This study aimed to evaluate normal features of the heart and lower respiratory tract in toco toucans by means of radiography and helical computed tomography (CT) scanner. Fifteen healthy adult toco toucans (Ramphastos toco), 10 females and 5 males, average body mass of 650 g were studied. CT examination as well as right lateral and ventrodorsal radiographic examinations of the coelomic cavity were performed under chemical restraint. Heart, lungs, air sacs, trachea and syrinx were analysed. The mean values of heart length, heart width and thoracic cavity in radiographs were, respectively, 23.76 mm, 25.94 mm and 48.87 mm. In both X‐rays and CT scans, the lung parenchyma had honeycomb‐like pattern. The topographic areas of the anterior and posterior air sacs were visualized as dark and air‐filled spaces in X‐rays. On CT evaluation, the air sacs occupied a larger area in the coelomic cavity compared to X‐ray. In the lateral radiographic view, the cervical part of the trachea was positioned more ventrally in the transition from cervical to thoracic regions showing a V‐shaped appearance. In all CT planes was visible division of the trachea into the right and left main bronchi at the level of 3rd thoracic vertebra. The syrinx was difficult to visualize in X‐rays, but on CT it was easily identified in axial slice. In conclusion, the normal features of toco toucan's heart and lower respiratory tract that were determined on X‐rays and CT scans are useful to compare with sick toco toucans, as well as other bird species.

Four causative mutations (D1, D2, D3*, and D4) of chondrodysplastic dwarfism have been described in the equine aggrecan ( ACAN) gene. Homozygotes for one of these mutations and heterozygotes for any combination of these mutations exhibit the disproportionate dwarfism phenotype. However, no case description of homozygotes for D4 (D4/D4) has been reported in the literature, to our knowledge. We report 2 Miniature horses with the genotype D4/D4 in the ACAN gene. Clinically, the 2 dwarfs had a domed head that was large compared to the rest of the body, mandibular prognathism, and short and bowed limbs, mainly in the proximal region of the metatarsal bones. Radiographic examination revealed contour irregularities of the subchondral bone in the long bones and confirmed mandibular prognathism; histopathology revealed irregular chondrocyte organization. To determine the genotypes of the horses, we performed DNA extraction from white blood cells, PCR, and Sanger sequencing. Genotyping demonstrated that these 2 animals had the D4/D4 genotype in the ACAN gene. The D4/D4 dwarfs were clinically similar to animals with the other ACAN genotypes reported for this disease. Identification of heterozygous animals makes mating selection possible and is the most important control measure to minimize economic losses and casualties.

Introduction: Intervertebral disc diseases (IVDD) represent the majority of neurological attendance and responsible for the most cases of paralysis in dogs. Treatments currently used do not show satisfactory results in patients with more severe and chronic neurological manifestations. Methods: To promote nerve and muscular recovery, as well as improve quality of life, we aimed to create a double-blind test method, associating spinal decompression surgery and allogeneic transplantation of amniotic membrane-derived stem cells (AMSCs) in dogs with chronic IVDD. Cells were characterized as fetal mesenchymal cells and safe for application. Eight animals completed the experiment: stem cell applications were made in four animals that had previously undergone an unsuccessful surgical procedure ("SC group", n = 4); two animals were submitted to surgery, followed by applications of stem cells ("Surgery + SC", n = 2); two other animals were submitted to surgery, followed by the application of saline solution ("Surgery + placebo", n = 2). During the surgical procedure, a topical application was performed on the lesion and after fifteen and forty-five days another two applications were made via epidural. Animals were monitored biweekly and reassessed three months after surgery, by functional tests and magnetic resonance exams. Results: Some animals presented significant neurological improvement, such as the recovery of nociception and ability to remain on station. Despite the need further studies, until the present moment, cell therapy has been feasible and has no harmful effects on animals. Conclusion:The protocol of preclinical trial showed the association with decompressive surgery and cell transplantation in dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD proved feasible, and it was possible to observe neurological improvement after treatment. No tissue improvement through MRI was found. The double-blind test guaranteed reliability of the evaluations and results obtained that, even with a small sample size, generated satisfactory results for the animals and owners.

No abstract

An ultrasonographic evaluation of the renal morphology is subjective in veterinary science. The echogenicity and echotexture are compared among the cortex, medulla, liver, and spleen. The purpose of this study was to quantify the renal echogenicity and echotexture of healthy adult horses and mules. An ultrasonographic examination was performed on 12 horses and 12 mules to obtain bidimensional images of the renal cortex, renal medulla, liver, and spleen. These images were analyzed using a gray-level histogram to obtain the quantitative values of echogenicity, echotexture, and the proportions of each region. Difference between the kidneys of mules and horses was observed. The renal cortex was less echoic (6.59 ± 1.69 less in mules; 3.04 ± 1.03 less in horses) and more homogeneous (0.17 ± 0.24 more in mules; 0.47 ± 0.22 more in horses) than the spleen but more hypoechoic (1.46 ± 0.37 more in mules; 1.05 ± 1.07 more in horses) and homogeneous (0.81 ± 0.11 more in mules; 0.85 ± 0.26 more in horses) than the liver. In comparing the renal cortex to the medulla, it was observed that the renal cortex is more echoic (up to 3.49 ± 1.59 more in mules; 2.07 ± 0.21 more in horses) and heterogeneous (up to 0.45 ± 0.23 more in mules; 0.63 ± 0.09 more in horses). The most important difference between mules and horses was a more hypoechoic and homogeneous renal medulla in mules, indicating a higher water content of the renal medulla in mules than in horses.