Illustrated technique of superficial lymphadenectomy of dogs and cats: preliminary study

Superficial lymphadenectomy is an easy-to-perform and cost-effective routine technique. Despite its simplicity, it remains underutilized in veterinary medicine, with most practitioners being oncological surgeons. This study aims to enhance accessibility to the surgical procedure by providing anatomical representations of superficial lymphadenectomy in the carcasses of dogs and cats. A preliminary study involving two canines and two felines was conducted, with each group comprising a dog and a cat. Group A was designated to superficial lymphadenectomy techniques to create an illustrated step-by-step procedure, while group B underwent anatomical dissection to expose lymph nodes and their adnexa. The approach to superficial lymph nodes in dogs and cats is simple, allowing for the demonstration of superficial lymphadenectomy techniques in the corpses of dogs and cats without complications. This includes the dissection and presentation of anatomical structures adjacent to the lymph nodes. In conclusion, the techniques applied to subjects in groups A and B proved effective, successfully demonstrating and excising all superficial lymph nodes in the corpses of dogs and cats. These findings suggest that the developed set of techniques developed for lymph node excision holds promise for safe and effective application in live animals.

Fentanil para co-indução de anestesia com propofol em cães pré-medicados com morfina

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a capacidade do fentanil em reduzir a dose de indução de propofol e a qualidade da indução em cães pré-medicados com morfina. O efeito sedativo promovido pela morfina e sua ação sobre algumas variáveis fisiológicas também foram investigados. Vinte e dois cães saudáveis tiveram seus valores basais (BL) das variáveis fisiológicas e o grau de sedação registrados. Em seguida, receberam morfina (0,3 mg/kg) por via intramuscular. Dez minutos após a administração da morfina (T10), todas as variáveis foram reavaliadas. Os cães foram aleatoriamente designados a receber por via intravenosa: fentanil (2,5 µg/kg) ou solução salina (3,0 mL), e em seguida propofol (2 mg/kg/minute), grupos FP e SP, respectivamente. A dose de propofol necessária para a intubação e a qualidade da indução foram registradas. A morfina resultou em vômitos e ausência de sedação. A frequência cardíaca diminuiu em T10 nos grupos FP e SP, comparado ao BL. A dose de propofol para indução anestésica foi 6,4 ± 1,7 e 5,8 ± 1,6 [média ± desvio padrão] mg/kg em FP e SP, respectivamente, sem diferenças entre os grupos (P > 0,05). A qualidade de indução anestésica foi excelente em todos os grupos. Na indução anestésica, alguns cães apresentaram apneia e rigidez muscular. O fentanil não reduziu o requerimento propofol na indução anestésica de cães pré-medicados com morfina. A indução anestésica foi excelente em ambos os grupos, acompanhada de apneia e rigidez. A morfina resultou em ausência de sedação, alterações mínimas nos parâmetros fisiológicos e vômito.

Midazolam ou fentanil para co-indução de anestesia com propofol em cadelas pré-medicadas com acepromazina-morfina

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a capacidade do midazolam e do fentanil em reduzir da dose de indução do propofol e a qualidade de indução de cadelas pré-medicadas com acepromazina (0,03 mg/kg) e morfina (0,3 mg/kg). Trinta minutos após a administração da pré-medicação (T30) foram avaliadas a frequência cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), temperatura retal (TR). Em seguida, os cães foram aleatoriamente designados a receber um dos três tratamentos (n = 8): midazolam-propofol (grupo MP), fentanil-propofol (grupo FP) ou solução salina-propofol (grupo SP). Imediatamente após a administração do agente de co-indução, a anestesia foi induzida com propofol IV (2 mg/kg/minuto). A dose de propofol necessária para a intubação orotraqueal, a qualidade da indução e a ocorrência de efeitos indesejáveis foram registradas. Em T30, foi observado incremento sedativo nos grupos MP, FP e SP em relação ao momento basal (P < 0,05). Em T30, foi observada diminuição na FC, PAS e TR em relação ao basal (P < 0,05). Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação aos escores de sedação, FC, FR, PAS, TR, dose de indução do propofol e qualidade de indução anestésica (P > 0,05). Foi observada apneia em quatro cães do grupo MP e em dois cães do grupo FP. Um cão do grupo MP apresentou rigidez muscular. Nas doses utilizadas, o midazolam e fentanil não foram capazes de reduzir a dose de indução do propofol em cães pré-medicados com acepromazina-morfina. A qualidade de indução anestésica foi excelente, com possível ocorrência de apneia e rigidez muscular. A associação acepromazina-morfina resulta em sedação de leve a moderada, e diminuição da FC, PAS e TR.

Primary Urethral Carcinoma in a Bitch - Multimodal Treatment

Background: Urethral tumors are uncommon in canines, represented predominantly by transitional cell carcinoma, marked by aggressive behavior associated with short life expectancy. Definitive diagnosis is achieved by histopathological analysis. Surgery associated with chemotherapy is the main therapeutic alternative. The aim of this paper is to report a case of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the urethra in a bitch, submitted to surgical treatment associated with conventional adjuvant chemotherapy and metronomic chemotherapy, achieving survival of 21 months, to date. Case: A 12-year-old bitch mixed breed was admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), manifesting hematuria and urinary incontinence for one month. Physical examination indicated that vital parameters were within normal limits. Laboratory tests of blood count and serum biochemistry, urinalysis, culture, urinary antibiogram, and abdominal ultrasound were performed. The ultrasound image suggested a neoplastic urethral process. Because of the suspicion of neoplasm, a thoracic X-ray was performed, showing no evidence of metastasis. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdominal region was performed, revealing an expansive lesion in the urethra with loss of definition of the walls and urethral lumen extending to the level of the pelvic floor, measuring about 2.9 x 1.4 x 1.2 cm. After pre-anesthetic exams, the animal underwent resection and surgical anastomosis of the affected urethral region. The sectioned tissue was sent for histopathological analysis, with diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed using carboplatin at a dose of 250 mg/m², intravenously, every 21 days for 6 sessions. After completing the protocol, abdominal ultrasonography was performed again, which showed a cicatricial process in the urethral region of the surgical excision, with no sign of tumor recurrence. A metronomic chemotherapy protocol was then started with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 15 mg/m², daily for 6 months, with periodic oncological follow-up. At the end of the period, the animal remained under periodic follow-up with ultrasound exams performed at 2-month intervals, and has been free from recurrence for 21 months until now. Discussion: Urethral neoplasms account for 0.5 - 2% of all canine tumors, and are represented mostly by transitional cell carcinomas. Clinical signs of urinary obstruction and hematuria are the most common, as reported in the patient in question. The definitive diagnosis is by histopathological examination. However, imaging tests such as computed tomography are important in the initial investigation and surgical planning. The indicated treatment is surgical resection of the mass with subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The chemotherapy protocol associating cisplatin and piroxicam can achieve remission rates of 70%, but this association has a high nephrotoxic effect. In the present case, cisplatin was replaced by carboplatin in order to reduce the nephrotoxic effects of chemotherapy. The metronomic protocol using cyclophosphamide was used as maintenance therapy, at the end of the conventional chemotherapy protocol. Survival achieved was longer than that described in the literature in cases of transitional cell carcinomas in the urethral region. Therefore, multimodal therapy using surgery associated with conventional and metronomic chemotherapy, is an option in canines with urethral carcinoma. Keywords: canine, urethral neoplasm, surgery, chemotherapy. Título: Carcinoma uretral primário em uma cadela - tratamento multimodal Descritores: canino, neoplasia uretral, cirurgia, quimioterapia.

Prevalence and clinical features of neurological disorders in dogs attended at Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (2017-2018)

Neurological disorders are frequent in small animal veterinary clinics and studies giving regional justification for such disorders are essential so that veterinarians can be better prepared. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological aspects of dogs with neurological disorders treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, between August 2017 and April 2018. The study describes the location of the lesions and their etiology according to the acronym VITAMIN-D, as well as the distribution of cases according to sex, breed and age. One hundred and twenty-two (122) dogs were included, of which 58% (n=71) were males and 42% (n=51) females. The age distribution ranged from two months to 18 years old; 16% were less than two years old, 50% between two and seven years old and 34% were more than seven years old. The most affected breeds were Mixed Breed dogs (43%), Poodles (9%) and Dachshunds (7%). The diagnoses were confirmed in 54 animals (44%) and in 68 (56%) remained presumptive. The most common location was the spinal cord (61%), where the T3-L3 region was the most affected (35%), followed by multifocal (20%) and forebrain (10%). The most frequent categories were degenerative (24%), inflammatory/infectious (23%) and traumatic (20%) diseases. Intervertebral disc disease was the most observed, corresponding to 21.3% of all cases. The results showed that the neurological diseases in this Veterinary Hospital were more prevalent in young male adults with spinal cord diseases of degenerative nature.

Clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological aspects of breast cancer in female dogs at Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro Veterinary Hospital

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological aspects of canine breast tumors at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro Veterinary Hospital (VH-UFRRJ) between April 2017 and October 2018. The study included 137 female canine dogs with mammary neoplasia who underwent a mastectomy. The animals were evaluated using a standard form that guided anamnesis and physical examination to assess the tumor’s epidemiology, development, evolution, treatment choice, and disease prognosis. Furthermore, laboratory and imaging tests were performed on the animals to search for changes that suggested metastasis. The average age of the female dogs was 10 years, and mixed-breed dogs (33%) were the most affected, followed by poodles (21%). The inguinal (79%) and caudal abdominal (64%) breasts were the most affected. Approximately 26% of the animals were castrated, 32% had already reproduced throughout their lives, 30% had pseudocyesis, and only 8% used contraceptive methods. The majority were classified as stage I (33%) and stage III (39%) according to the Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) Classification System of Malignant Tumors. In 95 female dogs, 191 nodules were histopathologically evaluated, and 62% of these animals had at least one malignant tumor. Statistically, there was a direct association between tumor size and malignancy. However, other associations, such as age at diagnosis and the degree of malignancy, were not confirmed. Therefore, it can be concluded that tumor size is an important prognostic factor, with tumors >3 cm having an approximately 70% chance of being malignant.

Comparison of preoperative fluid therapy protocols associated with inhalational or total intravenous anesthesia for anesthetic procedures in dogs with sepsis

This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate different fluid therapy protocols associated with inhalational or total intravenous anesthesia in the cardiorespiratory stability of bitches with sepsis subjected to a surgical procedure to control the infectious focus. Thirty-two bitches diagnosed with pyometra and sepsis and treated at the University Veterinary Hospital between 2018 and 2019 were recruited. After admission, diagnosis, clinical, and laboratory evaluation, patients were randomly distributed into the following groups: propofol 5 (P[5]: preoperative restrictive fluid therapy–5mL/kg/h and intravenous general anesthesia); propofol 10 (P[10]: preoperative liberal fluid therapy–10mL/kg/h and intravenous general anesthesia); and isoflurane 5 (I[5]: preoperative restrictive fluid therapy–5mL/kg/h and inhalational general anesthesia). Lactate on admission (LAC1) and release (LAC2), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), rectal temperature (RT), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and carbon dioxide extraction rate (EtCO₂) were analyzed at PRE, T10, T20, T30, T40, T50, TEXT, and TDIS. Clearance of 20% of lactate occurred in 18 dogs, with the P[10] group displaying the best performance. There was no statistical difference in vasopressor requirements among the groups. Liberal fluid therapy showed greater cardiovascular stability than restrictive therapy in the perioperative period. Regarding general anesthesia, isoflurane showed greater cardiorespiratory stability than propofol during anesthetic maintenance. In conclusion, although the three proposed protocols are safe and there is no difference in their superiority, some observed changes may be relevant and considered when it is possible to individualize the therapy for the patient.

Inverted ovariosalpingohisterectomy technique in cats: advantages and limitations

The inverted ovariosalpingohysterectomy (OSH) technique involves initial uterine removal, followed by ovarian disinsertion. The objective of this study was to compare the inverted technique with the traditional technique, characterized by initial removal of the ovaries followed by uterine resection, for evaluating the performance of the inverted OSH technique in cats. For this, 24 healthy, female cats, aged between 7 months and 5 years, with a body condition score of up to 6 points (9-point scale), divided into two equal groups: the traditional technique (TT) and the inverted technique (IT). Procedures were performed by the same veterinarians (surgeon and their assistant) as well as semi-quantitative analysis of the techniques (questionnaire related to the ease of uterine and ovarian manipulation as well as of intestinal and urinary vesicle manipulation) and descriptive qualitative analysis (technical report with the opinion of surgeons and an external evaluator). In addition, the total surgical time and positive pain response were evaluated, indicated by the changes in vital parameters observed by the anesthesiologist during surgery. Inverted technique it promoted greater ovarian exposure, allowing uterine cranial flexion to perform the ligatures, thus facilitating their manipulation, hemostasis, and section of the pedicle. Free the uterus from its ligaments to the abdominal cavity allowed greater mobilization of the conjoint. Both techniques required short operation time (average time of 16’± 1.321’ in the IT group and 15’± 0.525’ in the TT group). The presence of algetic stimulus was similar in the techniques, three animals in each group suffered analgesic rescue.

Atresia Ani (Imperforated Anus) in Calves: Clinical, Surgical and Pathological Aspects

Background: Anal atresia is a congenital malformation, which often affects calves, and is related to the imperforation of the membrane that separates the endoderm of the posterior intestine from the ectodermal anal membrane. It is commonly associated with other congenital malformations and skeletal anomalies. The clinical signs generally appear in the first days of the animal's life, due to a retention of feces. The diagnosis is clinical and is based on observation, anamnesis and a physical examination of the animal. The only viable treatment is surgical. This paper aims to report 6 cases of anal atresia in bovine calves, 4 males and 2 females that were successfully treated surgically. Cases: This work reports 6 cases of anal atresia in 4 male calves and 2 female calves. Three presented total atresia (type II), one partial (type I) and in both female calves, anal atresia and rectovaginal fistula (type IV) were observed. The animals were all of undefined race. Five of the cases were from northern Tocantins, 4 males and 1 female (anal atresia with rectovaginal fistula), and 1 female (anal atresia with rectovaginal fistula) was from Valença, RJ. All animals were born active, by eutocic/natural birth, and assumed a quadrupedal position followed by the first feeding as normal. They were aged between 2 days and 6 months, and had a clinical history of abdominal distention and difficulty or inability defecating, and the females both also had a rectovaginal fistula, all cases compatible with anal atresia. Based on the patient's history and clinical examination, surgical treatment for anal reconstruction was decided upon. Postoperative treatment consisted of enrofloxacin [2.5 mg/kg - intramuscularly (IM), once daily (SID), for 5 days] and fluxinin meglumine [1.1 mg/kg - IM, SID, for 3 days] ; as well as a healing ointment which was applied to the area of the surgical wound, every 12 h, for 7 days. There were no trans-surgical complications. The animals showed progressive recovery after anal reconstruction and the stitches were removed in all cases on the 10th postoperative day, with no postoperative complications and no recurrence of any clinical signs from that moment on.Discussion: The study of congenital and hereditary changes enables the identification of their origins, can help prevent new cases and, some of them, are open to economically viable treatment and/or correction that can improve the well-being of the animal and prevent economic losses due to death or animal sacrifice, as reported in the present study. Anal atresia is the most common congenital defect of the lower gastrointestinal tract in calves, being an isolated abnormality, or associated with other malformations, especially of the distal spinal column such as the absence of a tail (perosumus acaudato), as one of the animals in this study. The clinical signs and physical examination are sufficient to establish the diagnosis, as demonstrated in this report, which is usually made in newborn animals, due to the lack or difficulty in defecation associated with no anal orifice and/or swelling in the perineal region. The treatment of choice for anal atresia is surgical, in order to construct an anal neo-orifice and thus avoid endotoxemic shock as well as providing relief and well-being for the animals. As observed in this study, when anal atresia is diagnosed early, and surgical treatment is properly instituted, the prognosis is favorable. The surgery is considered of low complexity, quick and it can be carried out in the field. Thus, from a commercial point of view, considering the costs of the procedures and the value of the calf at the end of weaning, such treatments are beneficial to the owners. In addition, the surgical treatment is essential for animal health and welfare in cases of anal atresia.Keywords: cattle, congenital defects, hereditary pathology, perosomus acaudato, surgery.