Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate modifications of vaginal mucous impedance, vulvar temperature and ultrasonographic measurements (echobiometric parameters) to parturition in pregnant Saanen does. 30 does were selected for the study and submitted to an estrus synchronization protocol and natural mating. The females were evaluated daily from Day 143 of pregnancy to parturition. For the sonographic evaluations, the following structures were measured: biparietal diameter, thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter, ocular orbit, kidney length, kidney height, cardiac area, placentome length, cervical measurement and fetal heart rate; by means of two different approaches: transrectal and transabdominal, using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. The vaginal mucous impedance was assessed using an electric estrous detector and vulvar temperature was measured using a non-contact infrared thermometer. Statistical analysis was performed using the R-project software and the significance level was set at 5% for all tests. 25 Saanen does became pregnant, resulting in 80.33% pregnancy rate. Fetal heart rate was negatively correlated to the hours to parturition (p<0,001; r-Pearson= -0,451), as well as vaginal temperature (p= 0,001; r-Pearson= -0,275), while cervical thickness was positively correlated to hours to parturition (p<0,001; r-Pearson= 0,490). The echobiometric parameters (biparietal diameter, thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter, ocular orbit, kidney length and height, cardiac area, placentome length), as well as vaginal mucous impedance did not vary throughout the timepoints of evaluation and did not correlate to the moment of parturition. It was concluded that the parameters of fetal heartbeat, vaginal temperature and cervical effacement in the last week of pregnancy provide valuable information regarding the proximity of parturition.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate uterine involution using ultrasonography techniques during postpartum. Postpartum ultrasonography evaluation (B-mode, color Doppler and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse elastography) of the uterus was performed by transabdominal approach at immediate after birth and sequentially every 48 hours, during 30 days. The uterine echotexture did not present significant variations (P >0.05) being homogeneous in most evaluations; echogenicity of the uterus increased along the evaluation period (P =0.0452). Progressive and remarkable decrease of the total uterine diameter (UD) were observed (P <0.0001), especially during the first days postpartum. The thickness of uterine wall gradually decreased, as well the endometrial, myometrium and lumen diameters (P <0.0001). Uterine blood flow was assessed by Doppler and decreased during postpartum period, being significantly lower (P=0.0225) on the 30th day of postpartum. Uterine parenchyma presented as homogeneous dark areas (not deformable) on qualitative ultrasound elastography and the means shear velocity values of the uterine wall on quantitative elastography did not differ. This is the first study that evaluate the stiffness of uterine wall in healthy ewes, providing baseline data about quantitative and qualitative stiffness of the normal uterus, and it may be a useful tool for early diagnosis of uterine alterations during the postpartum period, using the reference parameter established for the assessment of uterine integrity during postpartum period.

Abstract Blood pressure is an indispensable parameter in anesthetic monitoring. The measurement of invasive artery pressure (IBP) using peripheral arterial catheterization is reliable but requires experience and can lead to complications. The oscillometric technique is non-invasive (NIBP), it only requires a cuff over a peripheral artery and the measurement is automated. However, the accuracy of PANI has been little explored and, for this reason, this study aimed to compare this technique with PAI in sheep and goats. 20 sheep and 20 goats needed laparoscopy were used under general anesthesia. Once in anesthetic plane, the caudal auricular artery was catheterized and connected to an electronic pressure transducer, coupled to a multiparameter monitor to measure IBP, systolic (S), diastolic (D) and mean (M). At the same time, an appropriately sized cuff was placed over radial artery and connected to the same monitor. Every 5 minutes, blood pressures were recorded by both methods, subsequently compared by the Student test, correlated by Pearson and agreement assessed by the Bland-Altman. In sheep, DBP was similar and correlated between NIBP and IBP (P=0.69; r=0.65; bias 0.7 ± 13.1 mmHg), whereas SBP and MBP were overestimated by NIBP. In goats, MAP was similar and correlated between NIBP and IBP (P=0.566; r=0.57; bias 2.4 ± 20.2 mmHg), while SBP was overestimated and DBP underestimated. It is concluded that, in sheep only DBP and in goats, MBP, measured by the oscillometric method, are accurate, feasible and reliable alternatives for anesthetic monitoring of blood pressure.

Resumen La presión arterial es un parámetro indispensable en la monitorización anestésica. La medición de la presión arterial invasiva (PAI) mediante cateterismo arterial periférico es fiable, requiere experiencia y puede dar complicaciones. La técnica oscilométrica no es invasiva (PANI), requiere un manguito sobre una arteria periférica y medición automatizada. No obstante, la precisión de PANI ha sido poco explorada, por esta razón, este estudio tuvo por objetivo comparar esta técnica con la PAI en ovinos y caprinos. Se utilizaron 20 ovejas y 20 cabras que requerían laparoscopia bajo anestesia general. Una vez en plano anestésico, se cateterizó la arteria auricular caudal y se conectó a transductor de presión electrónico acoplado a monitor multiparamétrico para medir la PAI, sistólica (S), diastólica (D) y media (M). Al mismo tiempo, se colocó un manguito de tamaño adecuado sobre la arteria radial y se conectó al mismo monitor. Cada 5 minutos se registraron las presiones por ambos métodos, posteriormente se compraron por test de Student, correlacionaron por Pearson y se evaluó concordancia por Bland-Altman. En ovejas, la PAD fue similar y se correlacionó entre PANI y PAI (P=0,69; r=0,65; sesgo 0,7 ± 13,1 mmHg), mientras que PAS y MAP fueron sobreestimadas por PANI. En Cabras, la PAM fue similar y se correlacionó entre PANI y PAI (P=0,566; r=0,57; sesgo 2,4 ± 20,2 mmHg), mientras PAS se sobreestimó y PAD se subestimó. Se concluye que, en ovinos solo PAD y en caprinos PAM, medidas por el método oscilométrico son alternativas precisas, factibles y confiables para el monitoreo anestésico de la presión arterial.

Resumo A pressão arterial é um parâmetro indispensável na monitorização anestésica. A mensuração da pressão artéria invasiva (iPA) mediante cateterização arterial periférica é confiável, mas requer experiência e pode desencadear complicações. A técnica oscilométrica não é invasiva (NiPA), só requer um manguito sobre uma artéria periférica e a mensuração é automatizada. Não obstante a acurácia da NiPA tem sido pouco explorada e, por tal motivo, este estudo objetivou comparar esta técnica com a iPA em ovelhas e cabras. Foram utilizadas 20 ovelhas e 20 cabras que seriam submetidas a laparoscopia sob anestesia geral. Uma vez em plano anestésico, foi cateterizada a artéria auricular caudal e conectada a um transdutor eletrônico de pressão acoplado a monitor multiparamétrico para mensuração da iPA, sistólica (S), diastólica (D) e média (M). Ao mesmo tempo um manguito de tamanho apropriado foi posicionado sobre a artéria radial e conectado ao mesmo monitor. A cada 5 minutos foram registradas as pressões arteriais por ambos os métodos, posteriormente, comparadas pelo teste Student, correlacionados pelo Pearson e avaliada a concordância pelo Bland-Altman. Nas ovelhas, a PAD foi semelhante e correlacionada entre NiPA e iPA (P=0,69; r=0,65; viés 0,7 ± 13,1 mmHg), já a PAS e PAM foram superestimadas pela NiPA. Em Cabras, a PAM resultou semelhante e correlacionada entre NiPA e iPA (P=0,566; r=0,57; viés 2,4 ± 20,2 mmHg), enquanto PAS foi superestimada e PAD subestimada. Conclui-se que, em ovelhas apenas a PAD e em cabras a PAM, mensuradas pelo método oscilométrico, são alternativas acuradas, factíveis e confiáveis para a monitoração anestésica da pressão arterial.

Resumo O uso da anestesia por tumescência com lidocaína pode proporcionar melhor analgesia transoperatória e pós-operatória, o que seria um benefício em cirurgias reconstrutivas extensas. Entretanto, a lidocaína pode interferir na cicatrização. Diante disso, delineou-se um estudo a fim de avaliar a interferência local da cicatrização de defeitos cutâneos induzidos e fechados em padrão de figura geométrica, associado ao emprego de anestesia por tumescência com lidocaína em coelhos. Ademais, avaliar sua influência em parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios e na analgesia pós-operatória. Foi realizado um estudo com 27 coelhos, separados em três grupos, compreendidos em GC (sem o emprego de tumescência), GS (emprego de tumescência com solução NaCl 0.9%) e GL (emprego de anestesia por tumescência com lidocaína). Não houve diferença estatística em nenhuma etapa do processo cicatricial da ferida entre os grupos, tampouco nas avaliações macroscópicas, e no processo de angiogênese, ou ainda no processo de colagenização e deposição de fibroblastos. Houve diferença significativa na frequência cardíaca (menor no GL) e na respiratória (maior no GC), na pressão arterial média (maior no GL) e na concentração expirada de isoflurano (menor no GL). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos no teste de filamentos de von Frey e na Escala Visual Analógica, utilizados para avaliar a analgesia pós-operatória. Conclui-se que anestesia por tumescência com lidocaína não prejudica a regeneração tecidual após a cirurgia. O seu uso oferece benefícios como a diminuição do volume de anestésico inalatório, manutenção do plano anestésico, estabilidade das frequências cardíaca e respiratória, além de menor hipotensão durante o procedimento cirúrgico.

Abstract The use of tumescent anesthesia with lidocaine can provide better intra- and postoperative analgesia that would benefit extensive reconstructive surgery. However, lidocaine can interfere with the healing process. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the local interference of the healing of induced and closed skin defects in a geometric pattern associated with the use of tumescent anesthesia with lidocaine in rabbits. Furthermore, we assessed its influence on cardiorespiratory parameters and postoperative analgesia. This study included 27 rabbits divided into three groups: GC (without the use of tumescence), GS (use of tumescence with 0.9% NaCl solution), and GL (use of tumescent anesthesia with lidocaine). There was no statistically significant intergroup difference in any stage of the wound healing process on macroscopic evaluations, in the angiogenesis process, or in the process of collagenization and fibroblast deposition. There were significant differences in heart rate (lower in GL), respiratory rate (higher in GC), mean arterial pressure (higher in GL), and expired concentration of isoflurane (lower in GL). There was no significant intergroup difference in the von Frey filament test or the visual analog scale score used to evaluate postoperative analgesia. We concluded that tumescent anesthesia with lidocaine does not impair postoperative tissue repair. Its use features benefits such as reducing the volume of inhaled anesthetic, maintaining the anesthesia plan, stable heart and respiratory rates, and lower hypotension during the surgical procedure.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the blood flow of the uterine artery (UA) and umbilical artery (UMB) in the physiological pregnancy of goats by means of Doppler throughout the gestational period. Twenty-five Saanen goats weighing 55 ± 10 kg and aged between 2 and 5 were evaluated weekly, from the 21st until the 143rd day of gestation, and daily from that period until parturition. Values for peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices of the uterine and umbilical arteries were determined. The values obtained were correlated with gestational age by Spearman's test, tested for adjustment to regression models and compared with the number of fetuses by ANOVA. The umbilical cord was first visualized at 28 days. Of the variables evaluated, RIUMB and PIUMB correlated with gestational age (p<0.001; and 0.046; respectively) and RIUMB had a low negative correlation with the number of fetuses per pregnancy (p = 0.003; r- Spearman = - 0.218). PSVUMB and EDVUMB values did not correlate with gestational age (p=0.737 and 0.768, respectively), but there was a decrease in the mean values throughout pregnancy (PSVUMB= 0.07; 0.31 and EDVUMB= 0.01; 0.06) as well as the change in the flow pattern of the spectral trace. The mean values of the uterine artery dopplervelocimetric variables PSVUT, EDVUT, PIUT and RIUT did not correlate with gestational age (p= 0.324; 0.372, 0.143; 0.13; respectively). It is expected that the results obtained will contribute to a broader understanding of the hemodynamic changes resulting from pregnancy in goats.

ABSTRACT Purpose To use a 3D printed poly (L-lactide) acid (PLLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite as a bone substitute for reconstruction of a critical bone defect in the radius of rabbits. Methods A 1.5 cm ostectomy was performed in the radial diaphysis of 60 New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into three groups according to surgical treatment of the bone defect (group I – control, group II – bone graft, group III – 3D PLLA). Each group was divided into four subgroups with different radiographic and histopathologic evaluation times (T1 – 15 days, T2 – 30 days, T3 – 60 days, T4 – 90 days). Results The implant group had greater clinically lameness (p = 0.02), edema (p = 0.007), pain (p = 0.04) and more complications at the surgical site (p = 0.03). Histologically, this group showed greater congestion (p = 0.04), hemorrhage (p = 0.04) and inflammation. Osteogenesis was microscopically similar between days (p = 0.54) and treatments (p = 0.17), even though radiographically, more effective bone healing occurred in the graft group (II), with more callus and bone bridge formation. Conclusions The customization of a 3D PLLA/HA scaffold was successful. However, in animals receiving the polymer-ceramic composite less bone callus and bone bridge was formed compared to the graft group.

Abstract The aim of this study was to measure the nuchal translucency (NT) of canine fetuses to establish reference values for healthy gestational processes and to verify its effectiveness in the diagnosis of congenital abnormalities. On day 34 of gestation, the NT of three fetuses from each of the 26 English bulldog female dogs was measured. The first fetus was the one located immediately cranial to the bladder, the second was selected from the left side of the abdomen, and the third from the right side. The reference values for healthy animals were offset using descriptive statistics. The diagnostic ability of the test to identify fetal malformations was studied using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Of the 26 litters, only 18 had healthy fetuses, 4 had fetuses with anasarca, 3 had fetuses with abdominal wall defects, and 1 had both types of abnormalities. The NT was higher in canine fetuses that presented anasarca in the litter than in normal litters (1.8 ± 0.77 mm vs. 1.4 ± 0.48 mm; P = 0.0249), with a cut-off value of NT > 1.45 mm (sensitivity = 61.54%, specificity = 70.18%). NT greater than 1.45 mm seems to be a diagnostic tool for the identification of anasarca during gestation of bulldogs. Considering the unprecedented use of this parameter in canine species and the limitations found during the study, further studies will be needed in order to use it on clinical practice.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood flow of the uterine artery, fetal aorta and umbilical artery in the physiological pregnancy of sheep by means of pulsed Doppler throughout the gestational period. Thirty Santa Inês ewes weighing between 45.4±4.3 kg and aged 2 to 5 years were selected. The evaluations were carried out weekly from the 3rd to the 21st gestational week. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) were obtained. Analysis of variance was performed, and the minimum significant comparison of means was obtained by the BH test with adjusted P<0.05. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error. For the fetal aorta, there was an increase in the EDV values and a decrease in the PSV and RI throughout pregnancy. For the uterine artery, PSV and EDV did not present significant variation, whereas the RI showed a reduction in the last week. Increased EDV values were found for the umbilical artery throughout pregnancy. For the PSV there was no significant difference, as the RI was reduced at the end of pregnancy. The results obtained are expected to contribute to a more complete understanding of the hemodynamic changes resulting from pregnancy.

RESUMO: Avaliou-se as diferentes metodologias de quantificação glomerular descritas na literatura em um estudo quantitativo, duplo-cego, sobre o número de glomérulos presentes em amostras de biópsias renais obtidas com agulha de biópsia tipo Tru-cut. Dezoito amostras foram coletadas (n=18) de várias regiões de rins caninos colhidos imediatamente após a eutanásia. A coleta das amostras foi realizada com agulhas semi-automáticas de calibre 16, tipo Tru-cut. A leitura e avaliação das amostras foram realizadas de forma independente por quatro pesquisadores por meio de inspeção visual, microscopia de luz, microscopia de luz com redução da lente condensadora e microscopia de dissecção. As amostras também foram submetidas à avaliação histopatológica para fins de comparação e variação do pesquisador para qualquer um dos métodos testados. As contagens glomerulares obtidas por microscopia de luz com redução da lente condensadora foram semelhantes àquelas encontradas na avaliação histopatológica (P=0.44), enquanto que os outros métodos de quantificação glomerular produziram contagens significativamente mais baixas a análise histopatológica (inspeção da lupa dos olhos: P<0.01; microscopia de luz convencional: P=0.02; microscopia dissecação: P<0.01). Microscópio de luz com abaixamento da lente condensadora fornece melhores resultados do que microscopia de luz convencional e inspeção da lupa. As contagens obtidas usando microscopia de dissecção e inspeção de lupa de olho não se correlacionaram bem com aqueles fornecidos pela avaliação histopatológica; consequentemente, estes dois métodos devem ser evitados.

ABSTRACT: It was evaluated the different methodologies for glomerular enumeration described in the literature in a quantitative, double-blind study on the number of glomeruli present in kidney biopsy specimens obtained using a Tru-cut-type biopsy needle. Eighteen samples were taken (n=18) from various regions of canine kidneys harvested immediately after euthanasia. Sample collection was carried out using Tru-cut-type, semi-automated, 16 gauge needles. Reading and evaluation of the specimens were performed independently by four researchers by means of eye loupe inspection, light microscopy, light microscopy with a reduced condenser aperture, and dissection microscopy. Samples were also subjected to histopathological evaluation for comparison purposes. There was no inter-researcher variation for any of the tested methods. The glomerular counts obtained using light microscopy with reduced condenser aperture were similar to those reported in the histopathological evaluation (P=0.44);whereas, the other glomerular enumeration methods yielded significantly lower counts when compared to the histopathological analysis (eye loupe inspection: P<0.01; conventional light microscopy: P=0.02; dissection microscopy: P<0.01).Light microscope with lowering of the condenser lens delivers better results than conventional light microscopy and eye loupe inspection. Results obtained using dissection microscopy and eye loupe inspection did not correlate well with those provided by histopathological evaluation; consequently, these two methods should be avoided.

RESUMO: Com o intuito de utilizar e estudar técnicas minimamente invasivas que permitam reduzir os efeitos adversos da ovário-histerectomia (OVH) em cadelas objetivou-se comparar: o tempo, as complicações cirúrgicas, a dor e a resposta inflamatória pós-operatória, resultantes da OVH laparoscópica por único portal e a miniceliotomia tradicional com gancho de Snook. Vinte e quatro cadelas hígidas foram aleatoriamente divididas em dois grupos e realizadas a OVH por videolaparoscopia (Vídeo) ou miniceliotomia (MiniLap). Avaliaram-se e compararam-se estatisticamente: o tempo e intercorrências cirúrgicas, a dor, necessidade de resgate analgésico, concentração sérica de proteína C reativa, glicemia e o consumo voluntário de alimento durante as 24 horas subsequentes ao procedimento. O tempo operatório (38±7min), as intercorrências cirúrgicas (17%), a intensidade de dor pós-operatória, a necessidade de resgate analgésico e a concentração sérica de proteína C reativa foram similares entre os grupos (P>0,05). A glicemia foi menor nos animais do grupo Vídeo (P=0,03) e estes se alimentaram mais rapidamente e em maior proporção (P=0,02). Assim, conclui-se que as técnicas de OVH por videolaparoscopia, miniceliotomia resultam em complicações, tempos cirúrgicos e respostas inflamatórias similares, no entanto, os animais submetidos à videolaparoscopia se alimentam mais prontamente e apresentam menor índice glicêmico indicando um nível de estresse menor e este resultado considera-se válido para a indicação desta técnica.

ABSTRACT: In order to use and study minimally invasive techniques to reduce side effects of ovarian-hysterectomy (OHE) in bitches, the aim of this study was to compare time, surgical complications, pain and postoperative inflammatory response, caused by single port videolaparoscopic OHE and traditional miniceliotomy with snook hook. Twenty-four healthy bitches were randomly divided in two groups: videolaparoscopy (Video) and miniceliotomy (MiniLap). Surgical time and complications, pain, need for analgesic rescue, C-reactive protein concentration, glycaemia and voluntary food ingestion were evaluated during 24 hours following the procedure and compared statistically. Surgical time (38±7min), surgical complications (17%), postoperative pain intensity, need for analgesic rescue and C-reactive protein concentration were similar between groups (P>0.05). Glycaemia was lower in Video group (P=0.03), animals fed faster and in greater proportion (P=0.02). Thus, it is concluded that both OHE techniques result in similar complications, surgical time and inflammatory response; however, animals on Video group fed more readily and presented lower glycaemia, which point to lower stress levels. These findings validated the indication of this technique.

RESUMO: Durante a gestação, a adaptação hemodinâmica materna é necessária para garantir adequada perfusão uterina e desenvolvimento fetal. A formação de um leito vascular uteroplacentário a partir da redução na resistência ao fluxo da artéria uterina reflete na diminuição da resistência vascular total, ativação de fatores neuroendócrinos vasoativos, aumento do volume de sangue circulante e modificações na morfofisiologia do sistema cardiovascular para responder as demandas crescentes de perfusão uterina. Em mulheres gestantes o estudo da adaptação hemodinâmica encontra-se bastante desenvolvido e esta avaliação tem se convertido em uma ferramenta diagnóstica de desordens obstétricas que podem comprometer a relação do binômio materno-fetal. Não obstante, em cadelas a informação disponível a este respeito é limitada e por isso traçou-se um paralelo entre outras espécies de animais e mulheres, de maneira que subsidiassem a carência de informações a este respeito e facilitassem o processo de compreensão da adaptação hemodinâmica materno-fetal em cadelas gestantes. Esta revisão e análise da literatura visa abordar a adaptação morfofisiológica cardiovascular frente à gestação e as possíveis desordens que possam acometer este processo em cães.

ABSTRACT: Throughout pregnancy, maternal hemodynamic adaptation is needed to ensure proper uterine perfusion and fetal development. When the uteroplacental vascular system is formed, starting with reduced resistance to uterine arterial flow, this results in decreased total vascular resistance, an activation of neuroendocrine vasoactive peptides, an increase in circulating blood and changes in the cardiovascular system morphophysiology to respond to the increasing demands of uterine perfusion. There has been considerable study of hemodynamic adaptation in pregnant women and this assessment has become a diagnostic tool for fatal obstetric disorders. However, in bitches the available information in this regard is limited; therefore a parallel was drawn between other species of animals and women, in order to subsidize the paucity of information about this process and facilitate the understanding of maternal-fetal hemodynamic adaptation in pregnant bitches. This review and literature analysis aimed\ to discuss morphophysiological cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy and the possible disorders that can affect this process in pregnant female dogs.

<title>Resumo</title><p>O exame ultrassonográfico é um meio de diagnóstico preciso para avaliação da gestação, além de ser totalmente inócuo para fêmea e fetos. Objetivou-se com este estudo determinar os valores de referência para a ecobiometria gestacional em cadelas de diferentes raças. Foram utilizadas 25 fêmeas multíparas, sendo cinco cadelas Bulldog inglês, cinco Pugs e 15 Shih Tzu, pesando de 4 a 25 kg e com idade entre 4 a 6 anos. As avaliações ecobiométricas como diâmetro da vesícula gestacional, comprimento femoral, espessura da placenta, diâmetro parietal, diâmetro e área abdominal, hepática e cardíaca foram realizadas durante as 2ª, 5ª, 6ª, 7ª e 8ª semanas gestacionais das cadelas. O estudo ecobiométrico em cadelas gestantes foi precocemente iniciado a partir da segunda semana gestacional. Mensurações pouco estudadas como o diâmetro e área hepática e valores ecobiométricos do coração fetal, podem fornecer informações úteis para a detecção precoce de anomalias congênitas que podem comprometer a viabilidade gestacional. Os resultados significativos (P < 0.001), obtidos para a biometria do diâmetro parietal (r² = 81%) e abdominal (r²= 86%), área abdominal (r² = 80%), comprimento do fêmur (r² = 84%), comprimento (r² = 79%), largura (r² = 79%), área (r² = 82%) e volume (r² = 72%) cardíaco e área hepática (r² = 71%) em conceptos braquiocefálicos, podem ajudar a avaliação do desenvolvimento dos fetos, complementando a ultrassonografia gestacional de cadelas e como modelo para o estudo em outras raças de cães e espécies animais.</p>

<title>Abstract</title><p>Ultrasonography is an accurate pregnancy diagnostic method, besides being completely innocuous for female and fetuses evaluation. The objective of this paper was to determine the reference values for gestational echo biometry of different breeds of bitches. A total of 25 multiparous females were included in the experiment, five English Bulldog bitches, five Pugs and 15 Shih Tzu, weighing 4-25 kg and aged 4-6 years. The echo biometric assessments were performed during the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th weeks of pregnancy, including gestational vesicle diameter, femur length, placenta thickness, parietal diameter, liver, heart and abdominal diameter and area. Early echo biometric study started at the second week of gestation. Measurements like fetal heart and liver diameter and area are still poorly studied, but can provide useful information for early detection of congenital anomalies that may reduce the viability of pregnancy. The significant results (P < 0.001) obtained for biometrics (P < 0.001) of the parietal (r² = 81%) and abdominal diameter (r² = 86%), abdominal area (r² = 80%), femur length (r² = 84%), cardiac length (r² = 79%), width (r² = 79%), area (r² = 82%) and volume (r²= 72%) and liver area (r² = 71%) in brachycephalic conceptus may help to assess the development of fetuses, complementing the conventional gestational ultrasound of bitches and become a model for the study in other breeds of dogs and alternative animal species.</p>

Con el objetivo de evaluar los aspectos clínicos, edad, raza, presencia de metástasis, protocolo quimioterapéutico, utilización de inhibidores de COX-2 y sobrevida en caninas diagnosticadas con carcinoma inflamatorio, en el Hospital Veterinario de Uberaba (HVU), se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de las historias clínicas de 14 hembras caninas atendidas en el HVU entre julio de 2011 y julio de 2012, con diagnóstico de carcinoma inflamatorio mamario. Las razas acometidas fueron mestizo, poodle, terrier brasilero, teckel y pastor belga. Edad media: 11,1 años. En 7 animales fueron detectados focos de metástasis a distancia. De ellos 5 pacientes recibieron como único tratamiento inhibidores de COX-2 y apenas 4 recibieron tratamiento quimioterapéutico. El protocolo, constituido por piroxicam, ciclofosfamida, carboplatina y doxorrubicina, presentó el mayor tiempo de sobrevida (210 días). En conclusión, el carcinoma inflamatorio es una enfermedad de mal pronóstico, poco tiempo de sobrevida, y ocasiona alteraciones sistémicas que disminuyen la respuesta terapéutica. Aparentemente la modalidad terapéutica más indicada es la asociación de inhibidores de COX-2 y quimioterapéuticos; sin embargo, son necesarios estudios clínicos controlados para evaluar estas sugestiones.

With the aim of evaluating clinical aspects, age, breed, presence of metastasis, chemotherapeutical protocol, use of COX-2 inhibitors and survival rate in female dogs diagnosed with inflammatory carcinoma at the Hospital Veterinario de Uberaba (HVU), a retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 14 female dogs seen at HVU between July, 2011 and July, 2012 and diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. The breeds included were crossbred, poodle, Brazilian terrier, teckel and Belgian shepherd. Average age: 11.1 years. Outbreaks of distant metastasis were detected in 7 animals, out of which 5 patients received COX-2 inhibitors as sole treatment and only 4 received chemotherapeutical treatment. The protocol, constituted by piroxicam, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin and doxorubicin showed the highest survival time (210 days). In conclusion, inflammatory carcinoma is a disease of bad prognosis, short survival time and produces systemic alterations that reduce therapeutic response. Apparently, the most accurate therapeutic form is the association of COX-2 inhibitors and chemotherapeutics; however, controlled clinical studies are needed in order to evaluate these suggestions.

Com o objetivo de avaliar os aspectos clínicos, idade, raça, presença de metástase, protocolo químico-terapêutico, utilização de inibidores de COX-2 e sobrevida em caninas diagnosticadas com carcinoma inflamatório, no Hospital Veterinário de Uberaba (HVU), se realizou uma análise retrospectiva das histórias clínicas de 14 fêmeas caninas atendidas no HVU entre julho de 2011 e julho de 2012, com diagnóstico de carcinoma inflamatório mamário. As raças acometidas foram SRD, poodle, terrier brasileiro, teckel e pastor belga. Idade média: 11,1 anos. Em 7 animais foram detectados focos de metástase a distância. Deles, 5 pacientes receberam como único tratamento inibidores de COX-2 e apenas 4 receberam tratamento químico-terapêutico. O protocolo, constituído por piroxicam, ciclofosfamida, carboplatina e doxorrubicina, apresentou o maior tempo de sobrevida (210 dias). Em conclusão, o carcinoma inflamatório é uma doença de mal prognóstico, pouco tempo de sobrevida, e ocasiona alterações sistêmicas que diminuem a resposta terapêutica. Aparentemente a modalidade terapêutica mais indicada é a associação de inibidores de COX-2 e químico-terapêuticos; contudo, estudos clínicos controlados são necessários para avaliar estas sugestões.