Introduction: Canine leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is of growing concern worldwide. In Ecuador, there has been an increase in potential cases in various provinces. This research is conducted in response to the lack of detailed information on leptospirosis in the city of Santa Rosa, province of El Oro. This constitutes a significant limitation for designing locally tailored interventions. The absence of specific strategies for this area further motivated the execution of this study with the aim of identifying both the prevalence of the disease and associated risk factors. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of canine leptospirosis by detecting IgM and IgG antibodies in dogs, as well as to identify associated risk factors in the city of Santa Rosa, province of El Oro, during the months of June to September 2023. To achieve this purpose, the prevalence of acute canine leptospirosis infection was sought by specifically detecting IgM antibodies, and the presence of IgG antibodies related to the disease was evaluated. Additionally, investigations were carried out to identify risk factors contributing to the development of canine leptospirosis and its potential complications. Methodology: This study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional observational approach, using IgM and IgG immunochromatography serological tests in a sample of 60 dogs in the city of Santa Rosa, province of El Oro. Participant selection was conducted for convenience, considering those with suggestive symptoms or risk factors linked to leptospirosis. In addition to serological tests, the research was complemented with surveys to the owners aimed at identifying predominant risk factors. Results: This study revealed that 5% of the canine population evaluated in Santa Rosa, El Oro, Ecuador, exhibited IgM antibodies, indicating acute infections of canine leptospirosis. However, IgG antibodies were not detected, signifying the absence of past infections. While half of the dogs were vaccinated, the worrisome finding was a 75% contact rate with rodents. Unfavorable environmental conditions, such as homes with thatched roofs and dirt floors, suggest potential facilitators of the disease. These results underscore the need for preventive strategies focused on reducing rodent contact and improving environmental conditions in the region. Conclusions: A modest presence (5%) of acute infections was identified, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies. The absence of past infections suggests a key avenue for further investigation. Risk factors, such as high contact with rodents and unfavorable environmental conditions, highlight critical areas for specific interventions. Overall, this study not only quantifies prevalence and risk factors but also establishes a valuable precedent for future research and control strategies in the region.

Introduction. Bacterial otitis in canines, characterized by inflammation of the ear canal and accumulation of secretions, traditionally treated with antibiotics, is being reconsidered due to the growing interest in phytotherapy. The Neem tree, renowned for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to components like nimbidin, has shown effectiveness in veterinary studies for treating infections such as otitis. Objective. Assess the effect of conventional treatment for bacterial otitis caused by cocci compared to phytotherapy and compare the effect of phytotherapy in relation to conventional treatment. Methodology. The study on otitis in dogs divided 30 patients into two groups. Each group received a weekly treatment for a month and was evaluated for another month. Group 1 was administered gel containing ciprofloxacin, prednisolone, ketoconazole, lidocaine, and corticosteroids for 3 days, while Group 2 was treated with phytotherapy composed of water, natural oils, and corticosteroids for the same duration. Results. The study investigated treatments for canine otitis, showing that the conventional one demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing erythema, hyperkeratosis, and pain, while the phytotherapy stood out in controlling inflammation. Cytology revealed significant differences in reducing cocci between both treatments, with phytotherapy being more effective. Conclusion. The conventional treatment has proven to be more effective in reducing the external symptoms of canine otitis, whereas herbal therapy has shown potential in controlling inflammation and reducing certain microorganisms. Additionally, the critical importance of effectively controlling the biofilm in the ear for the success of otitis treatment is highlighted.

Introduction.  Pre-hospital care units facilitate the transfer of vulnerable patients to different health institutions for timely care by medical professionals. However, it can be a source of contamination due to the indirect transmission of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that can alter the victims' health and integrity, representing a risk for patients and healthcare personnel. Objective.   To characterize the bacteria, present on inert surfaces of mobile pre-hospital care units in Cuenca in the areas of greatest manipulation by first responders and other areas such as ventilation, biohazardous waste area, and handles, among others. Methodology.   This is a non-experimental, cross-sectional field study. For the selection of the universe, the mobile units of public pre-hospital care in the city of Cuenca were used. For the convenience of the study, the three most frequently used mobile units were considered. The sampling was non-probabilistic by convenience, considering 30 sites of greatest manipulation by health personnel to obtain the sample for each ambulance. Results.  The genus Staphylococcus was mainly identified, and resistance to Oxacillin and Vancomycin was verified, while the others showed sensitivity to the other antibiotics Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, and Ceftriaxone. Conclusion.  It was possible to identify the bacterial agents present on the inert surfaces of three of the twelve mobile pre-hospital care units, and it was observed that most of them were Gram-positive cocci.

Introduction. The casuistry of feline patients has experienced a remarkable increase in the veterinary clinic. It is important to note that not all cats are docile during medical management; most tend to show aggressive and nervous behaviors. These attitudes have sometimes led to the need to sedate the patient, either for short or prolonged procedures. However, in some cases, it is not possible to implement the necessary fasting on the part of the patient. Consequently, the use of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist sedatives in feline premedication often leads to vomiting, even in those patients who have observed the recommended fasting, which in certain situations can lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonias, esophagitis, and difficulties during endotracheal intubation. Objective. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiemetic efficacy of maropitant citrate used in two premedication protocols (xylazine + tramadol) and (dexmedetomidine + tramadol) in male felines undergoing orchiectomy surgeries.  Methodology. This investigation was performed in young cats 6-24 months of age, fasting for 8 hours, with ASA I classification. A sample of 40 felines was taken, all cats were administered maropitant citrate at a dose of 1mg/kg SC, one hour before premedication, then divided into 2 study groups of 20 cats each. Group 1 was. Results. In this study, in the results obtained, there were 2 cases of Sialorrhea in the first treatment (10%), compared to 1 case in the second (5%) (p=0.548); no animal licked its lips in the first treatment (0%), while in the second case, 1 animal (5%) presented this sign (p=0.311); With respect to arcada, no animal (0%) in the two cases showed this sign (p>0.999); there were no statistical differences in the sum of the negative signs (p>0.999). There was no case of Emesis in the young cats aged 6-24 months treated with maropitant (1mg/kg). Conclusion.  The use of maropitant citrate SC controls vomiting in young cats premedicated with alpha 2 adrenergics. Area of study: (veterinary medicine, anesthesia, premedication, etc.).

Introduction: The use of maxillomandibuar orthopedic devices presents significant challenges for the oral hygiene of each patient, affecting hard structures such as the tooth and soft structures such as the periodontium, the accumulation of bacterial plaque in the retentive structures can produce inflammation of the tissues that They surround the tooth, increasing the risk of periodontal diseases and compromising oral well-being. Objective: Identify relevant information on periodontal health in patients wearing fixed orthopedic devices in digital databases. Methodology: Narrative bibliographic review study, through the selection of 31 research articles obtained from a universe of 1,719 publications. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, as well as advanced search in indexing repositories such as: PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Publications that provided valuable information to fulfill the research objective were considered and studies published during the period 2018–2023 were selected. Results: There is variability in the definition and classification of periodontal health, emphasizing the need for standardization in the measurement of periodontal sulcus depth. A significant influence of fixed orthopedic devices on plaque accumulation and gum health is presented, highlighting the importance of appropriate device selection, rigorous oral hygiene, and regular follow-up to preserve periodontal health. Conclusion: Standardization in the classification of periodontal health and careful management of orthopedic devices are important to preserve oral health.

Introduction. Extramedullary neoplasia in spinal cord compression refers to the presence of tumors or lesions that are located outside the spinal cord and that cause compression in it. Objective. Investigate the incidence and prevalence of neoplasms that cause spinal cord compression, identifying the types of tumors most associated with this condition, as well as evaluate the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments available for these neoplasms. Methodology. Documentary-bibliographic design, exploratory, explanatory, and qualitative modality. Results. It turned out that stramedullary neoplasms that cause spinal compression include meningionama, which are slow-growing benign tumors that develop in the spinal canal; neurofibromas that develop from the cells surrounding the nerves; Schwannomas are histological tumors in the spinal cord. Among the predominant symptoms are pain, weakness in the arms, changes in vision, headache, memory loss, loss of smell, seizures, and language difficulty. Conclusion. Extramedullary neoplasia can have a significant impact on the patient's health. The severity of the symptoms and the prognosis depend on the type of neoplasm, its location, and the degree of spinal compression it causes, thus having the impact of compression of the spinal cord, intense pain in the area, paralysis of the upper and lower extremities, and finally neurological alterations.

Introduction: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants is a severe health problem mediated by resistance mechanisms, affecting global healthcare systems due to limited treatment alternatives and prohibitive costs. On the other hand, disinfectant sensitivity has decreased when evaluating in vitro effectiveness according to concentrations recommended by health entities such as the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health. Objective: To assess the in vitro effectiveness of hospital disinfectants on bacteria isolated in the neonatology and operating room areas of the Humanitarian Hospital ‘Pablo Jaramillo Crespo’ - Cuenca - Ecuador. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional field study was conducted. Samples were obtained from the neonatology and operating room areas of the Humanitarian Hospital ‘Pablo Jaramillo Crespo’ in Cuenca - Ecuador. Bacteriological identification was performed using phenotypic methods for subsequent evaluation of susceptibility and resistance using the Kirby - Bauer method. Results:  Microbial growth was observed in 48% of samples, identifying strains of S. aureus, Enterococcus spp, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas spp, E. coli, and Klebsiella spp, highlighting resistance to β-lactams and cephalosporins, where Pseudomonas are resistant to meropenem, and Enterococcus is resistant to linezolid. Sensitivity to disinfectants is exceptionally low, with total resistance to ethanol, hypochlorite, potassium monopersulfate, glutaraldehyde, and medium to high sensitivity to iodopovidone, quaternary ammonium, hydrogen peroxide at concentrations approved by health authorities. Conclusion: The in vitro effectiveness of hospital antibiotics and disinfectants was assessed in bacteria isolated from the neonatology and operating room areas, finding a high percentage of resistant samples.

Introduction. Stress is a disorder caused by physical or emotional events that affect the organism’s homeostasis causing significant health alterations. In the 21st century, therapies based on medicinal plants have been developed, including those that can treat diseases of the Central Nervous System. The use of phytocannabinoids such as THC and CBD have proven to be highly effective in reducing stress but are controversial due to their recreational use and regulations. Objective. The purpose of this article is to review the existing scientific evidence on both the beneficial and harmful effects of using THC and CBD in treating stress in adults. Methodology. Literature searches and reviews were carried out using three keywords: stress treated with THC and CBD, stress and cannabis, treatment and stress, and cannabis or marijuana through high-quality databases such as PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer, Medline, Taylor & Francis, and Redalyc, through the online databases of the Catholic University of Cuenca. Results. Several of these studies cited in this research indicate that these metabolites cause significant improvements in all patients. Symptoms achieved improvements under the effect of flexible dosing following a strict regimen of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol. Conclusion. The data collected in this study have shown therapeutic benefits, so further research in this field is crucial to understand better the risks and benefits of these compounds in adult stress management.