Caudal epidural anesthesia in mares after bicarbonate addition to a lidocaine–epinephrine combination

Objective

To investigate the nociceptive and clinical effects of buffering a lidocaine–epinephrine solution with sodium bicarbonate in caudal epidural block in mares.

Female reproductive system morphology of crab‐eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and cryopreservation of genetic material for animal germplasm bank enrichment

The sprawl of the urbanization and road network process without building ecological corridors contributes to the high mortality rates and a threat to the population decline of wild species such as the crab‐eating fox. A strategy for the ex situ conservation is the study of the reproductive biology of the species and cryopreservation of their genetic heritage through the formation of an animal germplasm bank. This research is in accordance with the principles adopted by Brazilian College of Animal Experimentation. Reproductive systems of Cerdocyon thous females (n = 7) were examined macroscopically and microscopically by histological techniques and scanning electron microscopy. Gross features showed the shape of the ovaries was similar to a bean, and the elongated oviducts lengths were between 5 and 8 cm, with body of the uterus (3 cm) with long and narrow uterine horns (9–11 cm). The cervix was as a single annular conformation carrying out communication between the uterus and the vagina. The vagina has lengthened and circular muscle and the vulva with dense anatomical conformation with a quite pronounced clitoris. In addition, with regard to the establishment of a cell line (fibroblasts) for the gene bank enrichment, cells showed a low clonogenic capacity, especially when compared to domestic dogs, which can be explained by “in vitro” environment, age and diet of the animal. However, it was possible to create a bank of limited cell number. This study had morphological and preservationist character and aimed to help at long term in the conservation of wild animal's genetic resources.     

Feasibility of Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) wood and its by-products for particleboard manufacturing

The wood panel industry uses a large volume of wood and it is essential to research the use of new tree species for these types of products. As such, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) wood, both on its own and as a mixture with Pinus spp., as well as to understand the effect on particleboard quality when adding the species’ bark and shavings. The experimental design included nine treatments that assessed various mixture proportations of C. trichotoma and Pinus; for example, 10% bark, and 10% shavings of C. trichotoma with Pinus spp. and C. trichotoma particles, as well as mixtures of these two species in proportions of 25/75%, 50%/50%, and 75/25%. The results indicate that the Cordia trichotoma specie is technically feasible when manufacturing particleboards in pure form. The incorporation of bark (at 10% of the mixture) is also technically feasible. It is also feasible to use the shavings of C. trichotoma. In general, all treatments produced outputs that showed dimensional stability and mechanical strength statistically equal or higher than control treatments (Pinus spp.); thus, these products may be used for non-structural applications in dry and/or moist conditions.     

Environmental influence on urban rodent bait consumption

Anticoagulant poisoning is a common rodent control method in urban areas, but rodents may exhibit versatile feeding behavioural habits in varying environmental conditions. This study has been conducted to determine those environmental factors that could directly influence bait consumption and which therefore may affect an urban rodent control plan carried out with chemical methods. In the city of Bologna (Italy), 2500 bait stations have been monitored in various urban biotopes and the bait consumption studied in relation to several environmental factors, using both bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results reveal that the rodent patch distribution triggers the avoidance of baits placed outside of their home-range, hence the importance on bait placement. The logistic regression model confirms that vegetation, harbourage and water supplies are important variables in determining bait consumption, probably because they may spatially and temporarily facilitate the agoraphobic rodent movement, ensuring undisturbed bait consumption. The role of predators (dogs and cats) and food competitors (synanthropic birds) remains insignificant. However, bait eating invertebrates may consume part of the bait. For a proper rodent control plan the first real need is to minimize the alternative food sources, which may compete with baits. Weather conditions in which rodents could possibly pass unnoticed (fog and rainfall) may encourage bait consumption, vice versa with a cold climate. The considered environmental factors have satisfactorily explained bait consumption, highlighting the importance of human influence. The study of environmental factors may be useful in categorizing several site-specific conditions where rodent control efforts should be targeted, enhancing any intervention by matching the correct and specific strategy.     

Priapism Secondary to Perineal Abscess in a Dog – A Case Report

A 7‐year‐old intact male Boxer was referred to our services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Trás‐os‐Montes and Alto Douro, suffering from a persistently erect penis (including the bulbus glandis) that had been exposed for several days. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations detected a 5.0 × 3.5 cm mass located dorso‐laterally to the urinary bladder. The microbial culture of the mass revealed Staphylococcus spp. At that time, we suspected the involvement of an abscess in the origin of the priapism. Medical and surgical treatments were promptly instituted, which allowed for penile withdrawal into the prepuce; however, the resolution of the penile erection was not accomplished in the following days and penile amputation was required. Histological evaluation of the excised penis revealed extensive infarction of the erectile tissue of the pars longa and bulbus glandis, and also of the blood vessels of the penis. Following penile amputation and antimicrobial therapy, the animal fully recovered. Ultimately, the animal died as a consequence of gastric torsion. At necropsy, some lesions compatible with a previous perforation of the intestinal wall were recorded. The data gathered from the anamnesis, the physical and imaging examinations, along with the post‐mortem findings, allowed us to conclude that in this clinical case the primary cause of priapism was a perineal abscess due to bowel perforation.     

Efficacy of the Bm86 antigen against immature instars and adults of the dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae)

The Bm86 antigen has been used to control ticks of the Boophilus genera in integrated programs that also include the use of acaricides. Because of recent phylogenetic studies have lead to the inclusion of all Boophilus species within the Rhipicephalus genera, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of the Bm86 antigen on the biotic potential of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Domestic dogs were vaccinated with Bm86 and challenged with the three instars of R. sanguineus. Male and female mongrel dogs were divided into two groups of four animals each, comprising non-vaccinated and vaccinated animals. Immunized dogs were given two doses of an experimental formulation containing 50 μg of recombinant Bm86, at 21 days interval while the other group was given placebo, consisting of the same preparation without Bm86. Each dog was challenged 21 days after the last dose with 250 larvae, 100 nymphs and 55 adults (25 females and 30 males) released inside feeding chambers (one per instar) glued to their shaved flank. The effect of the vaccination was evaluated by determining biological parameters of ticks including the yield rates of larvae, nymphs and adult females. Adult females engorged weight, egg mass weight, efficiency rate of conversion to eggs (ERCE) and hatchability. In addition, sera were collected from dogs at 0, 21, 36, 45 and 75 days after the vaccination and used for the detection of specific antibodies by ELISA. Collection rates of larvae, nymphs and adult females fed on vaccinated dogs were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by 38%, 29% and 31%, respectively, as compared with non-vaccinated controls. Significant reductions were also observed in weight of engorged females and egg mass, in ERCE, but not in the hatch rate of ticks fed on immunized dogs. ELISA data revealed a marked and significant increase in optical densities of sera from vaccinated animals after the second dose of Bm86. We concluded that the Bm86 antigen used as a vaccine for dogs reduced the viability and biotic potential of the R. sanguineus.     

Growth performance of juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) fed with lyophilized bovine colostrum

Growth performance was evaluated in juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) fed diets containing 0%, 10% and 20% of lyophilized bovine colostrum for 60 days. The performance variables of weight gain, relative weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, total protein intake and protein efficiency ratio were evaluated as well as apparent digestibility coefficients of protein and energy in the diets. Inclusion of bovine colostrum did not induce differences in the performance of pacu and dourado (P > 0.05), indicating that the diets were adequate and met the nutritional needs of the juveniles. The protein digestibility in both species was improved with the inclusion of the bovine lacteal secretion. Based on the variables studied, the diets with lyophilized bovine colostrum inclusion were nutritionally suitable for both pacu and dourado indicating the possibility to use this lacteal secretion as a partial substitute of dietary protein.     

Modellversuch zur Feinstaubbindung: extensive Dachbegrünung vs. Schotterdach

The increasing air pollution of urban areas caused by particulate matter poses a problem for human health. Plants are able to bind the fine dust particles on their surface and to remove them therefore from the air. Therefore, roof plantings can contribute to the reduction of fine particulate matter pollution in cities. To identify roof vegetation forms with high filter ability, suitable test procedures are missing up to now. Trials to identify the filtering potential of different roof top vegetation mats were conducted in a 1 m³ big Perspex chamber under controlled conditions. Geotextile mats with Sedum and moss vegetation were compared. Uncovered geotextile mats as well as crushed stones were used as controls. In the measuring chamber, artificial particulate matter (fire-fighting powder) was applied and the concentration of particle fractions of 0.3, 0.5 and 1 µm over the period of 90 min measured. During 5 min in the middle of the 90 minute measuring period, wind with a speed of 2 m/s in 10 cm height was generated by means of a ventilating fan. Particulate matter binding capacity of different greening mats was determined as difference between the particle concentration after application of the dust (concentration maximum) and the concentration at the end of the trial. After 90-minute dust exposition, significantly lower dust concentrations in the chamber were registered in the treatments with Sedum mats compared to the controls (reductions from: 11.3?% in the fraction of 0.3 µm, 30.9?% in the fraction of 0.5 µm and 33.4?% in the fraction of 1 µm particles). None of the mat variations could bind the particulate matter in the fraction of 0.3 µm under wind speed of 2 m/s. However, the moss as well as the Sedum mats reduced the particulate matter concentration of both, 0.5 and 1 µm fractions, under wind significantly compared to the controls. The high filter performance of Sedum can be explained due to the high surface of the plants. To what extent plants can bind or uptake particulate matter under outdoor conditions permanently cannot be cleared in this experiment. However, the system allows to measure differences in binding capacity for different rooftop greening sytems.     

Clinical,histological and immunophenotypic findings in a mare with a mammary lymphoma associated with anaemia and pruritus

An 18‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare presented with an 18 week history of dermatological lesions characterised by recurrent urticaria and recent signs of enlarged mammary glands, pyrexia, alopecia and intense pruritus. Haematological and serum biochemical analyses revealed anaemia, leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia and hyperfibrinogenaemia. Mammary discharge was evaluated and revealed neutrophilia. Cytological examinations of fine needle aspirates from the parotid lymph nodes were normal. Common causes of anaemia were ruled out by specific tests. The initial diagnosis was mastitis and 2 weeks later the animal returned to the hospital with worsening of clinical signs, intermittent fever, intense pruritus and generalised alopecia. Blood samples were collected for haematological and serum biochemical analyses, and the mammary gland and parotid lymph nodes were biopsied. Rectal palpation revealed a large irregular mass near the left kidney with adhesions of surrounding structures. The animal died before the laboratory results were ready. This report details the clinical, histological and immunophenotypic findings of a case of large lymphoma in a mare.     

Effect of atorvastatin in a case of feline multicentric lymphoma - Case report

A case of feline multicentric lymphoma is reported in an 8-year-old male cat weighing 4.7 kg. At the time of the clinical consultation the animal presented weight loss, anorexia and generalised lymphadenomegaly. After careful clinical observation and a detailed laboratory workup, the diagnosis of small cleaved cell lymphoma was established. It was classified as a stage III b multicentric lymphoma. Chemotherapy was initiated according to a classical COP protocol to which atorvastatin was added. After 34 months, the cat continues to enjoy an excellent quality of life with no clinical or haematological signs of lymphoma. This is the first report in clinical veterinary medicine about a new effective adjuvant therapy in feline multicentric lymphoma. Further studies are needed to confirm that the addition of atorvastatin can provide a regular, safe and improved treatment in feline lymphoma cases.