Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum in sows and factors associated with infection in commercial herds in two regions of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

This study evaluated the cardiorespiratory parameters, analgesia, sedation depth and duration, and recovery quality in guinea pigs undergoing elective castration, using dexmedetomidine or xylazine combined with esketamine hydrochloride and morphine. In a crossover study, guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) (n=8), 9 months and 650 g (p = 0,3831) received xylazine (1 mg/kg), esketamine (10 mg/kg), and morphine (0,5 mg/kg) (GXIL), or dexmedetomidine (5 mcg/kg), esketamine (10 mg/kg), and morphine (0,5 mg/kg) (GDEX) intramuscularly at a two-week interval. Cardiorespiratory parameters, including respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), SpO2, and rectal temperature (RTºC), were recorded at baseline (M0) and every 5 minutes post-administration (M5 to M60). Sedation depth was assessed via ear/toe pinch response, jaw tone, righting reflex, posture, palpebral reflex and reaction to manipulation, based on the criteria established by D'OVÍDIO et al. (2017). Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test, unpaired t-test, two-way repeated measures ANOVA, and non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U). GXIL induced more profound sedation, with significant differences in ear/toe pinch response and jaw tone compared to GDEX. HR and RR significantly decreased in the GXIL group, with an average reduction of 13,6% in HR and 32,6% in RR. GDEX demonstrated less sedation depth and a milder decrease in RR. Both protocols were effective and safe for chemical restraint in guinea pigs, though GXIL provided deeper sedation and greater cardiorespiratory depression than GDEX. However, GDEX maintained a more stable cardiorespiratory profile, suggesting it. Nonetheless, both treatments provided minimal cardiorespiratory alterations, demonstrating their safety for use.

Feline obesity is a prevalent disorder that predisposes cats to metabolic diseases, but comprehensive data on its specific effects on serum lipid profiles are lacking. This study aimed to establish reference intervals for HDL cholesterol and a lipid profile in healthy lean cats; characterized serum concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, LDL, and triglycerides, and to characterize alterations across body condition scores, age groups, and between sexes. In a prospective cross-sectional study of eighty-five client-owned cats (25 lean, 60 overweight/obese), body condition was assessed using body weight and a 9-point BCS system. Biochemical analyses were performed using a Mindray® BS200 automated analyzer. Results established an HDL reference interval of 39.1–163.9 mg/dL for lean cats. Obesity was linked to a distinct dyslipidemia, characterized by a pronounced 58% increase in triglycerides and rising VLDL. Interestingly, while HDL increased with obesity, total cholesterol was up to 13% higher in overweight versus obese cats, indicating a complex metabolic relationship. A significant finding was that 71.2% of young adult cats were already above ideal BCS, with the highest obesity rate (40%) in mature adults. A notable sex disparity was observed, with male cats showing a greater tendency toward higher adiposity.