Giovanna Lucrezia Costa

Background: Optimizing pain control and anesthesia stability is essential for surgical outcomes in dogs. This study evaluated the effects of preoperative tapentadol on anesthesia depth, recovery, and serotonin levels in dogs undergoing elective spaying. Methods: Sixty-six healthy female dogs were randomly assigned to three groups: standard pain relief, tapentadol alone, or tapentadol combined with standard pain relief. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. Intraoperative heart rate, blood pressure, anesthetic depth, postoperative sedation, pain scores, and plasma serotonin concentrations were recorded. Results: Tapentadol-treated dogs showed deeper and more stable anesthesia during surgical stimulation, higher early postoperative sedation that resolved within two hours, and reduced postoperative serotonin levels compared with controls. All analgesic protocols maintained adequate pain control, and biochemical parameters remained within normal limits. Conclusions: Preoperative tapentadol enhances anesthetic stability, supports smoother early recovery, and modulates serotonin levels in dogs, suggesting benefits for perioperative pain management and overall surgical welfare.

Maintaining cardiovascular stability during anesthesia is essential, yet the routine use of atropine to prevent vagally induced low heart rate may impose additional stress on the heart. This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, clinical study aimed to evaluate whether ondansetron, a selective 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, could serve as an alternative anesthetic adjuvant to modulate autonomic activity while maintaining cardiovascular stability in dogs. A total of 66 female dogs, with a mean age of 1.5 years and a mean weight of 16–18 kg ASA I, undergoing elective surgery were assigned to three study groups to receive atropine, ondansetron, or no autonomic-modulating drug. Heart rate, arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and NT-proBNP were recorded before, during, and after anesthesia. Dogs treated with ondansetron maintained stable cardiovascular values throughout the procedure, with no episodes of low heart rate or excessive increases in heart rate. In contrast, atropine induced marked and sustained elevation in heart rate and higher arterial pressures. Concentrations of the cardiac biomarker NT-proBNP increased significantly 48 h after surgery in the atropine group but remained unchanged in the ondansetron group, indicating the absence of additional myocardial stress. These findings suggest that ondansetron may help preserve autonomic balance during anesthesia while minimizing myocardial stress. Ondansetron could represent a useful component of multimodal anesthetic protocols, particularly in dogs in which excessive cardiac stimulation should be avoided.

A retrospective study on 135 cases of teat and udder surgical conditions in 129 small ruminants is described. On 19 repairs of teat lacerations, a primary- and a secondary-intention healing in 13 (68%) and in 4 (21%) cases, respectively, was observed; 2 (11%) had poor response and consequent mastitis. Good outcome and first-intention healing in 100% of the fistula repairs (2 cases), thelectomies (5 cases), teat neoplasm removals (14), and mastectomies (2 cases) were observed. Among 26 teat curettage cases, all 18 (69%) unilateral lesions treatment had a good outcome versus the 8 (31%) with bilateral lesion that suffered definitive relapse. In 67 skin udder neoplasm removals, a primary- and a secondary-intention healing in 59 (88%) and in 8 (12%) cases, respectively, was observed; however, 2 of the latter suffered mastitis. These procedures are associated with a good prognosis, and the percentage of favorable outcomes was high. Wound infections and dehiscence were the main complications observed. More interest in teat and udder surgery on small ruminants should be encouraged, and farmers should be made aware that the animal can often return into production at a reasonable cost; however, their post-operative care is the key to success.

A retrospective study on 135 cases of teat and udder surgical conditions in 129 small ru-minants is described. On 19 repairs of teat lacerations, a primary and a secondary inten-tion healing in 13 (68%) and in 4 (21%) cases, respectively, was observed; 2 (11%) had poor response and consequent mastitis. Good outcome and first intention healing in 100% of the fistula repairs (2 cases), thelectomies (5 cases), teat neoplasm removals (14), and mas-tectomies (2 cases) were observed. Among 26 teat curettage cases, all 18 (69%) unilateral lesions treatment had a good outcome versus the 8 (31%) with bilateral lesion that suffered definitive relapse. On 67 skin udder neoplasms removal, a primary and a secondary in-tention healing in 59 (88%) and in 8 (12%) cases, respectively, was observed; however, 2 of the latter suffered mastitis. These procedures are associated with a good prognosis, and the percentage of favourable outcomes was high. Wound infections and dehiscence were the main complications observed. More interest in teat and udder surgery on small ruminants should be encouraged, and farmers should be made aware that the animal can often return into production at a reasonable cost, however, their post-operative care is the key to success.

This study aimed to compare effects on homeostasis and postoperative outcomes of two surgical techniques for umbilical hernia repair in calves. Fifty-two calves were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (open technique) and Group C (closed technique). This was a prospective controlled clinical trial. Sedation was induced with romifidine, and butorphanol. Cardiopulmonary parameters, sedation scores, and body temperature were recorded at multiple perioperative timepoints (T0–T8). Postoperative pain was assessed using the UNESP-Botucatu UCPS-IV scale. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma serotonin (5-HT) concentrations at T0 and 36 h postoperatively T9. Physiological parameters remained within normal limits in both groups. Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in Group C than in Group A (p < 0.001), with later onset of rescue analgesia 40 vs. 30 min post-standing, respectively, p < 0.001. MDA levels increased postoperatively in both groups, with a greater rise in Group A (p < 0.001), 5-HT decreased in Group A and increased in Group C (p = 0.020). The closed surgical technique for umbilical hernia repair, avoiding peritoneal opening, was associated with reduced postoperative pain and oxidative stress, suggesting it is a less invasive than the open surgical technique.

This study aimed to compare the physiological impact of open ovariectomy (the O group) and laparoscopic ovariectomy (the LA group) in dogs by evaluating intraoperative nociceptive responses, postoperative pain, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress parameters. Sixty healthy dogs were randomly assigned to either technique or a control group (CNT). A standardized anesthetic protocol was used, and their vital signs, pain scores, and blood parameters were measured before, during, and after surgery. Pain was evaluated using the Colorado State University Canine Acute Pain Scale. Oxidative stress was measured by assessing levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Both techniques were safe and well tolerated, with no complications or need for rescue analgesia. However, the open surgery group exhibited significantly higher levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers postoperatively, including increased MPO and MDA levels and decreased BuChE. In contrast, the laparoscopic group showed only mild, transient changes, suggesting reduced tissue trauma. The higher glycemic levels observed in the open surgery group further suggest increased tissue trauma and systemic stress, reinforcing the conclusion that laparoscopy has a lower metabolic impact. Although the laparoscopic procedures require more time, their lower physiological impact may facilitate improved postoperative recovery. These results support laparoscopy as the preferred surgical approach in veterinary practice due to its association with improved metabolic stability and recovery outcomes.

Sedation and anesthesia are essential for ensuring animal welfare during surgical procedures such as hernia repair in swine. However, the number of sedative and anesthetic agents officially approved for livestock use remained limited. This study evaluated the sedative efficacy and serotonergic effects of a romifidine/ketamine/diazepam protocol, with and without the addition of tramadol, in swine undergoing umbilical hernia repair. Sixty-six crossbred Large White swine were randomly allocated to three groups: LL (lidocaine 4 mg/kg by infiltration), LT (lidocaine 2 mg/kg by infiltration + tramadol 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally), and TT (lidocaine2 mg/kg by infiltration + tramadol 4 mg/kg intraperitoneally). The physiological parameters heart rate, arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, rectal body temperature, and respiratory rate were assessed. The depth of intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative sedation was assessed using an ordinal scoring system (0–3). Plasma serotonin (5-HT) concentration was measured at baseline and 24 h post-surgery. Physiological parameters remained within species-specific reference ranges throughout the procedure. Anesthesia depth scores significantly decreased over time in all groups (p ≤ 0.001), with the tramadol-treated groups (LT and TT) showing more prolonged deeper anesthesia. Postoperative sedation was significantly higher in the TT group (p ≤ 0.001). Serotonin concentration decreased in LL, increased in LT, and remained stable in TT. These findings suggest that tramadol may enhance sedation and recovery, potentially through serotonergic modulation. Moreover, serotonin could serve as a physiological marker warranting further investigation in future studies of anesthetic protocols in veterinary medicine.

Trigonella foenum-graecum is a widely cultivated legume in Mediterranean regions, and it is used for human and animal consumption, as well as for medical purposes. High temperatures and abundant rainfall during the spring season in Sicily favor the formation of an environment suitable for the growth and proliferation of fungi with the production of mycotoxins. In this study, ochratoxin A, aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin, and T-2 toxin concentrations in Trigonella foenum-graecum were determined in feed administered to ruminants and also in blood samples from cattle and sheep in order to evaluate the toxicity correlated to the possible presence of these mycotoxins based on the clinical signs observed in the animals. Analyses of mycotoxins in fenugreek and blood samples were conducted using the enzyme immunoassay KIT. Five extensive farms sited in the northwest of the Sicily region, with a total of 90 intoxicated animals, reported a concomitant unusual outbreak of neurological disorders. Decreased spinal reflex responses, postural abnormalities associated with weakness or recumbency, and hyperesthesia of the limbs suggested a problem regarding the peripheral nervous system. The mortality rate recorded was very high, even reaching 100% of the intoxicated animals. OTA intoxication in Sicilian ruminants represents an important warning on the vulnerability of farms to mycotoxin contamination and underlines the importance of preventive measures and monitoring in animal health management.

Cattle productivity, whether in terms of meat yield or milk production, is intricately regulated by a multitude of factors. Among them, hormone concentrations play a significant role, reflecting the complex interplay between endocrine regulation and physiological processes that ultimately determine the efficiency and yield of production. High concentrations of 5-hydroxytriptamine (5-HT) are associated with a reduced metabolic load at the onset of lactation and a lower milk yield. Thyroid hormones (THs) and cortisol also affect several metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess if milk or meat aptitudes and age influence circulating 5-HT, THs, and cortisol concentrations, investigating the possible interactions among these parameters. The research was performed on 46 healthy cows of three different breeds. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods were used to quantify circulating 5-HT and cortisol concentrations, and an immunochemiluminescent analyzer was used for THs. For parameters exhibiting non-normal distributions, an ANCOVA model using age, aptitude, and their interaction as fixed factors was applied. Significant lower T3 concentrations were recorded in dairy cows than in meat cows. Moreover, T4 significantly decreased with advancing age both in cows aimed at milk and meat production. Lastly, T4 was positively correlated with T3 and 5-HT in meat production-oriented cows.

The surgical site infiltration of a local anesthetic is defined as the direct injection of a drug. This study aimed to compare the effects of surgical site infiltration with 4 mg kg⁻¹ lidocaine using a Comfort-in device and traditional syringe on oxidative status and intra- and postoperative pain in dogs undergoing regional mastectomy. Sixty adult female dogs divided into C (Comfort-in device), S (traditional syringe), and CTR (control) groups received 2 µg kg⁻¹ dexmedetomidine and 4 mg kg⁻¹ tramadol IM, 5 mg kg⁻¹ tiletamine/zolazepam IV, and isoflurane. The physiological and anesthesiological parameters were measured. The assessment of intra- and postoperative responses to the surgical stimulus was performed using a cumulative pain scale (CPS score of 0–4) and the Colorado Pain Scale (CSU-CAPS score of 0–4). The hematological and biochemical parameters and inflammatory oxidative status were measured. The CPS scores showed no significant differences between the C and S groups (p = 0.236), while the comparison between the CTR, C, and S groups, respectively, showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). The postoperative analgesia scores were significantly lower in the C group compared to those of the S and CTR groups (p < 0.001). In the C group, no subject received rescue analgesia during the intra- and postoperative periods. The level of oxidative inflammatory stress was lower in group C than those in S and CTR groups, and no side effects were observed in all the groups.