Post-mortem CT vs necropsy in feline medicine

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare post-mortem CT findings with necropsy findings in domestic cats.

METHODS

Post-mortem CT and necropsies were performed in 20 cadavers of domestic cats. The sensitivity, specificity and agreement between the post-mortem CT and necropsy findings were determined.

RESULTS

There were a total of 315 post-mortem findings; 183 were identified by post-mortem CT and 132 were identified by necropsy. Post-mortem CT demonstrated a higher sensitivity to identify the findings mainly in bones. The higher indices of agreement between post-mortem CT and necropsy were related to abnormalities of pleural space, bones and joints.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study demonstrated that post-mortem CT and necropsy provided different information. Thus, their use in conjunction with each other might improve the understanding of the cause of death and the identification of post-mortem lesions.

[An experimental study of the tissue reactions in rats induced by different concentrations of benzathine penicillin G]

The search of scientific answers to problems due to procedures involving professional actions is a permanent challenge to the nurses committed with the improving of nursing care. In face of the intensive muscle soreness provoked by penicillin G benzatin shots, an experimental evaluation of this procedure was carried out in order to observe the influences of concentration and volumes used. This evaluation could give some insights to improve the nursing care, particularly those linked to the manipulation of the penicillin injection. The study was performed in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, in 27 Male Wistar rats. After the injection of the drug or saline solution in the right and left limb, respectively, the animals were sacrificed and the muscles in which the solution were injected were histologically examined. The use of penicillin provoked intensive inflammatory reaction, the peak intensity being attained after 48 hours. A remaining effect lasted about thirty days. The inflammatory reaction was similar for the three concentrations of penicillin. Nevertheless, the present research does not bring data that should modify the current injection procedures.