ABSTRACT Purpose: This study compared, through biomechanical evaluation under ventral flexion load, four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs. Methods: In total, 28 identical atlantoaxial joint models were created by digital printing from computed tomography images of a dog, and the specimens were divided into four groups of seven. In each group, a different technique for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint was performed: transarticular lag screws, polyaxial screws, multiple screws and bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate–PMMA), and atlantoaxial plate. After the stabilization technique, biomechanical evaluation was performed under ventral flexion load, both with a predefined constant load and with a gradually increasing load until stabilization failure. Results: All specimens, regardless of stabilization technique, were able to support the predefined load without failing. However, the PMMA method provided significant more rigidity (p ≤ 0.05) and also best resisted the gradual increase in load, supporting a significantly higher maximum force (p ≤ 0.05). There was no statistical difference in flexural strength between the transarticular lag screws and plate groups. The polyaxial screws method was significantly less resistant to loading (p ≤ 0.05) than the other groups. Conclusions: The PMMA technique had biomechanical advantages in ventral atlantoaxial stabilization over the other evaluated methods.

Abstract Introduction Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is a disabling otologic urgency whose ethiopathogenesis is still controversial. Only in recent years metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been implicated as a possible aggravating factor in the prognosis of recovery from ISSHL. Objective To assess whether the preexistence of MetS interferes on hearing recovery levels. Methods Retrospective cohort study composed of adult (> 18 years old) ISSHL patients admitted for treatment between January 2015 and December 2019. To diagnose ISSHL, we used pure-tone audiometry, and identified MetS patients based on the criteria of the United States National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEPATP III). The treatment protocol comprised hospitalization for five days for the intravenous administration of dexamethasone, audiometric surveillance, imaging and blood analyses, and, based on recovery, the planning of rescue treatments (intratympanic administration of dexamethasone and/or hyperbaric oxygen). The Siegel criteria were used to evaluate the hearing outcomes. Results The final sample was composed of 81 patients, 48 without MetS (nMetS) and 33 with MetS. Regarding the Siegel recovery category, the nMetS group had significantly better results (p = 0.001), with 44% of complete recoveries against 6% in the MetS, and 58% of the MetS patients had the worst outcome, contrasting with 27% in the nMetS group. The nMetS group had an overall better evolution in terms of hearing recovery and had a significant improvement in the median hearing gain (20.6 dB versus 8.8 dB; p = 0.008). Additionally, the multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of MetS is a significant risk factor for a worse outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.10–0.85). Conclusion Regardless of age, gender, the initial audiometry threshold, and autoimmunity, MetS is a clear risk factor for a worse outcome regarding the recovery of hearing after ISSHL.

RESUMO: A laminectomia dorsal é realizada com frequência no tratamento de compressões medulares ou estenose do canal vertebral cervical. No entanto, complicações relevantes têm sido descritas em cães. Considerando que ainda não há entendimento completo da necessidade de estabilização cirúrgica complementar após a realização de uma ou múltiplas laminectomias na região cervical, o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a resistência e amplitude de movimento (ADM) da coluna cervical submetida à laminectomia Funkquist B entre a sexta e a sétima vértebras em cães. Quarenta e quatro colunas vertebrais cervicais (C2-T1) de cães, com peso médio de 26,2 ± 3,8 kg, foram selecionadas por meio de radiografia e tomografia computadorizada. Quatro grupos experimentais (n = 11) foram estabelecidos de acordo com o teste mecânico realizado: dois grupos controle (flexão e extensão controle) e dois grupos laminectomia (flexão e extensão laminectomia). Os resultados numéricos da carga máxima para medir a resistência e ADM das colunas dos dois grupos de controle e dos dois grupos de laminectomia foram comparados. Os grupos de laminectomia apresentaram menores valores de carga máxima, independentemente do teste mecânico realizado (P < 0,001). A ADM não foi influenciada pela laminectomia, tipo de teste mecânico (flexão ou extensão ventral) ou sua interação (P < 0,05). Não houve interação entre o efeito do fator de laminectomia, sim ou não, ou o efeito do teste mecânico na flexão ou extensão ventral (P < 0,05). A laminectomia cervical dorsal Funkquist B entre C6 e C7 diminui a resistência mecânica com uma força de carga suprafisiológica, mas não altera a ADM, sugerindo que pode ser usada sem estabilização mecânica adicional em cães.

ABSTRACT: Dorsal laminectomy is routinely performed for spinal cord compressions or stenosis of the cervical vertebral canal. However, despite good results, relevant complications have been described in dogs. Considering the incomplete understanding of the necessity for complementary surgical stabilization after performing laminectomies in the cervical region, this study compared the resistance and range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spinal column subjected to Funkquist B laminectomy between the sixth and seventh vertebrae in dogs. Forty-four cervical vertebral columns (C2-T1) of dogs, with an average weight of 26.2±3.8 kg, were selected using radiography and computed tomography. Four experimental groups (n=11) were established according to the mechanical test: two control groups (flexion and extension control) and two laminectomy groups (flexion and extension laminectomies). Numerical results of the maximum load for measuring the resistance and ROM of the columns of the two control groups and the two laminectomy groups were compared. The laminectomy groups showed a lower maximum load, regardless of the mechanical test performed (P<0.001). The ROM was not influenced by laminectomy, the type of mechanical test (ventral flexion or extension), or its interaction (P<0.05). There was no interaction between the effect of the laminectomy factors (yes or no) and the effect of the mechanical tests for ventral flexion or extension (P<0.05). In conclusion, Funkquist B dorsal cervical laminectomy between C6 and C7 decreases mechanical resistance with a supraphysiological loading force but does not alter the ROM, suggesting that it can be used without additional mechanical stabilization in dogs.

Abstract A two-dimensional interface finite element capable of associating flat shell elements positioned one above the other was developed. The implemented interface element can physically simulate the contact between the flat shell elements and connect the reference planes of the shell elements above and below it. The formulation presented allows consideration of nonlinear behavior for the deformable connection as well as for the concrete and steel materials that make up the shell structure. One of the practical applications analyzed in this research is the numerical simulation of composite floors formed by a reinforced concrete slab connected to steel beams through a deformable connection. In this case, the concrete slab and the steel beams are discretized by flat shell elements and the deformable connection is discretized by two-dimensional interface elements. Experimental and numerical results from literature were used to validate the implemented elements. In the two examples analyzed, the results obtained for the displacements were close, with the difference, in the first case, being associated with uncertainties during the experimental test and in the second, the difference in theories used in the formulation of the implemented elements.

RESUMO: Este trabalho descreve a fratura patológica da cabeça do femur (displasia fiseal) em quatro machos (três raças mistas e um Bengal), com idade média de 16 meses, que foram tratados com ostectomia da cabeça e colo femorais. Três gatos eram castrados e um inteiro. Todos apresentaram leve claudicação intermitente nos membros pélvicos. O deslocamento da epífise femoral e a reabsorção do colo femoral estavam presentes, a excisão da cabeça e colo femoral foi realizada em todos os casos. O exame histológico mostrou focos de compacteção e fibrose trabecular com deposição de tecido conjuntivo fibroso, permeado por tecidos de granulação, consistentes com o suposto diagnóstico. A função dos membros melhorou em todos os paciente entre dois a quatro semanas pós-operatório. O diagnóstico da displasia fiseal pe desafiador e o tratamento é diferente das fraturas traumáticas agudas. A excisão de cabeça e colo femoral é considerada uma boa alternativa nesses pacientes.

ABSTRACT: This report described pathological fracture of the femoral head (physeal dysplasia) in four male cats (three mixed breed and one Bengal), with an average age of 16 months, treated by an ostectomy of the femoral head and neck. Three cats were neutered and one entire. All presented with mild intermittent lameness in the pelvic limbs. Displacement of the femoral epiphysis and resorption of the femoral neck were present and excision of the femoral head and remaining neck was performed in all cases. Hstological examination showed mild foci of compaction and trabecular fibrosis with deposition of fibrous connective tissue, permeated by granulation tissues, consistent with the original diagosis. Limb function improved in all patients from 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively. Diagnosis of physeal dysplasia is challenging and treatment is different from acute traumatic fractures. Femoral head and neck excision was considered a good alternative in these patients.

RESUMO: A displasia coxofemoral (DCF) é afecção comum na clínica cirúrgica de pequenos animais. Entre as técnicas cirúrgicas para controle da DCF, a osteotomia pélvica tripla (OPT) e a cunha sacroilíaca (CSI), promovem rotação lateral acetabular no eixo axial (ventroversão), aumentando a cobertura acetabular e a estabilidade da articulação. Desta forma, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar radiograficamente, por meio da aferição do ângulo de Norberg (NA) e da porcentagem de cobertura acetabular (PCA), a ventroversão acetabular induzida pela técnica da cunha sacroilíaca, associada ou não às osteotomias pélvicas, além de verificar a exequibilidade das cunhas confeccionadas de poliamida com angulação de 20ο e 30ο. O software utilizado para aferir o AN e o PCA foi o AutoCAD® 2009. Dez pelves de cadáveres caninos foram avaliadas radiograficamente em quatro momentos: MO (Grupo Controle), M1 (cunhas de 20ο e 30ο), M2 e M3 (cunhas associadas à osteotomia bilateral do púbis e ísquio, respectivamente). Não houve aumento significativo da ventroversão em M1, M2 e M3. A técnica de cunha sacroilíaca de poliamida mostrou-se exequível, estável e de fácil aplicação. Não obstante, o software utilizado mostrou-se eficiente e de fácil utilização nas aferições do AN e PCA. Neste estudo, mesmo tratando-se de cadáveres de cães adultos e de maioria não displásicos, concluiu-se que a utilização da técnica de cunha sacroilíaca não necessita de associação à ostectomia púbica e a osteotomia do ísquio por não promoverem aumento significativo do AN e da PCA.

ABSTRACT: Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common condition observed in the surgical clinics for small animals. Among the surgical techniques for management of CHD, triple pelvic osteotomy and sacroiliac wedge promote acetabular lateral axial rotation (ventroversion), increasing acetabular coverage and joint stability. The present study aimed to evaluate radiographically, by measuring the Norberg angle (NA) and the acetabular coverage percentage (ACP), the acetabular ventroversion induced by the sacroiliac wedge technique, with or without pelvic osteotomies; we also checked the feasibility of wedges made of polyamide with an angulation of 20° and 30°. The software used to measure NA and ACP was AutoCAD® 2009. Pelves from 10 canine corpses were evaluated radiographically at four time-points: M0 (Control Group), M1 (wedges of 20° and 30°), M2 and M3 (wedges associated with bilateral pubis and ischium osteotomies, respectively). There was no significant increase in the acetabular ventroversion at M1, M2, and M3. The polyamide sacroiliac wedge technique proved to be feasible, stable, and easy to apply. Further, the software proved to be efficient and easy to use for NA and ACP measurements. In the present study, even in the cases of non-dysplasic adult canine corpses, it was concluded that the sacroiliac wedge technique does not require to be accompanied by pubis and ischial osteotomies because they did not significantly increase the NA and ACP.

Introdução: Os inibidores da bomba de protões (IBP) têm sido utilizados em situações sem indicação, com aumento do risco de efeitos adversos, interações medicamentosas e custos. Objetivo: Avaliar a pertinência da prescrição dos IBP numa enfermaria de Medicina Interna. Métodos: Foram avaliados os internamentos de uma Enfermaria de Medicina de um Hospital Central, cuja alta ocorreu para o domicílio no 1° trimestre de 2017; foram excluídos aqueles que morreram ou foram transferidos. Foram recolhidos os seguintes dados do processo clínico: género, idade, terapêutica à admissão e à alta; antecedentes pessoais ou diagnósticos que pudessem sustentar a toma de IBP. A análise estatística foi realizada através do Microsoft Excel 2013® e IBM SPSS Statistics 20®. Resultados: Foram incluídos 318 internamentos, correspondentes a 301 doentes, 171 (56.8%) do género feminino, com uma idade média de 75.4 ± 14.6 anos. Nos 318 internamentos, 148 doentes (46.5%) estavam sob IBP à admissão e 175 (55%) à alta, a maioria (n = 91, 61.5% vs. n = 109, 62.3%) sem indicação. A principal indicação inapropriada foi a anticoagulação isolada (n = 33, 36.3% vs. n = 43, 39.4%). Houve indicação para uso de IBP em 93 (29.2%) casos à admissão e 111 (34.9%) à alta, na maioria (n = 82, 88,2% vs. n = 96, 86.5%) para profilaxia de hemorragia gastrointestinal em doentes de alto risco. Dos doentes com indicação, apenas 57 (61.3%) estavam medicados à admissão versus 66 (59%) à alta. Houve uma perda de associação entre a terapêutica com IBP e a existência de indicação para a sua prescrição no momento da alta (p = 0.245). Conclusões: A prescrição de IBP é incongruente com as recomendações, pelo que esta deve ser revista no momento da alta. A principal indicação para IBP é a profilaxia de hemorragia gastrointestinal em doentes de alto risco e a principal indicação inapropriada é a sua profilaxia em doentes de baixo risco. Uma proporção significativa de doentes com indicação para IBP teve alta sem a sua prescrição.

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have reportedly been used in inappropriate clinical settings, often leading to an increased risk of adverse effects, drug interactions, and costs. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of PPI prescription in an internal medicine ward. Methods: The discharged home inpatients of a segment in the medicine department of a central hospital in the first trimester of 2017 were evaluated; those who died or were transferred to another unit were excluded. Data on gender, age, admission, and discharge therapy and diagnoses which could support PPI use were collected from clinical records. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2013® and IBM SPSS Statistics 20®. Results: A total of 318 hospitalizations were included, corresponding to 301 patients; 171 (56.8%) were female and the average age was 75.4 ± 14.6 years. Among the 318 hospitalizations, 148 patients (46.5%) were on PPI at admission and 175 (55%) at discharge, the majority of them without indication (n = 91, 61.5% vs. n = 109, 62.3%). The main inappropriate indication was anticoagulation alone (n = 33, 36.3% vs. n = 43, 39.4%). There was indication for PPI therapy in 93 (29.2%) of the cases at admission and 111 (34.9%) at discharge, mostly for prophylaxis of gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk patients (n = 82, 88.2% vs. n = 96, 86.5%). Among those with indication, 57 (61.3%) were medicated at admission versus 66 (59%) at discharge. The association between PPI therapy and an indication for its prescription was lost by the time of discharge (p = 0.245). Conclusions: PPI prescription is not in agreement with existing recommendations, which is why it should be revised at hospital discharge. The primary indication for PPI therapy is the prophylaxis of gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk patients and the main inappropriate indication is prophylaxis in lowrisk patients. A large proportion of the patients indicated for PPI use were discharged without prescription.

RESUMO: Com o desenvolvimento tecnológico e crescimento da engenharia de tecidos, o uso de materiais disponíveis, bioinertes e debaixo custo pode ser alternativa viável para o tratamento cirúrgico de fraturas em ossos longos nas aves. O objetivo do estudo foi realizar avaliação microscópica óssea após a implantação de haste maciça de poliamida, implantada em úmeros osteotomizados de galinhas para detectar reação do tipo corpo estranho, verificando a propriedade “bioinerte” do material no ambiente de fratura óssea. Foram utilizados 10 galos (Plymouth rock branca) e implantou-se a haste perfazendo o bloqueio das mesmas com parafusos corticais de 2 mm de diâmetro com comprimentos de acordo com a necessidade. As aves foram operadas aos 60 dias de vida e o acompanhamento pós-operatório ocorreu por três meses. Após a eutanásia, foram realizadas coletas do úmero operado (local de consolidação óssea) paraexame histopatológico, imuno-histoquímico e de microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados demonstraram consolidação óssea, sem presença de rejeição do material, com ausência de células inflamatórias. A neoformação óssea ao redor do implante expressou VEGF (fator de crescimento endotelial vascular) nas células endoteliais dos vasos sanguíneos caracterizando angiogênese no local. Na região de interface de tecido ósseo com a poliamida não foram observadas micro fraturas. Não houve crescimento ósseo na superfície da haste, porém a mesma não atrapalhou o reparo ósseo circunjacente. Assim, esse estudo corrobora com a literatura caracterizando a poliamida como um material bioinerte, e nas condições estudadas pode-se concluir que o uso da haste intramedular de poliamida 12 proporcionou consolidação óssea nesse modelo biológico nesse tipo de fratura, não havendo indícios de induzir rejeição.

ABSTRACT: Technological and tissue engineering have enabled available, biologically inert, and low cost materials to be considered as viable alternatives in the surgical treatment of long bone fractures in birds. The aim of this study was to microscopically analyse osteotomized humerus of birds following the insertion of solid laser-sintered polyamide 12 rods in order to detect foreign body reaction and, thus, verify the bioinert property of the material in the bone fracture environment. Polyamide 12 intramedullary rods were inserted into the osteotomized humerus of 10 birds (white Plymouth Rock) and blocked using 2mm diameter cortical screws of varying lengths. The birds were operated at 60 days of age and monitored post-operatively for three months. Animals were euthanized at 150 days old and samples of the operated humerus collected for immunohistochemistry, light and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Results show bone consolidation without rejection of the implant and absence of inflammatory cells. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) was expressed in the endothelial cells of the blood vessels at the site of the newly formed bone surrounding the implant, indicative of local angiogenesis. There was no bone growth on the surface of the rod; however, the implant did not interfere with the circumjacent bone repair. Thus, the findings of this study corroborate with the literature in characterizing polyamide as a bioinert material and, under the studied conditions, it can be concluded that polyamide 12 intramedullary rod is biocompatible and provides adequate bone consolidation in humeral fractures with no signs of rejection.

Introdução: A laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) vírica constitui a causa mais comum de estridor nas crianças que recorrem ao Serviço de Urgência. Na ausência de resposta ao tratamento com corticóide e adrenalina nebulizada, a traqueíte bacteriana deve ser considerada. Caso Clínico: Criança de seis anos de idade observada no Serviço de Urgência por estridor, sinais de dificuldade respiratória e febre com resposta parcial à terapêutica com adrenalina nebulizada; por suspeita de LTB com sobreinfeção bacteriana iniciou terapêutica empírica com ceftriaxone. Apesar da terapêutica, desenvolveu celulite cervical com posterior evolução para abcesso retrofaríngeo e mediastinite. Boa evolução após terapêutica com ceftriaxone, clindamicina e vancomicina. Discussão/Conclusões: Os autores descrevem um caso de traqueíte bacteriana complicada de abcesso retrofaríngeo e mediastinite, até agora não descrito na literatura. Pretendem elucidar que a traqueíte bacteriana é uma doença potencialmente ameaçadora à vida e que requer alto índice de suspeição para diagnóstico célere.

Introduction: Viral croup is the most common cause of stridor in children seen at emergency room. In the absence of response to treatment with corticosteroids and nebulized adrenaline, bacterial tracheitis should be considered. Case Report: A six year-old child, was admitted in emergency room with stridor, respiratory distress and fever, with partial response to therapy with nebulized epinephrine. Ceftriaxone was prescribed for suspected bacterial laryngotracheobronchitis. Despite therapy, developed cervical cellulitis with progression to retropharyngeal abscess and mediastinitis. Good outcome after therapy with ceftriaxone, clindamycin and vancomycin. Discussion/Conclusion: The authors describe an original case of a bacterial tracheitis complicated with retropharyngeal abcess and mediastinitis, emphasizing that bacterial tracheitis is potentially life threatening, requiring a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis.

Jatropha curcas possui alto teor de óleo biocombustível que poderia substituir os combustíveis poluentes, possuindo grande potencial para o cultivo em larga escala de monocultivos no sistema convencional. Nós exploramos a ocorrência, a distribuição espacial e a resposta funcional das principais espécies fitófagas e seus inimigos naturais com potencial para controle biológico conservativo. Começamos a amostragem de fitófagos e predadores quando o J. curcas atingiu seis meses de idade. As espécies fitófagas mais frequentes foram ninfas e adultos Empoasca kraemeri, seguido por Frankliniella schultzei e Myzus persicae. Dentre os predadores, Ricoseius loxochelis, Iphiseioides zuluagai, Araneidae, Psyllobora vigintimaculata (larv), Psyllobora vigintimaculata (adulto) e Anthicus sp. foram as mais frequentes. Os parasitoides mais comuns foram das famílias Encyrtidae e Braconidae. As maiores densidades de E. kraemeri fitófagos e F. schultzei nas bordas da cultura de J. curcas seguem padrões espaciais semelhantes aos de inimigos naturais de I. zuluagai e A. sp. Esses artrópodes podem ser considerados eficientes predadores de estágios imaturos de E. kraemeri e F. schultzei em J. curcas.

Jatropha curcas has a high biofuel oil content, which could replace polluting fuels, and has great potential for large scale monoculture cultivation in the conventional system. We explored the occurrence, spatial distribution and the functional response of the main phytophagous species of this plant and their natural enemies to explore the potential for conservative biological control. We began sampling phytophagous species and predators when J. curcas plants were six months old. The most common species of phytophagous insects were nymphs and adults of Empoasca kraemeri, followed by Frankliniella schultzei and Myzus persicae. Among the predators, Ricoseius loxocheles, Iphiseioides zuluagai, Araneidae, larvae and adults of Psyllobora vigintimaculata and Anthicus sp. were the most frequently encountered. The most common parasitoids were the families Encyrtidae and Braconidae. The highest densities of E. kraemeri and F. schultzei on the edges of the J. curcas crop follow spatial patterns similar to those of their natural enemies I. zuluagai and Anthicus sp. These arthropods can be considered efficient predators of immature stages of E. kraemeri and F. schultzei on J. curcas.

O exame ultrassonográfico ocular é indispensável no pré-operatório de procedimentos cirúrgicos intraoculares como a facectomia, além de ser uma ferramenta complementar ao exame oftalmológico, em casos de perda da transparência dos meios ópticos. A inexistência de estudos acerca de padrões de normalidades para as medidas do bulbo ocular e de suas estruturas internas nos gatos, cujos valores possibilitam o monitoramento de enfermidades e auxiliam em procedimentos cirúrgicos motivaram este estudo. Utilizaram-se 40 gatos, adultos, machos e fêmeas, livres de enfermidades sistêmica e oftalmológica. Destes, 22 eram da raça persa (grupo braquicefálico - GB) e 18 sem raça definida (grupo não braquicefálico - GNB). A biometria ultrassonográfica ocular transcorneana foi realizada, em modo-B∕A, com o transdutor microlinear de 9 MHz e as medidas D1 (profundidade da câmara anterior), D2 (diâmetro do cristalino), D3 (profundidade da câmara vítrea) e D4 (diâmetro axial do bulbo ocular) aferidas. Ainda, mensuraram-se as distâncias fronto-occipital e bizigomática e o peso desses animais. Os dados obtidos foram analisados pelo teste-t pareado, seguindo-se as análises de variância e covariância, além da regressão linear múltipla relacionando-se as medidas de D1, D2, D3 e D4 às medidas bizigomática e fronto-occipital, como também à idade, ao peso e ao gênero. Obteve-se como resultado a média de D1, D2, D3 e D4, assim como dos diâmetros bizigomático e fronto-occipital, idade e peso, verificando-se diferenças significativas para D4 nas fêmeas de GB. Houve, pela análise de regressão linear, influência do peso, idade e diâmetro fronto-occipital sobre D1, D2 e D4 nos gatos do GB, e dos diâmetros bizigomático sobre D1, D3 e D4 nos gatos do GNB. Conclui-se que houve diferença no diâmetro axial do bulbo ocular nas fêmeas do GB, e que o peso, a idade e os diâmetros cranianos influenciam a biometria ocular dos gatos braquicefálicos e não braquicefálicos.

Ocular ultrasonography is a helpful ophthalmic examination, performed on the absence of transparency in ocular means and frequently requested prior intraocular surgery. Unfortunately, the lack of studies upon ultrasonografic images of the normal feline eye, difficults the evaluation of its biometry and its inner structures in many ophthalmic diseases and also before surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ocular biometry and the morphometric parameters of the cranium of 40 healthy adult cats, including 22 Persian cats (Brachycephalic group - BG) and 18 Mixed-breed cats (Noun brachycephalic group - NBG). B/A-mode ultrasonographic biometry, utilizing a 9 MHz probe, was performed for depth of the anterior chamber (D1), lens axial length (D2), depth of the vitreous chamber (D3) and axial length of the globe (D4). Morphometric parameters of the cranium were obtained for bizygomatic (BZ) and occipital frontal (OF) diameters. Data was collected and statistical analysis, including "t" paired tests, variance and covariance analysis and multiple linear regressions was performed for every obtained measure and also for animal ages, weigh and gender. Statistic relevant values were observed in D4 parameter for female cats of BG. Multiple linear regression indicated some influence of the weigh, age and OF in D1, D2 and D4 of PG; and of BZ in D1, D3 and D4 of NBG. Besides that, it was observed that biometry was also influenced by weigh, age and morphometric parameters of their craniums in both groups.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of a radiographic analysis method for the location of mini-implants inserted in the posterior region of the maxilla. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two self-drilling mini-implants were installed between the second premolar and the first molar on the right side and left side in three dry skulls. Three operators performed three occlusal radiographs, using an occlusal x-ray film holder, at three different times in each of the three skulls. RESULTS: The interclass correlation coefficient showed a significantly high, positive correlation (p<0.05), indicating an excellent reliability between operators. The analysis of variance showed no significant differences in time and among the operators. CONCLUSION: Based of these findings, it may be concluded that this methodology can be used by several operators in longitudinal clinical studies on orthodontic mini-implants at the anterior-posterior and lateral-medial locations or longitudinal displacement.