Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate possible risk factors for death in traumatized cats based on the clinicoepidemiological profile, the Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) scale score and the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score at the time of presentation to the hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving cats admitted to the emergency sector (ES) and the surgical clinic sector (SCS) of a veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) in northeastern Brazil over a 12-month period (2018–2019). Probable risk factors associated with non-survival after trauma were analyzed by calculating the prevalence ratio. The prediction of non-survival was evaluated by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve employing the ATT scale score, MGCS score and rectal temperature. Results: In 1 year, 89 traumatized cats were admitted to the VTH, of which 90% (n = 80) were young, 54% (n = 48) were male, 79% (n = 70) were intact, 59% (n = 53) were indoor cats and 92% (n = 82) were considered as mixed breed. Blunt trauma was the most prevalent cause of injuries, reported in 76% (n = 68) of the cats. Accidents involving falls (30%; n = 27) that affected the pelvic limbs (50.6%) were the most commonly reported. The prevalence of death among cats admitted to the ES was 9.44 times higher than that of animals treated at the SCS. Trauma as result of being run over and chest trauma were associated with a higher probability of death. Most of the animals that died had a lower rectal temperature than those that survived. The ATT scale score, MGCS score and rectal temperature were predictive of mortality. Conclusions and relevance: Rectal temperature, ATT scale score and MGCS score were effective predictors of an unfavorable prognosis and point to the need for emergency procedures. Hypothermia, being run over and chest trauma were associated with a higher risk of mortality. Our findings highlight the importance of prompt and effective care for these conditions.

Objectives: We compared the effects of two alpha (α)₂-adrenergic agonists on semen traits. Methods: In this study, 13 adult domestic cats were divided into two experimental groups, according to the chemical ejaculation protocol used: the first group received medetomidine hydrochloride (100 µg/kg) and ketamine (5000 µg/kg); the second group received dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (25 µg/kg) and ketamine (5000 µg/kg), both by the intramuscular route. Results: The animals responded positively ( P >0.05) to chemical collection. Seminal parameters evaluated included volume, sperm vigor, total motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration, and the structural and functional integrity of the plasma membrane; sperm morphology values did not differ between groups ( P >0.05). Conclusions and relevance: The results indicated that dexmedetomidine is a more viable and economical alternative to medetomidine in domestic cats submitted to semen collection by urethral catheterization. Semen collection by urethral catheterization after using α₂-adrenergic agonists is a recently developed technique in feline species that is considered to be quick and highly applicable to assisted reproduction programs in felids.

Effects of dexmedetomidine or tramadol continuous rate infusions on the propofol requirements and cardiorespiratory variables in propofol-ketamine-midazolam anaesthetised cats | T Souza, N Anjos, I Kersul, E Martins Filho, T Nunes, V Barbosa | Agricultural Journals

RESUMO Objetivou-se comparar os efeitos fisiológicos, analgésicos e sobre a taxa de infusão de propofol, decorrentes da anestesia epidural com lidocaína, associada ao tramadol ou à dexmedetomidina, em felinas submetidas à ovariosalpingohisterectomia (OSH). Para tal, 16 felinas hígidas foram pré-tratadas com acepromazina 0,08mg/kg/IM, utilizando-se propofol para a indução (dose-efeito) e manutenção anestésicas. Após indução, as gatas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em dois grupos (n=8), designados: grupo lidocaína-tramadol (GLT), tratado com lidocaína (3,0mg/kg) associada ao tramadol (2,0mg/kg); e grupo lidocaína-dexmedetomidina (GLD), tratado com lidocaína (3,0mg/kg) associada à dexmedetomidina (2µg/kg), pela via epidural. Durante a OSH, a infusão de propofol foi aumentada ou reduzida, objetivando-se manutenção de plano anestésico cirúrgico. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: f, FC, SPO2, EtCO2, PAS, PAD, PAM, T°C, nos períodos pré (M1) e transoperatórios (M2 a M7); a taxa mínima de propofol necessária; o tempo de recuperação anestésica e a qualidade da analgesia pós-cirúrgica durante seis horas. Ambos os tratamentos garantiram baixas taxas mínimas de infusão de propofol, todavia o uso da dexmedetomidina resultou em bradicardia inicial, elevação da pressão arterial, maior tempo de recuperação e menor qualidade analgésica, quando comparada ao tramadol.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos fisiológicos, sedativos e analgésicos da administração peridural de ropivacaína isolada ou associada à morfina ou à metadona. Para tal, 24 cadelas submetidas à ovário-histerectomia receberam acepromazina, e a anestesia foi induzida e mantida com propofol e isoflurano (FiO₂ = 1,0), respectivamente. De acordo com o protocolo peridural, formaram-se três grupos de igual número: GR (ropivacaína - 2,0mg/kg); GRMETA (ropivacaína - 2,0mg/kg e metadona - 0,3mg/kg) e GRMORF (ropivacaína - 2,0mg/kg e morfina - 0,1mg/kg). Registraram-se os parâmetros fisiológicos intraoperatórios e os graus de sedação e analgesia pós-operatórios. No GR constataram-se maiores médias de pressões arteriais 30 minutos após a anestesia epidural em relação ao GRMETA (sistólica e média) e ao final do procedimento cirúrgico comparativamente ao GRMORF (sistólica, diastólica e média). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos relativamente à analgesia e ao grau de sedação pós-operatórios. A administração epidural de ropivacaína é segura e eficaz e proporciona boa analgesia, independentemente da sua associação com morfina ou metadona.

Background: Several researches have shown the impacts of roads more directly to wildlife in Brazil. The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a frequent run over victim. Dissociative drugs are commonly used, but inhalation anesthesia is indicated in cases of extensive and prolonged surgeries. Despite their similarity with domestic dogs, the literature is scarce regarding the association of new anesthetic techniques and protocols in wild canids. The aim of this paper was to report the viability of multimodal anesthesia in a crab-eating fox, victim of running over, undergoing hemilaminectomy and sacrococcygeal stabilization.Case: An adult male specimen of crab-eating fox was rescued after being run over and taken to a wild animal screening center. Physical examination showed superficial and deep pain, lack of support for the pelvic limbs and proprioception, increased reflexes, and reduced tail mobility. Chemical restraint with intramuscular (IM) tiletamine-zolazepam (6.0 mg/kg) and morphine (0.5 mg/kg) was performed. Meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg IM) and enrofloxacin (5.0 mg/kg IM) were also administered. The animal was sequentially admitted to the veterinary hospital. Radiographic images showed compaction of the spinal column of the T10 and T11 thoracic vertebrae and the sacrococcygeal region. Sixty min after chemical restraint, the anesthesia was supplemented with IM tiletamine-zolazepam (4.5 mg/kg), and fluid therapy with 0.9% NaCl (10 mL/kg/h) was started. Ten min later, intravenous propofol dose-effect (2.5 mg/kg) was administered and general anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane (FiO2 = 1.0). Thirty min after the induction of anesthesia, the animal was urdergoing hemilaminectomy and sacrococcygeal stabilization. Constant rate infusions (CRI) of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg/h) and ketamine (0.6 mg/kg/h) were started. Lidocaine (7.0 mg/kg) and bupivacaine (2.0 mg/kg) were administered into the surgical site on the T10 and T11 vertebrae at 35 and 80 min into the surgery, respectively. The isoflurane requirement was adjusted often to keep the animal in the surgical anesthetic plan. At the end of the surgery (total time, 95 min), lumbosacral epidural analgesia was performed with morphine (0.1 mg/kg). No important abnormalities were detected in heart rate, systolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, or body temperature during the surgical period. The time intervals between the end of anesthesia, and the following events: extubation, the first head movement, and the establishment of sternal were 18, 34 and 73 min, respectively. Recovery was considered calm and peaceful, with no signs of pain or excitement.Discussion: Considering the painful discomfort and the need for manipulation, dissociative anesthesia was initially used to move the animal to hospital care. Due to the immediate indication for surgery, it was decided to use propofol in a sufficient dose for orotracheal intubation, keeping anesthesia with isoflurane. With the expectation of severe pain during the surgical procedure, CRI of dexmedetomidine and ketamine were used, in addition to lidocaine and bupivacaine at the lesion site. Although the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane has not been recorded, the physiological parameters were kept relatively stable, ratifying the adequate plan of anesthesia compatible with the observed eye reflexes. Based on the experience with other canids, the use of epidural morphine was performed, aiming at postsurgical analgesic extension. Although a certain lack of coordination was observed, the animal’s recovery was characterized by stillness, with no signs of pain or excitement, confirming the effectiveness of the anesthetic protocol. The present report may aid in the choice of balanced anesthetic approaches in wild canids.