Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu
Morphological Evaluation of the Hip Joint and Pelvic Limb Bones of the Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus, 1758) Using Radiography and Computed Tomography Heloísa Coppini de Lima, Sheila Canevese Rahal, Jeana Pereira da Silva, Rodrigo Hidalgo Friciello Teixeira, Maria Jaqueline Mamprim, et al. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series C Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, 2026 The study aimed to characterize, through imaging examinations—including radiographs and computed tomography—the hip joint and the bones of the thigh, leg and feet in Lowland tapirs ( Tapirus terrestris ). Ten pelvic limbs were collected, two from juveniles and the remaining from adults. The femoral head exhibited a rounded morphology with a well‐defined fovea capitis and a short, thick neck. Three trochanters were identified, with the greater and third trochanters being particularly prominent. The femoral diaphysis was elongated and straight, and the distal end displayed a globular medial condyle and a flatter lateral condyle. The femoral trochlea consisted of medial and lateral trochlear crests of similar size, separated by a well‐defined trochlear groove. The proximal tibia showed slightly concave tibial plateaus, with the lateral condyle being wider and a prominent intercondylar eminence. The fibula was positioned laterally along the entire tibia, with the interosseous space preserved. The talus presented a well‐defined trochlea and a head articulating with the central tarsal bone. Tarsal bones I, III and IV were identified, with tarsal IV being elongated. Three metatarsals (II, III and IV) were observed, with metatarsal III relatively more developed. The third digit was larger than both the second and fourth digits. The Norberg angle, femoral head–neck inclination angle, mechanical lateral distal and proximal femoral angles, and anatomical medial proximal and lateral distal tibial angles were similar between the two imaging methods. In conclusion, the imaging examinations were complementary, enabling the characterization of morphological features reflecting the species' functional adaptations for cursorial and semi‐aquatic locomotion.
Retrospective study of fractures in the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) from 2020 to 2024 Juliana P. Tribucci, Letícia R. Inamassu, Maria Jaqueline Mamprim, Tais Harumi C. Sasahara, Bruno Cesar Schimming Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira, 2026 Fractures are a major problem in opossums found in urban environments, and knowledge of fracture location is of great importance for the success of veterinary care for this marsupial, aiming for successful healing. Due to the proximity of urban centers to forested areas, contact between humans and wildlife, especially marsupials, is increasingly intense. Therefore, wild animals, such as the white-eared opossum, are increasingly treated at veterinary centers. Thus, the objective of this study was to report the case series of fractures of this marsupial species treated and radiographed at the Veterinary Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu Campus, from 2020 to 2024. This analysis showed that of the 93 animals registered during this period, 38 (40.8%) presented fractures, with 44.7% occurring during the spring. The study also shows that the main cause of the fractures was dog attacks, accounting for 15 cases (39.4%). Regarding anatomical location, out of a total of 88 fractures, the most affected bone group was the vertebral column with 15 fractures (17%), followed by the ribs and mandible, each with 14 fractures (16%). Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that during this retrospective study period, the number of fractures in white-eared opossums was higher in the spring due to dog attacks, which resulted in rib fractures. Given this data, further research into mitigation strategies to decrease the risk of fractures should be considered.
Treatment of pressure gun fractures and release in the wild of a caracara (Caracara plancus) Guilherme Rech Cassanego, Sheila Canevese Rahal, Bruno Oliani de Risso, Anita Marchionatti Pigatto, Maria Jaqueline Mamprim Veterinary Record Case Reports, 2025 This report aims to describe the treatment progression of a free‐living southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus plancus) with gunshot‐related fractures. Radiographic examination revealed a comminuted fracture in the mid‐diaphysis of the humerus with displaced fragments, a comminuted fracture of the proximal third of the radius shaft, and the presence of bullet fragments. The humerus fracture was immobilised using a unilateral Type Ia acrylic resin pin skeletal fixator, which was applied without exposing the fracture site and remained in place for 4 weeks. A figure‐of‐eight bandage was used to stabilise the radial fracture for 1 week. The largest bullet fragment was also removed. After implant removal, the bird underwent a rehabilitation protocol that included flight training. Although physical examination revealed no motion at the fracture site, the humerus fracture line remained visible 5 months post‐surgery. At that point, the bird was released into the wild, underscoring the importance of proper interventions for preserving native wildlife.
Restoring mobility: Suspected spinal injury and rehabilitation in a white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris, Lund, 1840) Ricardo Shoiti Ichikawa, Mylena Oliveira Miranda, Sheila Canevese Rahal, Jeana Pereira da Silva, Maria Jaqueline Mamprim Veterinary Record Case Reports, 2025 This case report describes the evaluation and rehabilitation of a young white‐eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) with a suspected thoracolumbar spinal cord injury after a predation event. The animal displayed lethargy, unresponsiveness and dragging of the hindlimbs. Neurological examination revealed diminished reflexes and the absence of deep pain perception. Radiographic imaging revealed no fractures. Computed tomography showed no changes in tissue density within the spinal canal and no evidence of mineralised disc material. Pharmacological treatment included mannitol, fluid therapy, analgesics, antibiotics and corticosteroids. Despite the absence of improvement in the neurological and motor response of the hindlimbs, a series of exercises for rehabilitation was conducted, leading to complete locomotion recovery after 35 days. However, deep pain perception remained absent. These findings suggest that while corticosteroids did not yield positive outcomes, intensive physiotherapy can enhance functional recovery. Future research should explore neuroplasticity mechanisms in opossums and other wildlife species to optimise rehabilitation strategies.
Metastatic Atrial Infiltrative Chemodectoma in a Bitch Rebeca Bastos Abibe, Taina Rafael da Silva Marinho Peres, Sheila Canevese Rahal, Maria Jaqueline Mamprim, Guilherme Rech Cassanego, et al. Acta Scientiae Veterinariae, 2025 Introdução: Neoplasias cardíacas são raras em cães, tipicamente afetando animais de 7 a 15 anos. Esses tumores podem ser primários ou secundários, benignos ou malignos. O quimiodectoma, um tumor cardíaco primário, é incomum em cães. Este relato visa descrever os sinais clínicos, abordagens diagnósticas e progressão de um cão com quimiodectoma maligno metastático.Caso clínico: Uma cadela sem raça definida, castrada, de 8 anos e 20 kg, foi avaliada devido a uma história de 1 mês de perda de peso, linfadenomegalia e edema na face e região submandibular. A cadela apresentava sinais de apatia, sons cardíacos abafados e sopro sistólico de grau I-II. Radiografias torácicas revelaram efusão pleural, que foi drenada. O ecocardiograma identificou uma massa de 4 cm x 6,89 cm na parede aórtica comprimindo o átrio direito. O exame de tomografia computadorizada mostrou um coração com configuração e dimensões dentro dos padrões da espécie, e uma estrutura amorfa de 6,6 cm x 5,8 cm na base do coração, entre os átrios, com captação aumentada de contraste. O tutor optou por cuidados paliativos, mas a condição do animal se deteriorou, levando à eutanásia após 2 meses. A necropsia revelou uma massa multilobulada na base do coração com infiltração atrial. A histologia sugeriu uma neoplasia compatível com quimiodectoma maligno metastático ou feocromocitoma. A imunohistoquímica com marcadores neuroendócrinos confirmou o diagnóstico de quimiodectoma, mostrando resultados fortemente positivos para sinaptofisina e cromogranina.Discussão: O diagnóstico de neoplasias cardíacas é baseado em histórico clínico, exame físico, radiografias torácicas e ecocardiograma. O ecocardiograma é considerado altamente específico e sensível para detectar e caracterizar massas na presença de efusão pericárdica, mas possui precisão moderada como diagnóstico presuntivo em relação ao tipo de tumor. No presente relato, foram realizados todos esses exames, além de tomografia computadorizada, que ajudou a determinar a extensão da lesão e o grau de envolvimento das estruturas adjacentes. Embora o exame citológico do líquido pleural tenha sido realizado, as células do quimiodectoma não se descamam, de forma que o exame do líquido drenado da cavidade pleural ou pericárdica não contribui para o diagnóstico. Por outro lado, a coleta de amostras de massas cardíacas, seja por aspirado com agulha fina ou biópsias, embora viável, é frequentemente evitada devido ao risco potencial de arritmia e hemorragia. Por isso, o diagnóstico in vivo da doença é desafiador. Apesar de os achados histopatológicos observados neste caso serem semelhantes aos já descritos, como células ovais ou cúbicas a poliédricas, com citoplasma granular vacuolado, núcleo redondo a oval e estroma fibrovascular, o diagnóstico foi considerado inconclusivo, sendo necessário realizar o exame imunohistoquímico. Embora não sejam específicos, os marcadores neuroendócrinos indicados para melhor caracterização dos quimiodectomas incluem cromogranina A, sinaptofisina e enolase neuroespecífica, entre outros. Neste relato, foram utilizados os marcadores sinaptofisina e cromogranina. O marcador neuroendócrino sinaptofisina é considerado de amplo espectro e maior sensibilidade, mas possui menor especificidade em comparação ao anticorpo cromogranina A. Em tumores malignos, a cromogranina A pode ser menos marcada, já que o número de grânulos secretores é reduzido. Em conclusão, este caso clínico enfatiza que o subdiagnóstico de quimiodectomas pode ser evitado por meio do histórico e de exames complementares, como histopatologia e imunohistoquímica, possibilitando melhor orientação no tratamento e prognóstico do animal.
Renal resistive index in obese and non-obese cats Fúlvia Bueno de Souza, Natália Volpi Gonçalves, Shayra Peruch Bonatelli, Alexandra Frey Belotta, Silvano Salgueiro Geraldes, et al. Veterinaria Italiana, 2022
Effect of obesity on ecocardiographic parameters and vertebral heart size (VHS) in cats Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Fúlvia Bueno de Souza, Danilo Velazquez Golino, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Shayra Peruch Bonatelli, et al. Semina Ciencias Agrarias, 2020
Corneal hemangiosarcoma in a dog Ú.C. Guberman, N.B. Merlini, C.S. Perches, J.F. Fonzar, M.G. Sereno, et al. Arquivo Brasileiro De Medicina Veterinaria E Zootecnia, 2015