Serum Biochemistry of Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) in Captivity in the Northeast of Brazil.

We investigated the biochemical profile of greater rheas (Rhea americana) in captivity and correlated these values according to the birds' sex. A total of 69 serum samples were collected from a breeding site in Mossoró, northeastern Brazil, and analyzed to quantify serum biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, urea, creatinine, ALP, AST, and CK). The birds had levels of urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, calcium, and phosphorus similar to the values reported for ratite and ostrich species. By sex, females showed higher values (p < 0.05) of calcium (3.5 mmol/L), total cholesterol (7.5 mmol/L), and uric acid (435.3 µmol/L) than males, which had 3.1 mmol/L, 3.8 mmol/L, and 390.7 µmol/L, respectively. This can be attributed to the difference in diet, the productive phase of females, or stress at the time of sampling. The data present a wide spectrum of biochemical results regarding the health of greater rheas, contributing to the veterinary clinical practice of this species.

Ontogenetic shape changes in the pelvis of the Greater Rhea (Aves, Palaeognathae) and their relationships with cursorial locomotion: a geometric morphometric approach.

Knowledge of the ontogenetic pattern of morphological features is essential to improve biological interpretations. The study of morphological features of the pelvic girdle and hind limb apparatus throughout growth is an excellent approach to understand how the skeletal morphology and muscles are interrelated during growth in a bird with a specialized mode of locomotion. The Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) is a large cursorial palaeognathous bird with long legs and powerful musculature. The postnatal shape changes of the pelvis of this bird were studied with geometric morphometric techniques, using landmarks and semilandmarks. In addition, regression analyses were used to explore the association between pelvic shape changes with muscle and body mass. The pelvises of 16 specimens of Rhea americana from 1 month old to adulthood were studied in dorsal and lateral views. Noticeable differences in pelvic shape were noted between ages, particularly in lateral view. In young birds, the pre- and post-acetabular ilium was subequal in length, whereas in adults the pre-acetabular ilium became shorter. In dorsal view, the main shape changes observed were the progressive thinning of both ilium portions and the elongation of the vertex craniolateralis ilii from chicks to adulthood. In this view, the only clear differentiation was between young and adult birds. Shape differences were influenced by body mass and pelvic muscles; the post-acetabular muscle mass explained the highest percentage of the variation. The specialized locomotion of Greater Rhea is reflected in their pelvic musculoskeletal system, in which the change to a longer post-acetabular ilium correlates with the growth of the powerful post-acetabular muscles. The actions of these muscles provide the necessary strength to support the body mass, minimize the body swinging movements and propel the body forward during locomotion. Bone morphology is affected by the forces produced by body mass and the muscle activity, demonstrating the presence of common growth mechanisms, which are primordial and gave rise to a functional and properly proportioned adult.

Genetic identification of the ciliates from greater rheas (Rhea americana) and lesser rheas (Rhea pennata) as Balantioides coli.

The ciliate species Balantioides coli can be cross-transmitted between humans and several animal species. Usually harmless, sometimes it can be pathogenic and cause the death of the host. In birds, B. coli has been confirmed in ostriches by genetic analysis, but the identification from South American greater rheas (Rhea americana) and lesser rheas (Rhea pennata pennata) is tentative. Since these species are reared for commercial purposes and for reintroduction into the wild, it is necessary to elucidate whether the ciliate from rheas is B. coli to minimize health risks for humans and for other domestic and wild animals. Individual parasite cells are collected from Argentinean isolates of reared greater rheas and of wild and reared lesser rheas, and their ITS region was PCR amplified; the cloning products were sequenced and compared with sequences available in public databases. The results have shown that several sequence types are expressed at the same time in the parasite cells, and all correspond to B. coli, confirming the possibility of cross-transmission of the parasite between wild and reared South American rheas and several mammal species and humans.

State of the art knowledge in adrenocortical and behavioral responses to environmental challenges in a threatened South American ratite: Implications to in situ and ex-situ conservation.

The Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) is an endemic ratite to South America, whose wild populations have undergone a remarkable decrease due to habitat degradation and fragmentation by the expansion of the agricultural frontier, poaching and predation by dogs. Anthropogenic perturbations in wild environments, as well as the management in captivity, can generate different stress responses in this species, thus, the monitoring of adrenocortical and behavioral activities are considered primary assessment tools with both conservation and welfare implications. In this review we analyze and integrate the different measurements of glucocorticoids (in plasma, feces, and yolk) carried out in different captive and wild populations, taking into account the diverse predictable and unpredictable conditions to which the Greater Rhea responds in each of those environments. In addition, the translocation of this bird is presented as an application of stress physiology in field ecology for conservation purposes, in which we evaluated how this species responds when it is released into a novel environment. Our results indicate that this ratite has a striking high sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis compared to that of other bird species and shows a wide variety of adrenocortical responses depending on the environment in which it lives. This suggests that its HPA axis has a phenotypic plasticity that enables the rhea to cope with the environmental challenges. In this sense, we propose that one of the routes of this plasticity could be mediated by the maternal transfer of steroid hormones to the egg. Finally, we discuss the importance of integrating the monitoring of the adrenocortical response along with the environmental variables that define the life history of the species, in management and conservation programs ex-situ and in situ.

Morfologia da bolsa cloacal de emas, Rhea americana americana Linnaeus, 1758 / Morphology of rhea's cloacal bursa, Rhea americana americana Linnaeus, 1758

A bolsa cloacal é o órgão das aves responsável pela maturação e transferência de linfócitos para outros tecidos. Apesar da importância deste órgão nos mecanismos imunológicos desses animais, são escassas as informações a respeito de sua morfologia em emas. Neste estudo, objetivou-se descrever o desenvolvimento morfológico da bolsa cloacal de emas jovens. Utilizou-se 12 animais de ambos os sexos (6 machos e 6 fêmeas) para a microscopia de luz, eletrônica de transmissão e varredura. Microscopicamente, a bolsa cloacal da ema apresentou, em todas as idades a mucosa interna pregueada composta por lóbulos linfoides de diversos tamanhos, organizados como estrutura alveolar. Em cada prega verificou-se quatro componentes histológicos: as camadas mucosa, submucosa, muscular e adventícia. Esses lóbulos eram compostos de uma zona cortical, uma zona corticomedular e uma zona medular. Verificou-se a existência de linfócitos de tamanhos variados, linfoblastos, capilares sanguíneos, células reticulares epiteliais e macrófagos. Pela microscopia eletrônica de varredura, verificou-se que a superfície da mucosa dos lóbulos bursais apresentaram projeções poligonais, com a presença de curtas microvilosidades em toda a superfície. A comparação nas idades de 0 e 15 semanas de vida demostrou o desenvolvimento dos lóbulos bursais. O padrão morfológico da bolsa cloacal de emas difere do padrão comumente reportado para outras aves tais como pato selvagem, galinha da angola, ganso nativo, peru, codorna japonesa e falcão.(AU)

The cloacal bursa is the bird's organ responsible for maturation and transfer of lymphocytes to other tissues. Despite the importance of this organ in the immunological mechanisms of these animals, information about their morphology in rhea are scarce. We used 12 animals (6 males and 6 females) for light, transmission electron, and scanning microscopy. Microscopically, the cloacal bursa presented the inner mucosa consists of pleated lymphoid lobes of various sizes, organized as alveolar structure, in all ages. In each nail was found four histological components: mucosa, submucosa, muscular and adventitia layers. These lobes were composed of a cortical zone, a corticomedular zone and a medular area. It was verified the existence of varying sizes lymphocytes, lymphoblasts, blood capillaries, epithelial reticular cells and macrophages. By scanning electron microscopy, it was found that the mucous membrane surface of the bursal lobes showed polygonal projections, with the presence of short microvilli membranes throughout the surface. The comparison between 0 and 15 weeks demonstrated the development of the bursal lobes. The morphological pattern of the rhea cloacal bursa differs from standard commonly reported for other birds such as wild duck, Angola's chicken, native goose, turkey, Japanese quail, and Hawk.(AU)

Morphogenesis of the rhea (Rhea americana) respiratory system in different embryonic and foetal stages / Morfogênese do sistema respiratório da ema (Rhea americana) em diferentes estágios embrionários e fetais

The rhea (Rhea americana) is an important wild species that has been highlighted in national and international livestock. This research aims to analyse embryo-foetal development in different phases of the respiratory system of rheas. Twenty-three embryos and foetuses were euthanized, fixed and dissected. Fragments of the respiratory system, including the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, syrinx, bronchi and lungs, were collected and processed for studies using light and scanning electron microscopy. The nasal cavity presented cubic epithelium in the early stages of development. The larynx exhibited typical respiratory epithelium between 27 and 31 days. The trachea showed early formation of hyaline cartilage after 15 days. Syrinx in the mucous membrane of 18-day foetuses consisted of ciliated epithelium in the bronchial region. The main bronchi had ciliated epithelium with goblet cells in the syringeal region. In the lung, the parabronchial stage presented numerous parabronchi between 15 and 21 days. This study allowed the identification of normal events that occur during the development of the rhea respiratory system, an important model that has not previously been described. The information generated here will be useful for the diagnosis of pathologies that affect this organic system, aimed at improving captive production systems.(AU)

A ema (Rhea americana) representa importante espécie silvestre que vem se destacando na pecuaria nacional e internacional. Esta pesquisa objetiva analisar o desenvolvimento embrionário-fetal, em diferentes fases, do sistema respiratório de emas. Vinte e três embriões e fetos foram eutanasiados, fixados e dissecados. Fragmentos do sistema respiratório: cavidade nasal, laringe, traqueia, siringe, brônquios e pulmões, foram coletados e processados para estudos por meio de microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A cavidade nasal apresentou, nas primeiras fases de desenvolvimento, epitélio estratificado cúbico. A laringe exibiu epitélio respiratório típico entre 27 e 31 dias. A traqueia aos 15 dias apresentou início de formação da cartilagem hialina. Na siringe a túnica mucosa de fetos de 18 dias e formada por epitélio estratificado ciliado na região bronquial. Os brônquios principais apresentavam epitélio estratificado ciliado com células caliciformes na região siringeal. No pulmão, o estágio parabronquial apresentou numerosos parabrônquios entre 15 a 21 dias. Este estudo permitiu a identificação de eventos normais que ocorrem durante o desenvolvimento do sistema respiratório de emas, importante modelo ainda não descrito. As informações geradas serão úteis para o diagnóstico de patologias que acometem este sistema orgânico, visando a melhoria dos sistemas de produção em cativeiro.(AU)

Collateral branches of the aortic arch in the greater Rhea (Rhea americana americana Linnaeus, 1758) / Ramos colaterais do arco aórtico de emas (Rhea americana americana Linnaeus, 1758)

The greater rhea (Rhea americana americana) is a bird of the Rheidae family, and is known as a ratite for being a flightless bird. This animal has great reproductive and productive potential, according to the products and by-products that it can provide such as meat, leather, feathers and fat which are very popular in the world market. Given its economic importance and lack of information in the literature on its morphology, especially in regard to its cardiovascular apparatus, this study aimed to describe the collateral arteries of the aortic arch, in order to establish the origin and distribution of arteries and thus contribute information to the biology of the species. The bodies of 20 young and adult rheas of both sexes which had died from natural causes and were being stored in a freezer at CEMAS / UFERSA were used. The study was approved by CEUA /UFERSA (Opinion No. 09/2015, process No. 23091.004968 / 2015-23). The animals were thawed and had the cannulated thoracic aorta artery and the vascular system perfused with Neoprene 450 latex colored with yellow pigment. Subsequently, the animals were fixed in 3.7% aqueous solution of formaldehyde, and after 72 hours dissections were carried out, images were obtained and schematic drawings were prepared. The right and left brachiocephalic trunks emerged from the aortic arch in 100% of the specimens from the right brachiocephalic trunk origined a common trunk the thyroid arteries, syringotracheal trunk, vertebral artery, superficial lateral cervical artery, basecervical artery, and ascending esophageal artery. The left brachiocephalic trunk collaterally stemmed in the left common carotid artery, which in turn led to the left internal carotid and a common trunk which stemmed the thyroid arteries, the syringotracheal trunk, vertebral artery, superficial lateral cervical artery, basecervical artery and descending esophageal artery. At the end of its trajectory, the right and left brachiocephalic trunks give rise to the right and left subclavian arteries, which in turn, stem the sternoclavicular, axillary, and intercostal arteries, pectoral trunk, cranial pectoral arteries, pectoral caudal artery and collateral branches of the pectoral trunk. Based on the results, it was concluded that the aortic arch in rheas issued right and left brachycephalic trunks.

A ema (Rhea americana americana) é uma ave da família Rheidae e por isto denominada de ratita, por não apresentar aptidões para o voo. Este animal tem grande potencial reprodutivo e produtivo, em função dos produtos e subprodutos que podem fornecer como carne, couro, penas e gordura muito procurados no mercado mundial. Dada a sua importância econômica e pela falta de informação na literatura sobre sua morfologia, principalmente no que diz respeito ao seu aparelho cardiovascular, objetivou-se descrever os ramos colaterais do arco aórtico, de modo a estabelecer a origem e distribuição destas artérias e, assim, contribuir com informações para a biologia da espécie. Foram utilizadas 20 emas jovens e adultas de ambos os sexos, oriundas do CEMAS/UFERSA, as quais vieram a óbito por causas naturais e que se encontravam armazenadas em freezer. A experimentação foi aprovada pela CEUA/UFERSA (Parecer n° 09/2015, processo n° 23091.004968/2015-23). Os animais foram descongelados e tiveram a artéria aorta torácica canulada e o sistema vascular perfundido com látex Neoprene 450 corado com pigmento amarelo. Posteriormente, os animais foram fixados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 3,7% e após 72 horas realizaram-se as dissecações e obtenção de imagens fotográficas e elaboração de desenhos esquemáticos. Em 100% dos espécimes, emergiram a partir do arco aórtico os troncos braquiocefálicos direito e esquerdo. O tronco braquiocefálico direito emitiu colateralmente a partir de um tronco comum as artérias tireoide, tronco siringotraqueal, vertebral, cervical superficial lateral, basecervical e esofageana ascendente. Já o tronco braquiocefálico esquerdo emitiu colateralmente a artéria carótida comum esquerda, que por sua vez, originou a carótida interna esquerda e um tronco comum que emitiu as artérias tireoide, tronco siringotraqueal, vertebral, cervical superficial lateral, basecervical e esofageana descendente. No final de seu percurso, os troncos braquiocefálicos direito e esquerdo, originaram as artérias subclávias direita e esquerda, que por sua vez, emitiram as artérias esternoclaviculares, axilar, intercostal, tronco peitoral, peitorais craniais e peitoral caudal e ramos colaterais do tronco peitoral. Com base nos resultados, concluiu-se que, em emas, o arco aórtico emitiu os troncos braquicefálicos direito e esquerdo.

Aspects of spermatogenesis and microscopic testicular morphology in Greater Rhea, Rhea americana (Linnaeus, 1758) / Aspectos da espermatogênese e morfologia microscópica testicular em Emas, Rhea americana (Linnaeus, 1758)

The purpose of this study was to study the microscopic morphology of the testicular parenchyma of Rhea americana birds. Fifty-four 2.5±0.5 year-old male adults bred in captivity. were used. During commercial slaughter, samples of testis were collected in November/2005, December/2006 and May/2007, in order to compare possible differences. The samples underwent optical microscopy analysis and measurements of seminiferous tubule (ST) total diameters, lumen, epithelium thickness and the relative volume of parenchyma. The ST had circular form in transverse cross sections. November/2005 and December/2006 samples had many types of germinative cells and spermatozoa in lumen, but in May/2007 the samples of epithelium were poor regarding meiotic and mitotic pictures, and it was difficult to find any spermatozoon; in many tubules the lumen was inexistent or diminished. In December/2006 and May/2007 the averages were: tubule diameter 110.3 and 5.3mµ, lumen 52.4 and 4.5mµ, epithelium thickness 57.8 and 0.7mµ respectively. The volumetric proportions were: seminiferous epithelium 75.6 and 75.9, cysts in epithelium 2.1 and 1.0, ST 93.3 and 84.0, interstitium 6.2 and 15.6 respectively. The sperm reserves were: 19.7±2 and 0±0 x109 sperm cells in December 2006 and May 2007 respectively. Microscopic measures of seminiferous tubules, spermatic cells and diameter of the nuclei were presented. These data confirm reproductive seasonality, with breeding season in spring-summer with sperm production. A great variation n parenchyma, when compared breeding was noticeable.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi estudar a morfologia microscópica do parênquima testicular de emas (Rhea americana). Foram utilizados 54 machos adultos criados em cativeiro de 2,5±0,5 anos de idade. Durante o abate comercial foram coletadas amostras de testículos em novembro/2005, dezembro/2006 e maio/2007, para efeitos de comparação. As amostras foram processadas e para microscopia ótica de rotina para análise. Foram medidas diâmetro total de túbulos seminíferos (ST), lúmen, espessura do epitélio e a proporção volumétrica dos componentes do parênquima. O ST apresentou forma circular nas seções transversais. Em novembro/2005 e dezembro/2006, se observaram os tipos de células germinativas e espermatozoides no lúmen. Em maio/2007, as amostras de epitélio se observaram escassas meioses e imagens de mitose e era difícil de ver qualquer espermatozoide, em muitos dos túbulos o lúmen era inexistentes ou diminuído de tamanho. Em dezembro/2006 e maio/2007, as médias das características estudadas foram: diâmetro dos túbulos 110,3 e 5,3 mµ, lúmen 52,4 e 4,5mµ, espessura do epitélio 57,8 e 0,7mµ, respectivamente. As proporções volumétricas foram: epitélio seminífero 75,6 e 75,9, cistos no epitélio 2,1 e 1,0, túbulos seminíferos 93,3 e 84,0, interstício 6,2 e 15,6, respectivamente. Foram apresentadas medidas microscópicas de túbulos seminíferos, diâmetro dos núcleos das espermátides. Estes dados confirmam a sazonalidade reprodutiva, com época de reprodução na primavera - verão, com a produção de esperma. Foi perceptível uma grande variação nas medidas do parênquima testicular, quando se comparou a estação reprodutiva.(AU)

USE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATION OF RHINITIS AND SINUSITIS IN A GREATER RHEA (RHEA AMERICANA).

Sinusitis is a common finding in avian species; however, it presents unique treatment challenges in ratites. A 6-yr-old male greater rhea ( Rhea americana ) presented acutely with right infraorbital sinus swelling and chemosis. Oral antibiotics were prescribed based on bacterial culture results with incomplete resolution of clinical signs. A computed tomography scan of the skull demonstrated a mixed-density soft tissue mass with extensive destruction of the right nasal bone, hard palate, maxilla, and frontal bone. The affected tissue was surgically resected and histopathology was consistent with inspissated necrotic tissue. Aerobic culture of the mass grew a multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and was treated with amikacin. Ten months postsurgery, no further clinical signs were observed. Advanced diagnostic imaging with computed tomography and surgical therapy facilitated complete resolution of this resistant bacterial sinusitis in a species that is not typically amenable to frequent handling and restraint.

Atypical mannheimiosis in captive rheas (Rhea americana) / Mannheimiose atípica em emas (Rhea americana) cativas

Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) is a major cause of respiratory disease in bovine complex (BRDC) that causes great economic losses. To this day, there are no reports of birds affected by this bacterium. The present report describes an atypical outbreak of mannheimiosis in captive rheas (Rhea americana).(AU)

Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) é uma das principais causas da doença do complexo respiratório dos bovinos (DCRB) que causa grandes perdas econômicas. Até os dias atuais, não há relato de aves acometidas por tal bactéria. Relata-se um surto atípico de mannheimiose em emas em cativeiro (Rhea americana).(AU)

Hematological, morphological and morphometric characteristics of blood cells from rhea, Rhea Americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae): a standard for Brazilian birds / Características hematológicas, morfológicas e morfométricas de células sanguíneas de emas, Rhea americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae): um padrão para aves brasileiras

Abstract Blood exams are an indispensable tool in bird medicine. This study aimed at describing values and aspects of rheas' hematology, Rhea americana, as well as analyzing the morphology and morphometry of all blood cells. Fifty eight adult rheas of both sexes from two farms, one in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo State and the other in São Carlos, São Paulo State, were selected. Blood samples were taken and RBC count, PCV and Hb levels measured and used in hematimetric indexes calculations. The total and differentiated leukocyte counts, as well as the TPP and fibrinogen were determined. Erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes were identified and characterized morphologically. The values for the red series and hematimetric indexes were: RBC (2.81±0.15×106/μL), PCV (44.20±2.86%), Hb (12.12±0.74 g/dL), MCV (15.75±0.89 fL), MCH (43.18±1.82 pg), MCHC (27.44±0.80 g/dL); the values of white series were: WBC (12.072±4116/μL), heterophils (64.10±9.90%), eosinophils (2.05±2.06%), monocytes (6.40±2.99%), lymphocytes (26.93±9.62%), basophils (0.52±1.27%). One may conclude that on average, rheas' blood cells are larger than those of other birds, but these cells in smears cannot be differentiated only by their size. Besides rheas' leukocytes have different components and coloring as in other bird species, however, there are no components or staining aspects unique to the species.

Resumo Exames de sangue são uma ferramenta indispensável na medicina de aves. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever valores e aspectos da hematologia de emas, Rhea americana, bem como analisar a morfologia e morfometria de todas as células sanguíneas. Cinquenta e oito emas adultas de ambos os sexos de dois criatórios, um em Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, ES e o outro em São Carlos, SP foram selecionadas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas e CTH, Ht e níveis de Hb foram mensurados e usados para o cálculo dos índices hematimétricos. A contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos, assim como, PPT e fibrinogênio foram determinados. Eritrócitos, leucócitos e trombócitos foram identificados e caracterizados morfologicamente. Os valores para série vermelha e índices hematimétricos foram: CTH (2,81±0,15×106/μL), Ht (44,20±2,86%), Hb (12,12±0,74 g/dL), VCM (15,75±0,89 fL), HCM (43,18±1,82 pg), CHCM (27,44±0,80 g/dL); os valores da série branca foram: CTL (12,072±4116/μL), heterófilos (64,10±9,90%), eosinófilos (2,05±2,06%), monócitos (6,40±2,99%), linfócitos (26,93±9,62%), basófilos (0,52±1,27%). Pode-se concluir que, na média, células sanguíneas de emas são maiores que as de outras aves, porém, não é possível diferenciar estas células em esfregaços somente pelo seu tamanho. Além disso, leucócitos de emas possuem diferentes componentes e coloração como acontece em outras espécies de aves, no entanto, não há nenhum componente ou aspectos tintoriais exclusivo para a espécie.

Sicarius uncinipenis and Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi in captive greater rheas of Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Sicarius uncinipenis e Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi em emas de cativeiro no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brazil

The present study details the pathological and parasitological findings of parasitic ventriculitis and nematode infections in the large intestines of two female Rhea americana americana birds. The birds were housed in captivity, and both exhibited poor body condition and lethargy. The rheas were sent to the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) and, despite medical care, the clinical condition of the birds did not improve. The birds died two days after admission, and were submitted to necropsy. Gross, histopathology and parasitological analysis resulted in the identification of Sicarius uncinipenis, which is associated with parasitic ventriculitis, while Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi was identified in the large intestine of both rheas. The apparent clinical indications, including loss of appetite and death, combined with the discovery of numerous parasites and other pathology changes, supported the conclusion that the death of the birds was caused by the parasitic infection. Further investigations of these infections in free-living and captive rheas are required, such that accurate data on the incidence and pathogenicity of these parasites can be obtained.

O presente estudo relata os achados patológicos e parasitológicos de ventriculite parasitária e da infecção por nematódeo no intestino grosso em duas fêmeas Rhea americana americana. As aves eram mantidas em cativeiro e ambas apresentaram condição corporal ruim e inapetência. As emas foram encaminhadas para o Hospital Veterinário da Escola de Veterinária da UFMG e, apesar dos cuidados médicos, não houve melhora na condição clínica. As aves morreram dois dias após a internação e foram encaminhadas para a necropsia. Ao exame macroscópico, histopatológico e parasitológico, Sicarius uncinipenis foi identificado e associado com ventriculite parasitária, enquanto Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi foi identificado no intestino grosso. Possivelmente, o quadro de inapetência e morte foi causado pela infecção parasitária, pois os parasitos eram numerosos. Mais investigações dessa infecção são necessárias em emas de vida livre e cativeiro, para a obtenção de informações mais precisas da incidência e patogenicidade desses parasitos.

Uso do propofol na indução anestésica de emas (Rhea americana americana) / Propofol use during anesthetic induction of Rheas (Rhea americana americana)

O propofol é um anestésico injetável que promove indução e recuperação rápida, e toxicidade limitada. Apesar de suas vantagens, poucas pesquisas determinam a dose e os efeitos do propofol em emas. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o uso do propofol na indução da anestesia de emas, bem como determinar a dose de indução anestésica do fármaco para a espécie. Foram utilizados 20 emas, machos jovens, os quais foram anestesiados com propofol, administrado por via intravenosa. A frequência cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (f), temperatura cloacal (TC) foram aferidas antes da administração do propofol e logo após a obtenção da anestesia. Nestes momentos, sangue venoso foi colhido para análise hemogasométrica. Para avaliação da anestesia, realizou-se pinçamento interdigital, sendo determinados, com base na resposta ao estímulo, o período de latência, período hábil e de recuperação anestésica. A dose capaz de promover anestesia nas emas foi de 5 mg.kg-1. As médias da FC, ƒ, TC basais foram 138 bpm, 35 rpm e 39,1ºC, respectivamente e, após a indução as médias foram 180 bpm, 25 rpm e 40,6ºC. A administração do propofol não resultou em alterações significativas nos valores de pressão parcial de oxigênio, excesso de base, bicarbonato, saturação de oxigênio, pH, pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono. As médias do tempo de indução, período hábil de anestesia e tempo de recuperação, em minutos, foram respectivamente 2,48; 2,98 e 7,85. A dose do propofol encontrada para emas foi compatível com as utilizadas para a indução em outras espécies de aves. O propofol, na dose de 5 mg.kg-1, mostrou-se um fármaco seguro para indução anestésica em emas, possibilitando recuperação rápida da anestesia além de promover poucas alterações cardiorrespiratórias e hemogasométricas na espécie.

Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic agent, which promotes rapid inductions and recovery as well, as limited toxicity. Despite its advantages, the dose and effects of such a drug on rheas has not been determined yet. This study aimed to evaluate the use of propofol in anesthesia induction of rheas, and to determine its dosage for the species. Twenty young male rheas were used, which were anesthetized with propofol administered intravenously. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f), and cloacal temperature (TC) were measured before administration of propofol and soon after obtaining anesthesia. In those moments, venous blood was collected for hemogasimetric analysis. Interdigital pinch was held for evaluation of anesthesia, being determined, based on the response to the stimulus, the latency period as well as active period and anesthetic recovery. The dose able to induce anesthesia in rheas was 5mg.kg-1.The average HR, ƒ, TC levels were 138 bpm, 35rpm and 39.1ºC, respectively; and after inducing the averages were 180 bpm, 25rpm and 40.6ºC. Administration of propofol resulted in no significant changes in the values of oxygen partial pressure, base excess, bicarbonate, oxygen saturation, pH, and carbon dioxide partial pressure. The average induction time, active period of anesthesia and recovery time, in minutes, were respectively 2.48, 2.98 and 7.85. The dose of propofol found to rheas was compatible with those used for induction in other avian species. Propofol at a dose of 5 mg.kg-1 proved to be a safe drug for total intravenous anesthesia in rheas, enabling rapid induction and recovery from anesthesia in addition to promoting few changes in cardiorespiratory and blood gas in the species.

Gross morphology of rhea oropharyngeal cavity / Macroscopia da orofaringe de Ema

The rhea (Rhea americana americana) is an american bird belonging to Ratite's family. Studies related to its morphology are still scarce. This study aims to describe the macroscopic structures of the oropharyngeal cavity. Five heads (2 to 6 months old) formalin preserved were anatomically dissected to expose the oropharynx. The oropharynx of the rhea was "bell-shaped" composed by the maxillary and mandibular rhamphotheca. The roof and floor presented two distinct regions different in colour of the mucosa. The rostral region was pale pink contrasting to grey coloured caudal region. The median longitudinal ridge extended rostrally from the apex of the choana to the tip of the beak in the roof and it is clearly more prominent and rigid than the homolog in the floor that appeared thin and stretched merely along the rostral portion of the regio interramalis. The floor was formed by the interramal region, (regio interramalis) tongue and laryngeal mound containing glove-shaped glottis. This study confirmed the basic morphology of the oropharinx of the rhea. However, important morphological information not previously described is highlighted and contradictory information present in the literature is clarified.(AU)

A ema é uma ave Americana pertencente à familia das Ratitas. Estudos relacionados a sua morfologia são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as estruturas macroscópicas da cavidade orofaríngea. Cinco cabeças (dois a seis meses de idade) de emas fixadas em formol foram dissecadas para a exposição da orofaringe. A orofaringe das emas apresentou formato de "sino" composta pela ranfoteca maxilar e mandibular. O teto e o assoalho apresentavam duas regiões distintas com diferenças na coloração da mucosa. A região rostral era rosa clara contrastando com a coloração cinza da região caudal. A linha longitudinal mediana se estendia rostralmente do ápice da coana ate a extremidade do bico no teto e esta era bem proeminente e rígida quanto a mesma estrutura no assoalho, esta apresentou-se estendida ao longo da porção rostral da região interramal. O assoalho estava formado pela região interramal, língua, glote e cartilagens da laringe com formato de dedos de luvas. O estudo confirma a morfologia básica da orofaringe das emas. Entretanto, importantes informações morfológicas não descritas anteriormente são destacadas e informações contraditórias presentes na literatura são esclarecidas.(AU)

Macroscopia e topografia do aparelho digestório de emas (Rhea americana americana) / Gross morphology and topography of the digestive apparatus in rheas (Rhea americana americana)

As emas são aves que pertencem ao grupo das ratitas e juntamente com os avestruzes e emus, são as maiores aves vivas na atualidade. Neste trabalho estudou-se os aspectos macroscópicos do aparelho digestório de emas com o intuito de fornecer informações importantes ao estudo dos hábitos alimentares dessas aves, bem como de sua anatomia. Foram utilizados vinte animais jovens com idade entre dois e seis meses obtidos do Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres (Cemas), registrado com criador científico sob o nº 1478912. Após dissecação verificou-se que a língua era pequena, disposta no assoalho da cavidade oral, possui forma rombóide e estava inserida pela sua base por um frênulo. O esôfago era um tubo retilíneo de aspecto elástico com fibras longitudinais, sem dilatação, o que confere a ausência do papo. O proventrículo gástrico apresentava formato fusiforme. O ventrículo gástrico possuía formato ligeiramente oval, quando repleto, internamente era recoberto por uma cutícula gástrica espessa. O intestino delgado era formado por três regiões distintas: duodeno, jejuno e íleo. O duodeno possuía coloração cinza claro e apresentava-se curvado em forma de "U". O jejuno era longo e formado por várias alças curtas dispostas uma sobre a outra e possuía coloração verde escuro. O íleo era de cor cinza e continuo com o jejuno. Na linha ventral ao reto e cloaca, este se estendia em sentido cranial, dorsalmente ao duodeno ascendente. O intestino grosso era formado por dois cecos, um direito e um esquerdo, e o cólon-reto contínuo com o íleo e a cloaca. As estruturas que compõem o aparelho digestório de ema assemelham-se com o que preconiza a literatura, com relação à forma e topografia para a maioria das aves, contudo os cecos são bem desenvolvidos e bastante dilatados nas emas.

Rheas are birds belonging to the ratites group and, among ostriches and emus, are the largest birds currently alive. In this work we studied the macroscopic aspects of rheas' digestive tract in order to provide important information to a better understanding of these birds' eating habits as well their anatomy. Twenty young animals aging between two and six months from the Centre for Wild Animals Multiplication (Cemas, scientific breeding license form Ibama no.1478912) were used. After dissection it was observed that their tongue was small and presented a rhomboid form, being disposed on the oral cavity floor, and inserted in its base by a frenulum. The esophagus was a rectilinear tube with elastic aspect and longitudinal elastic fibers, without dilation, which gives it an absence of crop. The proventriculus presented a fusiform form and the gastric ventricle showed and slightly oval form when filled, and was internally coated with a thick gastric cuticle. The small intestine was composed of three distinct regions: duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The duodenum had a light gray color and showed a "U" curved shaped. The jejunum was dark green, long and composed of several short loops arranged above each other. The ileum had a gray color and was connected with the jejunum. In ventral line to the rectum and cloaca, the ileum extended cranially, dorsally to the ascending duodenum. The large intestine was composed of two caeca, one right and one left, and colon-rectum and ileum were continuous with the cloaca. The structures of the rhea digestive tract resemble those described in the literature regarding to its shape and topography, even though rhea's caeca are well developed and relatively long.

Relationship between histochemical, structural characteristics and oxidative stability of rhea limb muscles.

Histochemical and structural characteristics were investigated in Gastrocnemius pars interna (GN) and Iliofiburalis (IF) limb muscles of Rhea americana. The average myofibre area cross-section was greater in GN than IF muscle (p<0.001), whereas the fibre density per section was higher in IF than GN muscle. The only type of myofibre found in both the rhea limb muscles analysed in this study was fast-twitch oxidative-glycolytic fibres (FOG). Immunolabelling analysis and ultrastructural observation of myofibres confirmed the contractile and metabolic characteristics of rhea myofibres, revealing the absolute fast isoform of myosin heavy chain and the abundance of glycogen and mitochondria inside the cells, mainly in IF muscle. These findings converged with previous results on the biochemical and physicochemical characteristics of rhea meat to provide further evidence that myofibre composition substantially influences the oxidative reactions of the muscle and therefore the meat quality, but more in-depth examination is needed to establish the links between myofibre characteristics, myofibre glycogen concentration and meat stability during storage.

Composto homeopático reduz a liberação de ânion superóxido pelas células mononucleares de ema (Rhea americana) / Homeopathic compound reduces the release of superoxide anion by mononuclear cells of rhea (Rhea americana)

The action of the "Stress Factor Ostrich (Arenales - Fauna and Flora)" was tested in the release of superoxide anion by cells in the peripheral blood of rhea (Rhea americana). Sixteen samples of 0.5mL of venous blood were collected through the jugular vein in the morning and placed in heparinized tubes. The leukocytes were separated into polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MN). The production of superoxide anion by phagocytes of peripheral blood was determined using the chromogen ferricytochrome C. There was a reduction of superoxide by MN cells in the presence of "Stress Factor Ostrich" indicating a positive influence of product against oxidative stress. Furthermore, future researches, such as the evaluation of other reactive oxygen intermediates and antioxidant enzymes, researches.

Composto homeopático reduz a liberação de ânion superóxido pelas células mononucleares de ema (Rhea americana) / Homeopathic compound reduces the release of superoxide anion by mononuclear cells of rhea (Rhea americana)

The action of the "Stress Factor Ostrich (Arenales - Fauna and Flora)" was tested in the release of superoxide anion by cells in the peripheral blood of rhea (Rhea americana). Sixteen samples of 0.5mL of venous blood were collected through the jugular vein in the morning and placed in heparinized tubes. The leukocytes were separated into polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MN). The production of superoxide anion by phagocytes of peripheral blood was determined using the chromogen ferricytochrome C. There was a reduction of superoxide by MN cells in the presence of "Stress Factor Ostrich" indicating a positive influence of product against oxidative stress. Furthermore, future researches, such as the evaluation of other reactive oxygen intermediates and antioxidant enzymes, researches.

Morfologia dos órgãos genitais masculinos e da cloaca da ema (Rhea americana americana) / Morphology of the male genital organs and cloaca of Rhea americana americana

As características morfológicas, macroscópicas e microscópicas, dos órgãos genitais masculinos e da cloaca foram analisados em 23 emas, quatro filhotes (duas semanas), sete jovens (de três a oito meses) e doze adultos (três anos), provenientes da Cooperativa Emas do Brasil, RS, e do CEMAS, Mossoró, RN. Os testículos da ema possuem formato alongado e localizam-se na cavidade celomática, na região intra-abdominal dorsal, com comprimento e larguras médias de 7,6±1,2cm e 2,6± 0,7cm nos adultos; 4,5±1,5cm e 0,9±0,4cm nos jovens; e 0,8±0,3cm, e 0,2±0,1cm nos filhotes. O testículo está envolto pela túnica albugínea e seu parênquima possui túbulos seminíferos irregulares, compostos por epitélio espermatogênico e por células de sustentação, e pelo tecido intersticial, com as células endócrinas intersticiais, tecido conjuntivo frouxo e vasos. Nos adultos observaram-se todas as células da linhagem espermatogênica, enquanto nos jovens com 3 meses, os testículos apresentaram túbulos seminíferos com luz reduzidas, espermatogônias e células de sustentação indiferenciadas. Os ductos eferentes possuem um epitélio cúbico ciliado, enquanto no ducto epididimário o epitélio é columnar. O epidídimo apresentou-se alongado e fusiforme junto a margem medial do testículo. O ducto deferentes apresentou trajeto sinuoso nos adultos, retilíneo nos jovens, convoluto na sua porção média, diminuindo seu formato sigmóide em sua porção caudal, próximo à cloaca. O epitélio é pseudoestratificado e reveste a luz irregular nos adultos e circular nos jovens, mantendo proximidade com o ureter. A cloaca dividiu-se em três segmentos: o coprodeu, o urodeo e o proctodeo. No urodeu os ductos deferentes desembocaram em papilas na parede ventro-lateral, próximo a inserção do falo fibroso. O falo é um órgão fibroso linfático, localizado na parede ventral, no assoalho da cloaca, e apresentou duas porções: uma rígida bifurcada e contorcida, e outra simples espiralada e flexível...

The rhea (Rhea americana americana) is a bird that belongs to the group of the Ratitas, order Rheiforme and family Rheidae. Macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the male genital organ (testes, epididymis, deferent ducts, and phallus) and the cloaca were analyzed in 23 emas, four chicken (2 weeks old), young (3 to 10 months old), and twelve adult ones (3 years old), from Cooperativa Emas do Brasil, RS and from CEMAS, Mossoró, RN. The testis of rhea had elongated shape and were located inside coelomatic cavity, in dorsal region of abdominal cavity, with medium length and width of 7.6±1.2cm and 2.6±0.7cm at adult animals; 4.5±1.5cm and 0.9±0.4cm at young animals; and 0.8±0.3cm, and 0.2±0.1cm at chicken. The testis were recovered by the tunica albuginea and its parenchyma had seminiferous tubules composed by spermatogenic epithelium and by sustentation cells, and also interstitial tissue, with interstitial endocrine cells, connective tissue and vessels. At the adult animals were observed all the cells from spermatogenic lineage, whilst at the youngs with 3 months the seminiferous tubules had a smale lumen with spermatogonia and undifferentiated sustentacular cells. The efferents ductus were composed by a cubic ciliated epithelium, while the epididimydis duct had a columnar epithelium. The epididymis was elongated and fusiform closely to medial testis board. The deferent duct had sinuous stretch at adult animals, rectilineae at young animal, convolute at its medium portion, decreasing its sigmoid shape at caudal portion, next to cloaca. The epithelium was pseudostratified ciliated, irregular lumen at adult animal, and circular at young animal, closely with urether. The cloaca was divided into three segments: coprodeum, urodeum and proctodeum. At urodeum the deferent ducts discharged into papillas at the ventral side wall, next to fibrous phallus's insertion. The phallus was a lymphatic fibrous organ, located at ventral wall, at the cloaca floor...

Morfologia das células do sangue periférico em emas (Rhea americana) / Morphology of cells peripheral blood in rheas (Rhea americana)

A ema (Rhea americana) é uma ave sul-americana do grupo das ratitas, da ordem Rheiforme, freqüentemente explorada com fins econômicos, como pecuária alternativa em países europeus e sul-americanos. No Brasil, destaca-se o Rio Grande do Sul e, em fase inicial, o Nordeste. O presente estudo objetivou descrever a morfologia das células sangüíneas em ema. Neste trabalho foram utilizados dez exemplares, desconsiderando-se idade e sexo. Foram colhidos 3 mL de sangue periférico por punção da veia braquial, com seringa descartável. As amostras foram utilizadas, em parte, na confecção de extensões coradas com Leishman. Feita a análise morfológica ao Microscópio de Luz, foram observados sete tipos celulares nucleados. O eritrócito mostrou-se elíptico, com núcleo geralmente condensado, de forma elíptica; citoplasma acidófilo. O trombócito apresentou-se elíptico, com núcleo localizado em um dos pólos; citoplasma pálido. Quanto aos leucócitos, de forma arredondada, entre os granulócitos os heterófilos apresentaram-se com núcleo excêntrico, condensado, lobulado; citoplasma rico em grânulos fusiformes de coloração salmão. Os eosinófilos distinguem-se dos heterófilos pelos grânulos arredondados eosinofílicos. Os basófilos destacam-se dos outros granulócitos pelo núcleo grande e central, com grânulos citoplasmáticos específicos arredondados e fortemente basofílicos. Entre os agranulócitos, os monócitos mostraram núcleo rineforme, freqüentemente central, de cromatina frouxa, com pequenas áreas de condensação; citoplasma levemente basofílico e com vacúolos. Os linfócitos apresentaram-se variados em forma e tamanho; núcleo grande com cromatina frouxa, com alguns nucléolos; citoplasma escasso e basofílico. As células do sangue periférico de Rhea americana apresentam ao Microscópio de Luz morfologia semelhante às demais aves já estudadas.

The rhea (Rhea americana) is a South American bird of the ratite group and of the Rheiformes order. It has been exploited for economical purposes, as cattle alternative in European and South American countries. In Brazil, the State of Rio Grande do Sul is outstanding, in rhea rearing and it is in the process of implantation in the Country Northeasty Region. This work aims to describe the morphology of the blood cells in rheas. In this work ten rheas were used, regardless age and sex. Two ml of peripheral blood were collected by puncture of the brachial vein with disposable syringe. The samples here partially used to make extensions with Leishman stain. Seven types of nucleate cells have been observed through morphologic analysis on the light microscope. The erythrocyte revealed an elliptical form, with condensed nucleus of elliptical form; acidophilic cytoplasm. The thrombocyte revealed an elliptical form, with nucleus located in one of the polarregions; pale cytoplasm. As to the round-shaped leukocytes, within the granulocytes, the heterophils presented excentric, condensed, and lobulated nucleus; cytoplasm rich in fusiform salmon-colored granules. The eosinophils distinguish from the heterophils due to the round eosinophilic granules. The basophils stand out from the other granulocytes due to its large and central nucleus with round specific cytoplasmic and highly basophilic granules. Within the agranulocytes, the monocytes presented reniform nucleus, which is frequently central, with slack chromatin, with small areas of condensation; cytoplasm lightly basophilic and with vacuoles. The lymphocytes presented varies forms and sizes; large nucleus with slack chromatin with some nucleoli; scarce and basophilic cytoplasm.The cells of the peripheral blood of Rhea americana present on the light microscope morphology similar to the other birds which have already been studied.