Tamiris Disselli

Alterações morfológicas do sistema nervoso central associadas ao envelhecimento são conhecidas em cães, porém estudos não invasivos utilizando ultrassonografia transcraniana (USTC) ainda são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar qualitativamente e morfometricamente o ventrículo lateral direito (VLD), ventrículo lateral esquerdo (VLE) e manto encefálico de 58 cães clinicamente saudáveis com idade entre três meses e 16 anos e peso até 10kg utilizando a USTC modo B como ferramenta diagnóstica. Os animais foram subdivididos em três grupos, conforme sua faixa etária: jovens (três meses a um ano), adultos (um a 10 anos) e idosos (10 a 16 anos). Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal comparando as variáveis objetivo entre as faixas etárias mediante análise estatística, com nível de significância de 5%. A visualização dos ventrículos laterais e manto encefálico apresentou maior definição em cães jovens, comparativamente a adultos e idosos. As dimensões descritas para a largura do VLE e VLD, e espessura do manto encefálico foram de, respectivamente: 0,21 ± 0,06 cm; 0,23 ± 0,06 cm; 2,0 ± 0,24 cm (cães jovens); 0,24 ± 0,06 cm, 0,24 ± 0,07 cm; 1,95 ± 0,23 cm (cães adultos); e 0,24 ± 0,05 cm; 0,23 ± 0,08 cm; 1,94 ± 0,22 cm (cães idosos). Os resultados deste estudo indicam que as medições do VLE, VLD e do manto encefálico aparentemente não são influenciadas pela idade ou sexo de cães de até 10 kg de peso corporal, fornecendo informações relevantes para a padronização da ultrassonografia transcraniana modo B na avaliação encefálica.

Thyroid neoplasms are the most common in the endocrine system in dogs, with 60% to 90% diagnosed as carcinomas. Clinical signs are usually due to the involvement of adjacent structures, since they rarely trigger clinical hyperthyroidism. With the use of elastography, it is possible to estimate the stiffness of tissues based on their elasticity and deformation, correlating them with the speed of propagation of sound waves. This study described the elastographic characteristics of two thyroid carcinomas in dogs. Two 11-year-old spayed female dogs presented with unilateral nodules in thyroid topography. In both cases, the primary complaint was a noticeable swelling in the ventral cervical region. During ultrasonographic evaluation, strain elastography of lesions was performed, which revealed high central stiffness and intermediate stiffness in the most peripheral areas, suggesting malignancy. This report offers insights into the diagnostic relevance of strain elastography in the identification of malignant lesions in canine thyroids, as a rapid, non-invasive and safe method with a definitive histopathological diagnosis. Future research should focus on the development of quantitative and semi-quantitative methods aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of thyroid lesions.

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of fetal heart rate variability (FHRvar%), umbilical artery resistivity index (RI-UmbArt), and maternal body temperature (Temp, °C) for predicting parturition in bitches. Fifteen bitches (1-6 years old) were included. Gestational age was estimated using fetal biometry (inner chorionic cavity or biparietal diameter), and during the last week of pregnancy the animals were evaluated twice daily until parturition. Data were retrospectively grouped according to the hours before parturition (HBP). The evaluated parameters were FHRvar% (measured over 5-10 minutes using pulsed Doppler abdominal ultrasonography), RI-UmbArt (assessed by triplex Doppler in three fetuses per session), and Temp (rectal thermometry). Data were statistically compared and correlated with HBP. FHRvar% showed a gradual increase (P = 0.010) beginning at 84 HBP, reaching a peak between 24 and 12 HBP, whereas Temp significantly decreased during the last 24 HBP (P < 0.001). Both FHRvar% and Temp were significantly correlated with HBP (P < 0.001); however, these correlations were weak (Pearson’s r = −0.338 and −0.491, respectively). RI-UmbArt showed no significant variation across HBP (P = 0.711). An FHRvar% > 31.5% predicted parturition within 24 hours with a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 67%, whereas a Temp < 37.5°C predicted parturition with 69.6% sensitivity and 77.8% specificity. In conclusion, although FHRvar% and maternal body temperature are influenced by the proximity of parturition, they may not be reliable predictors of parturition timing, while RI-UmbArt appears to remain unchanged close to delivery.

Sabe-se que a ultrassonografia é uma ferramenta diagnóstica acessível e economicamente viável, sendo considerada de eleição para a avaliação hepática. Pretendeu-se com este estudo avaliar qualitativamente (ultrassonografia modo B) e quantitativamente (histogramas em escala de cinza) o fígado de 28 cadelas em diferentes escores de condição corporal (ECC) quanto à presença de infiltração gordurosa; e a veia hepática direita (VHD) (modo B e modo Doppler colorido) quanto à sua visibilidade e presença de fluxo sanguíneo, respectivamente. A hipótese do presente estudo foi que a perda de peso reduziria a gordura hepática e, consequentemente, cessaria seu efeito mecânico sobre o lúmen venoso. Com isso, dividiu-se os cães do estudo em três grupos, de acordo com seu ECC: controle (ECC 4 ou 5), sobrepeso (ECC 6 ou 7) e obeso (ECC 8 ou 9), sendo este submetido à dieta, acompanhamento ultrassonográfico hepático e mensuração seriada de fosfatase alcalina (FA) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT). A dieta foi eficaz para o emagrecimento dos cães, porém a perda de peso não demonstrou efeitos sobre a VHD ou enzimas hepáticas. A utilização de histogramas auxiliou na detecção da gordura hepática e de sua redução ao longo da perda de peso do animal. Sendo assim, esta pode ser considerada uma ferramenta útil e de fácil execução, contribuindo no diagnóstico precoce e monitoramento da esteatose de forma não invasiva.

This study aimed to establish reference values for vertebral heart size (VHS) and manubrium heart score (MHS) in healthy adult Border Collies. The study utilized 12 dogs, both male and female, aged between 1 and 9 years. All dogs exhibited normal results on B- and M-mode echocardiography. Thoracic radiographs were taken in left lateral (LL), right lateral (RL), and ventrodorsal (VD) recumbency. Both subjective and objective analyses were conducted by two evaluators. The reproducibility of the objective radiographic measurements was excellent (P < 0.001), with the following mean values and standard deviations: VHS LL = 9.95 ± 0.47; VHS RL = 10.10 ± 0.51; VHS VD = 10.84 ± 0.61; Short-MHS RL = 2.10 ± 0.17; Long-MHS RL = 2.57 ± 0.19; Overall MHS RL = 4.65 ± 0.33; Short-MHS VD = 2.13 ± 0.22; Long-MHS VD = 2.94 ± 0.26, and Overall MHS VD = 5.03 ± 0.42. This study contributes to the standardization of VHS and MHS measurements, thereby aiding in the evaluation of the cardiac silhouette of Border Collies.

The thyroid of dogs has not been extensively studied in 2D shear-wave elastography, making it challenging to apply this technique in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases in a non-invasive manner. The aim of this study is to evaluate the thyroid glands of healthy dogs using 2D shear-wave elastography in order to establish qualitative and quantitative parameters of tissue stiffness in dogs in different age groups. A total of 31 dogs of various breeds, sexes, and sizes were evaluated. Animals with clinical signs or ultrasound findings indicative of endocrine disease or thyroid lesions were excluded from the study. The shear-wave velocity data in meters per second (m/s) and color elastograms were evaluated and calculated using QelaXto™ 2D software. A healthy thyroid exhibits a blue-color elastogram, indicative of low stiffness. The reference range for the shear-wave velocity of thyroid tissue assessed by 2D shear-wave elastography can be between 1.6 and 2.0 m/s, with a variation of ±0.889 in adult and senior dogs.

Considering the age of the dogs, it was expected that elderly animals would have stiffer thyroids than adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the thyroid glands of healthy dogs using 2D shear wave elastography in order to establish qualitative and quantitative parameters of tissue stiffness in dogs of different age groups. The B-mode ultrasound and elastography findings were correlated with the weight and sex of the patients, allowing a reference range to be established for different groups of dogs. 31 dogs of different breeds, sexes and sizes were evaluated. Animals with clinical signs or ultrasound findings indicative of endocrine disease or thyroid lesions were not included in the study. Using QelaXtoTM 2D software, shear wave velocity data in m/s and color elastograms were evaluated and calculated. A healthy thyroid has a blue color elastogram, indicative of low stiffness, and there was no distinction between adult and elderly dogs, genders or sizes. The reference range for the shear wave velocity of thyroid tissue assessed by 2D shear wave elastography can be between 1.6 and 2.0 m/s with a variation of ±0.889 in adult and elderly dogs.

Background: Calcium carbide has been used not only in industry, but it is also present in the domestic environment. Thissubstance goes through chemical reactions that lead to the release of acetylene gas and heat being capable of causing burns, damage to mucous membranes, eyes and skin, central nervous system depression and also described as an anesthetic agent. It is lethal in concentrations of 35 % for humans and 80 % for dogs. Although reports that involve this substance in animals as scarce, emergency calls related to intoxication are part of the small animal clinical routine. This report aims to describe laboratory and ultrasonography findings in a case of carbide poisoning in a dog.Case: A 8-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier with a history of emesis, bloody diarrhea, hiporexy, oligodipsy and ingestion of calcium carbide for 3 days was admitted for medical care at the University Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). The patient had a previous diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism which was treated with sodium liothyronine 800 mg prescribed by another professional and whose dose was reduced to 600 mg by the owner without veterinary indication. Physical examination showed a high body score, evident lameness of the hind limbs, hyperemic mucosa with elevated time of capillary perfusion and an increase of mandibular and popliteal lymph nodes. Dehydration, fever, elevated heart and respiratory rates and skin lesions of the front limbs were also noted. The main possible differentiate diagnosis based on these clinical signs and history presented by the patient were poisoning calcium carbide intoxication, diabetes mellitus and hypoadrenocorticism. The dog was hospitalized to receive initial treatment and undergo further examination The first treatment instituted was dipyrone [Dipyrone Ibasa 50%® - 15 mg/kg, i.v, TID, for 3 days], tramadol hydrochloride [3 mL/kg, i.v, TID, for 2 days], sucralfate [Sucrafilm® - 5 mg/mL, v.o, TID, for 2 days],maropitant citrate [Cerenia® - 0.1 mg/kg, sc, SID, for 3 days], omeprazole [1 mg/kg, i.v, SID, for 3 days], levothyroxine [300 mg, ½ (half) tablet, v.o, BID, for 2 days]. Blood results have shown leukocytosis (19,600; reference 5,700-14,200) e lymphopenia (196/μL; reference 900/μL-4,700/μL) and in the biochemical tests, there was an increase in triglycerides (175 mg/L; reference 23 mg/L-102 mg/L), without signs of renal or hepatic lesions. In the ultrasonography exam, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly with a heterogeneous parenchyma were noticed. Alteration of the gastrointestinal tract with a thickened wall was also noticed associated with gas in the digestive tract and hyperechoic area in mucous layer. These findings are compatible with reports of mucosal irritation associated with this substance. The pancreas parenchyma was slightly heterogeneous and hyperechoic with enlargement of the body and small disperse hyperechoic focuses. Left adrenal images were compatible with clinical suspicions of hyperadrenocorticism.Discussion: All the alterations found in the imaging exam were compatible with the clinical signs due to direct contact with the substance in question. Dystrophic mineralization focuses found in spleen and pancreas can be due to the alterations of phosphorus and calcium even if not described in literature associated with calcium carbide poisoning. In conclusion, the clinical signs presented, and the image findings of this patient confirmed the danger and potentially lethal effects of the contact and ingestion of calcium carbide. The literature about this subject is scarce and deeply in need of more attention associated with new measures for prevention, instruction to owners and development of diagnose and treatment emergency protocols of these animals. Keywords: ultrasonography, dog, intoxication, toxicity.

This study describes an artisanal simulator made with gelatin to teach ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture during practical classes in veterinary or medical sciences education. A three-phase experimental set allowed the students to practice ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture, aspiration, and injection in three different target structures. This cost-effective simulator may be an alternative to the use of expensive devices or the use of live animals during practical classes.

The present study aimed to evaluate the applicability of artisanal simulators to teach veterinary and medical students the ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy using a tru-cut needle. The artisanal simulators consisted of bovine liver between two layers of commercially available grape gelatin. Students were paired, with one doing the biopsy and the other the ultrasound guidance. After performing the biopsies, each student answered a questionnaire with close-ended questions using a visual analog scale. The evaluated items were realism of the model, liver scanning, procedure instructions, biopsy feasibility, tru-cut needle handling, technique learning, and confidence to perform in vivo procedures. Items that received a score of 7 or higher were considered strong items; items with a score between 5 and 6.9 were classified as average items; and items with a score of 5 or lower were considered weak items. The answers to all questions had an average score of 7 or higher, suggesting that the simulator was classified as strong for all of the evaluated items. Answers to question 7 suggested that some of the students did not develop confidence to perform a tru-cut biopsy on a patient. Students evaluated the artisanal simulator as a strong method to be used in ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy with a tru-cut needle. Additionally, the model presented a low cost of production and was proven accurate to teach biopsy skills in health professional schools dealing with veterinary or human medicine.