Hiperplasia fibroepitelial mamária em um gato macho: relato de caso / Mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia in a male cat: case report

As neoplasias mamárias representam a terceira neoplasia mais comum em gatas, enquanto nos machos a incidência é rara. Esse trabalho relata o caso de um gato macho, não castrado, atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual do Ceará, com uma neoformação mamária. O diagnóstico inicial, obtido por meio de punção aspirativa por agulha fina, sugeriu a presença de carcinoma mamário. Exames de imagem como a radiografia torácica e a ultrassonografia abdominal não evidenciaram a presença de metástase no parênquima pulmonar e nos órgãos abdominais, respectivamente. O tratamento instituído foi a remoção cirúrgica da neoformação, pela técnica de mastectomia parcial bilateral. O exame histopatológico da massa evidenciou uma hiperplasia fibroepitelial. Diante disso, conclui-se que, apesar de raras, as neoformações mamárias em gatos do sexo masculino podem ocorrer, devendo, dessa forma, compor parte da lista de diagnósticos diferenciais para aumentos de volume na região ventral desses animais.(AU)

Mammary neoplasms represent the third most common neoplasm in queens, while in tomcats the incidence is rare. This study reports the case of a tomcat, not neutered, treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Ceará, with a mammary neoformation. The initial diagnosis, obtained through aspiration cytology, suggested the presence of mammary carcinoma. Imaging tests such as thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasound, did not show the presence of metastasis in the lung parenchyma and abdominal organs, respectively. The chosen treatment was the surgical removal of the neoformation, using the bilateral partial mastectomy technique. Histopathological examination of the mass showed a mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia. Therefore, it is concluded that, although rare, mammary neoformations in male cats can occur, thus, it should be part of the list of differential diagnoses for increases in volume in the ventral region of these animals.(AU)

Optimizing gilt mammary development to increase future milk yield

Sows do not produce enough milk to sustain optimal growth of their litters. This is particularly important when considering the current hyperprolific sow genetic lines. Mammary development needs to be considered to improve potential milk yield. One can only attempt to stimulate mammogenesis during periods when rapid mammary development is already ongoing. There are two such periods before lactation starts, namely, from three months of age until puberty, and from 90 days of gestation until farrowing. Early studies showed that a 20% feed restriction from 90 days of age until puberty drastically reduces mammary parenchymal tissue mass. Yet, in a more recent study, sow milk yield was not altered following a 10% or 20% feed restriction, or a 25% dietary fibre addition from 90 days of age to breeding. This absence of effect was likely due to the greater feed intake of control gilts in that recent study compared with the older studies, and suggested that feed intake of growing gilts can be reduced to 2.7 kg/d (but not 2.1 kg/d) without detrimental effects on future milk yield. During prepuberty, inclusion of the phytoestrogen genistein in the diet increases the number of mammary parenchymal cells. During late gestation, feeding very high energy levels may have detrimental effects on mammary development and subsequent milk production. Feed intake throughout gestation is also important because of its effect on body condition, with gilts that are too thin (< 16 mm backfat thickness) in late gestation showing less mammary development. A 40% increase in lysine intake via inclusion of additional soybean meal to the diet of gilts from days 90 to 110 of gestation increased mammary parenchymal mass by 44%. Increasing circulating concentrations of the growth factor IGF-1 during late gestation also increased mammary parenchymal mass by 22%. Current data clearly demonstrate that feeding management before lactation can be used to enhance mammary development, hence future milk yield.(AU)

Deeper exploration of inflammatory cell populations in milk to monitor udder health in dairy cows

The present study explored the predictive values of milk leukocyte differentials (MLD) as a basis for improving the diagnosis of intramammary infections (IMIs) and subclinical mastitis. Quarter milk samples were collected for bacteriological analysis, quarter somatic cell count (qSCC), and MLD. The MLD were assessed using the cytospin technique, direct microscopic smears, and flow cytometry. The predictive values of each single leukocyte population and useful potential indices that could better reflect immune complexity were also calculated. Changes in the percentage of any leukocyte alone failed to substantially improve the predictive value of qSCC in diagnosing IMIs. Although certain parameters increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) as a result of increased specificity values, a slight reduction in sensitivity was observed. The so-called CD8 complex was a unique parameter which improved both the sensitivity (78.79 %) and the specificity (80.77 %) in IMI diagnosis, resulting in the highest area under the ROC curve (0.87). To diagnose subclinical mastitis, the percentage of macrophages and the sum of the percentage PMNLs and T CD8+ cells divided by the percentage of macrophages showed the highest predictive values (sensitivity = 79.63, specificity = 73.68, and area under the ROC curve = 0.83) in the differentiation of the inflammatory condition status of cows. In conclusion, this study provides further insights into using T CD8+ lymphocytes in diagnosing bovine IMIs, combined with PMNLs and macrophages. The antidromic trend of macrophages vs. PMNLs and T CD8+ lymphocytes due to the increasing qSCCs was crucial to differentiating quarters under both inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions.

CA 15-3, CRP, and LDH correlates with prognostic parameters in canine mammary neoplasms

The identification of putative prognostic factors in canine mammary neoplasms (CMNs) has been focused on tissue-specific biomarkers, but the serum biomarkers, including cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), c-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) have been demonstrated to display clinical application in cases of CMNs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of these serum biomarkers and their association with well-established prognostic factors in CMNs. Samples from 15 female canines with CMNs and 15 clinically healthy ones were collected. The results were evaluated using the Tukey's, Pearson, or Spearman tests. The cut-off point, sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve (AUC) were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in a logistic regression model (P<0.05). The levels of CA 15-3, CRP and LDH were significantly higher in the serum of female dogs with CMNs compared to the healthy ones. Moreover, these factors were positively correlated with ulceration, tumor size, histopathological grade, metastatic lymph node, and clinical staging. Female dogs with CMNs were found to exhibit highest serum levels of CA 15-3, CRP, and LDH. Therefore, they can be applied to improve the efficacy of the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation in casas of CMNs.(AU)

Mastectomia a campo em ruminantes - aspectos cirúrgicos e clínico-patológicos / Field mastectomy in ruminants - surgical and clinicopathological aspects

Background: We report the case of 3 cows, 1 ewe, and 1 doe, with chronic mastitis and which underwent a mastectomy. All animals had a history of mastitis, edema with purulent secretion in the udder region, areas of abscess formation, fibrosis, hypogalactia, and agalactia. The animals had already been treated with systemic antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs without response. The objective of this work is to describe the surgical and clinicopathological aspects of performing a radical mastectomy in the field in 3 cows and 1 ewe, and a partial mastectomy in a doe, with both procedures performed successfully and considered efficient to maintain the survival of the affected animals, in addition to being economically viable. Cases: In all animals reported in the study, a general and a specific clinical examination were performed, where on palpation of the udder were observed an increase in the region of the mammary apparatus, fluid fluctuation, areas of fibrosis with increased stiffness, and loss of udder functionality. In the case of the doe, there was a functional teat, which was preserved during the surgical procedure. Radical mastectomy was performed in 3 cows and 1 ewe, and the doe underwent a partial mastectomy, with preservation of the functional teat. All animals have fasted for food and water for 48 h. In cows, the anesthetic protocol consisted of 2% xylazine hydrochloride [0.15 mg/kg, intramuscularly (IM)], followed by an epidural block in the lumbosacral region with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride [10 mL]. The midazolam hydrochloride [0.1 mg/kg, intravenously (IV)] and 2% xylazine hydrochloride [0.05 mg/kg, IM] were administered to the ewe and the doe, also associated with lumbosacral epidural anesthesia with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride [5 mL]. The animals were positioned in the right lateral decubitus position and the entire abdominal and udder region were shaved and sanitized for the surgical procedures of radical mastectomy and partial mastectomy, with the use of degerming and topical povidone-iodine. The postoperative period consisted of penicillin-based antibiotic therapy associated with streptomycin [24,000 IU/kg, IM, 10 consecutive days] and flunixin meglumine [2 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] in cows; enrofloxacin [2.5 mg/kg, IM, 7 consecutive days] and flunixin meglumine [0.5 mg/kg, IM, 5 consecutive days] in the ewe; oxytetracycline [10 mg/kg, IM, 5 applications on alternate days] and flunixin meglumine [0.5 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] in the doe. In all animals, the cleaning of the surgical wound was performed daily with 10% topical Povidone-iodine and Permethrin ointment, for 14 days, when the stitches were removed. Discussion: The choice of the surgical procedure resulted in improvement of the clinical conditions and increased survival of all animals, and in the case of the doe, partial mastectomy contributed to the preservation of the functional teat, preserving its productive capacity. All anesthetic protocols used and the anatomical positioning of the animals were satisfactory for performing the procedures. Although they are techniques described in the literature with great blood loss, especially in cows, blood transfusion was not required in any of the animals. The stitches were removed 14 days after the surgical procedures, and the surgical wound was completely healed.

Epidemiology of mastitis and interactions of environmental factors on udder health in the compost barn system / Epidemiologia da mastite e interações de fatores ambientais na saúde do úbere no sistema de Compost Barn

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological indexes of mastitis, milk quality and udder hygiene in the Compost Barn system, as well as to search for associations between isolated pathogens from milk with compost characteristics. Three dairy herds participated in the study, and the samples were collected during different periods on each farm. Individual milk samples were collected in duplicate for SCC analysis and microbiological culture. Environmental pathogens caused most cases of clinical mastitis on farm 2, and contagious pathogens caused the most cases on farm 1. Bed moisture was not associated with the incidence of environmental pathogens. Most of the animals remained in good udder hygiene during the study. Poor udder hygiene contributed to the increased incidence of environmental pathogens in one of the farms. A higher number of animals with a hygiene score of ≥ 2 were observed during the warmer and rainfall periods. There was no association between hygiene scores and somatic cell counts. The results suggest that pathogens isolated from milk in animals confined in Compost Barn under tropical climate are like other confinement systems adopted elsewhere. The year period influenced the udder hygiene score, reinforcing the importance of bed management throughout the year.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os índices epidemiológicos da mastite, da qualidade do leite e da higiene do úbere em animais confinados no sistema Compost Barn, bem como buscar associações entre patógenos isolados do leite e características do composto. Três rebanhos leiteiros participaram do estudo e as amostras foram coletadas em diferentes períodos em cada fazenda. Amostras individuais de leite foram coletadas em duplicata para análise de CCS e cultura microbiológica. Patógenos ambientais causaram a maioria dos casos de mastite clínica na fazenda 2, e na fazenda 1 a maioria dos casos foi em decorrência de patógenos contagiosos. Amostras de material da cama foram coletadas em duas fazendas para análise da densidade bacteriana e da umidade. A umidade da cama permaneceu dentro da faixa de controle durante o estudo e não foi associada à incidência de patógenos ambientais. A maioria dos animais permaneceu com boa higiene de úbere durante o estudo. A falta de higiene do úbere contribuiu para o aumento da incidência de patógenos ambientais em uma das fazendas. Durante o período mais quente e mais chuvoso, um número maior de animais com escore de sujidade ≥2 foi observado em todos os rebanhos. Não houve associação entre escore de sujidade e contagem de células somáticas em qualquer uma das três fazendas. Os resultados indicam que o perfil de patógenos isolados do leite em animais confinados em Compost Barn sob clima tropical é semelhante a outros sistemas de confinamento adotados em outros lugares. O período do ano influenciou o escore de higiene do úbere, o que reforça a importância do manejo da cama ao longo do ano.

Identification of key genes in bovine mammary epithelial cells challenged with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by integrated bioinformatics analysis

This study integrated four microarray datasets by Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) method to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) in bovine mammary epithelial (BME) cells in response to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Furthermore, the GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the integrated DEG were performed. Finally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. A total of 72 integrated DEG were identified from the four datasets. The most significantly enriched terms within the integrated DEG were mainly involved in the immune response. The PPI network of DEG was constructed with 53 nodes. Seventeen genes, which constitute a significant module, were identified as hub genes. Among them, CD40, CXCL6, and NFKBIZ were further screened as the key genes and have the potential to become biomarkers of E. coli and S. aureus mastitis, considering the specificity of biomarkers for diseases. The identified key genes and pathways in this study can assist in the search for biomarkers for mastitis diagnosis and disease resistance breeding.

Diagnostic applicability of infrared thermography in the evaluation of canine mammary tumors / Aplicabilidade diagnóstica da termografia infravermelha na avaliação dos tumores mamários caninos

Mammary tumors have a high prevalence in bitches and women, and are related to high rates of morbidity and mortality. For the human species, thermography has stood out as a diagnostic tool for breast cancer. However, its clinical benefit in bitches remains unknown. Thus, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic applicability of infrared thermography for canine mammary tumors, as well as to correlate tumor temperature with mitotic index and tumor volume. Thermographic and digital images of eight bitches with mammary neoplasms were captured. Thermograms were entered into the FLIR tools software and the temperature of 15 tumor and 15 healthy glands from the contralateral mammary chain was analyzed. There was no significant difference (p = 0.786) between the mean temperature of neoplastic (33.71°C ± 1.86) and healthy (33.54°C ± 1.59) glands. There was a negative and moderate correlation between tumor temperature and mitotic index (ρ = -0.52 p = 0.049). However, no correlation was detected between mammary temperature and tumor volume (p = 0.10). Although thermography allowed no distinction between neoplastic and healthy mammary glands in bitches, it may be promising to assess the proliferative rate of tumors. In addition, malignant neoplasms may be more often hypothermic than healthy tissue.(AU)

Os tumores mamários apresentam alta prevalência em cadelas e mulheres, sendo relacionados a elevadas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade. Para a espécie humana, a termografia tem se destacado como ferramenta diagnóstica do câncer de mama. Entretanto, o seu benefício clínico em cadelas permanece desconhecido. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi ava-liar a aplicabilidade diagnóstica da termografia infravermelha para os tumores mamários caninos, bem como correlacionar a temperatura tumoral com o índice mitótico e volume tumoral. Foram capturadas imagens termográficas e digitais de oito cadelas com neoplasias mamárias. Os termogramas foram inseridos no software FLIR tools e analisou-se a temperatura de 15 mamas tumorais e 15 hígidas da cadeia mamária contralateral. Não houve diferença significativa (p = 0,786) entre a tempera-tura média das glândulas neoplásicas (33,71°C ± 1,86) e saudáveis (33,54°C ± 1,59). Houve correlação negativa e moderada entre a temperatura tumoral e índice mitótico (ρ = -0,52 p = 0,049). Entretanto, não foi observada correlação entre tempe-ratura e volume tumoral (p = 0,10). Apesar da termografia não ter permitido a diferenciação das mamas neoplásicas e saudá-veis de cadelas, ela pode ser uma forma promissora para avaliação da taxa proliferativa dos tumores. Além disso, as neoplasias malignas podem apresentar-se mais frequentemente hipotérmicas em relação ao tecido saudável.(AU)

Infrared thermography as a technique for detecting subclinical bovine mastitis / Termografia infravermelha como técnica para detecção de mastite bovina subclinical

Infrared thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of subclinical mastitis in pasture-raised dairy cows. The study was conducted on eight dairy farms, in Sena Madureira, Acre, in the Western Amazon, during the rainy season. One hundred and thirteen lactating crossbred cows were monitored, with measurements performed once day before milking, from 02:00 to 06:00 in the morning. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was subsequently applied. Data processing was performed in the R programming language and evaluated by linear models. Our results show that cow udder surface temperature by infrared thermography showed significant differences (p<0.05) between the months of the year. Cow udder temperatures of thermographic images were significantly different (p<0.05) from CMT results for animals with subclinical mastitis. CMT results showed that 45 cows (39.8%) in January, 52 cows (46%) in February and 57 cows (50.4%) in March had subclinical mastitis. Infrared thermography is a technique that can be used for the early detection of subclinical mastitis in dairy herds in a grazing system, as it detected an increase in the udder surface temperature of the same cows that were positive for CMT.

Avaliou-se a termografia infravermelha como ferramenta diagnóstica, não invasiva, para detecção precoce da mastite subclínica em vacas leiteiras criadas a pasto. O estudo foi conduzido em oito propriedades leiteiras, em Sena Madureira, Acre, na Amazônia Ocidental, durante o inverno amazônico. Foram monitoradas 113 vacas mestiças em lactação, com mensurações realizadas uma vez por dia, sempre antes da realizadas das 2h às 6h da manhã. Em seguida, realizou-se exame de Califórnia Mastitis Test-CMT. O ordenha, processamento dos dados foi feito em linguagem de programação R, os quais foram avaliados por modelos lineares. Os resultados mostram que a temperatura da superfície do úbere das vacas avaliadas com a técnica da termografia infravermelha teve diferenças significativas (P<0,05) entre os meses do ano. Constatou-se alteração na na temperatura do úbere das vacas, captada por meio das imagens termográficas, e foi i significativo (P<0,05) o resultado do teste California Mastistis Test (CMT) para os animais que se encontravam com mastite subclínica. Com base nos resultados do CMT, foi possível constatar que 45 vacas (39,8%) em janeiro, 52 vacas (46%) em fevereiro e 57 vacas (50,4%) em março se encontravam com mastite subclínica. Conclui-se que a termografia infravermelha é uma técnica que pode ser utilizada para a detecção precoce de mastite subclínica em rebanho leiteiro em sistema de pastejo, pois foi capaz de detectar aumento na temperatura superficial do úbere das vacas, que resultaram positivas no teste de CMT.

Can intramammary infections change immunoglobulins and acute phase proteins of colostrum and transition milk in dairy goats? / A infecção intramamária pode alterar imunoglobulinas e proteínas de fase aguda do colostro e do leite de transição de cabras leiteiras?

Proteiongram analysis is useful for the early diagnosis of intramammary infections during the period of colostrogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of total proteins, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the colostrum of dairy goats with intramammary infections. Animals were divided in groups: GI (n=12) of goats without mammary gland infections, and GII (n=8) of goats with mammary gland infections. Intramammary infections were diagnosed using microbiological isolations and somatic cell counts Cs). Total protein was evaluated in the samples using SDS-PAGE shortly after parturition, and 24 and 48 hours after that event. Non-aureus Staphylococcus (NAS) were detected all isolates. At 48 h, GII had high IgG levels and a SCC of 1660.25 x 103/mL. Levels of total protein were high in this group at 24 and 48 h. Albumin levels were high in goats with mastitis at 24 h. Overall, the IgG, lactoferrin, and albumin levels differed between animals with and without intramammary infections at M0. GGT activity was not influenced by the intramammary infection. The results of this study reinforce the importance of the proteinogram as an auxiliary tool in the diagnosis of mastitis in dairy goats.

O proteinograma do colostro/leite pode ser útil para diagnóstico precoce de infecções intramamárias, assim como para a avaliação da intensidade da resposta inflamatória. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil de proteínas, imunoglobulinas, lactoferrina e gamaglutamiltransferase no colostro de cabras leiteiras portadoras s de infecções intramamárias. Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos, GI (n 12), composto por cabras sem isolamento microbiológico das glândulas mamárias, e GII (n 8), composto por cabras com resultados positivos na cultura do leite de pelo menos uma das glândulas mamárias. O diagnóstico de infecção intramamária foi realizado logo após o parto, por meio de isolamento microbiológico e de contagem de células somáticas (CCS). Os níveis de proteína total, imunoglobulina A (IgA), imunoglobulina (G) (IgG), lactoferrina, albumina e atividade da gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT) foram avaliados em amostras de colostro/leite de transição, usando-se SDS-PAGE logo após o parto bem como às 24 e às 48 horas após esse evento. Staphylococcus não aureus (NAS) foram encontrados em todos os isolamentos. A concentração de IgG de 186 foi superior no GII apenas às 48h, ao mesmo tempo em que o CCS foi de 1660,25 x 10/mL. No entanto, a proteína total foi maior neste grupo às 24 e às 48h. A albumina foi maior nas cabras com mastite às 24h, e a lactoferrina no momento 0h (M0) e às 48h. Em geral, os valores de IgG, lactoferrina e albumina diferiram entre os animais com e sem infecções intramamárias no M0. A atividade da gamaglutamiltransferase não foi influenciada pela infecção intramamária. Os resultados deste estudo reforçam a importância do proteinograma como uma ferramenta auxiliar no diagnóstico da mastite em cabras leiteiras.

Bloqueio do plano serrátil associado ao transverso do abdômen na mastectomia total unilateral em cadela / Blocking of the Serratus Plan associated with the Transverse Abdominis in a total unilateral mastectomy in bitch

A anestesia locorregional, em pequenos animais, está em crescente utilização como forma de promover analgesia para procedimentos cirúrgicos, através do bloqueio reversível da condução do impulso nervoso. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar o uso do bloqueio locorregional do plano serrátil (SP block) associado ao bloqueio locorregional do plano transverso do abdômen (TAP block) em uma cadela da raça Lhasa Apso. A associação de tais bloqueios visou à insensibilização da musculatura na região da cadeia mamária para um procedimento cirúrgico de mastectomia unilateral total. A cadela castrada, foi encaminhada para a mastectomia unilateral total direita, apresentando nódulos nas glândulas mamárias torácica caudal e inguinal. Os bloqueios foram realizados com a paciente em decúbito dorsal, utilizando-se bupivacaína a 0,25%. Em seguida, a paciente foi liberada para o procedimento, o qual foi monitorado. Os parâmetros de eletrocardiografia, frequência respiratória, frequência cardíaca, oximetria de pulso, pressão arterial oscilométrica (composta por pressão arterial sistólica, pressão arterial diastólica e pressão arterial média), capnografia e temperatura esofágica foram anotados a cada dez minutos em uma ficha de avaliação anestésica. Durante a recuperação pós-operatória, foi realizada a avaliação de dor aguda por meio da escala de dor da Universidade de Melbourne. Os resultados demonstram que a associação do TAP block com o SP block foi eficiente em promover analgesia para uma mastectomia total unilateral de cadela.

Locoregional anesthesia in small animals is increasingly used as a way to promote analgesia for surgical procedures, through a reversible block of nerve impulse conduction. Thus, the objective of this study was to report the use of locoregional block of the serratus plane (SP block) associated with the locoregional block of the transverse abdominis plane (TAP block) in a bitch of the Lhasa Apso breed. The association of such blocks aimed to desensitize the musculature in the region of the mammary chain for a surgical procedure of total unilateral mastectomy. The castrated bitch was referred for total right unilateral mastectomy, showing nodules in the caudal thoracic and inguinal mammary glands. The blocks were performed with the patient in dorsal decubitus, using 0.25% bupivacaine. Then, the patient was released for the procedure, which was monitored. The parameters of electrocardiography, respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse oximetry, oscillometric blood pressure (composed of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure), capnography, and esophageal temperature were recorded every 10 minutes in an anesthetic evaluation form. During the postoperative recovery, acute pain was evaluated using the pain scale of the University of Melbourne. The results demonstrate that the association of TAP block with SP block was efficient in promoting analgesia for a total unilateral mastectomy in a bitch.

Cumulative effect of different acute stressors on physiological and hormonal responses and milk yield in lactating Saanen goats / Efeito cumulativo de diferentes estressores agudos sobre as respostas fisiológicas, hormonais e produção de leite de cabras Saanen em lactação

This study addresses the hypothesis that acute stress can cumulatively cause a decrease in milk yield in Saanen goats. In fact, dairy animals are subject to several environmental and management challenges that may cause acute stress during the same lactation. However, the cumulative effect of acute stress on milk yield remains unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different acute stressors on milk yield and milk quality in goats. Thirty Saanen goats were either maintained on their usual routine and comfort conditions (control group) or subjected to different environmental stressors (heat stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] administration, hoof care, and rain). These stressful challenges were performed sequentially, one challenge per day, on four consecutive days to evaluate the influence of the challenge on milk yield and milk quality. The acute stress imposed on goats caused significant changes in respiratory rate, rectal temperature, cortisol, insulin, triiodothyronine, insulin-like growth factor 1, and glucose concentrations when compared to the control group. Although these acute-stress-triggered physiological responses are fundamental to restoring homeostasis, the cumulative effects of different imposed challenges caused a change in hormone release, an increase in somatic cell count (SCC), and a decrease in milk yield. In this context, the results of this study indicate that farmers should avoid concurrently subjecting goats to management and environmental challenges that can induce acute stress because these stressors have a negative and cumulative impact on SCC and milk yield.(AU)

Este estudo aborda a hipótese de que o estresse agudo pode causar cumulativamente uma diminuição na produção de leite de cabras Saanen. De fato, os animais leiteiros estão sujeitos a vários desafios ambientais e de manejo que podem causar estresse agudo durante a mesma lactação. No entanto, o efeito cumulativo do estresse agudo na produção de leite ainda não está claro. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes estressores agudos na produção e qualidade de leite de cabras Saanen. Trinta cabras Saanen foram mantidas em sua rotina habitual e condições de conforto (grupo controle) ou submetidas a diferentes estressores ambientais (estresse por calor, administração de hormônio adrenocorticotrófico [ACTH], cuidados com os cascos e chuva). Esses desafios estressantes foram realizados sequencialmente, um desafio por dia, em quatro dias consecutivos para avaliar a influência do desafio na produção e qualidade do leite. O estresse agudo imposto as cabras causou alterações significativas na frequência respiratória, temperatura retal, cortisol, insulina, triiodotironina, fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina 1 e concentrações de glicose quando comparado ao grupo controle. Embora essas respostas fisiológicas desencadeadas pelo estresse agudo sejam fundamentais para restaurar a homeostase, os efeitos cumulativos de diferentes desafios impostos causaram uma mudança na liberação de hormônios, um aumento na contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e uma diminuição na produção de leite. Neste contexto, os resultados deste estudo indicam que os produtores devem evitar submeter as cabras concomitantemente a desafios de manejo e ambientais que possam induzir estresse agudo, pois esses estressores têm impacto negativo e cumulativo na CCS e na produção de leite.(AU)

Farm microbiological milk culture: study case on cow performance, financial and economic aspects / Cultivo microbiológico de leite na fazenda: estudo de caso sobre desempenho de vacas, aspectos financeiros e econômicos

This study evaluated the use of microbiological culture of milk from cows with clinical mastitis (CM), and the performance and economic results after implementing this procedure. The 18-month data were obtained from a farm in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, with an average daily production of 23.1 L of milk from cows milked twice daily under a semi-intensive regime. After a case of CM was identified, a milk sample from the affected quarter was collected and sent to the farm's laboratory. First, a bi-plate containing selective growth medium was used for isolation of Gram-positive and negative bacteria (Plate 1). Subsequently, a tri-plate with selective growth medium was used for isolation of Gram-positive and negative bacteria, and bacteria of the genus Streptococcus (Plate 2). Finally, a tri-plate containing three chromogenic culture media capable of identifying 18 bacterial species was used (Plate 3). Clinical cases of mastitis were treated once a day based on the results of the microbiological culture. Two economic scenarios were evaluated (scenarios 1 and 2). Scenario 1 compared the situation if all cases of CM were treated (not using on-farm culture) vs. the use of on-farm culture (real data) and the generated savings for one year. Data from 1,582 lactations of 1,227 cows were evaluated, with 1,917 cases of CM from 636 cows recorded. The average annual incidence of CM was 48.2%. Of all cases evaluated, 76.8% were classified as grade 1 mastitis; 20% as grade 2, and 3.2% as grade 3. The incidence of new clinical cases of mastitis was 4.17% per month. From the samples analyzed on the three plates, 27.8% of the cases received a recommendation to not be treated and 72.2% received a recommendation of treatment. However, only 18.6% were not treated, making a total of 81.4% treated cases. Of the clinical cases that did not receive intramammary antibiotic therapy, 84.3% had a clinical cure. Conversely, the clinical cure rate reached 84% for the cases that received intramammary antibiotic therapy. In scenario 1, the total operational cost of the clinical case decreased by 10.3% after the implementation of the on-farm culture, with an 18.4% reduction in the use of antibiotics. In scenario 2, there was a 5.5% reduction in the cost of the clinical case and an 11.8% reduction in the use of antibiotics. Thus, the implementation of on-farm culture and the applied methodology, enhanced treatment accuracy of CM cases, reducing the total operating cost of the case and the use of antibiotics on the farm.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a utilização da cultura microbiológica de leite de vacas com mastite clínica (MC), os resultados zootécnicos e econômicos após implementação desse procedimento. Dados de 18 meses foram obtidos em uma fazenda em Minas Gerais com produção média de 23,1 L de leite/vaca/dia, em duas ordenhas diárias em regime semi-intensivo. Após a identificação da MC, uma amostra de leite do quarto afetado foi coletada e encaminhada para laboratório da fazenda. Primeiramente foi utilizada placa bipartida em meio de cultura seletivo para crescimento de bactérias Gram-positivas e negativas (Placa 1), seguindo-se para a utilização da placa tri-partida com meios de cultura seletivos para crescimento de bactérias Gram-positivas e negativas e bactérias do gênero Streptococcus (Placa 2) e posteriormente para placa tripartida, contendo três meios de cultura cromogênicos, capazes de identificar 18 espécies bacterianas (Placa 3). Foram avaliados dados de 1.227 vacas em 1.582 lactações, sendo registrados 1.917 casos de MC. Os casos clínicos de mastite foram tratados uma vez ao dia com base nos resultados da cultura microbiológica. Foram realizadas duas avaliações financeiras (cenário 1 e 2). O cenário 1 comparou a situação se todos os casos de MC fossem tratados (ausência de cultura na fazenda), comparado com a utilização da cultura na fazenda (dados reais) e as economias de recursos geradas durante o período de um ano. O cenário 2 utilizou os resultados reais após a economia de recursos gerados pela cultura, seguindo a recomendação ideal de tratamento. Foram avaliados 1.917 casos de MC (636 animais), totalizando incidência média anual de 48,2%. Do total dos casos avaliados, 76,8% foram classificados como mastite grau 1; 20% grau 2 e 3,2% grau 3. A incidência de novos casos clínicos de mastite foi de 4,17% ao mês. Das amostras analisadas nas três placas, 27,8% dos casos receberam a recomendação de não serem tratados e 72,2% de tratamento. Entretanto, apenas 18,6% realmente não foram tratados, totalizando 81,4% de tratamentos. Dos casos clínicos que não receberam antibioticoterapia intramamária, 84,3% apresentaram cura clínica. Já os casos que passaram por antibioticoterapia intramamária, a taxa de cura clínica foi de 84,0%. No primeiro cenário, após a implementação da cultura na fazenda, o custo operacional total do caso clínico reduziu em 10,3%, com redução de 18,4% de utilização de antibióticos. Já no segundo cenário, houve redução de 5,5% no custo do caso clínico e redução de 11,8% na utilização de antibióticos. A implementação da cultura na fazenda e a metodologia aplicada, promoveu maior assertividade dos tratamentos dos casos de MC, com redução do custo operacional total do caso e da utilização de antibióticos na propriedade.

Relationships of conformation traits with somatic cell score in Nubian goats

Records of 3716 Nubian goats from the United States (US) were analyzed to estimate relationships between fourteen conformation traits (CT) with lactation average somatic cell score (ASCS). To analyze ASCS, a mixed model was implemented. Linear and quadratic effects of CT traits, days in milk (DIM), and kidding age in months (KA) were considered as fixed covariates, and herd-year (HY) of kidding as a random effect. Correlation coefficients between CT traits and ASCS adjusted for HY and linear and quadratic KA effects were also obtained. The average ± standard deviations for ASCS, DIM, and milk yield were 5.17±0.54 Log2, equivalent to 451.3 cells × 103/mL, 266.3±52.1 days, and 776.3±280.4 kg per lactation, respectively. Significant non-linear relationships with an intermediate maximum were found between ASCS with teat diameter and medial suspensory ligament, while linear relationships were observed with stature, strength, rump width, fore udder attachment, udder depth, teat diameter, teat placement, and medial suspensory ligament. The model explained 53.7% of the ASCS variability, but the contribution of each type variable to increase the coefficient of determination was low (<0.52%). Herd-year explained a large proportion of the variation of ASCS (38.4%). All estimated correlations between CT and ASCS had low values, from −0.04 to 0.11, but most were significant. The results of this study show that conformation traits have few opportunities to contribute phenotypically to assess somatic cell score in Nubian goats.

Severe mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia due to single injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate in two male cats / Hiperplasia fibroadenomatosa mamária felina secundária à aplicação única de acetato de medroxiprogesterona em dois felinos machos

Thirty and forty days after a 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, respectively, two mixed-breed, 7 and 8-month-old entire male cats presented diffuse enlargement of thoracic and abdominal mammary glands, with ulceration, abscessation and necrosis. One patient was treated with 10 mg/kg aglepristone, antibiotic therapy, analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound; however a worse enlargement of mammary glands, necrosis and clinical condition was noted two days after antiprogestin injection. The second patient was submitted to surgical procedure without previous medical treatment. A partial bilateral mastectomy and conventional orchiectomy were performed, and both patients presented no clinical abnormalities 10 days after surgical treatment. In the male cat, the interruption of progesterone associated mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia cannot be based in gonadectomy, being antiprogestin treatment the primary approach. Mastectomy can be a treatment option in selected cases, such as the two cases presented here, in case of antiprogestin treatment failure or in case of extensive ulceration, necrosis and risk of sepsis.(AU)

Trinta e quarenta dias após aplicação de acetato de medroxiprogesterona, dois gatos SRD machos não castrados, de sete e oito meses respectivamente, apresentaram aumento difuso de volume em glândulas mamárias torácicas e abdominais, com ulceração, abscedação e necrose. Um paciente foi tratado com 10 mg/kg de aglepristone, terapia antimicrobiana, analgésicos e anti-inflamatório não-esteroidal. Entretanto, apresentou piora dos sinais clínicos, da abscedação e necrose dois dias após a aplicação. O outro paciente foi submetido a procedimento cirúrgico sem tratamento clínico prévio. Mastectomia parcial bilateral e orquiectomia convencional foram realizadas e, ambos os pacientes se apresentaram sem alterações clínicas e receberam alta após 10 dias do procedimento cirúrgico. No felino macho, a interrupção da ação da progesterona associada à ocorrência de hiperplasia fibroadenomatosa mamária, não pode ser obtida por meio de gonadectomia, portanto, o tratamento de eleição deve ser realizado com utilização de antiprogestágeno. Em alguns casos, mastectomia parcial ou total é recomendada quando o tratamento clínico com antiprogestágeno falha ou, em casos de sepse, ulceração extensa e necrose, como nos pacientes deste relato.(AU)

Vantagens do rastreamento precoce de metástases por tomografia computadorizada na rotina clínica oncológica de tumores mamários em cadelas: revisão de literatura / Advantages of early metastasis screening by computed tomography in the clinical oncology routine of breast tumors in bitches: literature review

Os avanços clínicos, terapêuticos e diagnósticos ocorridos na Medicina Veterinária permitiram que a longevidade dos animais de estimação fosse ampliada. Com isso a casuística de atendimentos oncológicos na rotina clínica veterinária também vem crescendo, visto que a idade avançada é um grande fator predisponente ao câncer. O diagnóstico precoce é fundamental para o sucesso terapêutico, e os exames de imagem apresentam grande utilidade para a detecção tumoral e de metástases. O presente trabalho é uma revisão bibliográfica que analisa as vantagens da aplicabilidade de exames por imagem, mais precisamente da tomografia computadorizada (TC), em casos oncológicos de tumores das glândulas mamárias, com destaque para a sua importância no diagnóstico, estadiamento, planejamento e acompanhamento terapêutico na rotina clínica oncológica veterinária.

With the increase in the longevity of pets, mainly dogs and cats, due to their closer relationship with humans and also the clinical, therapeutic and diagnostic advances that occurred in veterinary medicine, it was observed an increase in the occurrence of oncological cases in the routine attendance of small animals. This article perform a bibliographic review, analysing the advantages of the applicability of imaging exams, more precisely computed tomography (CT), in oncological cases of tumor of the mammary glands, aiming to demonstrate its importance in the diagnosis, staging and therapeutic planning in veterinary oncology clinical routine.

Vantagens do rastreamento precoce de metástases por tomografia computadorizada na rotina clínica oncológica de tumores mamários em cadelas: revisão de literatura / Advantages of early metastasis screening by computed tomography in the clinical oncology routine of breast tumors in bitches: literature review

Os avanços clínicos, terapêuticos e diagnósticos ocorridos na Medicina Veterinária permitiram que a longevidade dos animais de estimação fosse ampliada. Com isso a casuística de atendimentos oncológicos na rotina clínica veterinária também vem crescendo, visto que a idade avançada é um grande fator predisponente ao câncer. O diagnóstico precoce é fundamental para o sucesso terapêutico, e os exames de imagem apresentam grande utilidade para a detecção tumoral e de metástases. O presente trabalho é uma revisão bibliográfica que analisa as vantagens da aplicabilidade de exames por imagem, mais precisamente da tomografia computadorizada (TC), em casos oncológicos de tumores das glândulas mamárias, com destaque para a sua importância no diagnóstico, estadiamento, planejamento e acompanhamento terapêutico na rotina clínica oncológica veterinária.(AU)

With the increase in the longevity of pets, mainly dogs and cats, due to their closer relationship with humans and also the clinical, therapeutic and diagnostic advances that occurred in veterinary medicine, it was observed an increase in the occurrence of oncological cases in the routine attendance of small animals. This article perform a bibliographic review, analysing the advantages of the applicability of imaging exams, more precisely computed tomography (CT), in oncological cases of tumor of the mammary glands, aiming to demonstrate its importance in the diagnosis, staging and therapeutic planning in veterinary oncology clinical routine.(AU)

Physiological and pathological alterations in the mammary gland of Holstein cows during transition period

Background: Physiological and immunological adaptations occurred in peripartum period may be responsible for susceptibility to intramammary infections during colostrogenesis. Increase in blood flow and hormones cause physiological edema by accumulation of lymphatic fluid in interstitial space. Specific composition of mammary secretion increases the susceptibility to mastitis. So, the study of physical, cellular and microbiological changes in the mammary gland in this period are fundamental for understanding, diagnosing and adopting prophylactic measures for bovine mastitis. This study aimed to characterize physiological and pathological changes that occur in the mammary gland during transition period. Materials, Methods & Results: Thirteen cows, in second to fourth lactation were followed from 3 weeks pre-calving to 3 weeks post-calving. Cows were submitted weekly to physical examination of mammary gland, strip cup test, California Mastitis Test (CMT), Microscopic Somatic Cell Count (MSCC), and bacteriological examination of mammary secretion. Mammary quarters were divided into two groups: BAC-: samples that did not present bacteriological growth throughout transition period; BAC+: samples that presented bacteriological growth in at least two isolates of the same bacterial genus. Regarding physical examination of mammary gland, the parameters localized or generalized alteration in volume, asymmetry, reddish color, reduced skin elasticity, increased temperature, and swollen consistency presented higher frequencies in the BAC- group. On the other hand, infection in mammary quarters of cows from BAC+ group promoted a decrease in frequencies of increased volume, decreased elasticity, and elevated temperature in the mammary gland, in addition to a higher positivity to CMT and higher cellularity. Overall rate of intramammary...

Immunoexpression of metalloproteinases 9 (MMP-9) and 2 (MMP-2) and their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in normal and neoplastic canine mammary tissue / Imunomarcação de metaloproteinases 9 (MMP-9) e 2 (MMP-2) e seus inibidores (TIMP-1) e (TIMP-2) no tecido mamário canino e neoplásico

The aim of this study was to perform the immunostaining of MMP-9 and MMP-2 and its inhibitors, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, on normal and neoplastic canine mammary tissue in order to evaluate the behavior of these proteins in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in different neoplastic mammary types. Thus, 48 samples of canine mammary tissue were analyzed, 14 of which complex carcinomas, 13 tubulopapillary carcinomas, six single adenomas and 15 normal mammary tissue. There were differences in MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 according to mammary histomorphology, and MMP-9 presented increased immunoexpression in epithelial and stromal cells in tubulopapillary and complex carcinomas. TIMP-1 exhibited reduced immunostaining in the stromal cells of the complex carcinomas and TIMP-2 enhanced immunostaining in the epithelial cells of tubulopapillary carcinomas. There was a positive correlation between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in epithelial and stromal cells regarding immunostaining intensity and number of labeled cells in the normal breast. There was a positive correlation between MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in the epithelial cells of tubulopapillary carcinomas. It is concluded that balanced activity between MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 maintains normal canine mammary tissue homeostasis while increased immunoexpression of MMP-9 and TIMP-2 and reduced TIMP- 1 in carcinomas suggest a favorable condition for tumor evolution.

Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar a imunomarcação de MMP-9 e MMP-2 e seus inibidores, TIMP-1 e TIMP-2, no tecido mamário canino normal e neoplásico, a fim de avaliar o comportamento dessas proteínas no remodelamento da matriz extracelular (MEC) em diferentes tipos neoplásicos mamários. Foram analisadas 48 amostras de tecido mamário canino, sendo 14 carcinomas complexos, 13 carcinomas tubulopapilares, seis de adenomas simples e 15 mamas sem alterações. Houve diferença em MMP-9, TIMP-1 e TIMP-2 de acordo com a histomorfologia mamária, sendo que MMP-9 apresentou maior imunoexpressão em células epiteliais e estromais em carcinomas tubulopapilares e complexos. TIMP-1 exibiu menor imunomarcação nas células estromais dos carcinomas complexos e TIMP-2 maior imunomarcação nas células epiteliais dos carcinomas tubulopapilares. Houve correlação positiva entre MMP-9 e TIMP-1 nas células epiteliais e estromais quanto à intensidade de imunomarcação e número de células marcadas na mama normal. Houve correlação positiva entre MMP-9 e TIMP-2 nas células epiteliais dos carcinomas tubulopapilares. Conclui-se que a atividade equilibrada entre MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 e TIMP-2 mantém a homeostase do tecido mamário canino normal enquanto a imunoexpressão aumentada de MMP-9 e TIMP-2 e a imunoexpressão reduzida de TIMP-1 nos carcinomas sugere condição propícia à evolução tumoral.

Pathogenesis of Bovine alphaherpesvirus 2 in calves following different routes of inoculation / Patogênese do alfaherpesvírus bovino 2 em bezerros inoculados por diferentes vias

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 2 (BoHV-2) is the agent of herpetic mammilitis (BHM), a cutaneous and self-limiting disease affecting the udder and teats of cows. The pathogenesis of BoHV-2 is pourly understood, hampering the development of therapeutic drugs, vaccines and other control measures. This study investigated the pathogenesis of BoHV-2 in calves after inoculation through different routes. Three- to four-months seronegative calves were inoculated with BoHV-2 (107TCID50.mL-1) intramuscular (IM, n=4), intravenous (IV, n=4) or transdermal (TD) after mild scarification (n=4) and submitted to virological, clinical and serological monitoring. Calves inoculated by the IV route presented as light increase in body temperature between days 6 to 9 post-inoculation (pi). Virus inoculation by the TD route resulted in mild inflammatory lesions at the sites of inoculation, characterized by hyperemia, small vesicles, mild exudation and scab formation, between days 2 and 8pi. Virus or viral DNA was detected by PCR in the crusts/swabs collected from lesions of 3 out of 4 animals inoculated TD from day 2 to 8pi. Viremia was detected in 3/4 animals of the IM group (from day 4 to 8pi); in 2/4 animals of the IV group (days 6 and 8pi) but not in the TD group. Calves from all inoculated groups seroconverted to BoHV-2 in titers from 4 to 64, as indicated by virus-neutralizing (VN) assays performed in sera collected at day 15pi. Administration of dexamethasone (Dex) to the inoculated calves at day 48pi, did not result in virus reactivation as indicated by lack of virus detection in the blood and/or in inoculation sites and no increase in VN antibody titers. These results demonstrated that BoHV-2 was able to replicate efficiently in calves following different routes of exposure, produced viremia after IM and IV inoculation and was not reactivated by Dex treatment.(AU)

O alfaherpesvírus bovino 2 (BoHV-2) é um agente etiológico da mamilite herpética (BHM), uma doença cutânea e autolimitante do úbere e tetos de vacas. Pouco se sabe sobre a patogênese do BoHV-2, dificultando o desenvolvimento de medicamentos terapêuticos e vacinas. Este estudo investigou a patogênese do BoHV-2 em bezerros após a inoculação por diferentes vias. Bezerros soronegativos de três a quatro meses foram inoculados com BoHV-2 (107TCID50.mL-1) por via intramuscular (IM, n=4), por via intravenosa (IV, n=4) ou transdérmica (TD, n=4) após escarificação leve e submetidos a monitoramento virológico, clínico e sorológico. Os bezerros inoculados pela via IV apresentaram aumento leve da temperatura corporal entre os dias 6 a 9 pós-inoculação (pi). A inoculação do vírus pela via TD resultou em lesões inflamatórias leves nos locais de inoculação, caracterizadas por hiperemia, pequenas vesículas, exsudação leve e formação de crostas, entre os dias 2 e 8pi. O vírus ou DNA viral foi detectado por PCR nas crostas/swabs coletados de lesões de 3 de 4 animais inoculados TD do dia 2 ao 8pi. Viremia foi detectada em 3/4 dos animais do grupo IM (do dia 4 ao 8pi); em 2/4 animais do grupo IV (dias 6 e 8pi), mas não no grupo TD. Bezerros de todos os grupos inoculados soroconverteram o BoHV-2 em títulos de 4 a 64, conforme indicado por ensaios de vírus-neutralização (VN) realizados em soro coletado no dia 15pi. Administração de dexametasona (Dex) nos bezerros inoculados no dia 48pi, não resultou em reativação do vírus, como indicado pela falta de detecção de vírus no sangue e/ou nos locais de inoculação e pela ausência de aumento nos títulos de anticorpos. Estes resultados demonstraram que o BoHV-2 foi capaz de replicar eficientemente em bezerros seguindo diferentes vias de inoculação, produziu viremia após a inoculação IM e IV e não foi reativado pelo tratamento com Dex.(AU)