Ozone therapy: protocol for treating canine parvovirus infection.

Canine Parvovirus infection is a disease caused by Canine Parvovirus (CPV) that results in hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and secondary infections, mainly in puppies between six weeks and six months old that are not immunized. Since there is no specific treatment for the condition, supportive therapy based on antibiotics, antiemetics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is traditionally used. Ozone therapy is an economical treatment that has bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral properties, besides promoting oxygenation and tissue regeneration, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and was used as a complementary therapy in this study. Therefore, four mixed-breed dogs, aged between 2 and 3 months, with no previous immunization against CPV and testing positive for the virus in a rapid test were selected. The animals were randomly distributed into two groups, being 1: the control group (n=2) that received only supportive treatment; and 2: the experimental group (n=2), that in addition to conventional therapy received intravenously 500 mL of ozonized Ringer's Lactate solution. Before treatment and after 24 and 48 hours, the following clinical signs were evaluated: episodes of emesis and diarrhea, weight, hydration, blood glucose level, abdominal pain, and blood count. One control group animal died within the first hours of hospitalization. Both animals in the experimental group presented faster resolution of diarrheal episodes and shorter hospitalization time when compared to the surviving animal that received only supportive treatment. Although further studies are needed, ozone therapy showed promising results for the treatment of canine parvovirus.

A Parvovirose canina é uma doença infecciosa causada pelo Parvovírus Canino (CPV) que resulta em gastroenterite hemorrágica e infecções secundárias, principalmente em cachorros entre seis semanas e seis meses de idade não imunizados. Como não existe tratamento específico para a doença, utiliza-se tradicionalmente terapia de suporte baseada em antibióticos, antieméticos, e anti-inflamatórios não esteroides. A Ozonioterapia é um tratamento econômico com propriedades bactericidas, fungicidas e antivirais, além de promover a oxigenação e a regeneração dos tecidos, efeitos anti-inflamatórios e analgésicos, e foi utilizada como terapia complementar neste estudo. Neste estudo, foram selecionados quatro cães sem raça definida, com idades entre 2 e 3 meses, sem imunização prévia contra CPV, que testaram positivo para o vírus em um teste rápido. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, sendo 1: o grupo controle (n=2) que recebeu apenas tratamento de suporte; e 2: o grupo experimental (n=2), que além da terapia convencional recebeu por via intravenosa 500 mL de Lactato de Ringer ozonizado. Antes do tratamento, após 24 e 48 horas, foram avaliados os seguintes sinais clínicos: episódios de êmese e diarreia, peso, hidratação, glicemia, dores abdominais, e hemograma. Um animal do grupo controle foi a óbito nas primeiras horas de internação. Ambos os animais do grupo experimental apresentaram uma resolução mais rápida dos episódios de diarreia e um tempo de internação mais curto quando comparado com o animal sobrevivente que recebeu apenas tratamento de suporte. Embora sejam necessários mais estudos, a ozonoterapia demonstrou resultados promissores para o tratamento do parvovírus canino.

Evaluation of targeted oxidative stress induced by oxygen-ozone in vitro after ischemic induction.

Encephalic vascular accident, or stroke, is the most common pathology of the central nervous system in humans, the second leading cause of death and physical and cognitive disabilities, in developing countries. It presents as an ischemic (more common) or hemorrhagic form. Ozone therapy has been shown to be effective in neuromodulation, neuroprotection, and nerve regeneration. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of targeted mild ozone after inducing cerebral ischemia in vitro. Neuroblastoma lineage cells (SH-SY5Y) and canine amniotic membrane stem cells were subjected to 24 hours of hypoxia in an incubator culture chamber. The cells were evaluated by MTT assay, colorimetric assay spectrophotometry, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry. Treatment with low concentrations of ozone (2-10 µg/mL), indicated a possible neuroregenerative effect at low concentrations, correlated with lower levels of apoptosis and oxidative stress compared to cells not subjected to hypoxia. High concentrations of ozone (18-30 µg/mL) promoted an increase in rate of apoptosis and cell death. We developed a novel protocol that mimics ozone therapy for ischemic stroke, using ozonized culture medium after hypoxia induction. Although more studies are needed, we conclude that ozone has a dose-dependent hormetic effect and can reverse the effect of ischemia in vitro at low concentrations.

Treatment of Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs Using Amniotic Membrane-Derived Stem Cells: Preliminary Results.

INTRODUCTION: Intervertebral disc diseases (IVDD) represent the majority of neurological attendance and responsible for the most cases of paralysis in dogs. Treatments currently used do not show satisfactory results in patients with more severe and chronic neurological manifestations. METHODS: To promote nerve and muscular recovery, as well as improve quality of life, we aimed to create a double-blind test method, associating spinal decompression surgery and allogeneic transplantation of amniotic membrane-derived stem cells (AMSCs) in dogs with chronic IVDD. Cells were characterized as fetal mesenchymal cells and safe for application. Eight animals completed the experiment: stem cell applications were made in four animals that had previously undergone an unsuccessful surgical procedure ("SC group", n = 4); two animals were submitted to surgery, followed by applications of stem cells ("Surgery + SC", n = 2); two other animals were submitted to surgery, followed by the application of saline solution ("Surgery + placebo", n = 2). During the surgical procedure, a topical application was performed on the lesion and after fifteen and forty-five days another two applications were made via epidural. Animals were monitored biweekly and reassessed three months after surgery, by functional tests and magnetic resonance exams. RESULTS: Some animals presented significant neurological improvement, such as the recovery of nociception and ability to remain on station. Despite the need further studies, until the present moment, cell therapy has been feasible and has no harmful effects on animals. CONCLUSION: The protocol of preclinical trial showed the association with decompressive surgery and cell transplantation in dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD proved feasible, and it was possible to observe neurological improvement after treatment. No tissue improvement through MRI was found. The double-blind test guaranteed reliability of the evaluations and results obtained that, even with a small sample size, generated satisfactory results for the animals and owners.

Ozone and its derivatives in veterinary medicine: A careful appraisal.

The therapeutic use of ozone and its derivatives in the veterinary medicine it is still in an emergent stage. Gaseous ozone chemical instability makes necessary its extemporaneous preparation and the accordance about ozone treatments with the highest quality standards in publications is of paramount importance. Moreover, the numerous method of administration in different animal species, the prevalence of case reports, the deficiency of consistent evaluation of the outcomes, as well as the lack of standardization of the treatment operating procedures represents an open question for its spreading and official approval. The keywords "ozone", "ozonated", "ozonation" "ozonized", "ozonization", "oxygen-ozone therapy", "veterinary", "pets", "animal" were used to perform a literature review using PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Zotero databases with the temporal restriction for published manuscripts starting from 2010. All the researches were critically evaluated, regardless of the impact factor, if any, of the journals in which they were presented. The deepening of the mechanisms of action of this bio-oxidative therapy can open new horizons on its use. The distinctive condition to achieve such a scenario is an improved knowledge of the qualitative/quantitative characteristics of ozone and its derivatives. All with the aim of taking nothing away to the cited original research papers, but of improving the promising therapeutic implications of ozone therapy in veterinary medicine as a standardization stimulus about this therapeutic resource with multiple application specificities.

Potential application of aminiotic stem cells in veterinary medicine.

In regenerative medicine stem cell biology has become one of the most interesting and more often studied subject. The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the fetal membranes and is considered a potential tool to treat many pathologies. It is used because it can be collected from discarded fetal material and is a rich source of stem cells with high proliferation and plasticity ratio capable of proliferating and differentiate in vitro. We propose to elucidate the characteristics and potencial clinical application of cells derived of amniotic membrane in veterinary medicine.

Morphology of male and female reproductive tract of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis).

The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is the largest species of this genus, despite having broad distribution in the Americas; it is included in the main list of endangered species. Their conservation is widely studied, but there is a lack of studies about their morphology. In order to contribute to the knowledge of its reproductive system, five male and female ocelots were examined macro- and microscopically by histological techniques. Macroscopic analysis of the male reproductive system revealed presence of prostate and bulbourethral gland located caudally to the urinary bladder and a penis with small spicules. Microscopically, the testes were encased by the tunica albuginea and divided it into lobules with 5-10 tubules per lobe. In females, macroscopic analysis demonstrated two ovaries position dorsally in the sublumbar region and caudal to the kidneys. The bicornuate uterus is composed by uterine horns (12 to 14 cm in length), which travels from the ovaries in a caudal direction to form a small uterine body (4 cm in length). The ovary analysis revealed, in longitudinal section, medullary region composed of loose connective tissue, a stroma rich in blood vessels, and an external parenchymal region surrounded by a tunica albuginea. The results of the study confirmed the similarity between ocelot's reproductive system as domestic cat's ones and showing for the first time the complete morphological tool to highlight these organs and tissue in this male and female endangered wild felid specie. The present study open venue for other researchers to consider morphological and preservationist features and aimed to help at long-term conservation of wild felines.

Transplantation of human immature dental pulp stem cell in dogs with chronic spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE:: To investigate the therapeutic potential of human immature dental pulp stem cells in the treatment of chronic spinal cord injury in dogs. METHODS:: Three dogs of different breeds with chronic SCI were presented as animal clinical cases. Human immature dental pulp stem cells were injected at three points into the spinal cord, and the animals were evaluated by limb function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pre and post-operative. RESULTS:: There was significant improvement from the limb function evaluated by Olby Scale, though it was not supported by the imaging data provided by MRI and clinical sign and evaluation. CONCLUSION:: Human dental pulp stem cell therapy presents promising clinical results in dogs with chronic spinal cord injuries, if used in association with physical therapy.

Transplantation of human immature dental pulp stem cell in dogs with chronic spinal cord injury

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic potential of human immature dental pulp stem cells in the treatment of chronic spinal cord injury in dogs. Methods: Three dogs of different breeds with chronic SCI were presented as animal clinical cases. Human immature dental pulp stem cells were injected at three points into the spinal cord, and the animals were evaluated by limb function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pre and post-operative. Results: There was significant improvement from the limb function evaluated by Olby Scale, though it was not supported by the imaging data provided by MRI and clinical sign and evaluation. Conclusion: Human dental pulp stem cell therapy presents promising clinical results in dogs with chronic spinal cord injuries, if used in association with physical therapy.

Glial scar-modulation as therapeutic tool in spinal cord injury in animal models.

PURPOSE: Spinal Cord injury represents, in veterinary medicine, most of the neurological attendances and may result in permanent disability, death or euthanasia. Due to inflammation resulting from trauma, it originates the glial scar, which is a cell interaction complex system. Its function is to preserve the healthy circuits, however, it creates a physical and molecular barrier that prevents cell migration and restricts the neuroregeneration ability. METHODS: This review aims to present innovations in the scene of treatment of spinal cord injury, approaching cell therapy, administration of enzyme, anti-inflammatory, and other active principles capable of modulating the inflammatory response, resulting in glial scar reduction and subsequent functional improvement of animals. RESULTS: Some innovative therapies as cell therapy, administration of enzymes, immunosuppressant or other drugs cause the modulation of inflammatory response proved to be a promising tool for the reduction of gliosis. CONCLUSION: Those tools promise to reduce gliosis and promote locomotor recovery in animals with spinal cord injury.

Glial scar-modulation as therapeutic tool in spinal cord injury in animal models

Abstract Purpose: Spinal Cord injury represents, in veterinary medicine, most of the neurological attendances and may result in permanent disability, death or euthanasia. Due to inflammation resulting from trauma, it originates the glial scar, which is a cell interaction complex system. Its function is to preserve the healthy circuits, however, it creates a physical and molecular barrier that prevents cell migration and restricts the neuroregeneration ability. Methods: This review aims to present innovations in the scene of treatment of spinal cord injury, approaching cell therapy, administration of enzyme, anti-inflammatory, and other active principles capable of modulating the inflammatory response, resulting in glial scar reduction and subsequent functional improvement of animals. Results: Some innovative therapies as cell therapy, administration of enzymes, immunosuppressant or other drugs cause the modulation of inflammatory response proved to be a promising tool for the reduction of gliosis. Conclusion: Those tools promise to reduce gliosis and promote locomotor recovery in animals with spinal cord injury.