Mônica Vicky Bahr Arias

Resistência de bactérias isoladas de cães e gatos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (2008-2009)

The bacterial resistance profile was studied in several disorders affecting dogs and cats treated at the Small Animals Surgical Clinics Division of Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Estadual de Londrina. The disorders etiologic agents recovered were identified and Staphylococcus spp. was the most prevalent (27.6%), followed by Pseudomonas spp. (22.7%) and Escherichia coli (16.6%). In the antimicrobial susceptibility test using agar diffusion method, there was a high percentage of resistance to main antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, especially of Gram negative bacteria, which showed over 66% resistance to the antibiotics tested, except for norfloxacin. In wounds, only gentamicin and amikacin had resistance rates less than 50.0%. In otological disorders, less resistance to norfloxacin and higher to neomycin, and lower rates of resistance in Gram positive bacteria were observed. In the orthopedic cases, the Gram positive bacteria showed higher resistance to ciprofloxacin, and in peritonitis was found 100% resistance to various antibiotics. This study emphasizes the importance of bacterial identification and implementation of testing of susceptibility to antibiotics to choose the appropriate antimicrobial agent in the treatment of the major diseases seen in this field of small animal veterinary medicine.

Traumatismo da medula espinhal em cães e gatos: estudo prospectivo de 57 casos

Spinal cord injury is a common cause of neurological dysfunction in dogs and cats. Lesions in these species are due to various types of accident, which can cause sequelae that impair the patient for life as a pet, or cause life-threatening injury. The main purpose of this work was the accompaniment of animals with spinal cord trauma seen from August 2009 to November 2010 at the Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Estadual de Londrina, studying the epidemiology and etiology, risk factors, spinal cord segments most affected, outcome of conservative or surgical treatment, ratio of time of patient care with recovery, efficacy and side effects of neuroprotective drugs, complications, sequels and evolution of patients. During this period we monitored 57 animals (48 dogs and nine cats). We observed a predominance of males (68%) and indoors (79%). The main cause of injury was being hit by a car (66%). The time between injury and first attendance was less than eight hours in 42% of cases and more than a day in 51%. The spinal segment most affected was the thoracolumbar (52%). Twenty animals were euthanized after the initial attendance due to poor prognosis. The conservative treatment such as rest and/or external immobilization was performed on 29 animals, and a good outcome was seen in 72.4% of this patients: total functional recovery was observed in 17 (58.6%) animals and partial functional recovery was seen in four (13.8%). Four animals did not recover, and four animals died. Surgical treatment was performed in eight patients, and three animals recovered, one patient did not recover and four animals died or were subjected to euthanasia due to complications during intraoperative or postoperative period. Conservative treatment was a viable therapy, mainly in dogs with cervical spinal cord trauma.

Observações clínicas e laboratoriais em cães com cinomose nervosa

Eighty-one dogs with clinical signs and histological lesions characteristic of distemper encephalomyelitis were evaluated. Only dogs with Lenz inclusion bodies in the central nervous system were included in the study. High prevalent findings included: changes in postural reactions (87.65%), decreased tear production (83.95%), myoclonus (75.30%), paresis (69.12%), conjunctivitis (56.79%), chorioretinitis/digital and nasal hyperkeratosis (51.85%). Anemia (48.05%), lymphopenia (51.95%), and mild changes in the cerebrospinal fluid characterized by increase in total protein (77.33%) and lymphocytic pleocytosis (50.72%) were common laboratorial findings. Presence of Lenz inclusions bodies in tissues other than nervous system varied from 30 to 45%, with a higher frequence in the limph nodes. Other abnormalities in physical, neurological and laboratorial examinations were not helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Most animals examined were not properly vaccinated.Eighty-one dogs with clinical signs and histological lesions characteristic of distemper encephalomyelitis were evaluated. Only dogs with Lenz inclusion bodies in the central nervous system were included in the study. High prevalent findings included: changes in postural reactions (87.65%), decreased tear production (83.95%), myoclonus (75.30%), paresis (69.12%), conjunctivitis (56.79%), chorioretinitis/digital and nasal hyperkeratosis (51.85%). Anemia (48.05%), lymphopenia (51.95%), and mild changes in the cerebrospinal fluid characterized by increase in total protein (77.33%) and lymphocytic pleocytosis (50.72%) were common laboratorial findings. Presence of Lenz inclusions bodies in tissues other than nervous system varied from 30 to 45%, with a higher frequence in the limph nodes. Other abnormalities in physical, neurological and laboratorial examinations were not helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Most animals examined were not properly vaccinated.

Meningiomas em cães: aspectos clínicos, histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos

Neoplasias of the central nervous system (CNS) of small animals are frequently diagnosed; however, data relative to prevalence are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the occurrence of primary CNS tumors in dogs in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital and describe clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of the most common tumors. Fourteen cases of CNS primary neoplasia (prevalence of 0.27%) were identified from 1998 to 2013; from these 11 were diagnosed as meningiomas. The mean age of dogs with meningiomas was 10 years; male (7/11) and the Boxer breed (3/11) were most commonly represented. Seven meningiomas were located in the spinal cord and four intracranially; the main clinical signs were impaired locomotion and seizures, respectively. Pulmonary metastasis was found in two cases. Myelography was performed in six dogs with spinal meningiomas. In these cases it was effective in demonstrating the deviation or interruption of the contrast column. Exploratory surgery to confirm diagnosis or remove the tumor was performed in five animals and the survival rate varies 85 to 960 days. Meningiomas were histologically classified as transitional (4/11), meningothelial (2/11), papillary (2/11), angiomatous (1/11), microcystic (1/11) and anaplastic (1/11). Evaluation of histological grade was performed; 10 meningiomas were classified as grade I and one as grade III. The neoplastic cells of eight tumors (8/11) were positive for Massons trichrome and one with the Congo red histochemical techniques. The immunohistochemical assays revealed in all tumors a positive immunoreactivity for vimentin but negative staining for factor VIII and p53. Immunolabelling for S100 (6/11), GFAP (5/11) and pancytokeratin (3/11) showed a variable staining intensity. The mean cell proliferation index was 3.2 mitotic figures and 3.4% for Ki-67 immunostaining. The results confirmed that meningiomas are the most frequent primary CNS neoplasia in dogs, with variation in histological subtypes. Histochemical and immunohistochemical characterization contributed to the diagnosis; however, studies of the expression of other genes are necessary to assist with the prognosis of this kind of neoplasia.

Meio de contraste ioversol em neuroradiologia canina

Ioversol, a non-ionic, hydrosoluble iodine contrast medium at a concentration of 320mg I/ml was used to perform 26 contrast neuroradiographic studies (myelography, epidurography and cerebral ventriculography) in 22 dogs. Since this contrast medium is rapidly absorbed, proper radiographs were obtained within 30 minutes of injection. The product showed adequate radio-opacity, retention time, diffusion and liquor miscibility. Minimal side effects both during and after the radiographic procedures were observed. Not one patient developed seizures, in spite of the use of anesthetic protocols that included either zolarepan-tiletamine or levomepromazin- zilazine- or diazepam-sodium thiopental. The presentation of the contrast medium in a multiple dose vial was considered an advantage, since it decreases losses and allows repeated sterilization in autoclave.

Mielomalácia hemorrágica progressiva em 14 cães

Progressive hemorrhagic myelomalacia (PHM) is a rare and fatal disorder which is characterized by acute and progressive ischemic necrosis of the parenchyma of the spinal cord, leading to its liquefaction. It may occur after intervertebral disc extrusion, spinal trauma or fibrocartilaginous embolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate cases of progressive hemorrhagic myelomalacia in dogs in the Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Estadual de Londrina between 2000 and 2011, through the analysis of medical records and following of cases. There were certain criteria to include a patient in this study, such a history of paraplegia with upper motor neuron signs, worse of signs progressing to flaccid tetraplegia, progressive clinical changes and/or changes in complementary exams. There were analyzed several aspects, such as epidemiological (breed, age and sex), clinical (progress of clinical and neurological signs), laboratory (cerebrospinal fluid analysis - CSF), radiographic (conventional radiography and contrasted) and elapsed time since the onset of clinical signs until death or euthanasia. The most affected breed was Teckel (43%), the average age was 5.04 years and the neurological syndrome observed initially was the thoracolumbar syndrome grade V. Another commons signs observed were hyperpathia and cranial progression of decreased cutaneous trunci reflex. In seven dogs the cause of the PHM was the thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease, in a dog the cause was spinal cord trauma, in two dogs PHM was due to lymphoma and in four dogs the likely cause was intervertebral disc disease. CSF analysis, myelography changes and progress of clinical and neurological examinations were extremely important to diagnose PHM. Six animals progressed to tetraplegia and four dogs had already flaccid tetraplegia at the initial care. In four other patients, the identification of signs suggestive of PHM before this progression has led to indication for euthanasia. The prognosis is poor and causes animal suffering, so the clinician should be aware of the history of paraplegia with subsequent change of upper motor neuron syndrome to lower motor neuron, cranial decreased reflex panniculus and presence of abdominal breathing. Some alterations in complementary exams found in this study may also help in early diagnosis, as xanthochromic CSF with increased protein, erythrocytes and pleocytosis. Spinal cord edema and the presence of contrast within the nervous tissue together with clinical signs and CSF alterations are suggestive of PHM.

Avulsão do plexo braquial em cães - 2: biópsia fascicular e histologia dos nervos radial, mediano, ulnar e musculocutâneo

The main purposes of this work were the neurological evaluation of dogs with brachial plexus avulsion and correlation of these findings with the results of histology of the radial, median, and ulnar and muscle cutaneous nerves. Fascicular nerve biopsy was performed after surgical approach of medial and lateral aspect of the arm. Ali the submitted fascicles presented histologic alterations compatible with wallerian degeneration, axonal swelling, and inflammatory infiltrate ranging from mild to pronounced, with endoneural collagen proliferation mainly in radial, median and ulnar nerves. The association of these results with neurological and electroneurostimulation exams (respectively described in part 1 and 3 of this work) suggested in all cases an almost total involvement of brachial plexus roots.

Avulsão do plexo braquial em cães -1: aspectos clínicos e neurológicos

Brachial plexus avulsion is a relatively common affection, causing serious paralysis of the thoracic limb. It is often misdiagnosed as radial paralysis and there are controversies about the treatment. The main purposes of this work were: to evaluate clinically and neurologically dogs with brachial plexus avulsion and to demonstrate the relevant aspects in the diagnosis of this affection. Predominantly mixed breed dogs, females under three years of age were observed, and the brachial plexus avulsion was mainly a result of road accidents. The more frequent clinical and neurological signs were: flacid paralysis, loss of the panniculus, triceps, biceps and extensor carpi radial muscle reflexes, atrophy of the muscles triceps, biceps, extensor carpi radial, supraspinatus and infraespinatus; superficial skin sensorial loss distal to the elbow; dorsal carpal skin abrasions and ulceration. The association of these results with histologic and electroneurostimulation exams (described in part 2 and 3 of this work respectively) suggested in all cases an almost total involvement of brachial plexus roots.

Diabetes mellitus associado a dermatopatia em cão: relato de caso

A 12 year-old female toy Poodle was presented with polyria, polydipsia, polyphagya, progressive alopecia and blindness. The animal was cachetic, with simmetric bilateral alopecia of the torso, abdomen and limbs. The skin was hyperpigmented, thin and hypotonic with seborhea and interdigital pioderma. The dog also had keratoconjuntivitis sicca and bilateral cataracts. Hyperglicemia, glicosuria and anemia were confirmed by laboratory exams and a working diagnosis of Diabetes meilitus was established. A low-dose dexamethasone (0,01mg/kg/IV) supression test was performed to rule out hyperadrenocorticism and was normal (basal value = 3.4m/dl and 8 hours post-dexamethasone = 1.5,mg/dl). Insulin therapy was initiated and resulted in remission of all clinical signs, with body weight recovery, polyuria and polydipsia resolution and complete hair coat regrowth within 3 months. We concluded that the dermatosis in this case was associated to metabolic alteration related to insulin deficiency.

Spinal neoplasm in dogs

Background: Various diseases can cause spinal cord disorders in dogs including neoplasia of the nervous system, which are more common in mature and older animals. Some breeds, as brachycephalics, are more predisposed for certain types of tumors. Spinal neoplasia can be categorized as primary or secondary tumors, and still can be grouped in extradural, intradural/extramedullary or intramedullary. The aim of this study was to investigate the signalment, neurological syndrome, type and source of the mass, presence of metastases, and clinical outcomes in 28 dogs diagnosed with spinal tumors. Materials, Methods & Results: This study included 28 dogs, and in 20 cases, spinal neoplasia was confirmed by necropsy, biopsy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. In the other eight animals, the presumptive diagnosis was based on clinical and neurological signs and by observing changes in plain radiographs of the spine, chest radiographs, and myelography. The location of the lesion was established as cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar, or lumbosacral, and the lesion was determined to be multifocal when clinical signs appeared in more than one location. Spinal cord injury was additionally classified as unilateral, bilateral, symmetrical, or asymmetrical. The following complementary examinations were performed based on the clinical suspicion, indications, and availability of the owner: complete blood count, serum biochemical profile, urinalysis, spinal radiography, cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF), myelography, abdominal ultrasound, thoracic X-ray to determine metastases, and Computed Tomography. CSF was collected and analyzed in seven animals, and pleocytosis with a predominance of lymphocytes was found in two cases. Decompression and exploratory surgeries were performed in six dogs to confirm the suspected diagnosis and collect tissues for histopathology. The final diagnosis was made by histopathological examination of the tissue obtained by excisional biopsy or necropsy after the death of the animal or euthanasia. In eight cases, the neoplasia type could not be confirmed as the owner did not provide consent to perform exploratory surgery or necropsy. The dogs most affected were poodles (17.85%) and boxers (17.85%), between the ages of 5 and 10 years, and 67.85% of the cases were female dogs. The thoracolumbar region was the most affected (50%). Metastatic spinal tumors predominated; especially those originating in the mammary gland (38.46%) and on the skin (34.61%), and among the primary neoplasms, meningiomas predominated. The clinical course in relation to the onset of symptoms of neurological dysfunction, until death or euthanasia, ranged from 1-170 days, with an average 42 days of survival. Discussion: The results differ from previous studies, in which the number of male and female dogs with neoplasms in the CNS was the same, as in the present study female dogs were more affected. Unlike other studies, metastatic spinal tumors predominated. After the diagnosis, the survival was short and this may be due to the fact that most dogs in this study already had more than one system affected, and consequently showed significant changes related to systemic metastases during the onset of the neurological symptoms. The surgical treatment presented variable results, and the results observed after surgical resection of neoplasms vary due to the location in relation to the spinal cord, neoplasm type, severity of the clinical signs, and possibility of removal along with margin without causing spinal instability. In dogs with spinal disorders, the veterinary practitioner should suspect cancer, especially if there is a history of excision of neoplasms in other systems.