture was successfully treated with a cannulated compressive screw and an anti-rotational component inserted with radiographically guided technique. Complete bone consolidation and functional recovery were observed 9 weeks after the surgery, and the monkey was released to his place of origin.

Genotypic characterization of Streptococcus didelphis causative of fatal infection in white-eared opossums.

Streptococcus didelphis was once reported as related to severe infections in opossums. Thus, we present the first comprehensive whole-genome characterization of clinical S. didelphis strains isolated from white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris). Long-read whole-genome sequencing was performed using the MinION platform, which allowed the prediction of several genomic features. We observed that S. didelphis genomes harbor a cluster for streptolysin biosynthesis and a conserved genomic island with genes involved in transcriptional regulation (arlR) and transmembrane transport (bcrA). Antimicrobial resistance genes for several drug classes were found, including beta-lactam, which is the main antimicrobial class used in Streptococcus spp. infections; however, no phenotypical resistance was observed. In addition, we predicted the presence of 33 virulence factors in the analyzed genomes. High phylogenetic similarity was observed between clinical and reference strains, yet no clonality was suggested. We also proposed dnaN, gki, pros, and xpt as housekeeping candidates to be used in S. didelphis sequence typing. This is the first whole-genome characterization of S. didelphis, whose data provide important insights into its pathogenicity.

Hybridization in Canids-A Case Study of Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) Hybrid.

Hybridization between species with different evolutionary trajectories can be a powerful threat to wildlife conservation. Anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture and livestock, have led to the degradation and loss of natural habitats for wildlife. Consequently, the incidence of interspecific hybridization between wild and domestic species has increased, although cases involving species of different genera are rare. In Vacaria, a Southern city in Brazil, a female canid with a strange phenotype, which had characteristics between the phenotype of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and that of the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), was found. Our analysis suggests that the animal is a hybrid between a domestic dog and a pampas fox, but future studies are necessary to investigate additional cases of this hybridization in nature. This finding worries for the conservation of wild canids in South America, especially concerning Lycalopex species. Hybridization with the domestic dog may have harmful effects on pampas fox populations due to the potential for introgression and disease transmission by the domestic dog. Therefore, future studies to explore the consequences of hybridization on genetics, ecology, and behavior of wild populations will be essential to improve the conservation of this species.

Subtotal Cervical Esophagectomy and Anastomosis in an Ostrich (Struthio camelus domesticus).

An adult, female, captive ostrich (Struthio camelus domesticus) was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for a 2-week history of lethargy and a mass effect in the proximal cervical region. Physical examination revealed a fistula in the middle cervical esophagus surrounded by devitalized and necrotic tissue; feed material was found leaking from the site. Cervical radiography identified an esophageal stricture with anterior dilation due to the accumulation of feed. After receiving supportive care for 48 hours, the patient's overall status improved, allowing partial esophagectomy and resection of the affected tissues with end-to-end anastomosis. Postoperative management included fasting for 24 hours, followed by the administration of a liquid hand-rearing formula prepared with commercially available ostrich feed and administered via a feeding tube for 15 days. Proper healing of the surgical site was confirmed by esophagoscopy using a flexible endoscope 17 days after surgery. The ostrich was discharged after 27 days, with no complications recorded within the 180 days of the follow-up period. Partial cervical esophagectomy with end-to-end anastomosis along with pre- and postoperative management provided a successful outcome for the treatment of a fistulated esophageal stricture in a captive ostrich, resulting in full recovery without surgical complications.

Molecular survey of hemotropic mycoplasmas in crab-eating raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus) in southern Brazil.

Hemoplasmas are non-cultivable bacterial parasites of erythrocytes that infect domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Their means of transmission and pathogenesis remain contentious issues and difficult to evaluate in wild animals. Procyon cancrivorus is a South American carnivore and occurs in all Brazilian biomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate occurrences of hemoplasmas infecting P. cancrivorus and to identify their 16S rRNA gene, in southern Brazil. DNA was extracted from spleen and blood samples of P. cancrivorus (n = 9) from different locations. Hemoplasma DNA was detected in six samples, based on 16S rRNA gene amplification and phylogenetic analysis. Four of the six sequences belonged to the "Mycoplasma haemofelis group", which is closely related to genotypes detected in Procyon lotor from the USA; one was within the "Mycoplasma suis group", closely related to "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum"; and one was within the intermediate group between these clusters. Thus, these sequences showed that the molecular identity of hemoplasmas in the population studied was very variable. In five positive animals, Amblyomma aureolatum ticks and a flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) were collected. The present study describes the first molecular detection of mycoplasmas in P. cancrivorus.

Minimally Invasive Arthrodesis of the Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Biomechanical Comparison of Three 5.5-mm Cortical Screws Inserted in Lag Fashion and Two 7.0-mm Headless Cannulated Dual-Pitch Compression Screws.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of two minimally invasive arthrodesis techniques of the equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (three transarticular 5.5-mm cortical screws [AO-3TLS] vs. two transarticular 7.0-mm headless cannulated multi-use compression screws [MUC-2TS]) in dynamic non-destructive testing and compression testing to failure. STUDY DESIGN: The experimental study included six pairs of cadaveric adult equine forelimbs; one limb from each horse was randomly assigned to one of the treatments, and the contralateral limb was submitted to the remaining treatment. The dynamic test was performed alternating non-destructive compression tests at a displacement rate of 5 mm/min up to 5,000 N and sinusoidal compressive cyclic tests at 6 Hz, using a 3,600-N amplitude for 8,550 cycles. Construct stiffness and maximum sagittal plane rotation about the PIP joint markers were determined during the dynamic test. After the dynamic test reached 136,800 cycles, the monotonic compressive test until failure was performed on each construct: load, displacement and sagittal plane rotation about the PIP joint marker at failure were analysed. RESULTS: The evaluated biomechanical properties showed no statistical difference between the AO-3TLS and MUC-2TS treatment groups in any of the ramps of the dynamic non-destructive test and in the compression loading until failure test. CONCLUSION: The MUC-2TS treatment produced biomechanical properties equivalent to the AO-3TLS treatment for PIP joint arthrodesis.

Influence of Constant Rate Infusions of Fentanyl Alone or in Combination With Lidocaine and Ketamine on the Response to Surgery and Postoperative Pain in Isoflurane Anesthetized Dogs Undergoing Unilateral Mastectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of constant rate infusions (CRI) of fentanyl alone or combined with lidocaine and ketamine (FLK), on physiological parameters, isoflurane requirements and the number of postoperative analgesic rescues in dogs undergoing unilateral mastectomy. Twenty-two dogs were premedicated with acepromazine 0.02 mg/kg and morphine 0.5 mg/kg and anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: Fentanyl group (fentanyl 5 µg/kg loading dose [LD] and 9 µg/kg/h CRI; n = 11); FLK group (fentanyl [same doses]; lidocaine 2 mg/kg LD and 3 mg/kg/h CRI; ketamine 1.0 mg/kg LD and 0.6 mg/kg/h CRI; = 11). Intraoperative evaluations were performed before the start of surgery and administration of the treatments (T0); three minutes after the LD (T1); during incision and tissue divulsion (T2); during closure of the surgical wound (T3). Meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg) was administered at T3. Blood samples were collected for determination of plasma concentrations of fentanyl, lidocaine and ketamine. Pain scores and the number of postoperative analgesic rescues with morphine (0.5 mg/kg) were evaluated for 24 hours postoperatively using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale. Compared to T0, significant decreases in heart rate (from 84 ± 28 to 53 ± 16 bpm in the Fentanyl group and from 93 ± 16 to 63 ± 15 bpm in FLK) and mean arterial pressure (from 61 ± 5 to 49 ± 10 mmHg in Fentanyl and from 59 ± 3 to 38 ± 6 mmHg in FLK) were observed at T1. Arterial hypotension was transient, with normalization of values at T2 and T3. The expired fraction of isoflurane did not differ significantly between the groups. Plasma concentrations of fentanyl, lidocaine and ketamine remained within the therapeutic range. Postoperatively, the number of dogs requiring analgesic rescue was significantly lower in the FLK (0/11, 0%) than in the Fentanyl group (5/11, 45%). In dogs administered morphine and meloxicam as part of the anesthesia protocol, an intraoperative CRI of FLK abolished the requirement for postoperative analgesic rescue for 24 hours in dogs undergoing mastectomy.

Emergence of Mansonella sp. in free-ranging primates in southern Brazil.

Mansonellosis is a neglected and emerging tropical disease. Among all zoonotic filarial diseases, it is probably the most prevalent and least studied, with approximately 114 million people infected. The parasites of Mansonella spp. are among the most common blood parasitemias and are widely found in Africa and Latin America. Through molecular analysis of blood samples from free-ranging primates Sapajus nigritus (n 33) and Alouatta guariba clamitans (n 5) in the southern states of Brazil (Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul), we identified samples positive for Mansonella perstans in two specimens of A. guariba clamitans. A fragment of 578 bp from the ITS intergenic region (5.8S-ITS2-28S) was targeted for an initial PCR screening. Subsequently, positive samples were subjected to other PCR assays targeting a fragment of the 12S and the 18S genes. This is the first record of molecular detection of the agent in this host in the Pampa Biome. With a wide distribution across Brazil and Argentina, these primates may represent a potential wild reservoir for the zoonotic agent of mansonellosis. Entomological and transmission studies are essential to avoid the urbanization of mansonellosis and to understand the cycles of agents in different environmental scenarios.

Rickettsia amblyommatis-infected Amblyomma coelebs parasitizing a human traveler in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, after returning from the Amazon.

With increased national and international transportation, humans as well as domestic and wild animals are able to get from one end to the other within hours, accidently carrying transboundary vectors and pathogens. We report here, the introduction of Amblyomma coelebs in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil, via a man travelling to the Carajás National Forest in the state of Pará (2661 km away). Upon return to his residence in Porto Alegre, RS, he realized that he was parasitized by one tick. The tick was identified as a nymph of Amblyomma sp., placed in a Biological Oxygen Demand incubator, and after ecdysis was identified as a male of Amblyomma coelebs. The tick's DNA was screened for Rickettsia spp., where Rickettsia amblyommatis DNA was detected. The parasitized man was seropositive to spotted fever group rickettsiae, by immunofluorescence assay, in a single serum sample collected 45 days after the tick-bite. Amblyomma coelebs is found in some Brazilian states, but Parana is the southernmost state in Brazil where it occurs. This species has already been reported to carry some species of Rickettsia, including species of the spotted fever group. It may risk public health if established in Rio Grande do Sul, with the introduction of tick and pathogenic rickettsias.

Causes of death in neotropical primates in Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Anthropogenic disturbances are the main threats to nonhuman primates conservation, and infectious diseases may also play a key role in primate population decline. This study aimed to determine the main causes of death in neotropical primates. METHODS: A retrospective study of post-mortem examinations was conducted on 146 neotropical primates between January 2000 and December 2018. RESULTS: Conclusive diagnoses were obtained in 68.5% of the cases, of which 59 corresponded to non-infectious causes and 41 to infectious diseases. Trauma was the main cause of death (54/100), with anthropogenic stressors caused by blunt force trauma injuries (collision with vehicles) and puncture wound injuries associated with interspecific aggression (dog predation) were the most common factors. Other causes of death included bacterial diseases (27%), followed by parasitic diseases (12%), neoplasms (2%), and viral diseases (2%). CONCLUSIONS: Free-ranging primates were mostly affected by non-infectious causes, while captive primates were by infectious conditions.

Can the training regimen influence night time physical activity in racehorses?

Physical activity has been widely investigated in horses to elucidate locomotion characteristics and behavior. However, research in real environment of training stables is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of training regimen on night time physical activity of racehorses. Physical activities of twenty animals were monitored during the night time using accelerometers. The animals were compared in terms of training regimen: horses subjected to training on continual days, and horses subjected to training on intermittent days; age and sex were also considered. The variables analyzed were: counts per minute, percentage of time in (sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous) physical activity. Statistical analysis was performed by the PROCGLM procedure (ANOVA) and the means were calculated by Tukey's test. The training regimen impacts the physical activity of thoroughbreds. The mean counts per minute showed a higher physical activity in the intermittent trained animals in relation with continuously trained animals. The continuously trained animals presented a greater percentage of time in sedentary physical activity than those intermittent trained. However, intermittently trained horses spent a larger percentage of time in moderate and vigorous physical activity, in comparison with continuously trained animals. In conclusion, racehorses subject to training on continual days have lower physical activity in the night time than those that train on intermittent days.

Mucinous Rectal Adenocarcinoma in a Urutu Snake (Bothrops alternatus).

A 15-year-old captive female Urutu snake (Bothrops alternatus) was presented with anorexia, apathy, dehydration, pale mucous membranes and marked enlargement of the caudal third of the coelomic cavity. Radiographs and ultrasonography were suggestive of faecal impaction or neoplasia. Post-mortem findings consisted of solid faecal impaction of the intestines, secondary to obstruction caused by a rectal tumour. Cytological examination of impression smears of the tumour revealed polygonal to round neoplastic cells arranged in clusters in an abundant extracellular mucinous matrix. Histologically, there was transmural growth of neoplastic epithelial cells arranged in small nests or individually and immersed in abundant extracellular mucin lakes. The neoplastic cells were immunopositive for cytokeratin. Clinical and pathological aspects indicated a diagnosis of mucinous rectal adenocarcinoma.

Fibular and metatarsal osteosynthesis in a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans).

Here we describe a successful surgical management of a distal fibular fracture combined with a tarsocrural luxation and multiple metatarsal fractures in the left foot of a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans). We achieved satisfactory outcome by applying intramedullary pinning for each of the bone fractures and closed reduction of joint luxation-kept in place only by bone alignment, without further ligament reconstruction. Bone healing occurred uneventfully within eight weeks and the monkey's foot regained its normal function. Therefore, we could properly release the patient back into the wild.

Neoplasms in domestic hamsters in Southern Brazil: epidemiological and pathological aspects of 40 cases1 / Neoplasias em hamsters domésticos no Sul do Brasil: aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de 40 casos

Although neoplasms are commonly reported in domestic hamsters, retrospective studies approaching spontaneous tumors with data regarding epidemiological findings are scarce. The present study aimed to describe the epidemiological and pathological findings of 40 cases of tumors in domestic hamsters diagnosed in a veterinary pathology laboratory in Southern Brazil from 2002 to 2019. Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) was the most commonly affected species (16/40), followed by Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus, 11/40) and Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus, 4/40). Among the cases, 57.5% were females (23/40), while 42.5% were males (17/40). The affected hamsters' median age was of 14-months old, with an age range of 8- to 36-months old. Twenty-four cases were assessed as anatomopathological samples (biopsies), while 16 were composed of carcasses submitted to postmortem examination, and, therefore, the neoplasm was related to the cause of death. The integumentary system was frequently affected (60%, 24/40), followed by the female reproductive tract (22.5%, 9/40), hematopoietic system (10%, 4/40), digestive tract (5%, 2/40), and endocrine system (2.5%, 1/40). The most frequent neoplasm was squamous cell carcinoma (35%, 14/40), mostly on the lip/nasal region (50%, 7/14). Other tumors included fibrosarcoma (10%, 4/40), lymphoma (10%, 4/40), mammary cystadenoma (10%, 4/40), apocrine sweat gland adenoma (7.5%, 3/40), hemangiosarcoma (5%, 2/40), leiomyosarcoma (5%, 2/40), and granulosa ovarian cell tumor (5%, 2/40). The five remaining cases occurred individually and were composed of hepatoid gland adenoma, solid thyroid carcinoma, cutaneous melanoma, ovarian teratoma, and cutaneous trichoblastoma. Neoplasms were identified as an important cause of death and major reason to perform biopsy in domestic hamsters in Southern Brazil.(AU)

Embora neoplasmas em hamsters domésticos sejam comumente relatados, estudos retrospectivos abordando neoplasias espontâneas e os dados epidemiológicos associados são escassos. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de descrever os principais achados epidemiológicos e patológicos de 40 casos de tumores em hamsters domésticos diagnosticados em um laboratório de patologia veterinária do Sul do Brasil de 2002 a 2019. A principal espécie acometida foi o hamster chinês (Cricetulus griseus, 16/40), seguido por hamster anão russo siberiano (Phodopus sungorus, 11/40) e hamster sírio (Mesocricetus auratus, 4/40). As fêmeas corresponderam a 57,5% dos casos (23/40), enquanto os machos representaram 42,5% (17/40). Foram afetados roedores com uma faixa etária de 8 a 36 meses de idade, e uma mediana de 14 meses. Do total de casos, 24 foram exames anatomopatológicos (biopsias) e 16 casos foram examinados através de necropsia e, portanto, relacionados com a causa da morte dos animais. O sistema tegumentar foi o mais frequentemente acometido (60%; 24/40), seguido pelo trato reprodutivo (22,5%; 9/40), sistema hematopoietico (10%; 4/40), trato digestório (5%; 2/40) e sistema endócrino (2,5%; 1/40). A neoplasia mais frequentemente diagnosticada foi o carcinoma de células escamosas (35%; 14/40), localizado principalmente em região labionasal (50%; 7/14). Outros tumores incluíram fibrossarcoma (10%; 4/40), linfoma (10%; 4/40), adenoma cístico de glândula mamária (10%; 4/40), adenoma de glândula sudorípara (7,5%; 3/40), hemangiossarcoma (5%; 2/40), leiomiossarcoma (5%; 2/40) e tumor de células da granulosa (5%; 2/40). Os outros cinco casos remanescentes ocorreram individualmente e eram compostos por adenoma de glândula hepatoide, carcinoma sólido de tireoide, melanoma cutâneo, teratoma ovariano e tricoblastoma cutâneo. Neoplasmas foram identificados como importantes causas de morte ou razões para realização de biopsia em hamsters domésticos no Sul do Brasil.(AU)

Clinical and pathological aspects of first report of Tunga penetrans infestation on southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tungiasis is a neglected neotropical disease caused by penetration of Tunga spp. into the skin of the host. METHODS: Two primates were rescued from nearby different indigenous villages, and the clinical, pathological, and parasitological features of tungiasis were described. Flea identification occurred through their morphometry and was confirmed with the use of a dichotomous key. RESULTS: Monkey 1 was parasitized by 23 sand fleas and, after treatment, was assigned to the animal rehabilitation center. Monkey 2 was in poor body condition and died shortly after clinical examination. At necropsy, this primate was parasitized by 26 specimens of sand fleas. CONCLUSIONS: Both animals altered their tree behavior by staying on the ground for long periods. This parasitic relationship implies the possibility of enlargement of the sand flea dispersion. Thus, this is the first record of Tunga penetrans occurrence in wild Alouatta guariba clamitans.