Foi avaliada a eficiência do decocto das folhas de cajá (Spondias mombin L.) como antisséptico no pós-cirúrgico de gatos submetidos à orquiectomia e ovariosalpingohisterectomia. Para tal, foram submetidos à castração 45 gatos sem raça definida, divididos em três grupos. O primeiro grupo como controle positivo com Solução Alcoólica de Clorexidine a 0,5%; segundo grupo controle negativo com água destilada estéril; e o grupo teste com o decocto de cajá à concentração de 100 mg/mL. Todos os animais, independentemente da idade e sexo, tiveram cicatrização visível em tempo similar. Animais tratados com o decocto apresentaram uma redução significativa do crescimento bacteriano. Além disso, observou-se uma melhor cicatrização das feridas cirúrgicas dos animais tratados no grupo teste. Todas as estirpes bacterianas isoladas apresentaram halo de inibição para clorexidine e para Spondias mombin L. Portanto, o decocto das folhas da Spondias mombin L. apresentou eficácia antisséptica nas feridas cirúrgicas de gatos submetidos à orquiectomia e ovariosalpingohisterectomia. | This survey evaluated mombin leaves (Spondias mombin L.) decoction efficiency as an antiseptic during post-surgery period on cats submitted to orchiectomy and ovariosalpingohisterectomy. For this purpose, 45 castrated mongrels cats were divided into three groups, the first group as a positive control using 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol solution, the second a negative control group using sterile distilled water and, finally, the test group using mombin leaves decocted with a concentration of 100 mg/mL. All animals, independent of age and sex, had visibly healed in most cases in a similar time. Animals treated with mombin leaves decoction presented a significant reduction of bacterial growth. In addition, the animals treated in the test group had better surgical wound healing. All isolated bacterial strains presented inhibition halo for chlorhexidine and for Spondias mombin L. Thus, the decoction of Spondias mombin L. leaves proved antiseptic efficacy in the surgical wounds of cats submitted to orchiectomy and ovariosalpingohisterectomy.

This survey evaluated mombin leaves (Spondias mombin L.) decoction efficiency as an antiseptic during post-surgery period on cats submitted to orchiectomy and ovariosalpingohisterectomy. For this purpose, 45 castrated mongrels cats were divided into three groups, the first group as a positive control using 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol solution, the second a negative control group using sterile distilled water and, finally, the test group using mombin leaves decocted with a concentration of 100 mg/mL. All animals, independent of age and sex, had visibly healed in most cases in a similar time. Animals treated with mombin leaves decoction presented a significant reduction of bacterial growth. In addition, the animals treated in the test group had better surgical wound healing. All isolated bacterial strains presented inhibition halo for chlorhexidine and for Spondias mombin L. Thus, the decoction of Spondias mombin L. leaves proved antiseptic efficacy in the surgical wounds of cats submitted to orchiectomy and ovariosalpingohisterectomy.

A contaminação do solo por fezes de cães e gatos pode se tornar um problema de saúde pública devido à transmissão de vários agentes etiológicos que causam zoonoses. Este estudo objetivou verificar a ocorrência de geohelmintos no solo de praças públicas do município de Rio Branco, estado do Acre, Brasil. Cinco praças públicas foram selecionadas e amostras de solo foram colhidas entre abril de 2014 e março de 2015. As amostras foram processadas pelos métodos de Baermann-Moraes e centrífugo-flutuação. A positividade observada para geohelmintos foi de 25% para Toxocara spp., 6,6% para a Superfamília Ancylostomatoidea e 1,6% para Trichuris spp.. Medidas devem ser implementadas para prevenir a livre circulação de animais nestes locais, bem como a desverminação de cães e gatos de rua e a implementação de políticas de adoção e controle populacional de cães e gatos.Palavras-chave: Contaminação do solo. Praças públicas. Toxocara. Ancylostomatoidea. | Soil contamination by dog and cat feces can become a public health problem due to the transmission of various etiologic agents that cause zoonoses. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of geohelminths in the soil of some public square areas of the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre State, Western Brazilian Amazon. Five public squares were selected, and soil samples collection was performed from April 2014 to March 2015. The samples were processed by using the Baermann-Moraes and centrifugal‑flotation methods. Geohelminths positivity was of 25% for Toxocara spp., 6.6% for the Ancylostomatoidea Superfamily and 1.6 for Trichuris spp.. Measures should be implemented to prevent the free access of animals to these places, as well as deworming of stray dogs and cats and the implementation of population control and policies for such animals.

Soil contamination by dog and cat feces can become a public health problem due to the transmission of various etiologic agents that cause zoonoses. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of geohelminths in the soil of some public square areas of the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre State, Western Brazilian Amazon. Five public squares were selected, and soil samples collection was performed from April 2014 to March 2015. The samples were processed by using the Baermann-Moraes and centrifugal‑flotation methods. Geohelminths positivity was of 25% for Toxocara spp., 6.6% for the Ancylostomatoidea Superfamily and 1.6 for Trichuris spp.. Measures should be implemented to prevent the free access of animals to these places, as well as deworming of stray dogs and cats and the implementation of population control and policies for such animals.

O método de reprodução mais utilizado em bovinos de corte no Brasil é a monta natural, que corresponde a 84% dos bezerros nascidos. Os criadores adotam a relação touro:vaca de 1:25, o que resulta em uma subutilização de touros, tornando a reprodução natural antieconômica e subestimando a capacidade reprodutiva de touros competentes. A proporção touro:vaca é determinada por alguns fatores, como clima e nutrição, mas o principal fator determinante é a fertilidade do touro, estimada de forma mais precisa por meio do exame andrológico. O objetivo deste estudo foi construir um modelo de simulação como auxílio para a escolha da melhor relação touro:vaca de acordo com a combinação dos diversos fatores que determinam essa relação. É um modelo conceitual, empírico, estático e determinista que, por meio do processamento dos dados de entrada, simula a melhor relação touro:vaca. O modelo foi desenvolvido no software Vensim PLE 6.1. e descreve variáveis relacionadas a touros e vacas. Duas equações foram geradas para prever o potencial de acasalamento dos machos. Da mesma forma, de acordo com a condição reprodutiva das fêmeas, foram geradas equações para prever a taxa de ciclicidade delas. A soma dessas equações originou o que determina a relação touro:vaca de acordo com a condição reprodutiva das fêmeas. Esse modelo pode servir como um recurso para apoiar a decisão sobre a melhor relação touro:vaca e pode ser usado com várias combinações de características dos modelos. | The most used reproduction method in beef cattle in Brazil is natural breeding, which corresponds to 84% of calves born. Breeders adopt the bull:cow ratio of 1:25, which results in a sub utilization of bulls, making natural breeding antieconomic and underestimating the reproductive ability of competent bulls. The bull:cow ratio is determined by several factors, such as climate and nutrition, but the most determining factor is the fertility of the bull, estimated with more precision through breeding soundness examination of bulls. The aim of this study was to develop a simulation model as an aid to choose the best bull:cow ratio according to the combination of the many factors that determine this ratio. It is a conceptual, empiric, static, and determinist model which, through the processing of the input data, simulates the best BCR. Developed on the Vensim PLE 6.1 software, the model describes variables related to bulls and cows. Two equations were generated to predict the mating potential of males. In the same way, according to the reproductive status of females, equations were generated to predict the cyclicity rate of the cows. The sum of these equations originated the one that determines BCR according to the reproductive status of females. This model might serve as a tool to support decisions as to the best BCR and could be used with several combinations of models´ characteristics.

The most used reproduction method in beef cattle in Brazil is natural breeding, which corresponds to 84% of calves born. Breeders adopt the bull:cow ratio of 1:25, which results in a sub utilization of bulls, making natural breeding antieconomic and underestimating the reproductive ability of competent bulls. The bull:cow ratio is determined by several factors, such as climate and nutrition, but the most determining factor is the fertility of the bull, estimated with more precision through breeding soundness examination of bulls. The aim of this study was to develop a simulation model as an aid to choose the best bull:cow ratio according to the combination of the many factors that determine this ratio. It is a conceptual, empiric, static, and determinist model which, through the processing of the input data, simulates the best BCR. Developed on the Vensim PLE 6.1 software, the model describes variables related to bulls and cows. Two equations were generated to predict the mating potential of males. In the same way, according to the reproductive status of females, equations were generated to predict the cyclicity rate of the cows. The sum of these equations originated the one that determines BCR according to the reproductive status of females. This model might serve as a tool to support decisions as to the best BCR and could be used with several combinations of models´ characteristics.

Síndrome Dolorosa Miofascial (SDM) é uma condição dolorosa relacionada aos pontos gatilhos miofasciais (PG) no músculo esquelético. Este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a etiologia, fisiopatogenia, diagnóstico e tratamento na medicina veterinária. Foram utilizados sites de pesquisas Scientific Electronic Library, Pubmed e Medline. Os critérios de inclusão estabelecidos foram: ser escrito em inglês; no período de 1990 a 2018; ter as palavras chaves para busca: myofascial pain syndrome veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/ horse/equine, trigger points veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/horse/equine. Após a revisão observa-se que faltam estudos clínicos em medicina veterinária, sendo que os artigos encontrados se limitam à descrição, incidência e técnicas pontuais em cães e equinos, não sendo encontradas referencias em felinos. | Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) a is a painful condition related to myofascial trigger points (TP) in skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to perform a literature review on the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of MPS in veterinary medicine. The research sites used for this purpose were: Scientific Electronic Library, PubMed and Medline. The inclusion criteria for the papers were: must be written in English; published between 1990 and 2018; include the following keywords: myofascial pain syndrome veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/horse/equine, trigger points veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/horse/equine. Through the review, it was observed that veterinary clinical studies are scarce, and the articles found lack information such as MPS description, incidence and specific treatment techniques in dogs and horses, and no studies in cats were found.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) a is a painful condition related to myofascial trigger points (TP) in skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to perform a literature review on the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of MPS in veterinary medicine. The research sites used for this purpose were: Scientific Electronic Library, PubMed and Medline. The inclusion criteria for the papers were: must be written in English; published between 1990 and 2018; include the following keywords: myofascial pain syndrome veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/horse/equine, trigger points veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/horse/equine. Through the review, it was observed that veterinary clinical studies are scarce, and the articles found lack information such as MPS description, incidence and specific treatment techniques in dogs and horses, and no studies in cats were found.

O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a presença de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em amostras de soro de 100 pardais (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) capturados na área urbana do município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-T. gondii foi utilizado o teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) e foram consideradas positivas as amostras que apresentaram título > 5. Das 100 amostras de soro analisadas, 80 (80%) foram reagentes. Esses resultados demonstram que P. domesticus, por ser amplamente distribuído em todo país, pode desempenhar um papel importante na cadeia epidemiológica de T. gondii, podendo atuar como fonte de infecção para felinos domésticos e silvestres. | The objective of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from 100 sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) that were caught in an urban area in southern Brazil. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to investigate anti-T. gondii antibodies and samples with a cut-off dilution > 5 were considered positive. Among the 100 serum samples analyzed, 80 (80%) were reactive. These results demonstrate that P. domesticus may play an important role in the epidemiological chain of T. gondii, since it is widely distributed throughout Brazil, and it may act as a source of infection to domestic, semi-domestic cats and to free-living wild felids.

The objective of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from 100 sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) that were caught in an urban area in southern Brazil. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to investigate anti-T. gondii antibodies and samples with a cut-off dilution > 5 were considered positive. Among the 100 serum samples analyzed, 80 (80%) were reactive. These results demonstrate that P. domesticus may play an important role in the epidemiological chain of T. gondii, since it is widely distributed throughout Brazil, and it may act as a source of infection to domestic, semi-domestic cats and to free-living wild felids.

Copaifera langsdorffii é uma planta nativa brasileira usada para cicatrização de feridas e como agente anti-inflamatório. As feridas que não cicatrizam são um importante problema de saúde em equinos, devido à possibilidade de afastamento da carreira atlética ou até mesmo levar à morte. Além disso, os cavalos respondem às feridas com resposta inflamatória crônica e intensa granulação, atrasando o processo cicatricial. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho avaliou o potencial do extrato hidroalcoólico (EH) e cremes de óleo resina (OR) de Copaifera langsdorffii em feridas cutâneas de equinos. Quatro feridas de 2 cm foram realizadas bilateralmente na região lombar de seis equinos e tratadas diariamente com: solução salina, veículo, creme EH 10% ou creme OR 10%. Diariamente foi efetuada a análise macroscópica das feridas e planimetria para mensurar a área da ferida. Em quatro períodos experimentais diferentes (3, 7, 14 e 21 dias), as biópsias foram realizadas e utilizadas para análises microscópicas. As análises microscópica e clínica indicaram melhor resposta cicatricial nas feridas tratadas com HE e OR em comparação com os controles. O grupo OR apresentou melhor qualidade de cicatrização, especificamente após sete dias de tratamento. Portanto, as formulações de Copaifera langsdorffii utilizadas apresentaram potencial de cicatrização de feridas em lesões de pele de cavalo, exibindo uma melhora nos parâmetros macro e microscópicos. | Copaifera langsdorffii is a Brazilian native plant that is used for wound healing or as an anti-inflammatory agent. Non-healing wounds are an important health problem, particularly in horses, because they can cause the animal invalidity or even lead to death. In addition, horses respond to skin wounds with chronic inflammatory response and intense wound granulation, thereby delaying the healing process. By this way, our aim was to evaluate the healing potential of Copaifera langsdorffii hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and oil-resin creams (OR) in horse skin wounds. Four wounds were performed bilaterally in the lumbar region of six horses with a 2 cm punch and treated daily with the respective treatments: saline solution, vehicle, 10% HE creams or 10% OR cream. Daily planimetry analyses were performed to measure the wound area and clinical parameters. In four different experimental periods (3, 7, 14 and 21 d), wound biopsies were removed and used for microscopic analyses. SS wounds presented a significant small area at day 3 and 7, OR wounds presented significant small area in comparison with HE at 14 d, and no significant difference was observed between treatments at 21 d. A better microscopic and clinical healing activity of HE and OR was identified in comparison with the controls. The OR group showed better healing quality, specifically after 7 d of treatment. Therefore, Copaifera langsdorffii formulations demonstrated their wound healing potential in horse skin lesions, exhibiting an improvement of the macro- and microscopic parameters.

Copaifera langsdorffii is a Brazilian native plant that is used for wound healing or as an anti-inflammatory agent. Non-healing wounds are an important health problem, particularly in horses, because they can cause the animal invalidity or even lead to death. In addition, horses respond to skin wounds with chronic inflammatory response and intense wound granulation, thereby delaying the healing process. By this way, our aim was to evaluate the healing potential of Copaifera langsdorffii hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and oil-resin creams (OR) in horse skin wounds. Four wounds were performed bilaterally in the lumbar region of six horses with a 2 cm punch and treated daily with the respective treatments: saline solution, vehicle, 10% HE creams or 10% OR cream. Daily planimetry analyses were performed to measure the wound area and clinical parameters. In four different experimental periods (3, 7, 14 and 21 d), wound biopsies were removed and used for microscopic analyses. SS wounds presented a significant small area at day 3 and 7, OR wounds presented significant small area in comparison with HE at 14 d, and no significant difference was observed between treatments at 21 d. A better microscopic and clinical healing activity of HE and OR was identified in comparison with the controls. The OR group showed better healing quality, specifically after 7 d of treatment. Therefore, Copaifera langsdorffii formulations demonstrated their wound healing potential in horse skin lesions, exhibiting an improvement of the macro- and microscopic parameters.

O tratamento conservativo dos abscessos abdominais em equinos requer antibioticoterapia prolongada e apresenta variadas taxas de sucesso. Foi atendido um cavalo de seis anos de idade, com histórico de cólica e múltiplas punções abdominais por agulha para esvaziamento de gás. Na admissão, foram observados taquicardia, taquipnéia, hipertermia, congestão mucosa, desidratação e marcha rígida. A associação do exame físico, achados laboratoriais e ultrassonográficos permitiu o diagnóstico de peritonite e abscesso abdominal. Foi realizado tratamento suporte e antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro: ceftriaxona intraperitoneal diária (25 mg/kg, 7 dias); gentamicina intravenosa diária (6,6 mg/kg, 7 dias); metronidazol oral três vezes ao dia (15 mg/kg, 12 dias), seguido de mesma dose duas vezes ao dia, por mais 33 dias, totalizando 45 dias de tratamento. O fibrinogênio plasmático e o exame ultrassonográfico foram os recursos mais eficazes para a avaliação da evolução do abscesso. Após 24 horas do início do tratamento foi constatada a normalização do exame fisico, regressão progressiva da contagem de células nucleadas no líquido peritoneal, do fibrinogênio plasmático e do tamanho do abscesso. No 10° dia de tratamento o animal recebeu alta hospitalar, mantendo-se a terapia oral com metronidazol a cada 12 horas (15 mg/Kg). Em retorno, ao 30° dia, observou-se regressão do tamanho do abscesso, entretanto, não houve resolução, tendo sido mantida a terapia com metronidazol. No 45º dia de tratamento, realizou-se nova avaliação hospitalar, onde foi observada a resolução do abscesso e a admnistração do metronidazol foi suspensa. Destaca-se, que a associação terapêutica utilizada no tratamento de infecção abdominal e abscesso resultou em rápida resposta clínica. | Medical management of abdominal abscesses in horses requires prolonged antibiotic therapy and presents varied success rates. A 6-year-old male horse with a history of colic and multiple abdominal punctures to relieve gas was attended. At admission, tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, mucosal congestion, dehydration, and rigid gait were observed. The association of physical examination, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings allowed the diagnoses of peritonitis and abdominal abscess. Supporting treatment plus broad spectrum antibiotic therapy was performed: daily intraperitoneal ceftriaxone (25 mg/kg, 7 days); daily intravenous gentamicin (6.6 mg/kg, 7 days); per os metronidazole three times a day (15 mg/kg 12 days), followed by the same dose twice a day (15 mg/kg 33 days), totaling 45 days of treatment. Plasma fibrinogen and ultrasonographic examination were the most effective tools to evaluate abscess evolution. There was normalization of the physical examination 24 h after beginning the treatment, consecutive regression of the nucleated cell count in the peritoneal fluid, and regression of plasma fibrinogen and size of the abscess. On the 10th treatment day, the animal was discharged from the hospital, maintaining oral therapy with metronidazole every 12 h (15 mg / kg). When the animal returned on the 30th day, an abscess size regression was observed. However, there was no resolution, and therapy with metronidazole was maintained. On the 45th day of treatment, a new hospital evaluation was performed, where the abscess resolved, and metronidazole was suspended. It is highlighted that the therapeutic association used in the treatment of abdominal infection and abscess resulted in a rapid clinical response

Medical management of abdominal abscesses in horses requires prolonged antibiotic therapy and presents varied success rates. A 6-year-old male horse with a history of colic and multiple abdominal punctures to relieve gas was attended. At admission, tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, mucosal congestion, dehydration, and rigid gait were observed. The association of physical examination, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings allowed the diagnoses of peritonitis and abdominal abscess. Supporting treatment plus broad spectrum antibiotic therapy was performed: daily intraperitoneal ceftriaxone (25 mg/kg, 7 days); daily intravenous gentamicin (6.6 mg/kg, 7 days); per os metronidazole three times a day (15 mg/kg 12 days), followed by the same dose twice a day (15 mg/kg 33 days), totaling 45 days of treatment. Plasma fibrinogen and ultrasonographic examination were the most effective tools to evaluate abscess evolution. There was normalization of the physical examination 24 h after beginning the treatment, consecutive regression of the nucleated cell count in the peritoneal fluid, and regression of plasma fibrinogen and size of the abscess. On the 10th treatment day, the animal was discharged from the hospital, maintaining oral therapy with metronidazole every 12 h (15 mg / kg). When the animal returned on the 30th day, an abscess size regression was observed. However, there was no resolution, and therapy with metronidazole was maintained. On the 45th day of treatment, a new hospital evaluation was performed, where the abscess resolved, and metronidazole was suspended. It is highlighted that the therapeutic association used in the treatment of abdominal infection and abscess resulted in a rapid clinical response

A função do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal pode estar comprometida em pacientes com doenças críticas, em especial casos de sepse, sendo nomeada de Insuficiência Corticosteroide Relacionada à Doença Crítica (ICRDC). O presente trabalho analisou a função do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal em cães normais (n=10) e cães portadores de doenças críticas (n=16), por meio de determinações de ACTH (hormônio adrenocorticotrófico) endógeno, de cortisol basal e de cortisol após estímulo com baixa dose de ACTH sintético (1,0μg/kg/IV). Constatou-se que o teste de estimulação com ACTH na dose testada se mostrou eficaz para avaliação da função adrenal em cães sadios e doentes. Os cães doentes diferiram dos sadios ao apresentar valores maiores de cortisol basal. Oito cães doentes apresentaram diminuição do ACTH endógeno, do cortisol basal ou do Δ-cortisol. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos Controle e Criticamente enfermos para os valores de ACTH endógeno, cortisol após estimulação ou Δ-cortisol. Concluiu-se que o teste de estimulação com baixa dose de ACTH mostrou-se eficaz para avaliação da função adrenal, assim como, uma parcela considerável da população de cães críticos aqui estudados, em especial com sepse, apresentaram evidências de resposta corticosteroide inadequada frente ao estresse. | The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis function may be impaired in patients with critical illnesses, especially cases of sepsis, named critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI). This study examined the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in normal dogs (n = 10) and dogs with critical diseases (n = 16), through determinations of endogenous ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), basal cortisol and cortisol after stimulation in low doses of synthetic ACTH (1.0μg/kg/IV). The stimulation test with ACTH dose tested was verified as effective for evaluation of adrenal function in healthy and sick dogs. Ill dogs differed from healthy dogs by presenting higher basal cortisol values. Eight sick dogs presented a decrease in endogenous ACTH, basal cortisol, or Δ-cortisol. No significant differences were found between the control groups and critically ill dogs for the values of endogenous ACTH, cortisol after stimulation or Δ-cortisol. We concluded that the stimulation test with low-dose ACTH was effective for evaluation of adrenal function, as well as the fact that a considerable portion of critically ill dogs studied here, especially with sepsis, had evidence of inadequate corticosteroid response to stress. 

The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis function may be impaired in patients with critical illnesses, especially cases of sepsis, named critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI). This study examined the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in normal dogs (n = 10) and dogs with critical diseases (n = 16), through determinations of endogenous ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), basal cortisol and cortisol after stimulation in low doses of synthetic ACTH (1.0μg/kg/IV). The stimulation test with ACTH dose tested was verified as effective for evaluation of adrenal function in healthy and sick dogs. Ill dogs differed from healthy dogs by presenting higher basal cortisol values. Eight sick dogs presented a decrease in endogenous ACTH, basal cortisol, or Δ-cortisol. No significant differences were found between the control groups and critically ill dogs for the values of endogenous ACTH, cortisol after stimulation or Δ-cortisol. We concluded that the stimulation test with low-dose ACTH was effective for evaluation of adrenal function, as well as the fact that a considerable portion of critically ill dogs studied here, especially with sepsis, had evidence of inadequate corticosteroid response to stress.