Search

The rapid loss, fragmentation and degradation of tropical forests threaten the survival of many animal species. However, the way in which these phenomena affect animal health has been poorly explored, thus limiting the design of appropriate conservation strategies. To address this, here we identified using linear mixed models the effect of proximal (diet, activity pattern, hunting and logging) and distal (sum of the basal areas of fruiting-tree species [SBAFS], landscape forest cover and degree of forest fragmentation) variables over fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels–hormones associated with animal health and fitness–of six groups of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) inhabiting six landscapes with different spatial structures in Mexico. Proximal variables showed a stronger predictive power over fGCMs than distal. In this sense, increases in travel time, the occurrence of hunting, and reductions in rest time and fruit consumption resulted in higher fGCM levels. Regarding distal variables, increases in SBAFS were negatively related to fGCM levels, thus suggesting that food scarcity increases stress hormone levels. Nevertheless, contrary to theoretical expectations, spider monkeys living in smaller tracts of forest spent less time travelling, but the same time feeding on fruit as those in more forested areas. The lower net energy return associated with this combination of factors would explain why, contrary to theoretical expectations, increased forest cover was associated with increased levels of fGCMs in these groups. Our study shows that, at least in the short term, spider monkeys in fragmented landscapes do not always present higher levels of stress hormones compared to those inhabiting continuous forest, and the importance of preserving fruit sources and controlling hunting for reducing the levels of stress hormones in free ranging spider monkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To compare the effects of regional anaesthesia and opioid administration on adrenocortical and glycaemic responses, postoperative pain and recovery quality in dogs undergoing stifle surgery. Study design Prospective, blinded clinical study. Animals Forty-five dogs anaesthetized for tibial tuberosity advancement or tibial plateau levelling osteotomy, and 15 healthy dogs undergoing noninvasive orthopaedic diagnostic procedures. Methods The baseline behaviour of each dog was classified on a descriptive scale before anaesthesia. Dogs were anaesthetized using a standard protocol. Those undergoing surgery were randomly assigned to one of three intraoperative analgesia protocols: 1) peripheral (femoral and sciatic) nerve block (bupivacaine 0.5%; 0.15 mL kg -1 in each nerve; group PNB); 2) spinal anaesthesia (isobaric bupivacaine 0.5%; 0.05 mL kg -1; group SPI); and 3) intravenous fentanyl variable rate infusion and postoperative methadone (0.2 mg kg -1; group FEN). Blood samples were collected for measurement of cortisol and glucose concentrations on arrival (TAR), at induction (TIND), at tracheal extubation (TEXT), and 1 hour post-extubation (TPEX). After extubation, a researcher unaware of the dog's group assignment evaluated pain and recovery quality using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (Short- Form) and a descriptive scale, respectively. Results Median recovery quality was significantly worse in group FEN (p < 0.0001) compared with all other groups. Postoperative pain scores were lower in group PNB compared with groups SPI and FEN. Cortisol and glucose concentrations increased significantly from TAR at TEXT and TPEX (p < 0.0001) in group FEN, and were unchanged from TAR in the other groups. Conclusions and clinical relevance Analgesia with a peripheral nerve block or spinal anaesthesia prevented the glycaemic and cortisol responses to surgery, promoted better recovery quality, and decreased postoperative pain scores compared with FEN. In the present study, the regional anaesthesia techniques used were found to be excellent alternatives to fentanyl administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental enrichment can be a useful tool to reduce belly nosing behaviors in early weaned piglets. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of environmental enrichment on behavior, salivary cortisol, and productivity of piglets weaned at 14 days of age. The study assigned 112 piglets (line Camborough 22 of PIC™) into 2 treatments, control and enriched, and observed them for 192 hr in 3 periods: 14 to 28 days of age (Phase 1), 28 to 42 days of age (Phase 2), and 42 to 54 days of age (Phase 3). The study obtained saliva samples in each phase from 56 piglets selected randomly from each group for cortisol determination. Comparisons between both treatments and phases included the following: proportion of time belly nosing, latency of approaching a person, average levels of salivary cortisol, and daily weight gain. Belly nosing was higher and latency of approaching a person lower in the control group than in the enriched one (p < .05 and p < .01). Belly nosing was lower in Phase 3(p < .05); latency of approaching a person was higher in Phase 1 with respect to Phase 2, and this was higher with respect to Phase 3 (p < .01). There were no differences in salivary cortisol levels between treatments or phases. Weight gain was higher in the enriched group (p < .001). Environmental enrichment in piglets weaned at 14 days of age resulted in a reduced proportion of time nosing, reduced latency of response to humans, and better growth than piglets in barren environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe a new approach to block the femoral nerve and to evaluate the distribution of a dye injected into the psoas compartment using a new femoral nerve block approach; to assess its clinical application, when combined with a sciatic nerve block, for surgical anaesthesia/analgesia of the pelvic limb in dogs. Study design Prospective anatomical, research and clinical study. Animals Two dog cadavers; two dogs that had to be euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study, and 15 dogs undergoing pelvic limb orthopaedic surgery. Methods Phase 1: anatomical dissections were performed to determine a simple method to approach the femoral nerve within the psoas compartment. Phase 2: 0.1 mL kg−1 of a lidocaine-new methylene blue solution was injected bilaterally after successful electrolocation of the femoral nerve in two anaesthetized dogs. Colorant spread was evaluated through femoral nerve dissections after euthanasia. Phase 3: in 15 dogs undergoing pelvic limb orthopaedic surgery under light general anaesthesia with isoflurane, intra-operative analgesic effect (cardiovascular responses) and early post-operative pain score, of the novel femoral nerve block combined with a sciatic nerve block as the sole analgesic protocol, were evaluated. Results Phase 1: a needle inserted from the lateral aspect of the lumbar muscles, cranially to the iliac crest and with a 30-45° caudo-medial direction, reaches the femoral nerve in the caudal portion of the psoas compartment. Phase 2: Four femoral nerves were stained >2 cm. Phase 3: this novel lateral pre-iliac approach, combined with the sciatic nerve block, blunted the intra-operative cardiovascular response to surgical stimulation in 13 out of 15 anaesthetized dogs. In addition, rescue analgesia was not required in the early post-operative 2-hour period. Conclusion and clinical relevance The lateral pre-iliac femoral nerve block technique may provide adequate intra- and early post-operative pain relief in dogs undergoing pelvic limb surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]