Abstract Background Sepsis and septic shock still represent great challenges in critical care medicine. Sildenafil has been largely used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, but its effects in sepsis are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that sildenafil can attenuate endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension in a porcine model of endotoxemia. Methods Twenty pigs were randomly assigned to Control group (n = 10), which received saline solution; or to Sildenafil group (n = 10), which received sildenafil orally (100 mg). After 30 minutes, both groups were submitted to endotoxemia with intravenous bacterial lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS) infusion (4 µg.kg-1.h-1) for 180 minutes. We evaluated hemodynamic and oxygenation functions, and also lung histology and plasma cytokine (TNFα, IL-1β, IL6, and IL10) and troponin I response. Results Significant hemodynamic alterations were observed after 30 minutes of LPS continuous infusion, mainly in pulmonary arterial pressure (from Baseline 19 ± 2 mmHg to LPS30 52 ± 4 mmHg, p< 0.05). There was also a significant decrease in PaO2/FiO2 (from Baseline 411 ± 29 to LPS180 334 ± 49, p< 0.05). Pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly lower in the Sildenafil group (35 ± 4 mmHg at LPS30, p< 0.05). The Sildenafil group also presented lower values of systemic arterial pressure. Sildenafil maintained oxygenation with higher PaO2/FiO2 and lower oxygen extraction rate than Control group but had no effect on intrapulmonary shunt. All cytokines and troponin increased after LPS infusion in both groups similarly. Conclusion Sildenafil attenuated endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension preserving the correct heart function without improving lung lesions or inflammation.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine whether dexmedetomidine aggravates hemodynamic, metabolic variables, inflammatory markers, and microcirculation in experimental septic shock. Methods: Twenty-four pigs randomized into: Sham group (n = 8), received saline; Shock group (n = 8), received an intravenous infusion of Escherichia coli O55 (3 × 109 cells/mL, 0.75 mL/kg, 1 hour); Dex-Shock group (n = 8), received bacteria and intravenous dexmedetomidine (bolus 0.5 mcg/kg followed by 0.7 mcg/kg/h). Fluid therapy and/ornorepinephrine were administered to maintain a mean arterial pressure > 65 mmHg. Hemodynamic, metabolic, oxygenation, inflammatory markers, and microcirculation were assessed at baseline, at the end of bacterial infusion, and after 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes. Results: Compared to Shock group, Dex-Shock group presented a significantly increased oxygen extraction ratio at T180 (23.1 ± 9.7 vs. 32.5 ± 9.2%, P = 0.0220), decreased central venous pressure at T120 (11.6 ± 1 vs. 9.61 ± 1.2 mmHg, P = 0.0214), mixed-venous oxygen saturation at T180 (72.9 ± 9.6 vs. 63.5 ± 9.2%, P = 0.026), and increased plasma lactate (3.7 ± 0.5 vs. 5.5 ± 1 mmol/L, P = 0.003). Despite the Dex-Shock group having a better sublingual vessel density at T240 (12.5 ± 0.4 vs. 14.4 ± 0.3 mL/m2; P = 0.0003), sublingual blood flow was not different from that in the Shock group (2.4 ± 0.2 vs. 2.4 ± 0.1 mL/kg, P = 0.4418). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine did not worsen the hemodynamic, metabolic, inflammatory, or sublingual blood flow disorders resulting from septic shock. Despite inducing a better sublingual vessel density, dexmedetomidine initially and transitorily increased the mismatch between oxygen supply and demand.

OBJECTIVE: Despite advances in diffuse peritonitis treatment protocols, some cases develop unfavorably. With the advent of vacuum therapy, the use of laparostomy to treat peritonitis has gained traction. Another treatment modality is continuous peritoneal lavage. However, maintaining this technique is difficult and has been associated with controversial results. We propose a new model of continuous peritoneal lavage that takes advantage of the features and benefits of vacuum laparostomy. METHOD: Pigs (Landrace and Large White) under general anesthesia were submitted to laparostomy through which a multiperforated tube was placed along each flank and exteriorized in the left and lower right quadrants. A vacuum dressing was applied, and intermittent negative pressure was maintained. Peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) was then infused through the tubes for 36 hours. The stability of peritoneostomy with intermittent infusion of fluids, the system resistance to obstruction and leakage, water balance, hemodynamic and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Fluid disposition in the abdominal cavity was analyzed through CT. RESULTS: Even when negative pressure was not applied, the dressing maintained the integrity of the system, and there were no leaks or blockage of the catheters during the procedure. The aspirated volume by vacuum laparostomy was similar to the infused volume (9073.5±1496.35 mL versus 10165±235.73 mL, p=0.25), and there were no major changes in hemodynamic or biochemical analysis. According to CT images, 60 ml/kg PDS was sufficient to occupy all intra-abdominal spaces. CONCLUSION: Continuous peritoneal lavage with negative pressure proved to be technically possible and may be an option in the treatment of diffuse peritonitis.

Abstract Purpose: To establish and evaluate the feasibility of continuous peritoneal lavage with vacuum peritoneostomy in an animal model. Methods: Eight pigs aged 3-4 months, females, were anesthetized and submitted to laparotomy and installation of a continuous peritoneal lavage with vacuum peritoneostomy. The sta-bility of the system, the physiological effects of washing with NaCl 0.9% and the sys-tem clearance were evaluated. Results: Stability of vacuum peritoneostomy was observed, with no catheter leaks or obstructions and the clearance proved adequate, however, the mean volume of fluids aspirated by the peritoneostomy at the end of the experiment was higher than the volume infused by the catheters (p=0.02). Besides that, the animals presented a progressive increase in heart rate (p=0.04) and serum potassium (p=0.02). Conclusion: The continuous peritoneal lavage technique with vacuum peritoneostomy is feasible and presents adequate clearance.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion with sevoflurane anesthetic preconditioning (APC) would present beneficial effects on autonomic and cardiac function indexes after the acute phase of a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were allocated in three groups: control (CON, n=10), myocardial infarction with sevoflurane (SEV, n=5) and infarcted without sevoflurane (INF, n=5). Myocardial ischemia (60 min) and reperfusion were performed by temporary coronary occlusion. Twenty-one days later, the systolic and diastolic function were evaluated by echocardiography; spectral analysis of the systolic arterial pressure (SAPV) and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed. After the recording period, the infarct size (IS) was evaluated. RESULTS: The INF group presented greater cardiac dysfunction and increased sympathetic modulation of the SAPV, as well as decreased alpha index and worse vagal modulation of the HRV. The SEV group exhibited attenuation of the systolic and diastolic dysfunction and preserved vagal modulation (square root of the mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals and high frequency) of HRV, as well as a smaller IS. CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane preconditioning better preserved the cardiac function and autonomic modulation of the heart in post-acute myocardial infarction period.

OBJECTIVES: Inhalant anesthesia induces dose-dependent cardiovascular depression, but whether fluid responsiveness is differentially influenced by the inhalant agent and plasma volemia remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane on pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation in pigs undergoing hemorrhage. METHODS: Twenty-five pigs were randomly anesthetized with isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic data were registered sequentially at minimum alveolar concentrations of 1.00 (M1), 1.25 (M2), and 1.00 (M3). Then, following withdrawal of 30% of the estimated blood volume, these data were registered at a minimum alveolar concentrations of 1.00 (M4) and 1.25 (M5). RESULTS: The minimum alveolar concentration increase from 1.00 to 1.25 (M2) decreased the cardiac index and increased the central venous pressure, but only modest changes in mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation were observed in all groups from M1 to M2. A significant decrease in mean arterial pressure was only observed with desflurane. Following blood loss (M4), pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation and central venous pressure increased (p<0.001) and mean arterial pressure decreased in all groups. Under hypovolemia, the cardiac index decreased with the increase of anesthesia depth in a similar manner in all groups. CONCLUSION: The effects of desflurane, sevoflurane and isoflurane on pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation were not different during normovolemia or hypovolemia.

OBJECTIVES: Hypertonic saline has been proposed to modulate the inflammatory cascade in certain experimental conditions, including pulmonary inflammation caused by inhaled gastric contents. The present study aimed to assess the potential anti-inflammatory effects of administering a single intravenous dose of 7.5% hypertonic saline in an experimental model of acute lung injury induced by hydrochloric acid. METHODS: Thirty-two pigs were anesthetized and randomly allocated into the following four groups: Sham, which received anesthesia and were observed; HS, which received intravenous 7.5% hypertonic saline solution (4 ml/kg); acute lung injury, which were subjected to acute lung injury with intratracheal hydrochloric acid; and acute lung injury + hypertonic saline, which were subjected to acute lung injury with hydrochloric acid and treated with hypertonic saline. Hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters were recorded over four hours. Subsequently, bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected at the end of the observation period to measure cytokine levels using an oxidative burst analysis, and lung tissue was collected for a histological analysis. RESULTS: Hydrochloric acid instillation caused marked changes in respiratory mechanics as well as blood gas and lung parenchyma parameters. Despite the absence of a significant difference between the acute lung injury and acute lung injury + hypertonic saline groups, the acute lung injury animals presented higher neutrophil and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage analysis. The histopathological analysis revealed pulmonary edema, congestion and alveolar collapse in both groups; however, the differences between groups were not significant. Despite the lower cytokine and neutrophil levels observed in the acute lung injury + hypertonic saline group, significant differences were not observed among the treated and non-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertonic saline infusion after intratracheal hydrochloric acid instillation does not have an effect on inflammatory biomarkers or respiratory gas exchange.

Cães da raça Lhasa Apso com catarata imatura, madura e hipermadura foram subdivididos em 4 grupos (G1: 1 a 3 anos, G2: 4 a 7 anos, G3: 8 a 11 anos, G4: acima de 12 anos), submetidos ao mesmo protocolo de sedação para a realização do exame de eletrorretinograma (ERG),com o objetivo de determinar o valor de normalidade da resposta da onda-b do ERG de campo total. Três respostas foram obtidas: resposta de bastonetes, máxima resposta e resposta de cones. Os valores da amplitude pico a pico e do tempo de culminação da onda-b dos grupos foram comparados e analisados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (análise de variância por medidas não repetidas), seguido pelo teste de Dunn (quando p<0,05). Quando comparado G4 ao G1 e G2, observou-se diminuição significantiva na amplitude da máxima resposta, sugerindo influência da idade nos parâmetros eletroretinográficos. Não foi observada diferença significativa nos valores obtidos do tempo de culminação em nenhuma das respostas dos quatro grupos analisados. Este estudo determinou os parâmetros normais da onda b no ERG dos cães da raça Lhasa Apso com catarata de acordo com a faixa etária.

Lhasa Apso dogs with immature, mature or hypermature cataracts were divided into four groups according to their age (G1: 1 to 3 years old, G2: 4 to 7 years old, G3: 8 to 11 years old, G4: more than 12 years old). All animals were evaluated under the same sedation protocol to allow the performance of the electroretinogram (ERG) exam to determine normal value of b-wave response of the full-field ERG according to age. Three ERG responses were recorded: rod, maximal and cone responses. The amplitude values and b-wave implicit time of the responses of all groups were compared and analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (variance analysis for non-repeated measures), followed by the Dunn post-test (when p<0,05). A significant decrease was observed in maximal responses' amplitude, when comparing the G4 group with G1 and G2. No statistically relevant differences were observed in the b-wave implicit time values between groups. The ERG values are directly influenced by the animal's age. Older patients presented a decrease in the amplitude of the maximal response. The study determined the normal parameters of ERG b-waves for Lhasa Apso dogs with cataract according to their age group.

Atrofia progressiva generalizada da retina (APGR) é uma doença frequente nos cães da raça Cocker Spaniel, caracterizada pela perda progressiva da função retiniana externa e desaparecimento dos fotorreceptores. A doença é bilateral, hereditária, autossômica recessiva, sem predisposição sexual e está frequentemente associada à catarata. Segundo estudos moleculares, a degeneração ocorre por mutação de diversos genes. Nos cães da raça Cocker Spaniel Americano, a doença é observada entre três e cinco anos de idade e, no Cocker Spaniel Inglês, entre quatro e oito anos de idade. Os sinais clínicos mais encontrados são: nictalopia, hiperreflexia tapetal e catarata. O diagnóstico baseia-se no histórico clínico, exame oftalmológico e em exames complementares, como eletrorretinograma, testes genéticos e ultrassom ocular. Este artigo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão de literatura a respeito da atrofia progressiva generalizada da retina (APGR) em cães da raça Cocker Spaniel portadores de catarata.

Generalized progressive retinal atrophy (GPRA) is a common disease in Cocker Spaniels dogs characterized by progressive loss of retinal function and disappearance of photoreceptors. The disease is bilateral, hereditary, autosomal recessive, has no sexual predisposition and is frequently associated with cataracts. According to molecular studies the degeneration occurs by a mutation in different genes. In American Cocker Spaniels dogs the disease is observed between three and five years of age and in English Cocker Spaniels between four and eight years old. The clinical signs are: nyctalopia, tapetal hyperreflexia and cataracts. The diagnosis is based on clinical history, ophthalmologic examination and complementary exams such as electroretinography, ocular ultrasound and genetic testing. This article aimed to conduct a review of literature on the generalized progressive retinal atrophy (GPRA) in Cocker Spaniel dogs with cataracts.

A catarata representa uma das principais causas de cegueira em cães, sendo que as alterações metabólicas provocadas pelo Diabetes mellitus (DM), constituem a segunda causa mais comum de catarata nesta espécie. A biomicroscopia ultrassônica (UBM) é um método ultrassonográfico de alta frequência (50 MHz) que permite a obtenção de imagens do modo B de qualidade microscópica. Este estudo objetivou, por meio do uso da UBM, comparar as estruturas do segmento anterior de olhos de cães com catarata, diabética e não-diabética, às de cães normais, para verificar possíveis alterações decorrentes do DM. Os parâmetros avaliados foram espessura da córnea, profundidade da câmara anterior, aumento de celularidade no interior da câmara anterior e medida do ângulo iridocorneal. Foram realizados exames de 87 olhos de 47 animais da espécie canina, divididos em 3 grupos: grupo controle (GCO), grupo de portadores de catarata não-diabéticos (GCAT) e o grupo dos diabéticos (GDM). Os resultados revelam que o grupo dos diabéticos apresentou maiores espessuras de córnea que os demais grupos enquanto o grupo controle apresentou maiores câmaras anteriores. Encontrou-se aumento de celularidade em câmara anterior apenas nos grupos com catarata. Quando analisadas as medidas do ângulo iridocorneal, não houve diferença entre os 3 grupos. Com base no que foi aferido, permite-se concluir que olhos de cães diabéticos com catarata apresentam maior espessura de córnea central que olhos de cães com catarata de outras etiologias e de cães normais, que há diminuição da câmara anterior, com aumento de celularidade, em olhos de cães com catarata, quando comparados a cães normais e que não há diferença na medida do ângulo iridocorneal em olhos de cães com catarata, diabética ou não, e de cães normais.

Cataracts represent the leading cause of blindness in dogs. The second most common cause of cataract in dogs is a result of metabolic alterations caused by Diabetes mellitus (DM). Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a high-frequency (50 MHz) ultrasonographic method that produces B mode images of microscopic quality. The objective of this study was, by means of UBM use, to compare the anterior segment structures of the canine eyes, both with diabetic and non-diabetic cataract, in order to detect changes caused by DM. The parameters evaluated were: cornea thickness, anterior chamber's depth, increased cellularity inside the anterior chamber, and iridocorneal angle measurement. Eighty-seven eyes of 47 dogs were examined, divided into three groups: control (GCO), non-diabetic cataract (GCAT) and diabetic cataract (GDM). The results showed that the diabetic group presented a higher cornea thickness than the other groups. The control group showed deeper anterior chambers without increased cellularity. When the iridocorneal angle measurements were analyzed, it was found that there were no statistically significant differences between the three groups. Based on these results, we can conclude that: the eyes of diabetic dogs with cataract showed a central cornea higher thickness compared to the eyes of dogs with cataract of different etiologies, and to dogs with normal eyes; there is a decrease of the anterior chamber depth and a increase of cellularity in the eyes of dogs with cataract compared to normal eyes, there is no significant difference between the iridocorneal angle measurement in the eyes of dogs with cataract, diabetic or not, and normal dogs.

Catarata madura e hipermadura, alteração frequentemente observada em cães, impossibilita a visibilização do fundo do olho e provável diagnóstico de degenerações retinianas. Objetivou-se comparar as respostas retiniana de cães diabéticos e não diabéticos, ambos portadores de catarata madura ou hipermadura, com auxílio do eletrorretinograma de campo total, utilizando o protocolo da International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision. Sessenta e seis cães, com idades variando entre 6 a 15 anos de idade foram divididos em dois grupos: (1) CG, cães não diabéticos com catarata madura ou hipermadura e (2) DG, cães diabéticos com catarata madura ou hipermadura. Mensurou-se amplitude pico a pico (microvolts) e tempo de culminação da onda-b (milisegundos) para as cinco respostas do ERG (resposta de bastonetes, máxima resposta, potencial oscilatório, resposta de cones e flicker a 30Hz). Avaliando-se as respostas obtidas com o exame, o grupo de cães diabéticos apresentou menor amplitude e maior tempo de culminação da onda-b em todas as respostas. O aumento do tempo de culminação da onda-b em DG foi estatisticamente significante (p<0.05) no flicker a 30 Hz (24.0ms versus 22.4ms). ERG de campo total é capaz de registrar alterações em respostas sensíveis como o tempo de culminação da onda-b do flicker, podendo ser útil para investigar retinopatias em cães diabéticos.

Being the commonest ocular disorder, dense cataracts disable fundoscopic examination and the diagnosis of retinal disorders, which dogs may be predisposed. The aim of this study was to compare the electroretinographic responses recorded according to the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision human protocol to evaluate retinal function of diabetic and non diabetic dogs, both presenting mature or hypermature cataracts. Full-field electroretinogram was recorded from 66 dogs, with ages varying from 6 to 15 years old allocated into two groups: (1) CG, non diabetic cataractous dogs, and (2) DG, diabetic cataractous dogs. Mean peak-to-peak amplitude (microvolts) and b-wave implicit time (milliseconds) were determined for each of the five standard full-field ERG responses (rod response, maximal response, oscillatory potentials, single-flash cone response and 30 Hz flicker). Comparing CG to DG, ERGs recorded from diabetic dogs presented lower amplitude and prolonged b-wave implicit time in all ERG responses. Prolonged b-wave implicit time was statistically significant (p< 0.05) at 30 Hz flicker (24.0 ms versus 22.4 ms). These data suggests full-field ERG is capable to record sensible alterations, such as flicker's implicit time, being useful to investigate retinal dysfunction in diabetic dogs.

Eletrorretinograma (ERG) é um meio diagnóstico objetivo, não invasivo e capaz de avaliar a função retiniana, detectando precocemente, em diversas espécies, lesões nas camadas mais externas. Tem como uma das principais indicações a avaliação pré-cirúrgica em pacientes portadores de catarata. A determinação dos valores normais do ERG é indispensável quando se objetiva, pela mensuração dos valores, o auxílio no diagnóstico das degenerações retinianas, mesmo quando apresentam opacidade de meios (catarata). Este estudo teve como objetivo padronizar os valores das respostas do eletrorretinograma em cães da raça Poodle portadores de catarata madura ou hipermadura, submetidos ao mesmo protocolo de sedação, adaptação ao escuro e eletrodo, utilizando aparelho portátil BPM 200. Em todos os animais, o exame oftalmológico precedeu o ERG. Os animais foram separados em quatro grupos de acordo com a faixa etária: um a três anos (GI), quatro a sete anos (GII), oito a 11 anos (GIII) e 12 anos ou mais (GIV). Foram mensuradas a amplitude pico a pico (pico da onda-a até o pico da onda-b) e o tempo de culminação da onda-b na resposta de bastonetes, máxima resposta e resposta de cones. Cães com respostas atenuadas ou extintas foram excluídos deste trabalho. Observou-se diminuição das amplitudes das três respostas quando se comparou GI com os demais grupos. Houve aumento do tempo de culminação da onda-b na comparação da resposta de bastonetes de GI com os outros grupos. O tempo de culminação da onda-b na máxima resposta e resposta de cones manteve-se praticamente inalterado nos quatro grupos testados. Concluiu-se que houve alteração dependente de idade nos parâmetros eletrorretinográficos, com diminuição da amplitude na resposta de bastonetes, máxima resposta e resposta de cones, enquanto que, no tempo de culminação da onda-b, apenas a resposta de bastonetes foi estatisticamente significante nos animais submetidos ao mesmo protocolo na execução do ERG.

Electroretinogram (ERG) is an objective and noninvasive diagnostic tool for the evaluation of retinal function, capable to detect early, lesions of the outermost layers in several species of animals. One of its main indications is to evaluate pre-surgical patients for cataract surgery. The determination of normal ERG values is essential if the aim is, by measuring the values; aid the diagnosis of retinal degeneration, despite of the presence of media opacity (cataract). The objective of this study was to standardize the values of electroretinogram responses in Poodle dogs with mature or hypermature cataract, submitted to the same sedation and dark adaptation protocol, using a portable electrodiagnostic system, BPM 200. In all animals, the ophthalmologic examination preceded ERG. Animals were divided into four groups according to age: 1 to 3 years (GI), 4 to 7 years (GII), 8 to 11 years (GIII) and 12 or more years (GIV). Peak-to-peak amplitude (peak of a-wave to peak of b-wave) and b-wave implicit time were measured in rod response and in maximal response and cone response. Dogs with decreased or absent responses were excluded from the study. GI presented decrease in amplitudes of the three responses and increase in b-wave implicit time of rod response when compared with the other groups. B-wave implicit times in maximal response and cone response were practically unaltered in all four groups. It was concluded that there was age-dependent changes in electroretinographic parameters, with decreased amplitudes in rod response, maximal response and cone response. Delay in b-wave implicit time was observed in rod response and unchanged in the two others tested responses of animals subjected to the same ERG protocol.

Com o aumento do número de intervenções cirúrgicas para a remoção da catarata em cães, observa-se a necessidade de exames específicos que devem ser realizados antes da indicação cirúrgica. A catarata é uma das principais causas de cegueira em cães. Nos estágios mais avançados, impossibilita o exame fundoscópico e inviabiliza a observação de alterações retinianas como a atrofia progressiva da retina (APR), degeneração retiniana hereditária de acometimento bilateral que, quando diagnosticada, contra-indica a cirurgia. Com o intuito de reestabelecer a visão, o eletrorretinograma de campo total (Full field ERG) torna-se indispensável na avaliação pré-cirúrgica da remoção da catarata. Como os cães da raça Cocker Spaniel Inglês são predispostos à catarata e a degenerações retinianas, objetivamos neste estudo avaliar as respostas dos ERGs realizados nestes animais. Foram avaliados 136 eletrorretinogramas de cães da raça Cocker Spaniel Inglês (62 machos e 74 fêmeas, com idades entre 3 e 15 anos) no período de Setembro de 2004 a Maio de 2009. Todos os animais apresentavam baixa de visão e catarata durante o exame. O diagnóstico de degeneração retiniana foi baseado nos valores de amplitude pico a pico e tempo de culminação da onda-b nas 3 respostas (resposta escotópica de bastonetes, máxima resposta e resposta fotópica de cones), idade do paciente e estágio de maturação da catarata. Nos cães sem degeneração retiniana, a média da amplitude e do tempo de culminação nas três respostas obtidas foram, respectivamente: 71,55mV/65,15ms; 149,17mV/33,03ms; 31,06mV/27,90ms. Nos cães com degeneração retiniana, 38 animais apresentaram ERG extinto. Dentre os restantes que apresentavam baixas respostas, a média da amplitude e do tempo de culminação nas três respostas obtidas foram, respectivamente: 12,88mV/65,04ms; 24,16mV/36,25ms; 8,36mV/31,38ms. Foi observado que em 122 animais (89,7%) os exames eram compatíveis com diagnóstico de atrofia progressiva da retina. Frente aos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que os cães da raça Cocker Spaniel Inglês portadores de catarata devem ser submetidos ao eletrorretinograma de campo total antes da remoção cirúrgica devido à alta incidência de degeneração retiniana nesta raça.

Cataracts are one of the most frequent ocular disorders that affects dogs and leads to blindness. In the late stages, lens opacity unables fundoscopy and consequently the diagnosis of retinal degeneration such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which contraindicates surgery. Aiming the return of vision, full field electroretinogram (full field ERG) becomes indispensable before surgery. As English Cocker Spaniels are predisposed to cataracts and retinal degeneration, the objective of this study is the evaluation of the full field ERG records performed in dogs. One hundred thirty-six full field ERGs were recorded from English Cocker Spaniels (62 males and 74 females, with ages ranging from 3 to 15 years old), between September, 2004 and May, 2009. Each examined dog presented cataracts and vision loss before the exam. Diagnosis of retinal degeneration was made based on ERG parameters which were measured from peak to peak amplitude and b-wave implicit time in the 3 different responses (rod response, maximal response and cone response). Amplitude measured in rod, maximal and cone response, as well as the implicit time recorded from dogs that did not present retinal degeneration were respectively: 71.55mV/65.15ms; 149.17mV/33.03ms; and 31.06mV/27.90ms. No response was recorded in 38 dogs. Low responses were recorded from the remaining dogs: 12.88mV/65.04ms, 24.16mV/36.25ms, and 8.36mV/31.38ms. Results showed that 122 animals (89.7%) presented progressive retinal atrophy. Therefore, we conclude that full field ERG must be performed in English Cocker Spaniels presenting cataracts before its removal due to high incidence of retinal degeneration in this breed.

BACKGROUND: Original sevoflurane (Sevo A) is made with water, while a generic sevoflurane (Sevocris) is produced with propylene glycol as a stabilizing additive. We investigated whether the original and generic sevoflurane preparations differed in terms of their minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) values and hemodynamic effects. METHODS: Sixteen pigs weighing 31.6±1.8 kg were randomly assigned to the Sevo A or Sevocris groups. After anesthesia induction via mask with the appropriate sevoflurane preparation (6% in 100% oxygen), the MAC was determined for each animal. Hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters were measured at 0.5 MAC, 1 MAC and 1.5 MAC. Histopathological analyses of lung parenchyma were performed. RESULTS: The MAC in the Sevo A group was 4.4±0.5%, and the MAC in the Sevocris group was 4.1±0.7%. Hemodynamic and metabolic parameters presented significant differences in a dose-dependent pattern as expected, but they did not differ between groups. Cardiac indices and arterial pressures decreased in both groups when the sevoflurane concentration increased from 0.5 to 1 and 1.5 MAC. The oxygen delivery index (DO2I) decreased significantly at 1.5 MAC. CONCLUSION: Propylene glycol as an additive for sevoflurane seems to be as safe as a water additive, at least in terms of hemodynamic and pulmonary effects.