New perspectives in a microstructure study of the bovine and bubaline claw.

The techniques of microtomography (Micro-CT), confocal laser scanner microscopy (CLSM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation - Vickers hardness (Nano-VH) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) are undeniably important to the modern study of bovine podiatry. These techniques are also employed in engineering, physics and in the assessment of biomaterials used in reconstructive or experimental surgeries in bovine and bubaline claws. Although studies involving these analyses are still inconspicuous in veterinary medicine, these technologies represent a new paradigm in this area, enabling the development of new lines of research.

Microstructure of the hoof capsule of pigmented and partial albino buffaloes.

In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM), microtomography (MCT-2D and MCT-3D) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) were used to generate parameters of the microstructure of the hoof capsule of pigmented and partial albino buffaloes. Seventy-two digits of adult pigmented buffaloes and 16 of partial albino buffaloes were used and equally divided into thoracic and pelvic limbs and medial and lateral claws. Fragments of 10 mm × 10 mm of the dorsal wall, abaxial wall and pre-bulbar sole were collected.

Mineral composition and microstructure of the abaxial hoof wall in dairy heifers after biotin supplementation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily biotin supplementation on the mineral composition and microstructure of the abaxial hoof wall in dairy heifers. The heifers were housed on a concrete floor and fed for weight gain more than 800 g per day, which is a challenging environment for the hoof. Twelve crossbred dairy heifers (Jersey × Holstein) were divided into two treatment groups.

Assessment of serum enzymatic markers of cardiomyocytes injury in female dogs submitted to ketamine S(+), atropin and xylazine association.

Purpose: To assessment of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme fraction MB (CK-MB) serum activity in female dogs anesthetized with ketamine S (+), atropine and xylazine in several associations.

Methods: Twenty three healthy female dogs randomly distributed in four groups named as GI (n=6), GII (n=6), GIII (n=6) and GIV (n=5) were treated respectively with atropine and ketamine S(+) (0.04 mg/kg; 10 mg/kg); ketamine S(+) (10 mg/kg); atropine, xylazine and ketamine S(+) (0.