Nasal Plane Research Articles

Specific anatomic and morphological structural features of dogs' nasal plane and its role in forensic and veterinary identification

Specific anatomic and morphological structural features of dogs' nasal plane and its role in forensic and veterinary identification

Cryptococcosis in a Cat

Background: Cryptococcosis is a mycosis that primarily affects domestic cats and is caused by fungi of the genus Cryptococcus, resulting in cutaneous, ocular, respiratory, and neurological manifestations. Diagnosis is based on the microscopic evaluation of the lesions and isolation of the causative agent. The aim of this study was to describe a case of feline cryptococcosis diagnosed by cytology and treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Santa Cruz (HV-UESC). Case:A 5-year-old uncastrated male cat was taken to the HV-UESC small animal clinic, owing to a gradual increase in the volume of the nasal plane spanning over a year, accompanied by respiratory distress. Upon physical examination, the animal was found to have regular nutritional status, dehydration, hypocorous mucosae, and enlarged popliteal lymph nodes. In addition, multifocal areas of ulceration on the body as well as increased volume in the nasal plane (clown nose) were observed. Peripheral blood samples were collected for complete blood count and biochemical analysis. Due to clinical suspicion of fungal lesions, fine needle aspiration of the nasal lesion was performed and cytological slides were sent to the HV-UESC histopathology laboratory. Probable diagnoses included rhinosporidiosis, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis. The animal was subjected to thoracic radiography in the imaging division of the HV-UESC. Blood counts revealed thrombocytopenia (130,000/mm3) and biochemical tests presented hypoproteinemia (3.2 g/dL), with hypoalbuminemia (1.52 g/dL); however, chest radiography did not show pulmonary alterations. Results of cytological analysis indicated pyogranulomatous inflammation associated with intracellular organisms, demonstrating a pathogen morphology similar to that of Cryptococcus spp. Before the diagnosis, itraconazole 5 mg/kg (1 capsule, twice a day for 30 days) and fipronil (1 ampoule 0.5 mL, on the back) were prescribed. Follow-up after 40 days showed a slight improvement in cutaneous lesions and respiration, and no other abnormalities were observed. At the follow-up, the owner disclosed that medication could not be administered at the prescribed frequency because of the animal often ran away from home and stayed without prescription. Due to unsatisfactory response to the first treatment, the dosage of itraconazole1 was increased to 10 mg/kg (1 capsule, twice a day, for 30 days) with a new regimen and follow-up after 15 days. However, the owner did not make a follow-up visit. A year later, after several attempts to contact the owner, we were notified that the treatment had been discontinued and the cat still presents with lesions. Discussion: Although cryptococcosis is not endemic, the cat roamed freely on the streets and may have been infected by inhaling the microorganism spores present in the environment. The clinical signs exhibited by the animal were consistent with the findings associated with Cryptococcus spp. infection in cats, especially the "clown nose" lesion. The cat, besides being dehydrated at the time of care, had a regular nutritional status. Cytology, the only diagnostic technique used in this case through which it was possible to visually identify the fungus, was definitive for the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. Although the prescribed treatment is one of the most indicated in such cases, it was not effective, possibly due to inadequate administration. The length of infection, discontinuation of therapy, and absence of follow-ups for clinical reassessment certainly contributed to an unfavorable prognosis.

Properties of papillary patterns of dogs' nasal plane

Properties of papillary patterns of dogs' nasal plane

Squamous cells carcinoma: case report

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm arising from cells of the squamous epithelium, consisting of the most common type of skin tumor in felines, where solar radiation is the contributory factor in cats with light or depigmented skin. The objective of this work was to report a case of squamous cell carcinoma describing the clinical and pathological aspects involved in the disease in a cat with no defined breed, approximately 12 years old, presenting bilateral ulcerative lesion in the nasal plane, which was attended at the Clínica Escola de Veterinary Medicine, Centro Universitário Cesmac, Maceió, AL, Brazil. The clinical signs observed were epistaxis, respiratory difficulties and chronic conjunctivitis. Cytological findings were compatible with eosinophilic granuloma. Therapeutic treatment with methylpredinisolone acetate was instituted, however, the animal did not show improvement after the treatment, on the contrary, it is suggested that the carcinoma was masked by the inflammatory reaction, or that the granuloma promoted the carcinoma. Early diagnosis was important for a prognosis and better evaluation of the predisposing factors of squamous cell carcinoma in felines.

Carcinoma de células escamosas en felinos: relato de caso

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), also known as squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, is a cutaneous malignant neoplasm that appears frequently in felines, presenting in this species a distinct behavior of the other species. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light seems to be one of the etiologic factors of the disease, just as the hypopigmented and low-hair areas are the most affected. The color of the coat is one of the predisposing factors, it is known that white-coated cats are more likely to present the disease when compared to the pigmented ones. Regarding localization, most of the lesions are observed in the head and more often in the nasal plane, followed by the auricles and eyelids, and may present in varied forms as proliferative or erosive. The diagnostic suspicion comes through the history and clinical characteristics of the lesions, but for diagnostic definition cytological and histopathological examination is necessary. Precocity in diagnosis has a fundamental effect on prognosis. There are several treatment modalities for squamous cell carcinoma including surgery, ionizing radiation, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, electrochemotherapy and cryosurgery. Cryosurgery consists of the controlled use of low temperatures in order to induce cell death. The objective of this work was to report two cases of felines diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma treated with different protocols. Animal 1 is a 10-year-old, male, 10-year-old male with ulcerative lesion in the nasal plane for approximately 6 months, attended at the Veterinary Clinic in Olinda-PE. The diagnosis was made through a cytological examination, identifying squamous cell carcinoma. The treatment established was cryosurgery, but the animal did not receive a favorable treatment response, probably due to the delay in the search for veterinary care, which delayed the diagnosis and consequently aggravated the neoplastic lesion making it difficult to treat. The animal was submitted to euthanasia after worsening of its clinical condition, 2 months after starting the treatment. Animal 2 is a 14-year-old undefined female feline with ulcerative lesion in the left ear. The diagnosis was made through cytology and histopathology. The established treatment was surgery. To date, the animal has not had any complications.

Fibrosarcoma oral de bajo grado histológico y elevada agresividad biológica: reporte de un caso

Oral fibrosarcoma of low histological grade and high biological aggressiveness: case reportABSTRACT. The objective of this report was to describe the occurrence of a fibrosarcoma in a 12-year-old golden retriever, weighing 42 kg. The animal presented a clinical history of increased nasal plane volume. At the specific examination of the oral cavity, a mass adhered to the rostral portion of the maxilla was found, encapsulated, measuring about 5 cm in diameter, which extended cranially to the nasal plane, causing its obstruction. An incisional biopsy was performed and the diagnosis was made based on the histopathological evaluation. The animal was submitted to neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and bilateral rostral maxilectomy. To date no locoregional recurrence or metastatic disease has been observed. In Brazil, reports of literature involving radical or reconstructive surgeries in oronasal tumors are still scarce.

Dermatophytosis Caused by Microsporum canis in a Free-Living Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

Background: Chrysocyon brachyurus is a South American wild canid considered a species near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is classified as vulnerable in the National List of Endangered Species. With the increase of the contact between domestic animals, human population and wild animals, there was a greater exposure of the maned wolf to pathogens. Due to the importance of its conservation, the knowledge of emerging infectious diseases that affect this species becomes essential. This report aims to describe the first diagnosed case of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis in a maned wolf.Case: A free-living female maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), approximately 60 days old, was rescued with presence of alopecia, non-pruritic lesions, one of circular shape located in the nasal plane and the other with signs of scaling and crusts in the region of the left pina. The animal was active, in good general condition and without other significantchanges to clinical examination. Skin scraping was performed for mycological culture of both lesions. Fungal growth on Sabouraud’s agar identified Microsporum canis. Topical therapy with ketoconazole ointment and cleaning of lesions with 0.2% chlorhexidine was instituted. After 20 days of treatment, remission of clinical signs and repilation of affected areas were observed. New mycological cultures of both areas were carried out, which were negative for Microsporum canis.Discussion: Although Microsporum canis is described as causing dermatophytosis in several animal species, it has apparently not yet been reported in maned wolves. Microsporum canis is one of the most isolated zoophilic dermatophytes in domestic cats and is also cited in reports of symptomatic wild felids, such as tigers, in which it has been identified as either the only agent of infection or in association with Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The occurrence is also high in domestic dogs. In the wild canids, Microsporum gypseum has been described in the gray wolf, Trichophyton mentagrophytes in wild foxes, and Microsporum canis in red fox, among others. The finding of zoophilic and geophilic dermatophyte fungi in healthy, free-living and captive wild animals confirms their role as carriers, probable reservoirs and disseminators of these organisms in the environment, and the potential risk they represent as causes of zoonoses. Zoophilic dermatophytes are usually transmitted by contact between individuals and contaminated fomites. In the case of M. canis in the red fox the contact was an asymptomatic domestic cat. In the present case the transmission was not determined, since the animal was rescued from the wild. Regarding the age group, young animals are more susceptible to dermatophytes than adults, probably related to the greater immunity of adults due to previous contacts or even the immaturity of the immune system of the young. The dermatophytosis diagnosis is generally based on anamnesis, physical examination of the lesion, Wood’s lamp examination, microscopic skin scraping, fungal culture, or even histology and PCR tests. In the present case, the final diagnosis was based upon by fungal culture in Sabouraud agar, which allowed to identify the dermatophyte species and,thus, the possible source of infection. Dermatophyte infections can be treated with systemic or topical antifungal medications. Because it was a young animal, it was chosen in the present case only for topical use, which proved to be adequate, probably due to the action of the drug in the areas of alopecia skin and the improvement of the systemic condition of theanimal. Knowing that the maned wolf is considered as a vulnerable species, it is important to know the diseases that affect this species, in order to carry out, when necessary, disease monitoring programs, preventive and therapies, which is essential for its preservation.Keywords: wild animal, disease, skin, dermatophyte.

Three Cases of Exclusively Extragenital Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (cTVT)

Background: Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (cTVT) is a neoplasia that affects mainly the genital organs of dogs, but can rich extragenital sites as well. It´s a tumor characterized microscopically by the presence of vacuolized round cells. Transmission occurs by implantation of these cells in non-affected tissues and the treatment is based on vincristine chemotherapy.Cases: Case 1. A 5-year-old intact male Poodle, presenting an increase volume of nasal plane came for veterinary care at a private veterinary clinic. The animal had bilateral bloody nasal secretion and dyspnea. The external genitalia had no alterations. The cytological evaluation confirmed cTVT. Treatment with vincristine sulfate weekly showed a rapid responsewith improvement of the respiratory condition, total remission of the mass and absence of neoplastic cells in cytology. Case 2. A 5-year-old mixed-breed canine bitch, weighing 6.7 kg, was brought to the State University of Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital (UESC-VH), showing an increase volume in the nasal plan region, with complaints about sneezing, nasal bleeding,respiratory distress with approximately 4 months of evolution. The owner informed that the mother of these female dog, that lived in the same environment, died a month before the beginning of clinical signs of the bitch of this case, and showed a reddish vaginal mass with intense bleeding. Intranasal exfoliative cytology showed moderately cellular sample compatible with cTVT. The treatment with vincristine sulphate for 6 weeks, showed completely remission of all clinical signs. Case 3. A 3-year-old mixed-breed male dog was brought to the UESC-VH with a reddish, friable mass located in the left eye. The citology confirmed the clinical suspicion of cTVT. After six weekly sessions of chemotherapy with vincristine sulfate, the tumor regressed and a new cytological evaluation was performed, without visible of tumor cells. By the end of the treatment, the dog was diagnosed with phitisis bulbi, and one year later, due to recurrent ulcerative keratitis, the enucleation was performed and the histopathological examination of the eye did not identify the presence of tumor cells.Discussion: Two of the dogs cited in this report had freely streets access, without supervision of the owners, and they are likely to have contracted cTVT on one of those occasions. The animal’s care style acts as a risk factor for the development of neoplasia. Regarding the third animal, the close contact with another female dog, who had compatible vaginal cTVTclinical signs was probably the factor that determined the transmission. None of the animals cited in this report had lesions on their external genitalia. The extragenital presentation may be attributed to the social behavior of licking and sniffing the genitalia of carrier animals, which may lead to the natural implantation of the viable cells of the cTVT into the ocular and nasal mucosa. About the clinical signs manifested, in the cases of involvement of the nasal structures, the main signs described in literature are bloody nasal secretion, sneezing, dyspnea and increased nasal plane volume, and are similar to those observed in the animals cited in this report. In the case of ocular cTVT, the increase volume with impairment and deformity of all ocular structures, as well as pain and pruritus corroborate with the clinical findings observed in the literature. The cytopathological test was the diagnostic tool used in all cases cited in this report and the cytopathological findings corroborates with those described in the literature. Vincristine sulfate is the drug of choice for the treatment of cTVT cases, and in the dogs of this report, this drug was successfully used leading to complete remission of lesions and clinical signs, as observed in other studies.Keywords: nasal mucosa, ocular mucosa, venereal disease, round cells.

Diagnosis and treatment of canine discoid lupus erythematosus: Case report

The Lupus Erythematosus immune complex disease (LE) consists of a set of autoimmune dermatopathies that can manifest in two main clinical presentations: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE). The clinical diagnosis of DLE can be challenging, due to the variety of symptoms that can occur both in lupus and in other dermatological conditions, which interferes with the early diagnosis and consequently a delay in the treatment and improvement of the patient. This study aims to report the importance of histopathological examination in the definitive diagnosis for treatment and favorable prognosis of canine poodle with DLE. A poodle dog was attended at the Metropolitan Veterinary Polyclinic - HVM, presenting lesion in nasal area with previous treatments and no apparent improvment of the lesion. Laboratory and cytological exams were done to exclude other skin diseases. After an inconclusive result in the cytology, the histopathological examination was requested, to define the exact diagnosis and exclusion of other dermatopathies. The histopathological confirmed the diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus. Treatment with corticosteroids at the dose of 1.0mg / kg, antioxidant vitamins and sunscreen was instituted. After 10 days, the dose increased to 2.5mg / kg, which is the immunosuppressive dose. The animal presented a response with a decrease in the crustal region of the lesion in the nasal plane.

A rare case of nasal osteoma in a dog: a case report

A 35-month-old female German shepherd weighing 33.2 kg was referred to our department with a 10-month history of sneezing and left nasal swelling. On clinical examination, the dog showed deformity of the left nasal plane in the absence of any cutaneous lesions or nasal discharge, and presented with nasal snoring noises during both the inspiratory and expiratory phases. The patency of nasal cavities was evaluated using the cotton swab test, and was found to be preserved only on the right side. Endoscopic, radiographic and computed tomographic examination revealed an osteoproductive lesion that distorted the nasal, maxillar and frontal bones, completely occupying the left nasal cavity and frontal sinuses, resulting in destruction of the nasal septum and invasion of the contralateral nasal cavity. Five bioptic samples of the mass were collected from the cutaneous surface using a 9G Jamshidi bone marrow bioptic instrument. Histologically, the lesion consisted of a non-encapsulated, multilobulated mass composed of dense coalescing trabeculae of well-differentiated bone, which was lined by osteogenic cells. The morphology was suggestive of nasal osteoma. Due to the large size of the mass, evidenced by computed tomography, chronic systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory treatment with carprofen was proposed instead of surgery. The description of this case is useful for veterinarians, who should consider osteoma as a possible differential diagnosis for nasal tumours.

Feasibility of single-staged Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with septoplasty in adults with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Objective: To explore the feasibility and therapeutic effect of single-staged Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with septoplasty in adults with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Methods: Ninety six cases with OSAHS were diagnosed by polysomnography, and they all had retropalatal obstruction and deviation of nasal septum. Patients were divided into study group(48 cases) and control group(48 cases) randomly. Cases in study group were simultaneously treated with Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and septoplasty, while cases in control group were only treated with Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. U saturation skill and coblation-assisted were applied in Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. And nasal septum suture technique was applied in septoplasty. The observation index included the intranasal changes with acoustic rhinometry, the prevalence of common postoperation complications and curative effects after six months follow-up period. SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: In study group the overall response rate was 83.33%(40/48), while in control group the overall response rate was 62.50%(30/48). There was statistical significance of response rate between test group and control group(χ(2)=5.275, P<0.05). There was no statistical significance on complication rate between study group and control group(P>0.05). There was no statistical significance on preoperative measurement data(P>0.05). Conclusion: For OSAHS patients with obstructive level at retropalatal plane and nasal plane, Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty combined with septoplasty in one stage is safe and effective.

Proposition of two cephalometric angles for assessing lip position

The present study was conducted in order to propose two angles for the assessment of the anteroposterior position of the upper and lower lips, taking as a reference stable bone structures thus avoiding soft tissue reference points that vary according to age such as the nose and chin. Material and methods: 114 lateral headfi lms from skeletal class I, II and III patients were traced. The proposed angles were measured. For the upper lip (LSMx), the palatal plane and the anterior nasal spine-upper stomion plane formed the angle. For the lower lip (LIMd) the angle was formed by the mandibular plane and the pogonion-lower stomion plane. Both angles were compared with the nasolabial (NSL) and the mentolabial angles (MTL) respectively. Results: A statistical t-Student test was conducted. The proposed angles for the upper and lower lip had lower standard deviations from the mean in comparison to similar angles in all three classes, especially skeletal class I: LSMx: 105.5o ± 5.5, LIMd: 88o ± 5.5, NSL: 104.1o ± 11.3 and MTL: 136.9o ± 12.4. The angle proposed for the lower lip showed a smaller standard deviation and a statistically significant difference compared to the mentolabial angle in the ANOVA test (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusions: The proposed angles for assessing lip position indicate that they have smaller deviations from the mean, in addition if there is an increase they show lip protrusion and a decrease indicates lip retrusion.

Cranioplasty Using Autologous Fasciae Latae Graft for Nasal Bone Fracture Repair in a Dog

Background: In facial reconstruction, several kinds of grafts can be used, like bone grafting, cutaneous grafting, biological membranes, fasciae latae, biomaterials, and others. The advantage of using fasciae latae in the tissue reparation is the need of little blood supply, making it a viable option in the restoration of biological functions. The objective of this study was to describe the case of a female poodle, 12-year-old, and with subcutaneous emphysema due to fracture of the nasal bone, submitted to cranioplasty using fasciae latae.Case: It was attended a 12-year-old female poodle due to a traumatic brain injury. At physical examination, the animal had presented facial swelling and respiratory distress with inspiratory effort. Additionally, were verified subcutaneous emphysema and a depression in the nasal plane region with crepitus on palpation. Radiographic examinations revealed nasal bone and maxilla fractures. The animal was submitted to cranioplasty for nasal bone fracture repair. To access the nasal bone and frontal sinus was performed an incision in the dorsal midline from the level of medial orbital rim to the nasal plane. The subcutaneous tissue was divulsioned to allow the exposure of the nasal bone fracture, whose small fragments prevented the internal fixation. The bone defect was then repaired using free autologous fasciae latae of 2 cm wide x 3 cm long, sutured to the periosteum. Subcutaneous emphysema gradually decreased until its resolution at three days postoperatively. The surgical wound had complete healing at 10 days after surgery without concomitant complications.Discussion: The choice of the reconstructive technique is based on the operative planning and the surgeon’s experience. In the present case we opted for the autologous fasciae latae graft since its ready availability and lesser predisposition to immunogenic sensibilization and rejection. In addition, we opted for the autologous fasciae latae graft because it is an occlusive material that would prevent the air flow through it during the inspiration and expiration, and consequently the aggravation of the subcutaneous emphysema. In fact, the resolution of the subcutaneous emphysema occurred three days after grafting. Furthermore, the resolution of the subcutaneous emphysema was determined by the lower retraction of the autologous fasciae latae graft due to the scar fibrous tissue deposition. The choice of the reconstructive technique is also based on the viability of the recipient bed, which should provide adequate blood supply for the reception of the free graft. In the present case, however, the bone defect did not provide adequate blood supply and structural support. Due to this, the autologous fasciae latae graft was crucial to the verified results, since it requires less blood supply and structural support to remain the graft viable. We concluded that the autologous fasciae latae graft may be a viable option for the anatomical and functional reconstruction of traumatic lesions localized in the skull, particularly the nasal bone, due to the satisfactory follow-up in the present case without the occurrence of complications. A larger sample size, however, it is necessary to evaluate the real effectiveness of the autologous fasciae latae graft in reconstructive skull surgery on small animals.

An Objective Measure of Noseband Tightness and Its Measurement Using a Novel Digital Tightness Gauge.

Noseband tightness is difficult to assess in horses participating in equestrian sports such as dressage, show jumping and three-day-eventing. There is growing concern that nosebands are commonly tightened to such an extent as to restrict normal equine behaviour and possibly cause injury. In the absence of a clear agreed definition of noseband tightness, a simple model of the equine nose-noseband interface environment was developed in order to guide further studies in this area. The normal force component of the noseband tensile force was identified as the key contributor to sub-noseband tissue compression. The model was used to inform the design of a digital tightness gauge which could reliably measure the normal force component of the noseband tensile force. A digital tightness gauge was developed to measure this parameter under nosebands fitted to bridled horses. Results are presented for field tests using two prototype designs. Prototype version three was used in field trial 1 (n = 15, frontal nasal plane sub-noseband site). Results of this trial were used to develop an ergonomically designed prototype, version 4, which was tested in a second field trial (n = 12, frontal nasal plane and lateral sub-noseband site). Nosebands were set to three tightness settings in each trial as judged by a single rater using an International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) taper gauge. Normal forces in the range 7–95 N were recorded at the frontal nasal plane while a lower range 1–28 N was found at the lateral site for the taper gauge range used in the trials. The digital tightness gauge was found to be simple to use, reliable, and safe and its use did not agitate the animals in any discernable way. A simple six point tightness scale is suggested to aid regulation implementation and the control of noseband tightness using normal force measurement as the objective tightness discriminant.

The Camel Rhinarium: A Study Revealing the Presence of the Nasal Plane in Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius), with Special Reference to Its Epidermal Structure.

The aim of this study was to prove that the nasal plane (Planum nasale) present in camel (Camelus dromedarius). Furthermore, it was the first description of the gross and primary microscopic anatomy as well as the epidermal ultrastructure of the camel nasal plane. Grossly, the camel rhinarium was formed of the glabrous grayish-black skin that extended to cover the philtrum and the medial nasal angles. It was composed of two perinasal parts and an inter-labial part. A shallow groove was passed across its middle. A dermatoglyphic pattern of epidermal ridges with primary and secondary fissures in between was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The nasal plane was very small in relation to the camel head size. In general, the morphological appearance of the camel rhinarium was greatly similar to that of the proboscis-bearing mammals. The basic histological structure as well as the epidermal ultrastructure of the camel nasal plane was observed to resemble very closely the common type. Few differences were found, including indistinct or absent hypodermal layer, thinner stratum corneum and some basal cells have unusual sinuous bases.

Osteoblastic Nasal Osteosarcoma in a Wagyu Bovine

Background: Osteosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumor with a wide variety of histological patterns. It is the primary bone neoplasia diagnosed in most domestic animal clinic, but rare in farm animals. The tumor develops both the appendicular skeleton as the axial skeleton, the latter being less affected. Generally it has a fast, painful and infiltrative grow, being observed metastasis. This study aims to report a case of metastatic osteoblastic osteosarcoma in the nasal bone of a bovine, diagnosed at the Animal Pathology Laboratory at the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), featuring its pathological and immunohistochemical aspects.Case: A 5 year old Wagyu female beef cattle, was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Passo Fundo. The animal had swelling in the left nasal plan, dyspnoea and anorexia. It was held cytology and biopsy which revealed malignant mesenchymal neoplasm compatible with osteosarcoma. The clinical picture has worsened and the animal died. At necropsy, the left nasal plane, had ulcerated tumor mass measuring 15x12.5x7.5 cm, hard and firm consistency with whitish color that seeped up to the turbinates and sinuses. In the lung, there were numerous nodules of tumor appearance, adhered to the parietal pleura, similar to bone tissue. In the histopathological analysis, proliferation of neoplastic cells located in the deep dermis was observed, cell thick, well-defined and infiltrative, arranged in bundles, loosely grouped with rounded shape, sometimes oval, with distinct boundaries. There were areas with formation of osteoid matrix calcification and tumor necrosis. It was observed lung and regional lymph nodes metastasis. Tissue samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC), was performed using the polymer method with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), with positive control, using a panel of antibodies. Neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for vimentin and negative for other antibodies. Thus, confirmed the case of mesenchymal origin and bone tumor.Discussion: Osteosarcoma developing in the axial skeleton, more precisely in the nasal bone, in animals of this age group, is not found frequently in the literature. However, when they occur, they have unilateral injury, remarkable facial deformities, dyspnea and infiltration of adjacent tissues. During necropsy there was observed a mass of hard consistency suggesting bone tissue in the nasal plane, there was also observed whitish spots on the lung and lymph nodes. Through microscopic analysis was obtained the classification of osteoblastic osteosarcoma. Being a malignant tumor it has a fast and infiltrative growth, there was visualized metastasis in lung and mediastinal lymph nodes. The samples submitted to immunohistochemistry were positive for vimentin and negative for other antibodies. No treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgical intervention to remove the tumor was possible to be performed. Due to the severity of the clinical condition, the mass location, which couldn’t be obtained a safe surgical margin and it was financially unviable. The presumptive diagnosis of osteosarcoma was based on clinical history, anamnesis and cytological examination. However, the histopathological examination was essential to confirm the diagnosis. Through immunohistochemical examination, it was found the histogenesis, allowing to exclude other neoplasias. This technic was essential to characterize osteosarcoma due to the shortage reports of this neoplasia in farm animals, therefore, very important in veterinary medicine diagnosis.Keywords: neoplasia, bone, axial skeleton, ruminant, immunohistochemical and anatomopathological aspects.

Morphometric study of the greater palatine canal: cone-beam computed tomography.

To analyze greater palatine canal (GPC) dimensions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, and to evaluate the position of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) with respect to various landmarks selected in relation to dental status. This study included 150 CBCTs. Axial slices were used to determine the position and dimensions of the GPF. Sagittal slices were used to assess GPC length. Reference lines were established to evaluate the GPC diameter in sagittal and coronal slices. From the 77 GPF analyzed, 76 were located on level 2. Average posterior GPF distance was 6.59 ± 3.27 mm on right side and 7.35 ± 3.40 mm on left side. Several measurements to determine the position and dimensions of the GPF presented significant values (p ≤ 0.05). GPC length was 12.31 ± 1.96 mm on right side and 12.52 ± 2.15 mm on left side, statistically significant differences were detected between genders only on right canal (p ≤ 0.004). Sagittal and coronal reference lines presented significantly higher values for men except for the S3 (p < 0.062) and C1 (p < 0.067) in the left GPC. CBCT is a useful tool for evaluating GPC morphometrically in the three anatomical slices. The sagittal nasal plane and posterior nasal plane are two intraoral anatomical landmarks for the location of the GPF. Their scant variability allows accurate identification of GPFs in both dentate as well as edentulous patients.

The Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix in the Closure of Oronasal Fistulae after Cleft Palate Repair

Although the management of cleft lip and palate has improved significantly during the last years, repairing oronasal fistulae is still a challenge. Reports of the incidence of postoperative fistulae following palate repair range from 10% to 20%.1 Several techniques are reported for the treatment of oronasal fistula, such as local mucoperiosteal flap, V-Y 2-layer repair, superior lip mucosal or myomucosal flap, buccal myomucosal flap, superiorly based facial artery myomucosal flap, tongue flap, free flap, free cartilage graft, and distraction osteogenesis. The great number of different techniques is the demonstration that there is not any particular technique that provides satisfactory results. Usually, the fistula occurs at the junction of the hard and soft palate, a defect in this location is frequently associated with hypernasality of the speech, velopharyngeal incompetence, and nasal regurgitation of food and liquids with consequent impairment of the quality of life. Repair of existing fistula is also prone to failure because prior palatal surgery inevitably creates scars, altered vascularity, and tension. METHODS This study was conducted on 30 patients who had oronasal fistulae secondary to prior cleft palate repair. In group 1, 20 patients underwent fistula repair using local mucoperiosteal flap or local mucoperiosteal flap and free cartilage graft between January 2010 and January 2012. In group 2, 10 patients underwent fistula repair with local mucoperiosteal flap and acellular dermal matrix (Protexa, AFS Medical GmbH, Seedorf, Germany) between January 2012 and June 2013. All the patients were subjected to closure of the fistula under general anesthesia with oral endotracheal intubation. In 12 patients of group 1 and 6 patients of group 2, a lipofilling of the scar around the fistula was made to ameliorate the contracture of the scar. Two mucoperiosteal flaps based on the palatine artery and 2 mucosal flaps on the nasal plane were harvested. After rehydration, the dermal matrix was cut to size and sandwiched in the middle of the mucoperiosteal flap and the nasal flaps. RESULTS The age of the patients ranged from 1 year to 10 years; there were 18 female and 12 male patients. The mean diameter of the fistula was 12 mm. In group 1, there were 5 dehiscence of the wound with consequent recurrence of the fistula; in group 2, there was only one partial dehiscence with partial exposition of the dermal matrix but with no recurrence of the fistula. CONCLUSIONS The repair of oronasal fistulae is often made difficult by the preexisting scarring and the altered vascularity resulting from the primary palatoplasty. Although different techniques are described to repair oronasal fistulae, no single procedure has proved to be ideal. The dermal matrix is believed to act as a scaffold for migration of the host fibroblast and retains its basement membrane complex to facilitate attachment of surface epithelium. In only one case in group 2, there was a dehiscence of the oral wound with a partial exposure of the dermal matrix, but it healed completely in 4 weeks with a complete mucosalization of the graft (Figs. 1–4).Fig. 1: Preoperative view of a 5-year-old girl.Fig. 2: Postoperative view of a 5-year-old girl after 2 months.Fig. 3: Preoperative view of an 8-year-old girl.Fig. 4: Postoperative view of an 8-year-old girl after 3 months.In our study, we reported a 100% closure rate of oronasal fistula in the group treated with dermal matrix. Similar results are reported by Clark et al2 and Kirschner et al.3 Losee et al4 reported only a 3.6% recurrence rate of the fistula. Based on our results and the small literature available on this topic, we believe that the use of the dermal matrix is a promising technique to repair oronasal fistula after palatoplasty.

Prevalence of different head-neck positions in horses shown at dressage competitions and their relation to conflict behaviour and performance marks.

Much controversy exists among riders, and in particular among those practicing dressage, regarding what can be considered an “appropriate” Head-Neck-Position (HNP). The objective was to assess the prevalence of different HNPs in the field, the behavioural reactions of horses during warm-up and competition rides in relation to HNP and the relation between HNP and marks achieved in the competition. Horses (n = 171) were selected during dressage competitions according to their HNP (3 categories based on the degree of flexion), and their behaviour was recorded during 3 minutes each of riding in the warm-up area and in the competition. Scans were carried out on an additional 355 horses every 15 minutes to determine the proportion of each HNP in the warm-up area. Sixty-nine percent of the 355 horses were ridden with their nasal planes behind the vertical in the warm-up area, 19% were ridden at or behind the vertical and only 12% were ridden with their nasal plane in front of the vertical. Horses carrying their nasal plane behind the vertical exhibited significantly (P<0.0001) more conflict behaviours than horses with their nose held in front of the vertical. Horses were commonly presented with a less flexed HNP during competition compared to warm-up (P<0.05). A HNP behind the vertical was penalised with lower marks in the lower (P = 0.0434) but not in the higher (P = 0.9629) competition levels. Horses in higher classes showed more (P = 0.0015) conflict behaviour than those in lower classes. In conclusion, dressage horses are commonly ridden during warm-up for competitions with their nasal plane behind the vertical, and this posture seems to cause significantly more conflict behaviour than HNPs in front of the vertical.

The study of stomatognathic muscles morphological changes after zygomatic plasty combined with mandibular angel plasty

To investigate the morphology change of stomatognathic muscles after zygomatic plasty combined with mandibular angel plasty. 3D-CT facial soft tissue measurement was performed pre-operative and at 10 days,3 months post-operatively in 59 cases with prominent malar-complex and mandibular angle. The q test (Newman-Keuls method) was used to analyze the variance. The cross sectional area of masseter muscle and medial pterygoid muscle were both increased at 10 days, reduced at 3 months post-operatively (P < 0.05). The masseter muscle and medial pterygoid muscle cross sectional areas were (4.73 +/- 0.21) cm2 and (3.24 +/- 0.21) cm2 at anterior nasal spine plane, respectively; the pterygoid muscle cross-sectional area was (1.37 +/- 0.35 ) cm2 at the root of coronoid process plane, showing significant difference, when comparing with those before operation (P < 0.05). Lateral pterygoid muscle and temporal muscle had no statistical difference between the pre-and 10 days post-operatively(P > 0.05), however, the temporal muscle was reduced while the lateral pterygoid muscle was increased at 3 months post-operatively. The temporal muscle cross-sectional area was(2.35 + 0.25) cm2 at coronoid process plane; the temporal muscle and lateral pterygoid muscle cross-sectional areas were (1.00 +/- 0.16) cm2 and (3.54 +/- 0.61) cm2 at the root of coronoid process plane, which were significantly different from those before operation (P < 0.05 ). Because of osteotomy, muscles attached position are changed in the short term after zygomatic plasty combined with mandibular angel plasty. Masseter muscle and medial pterygoid muscle are inevitably injuried during the operation. With the postoperative recovery, muscles have adaptive changes which reduced compared with those before operation after their reattachment. Zygomatic plasty can cause temporal muscle atrophy;while the lateral pterygoid muscle is rarely involved, the cross sectional area had no statistical difference between the pre- and 10 days post-operative, and the cross sectional area increase at 3 months post-operatively may be due to a compensational enlargement.