Changes of the digestive tract of Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy.

Gerger A.A.C., Souza C.C., Martins D.S., Gaiad T., Brolio M.P., Luppi M.R., Ambrosio C.E. & Miglino M.A. 2010. [Changes of the digestive tract of Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy.] Alteracoes do trato digestorio de caes da raca Golden Retriever afetados pela distrofia muscular. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 30(12):1064-1070. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Sao Paulo, SP 05508 270, Brazil. E-mail: ccostola@usp.br The experimental canine model Golden Retriever carrier of Muscular Dystrophy (GRMD) is the best substitute of animal models to study Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Above striated muscle, the disease can affect the heart and smooth muscle, so the functioning of the digestive tract, as the smooth muscle is the primary element of tubular organs. Through morphological description, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the muscular dystrophy affects the overall architecture of the digestive tract and how is willing this muscular structure. Were evaluated macroscopic and microscopic optical description staining with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome and Sirius. The esophagus and liver of affected animals were altered. The stomach of the animals did not occupy the usual space. The diaphragm muscle had atrophied. The general histological structure of the digestive tract presented in a manner similar to a normal animal. Changes and histological differences were found in the muscle layer.