Up until the recent past, zoos served limited function, primarily existing for entertainment value. Today’s zoos, however, are serving many roles, chief among them: species conservation of captive animals. The biggest zoo in Brazil, S?o Paulo Zoological Park Foundation, has among its 2000 animals and many species of wild cats. The presence of domestic cats living freely in zoos is common and can be a source of spreading disease. The aim of this study was to verify the variety and prevalence of parasites found in the feces of felids (feral and wild) living in the S?o Paulo Zoo. The results of this parasitological analysis have been obtained from the laboratory of clinical analysis and correspond to the 4-year period beginning January/2009 and ending December/2012. Eight species of parasites were identified in the feces of captive wild cats and three in the feces of feral cats. For those captives, Toxocara cati (7.95%) had the highest prevalence, followed by Toxascaris leonina (7.58%), Isospora sp. (2.03%), Hymenolepis nana (0.92%), Eimeria sp., Giardia sp. and Blastocystis sp. (0.37% each) and Ascaris sp. (0.18%). Among the feral cats, we found Toxocara cati (59.26%), Giardia sp. (22.22%) and Isospora sp. (11.11%). For the captive group, we also distinguished natives from exotic species, finding native species to be more frequently parasitized than the exotic ones. Key to our findings, though, was the fact that a few parasite species were found among all groups of felids, specifically (Toxocara cati, Giardia sp. and Isospora sp). Further research is needed, however, to confirm that transmission of these parasites is occurring between and among these groups.

OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of trazodone following rectal administration of a single dose to healthy dogs. ANIMALS 6 healthy adult dogs. PROCEDURES Each dog received a single dose of trazodone (approx 8 mg/kg) per rectum. Trazodone tablets were crushed into a powder, mixed with 5 mL of tap water, and injected into the rectum via a red rubber catheter. Sedation scores were assigned, and blood samples were collected for determination of plasma trazodone concentration at predetermined times before and after drug administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by noncompartmental analysis. RESULTS Plasma trazodone concentration remained below the detection limit for 1 dog even though it became moderately sedate. Median (interquartile [25th to 75th percentile] range [IQR]) maximum plasma trazodone concentration and volume of distribution and clearance corrected for bioavailability were 1.00 μg/mL (0.66 to 1.40 μg/mL), 10.3 L/kg (7.37 to 14.4 L/kg), and 639 mL/kg/h (594 to 719 mL/kg/h), respectively. Median time to maximum plasma trazodone concentration and elimination half-life were 15 minutes (range, 15 to 30 minutes) and 12 hours (IQR, 7.99 to 12.7 hours), respectively. All dogs became mildly or moderately sedate, and the extent of sedation was maximal at a median of 30 minutes (IQR, 30 to 60 minutes) after trazodone administration. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Rectal administration of trazodone may be a viable option for sedation and treatment of anxiety in dogs for which administration of sedatives and anxiolytics by other routes is contraindicated. Further research is necessary to better elucidate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of trazodone following rectal administration and determine optimal dosing.

OBJECTIVE To determine the optimal energy profile for and to assess the feasibility and efficacy of ultrasonographic and laparoscopic guidance for microwave ablation (MWA) of clinically normal canine ovaries. SAMPLE 44 extirpated ovaries from 22 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES In the first of 2 trials, 13 dogs underwent oophorectomy by routine laparotomy. Extirpated ovaries underwent MWA at 45 W for 60 (n = 11) or 90 (12) seconds; 3 ovaries did not undergo MWA and served as histologic controls. Ovaries were histologically evaluated for cell viability. Ovaries without viable cells were categorized as completely ablated. Histologic results were used to identify the optimal MWA protocol for use in the subsequent trial. In the second trial, the ovaries of 9 dogs underwent MWA at 45 W for 90 seconds in situ. Ultrasonographic guidance for MWA was deemed unfeasible after evaluation of 1 ovary. The remaining 17 ovaries underwent MWA with laparoscopic guidance, after which routine laparoscopic oophorectomy was performed. Completeness of ablation was histologically assessed for all ovaries. RESULTS 2 ovaries were excluded from the trial 1 analysis because of equivocal cell viability. Six of 11 ovaries and 10 of 10 ovaries that underwent MWA for 60 and 90 seconds, respectively, were completely ablated. In trial 2, laparoscopic-guided MWA resulted in complete ablation for 12 of 17 ovaries. Dissection of the ovarian bursa for MWA probe placement facilitated complete ablation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Laparoscopic-guided MWA at 45 W for 90 seconds was feasible, safe, and effective for complete ablation of clinically normal ovaries in dogs.

This study aimed to determine the numbers, directions, localizations, diameters, morphometric values of the nutrient foramina (NF) in humerus of domestic mammals and to reveal the differences between the right and left humerus in animal species. In the study, a total of 223 humerus, large ruminants (56), small ruminants (60), equidae (29), sus (24), carnivora-dog (42), and carnivora-cat (12), were examined in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Van Yuzuncu Yil University. The numbers, shapes, directions, localization sites and localized surfaces of the NF’s were observed with the naked eye, and recorded. The locations of the NF’s were confirmed by calculating the Foraminal Index (FI). The diameters of the NF’s were measured using 1.2 mm (18 Gauge: G), 0.9 mm (20 G), 0.7 mm (22 G), 0.55 mm (24 G), and 0.1 mm (34 G) needles. In animal species, morphometric measurements were taken such as total length of the humerus (TLH), distance between the NF with the proximal end of the humerus (NFP), distance between the NF with the distal end of the humerus (NFD), FI and performed statistical analysis of the measured values.There was found a single NF in 99% of the examined humerus in the study. In general, it was seen that the NF’s were directed downwards, and located in the middle 1/3 with lower 1/3 segments. NF’s were determined to be localized to the facies caudalis in 100% of sus, in 93% of large ruminants and carnivoradogs, and in 85% of small ruminants; however, in equidae and carnivora-cats were all localized to the margo medialis. According to the statistics, no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between the right and left humerus NF measurement values in terms of morphometric properties. But only, the diameter of the NF in the small ruminants was statistically significant (p<0.05).It was found that the morphological and morphometric differences of NF’s in right and left humerus of domestic mammals. Moreover, in these animals, it is thought that the study may help veterinary clinicians and surgeons in evaluating of the pathological conditions related to humeral NF and planning of the operative applications to be performed in this region.

In this case report, clinicopathological findings and certain biochemical parameters were presented in quails with the pendulous crop. The animal material of the study consists of a total of 3 Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The quails were examined clinically first, followed by the post-mortem examinations. The investigations of Na, K, Mg, total TP and Alb were conducted using autoanalyzer. The plasma levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, total protein and albumin in the blood samples collected from the animals were found to be higher than the averages for quails. Postmortem examination of quails has revealed that the veins of their crops were prominently pronounced and that the crops were filled with a yellowish, foulodor liquid containing whole grain particles. Furthermore, the crop mucosa of an animal contained ulcerative lesions. As a result, it was found that certain mineral levels and protein profiles of animals were affected by the pendulous crop phenomenon, and that laboratory findings should be considered alongside physical findings when dealing with it.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prognostic value of measuring heart rate variability (HRV) in horses with colic at the time of admission to a referral hospital. ANIMALS 51 horses > 1 year of age with colic (41 that survived [survivors] and 10 that died or were euthanized [nonsurvivors]). PROCEDURES HRV was recorded within 1 hour after admission by use of heart rate sensors with horses restrained in stocks. A 5-minute recording period was analyzed to obtain HRV measurements (eg, SD of R-R intervals [SDRR], root mean square of successive differences between R-R intervals [RMSSD], and geometric SDs determined from Poincaré plots [SD1 and SD2]). Variables associated with outcome (survival vs nonsurvival) were identified. Measurements were compared among diagnostic categories for colic (obstructive, inflammatory, or ischemic). RESULTS SDRR and RMSSD were significantly higher in survivors (median [25th to 75th percentile], 91.0 milliseconds [78.9 to 114.6 milliseconds] and 64.8 milliseconds [40.9 to 78.4 milliseconds], respectively) than in nonsurvivors (50.7 milliseconds [29.1 to 69.2 milliseconds] and 33.4 milliseconds [12.6 to 47.9 milliseconds], respectively). Similarly, SD1 and SD2 were significantly higher in survivors (48.3 milliseconds [28.9 to 60.9 milliseconds] and 111.3 milliseconds [93.0 to 146.6 milliseconds], respectively) than in nonsurvivors (23.7 milliseconds [8.9 to 33.9 milliseconds] and 65.1 milliseconds [33.7 to 91.9 milliseconds], respectively). The SDRR and SD2 were significantly higher for horses with obstructive colic than for horses with ischemic colic. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Analysis of HRV in horses with colic may provide information on the underlying cause and be helpful in identifying horses less likely to survive.

OBJECTIVE To compare the speed of onset and analgesic effect of mepivacaine deposited within or immediately outside the neurovascular bundle at the base of the proximal sesamoid bones in horses. ANIMALS 6 horses with naturally occurring forefoot-related lameness. PROCEDURES In a crossover study design, horses were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 treatments first, with the second treatment administered 3 to 7 days later. Trotting gait was analyzed with an inertial sensor–based motion analysis system immediately before treatment to determine degree of lameness. Afterward, ultrasound guidance was used to inject 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride around the palmar digital nerves of the affected forelimb at the level of the base of the proximal sesamoid bones either within the subcircumneural space or outside the circumneural sheath. After injection, gait was reevaluated at 5-minute intervals for 45 minutes. RESULTS Mepivacaine deposition outside the circumneural sheath did not resolve lameness in any horse; for 3 horses, the mean time to 70% reduction of initial vertical head movement was 13.3 minutes, and the remaining 3 horses had no such reduction at any point. Mepivacaine deposition within the subcircumneural space resulted in a mean time to 70% reduction of initial vertical head movement of 6.7 minutes and mean time to resolution of lameness of 21.7 minutes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that when peripheral nerves of horses lie within a sheath, local anesthetic solution should be deposited within the sheath for an effective nerve block. If local anesthetic solution is deposited outside the sheath, the nerve block may yield erroneous results.

OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics of hydromorphone hydrochloride after IV and IM administration in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). ANIMALS 8 healthy adult guinea pigs (4 sexually intact females and 4 sexually intact males). PROCEDURES In a crossover study, hydromorphone (0.3 mg/kg) was administered once IM (epaxial musculature) or IV (cephalic catheter) to each guinea pig at a 1-week interval (2 treatments/guinea pig). Blood samples were collected before and at predetermined intervals after drug administration via a vascular access port. Plasma hydromorphone concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Noncompartmental analysis of data was used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters. RESULTS Mean ± SD clearance and volume of distribution for hydromorphone administered IV were 52.8 ± 13.5 mL/min/kg and 2.39 ± 0.479 L/kg, respectively. Mean residence time determined for the IV and IM administration routes was 0.77 ± 0.14 hours and 0.99 ± 0.34 hours, respectively. The maximum observed plasma concentration following IM administration of hydromorphone was 171.9 ± 29.4 ng/mL. No sedative effects were observed after drug administration by either route. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Pharmacokinetic data indicated that hydromorphone at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg may be administered IV every 2 to 3 hours or IM every 4 to 5 hours to maintain a target plasma concentration between 2 and 4 ng/mL in guinea pigs. Hydromorphone had high bioavailability after IM administration. Further research is necessary to evaluate the effects of other doses and administration routes and the analgesic effects of hydromorphone in guinea pigs.