Ciência Animal

Predation of little white heron by the greater Brazilian owl: Jacurutu

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The snowy egret (Egretta thula) inhabits the edges of lakes, rivers, and seashores, being common in estuaries, mangroves, and mud puddles on the coast, and can also be found in pastures, psychocultures, canals, and at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes mountain range. The great horned owl (Bubu virginianus) is a large and powerful owl and is considered the largest nocturnal raptor in Brazil, having prominent ears, large yellowish eyes, and powerful claws covered with feathers. It lives on the edge of forests, dry forests and fields, and in semi- open areas with trees, ravines, Cerrado, and in areas with rocky outcrops with trees and bushes and in anthropogenic areas or parks and squares. During a study of birds in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, the predation of the little white heron by a jacurutu was recorded, which greatly contributes to its feeding preference, since birds are mentioned in the literature in a generic way.

Glyphosate exposition induce atresia in ovarian follicles of adult mice and neonates

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Glyphosate-based herbicides have negative impacts on the development of the female reproductive system and there is little information on the effects at different stages of the female reproductive life, especially on the integrity of ovarian follicles. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether glyphosate affects the morphology of ovarian follicles in pregnant mice and their offspring. Female mice (n=6), 8 weeks old, mated with male mice (n=3). After confirmation of pregnancy, the females were equally divided into two groups: Control (CTRL) and Glyphosate at a concentration of 30 mg/kg (M30). Female offspring from the M30 group
were also evaluated to observe potential alterations resulting from herbicide exposure (M30f). Follicles were quantified and classified based on morphological integrity and follicular category by classical histology analyses. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean and subjected to the Student's t-test for comparison between groups (CTRL and M30). Differences were considered significant at p<0.05. The results showed a significant increase in the number of degenerated follicles in the ovaries of animals from the M30 group compared to the CTRL group (p<0.05). In offspring exposed to the herbicide during the embryonic phase (M30f), 302 follicles were counted, of which 41.39% were degenerated. It is concluded that female mice exposed to a concentration of 30 mg/kg of glyphosate during adulthood or intrauterine life experience compromised ovarian morphological integrity, leading to an increase in the number of atretic follicles, both in the mothers and their offspring.

Feasibility analysis of laryngeal mask airway in cats under inhalation anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a laryngeal mask in cats during inhalation anesthesia under spontaneous ventilation compared to endotracheal intubation. The procedure was carried out at the Veterinary Clinical Center of Patos de Minas (CCV/UNIPAM), using sixteen healthy male cats of different breeds and ages. They were divided into two groups, G1 - intubation of 6 animals with endotracheal tube, and G2 - intubation of 10 animals with laryngeal mask. The following parameters were determined for both groups: heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, oxymetry, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and mean pressure, being collected at T1 (30 minutes before the pre-anesthetic medication), T2, (immediately before the incision), T3, T4, and T5 at 10, 15, and 20 minutes after the beginning of the procedure, respectively. For statistical analyses, the Friedman's test was used, and for the variables p<0.5, the Wilcoxon test was used. When evaluating each device separately, no statistically significant differences were found within the groups. When compared at differen times, significant differences were found in Respiratory Rate and Systolic Pressure. The stability of physiological parameters observed at different times during the transanesthetic period of cats that used the laryngeal mask, compared to those that used an endotracheal tube, corroborates the efficacy of the laryngeal mask as a supra-
glottic device for maintaining inhalational anesthesia in felines.

Bone neoplasms: reality of diagnosis and prognosis in dogs in the city of Fortaleza/Ceará

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The expansion in the number of dogs in Brazilian homes has been associated with an improvement in food management and more responsible guardianship, leading to an increase in the life expectancy of these animals. At the same time, oncology has been more approached in the field of Veterinary Medicine and the number of studies related to bone neoplasms have increased. Primary bone neoplasms are: osteosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma of invasive and metastatic behavior, chondrosarcoma, and fibrosarcoma, a malignant fibroblast tumor characterized by collagen formation. The diagnosis of these neoplasms can be challenging and the speed with which it is performed is essential for a favorable prognosis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to bring a perspective of how the diagnosis happens and understand the scenarios of patients' prognosis according to the veterinarians
of Fortaleza city. The data collection was carried out through Google forms, being answered between july and september 2022, including questions about the level of specialization of the veterinarian, his experience and time working in the small animals clinic, the challenges of diagnosis for such neoplasms, forms of diagnosis used in these cases, number of cases accompanied by these professionals, breed/size ratio of animals affected by the neoplasm, the post-diagnosis prognosis of these animals and whether the treatment is usually carried out in the general practice or by a specialist.

ARDUINO SYSTEM AND MODULES AS A MODEL FOR DEVELOPING EQUIPMENT USED IN LIVESTOCK FARMING

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

New technologies have the potential to generate benefits to agribusiness through cooperation between productive and scientific scenarios. In livestock 4.0, the constant collection and analysis of data made by sensors and programs allows those responsible to evaluate information related to both animals and the environment. The present experiment aimed at making use of the Arduino system and its modules to develop equipment that can be used in livestock to make the new production model "Livestock 4.0" more accessible to rural producers. Making use of an Arduino UNO and Ethernet Shield W5100 modules, water flow sensor, DHT11 (Digital Humidity and Temperature Sensor), water-proof thermometer (Ds18b20), LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) sensor and a 2 Gb micro SD card, data for photoperiod, room temperature, relative humidity, water consumption and water temperature were collected during a 24-hour test period and stored by the system on the micro SD card in a file in the format " txt". The information stored in the file was transferred to the LibreOffice Calc 7.1 application, where it was processed and analyzed. It was perceived that the animals consumed water in groups and at specific periods of the day, with higher environmental temperatures and lower relative humidity, thus presenting peaks of consumption at certain times.

Alternative foods for formulating diets for dogs and cats

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The relationship between people and their pets has become closer, as these animals are increasingly considered members of the family. In Brazil, the pet market has shown continuous growth, especially in the food sector, which recorded a significant increase in 2022, placing the country one of the largest in terms of worldwide revenue. In the search for more sustainable and economical alternatives, various innovative ingredients such as microalgae, insect meal, DDGS (dried distillers grains), animal by-products and botanicals have been incorporated into the diets of dogs and cats. These foods provide valuable nutritional benefits, including high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and bioactive compounds that promote animal health. In addition to their health benefits, these
ingredients also help reduce production costs and environmental impact, making it a greener solution for the pet market. Consumer’s acceptance of these innovative foods is growing, reflecting an increasing interest in more sustainable and efficient options within in animal nutrition. The market is adapting to the demand for solutions that meet both nutritional needs and the desire for more conscious and environmentally responsible practices.

Reproductive physiology and cysts of the female genital system in cows and sows

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Cysts in the female genital tract of cows and sows are pathological conditions that can affect the reproductive efficiency of these animals. These cysts are classified into different types and each of them has different characteristics in terms of formation, size, and effects on hormonal functions and the affected organ. Therefore, in addition to differing in nature, cystic formations also have an impact on the anatomophysiology of females, making it essential to understand their specific characterization, in order to personalize and execute appropriate reproductive management. In more serious cases, cysts can directly interfere with animal fertility. The presence of these abnormal formations in the reproductive organs of cows and sows can be influenced by several factors, such as nutrition, genetics, and sanitary management. Therefore, understanding such factors is important to
work on preventing the emergence of cystic formations and, together with the early detection and effective treatment of these pathologies, improve the health of females and the zootechnical indices of herds.

Importance of pH on the functional dynamic of rumen

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The rumen is a mostly aqueous and complex n ecosystem and environment that receives the ingested food, which it is mixed and processed through fermentation for degradability, digestion, and use by the animal. Rumen microorganisms (fungi, protozoa, and bacteria) are responsible for fermentation through the production of enzymes that exert a specific effect on the different constituents of the diet, presenting as final components volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonia (NH 3 ), and methane (CH 4 ). The rumen microbiota depends on the stability of the environment in which they live to survive, multiply and ferment food; however, each species and type of microorganism present in the rumen has a particular requirement for pH, temperature, oxygen, and osmotic for this. The rumen population depends on the type of feed the animal receives, which serves as a substrate for
fermentation and determines the type and quantity of products produced during this process and, therefore, the rumen pH throughout the day. Diets high in concentrate (starch) and low fiber result in a low pH (acidic), while diets high in fiber and low starch (roughage, for example) produce a high pH (close to neutrality). This is the scope of this systematic bibliographic review: to present the importance of pH on the dynamics and flow of rumen balance for optimal fermentation rates and degradability. Articles from selected journals and periodicals, as well as Ruminant Nutrition books, were evaluated to support the subject and compile them into a single material.

Sperm morphology and pathologies in domestic mammals

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

For the evaluation of mammalian breeders, especially in the context of animal production, it is of paramount importance that the professional knows the morphology and sperm pathologies that exist and can result in a reduction of reproductive results. Therefore, several works describe the morphological structure of sperm basically as head, neck, and tail. There is a type of classification of these pathologies as primary, secondary, and tertiary. However, some authors consider it limiting and prefer the classification between major and minor defects, as they relate the pathology directly to fertility. Therefore, this literature review aimed to present and describe sperm pathologies based on their morphology: head, acrosome, neck, midpiece, and tail, considering
their impact on fertility. In this way, it is possible to perceive the great importance of this knowledge and its applicability in veterinary andrology, so that this system can help the veterinarian in the interpretation of the general picture in the clinical and andrological evaluation of the animal.

Brachial plexus blockage in howler monkey for orthopedic procedure in digits and phalanx

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The monkey of the species Alouatta ululata, known as Guariba-da-caatinga or Maranhão Red-handed Howler Monkey, is a species of howler monkey endemic to Brazil, found in the states of Maranhão, Piauí, and Ceará. This study aimed to report the efficacy of a multimodal anesthetic protocol, associated with loco-regional brachial blockade of the brachial plexus, administered to a male howler monkey (Alouatta alulata), approximately 1 year old, weighing 1.1kg, for the performance of a double digit amputation procedure and osteosynthesis in the phalanx of the index finger. Tramadol (4mg/kg), ketamine (7mg/kg), and midazolam
(0.2mg/kg) were used as preanesthetic medication, intramuscularly; co-induction was performed with intravenous ketamine (1mg/kg) and fentanyl (3µg/kg); induction with intravenous propofol (4mg/kg) and maintenance with inhalation anesthesia, using isoflurane. In the locoregional blockade, by axillary perivascular approach to the brachial plexus, bupivacaine (3mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (0.1mg/kg) were used as adjuvants. Since the physiological parameters remained stable during the procedure and there was no agitation or vocalization in the postoperative period, it can be concluded that the use of the anesthetic protocol proposed in this report proved to be effective in achieving analgesia, muscle relaxation, patient comfort and calm anesthetic
recovery in this animal, for this type of procedure.

Sertolioma in a canine with bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Cryptorchidism is a condition whose causes are not yet fully understood, although genetic factors are considered among the most significant. This pathology can be unilateral or bilateral and consists of the absence of a testicle in the scrotum, but located ectopically. In addition, cryptorchidism is a condition that predisposes to the development of testicular tumors, the main one being sertolioma. This study aimed to report a case of a six-year- old male German Shepherd dog, unneutered, who presented both testicles intracavitary and the presence of prostatic cysts. Hematological tests indicated normocytic anemia and the ultrasound examination only identified one testicle, in addition to the identification of prostatic enlargement and the presence of a paraprostatic abscess. Despite the institution of surgical treatment by means of orchiectomy and the identification of Sertolioma through
histopathological examination, the animal did not present significant improvement in its clinical condition.

ASSOCIATION OF NYSTATIN AND SODIUM BENZOATE IN THE TREATMENT OF MACRORHABIDOSE IN COCKATIEL IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Macrorhabidosis is an infection caused by Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, an opportunistic ascomycete yeast mainly found in the digestive system of birds. Macrorhabidosis presents high morbidity and variable mortality, with death reported more frequently in young and immunosuppressed birds. It can be treated with antifungals; however, resistance to these drugs has been described, which has driven the development of alternative treatments, such as sodium benzoate. This paper presents the first report of macrorhabidosis in cockatiel and describes the treatment protocol, which included nystatin and sodium benzoate and led to complete recovery. A cockatiel with a history of progressive weight loss was treated at a veterinary clinic, and examination showed that it was apathetic, thin, and presented signs of regurgitation. Samples of the ingluvial contents were collected for cytological examination, from which microorganisms compatible with M. ornithogaster were identified. Along with supportive therapy, nystatin-based treatment was administered; however, due to the lack of improvement in clinical conditions, sodium benzoate was added to the protocol. After 21 days of treatment, the bird recovered and a marked reduction of M. ornithogaster in the animal's microbiota was observed. The results suggest that the inclusion of sodium benzoate contributed to the treatment's success.

Treatment of feline affected by Trichophyton spp

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Dermatophytoses are fungal infections caused by fungi of the genera Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Among these, the genus Trichophyton is particularly relevant due to its zoonotic potential, mainly affecting dogs, cats, and humans, due to the proximity and frequent contact between these animals and their owners. Infections caused by Trichophyton spp. are known to cause alopecic lesions, erythema, crusts, and intense pruritus. The severity and extent of the lesions can vary considerably among infected animals, depending on the immunological status of the host and the virulence of the fungal strain involved. The present study aims to report the case of a feline diagnosed with dermatophytosis caused by the fungus Trichophyton spp. The animal's
treatment included the use of topical shampoos based on chlorhexidine and miconazole, in addition to a systemic approach with griseofulvin, imidazoles, and triazoles. After treatment, the feline showed complete remission of the lesions, with complete restoration of its fur, demonstrating the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach used.

Enzootic bovine leukosis: clinical and therapeutic aspects

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Leucosis is a chronic disease, described by the manifestations of tumors and lymphadenopathy. Contamination occurs horizontally, through blood-sucking insects and the shared use of needles, and vertically, through the transplacental route. Not all animals manifest clinical symptoms, which may vary depending on the location of the tumors. The study was based on a case report of a multiparous Holstein cow, with signs of anorexia, apathy, and decreased food intake. Confirmation occurred through the unfavorable evolution in the treatment of other clinical suspicions such as pneumonia and bovine parasitic sadness, combined with the positive serological diagnosis for leukosis. In addition, there was suspicion of abomasal displacement and ultrasonography was
performed, which revealed a tumor mass attached to the abdominal cavity. Due to the unfavorable prognosis, euthanasia followed by necropsy was chosen. Macroscopically, renal tumor, presence of hepatic cysts, infarcted lymph nodes, and abomasum with thick and hardened mucosa were evaluated, and microscopically, lymph nodes with loss of cortico-medullary structure, dense and with infiltration of neoplastic lymphocytes were observed. It is concluded that the incompatibility with the maintenance of animal well-being and productivity, as well as the high prevalence in herds, demonstrate the need for disease control and eradication programs in Brazil.

Perineal hernia in a dog

Washington Souza NASCIMENTO, Fernanda Martins FONSECA, Joelson Alves de SOUSA — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Perineal hernia is a pathology that originates from the weakening and separation of the muscles and fasciae that
make up the pelvic diaphragm, causing abdominal organs to move into the perineal region. It can occur
unilaterally or bilaterally and is more common in senile, uncastrated dogs. Hormonal, genetic, and neurogenic
muscle factors, prostatic alterations, and chronic constipation are related to the pathology. Among the main
clinical signs are tenesmus, constipation, dysuria, and oliguria. Although surgical treatment can be used to correct
the hernia, dietary and hormonal treatments are possibilities in cases where submitting the patient to anesthesia
presents many risks and when there is prostatic hyperplasia, respectively. An uncastrated senile canine was treated
at the Animal Protection NGO's outpatient clinic in Bom Jesus, PI, presenting an increase in the perineal region
accompanied by constipation and a history of perineal hernia repair. The recurrence of the pathology was
confirmed after analysis of the history, physical examination, and radiographic examination that showed
retroflexion of the bladder. The patient was referred for herniorrhaphy with polypropylene mesh support, as the
muscles of the pelvic diaphragm were not healthy enough to anchor sutures, and there were no further
complications during convalescence.