The echocardiographic pulmonary to left atrial ratio: A noninvasive variable for the hemodynamic classification of pulmonary hypertension in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic classification of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has important clinical implications. However, only a few echocardiographic variables have been used to hemodynamically classify PH in dogs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the echocardiographic pulmonary to left atrial ratio index (ePLAR) in dogs with PH. ANIMALS: Forty-six dogs with intermediate to high probability of PH. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Variables were compared between dogs with precapillary PH [PrePH (n = 24)] vs postcapillary PH [PostPH (n = 22)], and with combined PH [CombPH (n = 14)] vs isolated PH [IsoPH (n = 8)] using the t-, Mann-Whitney, Pearson's Chi, or Fisher's exact test. The receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden index were used to identify the optimal ePLAR cutoff value to differentiate among the groups, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine the reliability of measurements. RESULTS: The mean (SD) ePLAR of the PrePH was higher than that of the PostPH group [0.36 (0.13) vs 0.26 (0.09), respectively; P = .005]. The median (interquartile range) ePLAR of the CombPH was higher than that of the IsoPH subgroup [0.29 (0.24-0.38), vs 0.20 (0.16-0.23), respectively; P = .001]. The best cutoff value of ePLAR for identifying IsoPH was <0.245 [AUC at cutoff point = 0.86; sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 0.71 (0.47-0.95); specificity (95% CI) = 1 (0.76-1)]. The ICC analysis indicated a high degree of reliability. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: ePLAR can be considered a valid noninvasive variable to hemodynamically classify PH in dogs with an intermediate to high probability of PH. Assessment of ePLAR can be useful in the therapeutic management of PH in dogs.

Post-weaning social isolation modifies neonatal anoxia-induced changes in energy metabolism and growth of rats.

Neonatal oxygen deficiency in rats may disturb growth and long-term metabolic homeostasis. In order to facilitate metabolic evaluation, the subjects are usually housed individually. However, social isolation associated with individually housed conditions alters animal behavior, which may influence the experimental results. This study investigated the effects of social isolation on neonatal anoxia-induced changes in growth and energy metabolism. Male and female Wistar rats were exposed, on postnatal day 2 (P2), to either 25-min of anoxia or control treatment. From P27 onward, part of the subjects of each group was isolated in standard cages, and the remaining subjects were housed in groups. At P34 or P95, the subjects were fasted for 18 h, refeed for 1 h, and then perfused 30 min later. Glycemia, leptin, insulin, and morphology of the pancreas were evaluated at both ages. For subjects perfused at P95, body weight and food intake were recorded up to P90, and the brain was collected for Fos and NeuN immunohistochemistry. Results showed that male rats exposed to neonatal anoxia and social isolation exhibited increased body weight gain despite the lack of changes in food intake. In addition, social isolation (1) decreased post-fasting weight loss and post-fasting food intake and (2) increased glycemia, insulin, and leptin levels of male and female rats exposed to anoxia and control treatments, both at P35 and P95. Furthermore, although at P35, anoxia increased insulin levels of males, it decreased the area of the ß-positive cells in the pancreas of females. At P95, anoxia increased post-prandial weight loss of males, post-fasting food intake, insulin, and leptin, and decreased Fos expression in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of males and females. Hyperphagia was associated with possible resistance to leptin and insulin, suspected by the high circulating levels of these hormones and poor neuronal activation of ARC. This study demonstrated that continuous social isolation from weaning modifies, in a differentiated way, the long-term energy metabolism and growth of male and female Wistar rats exposed to neonatal anoxia or even control treatments. Therefore, social isolation should be considered as a factor that negatively influences experimental results and the outcomes of the neonatal injury. These results should also be taken into account in clinical procedures, since the used model simulates the preterm babies' conditions and some therapeutic approaches require isolation.

Revisiting Breast Reduction Insurance Coverage: How the Schnur Scale Discriminates Against Women Based on Body Habitus.

INTRODUCTION: The Schnur scale utilizes body surface area (BSA) to determine the amount of breast tissue resection in reduction mammoplasty, resulting in a greater requirement of breast weight removal in patients with larger BSA. We aimed to demonstrate BSA variance among women with similar mastectomy weights and the range of mastectomy weights among women with comparable BSAs. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent mastectomy from October 2021 to June 2022 was performed. Patients were included if they underwent skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy with a minimum specimen weight of 700g. Patient's BSA, body mass index (BMI), mastectomy weight, and Schnur weight requirement (SWR) were collected. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients (194 breasts) were included. There was significant variance in mean BSA, BMI, SWR, and SWR to mastectomy weight ratio among women with similar mastectomy weights. BSA varied by as much as 0.82 units, BMI varied by as much as 32 kg/m 2, and SWR varied by as much as 1365g within the same mastectomy weight group. There was also significant variance in mastectomy weights among women with comparable BSA, especially in BSA groups>2.20, with the greatest range in mastectomy weights being 1684g. CONCLUSION: Analysis of mastectomy patients showed no predictable relationship between BSA and breast weight. There was significant variance in the BSA of patients with similar breast weights, and conversely in breast weights of patients with comparable BSA. Therefore, strict adherence to the Schnur weight requirement can prevent patients suffering with macromastia from receiving breast reductions.

Protected immediate weight-bearing is safe after fixation of ankle fractures with syndesmosis injury fixed with position screw. A retrospective case-series study.

BACKGROUND: About 10% of ankle fractures are located above the syndesmosis, which causes injury to the ligament structure of the syndesmosis. There is no consensus regarding when to allow weight-bearing on the operated limb of patients who suffered ankle fractures requiring intraoperative fixation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is the evaluation of radiographic parameters of syndesmosis reduction and fixation in patients with ankle fracture who underwent immediate protected weight-bearing (use of walking-boot and crutches). PATIENT AND METHODS: Retrospective case series from January 2015 to December 2020. Evaluation of the tibiofibular clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and medial clear space in the preoperative x-ray, immediate postoperative, 3-, 6- and 12-month after syndesmosis fixation and rehabilitation with protected immediate weight-bearing with crutches and walking-boot. RESULTS: Out of 137 ankle fractures 39 were included. There was no significant difference in the tibiofibular clear space between the immediate x-ray and after 12 months (4.5 mm ± 1.1 vs. 4.6 mm ± 1.8; p > 0.999). Tibiofibular overlap hasn't shown significant difference between immediate and 12-month x-ray (6.2 mm ± 2.6 vs. 6.6 mm ± 2.6; p > 0.999). Medial clear space also has shown no worsening from immediate to 12-month x-ray (3.1 mm ± 0.9 vs. 2.8 mm ± 0.9; p > 0.999). There were no fixation failure nor postoperative infection. CONCLUSION: Immediate weight-bearing for patients with ankle fractures with syndesmosis injury and treated with intraoperative fixation with positioning screw proved to be safe with good maintenance of the reduction, no failures of the synthesis material observed and no reports of postoperative infection in the period. LEVEL 3 EVIDENCE: therapeutic retrospective case-series.

Singing Voice Concern in Tertiary Laryngology Practice.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of patients who identify singing voice as a primary concern when presenting with general voice complaints to a voice clinic. METHODS: Data were collected from medical records on demographics, medical history, laryngoscopy exam, diagnosis, and subsequent treatments; and from self-report questionnaires including the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and clinical voice questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 17% of patients presenting to a voice clinic with general voice problems who completed a VHI-10 identified singing voice as a primary concern. Compared to the reference cohort, patients concerned about singing voice report greater handicap on several questions of the VHI-10, particularly in personal and social life impact, loss of income, unpredictability of vocal clarity, subjective upset, and subjective handicap. Those concerned with singing voice were also more concerned about their vocal problem, and both more likely to be recommended voice therapy and participate in voice therapy despite no statistical differences in categorical diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: When considering both professional and recreational singers, voice concerns occurred in 17% of the cohort under study. Patients with singing voice concerns are accounted for largely by recreational singers, who remain poorly characterized in the literature. We underscore the importance of sensitivity and responsivity to the needs of this group of patients.

SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (PARQVE) IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE IN SEVERE KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the self-management program PARQVE in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial with 65 grade IV Kelgren & Lawrence (K&L) KOA patients who were allocated into groups: Control (CG) and Intervention (IG). Both groups received usual care. IG also participated in two days of multi-professional interventions about OA (causes and treatment) and received the program's DVD and book. Standing X-rays were obtained at inclusion and Ahlback's classification was registered. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Lequesne, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained at inclusion, and after 6, 12 and 24 months. Results: Groups were similar at baseline, despite higher WOMAC stiffness scores and a greater number of Ahlback's grade 4 and 5 in the IG. Only the IG improved WOMAC and total functions (p<0.001) during the study period above 12%, but did not reach the minimal clinically important difference of 20%. Best results were in one year. Non-significant improvements were observed without changes in body composition (P>0.05). Conclusions: Patients with severe KOA have mild to moderate function and quality of life improvement due to self-management program (PARQVE). Level of Evidence I; Therapeutic Studies; Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do programa de autocuidado PARQVE em pacientes com osteoartrite grave de joelho (OAJ). Métodos: Ensaio clínico prospectivo randomizado controlado com 65 pacientes Kelgren & Lawrence (K&L) grau IV que foram alocados nos grupos: Controle (GC) e Intervenção (GI). Ambos os grupos receberam cuidados habituais. O IG também participou de dois dias de intervenções multiprofissionais sobre OA (causas e tratamento) e seus membros receberam o DVD e o livro do programa. Raios-X em pé foram obtidos na inclusão e a classificação de Ahlback foi registrada. Western Ontario e McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC), Escala de classificação numérica (ECN), Lequesne, peso e índice de massa corporal (IMC) foram obtidos na inclusão, e aos 6, 12 e 24 meses. Resultados: Os grupos eram semelhantes no início do estudo, apesar de maiores escores de rigidez WOMAC e um número maior de pacientes de Ahlback grau 4 e 5 no GI. Apenas o GI melhorou em WOMAC e função total (p <0,001) acima de 12% durante o período de estudo. Os melhores resultados foram após um ano. Melhorias não significativas foram observadas na composição corporal (P> 0,05). Conclusões: Pacientes com OAJ grave apresentam melhora leve a moderada de função e qualidade de vida pelo programa de autogerenciamento (PARQVE). Nível de Evidência I; Estudos Terapêuticos; Estudo Clínico Prospectivo e Randomizado.

Self-management program (parqve) improves quality of life in severe knee osteoarthritis / Programa de autogestão (parqve) melhora a qualidade de vida na osteoartrite grave do joelho

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of the self-management program PARQVE in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial with 65 grade IV Kelgren & Lawrence (K&L) KOA patients who were allocated into groups: Control (CG) and Intervention (IG). Both groups received usual care. IG also participated in two days of multi-professional interventions about OA (causes and treatment) and received the program's DVD and book. Standing X-rays were obtained at inclusion and Ahlback's classification was registered. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Lequesne, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained at inclusion, and after 6, 12 and 24 months. Results: Groups were similar at baseline, despite higher WOMAC stiffness scores and a greater number of Ahlback's grade 4 and 5 in the IG. Only the IG improved WOMAC and total functions (p<0.001) during the study period above 12%, but did not reach the minimal clinically important difference of 20%. Best results were in one year. Non-significant improvements were observed without changes in body composition (P>0.05). Conclusions: Patients with severe KOA have mild to moderate function and quality of life improvement due to self-management program (PARQVE). Level of Evidence I; Therapeutic Studies; Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do programa de autocuidado PARQVE em pacientes com osteoartrite grave de joelho (OAJ). Métodos: Ensaio clínico prospectivo randomizado controlado com 65 pacientes Kelgren & Lawrence (K&L) grau IV que foram alocados nos grupos: Controle (GC) e Intervenção (GI). Ambos os grupos receberam cuidados habituais. O IG também participou de dois dias de intervenções multiprofissionais sobre OA (causas e tratamento) e seus membros receberam o DVD e o livro do programa. Raios-X em pé foram obtidos na inclusão e a classificação de Ahlback foi registrada. Western Ontario e McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC), Escala de classificação numérica (ECN), Lequesne, peso e índice de massa corporal (IMC) foram obtidos na inclusão, e aos 6, 12 e 24 meses. Resultados: Os grupos eram semelhantes no início do estudo, apesar de maiores escores de rigidez WOMAC e um número maior de pacientes de Ahlback grau 4 e 5 no GI. Apenas o GI melhorou em WOMAC e função total (p <0,001) acima de 12% durante o período de estudo. Os melhores resultados foram após um ano. Melhorias não significativas foram observadas na composição corporal (P> 0,05). Conclusões: Pacientes com OAJ grave apresentam melhora leve a moderada de função e qualidade de vida pelo programa de autogerenciamento (PARQVE). Nível de Evidência I; Estudos Terapêuticos; Estudo Clínico Prospectivo e Randomizado.

High Occurrence of Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) in Green Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas with and without Fibropapillomatosis in Feeding Areas of the São Paulo Coast, Brazil.

Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) has been consistently associated with fibropapillomatosis (FP), a neoplastic disease that affects sea turtles globally. The DNA of ChHV5 has been detected in cutaneous and noncutaneous tissues (e.g., lung) of green sea turtles Chelonia mydas with (FP+) and without (FP-) clinical signs of FP, indicating a persistent ChHV5 infection. Previously published and custom primer pairs were used to amplify the fragments of ChHV5 unique long (UL) partial genes (UL30 and UL18) through end-point PCR from cutaneous tumors (n = 31), nontumored skin (n = 49), and lungs (n = 26) from FP+ (n = 31) and FP- (n = 18) green sea turtles. The DNA of ChHV5 was detected in cutaneous tumors (80.6%, 25/31), nontumored skin (74.2%, 23/31 FP+; 27.8%, 5/18 FP-), and lung samples (91.7%, 11/12 FP+; 100%, 14/14 FP-). The high occurrence of ChHV5 observed in lung samples from FP- individuals was unexpected (14/14), providing the first evidence of ChHV5 DNA presence in lungs of individuals without FP. Our results also revealed high ChHV5 occurrence among the tested cohort (93.9%, 46/49) and suggested that a large proportion (83.4%, 15/18) of FP- green sea turtles had subclinical ChHV5 infections. Hence, our findings support the hypothesis that ChHV5 requires one or more possibly environmental or immune-related co-factors to induce FP.

Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Chemodectomas in Five Dogs.

Chemodectomas are low prevalence tumors with complex clinical management. Many present as an incidental finding however, in other dogs, they produce pericardial effusion and/or compression, leading to the appearance of severe clinical signs. There are currently several approaches: surgery, radiotherapy, stent placement and chemotherapy. This is the first description of percutaneous echo-guided radiofrequency ablation of aortic body tumors. This minimally invasive treatment is based on high frequency alternating electrical currents from an electrode that produces ionic agitation and generates frictional heat, causing coagulation necrosis. Five dogs with an echocardiographic and cytological diagnosis of chemodectoma underwent percutaneous echo-guided radiofrequency ablation. At the time of presentation, all the dogs showed clinical signs, such as ascites and/or collapse. There were no complications either during the procedure or in the following 24 hours. Rapid clinical improvement associated with a reduction in size and change in sonographic appearance of the mass were achieved with no complications. Six months follow-up was carried out in all dogs. A second percutaneous echo-guided RFA was performed eight months after the first procedure in one dog. Based on our experience, radiofrequency ablation seems to be a feasible and safe technique, making it a potential alternative therapeutic approach in the clinical management of aortic body tumors leading to severe clinical compromise.

Humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 by healthy and sick dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain.

COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Infections of animals with SARS-CoV-2 have recently been reported, and an increase of severe lung pathologies in domestic dogs has also been detected by veterinarians in Spain. Therefore, further descriptions of the pathological processes in those animals that show symptoms similar to those described in humans affected by COVID-19 would be highly valuable. The potential for companion animals to contribute to the continued transmission and community spread of this known human-to-human disease is an urgent issue to be considered. Forty animals with pulmonary pathologies were studied by chest X-ray, ultrasound analysis, and computed tomography. Nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs were analyzed to detect canine pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. An additional twenty healthy dogs living in SARS-CoV-2-positive households were included. Immunoglobulin detection by several immunoassays was performed. Our findings show that sick dogs presented severe alveolar or interstitial patterns with pulmonary opacity, parenchymal abnormalities, and bilateral lesions. The forty sick dogs were negative for SARS-CoV-2 but Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 26 of 33 dogs. Five healthy and one pathological dog presented IgG against SARS-CoV-2. Here we report that despite detecting dogs with α-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, we never obtained a positive RT-qPCR for SARS-SoV-2, not even in dogs with severe pulmonary disease; suggesting that even in the case of canine infection, transmission would be unlikely. Moreover, dogs living in COVID-19-positive households could have been more highly exposed to infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) Is Related with the Proteinuria Degree and the Microscopic Kidney Findings in Leishmania-Infected Dogs.

Early diagnosis of renal damage in Leishmania infected dogs may allow appropriate treatments and prevent some deaths. This study investigates neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a biomarker of kidney disease in dogs experimentally infected with Leishmania infantum. Serum, urine, and kidney samples were collected from 30 infected beagle dogs and six uninfected control dogs. Based on proteinuria and azotemia values, dogs were initially classified. NGAL was measured in urine and serum samples. Then, the urinary NGAL to creatinine ratio (uNGAL/C) was calculated. Kidney samples were taken for histopathological studies, and the dogs were classified according to the severity of glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions. In Leishmania-infected dogs, the uNGAL/C was significantly higher in proteinuric non-azotemic dogs compared with non-proteinuric non-azotemic dogs (p = 0.038). Serum NGAL (sNGAL) concentration did not differ between groups. Microscopic studies revealed several degrees of glomerulonephritis and slight focal lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis in 89% and 55% of infected dogs, respectively. Urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) and uNGAL/C were significantly higher in dogs with affected glomeruli compared to infected dogs without renal lesions (p = 0.045 and p = 0.043, respectively). The results show that uNGAL/C correlates with proteinuria and the presence of moderate glomerular lesions in non-azotemic dogs experimentally infected with L. infantum.

Use of 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess left ventricular systolic function in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of systolic dysfunction in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) potentially could improve the outcome and decrease mortality. OBJECTIVE: To compare 2-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-STE) with 2-dimensional (2D) and M-mode echocardiography in the evaluation of systolic function in SIRS dogs. ANIMALS: Seventeen SIRS and 17 healthy dogs. METHODS: Prospective observational case-control study. Each dog underwent physical examination, conventional echocardiography, 2D-STE, and C-reactive protein measurement. RESULTS: Dogs with SIRS had lower 2D-STE ejection fraction (X4D-EF; 44 ± 8 versus 53 ± 8; P = .003), endocardial global longitudinal strain (ENDO-G-Long-St; -14.6 ± 3.2 versus -18.5 ± 4.1; P = .003), and normalized left ventricular diameter in diastole (1.38 ± 0.25 versus 1.54 ± 0.17; P = .04) and systole (0.85 ± 0.18 versus 0.97 ± 0.11; P = .03) as compared to healthy dogs. Simpson method of disks (SMOD) right parasternal EF (55 ± 9 versus 60 ± 6; P = .07) and end systolic volume index (ESVI; 23 ± 10 versus 21 ± 6; P = .61), SMOD left apical EF (59 ± 9 versus 59 ± 6; P = .87) and ESVI (20 ± 8 versus 22 ± 6; P = .25), fractional shortening (FS; 34 ± 5 versus 33 ± 4; P = .39), M-mode EF (64 ± 7 versus 62 ± 5; P = .35), and ESVI (23 ± 11 versus 30 ± 9; P = .06) were not significantly different between SIRS and control group, respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Speckle tracking X4D-EF and ENDO-G-Long-St are more sensitive than 2D and M-Mode FS, EF, and ESVI in detecting systolic impairment in dogs with SIRS.

Ultrasonography for early diagnosis of Toxocara canis infection in puppies.

Toxocara canis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in dogs and represents a highly infectious zoonotic parasite worldwide. Adult worms live in the bowel of dogs, and infections in puppies are commonly acquired transplacentally. The biology of the parasite and the commonly used diagnostic method, based on faecal examination, often prevent an early diagnosis of toxocariasis in puppies. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of intestinal ascariasis could be a feasible alternative method to diagnose T. canis infection in puppies during the prepatent period. The present study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of intestinal toxocariasis in new-born puppies during the prepatent period. Fifty-four new-born puppies were prospectively recruited in the study. Each dog underwent intestinal ultrasonography and copro-microscopic examination every 5 days, starting from the 10th day post-birth. Intestinal ultrasonography visualized adult T. canis nematodes in the puppies' small intestine from the 10th day post-birth. On the 15th day after birth, ultrasonography showed 100% specificity and 85.4% sensitivity in diagnosing T. canis infection, despite negative results deriving from the copro-microscopic examination performed at the same time point. Our results showed that ultrasonography can be used as test for early diagnosis of T. canis infection in new-born puppies during the prepatent period. Early ultrasonographic diagnosis of T. canis infection in puppies could help control the disease in dogs and reduce the zoonotic risk for the human population.

Patología comparada de neoplasias en carnívoros salvajes / Comparative pathology of neoplasms in wild carnivores / Patologia comparada de tumores em carnívoros selvagens

Resumen Han sido observados diferentes tipos de neoplasias en distintas especies de animales, las cuales pueden agruparse según el tejido de origen y su grado de malignidad. Pueden ser de origen epitelial, mesenquimal, de células redondas o de células productoras de pigmentos. De acuerdo con el grado de malignidad, se clasifican como benignas y malignas. Los carnívoros constituyen un orden perteneciente al reino animal, dentro del cual se encuentran varias familias. Según la interacción que tengan con el medio ambiente y la exposición a agentes contaminantes, virus y situaciones estresantes, algunos individuos de ciertas familias pueden desarrollar un tipo de neoplasia. Tanto en félidos como cánidos, se han encontrado mayor incidencia de neoplasias de tipo epitelial involucrando el sistema tegumentario; en pinnípedos el sistema mayormente afectado es el tracto reproductivo. Existen pocos reportes de neoplasias en prociónidos y mustélidos, lo que puede sugerir una mayor resistencia genética a la presentación de neoplasias por parte de estas familias, o a una exposición menor a cancerígenos. El propósito de esta revisión es conocer las neoplasias más frecuentes en especies salvajes, ya que estas sirven como centinelas del ecosistema y ayudan a determinar posibles contaminantes carcinogénicos en el ambiente. Conociendo el grado de similitud en la génesis y progresión tumoral en humanos, con relación a la vida salvaje genera oportunidades de tratamiento y conservación y pueden servir como centinelas efectivos para problemas de salud pública. Además, su importancia en favorecer y fortalecer mecanismos encaminados para la salud y conservación de especies silvestres, ya que pueden ser mermadas considerablemente a causa de este tipo de enfermedades.

Abstract Different types of neoplasia have been observed in different species of animals. Neoplams are divided by the tissue of origin and its degree of malignancy. They may be of epithelial, mesenchymal origin, of round cells and of pigment-producing cells. According to the degree of malignancy, they are classified as benign and malignant. Carnivores constitute an order belonging to the animal kingdom, within which are several families. Depending on the interaction they have with the environment and exposure to pollutants, viruses and stressful situations, some individuals from a different family may develop a neoplasia. In both felids and canids, we have found a higher incidence of epithelial neoplams involving the integumentary system. In pinnipeds, the system most affected is the reproductive tract. There are few reports of neoplasms in procyonidae and mustelids, which may suggest a greater genetic resistance to the presentation of neoplams, or to a lesser carcinogenic exposure. The main purpose of this article is to identify the neoplasias in wild species, since these serve as sentinels of the ecosystem and help to determine possible carcinogenic pollutants in the environment. Knowing the degree of similarity in the genesis and tumor progression in humans, in relation to the wild life generates opportunities of treatment and conservation. They can serve as effective sentinels for public health problems. In addition, it is important in favoring and strengthening mechanisms directed to the health and conservation of wild species, since they can be reduced considerably because of this type of diseases.

Resumo Têm sido observadas diferentes tipos de neoplasias en distintas especies de animáis. As que se dividem segundo o tecido de origem e seu grau de malignidades. Podem ser de origem epitelial, mesenquimal, de células redondas e de células produtoras de pigmentos. De acordo ao grau de malignidade, classificam-se como benignas e malignas. Os carnívoros, constituem uma ordem pertencente ao reino animal, dentro do qual encontram-se várias famílias. Segundo a interação que tenham com o médio ambiente e a exposição a agentes contaminantes, vírus e situações estressantes, alguns indivíduos de certa família podem desenvolver um tipo de neoplasia. Tanto em félidos e canídeos, tem-se encontrado maior incidência de neoplasias de tipo epitelial involucrando o sistema tegumentário; em pinípedos o sistema maiormente afetado é o trato reprodutivo. Existem poucos reportes de neoplasias em prociónidos e mustélidos, o que pode dar sugestão de uma maior resistência genética à apresentação de neoplasias por parte destes animais, ou a uma exposição menor a cancerígenos. O propósito principal deste artigo, é conhecer as neoplasias em espécies selvagens, já que estas servem como sentinelas do ecossistema e ajudam a determinar possíveis contaminantes carcinogênicos no médio ambiente. Conhecendo o grau de similitude na génesis e progressão tumoral em humanos, com relação à vida selvagem gera oportunidades de tratamento e conservação. Podem server como sentinelas efetivas para problemas de saúde pública. Além disso, sua importância em favorecer e fortalecer mecanismos encaminhados para a saúde e conservação de espécies silvestres, já que podem ser mermadas consideravelmente a causa deste tipo de enfermedades.

Use of the nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test for the evaluation of Domperidone effects on the neutrophilic function of healthy dogs.

The nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test (NBT) is an assay based on the activation percentage of neutrophils in peripheral blood, that has been proposed for the follow up of canine leishmaniosis owing to the narrow relationship between the molecules involved in the oxidative burst and the leishmanicidal activity of phagocytes. Domperidone is a drug used for the treatment of canine leishmaniosis having been claimed to stimulate the dogs' cell-mediated immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree and the lasting of phagocytic activation induced by a 30-day course treatment with Domperidone (0.5 mg/kg/day) in healthy dogs, by using the NBT. A statistically significant increase in the percentages of activated phagocytes was observed in the treated group during treatment, thereafter remaining high for up to one month after the end of treatment. In contrast, untreated dogs maintained the baseline percentage of activated neutrophils all along the study. It is concluded that the NBT is a useful tool for the follow up of the stimulating effects of Domperidone on the neutrophilic response of healthy dogs and that these effects persist for up to one month after treatment with this molecule.

Use of transsplenic injection of agitated saline and heparinized blood for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of macroscopic portosystemic shunts in dogs.

We describe the use of ultrasonography-guided percutaneous splenic injection of agitated saline and heparinized blood for the diagnosis of portosystemic shunts (PSS) in 34 dogs. Agitated saline mixed with 1 ml of heparinized autologous blood was injected into the spleen of 34 sedated dogs under sonographic guidance. The transducer was then sequentially repositioned to visualize the portal vein, the caudal vena cava, and the right atrium through different acoustic windows. It was possible to differentiate between intrahepatic and extrahepatic shunts depending on the entry point of the microbubbles into the caudal vena cava. Portoazygos shunts and portocaval shunts could be differentiated based on the presence of microbubbles in the caudal vena cava and/or the right atrium. In one dog, collateral circulation due to portal hypertension was identified. In dogs with a single extrahepatic shunt, the microbubbles helped identify the shunting vessel. The technique was also used postoperatively to assess the efficacy of shunt closure. All abnormal vessels were confirmed by exploratory laparotomy or with ultrasonographic identification of the shunting vessel. Ultrasound-guided transsplenic injection of agitated saline with heparinized blood should be considered as a valuable technique for the diagnosis of PSS; it is easy to perform, safe, and the results are easily reproducible.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields decrease proinflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-1ß and TNF-α) on human fibroblast-like cell culture.

The clinical use of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) in osteoarticular pathology is widely extended, although the mechanisms involved are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of a new protocol of treatment with PEMF on liquid medium cultures of fibroblast-like cells derivates of mononuclear peripheral blood cells. Fibroblast-like cells growth was obtained in liquid medium culture from mononuclear cells (MNC) of human peripheral blood. The PEMF irradiation protocol included an intensity of 2.25 mT, a frequency of 50 Hz and an application time of 15 min on days 7, 8 and 9 of cell culture. Immunophenotype was performed with specific heterologous monoclonal antibodies for each cell receptor (Vimentin, Cytokeratin, CD34, CD41, CD61 and CD68). The cytokines' production was determined in the supernatant of the culture medium by means of the Luminex technology. The immunophenotype did not show any statistical difference on comparing treated against non-treated cell cultures on any of the days. In the treatment cell population, the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß and TNF-α showed a significant decrease on days 14 and 21 of the culture, whilst IL-10 increased significantly on day 21. It is concluded that PEMF irradiation does not alter the cell immunophenotype of the fibroblast-like cell population, but does provoke a decrease in the production of inflammatory-type cytokines (IL-1ß, TNF-α) and an increase in cytokines of lymphocytic origin (IL-10). These facts coincide with the chronology of the clinical effect undergone by patients with osteoarticular pathology after PEMF irradiation.

Ultrasonographic appearance of the intravascular transit of agitated saline in normal dogs following ultrasound guided percutaneous splenic injection.

Portosystemic shunts (PSSs) allow portal blood to bypass the liver and enter the systemic circulation. Definitive diagnosis requires surgical identification, positive contrast portography, ultrasonography, or scintigraphy. This study was designed as a preliminary step to developing an alternative/adjuvant protocol to these imaging modalities. The main goals were to establish a technique for ultrasound-guided percutaneous trans-splenic injection of agitated saline, to evaluate the feasibility of performing the test to explore the postsplenic portal vasculature highlighted by the microbubbles, and to ascertain whether agitated saline microbubbles cross the sinusoidal barrier. Agitated saline was injected into the spleen of 20 healthy sedated dogs under sonographic guidance. The transducer was then repositioned to visualize the portal vein, the caudal vena cava, and the right atrium through different acoustic windows. Satisfactory results were achieved in all dogs. The microbubbles were visualized in all dogs as small intense echo signals within the portal vein at the level of the porta hepatis immediately after injection. In 18 out of 20 dogs, the echogenic signal of the microbubbles disappeared immediately once within the hepatic parenchyma, whereas in two dogs, the echoes from the microbubbles lasted for several seconds within the intrahepatic portal vasculature. The absence of microbubbles beyond the sinusoidal barrier in all of the healthy dogs included in this study makes trans-splenic injection of agitated saline a candidate as an adjuvant technique for the diagnosis of PSS, being easy to perform and repeat, as well as safe and technically feasible.

The nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test in canine leishmaniasis.

The nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test (NBT) is a quick, easy and cheap assay based on the activation percentage of neutrophils in peripheral blood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the NBT on healthy dogs and in dogs affected by different degrees of leishmaniasis (Stages I and IV). Forty healthy dogs, 20 dogs in Stage I and 20 dogs in Stage IV were included in the study. Three millilitres of blood were extracted from all the dogs via jugular venipuncture in tubes with EDTA. Incubation with NBT was performed depositing 0.05 ml of the leukocyte suspension in the same quantity of 0.1% concentration NBT. The results of the test were reported as NBT reduction rate which represents the percentage of the total of neutrophils evaluated that presented cytoplasmatic accumulations of formazan, meaning a positive NBT reduction. The mean NBT reduction rate for the healthy dogs group was 4.57%, 34% for Stage I dogs (mild disease) and 3.7% for dogs in Stage IV (severe disease), showing that dogs affected with leishmaniasis but with no clinical development of disease have a significantly higher neutrophil reactivity (p<0.01). Although more studies evaluating the correlation of NBT with other tests prior to and during treatment are needed, NBT could be a good assay in canine leishmaniasis evaluation.

Pathologic correlation of resistive and pulsatility indices in canine abdominal lymph nodes.

We assessed the ability of the resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) to allow differentiation between normal, reactive, and neoplastic lymph nodes. Forty-seven medial iliac and 54 mesenteric lymph nodes from 83 dogs were evaluated sonographically. A cytologic sample was obtained in each dog that allowed categorization into one of the categories defined above. We found a significant difference in the RI and PI in nonneoplastic vs. neoplastic medial iliac and mesenteric lymph nodes. Values higher than 0.67 for the RI and 1.02 for the PI in medial iliac lymph nodes and higher than 0.76 for the RI and 1.23 for the PI in mesenteric lymph nodes had a high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating benign from neoplastic lymph nodes.