Associação de plasma sanguíneo ao tratamento de envenenamento botrópico em equino: relato de caso / Plasma blood associated with the treatment of bothropic poisoning in equine: case report

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo relatar um caso de envenenamento botrópico em um equino, fêmea, seis anos de idade, da raça Quarto de Milha, pesando 460kg, que foi atendido no hospital veterinário da FCAV/Unesp, Campus de Jaboticabal, SP. No exame clínico, observou-se aumento bilateral de narina, com extrema sensibilidade ao toque, presença das marcas da presa da serpente na região rostral de focinho, mucosas róseas com petéquias. No exame de sangue, pôde-se detectar alteração no tempo de coagulação sanguínea (>30 minutos). O animal permaneceu internado, sendo instituída a seguinte terapia: soro antiofídico polivalente, transfusão de plasma sanguíneo equino, fluidoterapia intensa, flunixin meglumine e sulfa associado ao trimetoprim. A associação da transfusão de plasma sanguíneo equino ao tratamento convencional foi de extrema importância para correção da coagulopatia causada pelo acidente ofídico. A égua apresentou melhora clínica e resolução do quadro de envenenamento após cinco dias da internação.(AU)

This study aims to report a case of blood plasma association with the treatment of bothrops poisoning in an equine, female, six years of age, Quarter Horses, weighing 460 kg, which was served in the veterinary hospital of the FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal/SP. Clinical examination showed bilateral increase in nostrils, with great sensitivity to touch, presence of snake prey marks the rostral region of the snout, mucous rosy and with petechiae. Blood samples showed changes in blood clotting time (> 30 minutes). The animal remained in hospitalization with the following treatment: polyvalent antivenom, blood plasma transfusion, intensive fluid therapy, flunexim meglumine and sulfa associated with trimethoprim. The association of transfusion equine blood plasma to conventional treatment was extremely important for correction of coagulopathy caused by snakebite. The mare showed clinical improvement and resolution of poisoning symptoms after five days of hospitalization.(AU)

Effect of selenium supplementation on semen characteristics of Brazil's ram.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of oral supplementation with selenium (Se) upon ram sperm parameters. Thirty rams managed in stall under intensive system were used and divided into five groups (six animals per group) as follows: control group (G1) mineral mixture supplementation without Se, group 2 (G2) mineral mixture supplemented with 5 mg/kg Se, group 3 (G3) supplemented with 10 mg/kg Se, group 4 (G4) supplemented with 15 mg/kg Se and group 5 (G5) supplemented with 20 mg/kg Se. For each group, there was an adjustment period of 14 days. The experimental period was 350 days. Every 56 days, the animals were weighed and semen samples were collected by electroejaculation. Semen analysis included volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and morphology. For plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity evaluation and mitochondrial membrane potential were used a combination of fluorescent probes. Differences between means values obtained by analysis of variance were verified by Tukey test with 5% probability. There was no statistical difference between treatment groups in relation to volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration, plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity (p > .05). Sperm morphology was different between treatment groups, the G1 (0 mg of selenium) had the highest percentage of major defects (11.11 ± 1.11a ; p < .05). It was concluded that selenium decrease the percentage of sperm defects and did not directly influence on ram sperm volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and membrane integrity.

Clinical and electrocardiographic evaluation during experimental toad poisoning in dogs

Accidents involving toad poisoning are frequent and dogs are the most common victims; they become poisoned by biting or ingesting a toad. When released in the organism, the venom is absorbed by both the oral mucosa and the digestive tract, initiating its toxic action. The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical and electrocardiographic aspects of dogs subjected to experimental toad poisoning, as well as their response to treatment with propranolol. Twenty dogs were divided into two groups, a control group (n = 5) and a poisoned group (n = 15). After general anesthesia, the control group received a placebo, while the poisoned group received a venom aliquot through an orogastric tube. Results were tested through multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). The animals in the poisoned group had gastrointestinal symptoms including emesis, intense salivation, hyperemic or congested oral mucosa and pasty diarrhea. Non-responsive mydriasis, nystagmus, depression, stupor, tachypnea, opisthotonus and ataxia were also manifested by 100 percent of the poisoned animals. Affected dogs had an increase in blood pressure, statistically significant throughout study. Five poisoned animals developed ventricular tachycardia and were treated with propranolol (0.5 mg/kg IV). All propranolol-treated animals returned to normal sinus rhythm, which evidences the efficacy of this drug to treat ventricular arrhythmias caused by toad venom.