Thaís Moreira

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects humans and animals worldwide. Its early diagnosis remains challenging due to subtle clinical signs and late radiographic changes. This study aimed to explore candidate biomarkers associated with spontaneous OA and to investigate their correlation with ultrasonographic scores to support early diagnosis. Clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic evaluations were performed on 52 equine metacarpophalangeal joints, with and without OA, allowing joint scoring and classification into osteoarthritis (OAG) and control groups. Synovial fluid samples were analyzed for cartilage degradation (C2C), untargeted ¹H NMR-based metabolomics, and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Statistical analyses included Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, univariate and multivariate metabolomic analyses, and Spearman’s correlation (p < 0.05). Ultrasonography revealed higher scores in the synovial fold, membrane, and fluid, indicating synovitis as the predominant finding in the acute phase. C2C and TBARS concentrations were significantly higher in the OAG. Seven metabolites differed between groups, with citrate and TBARS showing the strongest correlations with ultrasonographic scores. These findings suggest increased metabolic activity and lipid peroxidation in early OA and highlight citrate and TBARS as potential auxiliary biomarkers for early diagnosis associated with synovitis.

The objective is to report a clinical surgical case of perineal unilateral hernia in a female feline, neutered, 13-years old, mixed-breed admitted in the “hidden for review” Veterinary Hospital presenting prostration, constipation, volume increase and pain in right perineal region started two weeks ago. On clinical inspection it was possible to visualize a rigid, irreducible and painful increased volume in the right perineal region. Ultrasound showed that the increased volume was a hernia containing the colon. The surgical correction was made with herniorrhaphy. One week after the surgical procedure the patient presented a cutaneous abscess, probably originated from fecal contamination, and it was treated by prolonging the use of systemic antibiotics and cleaning of the site. On 45-days after the surgical procedure the patient did not show signs of pain or discomfort and defecated normally. It is suggested that despite perineal hernias being unusual in females, especially neutered, this disease should be included as a differential diagnosis in animals presenting increase of perineal volume, regardless of sex. The classical technique with sutures was considered fast, with low trauma, unlike other correction techniques, besides being successful, avoiding recurrence of the condition and bringing comfort and well-being to the patient.