Abstract The impact of high-speed exercise on the musculoskeletal system of young racehorses has been extensively discussed because of concerns regarding animal health and welfare. This study investigated the correlation between age, degree of ossification of the distal radial epiphysis, sex, and career longevity of Thoroughbred racehorses in Brazil from 2012 to 2015. We performed a retrospective evaluation of 286 dorsopalmar radiographs of the left radiocarpal region of young horses and their racing performance. Distal radial epiphyseal closure was classified into three degrees: A, B, or C. Performance data included the number of races raced, athletic career length, and the number of races per month. The variables were subjected to regression analysis. At the time of radiographic examination, male horses were significantly older than females, and horses with epiphyseal closure degrees differed with age. Age at first race was 33.08±3.81 months, the average of races raced was 18.32±15.14 races, athletic career duration was 20.37±13.82 months, and the number of races raced per month was 0.93±0.46 races. Age influenced (P>0.001) the distal radial epiphyseal closure on racehorses, but sex did not (P=0.218 for males and P=0.275 for females). An inverse association was observed between age at the first race, the number of races raced per month, and athletic career duration. The frequency of race and the age at the first race influenced athletic career duration.

Resumo O impacto do exercício de alta velocidade no sistema musculoesquelético de cavalos de corrida jovens tem sido amplamente discutido devido a preocupações com a saúde e o bem-estar animal. Este estudo investigou a correlação entre idade, grau de ossificação da epífise radial distal, sexo e longevidade da carreira de cavalos Puro Sangue Inglês de corrida no Brasil de 2012 a 2015. Realizamos uma avaliação retrospectiva de 286 radiografias dorsopalmar da região radiocarpica esquerda de cavalos jovens e seu desempenho de corrida. O fechamento epifisário radial distal foi classificado em três graus decrescentes: A, B ou C. Os dados de desempenho incluíram o número de corridas disputadas, duração da carreira atlética e o número de corridas por mês. As variáveis foram submetidas à análise de regressão. No momento do exame radiográfico, os cavalos machos eram significativamente mais velhos que as fêmeas, e os cavalos com graus de fechamento epifisário diferiram com a idade. A idade na primeira corrida foi de 33,08±3,81 meses, a média de corridas disputadas foi de 18,32±15,14 corridas, a duração da carreira atlética foi de 20,37±13,82 meses e o número de corridas realizadas por mês foi de 0,93±0,46 corridas. A idade influenciou (P>0,001) o fechamento da epífise radial distal em cavalos de corrida, mas o sexo não (P=0,218 para machos e P=0,275 para fêmeas). Uma associação inversa foi observada entre a idade na primeira corrida, o número de corridas disputadas por mês e a duração da carreira atlética. A frequência de corrida e a idade na primeira corrida influenciaram a duração da carreira atlética.

Abstract Birds have a unique anatomy and physiology. Their digestive system consists of esophagus, stomach (proventricle and ventricle), small intestine and large intestine. The esophagus has a dilatation called ingluvies in most birds, which stores food. Injuries and masses in these places can occur for several reasons, causing dietary difficulties and weight loss. Ingestion of inappropriate substances can form a mass, rest in the crop and cause intoxication. The aim of this study was to describe a case of ingluviotomy resulting from the ingestion of a foreign body in cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus). Ingluviotomy is an urgent surgical procedure, and it can be chosen to remove a foreign body in the ingluvium. The surgical resolution of the problem and clinical recovery occur without major problems as long as an appropriate clinical-surgical approach is used.

Resumen Los pájaros tienen una anatomía y fisiología únicas. Su sistema digestivo consta de esófago, estómago (proventrículo y ventrículo), intestino delgado e intestino grueso. En la mayoría de los pájaros, el esófago tiene una dilatación llamada ingluvie que almacena alimento. En este lugar pueden ocurrir lesiones y masas debido a varias razones, ocasionando dificultades dietarias y pérdida de peso. La digestión de sustancias inadecuadas puede formar una masa, quedarse ahí hasta germinar e intoxicarse. El objetivo de este estudio es hacer un informe de una ingluviotomía debido a la ingestión de un cuerpo extraño en una cacatúa ninfa (Nymphicus hollandicus). La ingluviotomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico de urgencia y se puede escoger para remover un cuerpo extraño en el ingluvium. La resolución quirúrgica del problema y la recuperación clínica ocurren sin mayores problemas si se usa un enfoque clínico-quirúrgico adecuado.

Resumo As aves apresentam anatomia e fisiologia únicas. Seu sistema digestório é composto por esôfago, estômago (proventrículo e ventrículo), intestino delgado e intestino grosso. O esôfago apresenta uma dilatação chamada de inglúvio na maioria das aves, que armazena alimentos. Lesões e massas nesses locais ocorrem por diversos motivos, provocando dificuldades alimentares e emagrecimento. A ingestão de substâncias inadequadas pode formar uma massa, repousar no papo e gerar possível intoxicação. O objetivo do trabalho foi descrever um caso de ingluviotomia decorrente de ingestão de corpo estranho em calopsita (Nymphicus hollandicus). A ingluviotomia é um procedimento cirúrgico de urgência, podendo ser optado para a remoção de corpo estranho no inglúvio, sendo que a resolução cirúrgica do problema e a recuperação clínica ocorre sem maiores problemas desde que empregada um conduta clínico-cirúrgica adequada.

Resumo Nasua nasua é um carnívoro da família Procyonidae amplamente distribuído pela América do Sul. Detalhes de sua anatomia são fundamentais para a anatomia aplicada e o entendimento de sua história natural. Objetvou-se determinar a média do comprimento, largura, espessura e volume elipsoide dos rins, a média do comprimento das artérias e veias renais e revelar a esqueletopia dos rins e vasos renais em N. nasua. Para este propósito, 32 rins e os vasos renais de 16 espécimes cadavéricos (oito machos e oito fêmeas) foram dissecados e mensurados com um paquímetro digital. Os coeficientes de correlação linear de Pearson foram calculados entre o comprimento rostro-sacral e as variáveis dos rins e seus vasos. Os rins apresentaram formato de “feijão” e superfícies lisas e são unipapilados. Na média, os rins de N. nasua mediram 30x16x13 mm, sem diferença significativa entre antímeros ou sexos. O comprimento médio da artéria renal direita (1,74 ± 0,67 cm) foi maior que o da esquerda (1,26 ± 0,43 cm); o comprimento da veia renal direita (1,22 ± 0,34 cm) foi menor que o da esquerda (1,82 ± 0,46 cm) (p < 0,05). Em um macho (6,8%), foi identificada uma veia renal direita dupla como variação anatômica. Os polos craniais dos rins direito e esquerdo prevaleceram ao nível da vértebra L2, assumindo praticamente uma posição simétrica. Houve uma correlação positiva, moderada a elevada, entre o comprimento rostro-sacral com as dimensões renais e com o comprimento dos vasos renais. Os dados do presente estudo poderão vir a ser aplicados na interpretação do diagnóstico de nefropatias que cursam com alterações nas dimensões renais bem como contribuir no campo da anatomia comparada de carnívoros.

Abstract Nasua nasua is a carnivore belonging to the family Procyonidae and is widely distributed throughout South America. The details of its anatomy are fundamental to the application of antomy and understanding of its natural history. This study aimed to measure the average length, width, thickness, and volume of the kidneys; the average length of the renal artery and vein, and to describe the renal and vessel skeletopy in Nasua nasua. For this purpose, 32 kidneys and renal vessels of 16 cadaveric specimens (eight male and eight female) were dissected and measured using a digital caliper. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between the rostrum-sacral length and the renal and vessel variables. The kidneys had a “bean-shaped” aspect with smooth surfaces and were unipapilate. On average, the N. nasua kidneys measured 30 × 16 × 13 mm, with no significant difference between the sexes. The average right renal artery (1.74 ± 0.67 cm) was longer than the left (1.26 ± 0.43 cm), and the right renal vein (1.22 ± 0.34 cm) was shorter than the left renal vein (1.82 ± 0.46 cm) (p < 0.05). One male animal (6.8%) presented with a double right renal vein as an anatomical variation. Both the right and left kidney cranial poles prevailed at the level of the L2 vertebra, assuming a practically symmetrical position. There was a positive and moderate to high correlation between rostrum-sacral length and renal dimensions and renal vessel lengths. The present data may be useful for interpreting the diagnosis of nephropathies that affect renal dimensions in this species and may contribute to the comparative anatomy of carnivorans.

SUMMARY: The thyroid glands consist of two parts called lobes located on both sides of the larynx. The aim of this study was to characterize the measures, topography and arterial irrigation of New Zealand´s rabbits thyroid glands. The anatomical dissections were performed in 36 adult cadavers, 17 males and 19 females, with a mean body mass of 2.5 kg and a mean cranium-sacral length of 40 cm. The specimens were obtained from the necropsy unit of the University. The cadavers had the thoracic aorta artery cannulated, through which 10 % formaldehyde solution was injected, followed by injection colored latex. In males, the left lobe of the thyroid gland measured 1.40x0.40x0.01cm and the right 1.36x0.56x0.01cm; in females, the left lobe measured 1.50x0.49x0.01cm and the right one was 1.37x0.48x0.01cm. There was no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the means of the measurements between males and females, but the left lobe length of the females and the right lobe width of the males were significantly higher (p <0.05). The cranial extremity of the thyroid lobes was at the level of the cricoid cartilage in almost all specimens. The caudal end showed more variable topography, from the third to the tenth tracheal ring in few specimens, but predominated at the level of the fifth ring. Invariably, arterial irrigation was determined by the left and right thyroid arteries, originating from the common carotid artery. Anastomoses between the thyroid arteries were common. The constancy in dimensions and irrigation of the thyroid gland may be advantageous in choosing the rabbit as an experimental model for the study of this gland.

RESUMEN: Las glándulas tiroides consisten en dos partes denominadas lobos que se encuentran en ambos lados de la laringe. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar las medidas, topografía y vascularización de la glándula tiroides de conejos Nueva Zelanda. Las disecciones anatómicas se realizaron en 36 cadáveres adultos, 17 machos y 19 hembras, con masa corporal media de 2,5 kg y longitud cara-sacral media de 40 cm. Los cadáveres fueron obtenidos del sector de necropsia de la Universidad. Los especímenes tuvieron la arteria aorta torácica canalada, por la cual se inyectó solución de formaldehído al 10 %, seguida de látex coloreado. En los machos, el lobo izquierdo de la glándula tiroidea midió 1,40 x 0,40 x 0,01 cm y el derecho 1,36 x 0,56 x 0,01 cm; en las hembras, el lobo izquierdo midió 1,50 x 0,49 x 0,01 cm y el derecho 1,37 x 0,48 x 0,01cm. No hubo diferencia significativa (p> 0,05) entre las medias de las medidas entre machos y hembras, pero la extensión del lóbulo izquierdo de las hembras y la anchura del lóbulo derecho de los machos fueran significativamente mayores (p <0,05). La extremidad craneal de los lobos tiroideos se encontraba al nivel del cartílago cricoide en casi todos los especímenes. El extremo caudal presentó topografía más variable, desde el tercer hasta el décimo anillo traqueal, habiendo predominado al nivel del quinto anillo. Invariablemente, la irrigación arterial fue determinada por las arterias tiroideas izquierda y derecha, originadas de la arteria carótida común. Las anastomosis entre las arterias tiroideas fueron comunes. La constancia en las dimensiones y irrigación de la glándula tiroidea puede ser ventajosa en la elección del Coelho como modelo experimental para el estudio de esta glándula.

Resumo Coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia são amplamente usados como modelos experimentais e representam uma parcela importante dos atendimentos em consultórios veterinários. A conformação músculo-esquelética dos coelhos torna frequente a ocorrência de lesões lombossacrais com comprometimento neural. Visando contribuir para a anatomia comparada e no entendimento destas lesões, foram estudadas por dissecção a origem e a distribuição dos nervos obturatórios de 30 cadáveres de coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia (15 machos e 15 fêmeas) fixados previamente em formaldeído a 10%. O nervo obturatório formou-se a partir dos ramos ventrais de L6 e L7 em 63,3% dos casos, de L5 e L6 em 13,4%, apenas de L7 em 13,4%, de L7 e S1 em 6,6% e de L6, L7 e S1 em 3,3%. O segmento espinhal que mais contribuiu para a formação do nervo foi L7 (86,6% dos nervos). Os nervos obturatórios emitiram em todos os animais, número variável de ramos para os músculos obturador interno, obturador externo, pectíneo, adutor e grácil. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as frequências da origem e de ramos musculares dos nervos obturatórios quando comparados sexo e antímeros.

Abstract New Zealand rabbits are widely used as experimental models and represent an important casuistic in veterinary practices. The musculoskeletal conformation of rabbits frequently leads to the occurrence of lumbosacral lesions with neural involvement. In order to contribute to the comparative anatomy and the understanding of these lesions, the origin and distribution of the obturator nerves of 30 New Zealand rabbits (15 males and 15 females) previously fixed in 10% formaldehyde were studied by dissection. The obturator nerves were originated from the ventral spinal branches of L6 and L7 in 63.3% of the cases, L5 and L6 in 13.4%, only L7 in 13.4%, L7 and S1 in 6.6 % and of L6, L7 and S1 in 3.3%. The spinal segment that most contributed to the formation of the nerve was L7 (86.6% of the nerves). The obturator nerves emitted in all the specimens, a variable number of branches for the internal obturator, external obturator, pectineum, adductor and gracilis muscles. No significant differences were observed between the frequencies of the origin and muscular branches of the obturator nerves when comparing sex and antimers.

Resumo Seis membros torácicos de quatro espécimes de Leopardus geoffroyi foram dissecados para descrever a origem e a distribuição dos nervos formadores do plexo braquial. O plexo braquial resultou das conexões entre os ramos ventrais dos últimos quatro ramos ventrais cervicais (C5, C6, C7 e C8) e do primeiro torácico (T1). Estes ramos formaram os nervos supra-escapular, subescapular, axilar, musculocutâneo, radial, mediano e ulnar para os músculos intrínsecos e originaram os nervos braquiocefálico, toracodorsal, torácico lateral, torácico longo, peitoral cranial e peitoral caudal para os músculos extrínsecos. O ramo ventral de C7 foi o que mais contribuiu para a formação dos nervos do plexo (70,5%), seguido por C8 (47,4%), C6 (29,5%), T1 (19,2%) e C5 (7,7%). Entre os 78 nervos dissecados, 65,4% resultaram da combinação de dois ou mais ramos, enquanto apenas 34,6% se originaram de um único ramo. Em comparação com outras espécies da ordem Carnivora, a origem e área de inervação do plexo braquial do gato-do-mato-grande se assemelhou mais com a do gato doméstico, especialmente no tocante aos nervos destinados à musculatura intrínseca. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que técnicas de bloqueio nervoso atualmente empregadas em cães e gatos podem ser também eficientes no gato-do-mato-grande.

Abstract Six thoracic limbs from four Leopardus geoffroyi specimens were dissected in order to describe origin and distribution of nerves forming the brachial plexuses. The brachial plexus is a result of connections between ventral branches of the last four cervical nerves (C5, C6, C7 and C8) and the first thoracic nerve (T1). These branches are the origin of the suprascapularis, subscapularis, axillary, musculocutaneous, radial, median and ulnar nerves to the intrinsic musculature, and form the brachiocephalicus, thoracodorsal, lateral thoracic, long thoracic, cranial pectoral and caudal pectoral nerves to the extrinsic musculature. The C7 ventral branch is mainly responsible for formation of nerves (70.5%), followed by C8 (47.4%), C6 (29.5%), T1 (19.2%) and C5 (7.7%). From 78 dissected nerves, 65.4% of nerves resulted from a combination of two or three branches, while only 34.6% of nerves originated from a single branch. Through comparison with other carnivoran species, the origin and innervation area of the Geoffroyi’s Cat brachial plexus were most similar to those of the domestic cat, particularly among those nerves extended to the intrinsic musculature. The results of this study suggest that nerve block techniques currently used in dogs and cats might be efficient in Geoffroyi’s Cat too.

This study described the anatomy of the coronary arteries and their main branches in Puma concolor. The hearts of six individuals of Puma concolor, were analyzed. The A. coronaria sinistra formed the ramus interventricularis paraconalis and the ramus circunflexus. A ramus septal was formed close to the origin of the ramus interventricularis paraconalis and yielded from six to eight ventricular branches. The circumflex branch originated from two to five atrial branches and from three to seven ventricular branches. The right coronary artery formed two to six atrial branches, and four to nine ventricular branches. In half of the individuals, an accessory coronary artery was identified as the first branch of the right coronary artery. In all individuals, the subsinusal interventricular branch originated in the right coronary artery. It could be inferred that coronary circulation in Puma concolor is balanced, as each coronary artery yielded an interventricular branch and there was no significant difference in the total number of branches that originated from each coronary artery. These findings are different from the descriptions of most carnivore species, and may aid a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and synapomorphies of carnivore coronary circulation, especially in the Felidae family.

En este estudio se describió la anatomía de las arterias coronarias, y sus principales ramas, en el Puma concolor. Se analizaron los corazones de seis especímenes de Puma concolor. La arteria coronaria izquierda formó la rama interventricular paraconal y la rama circunfleja. Una rama septal se formó cerca del origen de la rama paraconal y otorgó de seis a ocho ramas ventriculares. La rama circunfleja originó de dos a cinco ramas atriales y de tres a siete ramas ventriculares. La arteria coronaria derecha originó de dos a seis ramas atriales y de cuatro a nueve ramas ventriculares. En la mitad de los especímenes, se identificó una arteria coronaria accesoria como la primera rama de la arteria coronaria derecha. En todos los individuos, la rama interventricular subsinusal se originó en la arteria coronaria derecha. Se podría inferir que la circulación coronaria en el Puma concolor es equilibrada, ya que cada arteria coronaria produce una rama interventricular y no hay diferencia significativa en el número total de ramas que se originan de cada arteria coronaria. Estos hallazgos son diferentes de las descripciones de la mayoría de las especies carnívoras y pueden ayudar a una mejor comprensión de las relaciones filogenéticas y de las sinapomorfias de la circulación de los carnívoros, especialmente en la familia Felidae.

This study aimed to describe anatomical features of the forelimb skeleton of Mazama gouazoubira in order to establish morphofunctional activity. Forelimbs of four young adult specimens were used to this end. The bones were prepared by boiling and cleared in a solution of hydrogen peroxide for comparative descriptions, osteometrics measurements and digital radiographs. Compared to domestic ruminants, the scapula proved to be wide and flat, with a small acromion, reduced coracoid process and lacking of spine tuberosity. The humerus had an elongated shaft with a rounded cross-section and discrete non-articular projections. The ulna accompanied the radio to the distal epiphysis and formed a long and narrow, proximally placed interosseous space without a vascular groove. The skeleton of the hand presented the rudimentary metacarpals II and V and the well-developed III and IV fused metacarpals, which is a typical telemetacarpal arrangement of close phylogenetically deer species from the New World. There were four fingers, each one with three phalanges; two main (III and IV) touching the ground and two rudimentary (II and V). Radiographs allowed visualizing patterns of normal trabecular tensions and osteometrics enabled to establish ratios for comparative purposes. Adaptations of skeletal forelimb to favor cursorial saltatory locomotion were typically identified.

El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características anatómicas y establecer hipótesis morfo-funcionales del esqueleto del miembro torácico de Mazama gouazoubira. Para ello, se utilizaron los miembros torácicos de cuatro adultos jóvenes. Los huesos se prepararon mediante ebullición y fueron blanqueados en una solución de peróxido de hidrógeno para obtener descripciones comparativas, mediciones osteométricas y radiografías digitales. En comparación con los rumiantes domésticos, la escápula resultó ser ancha y plana, con el acromion pequeño, el proceso coracoides muy pequeño y sin tuberosidad de la espina. El húmero se observó alargado con la diáfisis redondeada en una sección transversal y con proyecciones no articulares lisas. La ulna se unió al radio hasta la epífisis distal y juntos formaron un espacio interóseo proximal alargado y estrecho, sin surco vascular. El esqueleto de la mano presentó los metacarpianos III y IV bien desarrollados y fusionados, mientras que los metacarpianos II y V resultaron rudimentarios con disposición telemetacarpiana, filogenéticamente típico de cérvidos del Nuevo Mundo. Se encontraron cuatro dedos con tres falanges en cada uno, de los cuales, dos corresponden a los principales (III y IV) que llegan al suelo y dos son rudimentarios (II y V). Las radiografías nos permitieron visualizar los patrones de tensiones trabeculares normales y la osteometría permitió establecer relaciones con fines comparativos. Se reconocieron las adaptaciones esqueléticas del miembro torácico para favorecer la locomoción cursorial saltatoria.

Resumo: As artérias mesentéricas das aves são importantes para a irrigação do aparelho digestório e encontram-se associadas ao ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Objetivou-se descrever as origens, esqueletopias, medidas e principais ramificações das artérias mesentéricas cranial e caudal em avestruzes. Foram utilizados 41 cadáveres de filhotes de avestruzes, 23 machos e 18 fêmeas, obtidos de um criadouro após morte natural. Os cadáveres foram fixados com formaldeído a 10% e tiveram o sistema vascular preenchido com Petrolatex® S-65 colorido. As artérias mesentéricas, cranial e caudal e seus ramos proximais foram dissecados "in situ" e medidas com paquímetro digital. A artéria mesentérica cranial teve comprimento médio de 3,68 ± 1,04 cm e surgiu da aorta descendente ao nível da oitava vértebra torácica na maioria dos casos. Ramificou-se em artérias jejunal e ileocecal. A artéria jejunal ofereceu média de 14,04 ±2,08 ramos ao jejuno e a artéria ileocecal originou um ramo retal e outro que se bifurcou para derivar ramos para íleo, ceco e reto. Em um espécime macho a artéria ileocecal foi ramo da artéria celíaca. A artéria mesentérica caudal originou-se na porção terminal da aorta descendente predominantemente ao nível das 4ª e 6ª vértebras sacro-caudais. Perto da extremidade caudal do rim emitiu os ramos cranial e caudal. O primeiro irrigou o reto e anastomosou-se com ramo retal da artéria mesentérica cranial; o segundo irrigou a porção final do reto, cloaca e bolsa cloacal. Não houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre as medidas, esqueletopia e número de ramificações das artérias entre os sexos.

Abstract: The mesenteric arteries of birds are important for the irrigation of the digestive tract and are associated with weight gain and food conversion. This study aimed to describe the origins, skeletopy, measures and main branches of cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries in ostriches. Forty-one cadavers of ostrich chicks, 23 males and 18 females, obtained from a farmer after natural death. The cadavers were fixed with 10% formaldehyde solution and their vascular system was filled with colored Petrolatex® S-65. The cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries and its proximal branches were dissected in situ and measured with a digital caliper. The mesenteric artery had an average length of 3.68cm±1.04 and emerged from the descending aorta at the level of the eighth thoracic vertebra in most cases; it branched into jejunal and ileocecal arteries. The jejunal artery sent a mean of 14 (14.04±2.08) branches to the jejunum. The ileocecal artery sent a rectal branch and another branch that irrigated ileum, cecum and rectum. In a male specimen the ileocecal artery was originated from the celiac artery. The caudal mesenteric artery emerged in the terminal portion of the descending aorta predominantly at the level of the 4th and 6th sacrocaudal vertebrae. Near the caudal end of the kidney it issued the cranial and caudal branches. The first irrigated the rectum and anastomosed with the rectal branch of the cranial mesenteric artery; the second irrigated the final part of the rectum, cloaca and cloacal bursa. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) between measurements, skeletopy and number of branches of the arteries between genders.

PURPOSE: To update the gross and sonographic anatomy and propose landmarks to perform ultrasound-guided (US-guided) axillary brachial plexus block (BPB) in rabbits. METHODS: Forty New Zeeland's rabbit (NZR) cadavers were dissected and the nerves were trimmed, identified, measured, and photographed. Additionally, in twenty NZRs, sonographic images of brachial plexus (BP) were performed through a simple-resolution ultrasound device. The US-guided block was achieved through a minimum volume of lidocaine necessary to surround the BP roots. The effectiveness of the brachial plexus block was assessed on sensitivity and motor functions. RESULTS: The BP resulted from connections between the ventral branches of the last four cervical spinal nerves and the first thoracic spinal nerve. In the axillary sonoanatomy, the BP appeared as an agglomerate of small, round hypoechoic structures surrounded by a thin hyperechoic ring. The amount of time and the minimum volume required to perform was 4.3 ± 2.3 min and 0.8 ± 0.3ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The gross and sonographic anatomy of the BP showed uncommon morphological variations. Moreover, from sonographic landmarks, we showed complete reproducibility of the axillary US-guided brachial plexus block with simple resolution equipment and small volume of anesthetics required.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the ovaries and the oviduct of juvenile females of the broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris (Daudin, 1802), using light microscopy, histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques. The ovarian cortex was observed to contain groups of germinative cells and abundant previtellogenic follicles at different stages of development. In previtellogenic follicles, the oocyte was surrounded by a single cuboidal layer of granulosa cells, supported by the theca layer. The theca was formed by a concentric layer containing collage nous fibers, predominantly type I, and several smooth muscle fibers. The inner perivitelline layer appeared as a narrow basophilic region between the oocyte and the granulosa. The ovarian medullary region of loose connective tissue contained blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as numerous lacunae, being covered by a simple squamous epithelium, supported by a thin layer of connective tissue. The oviduct of C. latirostris showed five histologically distinct regions: infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina. The infundibulum was composed of an irregularly folded mucosa covered by a simple columnar epithelium with the presence of ciliated cells, weakly reactive to PAS staining. In the magnum, the mucosa was highly folded, and pseudostratified columnar epithelium contains mucous cells, which reacted positively to PAS staining. The isthmus was lining by an epithelium of ciliated and non-ciliated secretory cells, but no gland was visualized in mucosa. In the uterus, the folded mucosa was composed of a simple epithelium of high cylindrical cells and the lamina propria, which was predominantly formed by strongly birefringent fibers, but yellow-green weakly birefringent fibers were also present. The epithelium of the vagina contained intensely ciliated and non-ciliated cells, both of which were positive to PAS staining and no gland was observed in this region. Although the ovary and the oviduct showed some morphological particularities, they are similar to other crocodilians.

The origin and distribution of the femoral nerves in both antimeres were studied in 30 New Zealand rabbits (15 males and 15 females). The specimens were collected after natural death and fixed with 10% formaldehyde solution. In males, the femoral nerve originated from the ventral branches of the fourth, sixth and seventh lumbar spinal nerves in seven animals (46.67%), in two animals (13.33%) from the ventral branches of the fifth and sixth lumbar spinal nerves, in one animal (6.67%) from the ventral branch of the fifth lumbar spinal nerve, in three animals (20%) from the ventral branches of the fifth, sixth and seventh lumbar spinal nerves, in one animal (6.67%) from the ventral branches of the fourth and fifth lumbar spinal nerves, and in one animal (6.67%) from the ventral branches of the fifth and seventh lumbar spinal nerves. In females, the femoral nerve originated from the ventral branches of the fourth, sixth and seventh lumbar spinal nerves in four animals (26.67%), in two cases (13.33%) from the ventral branches of the fifth and sixth lumbar spinal nerves, in one animal (6.67%) from the ventral branch of the fifth lumbar spinal nerve, in three animals (20%) from the ventral branches of the sixth and seventh lumbar spinal nerves, in four animals (26.67%) from the ventral branches of the fifth, sixth and seventh lumbar spinal nerves and in one animal (6.67%) from the ventral branches of the fourth and seventhlumbar spinal nerves. In all animals the femoral nerves were distributed in different branches to the major and minor psoas, femoral quadriceps, sartorius and pectinius muscles.

Se estudió el origen y distribución del nervio femoral de ambos antímeros en 30 conejos neozelandeses, 15 machos y 15 hembras. Los animales fueron recolectados después de su muerte natural y se fijaron en formaldehído al 10%. En los machos, el nervio femoral se originó a partir de los ramos ventrales del cuarto, sexto y séptimo nervios espinales lumbares en siete casos (46,67%); en tres casos (20%) desde los ramos ventrales del quinto, sexto y séptimo nervios espinales lumbares; en dos casos (13,33%) desde los ramos ventrales del quinto y sexto nervios espinales lumbares, mientras que en tres animales (n=1 respectivamente), desde los ramos ventrales del quinto nervio espinal lumbar (6,67%), los ramos ventrales del cuarto y quinto nervios lumbares espinales (6,67%) y desde los ramos ventrales del quinto y séptimo nervios espinales lumbares. En las hembras, el nervio femoral se originó a partir de los ramos ventrales del cuarto, sexto y séptimo nervios espinales en cuatro casos (26,67%); en otros cuatro casos (26,67%) desde los ramos ventrales del quinto, sexto y séptimo nervios espinales lumbar, en tres casos (20%) desde los ramos ventrales del sexto y séptimo nervios espinales lumbares, en dos casos (13,33%) desde los ramos ventrales del quinto y sexto nervios espinales, y en dos animales (n=1, respectivamente) procedían desde los ramos ventrales del quinto nervio espinal lumbar (6,67%) y de los ramos ventrales del cuarto y séptimo nervios espinales lumbares (6,67%). Los nervios femorales en todos los animales estaban distribuidos en diversos ramos de los músculos psoas mayor y menor, cuádriceps femoral sartorios y pectinatos.

O nervo femoral foi estudado em 33 caprinos recém-natos da raça Saanen (22 machos e 11 fêmeas), que, após morte natural, foram fixados com solução de formaldeído a 10%. Nos machos, o nervo femoral teve sua origem nos ramos espinhais ventrais de L4 e L5 em oito animais (36%); em seis animais (27%) teve sua origem nos ramos espinhais ventrais de L5 e L6; em cinco animais (23%) teve sua origem no ramo espinhal ventral de L5; em dois animais (9%) teve sua origem nos ramos espinhais ventrais de L4, L5 e L6; em um animal (5%) teve sua origem dos ramos espinhais ventrais de L5 e L6 e no ramo espinhal ventral de S1. Nas fêmeas, teve sua origem nos ramos espinhais ventrais de L4 e L5 em sete animais (64%); em três animais (27%) teve sua origem nos ramos espinhais ventrais de L5 e L6 e em um animal (9%) teve sua origem nos ramos espinhais ventrais de L4, L5 e L6. Os nervos femorais emitiram, em todos os animais, número variável de ramos para os músculos psoas maior, psoas menor, quadríceps femoral, sartório e pectíneo.

The femoral nerves were studied in newborn goats of Saanen breed (22 males and 11 females) that were collected after natural death and fixed with 10% formaldehyde solution. In males the femoral nerve arose from the ventral spinal branches of L4 and L5 in eight animals (36%); in six animals (27%) it arose from the ventral spinal branches of L5 and L6; in five animals (23%) it arose from the ventral spinal branches of L5; in two animals (9%) it arose from the ventral spinal branches of L4, L5 and L6 and in one animal (5%) it arose from the ventral spinal branches of L5 and L6 and the ventral spinal branches of S1. In females the femoral nerve arose from the ventral spinal branches of L4 and L5 in seven animals (64%); in three animals (27%) it arose from the ventral spinal branches of L5 and L6 and in one animal (9%) it arose from the ventral spinal branches of L4, L5 and L6. In all animals, the femoral nerves were distributed in different branches to the major and minor psoas, femoris quadriceps, sartorius and pectinius muscles.

The brachioradialis is an important muscle that acts in the external rotation of the forearm (supination). However, its occurrence is controversial and little studied in the order Carnivora. Thus, this study investigates the occurrence and anatomo-functional arrangement of this muscle in wild carnivorans species. Fifty-eight thoracic limbs of specimens from species of Canidae, Procyonidae, Mustelidae and Felidae were dissected. Measurements of the length of the muscle (ML), the length of the forearm (FL), latero-medial width of the muscle (MW) and the lateral-medial diameter of the forearm (FD) were obtained to establish the ratios MW/FD and ML/FL in order to investigate the relative proportion of the muscle in relation to the forearm of each species. The brachioradialis muscle was identified in all species, although it was unilaterally or bilaterally absent in some canid individuals. The ratios demonstrated significant differences in the anatomical proportions among the families, with greater functional importance in the mustelids, procyonids, and felids because of a set of elaborate movements in the thoracic limb of representatives of these families when compared to canids.

<sec><title>PURPOSE:</title><p>To assess pain in the immediate postoperative period in cats submitted into two different celiotomy techniques for ovariohysterectomy.</p></sec><sec><title>METHODS:</title><p>Fourteen healthy female cats up to three years old with a mean weight 2.75kg, without breed specification, were used in this double blind experiment. The animals were randomly assigned to two treatments: I- ovariohysterectomy by lateral approach (LA) or II - by midline approach (MA). The anesthesia consisted of acepromazine (0.1 mg.kg^-1) and midazolam (0.25mg.kg^-1)followed isoflurane vaporization to induce and maintain hypnosis. A bolus of fentanyl (5μg.kg^-1) was administered intravenously to provide intraoperative analgesia. After surgery, pain scores were assessed through a multidimensional composite pain scale at four different times.</p></sec><sec><title>RESULTS:</title><p> Generally all factors related to psychomotor changes and pain expression showed higher scores in cats neutered by LA, but only psychomotor changes and total pain score presented statistical differences (p<0.05). The animals that underwent lateral celiotomy showed higher pain scores, at 1, 4 and 6 hours after surgery.</p></sec><sec><title>CONCLUSIONS:</title><p> Multidimensional analgesic scales were highly reliable. There was a tendency for the cats neutered by lateral approach to suffer more postoperative pain, including requiring a large number of analgesic rescues.</p></sec>