Oral cavity evaluation and dental chart registration of coati (Nasua nasua) in captivity

The aims of this study were to develop a dental evaluate any oral cavity disease, develop gypsum models of the dental arches, and to register the occlusions found in coatis (Nasua nasua) in captivity Formulation of the dental chart was assisted by intraoral radiographs from the head of an adult coati cadaver of the same species with the following dental formula.: I 3/3, C 1/1, P 4/3, M 2/2. Seven live coatis of the Nasua nasua species were evaluated. Five of the seven coatis presented with various dental abnormalities as follows: dental plaque (71.4 0%), gingivitis (71.4 %), periodontitis (57.1 %), dental stain (42.9 %), dental abrasion (57.1 %), dental fracture (57.1 %), pulp exposure (42.9 %), malocclusion (57.1 %) and supernumerary teeth (14.2 %).     

Assessment of brachial plexus blockade in chickens by an axillary approach

ObjectiveTo assess the brachial plexus block in chickens by an axillary approach and using a peripheral nerve stimulator.Study designProspective, randomized, double-blinded study.AnimalsSix, 84-week old, female chickens.MethodsMidazolam (1 mg kg⁻¹) and butorphanol (1 mg kg⁻¹) were administered into the pectoralis muscle. Fifteen minutes later, the birds were positioned in lateral recumbency and following palpation of the anatomic landmarks, a catheter was inserted using an axillary approach to the brachial plexus. Lidocaine or bupivacaine (1 mL kg⁻¹) was injected after plexus localization by the nerve stimulator. Sensory function was tested before and after blockade (carpus, radius/ulna, humerus and pectoralis muscle) in the blocked and unblocked wings. The latency to onset of motor and sensory block and the duration of sensory block were recorded. A Friedman nonparametric one-way repeated-measures anova was used to compare scores from baseline values over time and to compare the differences between wings at each time point.ResultsA total of 18 blocks were performed with a success rate of 66.6% (12/18). The latency for motor block was 2.8 ± 1.1 and 3.2 ± 0.4 minutes for lidocaine and bupivacaine, respectively. The latencies for and durations of the sensory block were 6.0 ± 2.5 and 64.0 ± 18.0 and 7.8 ± 5.8 and 91.6 ± 61.7 minutes for lidocaine and bupivacaine, respectively. There was no statistical difference between these times for lidocaine or bupivacaine. Sensory function was not abolished in nonblocked wings.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe brachial plexus block was an easy technique to perform but had a high failure rate. It might be useful for providing anesthesia or postoperative analgesia of the wing in chickens and exotic avian species that have similar wing anatomy.     

Strategies of the control of an outbreak of leptospiral infection in dairy cattle in Northeastern Brazil

The aim of the present study was to describe the strategies of the control of an outbreak of leptospiral infection in dairy cattle in Maranhão State, Northeastern Brazil. In the period from January to July 2015, 18 (17%) out of 106 cows presented abortion, six (5.7%) stillbirth, and 12 (11.3%) repeated estrus, totaling 24 animals with reproductive problems. The diagnosis of leptospirosis was based on serology (microscopic agglutination test—MAT), bacteriological culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiotic therapy, vaccination protocols, and changes in management practices were suggested as control measures. Of all animals on the farm (n?=?280), 136 (48.6%) were seropositive for at least one serovar of Leptospira sp. No pure leptospiral culture was obtained. Eight of the animals with reproductive problems yielded positive PCR results (vaginal fluid of seven animals and urine and vaginal fluid of one animal). Genetic sequencing of a vaginal fluid/urine PCR-positive sample revealed Leptospira borgpetersenii. One year after the adoption of control measures, no reproductive problems were observed. Thus, leptospirosis probably caused the reproductive failures in the herd, and the control and prevention measures implemented were efficient in controlling the disease.

     

Short communication: detection and molecular characterization of hepatitis E virus in domestic animals of São Tomé and Príncipe

Tropical Animal Health and Production - As in most of the African continent, the status of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in domestic animals in São Tomé and Príncipe, an...     

Nutritional evaluation and productivity of supplemented sheep grazing in semiarid rangeland of northeastern Brazil

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Sheep production systems in Brazilian caatinga rangelands require supplementation adapted to changes in floristic and chemical composition as dry seasons...     

Relationship between performance,metabolic profile,and feed efficiency of lactating beef cows

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Twenty-seven Nellore cow-calf pairs were submitted for feed efficiency testing. The animals were weighed every 21 ± 5 days to...     

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of sheep fed alfalfa hay to replace Bermuda grass hay

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass characteristics, meat quality, and organ and viscera weight of forty male sheep, not castrated, initially...