Diagnostic Value and Application of Infrared Thermography in the Analysis of Circumanal Gland Tumors.

In dogs, circumanal tumors are the third most common skin neoplasm. Circumanal gland adenomas (CAGAs) have a good prognosis. Contrastingly, circumanal gland adenocarcinomas (CAGAC) have high relapse rates and may be metastatic. This study aimed to investigate the utility of thermal imaging as an ancillary modality for the diagnosis of canine CAGA and CAGAC. We analyzed the following parameters: SpT, temperature measured at the tumor center; SpNT, temperature measured at a healthy sphincter skin spot distant from the tumor; TA, temperature measured at a tumor-encompassing ellipse-shaped area; and NTA, temperature measured at an ellipse-shaped area of the healthy sphincter skin distant from the tumor. In CAGAs, the mean SpT and SpNT temperature values differed by -1.45°C (p < 0.01) while the mean TA and NTA temperature values differed by -0.96°C (p < 0.05). In CAGACs, mean SpT and SpNT temperatures differed by -1.71°C (p < 0.01) while the mean TA and NTA temperatures differed by -1.69°C (p < 0.01). The mean SpT and TA temperature values measured in CAGAs and CAGACs differed by -0.10°C (p = 0.87) and 0.52°C (p = 0.38), respectively. Both tumors were colder than healthy sphincter skin. However, a substantial number of CAGACs were colder than CAGAs. Temperature differences ≥ 1°C between tumors and healthy sphincter skin increased the probability of CAGAC diagnosis by 17.45%. Thermal imaging allowed discrimination between healthy and tumoral tissues; therefore, it could be a good ancillary diagnostic modality.

Kinetic and Kinematic Analysis of Dogs Suffering from Hip Osteoarthritis and Healthy Dogs Across Different Physical Activities.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate mobility performance in dogs suffering from hip osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia using kinesiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty dogs with a radiographical diagnosis of bilateral hip dysplasia and hip osteoarthritis and 20 healthy dogs were submitted to kinetic and kinematic analysis while climbing upstairs, walking down a slope, sitting down, standing up, and walking. Dogs were also scored by two blind examiners using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Dysplastic dogs had lower peak vertical force (4% of body weight on average), increased symmetry index (12.6% difference on average) and reduced maximum hip joint extension angle and range of motion (ROM) in all tests. Mean hip joint range of motion difference was 11, 20, 25.4 and 25.2 degrees (walking, climbing upstairs, walking down a slope, sitting down and standing up exercise respectively). The VAS scores varied widely between examiners; still, healthy and dysplastic dog mobility differed across all physical test tasks. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gait changes were observed in all physical tasks performed by dysplastic dogs with hip osteoarthritis, particularly in those requiring higher levels of effort. Comprehensive, quantitative assessment of dogs suffering from hip osteoarthritis across a range of physical activities is recommended.

Feline injection site sarcoma: immunohistochemical characteristics.

OBJECTIVES: Feline injection site sarcoma (FISS) is a rapid growing locally aggressive tumor with a low metastatic rate. Its histologic features are clearly defined, but there are few studies regarding its immunohistochemical characteristics. The present study investigated the immunohistochemical characteristics of 21 cases of FISS. METHODS: FISSs from 12 male and nine female cats, 20 mixed-breed and one Siamese, were included in the study. After histopathological diagnosis, additional histologic sections were immunostained for vimentin, cytokeratin, desmin, S100 protein, viral feline leukemia virus (FeLV) particles, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and c-KIT. Positive and negative controls were adopted accordingly. Immunostainings were classified as positive or negative according to the number of positive cells from a total of 1000 cells per tumor section. RESULTS: Histopathologic diagnosis of the tumors revealed 18 (85.7%) fibrosarcomas and three (14.3%) other sarcomas; four fibrosarcomas (22.2%) were grade III, five (27.8%) were grade II and nine (50.0%) were grade I. Two sarcomas were grade III and one was grade II. Seventeen (81%) tumors were negative for desmin. All samples were positive for vimentin. Twenty tumors (95.2%) were positive for S-100 protein. Positivity for c-KIT was observed in four (19%) samples; COX-2 was positive in 13 (61.9%) and FeLV viral particles were positive in nine (42.9%) FISSs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Immunohistochemical findings of FISSs revealed positive immunostainings for desmin, vimentin, S-100 protein, c-KIT, COX-2 and FeLV viral particles.

Postoperative pain and short-term complications after two elective sterilization techniques: ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy in cats.

BACKGROUND: Surgical sterilization of cats is one of the most commonly performed procedures in veterinary practice and it can be accomplished by two different techniques: ovariohysterectomy (OVH) or ovariectomy (OVE). Although there is an apparent preference for OVH in United States and Canada, OVE seems to be the standard of care in many European countries due to its advantages, such as a smaller surgical incision and potentially less complications associated with surgical manipulation of the uterus. The aim of this randomized, blind, prospective study was to compare postoperative pain and short-term complications in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy. METHODS: Twenty female cats were randomly assigned into two groups (OVH, n = 10 and OVE, n = 10). Pain was assessed prior to surgery (baseline) and 1, 2, 4, 8 12 and 24 h after the procedure using pain and sedation scales, physiologic parameters and blood glucose levels. Short-term complications were evaluated in the early postoperative period and reassessed at day 7 and day 10. RESULTS: Changes in cardiovascular parameters were not clinically relevant, however cats in OVH group had higher heart rates at T1 h compared with baseline (p = 0.0184). Blood glucose levels in OVH group were also higher at T1 h compared with baseline (p = 0.0135) and with OVE group (p = 0.0218). Surgical time was higher in OVH group (p = 0.0115). Even though no significant differences in pain scores were observed between groups or time points, cats in OVH group had greater need for rescue analgesia compared with OVE (2/10 and 0/10, respectively). Complications were not observed in any cat during surgery, at days 7 and 10 postoperatively or at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Both surgical techniques promoted similar intensity of postoperative pain in cats and there were no short-term complications throughout the study's evaluation period. Therefore, both techniques may be indicated for surgical sterilization of cats, according to the surgeon's preference and expertise. Cats that underwent ovariectomy did not require rescue analgesia and surgical time was shorter in that group.

Avaliação morfológica e morfométrica da articulação umerorradioulnar em cães através de exames radiográficos e por tomografia computadorizada / Radiographic and tomographic study of the elbow joint in dogs

Este estudo teve como objetivo apresentar de forma detalhada dados morfológicos e morfométricos da articulação umerorradioulnar de cães de raça definida avaliados por meio de exames físicos, radiográficos e tomográficos. A amostra dessa pesquisa constituiu-se de 44 cotovelos de cães com idades variadas. Para análise de informações obtidas, o coeficiente kappa e de correlação interclasse e associação foram realizados. Constatou-se que o desempenho individual de cada projeção radiográfica teve pobre concordância com o exame tomográfico; não houve concordância entre os observadores para as mensurações do ângulo da incisura ulnar ao exame radiográfico e tomográfico. Porém houve boa/moderada concordância para mensuração da incongruência radioulnar no plano sagital entre os observadores. Concluiu-se que nenhuma das cinco incidências radiográficas foi superior para análise radiográfica, uma vez que cada projeção apresentou melhor identificação de um compartimento do cotovelo. Medidas ao exame tomográfico para incongruência radioulnar não apresentaram reprodutibilidade no plano de reconstrução frontal, entretanto no corte sagital apresentaram boa e moderada concordância entre os observadores e que a mensuração do ângulo da incisura ulnar não apresentou repetibilidade ao exame radiográfico e nem reprodutibilidade ao exame tomográfico. Esses resultados contribuem para melhor utilização de cada exame de acordo com a região a ser avaliada bem como ressaltam a necessidade da somatória de múltiplos exames de imagem para a correta avaliação desta afecção.(AU)

Elbow dysplasia disease includes an united anconeal process, fragmented medial coronoid process, osteochondrosis of humeral trochlea, articular incongruity and degenerative joint disease. The aim of this study was to present detailed morphologic and morphometric aspects of the elbow joint in dog in clinical and correlate with radiographic and tomographic (CT) exam. Inter-observer variation for articular incongruity measurements by CT, comparative analysis in the radiographic exam, angle in ulnar notch and its comparative analysis between radiographic and tomographic agreement examination in 44 elbow of dogs with different ages were evaluated. The statistics analyses included the kappa coefficient and interclass correlation and Fischer's test and McNemar's test. It was evidenced that individual performance of each radiographic incidence had poor agreement with the tomographic exam, suggesting that the accomplishment of more than two radiograph views are needed. There was no agreement between the three evaluators in the ulnar notch angle at radiographic and tomographic exams. However, there was good/moderate agreement for articular incongruity measurement in the sagittal plane between evaluators. It was possible to conclude that none of the five radiographic incidences was better than the others for radiographic analysis because each incidence had a better identification of a particular elbow compartment; measurements at the tomographic exam to evaluate radioulnar incongruity had no reproductiveness in the frontal plane, but in sagittal plan had a good/moderate agreement between observers and the angle in ulnar notch presented no repeatability at radiographic exam and no reproductiveness at tomographic exam.(AU)

Avaliação morfológica e morfométrica da articulação umerorradioulnar em cães através de exames radiográficos e por tomografia computadorizada / Radiographic and tomographic study of the elbow joint in dogs

Elbow dysplasia disease includes an united anconeal process, fragmented medial coronoid process, osteochondrosis of humeral trochlea, articular incongruity and degenerative joint disease. The aim of this study was to present detailed morphologic and morphometric aspects of the elbow joint in dog in clinical and correlate with radiographic and tomographic (CT) exam. Inter-observer variation for articular incongruity measurements by CT, comparative analysis in the radiographic exam, angle in ulnar notch and its comparative analysis between radiographic and tomographic agreement examination in 44 elbow of dogs with different ages were evaluated. The statistics analyses included the kappa coefficient and interclass correlation and Fischers test and McNemars test. It was evidenced that individual performance of each radiographic incidence had poor agreement with the tomographic exam, suggesting that the accomplishment of more than two radiograph views are needed. There was no agreement between the three evaluators in the ulnar notch angle at radiographic and tomographic exams. However, there was good/moderate agreement for articular incongruity measurement in the sagittal plane between evaluators. It was possible to conclude that none of the five radiographic incidences was better than the others for radiographic analysis because each incidence had a better identification of a particular elbow compartment; measurements at the tomographic exam to evaluate radioulnar incongruity had no reproductiveness in the frontal plane, but in sagittal plan had a good/moderate agreement between observers and the angle in ulnar notch presented no repeatability at radiographic exam and no reproductiveness at tomographic exam.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo apresentar de forma detalhada dados morfológicos e morfométricos da articulação umerorradioulnar de cães de raça definida avaliados por meio de exames físicos, radiográficos e tomográficos. A amostra dessa pesquisa constituiu-se de 44 cotovelos de cães com idades variadas. Para análise de informações obtidas, o coeficiente kappa e de correlação interclasse e associação foram realizados. Constatou-se que o desempenho individual de cada projeção radiográfica teve pobre concordância com o exame tomográfico; não houve concordância entre os observadores para as mensurações do ângulo da incisura ulnar ao exame radiográfico e tomográfico. Porém houve boa/moderada concordância para mensuração da incongruência radioulnar no plano sagital entre os observadores. Concluiu-se que nenhuma das cinco incidências radiográficas foi superior para análise radiográfica, uma vez que cada projeção apresentou melhor identificação de um compartimento do cotovelo. Medidas ao exame tomográfico para incongruência radioulnar não apresentaram reprodutibilidade no plano de reconstrução frontal, entretanto no corte sagital apresentaram boa e moderada concordância entre os observadores e que a mensuração do ângulo da incisura ulnar não apresentou repetibilidade ao exame radiográfico e nem reprodutibilidade ao exame tomográfico. Esses resultados contribuem para melhor utilização de cada exame de acordo com a região a ser avaliada bem como ressaltam a necessidade da somatória de múltiplos exames de imagem para a correta avaliação desta afecção.(AU)

Avaliação morfológica e morfométrica da articulação umerorradioulnar em cães através de exames radiográficos e por tomografia computadorizada

ABSTRACT: Elbow dysplasia disease includes an united anconeal process, fragmented medial coronoid process, osteochondrosis of humeral trochlea, articular incongruity and degenerative joint disease. The aim of this study was to present detailed morphologic and morphometric aspects of the elbow joint in dog in clinical and correlate with radiographic and tomographic (CT) exam. Inter-observer variation for articular incongruity measurements by CT, comparative analysis in the radiographic exam, angle in ulnar notch and its comparative analysis between radiographic and tomographic agreement examination in 44 elbow of dogs with different ages were evaluated. The statistics analyses included the kappa coefficient and interclass correlation and Fischers test and McNemars test. It was evidenced that individual performance of each radiographic incidence had poor agreement with the tomographic exam, suggesting that the accomplishment of more than two radiograph views are needed. There was no agreement between the three evaluators in the ulnar notch angle at radiographic and tomographic exams. However, there was good/moderate agreement for articular incongruity measurement in the sagittal plane between evaluators. It was possible to conclude that none of the five radiographic incidences was better than the others for radiographic analysis because each incidence had a better identification of a particular elbow compartment; measurements at the tomographic exam to evaluate radioulnar incongruity had no reproductiveness in the frontal plane, but in sagittal plan had a good/moderate agreement between observers and the angle in ulnar notch presented no repeatability at radiographic exam and no reproductiveness at tomographic exam.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo apresentar de forma detalhada dados morfológicos e morfométricos da articulação umerorradioulnar de cães de raça definida avaliados por meio de exames físicos, radiográficos e tomográficos. A amostra dessa pesquisa constituiu-se de 44 cotovelos de cães com idades variadas. Para análise de informações obtidas, o coeficiente kappa e de correlação interclasse e associação foram realizados. Constatou-se que o desempenho individual de cada projeção radiográfica teve pobre concordância com o exame tomográfico; não houve concordância entre os observadores para as mensurações do ângulo da incisura ulnar ao exame radiográfico e tomográfico. Porém houve boa/moderada concordância para mensuração da incongruência radioulnar no plano sagital entre os observadores. Concluiu-se que nenhuma das cinco incidências radiográficas foi superior para análise radiográfica, uma vez que cada projeção apresentou melhor identificação de um compartimento do cotovelo. Medidas ao exame tomográfico para incongruência radioulnar não apresentaram reprodutibilidade no plano de reconstrução frontal, entretanto no corte sagital apresentaram boa e moderada concordância entre os observadores e que a mensuração do ângulo da incisura ulnar não apresentou repetibilidade ao exame radiográfico e nem reprodutibilidade ao exame tomográfico. Esses resultados contribuem para melhor utilização de cada exame de acordo com a região a ser avaliada bem como ressaltam a necessidade da somatória de múltiplos exames de imagem para a correta avaliação desta afecção.

Prevalence of Neoplastic Diseases in Pet Birds Referred for Surgical Procedures.

Neoplastic disease is common in pet birds, particularly in psittacines, and treatment should be primarily aimed at tumor eradication. Nineteen cases of pet birds submitted to diagnostic and/or therapeutic surgical procedures due to neoplastic disease characterized by the presence of visible masses were retrospectively analyzed; affected species, types of neoplasms and respective locations, and outcomes of surgical procedures were determined. All birds undergoing surgery belonged to the order Psittaciformes; the Blue-fronted parrot (Amazona aestiva) was the prevalent species. Lipoma was the most frequent neoplasm in the sample studied. Most neoplasms affected the integumentary system, particularly the pericloacal area. Tumor resection was the most common surgical procedure performed, with high resolution and low recurrence rates.

Bleeding simulation in embalmed cadavers: bridging the gap between simulation and live surgery.

In veterinary medicine, surgical education and training require the development of abilities that can be acquired in practical classes using currently available models such as cadaver training. Limited availability of cadavers, undesirable changes in tissue texture and the absence of bleeding are the main disadvantages of cadaver-based training compared to training in live animals. This study proposes a chemical cadaver preservation method aimed at overcoming the aforementioned limitations. Blood circulation could be reproduced in preserved cadavers, thereby enabling satisfactory simulation-based training of several surgical procedures, from incision to suture and including hemostatic techniques. The model in this study introduces a high-fidelity simulation training alternative to prepare students for the practice of surgery. In this manner, surgical interventions would be restricted to surgical cases and healthy animals would not be submitted to surgical procedures exclusively for learning purposes.

Multiple trichoblastomas in a dog.

BACKGROUND: Hair follicle tumours generally present as benign, solitary masses and have a good prognosis following surgical resection. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: This report describes a case of multiple trichoblastomas in a dog. ANIMAL: A 2-year-old crossbred dog presented with multiple soft cutaneous periocular, perilabial, submandibular and nasal nodules, between 2 and 9 cm in diameter, located on the right side of the face. New nodules were observed on the same side of the face at a second consultation 3 weeks later. METHODS: Surgical resection of all nodules was performed in two procedures. Three nodules were initially resected and submitted for histolopathology and immunohistochemistry. The diagnosis was trichoblastoma for all three. At the time of the second consultation, new and remaining nodules were biopsied and the diagnosis of trichoblastoma confirmed. The dog was treated with doxorubicin and piroxicam for 30 days prior to the second surgical procedure in an attempt to reduce new tumour growth and the size of present tumours. All nodules were resected and the defects closed using rotation flaps. RESULTS: No recurrence of the neoplasm was noted within 10 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Trichoblastomas are generally benign but can present as multiple neoplasms that may require surgical resection and may respond to chemotherapy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of multiple trichoblastomas in a dog.

Estudo retrospectivo de afecções cirúrgicas em aves / Retrospective study of surgical disorders in birds

Avaliaram-se retrospectivamente as cirurgias realizadas em aves no Serviço de Cirurgia de Pequenos Animais do Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, durante período de oito anos. De um total de 90 intervenções cirúrgicas para diagnóstico e/ou tratamento de afecções, 27 foram ortopédicas e 63 de tecidos moles. Quanto ao percentual de cirurgias ortopédicas realizadas segundo as diferentes ordens, observou-se: Psittaciformes 85,19%, Piciformes 7,41%, Anseriformes 3,70% e Falconiformes 3,70%. Para as de tecidos moles os Psittaciformes representaram 92,06%, Columbiformes 3,17%, Passeriformes 3,17% e Anseriformes 1,60%. Entre os tipos de afecções ortopédicas encontradas as fraturas apresentaram a maior ocorrência (88,90%), seguidas de luxação (3,70%), avulsão traumática de extremidade (3,70%) e artrite/osteomielite (3,70%). Dentre as afecções cirúrgicas de tecidos moles as neoplasias apresentaram a maior ocorrência (30,15%), seguidas das neoformações cutâneas ou de anexos não neoplásicos (17,46%), neoformações cutâneas sem diagnóstico (7,94%), distocia (7,94%), fístula de papo (7,94%), hérnia abdominal (4,76%), sinusite (4,76%), gangrena de extremidade de membros (3,17%), perfuração de esôfago (3,17%), prolapso de cloaca (3,17%), "Necrose avascular de dígito" (1,59%), ferida na região da quilha (1,59%), perfuração de cavidade celomática (1,59%), neoformação em cavidade celomática sem diagnóstico (1,59%), corpo estranho em trato gastrointestinal (1,59%) e otite (1,59%). A distribuição das afecções cirúrgicas segundo as espécies acometidas mostrou o "grupo dos papagaios", representado em sua maioria por espécies do gênero Amazona, como prevalente. O conhecimento das afecções cirúrgicas e espécies de aves mais acometidas acrescentam informações para aqueles que já atuam nesta área e servem como indicador de estudo para futuros cirurgiões de aves.

The study assessed retrospectively avian surgeries at the Service of Small Animal Surgery, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, performed during eight years. A total of 90 procedures was done for diagnosis or treatment of surgical disorders. From these, 27 were orthopedic and 63 soft tissue surgeries. Considering the orthopedic surgeries performed according to orders we observed: Psittaciformes 85.19%, Piciformes 7.41%, Anseriformes 3.70%, and Falconiformes 3.70%; for soft tissues, the Psittaciformes represented 92.06%, Columbiformes 3.17%, Passeriformes 3.17%, and Anseriformes 1.60%. Fractures presented the highest incidence among orthopedic disorders (88.90%), followed by luxation (3.70%), traumatic avulsion of the end (3.70%) and arthritis/osteomyelitis (3.70%). Among the surgical disorders of soft tissue, neoplasms accounted in 30.15%, followed by cutaneous neoformation or non-neoplastic annexes (17.46%), undiagnosed cutaneous neoformations (7.94%), dystocia (7.94%), crop fistula (7.94%), abdominal hernia (4.76%), sinusitis (4.76%), gangrene of the extremities (3.17%), esophageal perforation (3.17%), cloaca prolapse (3.17%), "avascular necrosis of digit" (1.59%), wound in the region of the keel (1.59%), perforation of the coelomic cavity (1.59%), neoformation in the coelomic cavity without a diagnosis (1.59%), foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract (1.59%), and otitis (1.59%). The distribution of surgical disorders according to species affected showed that the "group of parrots", mainly represented by species of Amazonas genus, was prevalent. Knowledge of surgical and bird species most affected add information for those who work in this area and will be an indicator for future surgeons of birds.

Estudo retrospectivo de afecções cirúrgicas em aves / Retrospective study of surgical disorders in birds

Avaliaram-se retrospectivamente as cirurgias realizadas em aves no Serviço de Cirurgia de Pequenos Animais do Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, durante período de oito anos. De um total de 90 intervenções cirúrgicas para diagnóstico e/ou tratamento de afecções, 27 foram ortopédicas e 63 de tecidos moles. Quanto ao percentual de cirurgias ortopédicas realizadas segundo as diferentes ordens, observou-se: Psittaciformes 85,19%, Piciformes 7,41%, Anseriformes 3,70% e Falconiformes 3,70%. Para as de tecidos moles os Psittaciformes representaram 92,06%, Columbiformes 3,17%, Passeriformes 3,17% e Anseriformes 1,60%. Entre os tipos de afecções ortopédicas encontradas as fraturas apresentaram a maior ocorrência (88,90%), seguidas de luxação (3,70%), avulsão traumática de extremidade (3,70%) e artrite/osteomielite (3,70%). Dentre as afecções cirúrgicas de tecidos moles as neoplasias apresentaram a maior ocorrência (30,15%), seguidas das neoformações cutâneas ou de anexos não neoplásicos (17,46%), neoformações cutâneas sem diagnóstico (7,94%), distocia (7,94%), fístula de papo (7,94%), hérnia abdominal (4,76%), sinusite (4,76%), gangrena de extremidade de membros (3,17%), perfuração de esôfago (3,17%), prolapso de cloaca (3,17%), "Necrose avascular de dígito" (1,59%), ferida na região da quilha (1,59%), perfuração de cavidade celomática (1,59%), neoformação em cavidade celomática sem diagnóstico (1,59%), corpo estranho em trato gastrointestinal (1,59%) e otite (1,59%). A distribuição das afecções cirúrgicas segundo as espécies acometidas mostrou o "grupo dos papagaios", representado em sua maioria por espécies do gênero Amazona, como prevalente. O conhecimento das afecções cirúrgicas e espécies de aves mais acometidas acrescentam informações para aqueles que já atuam nesta área e servem como indicador de estudo para futuros cirurgiões de aves.(AU)

The study assessed retrospectively avian surgeries at the Service of Small Animal Surgery, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, performed during eight years. A total of 90 procedures was done for diagnosis or treatment of surgical disorders. From these, 27 were orthopedic and 63 soft tissue surgeries. Considering the orthopedic surgeries performed according to orders we observed: Psittaciformes 85.19%, Piciformes 7.41%, Anseriformes 3.70%, and Falconiformes 3.70%; for soft tissues, the Psittaciformes represented 92.06%, Columbiformes 3.17%, Passeriformes 3.17%, and Anseriformes 1.60%. Fractures presented the highest incidence among orthopedic disorders (88.90%), followed by luxation (3.70%), traumatic avulsion of the end (3.70%) and arthritis/osteomyelitis (3.70%). Among the surgical disorders of soft tissue, neoplasms accounted in 30.15%, followed by cutaneous neoformation or non-neoplastic annexes (17.46%), undiagnosed cutaneous neoformations (7.94%), dystocia (7.94%), crop fistula (7.94%), abdominal hernia (4.76%), sinusitis (4.76%), gangrene of the extremities (3.17%), esophageal perforation (3.17%), cloaca prolapse (3.17%), "avascular necrosis of digit" (1.59%), wound in the region of the keel (1.59%), perforation of the coelomic cavity (1.59%), neoformation in the coelomic cavity without a diagnosis (1.59%), foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract (1.59%), and otitis (1.59%). The distribution of surgical disorders according to species affected showed that the "group of parrots", mainly represented by species of Amazonas genus, was prevalent. Knowledge of surgical and bird species most affected add information for those who work in this area and will be an indicator for future surgeons of birds.(AU)

Comparison of epidural and systemic tramadol for analgesia following ovariohysterectomy.

The objective of the study was to compare epidural and systemic tramadol for postoperative analgesia in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twenty animals, randomly divided into two groups, received either epidural (EPI) or intramuscular (IM) tramadol (2 mg/kg) 30 min before anesthetic induction. Analgesia, sedation, cardiorespiratory parameters, end-tidal isoflurane, blood catecholamines and cortisol, and arterial blood gases were measured at different time points up to 24 hr after agent administration. There were no differences between the two groups regarding cardiorespiratory parameters, end-tidal isoflurane, and pain scores. Two dogs in the IM and one in the EPI group required supplemental analgesia. Cortisol was increased (P<0.05) at 120 min (3.59 µg/dL and 3.27 µg/dL in the IM and EPI groups, respectively) and 240 min (2.45 µg/dL and 2.54 µg/dL in the IM and EPI groups, respectively) compared to baseline. Norepinephrine was also increased (P<0.05) at 120 min in both groups compared to baseline values. Epinephrine values were higher (P<0.05) in the IM group compared with the EPI group at 50 min, 120 min, and 1,440 min after tramadol administration. Epidural tramadol is a safe analgesic, but does not appear to have improved analgesic effects compared with IM administration.

Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation of intestinal innervation in dogs with and without intussusception.

OBJECTIVE: To assess viability of innervation in bowel segments appearing macroscopically viable from dogs with intussusception. ANIMALS: 7 dogs without gastrointestinal dysfunction that had been euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study (control dogs) and 13 dogs with intussusception that underwent enterectomy and intestinal anastomosis (affected dogs). PROCEDURES: A total of 31 samples of intestinal tissue were obtained from the control dogs; 28 samples were obtained from affected dogs during surgery. Samples were histologically and immunohistochemically prepared and subjectively scored for degree of vacuolization and staining, respectively. Other data collected included mean muscle cell density of circular and longitudinal muscular layers, ratio between areas of muscular layers, mean number of myenteric plexuses, mean ganglion cell density of myenteric plexuses, and degree of degeneration in neuronal plexuses as estimated through synaptophysin and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) immunoreactivity. RESULTS: Mean muscle cell density of longitudinal muscular layers, ratio between areas of muscular layers, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity did not differ significantly between affected and control dogs; values of all other variables did. Correlations were evident between mean ganglion cell density in myenteric plexuses and mean muscle cell density in circular muscular layers, degree of neuronal degeneration in myenteric plexuses and NSE immunoreactivity, and degree of neuronal degeneration in myenteric plexuses and mean ganglion cell density of myenteric plexuses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Innervation may be impaired in bowel segments that appear macroscopically viable. Therefore, careful evaluation of preserved surgical margins during enterectomy and enteroanastomosis and monitoring of digestive function after surgery are important.

Canine hemangiopericytomas: cell proliferation and apoptosis in the perivascular, storiform and epithelioid histological subtypes and their significance for prognosis

Canine hemangiopericytomas (CHP) are soft tissue neoplasms, originary from pericytes. They are frequently diagnosed in dogs and can be seen more frequently in limbs as circumscribed and firm nodules. The histopathology of CHP reveals the presence of spindle cells around blood vessels, forming whorls. In this study, cases of CHP from the Animal Pathology Service of the Veterinary Hospital of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, registered from 1990 to 2003, were studied. All cases were reviewed and classified in the three histological subtypes recently described - perivascular (PVHP), storiform (SHP) and epithelioid (EHP). Immunohistochemical markers (vimentin, S-100 protein, CD34, Factor VIII and glial fibrillary acidic protein - GFAP) were applied to all tumors. Samples were submitted to the immunostaining of PCNA, and the labeling indexes were obtained. The mitotic index was also quantified in each subtype. Apoptosis bodies were morphologically identified in H&E stained sections, subsequently confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and then quantified in the three histological subtypes. Dog owners were contacted by telephone, and asked to inform about the outcome of their dogs. The survey revealed 61 cases of CHP, in which 21 (34.43.%) belonged to the perivascular subtype, 18 cases (29.51.%) belonged to the storiform subtype, and 22 cases (36.06.%) belonged to the epithelioid subtype. PCNA labeling index, mitotic and apoptotic indexes were significantly higher in the epithelioid subtype. Records of the follow-up of each case revealed 59% of recurrence rate in the epithelioid subtype, 55% in the storiform subtype and 17% in the perivascular subtype. According to these results, epithelioid hemangiopericytomas seem to be the most aggressive CHP subtype. Therefore, we conclude that the histopathological analysis with classification in subtypes, as well as the quantification of cell proliferation and apoptosis rates, can help in the establishment of prognosis for CHP.