Metastatic calcification and nephrosclerosis in an adult sloth (Choloepus hoffmani)

Clinical History: Multiple fragments of various organs from the necropsy of an adult sloth (Choloepus hoffmani) were received. The animal, prior to its death, had presented decay and poor general body condition, which is why it was euthanized. Necropsy Findings: According to the referring veterinarian, at necropsy, irregular and locally extensive hard yellowish lesions, were observed in the subcutaneous tissue of the thorax and abdomen (Figs. 1 and 2). Similar lesions were observed in the tunica media of the aorta (Fig. 3). Microscopically, the kidney had the aspect shown in Fig. 4. Follow-up questions: Morphologic diagnoses Histopathologic description Pathogenesis(AU)

Metastatic calcification and granulomatous grastroenteritis associated to Pythium insidiosum in a dog

Pythiosis is a granulomatous process of which the oomycete Pythium insidiosum is its etiological agent. It can affect animals and humans alike and its infection occurs when free zoospores in the water get in contact with the target tissues and encyst. The disease often occurs in tropical places with abundance of water and aquatic plants that host the fungus. Dogs infection is predominantly gastric with granuloma formations in the stomach and intestine with progressive signs of vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea. In this case report, we described clinical, surgical, necroscopic and histopathological findings of a one year and two months old, male boxer that presented clinical signs of anorexia and persistent vomiting. It was noticed on ultrasound examination an increase in stomach and intestine thickness. Laparotomy confirmed a mass affecting the gastric wall which, an incision biopsy, showed an abundant fibrous tissue associated with granulomatous reaction that was surrounded by tubuliform structures. Due to clinical complications, euthanasia was performed and in necroscopic examination a markedly increased stomach and duodenum was observed. An; histological examination of this areas it was observed that they contained granulation tissue with giant cells and epithelioids macrophages around necrosed areas associated with lymphocytes infiltrate. Also, it was possible to observe tubuliform structures by the Grocott-Gomori’s Methenamine Silver (GMS) stain, this finding is compatible with the agent Pythium insidiosum. Therefore, this presumptive identification was confirmed by PCR analysis which amplicon had 97.83% similarity with current available genomic sequence of P. insidiosum.

Metastatic calcification and granulomatous grastroenteritis associated to Pythium insidiosum in a dog

Pythiosis is a granulomatous process of which the oomycete Pythium insidiosum is its etiological agent. It can affect animals and humans alike and its infection occurs when free zoospores in the water get in contact with the target tissues and encyst. The disease often occurs in tropical places with abundance of water and aquatic plants that host the fungus. Dogs infection is predominantly gastric with granuloma formations in the stomach and intestine with progressive signs of vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea. In this case report, we described clinical, surgical, necroscopic and histopathological findings of a one year and two months old, male boxer that presented clinical signs of anorexia and persistent vomiting. It was noticed on ultrasound examination an increase in stomach and intestine thickness. Laparotomy confirmed a mass affecting the gastric wall which, an incision biopsy, showed an abundant fibrous tissue associated with granulomatous reaction that was surrounded by tubuliform structures. Due to clinical complications, euthanasia was performed and in necroscopic examination a markedly increased stomach and duodenum was observed. An; histological examination of this areas it was observed that they contained granulation tissue with giant cells and epithelioids macrophages around necrosed areas associated with lymphocytes infiltrate. Also, it was possible to observe tubuliform structures by the Grocott-Gomoris Methenamine Silver (GMS) stain, this finding is compatible with the agent Pythium insidiosum. Therefore, this presumptive identification was confirmed by PCR analysis which amplicon had 97.83% similarity with current available genomic sequence of P. insidiosum.(AU)

Calcinosis cutis with large extension and uncommon location in a dog

Background: Calcinosis cutis is an uncommon dermatopathy characterized by the deposition of minerals in the skin,usually involving collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis. Usually, it results from dystrophic calcification and can begeneralized or focal. The dermatopathy may be primary or secondary to certain disorders, especially chronic proliferativeotitis, foreign body reactions, hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) and less frequently percutaneous penetration of calcium-richproducts. The aim of this report is to describe a presentation of calcinosis cutis affecting the skin of the back, internal faceof hind limbs and anal region of a 9-years-old bitch.Case: A 9-year-old, non-defined breed, bitch, ovariohysterectomized, weighing 9.45 kg, was attended at the DermatologicalService of companion animals at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Jataí (UFJ). The animal came in withthe complaint of extensive dorsal alopecia, covered by firm lesions, with a 3-month evolution, additionally to polyuria andpolydipsia. After physical examination, alopecic areas of great extension were confirmed on the dorsum, on the internalsurface of the hind limbs and in the anal region. Also, an exudative and painful lesion located on the back was detected,plus loss of elasticity of the ventral abdomen skin and visible abdominal vessels. The screening tests showed a markedincrease in the alanine aminotransferase enzyme (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total cholesterol. The specificurinary density was decreased. On the ultrasound examination, hepatomegaly and an increase in the caudal pole of the leftadrenal were detected. Based on these findings, calcinosis cutis secondary to spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)was suspected. For confirmation, skin biopsy and low dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDS) were performed.LDDS test showed no reduction of serum cortisol after 8 h of dexamethasone dose administration and histopathological...

Calcinosis cutis with large extension and uncommon location in a dog

Background: Calcinosis cutis is an uncommon dermatopathy characterized by the deposition of minerals in the skin,usually involving collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis. Usually, it results from dystrophic calcification and can begeneralized or focal. The dermatopathy may be primary or secondary to certain disorders, especially chronic proliferativeotitis, foreign body reactions, hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) and less frequently percutaneous penetration of calcium-richproducts. The aim of this report is to describe a presentation of calcinosis cutis affecting the skin of the back, internal faceof hind limbs and anal region of a 9-years-old bitch.Case: A 9-year-old, non-defined breed, bitch, ovariohysterectomized, weighing 9.45 kg, was attended at the DermatologicalService of companion animals at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Jataí (UFJ). The animal came in withthe complaint of extensive dorsal alopecia, covered by firm lesions, with a 3-month evolution, additionally to polyuria andpolydipsia. After physical examination, alopecic areas of great extension were confirmed on the dorsum, on the internalsurface of the hind limbs and in the anal region. Also, an exudative and painful lesion located on the back was detected,plus loss of elasticity of the ventral abdomen skin and visible abdominal vessels. The screening tests showed a markedincrease in the alanine aminotransferase enzyme (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total cholesterol. The specificurinary density was decreased. On the ultrasound examination, hepatomegaly and an increase in the caudal pole of the leftadrenal were detected. Based on these findings, calcinosis cutis secondary to spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)was suspected. For confirmation, skin biopsy and low dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDS) were performed.LDDS test showed no reduction of serum cortisol after 8 h of dexamethasone dose administration and histopathological...(AU)

Enzootic calcinosis in sheep in Uruguay: a brief review and report of two outbreaks / Calcinose enzoótica em ovinos no Uruguai: revisão de literatura e descrição de dois surtos

This study aimed to do a brief review of enzootic calcinosis in sheep and to report two outbreaks of Nierembergia rivularis poisoning in sheep in Uruguay. The outbreaks occurred in farms located on an island (Outbreak A) and on the border (Outbreak B) of the Rincón del Bonete lake. Sheep of all ages were affected, with the exception of suckling lambs. The first clinical signs occurred in early October, and deaths occurred from December to February. Outbreaks A and B had morbidity of 10%, and the mortality was 7.2% and 2.8% in Outbreaks A and B, respectively. The clinical signs included weight loss, retracted abdomen, stiff gait, and kyphosis. An autopsy was performed on one sheep from each outbreak. Pulmonary and arterial calcification, nephrocalcinosis, and osteopetrosis were observed in gross and microscopic examination in both sheep. Thyroid C-cell hyperplasia and carcinoma was observed in sheep A. Sheep B showed thyroid C-cell hyperplasia and parathyroid chief cell atrophy. The parathyroid was not examined in the sheep from Outbreak A. The differential diagnosis of enzootic calcinosis in southern South America should consider four toxic plants in the Solanaceae family: Solanum glaucophyllum, Solanum stuckertii, Nierembergia veitchii, and Nierembergia rivularis.(AU)

Este trabalho faz uma breve revisão da calcinose enzoótica em ovinos e descreve dois surtos de intoxicação por Nierembergia rivularis em ovinos no Uruguai. Os surtos ocorreram em propriedades localizadas em uma ilha (Surto A), e nas margens (Surto B) do lago do Rincón del Bonete. Foram afetados ovinos de todas as idades, exceto cordeiros lactentes. Os primeiros sinais clínicos ocorreram no início de outubro e as mortes de dezembro a fevereiro. Morbidade de 10% foi observada nos Surtos A e B. A mortalidade foi de 7,2% e 2,8% nos Surtos A e B, respectivamente. Os sinais clínicos incluíram perda de peso, abdômen retraído, marcha rígida e cifose. Foram necropsiados um animal de cada rebanho. Observou-se mineralização arterial e pulmonar, nefrocalcinose e osteopetrose no exame macroscópico e histológico dos dois ovinos. Hiperplasia e carcinoma de células C da tireoide foram observados no ovino A. O ovino B apresentou hiperplasia de células C da tireoide e atrofia das células principais da paratireoide. As paratireoides do ovino A não foram examinadas. O diagnóstico diferencial da calcinose enzoótica no Sul da América do Sul deve considerar quatro plantas calcinogênicas da família Solanaceae: Solanum glaucophyllum, Solanum stuckertii, Nierembergia veitchii e Nierembergia rivularis.(AU)

Enzootic calcinosis in sheep in Uruguay: a brief review and report of two outbreaks / Calcinose enzoótica em ovinos no Uruguai: revisão de literatura e descrição de dois surtos

This study aimed to do a brief review of enzootic calcinosis in sheep and to report two outbreaks of Nierembergia rivularis poisoning in sheep in Uruguay. The outbreaks occurred in farms located on an island (Outbreak A) and on the border (Outbreak B) of the Rincón del Bonete lake. Sheep of all ages were affected, with the exception of suckling lambs. The first clinical signs occurred in early October, and deaths occurred from December to February. Outbreaks A and B had morbidity of 10%, and the mortality was 7.2% and 2.8% in Outbreaks A and B, respectively. The clinical signs included weight loss, retracted abdomen, stiff gait, and kyphosis. An autopsy was performed on one sheep from each outbreak. Pulmonary and arterial calcification, nephrocalcinosis, and osteopetrosis were observed in gross and microscopic examination in both sheep. Thyroid C-cell hyperplasia and carcinoma was observed in sheep A. Sheep B showed thyroid C-cell hyperplasia and parathyroid chief cell atrophy. The parathyroid was not examined in the sheep from Outbreak A. The differential diagnosis of enzootic calcinosis in southern South America should consider four toxic plants in the Solanaceae family: Solanum glaucophyllum, Solanum stuckertii, Nierembergia veitchii, and Nierembergia rivularis.(AU)

Este trabalho faz uma breve revisão da calcinose enzoótica em ovinos e descreve dois surtos de intoxicação por Nierembergia rivularis em ovinos no Uruguai. Os surtos ocorreram em propriedades localizadas em uma ilha (Surto A), e nas margens (Surto B) do lago do Rincón del Bonete. Foram afetados ovinos de todas as idades, exceto cordeiros lactentes. Os primeiros sinais clínicos ocorreram no início de outubro e as mortes de dezembro a fevereiro. Morbidade de 10% foi observada nos Surtos A e B. A mortalidade foi de 7,2% e 2,8% nos Surtos A e B, respectivamente. Os sinais clínicos incluíram perda de peso, abdômen retraído, marcha rígida e cifose. Foram necropsiados um animal de cada rebanho. Observou-se mineralização arterial e pulmonar, nefrocalcinose e osteopetrose no exame macroscópico e histológico dos dois ovinos. Hiperplasia e carcinoma de células C da tireoide foram observados no ovino A. O ovino B apresentou hiperplasia de células C da tireoide e atrofia das células principais da paratireoide. As paratireoides do ovino A não foram examinadas. O diagnóstico diferencial da calcinose enzoótica no Sul da América do Sul deve considerar quatro plantas calcinogênicas da família Solanaceae: Solanum glaucophyllum, Solanum stuckertii, Nierembergia veitchii e Nierembergia rivularis.(AU)

Thyroid parafollicular cell hyperplasia and carcinoma in a sheep with enzootic calcinosis due to Nierembergia rivularis poisoning / [Hiperplasia e carcinoma de células parafoliculares da tireóide em ovino com calcinose enzoótica associada a intoxicação por Nierembergia rivularis]

Calcinose enzoótica, causada por Nierembergia rivularis, no Uruguai, e Nierembergia veitchii, no Brasil, é uma doença caracterizada por mineralização de tecidos moles, hiperplasia das células parafoliculares da tireoide e elevação nos níveis de cálcio e fósforo. Descreve-se um caso de hiperplasia e carcinoma de células parafoliculares bilateral em um ovino de quatro anos, com calcinose enzoótica associada à intoxicação por Nierembergia rivularis. O diagnóstico histológico de hiperplasia e carcinoma de células parafoliculares é suportado pelas marcações imuno-histoquímicas positivas para calcitonina, peptídeo relacionado ao gene da calcitonina e enolase neurônio específica. Como a hiperplasia de células parafoliculares é uma lesão pré-neoplásica induzida por hipercalcemia, sugere-se que a hipercalcemia crônica causada pela intoxicação por N. rivularis pode ter induzido hiperplasia de células parafoliculares seguida de transformação em carcinoma, neste caso. Os efeitos carcinogênicos das plantas calcinogênicas no sistema endócrino devem ser melhor explorados.(AU)

Thyroid parafollicular cell hyperplasia and carcinoma in a sheep with enzootic calcinosis due to Nierembergia rivularis poisoning / [Hiperplasia e carcinoma de células parafoliculares da tireóide em ovino com calcinose enzoótica associada a intoxicação por Nierembergia rivularis]

Calcinose enzoótica, causada por Nierembergia rivularis, no Uruguai, e Nierembergia veitchii, no Brasil, é uma doença caracterizada por mineralização de tecidos moles, hiperplasia das células parafoliculares da tireoide e elevação nos níveis de cálcio e fósforo. Descreve-se um caso de hiperplasia e carcinoma de células parafoliculares bilateral em um ovino de quatro anos, com calcinose enzoótica associada à intoxicação por Nierembergia rivularis. O diagnóstico histológico de hiperplasia e carcinoma de células parafoliculares é suportado pelas marcações imuno-histoquímicas positivas para calcitonina, peptídeo relacionado ao gene da calcitonina e enolase neurônio específica. Como a hiperplasia de células parafoliculares é uma lesão pré-neoplásica induzida por hipercalcemia, sugere-se que a hipercalcemia crônica causada pela intoxicação por N. rivularis pode ter induzido hiperplasia de células parafoliculares seguida de transformação em carcinoma, neste caso. Os efeitos carcinogênicos das plantas calcinogênicas no sistema endócrino devem ser melhor explorados.(AU)

Dystrophic mineralization in uremic dogs: an update / Mineralização distrófica em cães urêmicos: uma atualização

Pathological mineralization is the abnormal deposition of minerals in body tissues, previously injured or not. In these lesions, in addition to calcium, other minerals can be found at lower concentrations. Classically, mineralization is divided into two types: dystrophic and metastatic. However, currently, there is no consensus among researchers on the type of mineralization that occurs in uremic dogs. The objective of this study was to elucidate the type of pathological mineralization that occurs in dogs with uremic syndrome through the correlation of biochemical examinations with gross and histopathological changes, given the existence of controversial information on this theme in the specialized literature. The Shapiro-Wilk, D'Agostino and Pearson tests were used to evaluate data normality distribution, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare the data between more than two groups. Additionally, the Dunnett's multiple comparison test was used in the comparison between the Control Group (CG) and the Experimental Groups (G1, G2, and G3). Serum levels of urea, creatinine, total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product (CPP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and albumin of 40 azotemic dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were evaluated. Dogs were categorized by degree of azotemia (mild, moderate, and severe). Ionized hypocalcemia was observed in 97.5% (39/40) of the dogs, and no animals presented ionized hypercalcemia. Hyperphosphatemia was frequent (62.5%), especially in dogs with severe azotemia. PTH concentration increased with progression of azotemia, and high PTH levels were verified in 100% of the dogs with severe azotemia. CPP >60mg2/dl2 was observed in 75% (30/40) of the dogs. Of the 29 dogs that died during the study period, 16 were necropsied. Soft tissue mineralization was observed in 93.7% (15/16) of these dogs at gross and histopathological evaluation (HE and Von Kossa), regardless of the degree of azotemia, in nine organs/tissues: kidneys (75%), lungs (50%), stomach (31.2%), heart (25%), larynx (25%), intercostal muscles (25%), aorta (6.2%), intestines (6.2%), and tongue (6.2%). In one animal, the serosa of all segments of the small intestine showed whitish, rough, irregular, multifocal plaques of varying sizes, confirmed by histopathology as dystrophic mineralization of the longitudinal outer muscular layer, which presented necrosis of coagulation and of the intestinal serosa. This intestinal lesion has not been described in dogs with uremic syndrome to date. In conclusion, the laboratory and histopathologic data previously described, especially regarding tissue and vascular mineralization, which occur in association with previous degenerative/necrotic lesions in the absence of hypercalcemia in dogs with CKD, assist with clarifying inconsistencies found in the existing literature. Therefore, conceptually, mineralization that occurs in uremic dogs should be considered dystrophic.(AU)

Mineralização patológica é a deposição anormal de minerais em tecidos previamente lesados ou não. Nessas lesões, além do cálcio, outros minerais podem ser encontrados em concentrações inferiores. Classicamente, as mineralizações são divididas em dois tipos: distrófica e metastática. Contudo, atualmente, ainda não há consenso entre os pesquisadores sobre o tipo de mineralização que ocorre em cães urêmicos. Objetivou-se com esse estudo elucidar o tipo de mineralização patológica que ocorre em cães com síndrome urêmica através da correlação de exames bioquímicos com alterações macroscópicas e histopatológicas, visto a existência de informações controversas na literatura especializada. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de Shapiro-Wilk e teste de D'Agostino e Pearson para avaliação da normalidade da distribuição e para comparação de dados em mais de dois grupos foi utilizado o teste ANOVA. Adicionalmente, o teste de comparações múltiplas de Dunnett permitiu a comparação entre o grupo controle (GC) com os demais grupos (G1, G2 e G3). Foram avaliados os níveis séricos de ureia, creatinina, cálcio total e ionizado, fósforo, produto cálcio-fósforo (PCF), PTH e albumina de 40 cães azotêmicos com doença renal crônica (DRC). Os cães foram classificados quanto ao grau de azotemia (leve, moderada e severa). Verificou-se hipocalcemia ionizada em 97,5% (39/40) dos cães e, em nenhum animal houve hipercalcemia ionizada. Hiperfosfatemia foi frequente (62,5%), principalmente em cães com azotemia severa. A concentração do PTH aumentou conforme a progressão da azotemia, encontrando-se elevada em 100% dos cães com azotemia severa. Em 75% (30/40) dos cães o PCF foi superior a 60mg2/dl2. Durante o estudo, 29 cães morreram, sendo 16 desses necropsiados. Em 93,7% (15/16) desses cães observou-se mineralização de tecidos moles, durante a avaliação macroscópica e histopatológica (HE e Von Kossa), independentemente do grau de azotemia, em nove órgãos/tecidos: rins (75%), pulmões (50%), estômago (31,2%), coração (25%), laringe (25%), músculos intercostais (25%), aorta (6,2%), intestino (6,2%) e língua (6,2%). Adicionalmente, em um animal verificou-se na serosa de todos os segmentos do intestino delgado placas multifocais brancacentas, rugosas, irregulares de tamanhos variados, cuja histopatologia confirmou tratar-se de mineralização distrófica da camada longitudinal muscular externa que apresentava necrose de coagulação e da serosa intestinal. Essa lesão intestinal nunca havia sido descrita em cães com síndrome urêmica. Em suma, os dados laboratoriais e histopatológicos aqui descritos, sobretudo, no que se refere à mineralização tecidual e vascular, que ocorrem relacionadas a lesões degenerativo-necróticas prévias, na ausência de hipercalcemia, em cães com DRC, ajudam a esclarecer as incongruências existentes na literatura. Por conseguinte, conceitualmente, as mineralizações que ocorrem em cães urêmicos devem ser consideradas distróficas.(AU)

Dystrophic mineralization in uremic dogs: an update / Mineralização distrófica em cães urêmicos: uma atualização

Pathological mineralization is the abnormal deposition of minerals in body tissues, previously injured or not. In these lesions, in addition to calcium, other minerals can be found at lower concentrations. Classically, mineralization is divided into two types: dystrophic and metastatic. However, currently, there is no consensus among researchers on the type of mineralization that occurs in uremic dogs. The objective of this study was to elucidate the type of pathological mineralization that occurs in dogs with uremic syndrome through the correlation of biochemical examinations with gross and histopathological changes, given the existence of controversial information on this theme in the specialized literature. The Shapiro-Wilk, D'Agostino and Pearson tests were used to evaluate data normality distribution, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare the data between more than two groups. Additionally, the Dunnett's multiple comparison test was used in the comparison between the Control Group (CG) and the Experimental Groups (G1, G2, and G3). Serum levels of urea, creatinine, total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product (CPP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and albumin of 40 azotemic dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were evaluated. Dogs were categorized by degree of azotemia (mild, moderate, and severe). Ionized hypocalcemia was observed in 97.5% (39/40) of the dogs, and no animals presented ionized hypercalcemia. Hyperphosphatemia was frequent (62.5%), especially in dogs with severe azotemia. PTH concentration increased with progression of azotemia, and high PTH levels were verified in 100% of the dogs with severe azotemia. CPP >60mg2/dl2 was observed in 75% (30/40) of the dogs. Of the 29 dogs that died during the study period, 16 were necropsied. Soft tissue mineralization was observed in 93.7% (15/16) of these dogs at gross and histopathological evaluation (HE and Von Kossa), regardless of the degree of azotemia, in nine organs/tissues: kidneys (75%), lungs (50%), stomach (31.2%), heart (25%), larynx (25%), intercostal muscles (25%), aorta (6.2%), intestines (6.2%), and tongue (6.2%). In one animal, the serosa of all segments of the small intestine showed whitish, rough, irregular, multifocal plaques of varying sizes, confirmed by histopathology as dystrophic mineralization of the longitudinal outer muscular layer, which presented necrosis of coagulation and of the intestinal serosa. This intestinal lesion has not been described in dogs with uremic syndrome to date. In conclusion, the laboratory and histopathologic data previously described, especially regarding tissue and vascular mineralization, which occur in association with previous degenerative/necrotic lesions in the absence of hypercalcemia in dogs with CKD, assist with clarifying inconsistencies found in the existing literature. Therefore, conceptually, mineralization that occurs in uremic dogs should be considered dystrophic.(AU)

Mineralização patológica é a deposição anormal de minerais em tecidos previamente lesados ou não. Nessas lesões, além do cálcio, outros minerais podem ser encontrados em concentrações inferiores. Classicamente, as mineralizações são divididas em dois tipos: distrófica e metastática. Contudo, atualmente, ainda não há consenso entre os pesquisadores sobre o tipo de mineralização que ocorre em cães urêmicos. Objetivou-se com esse estudo elucidar o tipo de mineralização patológica que ocorre em cães com síndrome urêmica através da correlação de exames bioquímicos com alterações macroscópicas e histopatológicas, visto a existência de informações controversas na literatura especializada. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de Shapiro-Wilk e teste de D'Agostino e Pearson para avaliação da normalidade da distribuição e para comparação de dados em mais de dois grupos foi utilizado o teste ANOVA. Adicionalmente, o teste de comparações múltiplas de Dunnett permitiu a comparação entre o grupo controle (GC) com os demais grupos (G1, G2 e G3). Foram avaliados os níveis séricos de ureia, creatinina, cálcio total e ionizado, fósforo, produto cálcio-fósforo (PCF), PTH e albumina de 40 cães azotêmicos com doença renal crônica (DRC). Os cães foram classificados quanto ao grau de azotemia (leve, moderada e severa). Verificou-se hipocalcemia ionizada em 97,5% (39/40) dos cães e, em nenhum animal houve hipercalcemia ionizada. Hiperfosfatemia foi frequente (62,5%), principalmente em cães com azotemia severa. A concentração do PTH aumentou conforme a progressão da azotemia, encontrando-se elevada em 100% dos cães com azotemia severa. Em 75% (30/40) dos cães o PCF foi superior a 60mg2/dl2. Durante o estudo, 29 cães morreram, sendo 16 desses necropsiados. Em 93,7% (15/16) desses cães observou-se mineralização de tecidos moles, durante a avaliação macroscópica e histopatológica (HE e Von Kossa), independentemente do grau de azotemia, em nove órgãos/tecidos: rins (75%), pulmões (50%), estômago (31,2%), coração (25%), laringe (25%), músculos intercostais (25%), aorta (6,2%), intestino (6,2%) e língua (6,2%). Adicionalmente, em um animal verificou-se na serosa de todos os segmentos do intestino delgado placas multifocais brancacentas, rugosas, irregulares de tamanhos variados, cuja histopatologia confirmou tratar-se de mineralização distrófica da camada longitudinal muscular externa que apresentava necrose de coagulação e da serosa intestinal. Essa lesão intestinal nunca havia sido descrita em cães com síndrome urêmica. Em suma, os dados laboratoriais e histopatológicos aqui descritos, sobretudo, no que se refere à mineralização tecidual e vascular, que ocorrem relacionadas a lesões degenerativo-necróticas prévias, na ausência de hipercalcemia, em cães com DRC, ajudam a esclarecer as incongruências existentes na literatura. Por conseguinte, conceitualmente, as mineralizações que ocorrem em cães urêmicos devem ser consideradas distróficas.(AU)

Alterações neoplásicas e não neoplásicas das mãos e dos pés de cães (2003-2016)

ABSTRACT: Hands and feet of dogs are commonly affected by neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. These lesions may commonly present poor clinical or histopathological prognosis and amputation tends to be the treatment of choice. Previous studies regarding the prevalence and the clinicopathological aspects of digital changes in dogs have been performed abroad, with no similar investigations in Brazil. The aim of this manuscript was to perform a histopathological study to characterize hands and feet lesions of dogs from Brazil.Tissue samples from 105 tumor-like lesions of dogs hands and feet were used in this study. The samples came from three Brazilian veterinary diagnostic laboratories and were collected between 2003 and 2016. All specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and routinely processed for paraffin embedding and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Additionally, toluidine blue, Brown and Breen, periodic acid Schiff (PAS), Grocott Methenamine Silver (GMS) and Ziehl Neelsen were used in selected cases. Immunohistochemistry using anti-Leishmania spp., anti-CD117, anti-CD79, anti-CD3, anti-Melan A, anti-lysozyme, anti-Pancytokeratin AE1/AE3, and anti-vimentin antibodies were also performed. Neoplasia (62.9%) was the most frequently found lesion, followed by inflammation (19%), and other changes (18.1%). Among the neoplasms, 40.9% were mesenchymal, 39.4% epithelial, and 19.7% round cells. All round cells and most of the epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms were malignant. There was no difference between males and females regarding neoplasia prevalence. Labrador Retriever, Schnauzer, Teckel, mongrel, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Pit Bull were the most frequently affected breeds. Fila Brasileiro (aka Brazilian Mastiff), Pit Bull and Schnauzer had higher incidence of mesenchymal, epithelial, and round cells neoplasms, respectively. Inflammation was more commonly observed in the Labrador Retriever and other changes were more commonly in Teckel, Labrador Retriever, and mongrel dogs. Medium age and weight were 8.4 years and 28.5 kg, respectively. Medium diameter of the tumor-like lesions was 2.5 cm and the neoplastic lesions presented higher averages. Lesions were mainly in yellow-coated dogs. Incisional biopsy samples (56.4%) and amputations (85.3%) were mostly from neoplastic cases. Right forelimb was the most affected limb, and digits were the main injured anatomic structures. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most (14.2%) commonly diagnosed neoplasm, followed by mast cell tumor (7.6%), melanoma (7.6%), and undifferentiated sarcoma (7.6%). In half of the inflammatory cases, the lesion was centered in hair follicle and surrounding dermis. The inflammatory infiltrate was predominantly piogranulomatous or lymphoplasmacytic. Follicular cyst, calcinosis circumscripta, and acrochordons were the main non neoplastic and non-inflammatory changes.

RESUMO: Mãos e pés de cães são comumente afetados por lesões neoplásicas e não neoplásicas. Estas alterações podem apresentar prognóstico histopatológico ou clínico ruim e a amputação tende a ser o tratamento de escolha. Estudos prévios avaliando a prevalência e os aspectos clínicopatológicos de alterações digitais em cães têm sido realizados em outros países, entretanto trabalhos similares não foram realizados no Brasil. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever e caracterizar histologicamente as lesões das mãos e pés de cães. Amostras de 105 lesões tumoriformes das mãos e pés de cães foram avaliadas. Essas amostras foram coletadas entre 2003 e 2016 e foram obtidas de três laboratórios brasileiros de diagnóstico veterinário. Todos espécimes foram fixados em formol tamponado 10%, processados rotineiramente e corados por hematoxilina-eosina. Adicionalmente, as colorações de azul de toluidina, Brown e Breen, periodic acid Schiff (PAS), Grocott Methenamine Silver (GMS) e Ziehl Neelsen foram utilizados em casos específicos. Imuno-histoquímica foi realizada usando os anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp., anti-CD117, anti-CD79, anti-CD3, anti-Melan A, anti-lisozima, anti-Pancytokeratin AE1/AE3 e anti-vimentina. Os neoplasmas (62,9%) foram as alterações mais frequentes, seguidas por inflamações (19%) e outras alterações (18,1%). Entre os neoplasmas, 40,9% foram mesenquimais, 39,4% epiteliais e 19,7% de células redondas. Todos os neoplasmas de células redondas e a maioria dos epiteliais e mesenquimais eram malignos. Não se observou predileção de prevalência dos neoplasmas em relação ao sexo. As raças Labrador Retriever, Schnauzer, Teckel, SRD, Pastor Alemão, Rottweiler e Pit Bull foram as mais afetadas. Fila Brasileiro, Pit Bull e Schnauzer tiveram alta incidência de neoplasmas mesenquimais, epiteliais e de células redondas, respectivamente. Inflamação foi mais comumente observada em cães Labrador Retriever e as outras alterações em Teckel, Labrador Retriever e SRD. A idade e o peso médio dos animais afetados foram de 8,4 anos e 28,5 kg, respectivamente. O diâmetro médio das lesões tumoriformes foi de 2,5 cm e as lesões neoplásicas apresentaram as maiores médias. As lesões ocorreram principalmente em animais de pelagem amarela. A maioria das biópsias incisionais (56,4%) e amputações (85,3%) consistiram de neoplasmas. O principal membro afetado foi o torácico direito e o dígito foi a estrutura anatômica acometida mais frequentemente. Carcinoma de células escamosas (14,2%) foi o neoplasma mais frequente, seguido do mastocitoma (7,6%), melanoma (7,6%) e sarcoma indiferenciado (7,6%). Em metade dos casos de inflamação, a lesão acometeu o folículo piloso e derme adjacente, e o infiltrado foi predominantemente piogranulomatoso ou lnfoplasmocítico. Cistos foliculares, calcinose circunscrita e acrocordoma foram as principais lesões não neoplásicas e não inflamatórias diagnosticadas.

Alterações neoplásicas e não neoplásicas das mãos e dos pés de cães (2003-2016) / Neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the hands and feet of dogs (2003-2016)

Mãos e pés de cães são comumente afetados por lesões neoplásicas e não neoplásicas. Estas alterações podem apresentar prognóstico histopatológico ou clínico ruim e a amputação tende a ser o tratamento de escolha. Estudos prévios avaliando a prevalência e os aspectos clínicopatológicos de alterações digitais em cães têm sido realizados em outros países, entretanto trabalhos similares não foram realizados no Brasil. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever e caracterizar histologicamente as lesões das mãos e pés de cães. Amostras de 105 lesões tumoriformes das mãos e pés de cães foram avaliadas. Essas amostras foram coletadas entre 2003 e 2016 e foram obtidas de três laboratórios brasileiros de diagnóstico veterinário. Todos espécimes foram fixados em formol tamponado 10%, processados rotineiramente e corados por hematoxilina-eosina. Adicionalmente, as colorações de azul de toluidina, Brown e Breen, periodic acid Schiff (PAS), Grocott Methenamine Silver (GMS) e Ziehl Neelsen foram utilizados em casos específicos. Imuno-histoquímica foi realizada usando os anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp., anti-CD117, anti-CD79, anti-CD3, anti-Melan A, anti-lisozima, anti-Pancytokeratin AE1/AE3 e anti-vimentina. Os neoplasmas (62,9%) foram as alterações mais frequentes, seguidas por inflamações (19%) e outras alterações (18,1%). Entre os neoplasmas, 40,9% foram mesenquimais, 39,4% epiteliais e 19,7% de células redondas. Todos os neoplasmas de células redondas e a maioria dos epiteliais e mesenquimais eram malignos. Não se observou predileção de prevalência dos neoplasmas em relação ao sexo. As raças Labrador Retriever, Schnauzer, Teckel, SRD, Pastor Alemão, Rottweiler e Pit Bull foram as mais afetadas. Fila Brasileiro, Pit Bull e Schnauzer tiveram alta incidência de neoplasmas mesenquimais, epiteliais e de células redondas, respectivamente. Inflamação foi mais comumente observada em cães Labrador Retriever e as outras alterações em Teckel, Labrador Retriever e SRD. A idade e o peso médio dos animais afetados foram de 8,4 anos e 28,5 kg, respectivamente. O diâmetro médio das lesões tumoriformes foi de 2,5 cm e as lesões neoplásicas apresentaram as maiores médias. As lesões ocorreram principalmente em animais de pelagem amarela. A maioria das biópsias incisionais (56,4%) e amputações (85,3%) consistiram de neoplasmas. O principal membro afetado foi o torácico direito e o dígito foi a estrutura anatômica acometida mais frequentemente. Carcinoma de células escamosas (14,2%) foi o neoplasma mais frequente, seguido do mastocitoma (7,6%), melanoma (7,6%) e sarcoma indiferenciado (7,6%). Em metade dos casos de inflamação, a lesão acometeu o folículo piloso e derme adjacente, e o infiltrado foi predominantemente piogranulomatoso ou lnfoplasmocítico. Cistos foliculares, calcinose circunscrita e acrocordoma foram as principais lesões não neoplásicas e não inflamatórias diagnosticadas.(AU)

Hands and feet of dogs are commonly affected by neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. These lesions may commonly present poor clinical or histopathological prognosis and amputation tends to be the treatment of choice. Previous studies regarding the prevalence and the clinicopathological aspects of digital changes in dogs have been performed abroad, with no similar investigations in Brazil. The aim of this manuscript was to perform a histopathological study to characterize hands and feet lesions of dogs from Brazil.Tissue samples from 105 tumor-like lesions of dogs hands and feet were used in this study. The samples came from three Brazilian veterinary diagnostic laboratories and were collected between 2003 and 2016. All specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and routinely processed for paraffin embedding and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Additionally, toluidine blue, Brown and Breen, periodic acid Schiff (PAS), Grocott Methenamine Silver (GMS) and Ziehl Neelsen were used in selected cases. Immunohistochemistry using anti-Leishmania spp., anti-CD117, anti-CD79, anti-CD3, anti-Melan A, anti-lysozyme, anti-Pancytokeratin AE1/AE3, and anti-vimentin antibodies were also performed. Neoplasia (62.9%) was the most frequently found lesion, followed by inflammation (19%), and other changes (18.1%). Among the neoplasms, 40.9% were mesenchymal, 39.4% epithelial, and 19.7% round cells. All round cells and most of the epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms were malignant. There was no difference between males and females regarding neoplasia prevalence. Labrador Retriever, Schnauzer, Teckel, mongrel, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Pit Bull were the most frequently affected breeds. Fila Brasileiro (aka Brazilian Mastiff), Pit Bull and Schnauzer had higher incidence of mesenchymal, epithelial, and round cells neoplasms, respectively. Inflammation was more commonly observed in the Labrador Retriever and other changes were more commonly in Teckel, Labrador Retriever, and mongrel dogs. Medium age and weight were 8.4 years and 28.5 kg, respectively. Medium diameter of the tumor-like lesions was 2.5 cm and the neoplastic lesions presented higher averages. Lesions were mainly in yellow-coated dogs. Incisional biopsy samples (56.4%) and amputations (85.3%) were mostly from neoplastic cases. Right forelimb was the most affected limb, and digits were the main injured anatomic structures. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most (14.2%) commonly diagnosed neoplasm, followed by mast cell tumor (7.6%), melanoma (7.6%), and undifferentiated sarcoma (7.6%). In half of the inflammatory cases, the lesion was centered in hair follicle and surrounding dermis. The inflammatory infiltrate was predominantly piogranulomatous or lymphoplasmacytic. Follicular cyst, calcinosis circumscripta, and acrochordons were the main non neoplastic and non-inflammatory changes.(AU)

Calcinose cutânea associada a Hiperglicocorticoidismo em cão: Relato de Caso / Calcinosis cutis associated to Hyperadrenocorticism in a dog: case report

Cutaneous calcinosis is an uncommon condition where it is mostly shown the deposition ofcalcium in the skin layers, generally associated with by endocrinopathies of the adrenalcortex. Here we report a case of a dog with adrenal gland hyperplasia that developedcalcinosis cutis in a middle-aged dog. In this case, the clinical typical presentation,together with histopathological and ultrasonographical findings were extremely importantin the elucidation.

Calcinose cutânea associada a Hiperglicocorticoidismo em cão: Relato de Caso / Calcinosis cutis associated to Hyperadrenocorticism in a dog: case report

Cutaneous calcinosis is an uncommon condition where it is mostly shown the deposition ofcalcium in the skin layers, generally associated with by endocrinopathies of the adrenalcortex. Here we report a case of a dog with adrenal gland hyperplasia that developedcalcinosis cutis in a middle-aged dog. In this case, the clinical typical presentation,together with histopathological and ultrasonographical findings were extremely importantin the elucidation.(AU)

Alternative phytosanitary products against to white muscardine in Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) / Produtos fitossanitários alternativos contra a calcinose em Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the products Biogermex®, Agro-mos®, Soil-Set® and Planta Clean® on the development of white muscardine in Bombyx mori. Products have been tested at two stages for effects on biology of caterpillars and on silk production (1), and then they were evaluated to know their potential in the prevention/control of white muscardine (2). Products were sprayed on mulberry leaves (preventive treatment) and also on the integument of silkworms (curative treatment). At the first stage, the products were applied on four consecutive days, in one of the daily feeds. Planta Clean® - curative treatment - and Soil-Set® - preventive treatment - caused mortality in 63.3% and 30% of silk worms, respectively. The fungus Beauveria bassiana was inoculated at the concentration 5 × 107 conidia/mL on the leaves and insects. The products were applied three hours after application on the fungus, in a single application, and also for four days in the other groups. A group of silkworms sprayed only with the fungus served as control. Biogermex® - curative treatment applied once and for four times - was the most effective, reducing mortality by 25 and 26.7%, respectively, as compared with the control group. None of the evaluated products acts preventively against white muscardine.

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos de produtos Biogermex®, Agro-mos®, Soil-Set® e Planta Clean® no desenvolvimento da calcinose branca em Bombyx mori. Os produtos foram testados em duas etapas: efeitos sobre a biologia e produção de seda pela lagarta (1) e, em seguida, em função do seu potencial na prevenção/no controle da calcinose branca (2). Os produtos foram pulverizados sobre as folhas de amoreira (tratamento preventivo) e sobre o tegumento das lagartas (tratamento curativo). Na primeira etapa, os produtos foram aplicados durante quatro dias consecutivos, em uma das alimentações do dia. Planta Clean® - tratamento curativo - e Soil-Set® - tratamento preventivo - causaram mortalidade em 63,3 e 30% das lagartas, respectivamente. O fungo Beauveria bassiana foi inoculado na concentração 5 × 107 conídios/mL sobre folhas e insetos. Os produtos foram aplicados três horas após o fungo, em uma aplicação, e também por quatro dias em outro grupo. Um grupo de lagartas pulverizadas apenas com fungo serviu como controle. Biogermex® - tratamento curativo aplicado uma e quatro vezes - foi o mais eficiente, reduzindo a mortalidade em 25 e 26,7% respectivamente, em relação ao grupo controle. Nenhum dos produtos avaliados atuou de forma preventiva contra muscardina branca.

Alternative phytosanitary products against to white muscardine in Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) / Produtos fitossanitários alternativos contra a calcinose em Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the products Biogermex®, Agro-mos®, Soil-Set® and Planta Clean® on the development of white muscardine in Bombyx mori. Products have been tested at two stages for effects on biology of caterpillars and on silk production (1), and then they were evaluated to know their potential in the prevention/control of white muscardine (2). Products were sprayed on mulberry leaves (preventive treatment) and also on the integument of silkworms (curative treatment). At the first stage, the products were applied on four consecutive days, in one of the daily feeds. Planta Clean® - curative treatment - and Soil-Set® - preventive treatment - caused mortality in 63.3% and 30% of silk worms, respectively. The fungus Beauveria bassiana was inoculated at the concentration 5 × 107 conidia/mL on the leaves and insects. The products were applied three hours after application on the fungus, in a single application, and also for four days in the other groups. A group of silkworms sprayed only with the fungus served as control. Biogermex® - curative treatment applied once and for four times - was the most effective, reducing mortality by 25 and 26.7%, respectively, as compared with the control group. None of the evaluated products acts preventively against white muscardine.(AU)

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos de produtos Biogermex®, Agro-mos®, Soil-Set® e Planta Clean® no desenvolvimento da calcinose branca em Bombyx mori. Os produtos foram testados em duas etapas: efeitos sobre a biologia e produção de seda pela lagarta (1) e, em seguida, em função do seu potencial na prevenção/no controle da calcinose branca (2). Os produtos foram pulverizados sobre as folhas de amoreira (tratamento preventivo) e sobre o tegumento das lagartas (tratamento curativo). Na primeira etapa, os produtos foram aplicados durante quatro dias consecutivos, em uma das alimentações do dia. Planta Clean® - tratamento curativo - e Soil-Set® - tratamento preventivo - causaram mortalidade em 63,3 e 30% das lagartas, respectivamente. O fungo Beauveria bassiana foi inoculado na concentração 5 × 107 conídios/mL sobre folhas e insetos. Os produtos foram aplicados três horas após o fungo, em uma aplicação, e também por quatro dias em outro grupo. Um grupo de lagartas pulverizadas apenas com fungo serviu como controle. Biogermex® - tratamento curativo aplicado uma e quatro vezes - foi o mais eficiente, reduzindo a mortalidade em 25 e 26,7% respectivamente, em relação ao grupo controle. Nenhum dos produtos avaliados atuou de forma preventiva contra muscardina branca.(AU)

Alternative phytosanitary products against to white muscardine in Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) / Produtos fitossanitários alternativos contra a calcinose em Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the products Biogermex®, Agro-mos®, Soil-Set® and Planta Clean® on the development of white muscardine in Bombyx mori. Products have been tested at two stages for effects on biology of caterpillars and on silk production (1), and then they were evaluated to know their potential in the prevention/control of white muscardine (2). Products were sprayed on mulberry leaves (preventive treatment) and also on the integument of silkworms (curative treatment). At the first stage, the products were applied on four consecutive days, in one of the daily feeds. Planta Clean® - curative treatment - and Soil-Set® - preventive treatment - caused mortality in 63.3% and 30% of silk worms, respectively. The fungus Beauveria bassiana was inoculated at the concentration 5 × 107 conidia/mL on the leaves and insects. The products were applied three hours after application on the fungus, in a single application, and also for four days in the other groups. A group of silkworms sprayed only with the fungus served as control. Biogermex® - curative treatment applied once and for four times - was the most effective, reducing mortality by 25 and 26.7%, respectively, as compared with the control group. None of the evaluated products acts preventively against white muscardine.(AU)

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos de produtos Biogermex®, Agro-mos®, Soil-Set® e Planta Clean® no desenvolvimento da calcinose branca em Bombyx mori. Os produtos foram testados em duas etapas: efeitos sobre a biologia e produção de seda pela lagarta (1) e, em seguida, em função do seu potencial na prevenção/no controle da calcinose branca (2). Os produtos foram pulverizados sobre as folhas de amoreira (tratamento preventivo) e sobre o tegumento das lagartas (tratamento curativo). Na primeira etapa, os produtos foram aplicados durante quatro dias consecutivos, em uma das alimentações do dia. Planta Clean® - tratamento curativo - e Soil-Set® - tratamento preventivo - causaram mortalidade em 63,3 e 30% das lagartas, respectivamente. O fungo Beauveria bassiana foi inoculado na concentração 5 × 107 conídios/mL sobre folhas e insetos. Os produtos foram aplicados três horas após o fungo, em uma aplicação, e também por quatro dias em outro grupo. Um grupo de lagartas pulverizadas apenas com fungo serviu como controle. Biogermex® - tratamento curativo aplicado uma e quatro vezes - foi o mais eficiente, reduzindo a mortalidade em 25 e 26,7% respectivamente, em relação ao grupo controle. Nenhum dos produtos avaliados atuou de forma preventiva contra muscardina branca.(AU)

Pathological features of bovine pericardium implanted into mice abdominal wall after preservation with glutaraldehyde or glycerin / Aspectos patológicos do implante de pericárdio bovino tratado pelo glutaraldeído e pela glicerina em parede abdominal de camundongos

Background: Lately, the use of biological materials has been widely indicated in surgical procedures to restore structure and function of injured tissues. Bioimplants require different conservation techniques; among these, glutaraldehyde preservation stands out owing to its higher antimicrobial efficiency as compared to glycerin. In view of the need to determine a concentration of glutaraldehyde that can act as a biocide but do not cause undesirable tissue reactions, this study aimed to identify and quantify gross and microscopic tissue alterations after implantation of bovine pericardium, which was preserved in various concentrations of glutaraldehyde, in the abdominal wall of mice. Materials, Methods & Results: Fresh pericardia from 18 bovines were fractioned into 1cm2 samples and treated with a 98% glycerin solution for 30 days (control group), or 0.625%, 1%, and 1.5% glutaraldehyde solution for 18 days (experimental groups). An abdominal muscle fragment was excised from each mouse, and a 1-cm2 fragment of preserved pericardium was implanted in the area. Sixty mice (n = 15 per treatment) divided into groups were observed for 7, 14, and 30 days, and five animals from each group were euthanized at each time point for gross and microscopic examination. Fragments of the implants and adjacent skin lesions were harvested, fixed in formalin, and processed for routine histology [...](AU)

Pathological features of bovine pericardium implanted into mice abdominal wall after preservation with glutaraldehyde or glycerin / Aspectos patológicos do implante de pericárdio bovino tratado pelo glutaraldeído e pela glicerina em parede abdominal de camundongos

Background: Lately, the use of biological materials has been widely indicated in surgical procedures to restore structure and function of injured tissues. Bioimplants require different conservation techniques; among these, glutaraldehyde preservation stands out owing to its higher antimicrobial efficiency as compared to glycerin. In view of the need to determine a concentration of glutaraldehyde that can act as a biocide but do not cause undesirable tissue reactions, this study aimed to identify and quantify gross and microscopic tissue alterations after implantation of bovine pericardium, which was preserved in various concentrations of glutaraldehyde, in the abdominal wall of mice. Materials, Methods & Results: Fresh pericardia from 18 bovines were fractioned into 1cm2 samples and treated with a 98% glycerin solution for 30 days (control group), or 0.625%, 1%, and 1.5% glutaraldehyde solution for 18 days (experimental groups). An abdominal muscle fragment was excised from each mouse, and a 1-cm2 fragment of preserved pericardium was implanted in the area. Sixty mice (n = 15 per treatment) divided into groups were observed for 7, 14, and 30 days, and five animals from each group were euthanized at each time point for gross and microscopic examination. Fragments of the implants and adjacent skin lesions were harvested, fixed in formalin, and processed for routine histology [...]