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 The objective of this study was to obtain data on the testicular biometry of the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and to verify if there is a correlation between the individual’s biometric data with their dominance rank. Data were collected from 16 adult males, aged between two and seven years, who made up the same group. By the agonistic interactions analyses we calculated the linearity indexes (h') of the dominance hierarchy and dominance rank. At the end of the behavioral observations, males were captured to collect biometric data from the testis. White-lipped peccaries showed testicles located in a perineal position, inclined cranio-ventrally with oval shape, flattened laterally and with tenso-elastic consistency (2.54±0.07). There was variance in the means (± standard deviation) of testis length (5.88±1.05cm), width (4.24 ± 0.98cm), height (4.44±0.86cm), and total scrotal width (8.78±17.05). The linear dominance hierarchy described the social structure of the males of this group (h'>0.9), with probability of linearity in the hierarchy greater than chance (P = 0.02). There was a correlation between dominance rank with the body mass, length and volume of the testicles. As in general the dimensions of the testicles are directly correlated with sperm production and also testosterone, this characteristic favors the reproductive performance of dominant white-lips males. Therefore, the characteristics of testicular biometry of white-lips should be considered for the selection of individuals more likely to reproduce in captivity favoring the conservation of this vulnerable species.

Resumo O objetivo neste estudo foi obter dados sobre a biometria testicular do queixada (Tayassu pecari) e verificar se há correlação entre os dados biométricos do indivíduo com seu posto de dominância. Os dados foram coletados de 16 queixadas adultos, com idades entre dois e sete anos, que compunham o mesmo grupo. Por meio de análises das interações agonísticas foram calculados os índices de linearidade (h') da hierarquia de dominância e determinado o rank dos indivíduos. Ao final das observações comportamentais, os machos foram capturados para coleta de dados biométricos do testículo. Os queixadas apresentaram testículos localizados em posição perineal, inclinados cranioventralmente com formato oval, achatados láterolateralmente e com consistência tensoelástica (2,54±0,07). Houve variação nas médias (± desvio padrão) do comprimento testicular (5,88±1,05cm), largura (4,24±0,98cm), altura (4,44±0,86cm) e largura escrotal total (8,78±17,05). A hierarquia de dominância linear descreveu a estrutura social dos machos desse grupo (h'>0,9), com probabilidade de linearidade na hierarquia maior que o acaso (P = 0,02). Houve correlação entre a classificação de dominância com a massa corporal, comprimento e volume dos testículos. Como em geral as dimensões dos testículos estão diretamente correlacionadas com a produção de esperma e também de testosterona, essa característica favorece o desempenho reprodutivo de machos de queixadas brancos dominantes. Portanto, as características da biometria testicular de queixadas devem ser consideradas para a seleção de indivíduos com maior probabilidade de reprodução em cativeiro favorecendo a conservação desta espécie vulnerável.

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 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 objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an hCG subdose applied at the Hou Hai acupoint as an ovulation inducer in donkeys. Eleven donkeys were distributed in randomized blocks in T1 = application of 1,500 IU of hCG intravenous (IV); T2 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the false acupoint (IV), and T3 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the Hou Hai acupoint. There was no difference (P > 0.05) between the treatments regarding the mean diameter of the pre-ovulatory follicle (34.5 ± 1.3 mm), the ovulation rate (96.97%), the interval between induction and ovulation (58.07 ± 16.82 h), the mean diameter of the CL (D0 = 23.0 ± 0.6; D2 = 27.7 ± 1.9 and D8 = 28.2 ± 0.8mm), and serum P4 concentrations (10.50 ± 2.99 ng.mL-1). The application of 450 IU of hCG at the Hou Hai acupoint increased ovulation rate (72.73%) more than 48 h after induction (P = 0.03) and a larger diameter of the CL on D4 (30.7 ± 5.1 mm) (P = 0.04). The vascularization area of the CL on D8, obtained by minimum number of colored pixel (NCP), was greater (P < 0.05) in the donkeys that received 1,500 IU of IV hCG (T1, 41.91 ± 1.17), and we found a positive correlation (P < 0.05) between mean NCP and P4 concentration in the donkeys that received 450 IU of hCG IV at the false acupoint (T2) or at the Hou Hai acupoint (T3). The application of 450 IU of hCG by IV route at the false acupoint or the Hou Hai acupoint was sufficient to induce ovulation in donkeys, demonstrating that the average dosage commonly used for this species is too high.

<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>

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, por meio da ultrassonografia, os efeitos da acupuntura na involução uterina, durante período puerperal eutócico em cadelas, com estimulação elétrica (eletroacupuntura). Estudou-se o fenômeno da involução uterina eutócica, em 16 fêmeas divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos de oito animais cada, em que o grupo 1 (G1) recebeu tratamento com estimulação elétrica (eletroacupuntura) da agulha nos pontos BP6, F3, Bai Hui, VC1, B23 e B26, e o grupo 2 (G2), grupo controle, recebeu tratamento em pontos Sham (pontos falsos). O acompanhamento do fenômeno da involução uterina foi realizado por ultrassonografia convencional, nos dias 0 (dia do parto), 1, 3, 7 e 14 pós-parto. Utilizou-se a avaliação estatística pelo método SAS, com o propósito de comparar os grupos. Os resultados dos exames ultrassonográficos (média e desvios padrões em centímetros) para o período próprio de observação foram, respectivamente: G1: 0,30 ± 0,01 (P); 2,08 ± 0,21 (LU); 4,13 ± 0,23 (DU) e G2: 0,31 ± 0,01 (P); 1,82 ± 0,09 (LU); 3,92 ± 0,11 (DU). Pôde-se concluir que a eletroacupuntura apresentou efeitos sobre o tônus uterino (duradouros e uniformes ao final do tratamento). A eletroacupuntura infere positivamente no tônus uterino, corroborando no auxílio da prevenção de transtornos puerperais.

The aim of this study was to evaluate, by means of ultrasound exam, acupuncture effects on uterine involution during the postpartum period in bitches with electroacupuncture. The phenomenon of eutocic uterine involution was studied in 16 bitches, randomly divided into two groups of eight animals each. Group 1 (G1) was treated with electric stimulation (electroacupuncture) of the needle at the points SP6, L3, Bai Hui, TB1, B23, B26, and group 2 (G2), the control group, received treatment in Sham points (placebo points), also with electrical stimuli. The monitoring of the phenomenon of uterine involution was performed by ultrasonography on days 0 (partum), 1, 3, 7 and 14 postpartum. We used SAS statistical analysis method, in order to compare the groups. The results of ultrasound examinations (mean and standard deviations in cm) for the period of observation were as follows: G1: 0.30 ± 0.01 (P), 2.08 ± 0.21 (LU), 4.13 ± 0.23 (DU) and G2: 0.31 ± 0.01 (P) 1.82 ± 0.09 (LU), 3.92 ± 0.11 (DU). We concluded that electroacupuncture affected uterine tone (lasting and uniform at the end of treatment). Electroacupuncture produces a positive tone in the uterus, aiding at the prevention of puerperal diseases.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se a dose de ranitidina 2mg kg-1, aplicada via intravenosa, causa êmese ou hipotensão em cães saudáveis. Foram selecionados 10 cães da raça Retriever do Labrador, 10 da raça Beagle e 10 cães sem raça definida, sendo cinco animais de cada sexo. Os animais foram submetidos ao exame clínico e à avaliação da pressão sanguínea antes da aplicação do fármaco e também 10 minutos e quatro horas após a administração deste. Após a aplicação, observou-se que 13,3% dos animais apresentaram-se normais; 6,7% dos cães apresentaram apatia; 50% dos animais apresentaram salivação e 30% apresentaram apatia, salivação, mímica de vômito ou êmese. Não houve diminuição significativa da pressão arterial após a administração do fármaco. Conclui-se que o uso de ranitidina na dose terapêutica, aplicada via intravenosa, pode provocar apatia, salivação, mímica de vômito e êmese.

The purpose of this study was to verify if the ranitidine dosage of 2mg kg-1 by intravenous path causes emesis or hypotension in healthy dogs. They were selected 10 Labrador Retriever, 10 Beagles and 10 mongrel dogs, five animals of each sex. The animals were submitted to clinical examination and blood pressure evaluation before ranitidine administration and also 10 minutes and 4 hours after administration of it. After administration was observed that 13.3% of the animals presented normal; 6.7% of the dogs presented apathy; 50% of the animals presented salivation and 30% presented apathy, salivation, emesis mimic or emesis. There was no significative arterial blood pressure decrease after ranitidine administration. It was concluded that ranitidine useful in therapeutic dosage by intravenous path may provoke apathy, salivation, emesis mimic and emesis.