Hypertrophic phenotypic cardiomyopathy in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in domestic cats but is rarely described in wild species. This phenotype is characterized by concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be of familial inheritance or secondary to other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, systemic arterial hypertension, and hyperaldosteronism. HCM can cause diastolic and systolic dysfunction and may cause congestive heart failure in affected animals. The present work aims to describe the first report of cardiomyopathy of the hypertrophic phenotype in a specimen of Leopardus pardalis, kept under human care. Case: A 11-year-old female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kept under human care, during a preventive care visit, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype detected by cardiological evaluation with echocardiogram and a murmur grade III/ VI could be detected on cardiac auscultation. This preventive care occurred under chemical restraint with ketamine [6 mg/kg, i.m] associates with midazolam [0.5 mg/kg, i.m] and other evaluations have been done like complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, albumin:globulin ratio, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and globulin) and tyroid hormones [free tyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Medical management based on clopidogrel, and atenolol was administered for 3 months until the patient showed manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) 80 days later the initial evaluation. In this moment the patient presented with dyspnea, so a cardiological and laboratory evaluation was requested. On pulmonary auscultation crackling was identified, suggesting pulmonary edema and, on echocardiographic examination, some parameters had worsened. The CBC and biochemistry were all within reference ranges. Then, the beta-blocker was discontinued and replaced by pimobendan combined with furosemide as treatment of CHF, and the condition stabilized. After one year, the patient was re-evaluated and showed a slight improvement in the condition but still remained stable. Also, feline proBNP levels was tested (SNAP Feline proBNP® IDEXX) in this moment and it was increased. Discussion: The findings on echocardiography associated with the subjective evaluation associated with progressive worsening and clinical manifestation of CHF, as well as the response to treatment, even though there are no reference values for the species, reinforce the diagnosis. There is no evidence to suggest diseases that may contribute to secondary left ventricular hypertrophy. It is believed that pimobendan plays a key role in maintaining hemodynamic balance, since this has already been observed in other mammalian species. The use of beta blockers is commonly employed in domestic cats with HCM, and they have been prescribed in an attempt to promote greater ventricular relaxation, decrease left ventricular outflow obstruction, thus improving ventricular filling for maintenance of cardiac output. In view of the atrial enlargement and possible risk of thrombus formation, clopidogrel was prescribed, extrapolating what is known from domestic cats. It is reasonable to conclude that in this case, the cardiomyopathy behaved similarly to what is observed in domestic cats, both in its clinical evolution and in the means of diagnosis, and in its response to the therapy instituted.

Felinos portadores de cardiomiopatia fenótipo hipertrófica - eixo elétrico da onda P / Cats with hypertrophic phenotype cardiomyopathy - P-wave electrical axis

Background: Hypertrophic phenotype cardiomyopathy is the most common heart disease in cats. Although the echocardiogram is the gold standard test for diagnosing fHCM, patients with the disease may have electrocardiographic changes. Despite being reported in most 12-lead electrocardiograms, the P wave axis generally receives little attention when compared to other wave parameters. We performed a Doppler echocardiographic and electrocardiographic study in cats, in order to verify the presence of correlation between the electrical axis average P wave and the presence of fCMH, aiming to investigate the possibility of its aid in the early diagnosis of cardiac disorders. Materials, Methods & Results: One hundred cats of different breeds, ages, males and females were evaluated. Those animals with a history of previous disease other than hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were excluded from the study. The groups were formed after obtaining the results of the echocardiographic examination. Eight of the 100 cats did not allow echocardiographic evaluation, and the remaining 92 were divided into 2 groups (control group, n = 64 and heart disease group, n = 28) after the examination. Of these 92 animals, 28 cats had the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype. The electrocardiographic examination was performed after the allocation of animals into groups lasting 5 min with the recording of tracings for later interpretation. To calculate the axis of the P wave, leads D1 and D3 were used, measuring the amplitude of the P wave in these leads and calculating the resulting amplitude. All cats studied had mean electrical axis of the P wave within the normal range for the species (0º to 90º). Based on mean electrical axis P wave values, there was no significant difference between groups. The control group had a median of 63.7° with a maximum value of 80°, a minimum value of 60° and a mean of 65.1°. The fCMH group had a median of 68.7° with a maximum value of 85.3°, a minimum value of 56.3° and a mean of 68.8°. Of the fCMH group, 3 cats had increased P wave duration (50.33 ± 5.77 ms), suggesting left atrial overload, and 13 cats had increased QRS complex duration (66.30 ± 11.23 ms). Also, 18 cats (Control group: 11; fCMH group: 7) showed T wave amplitude greater than 25% of R, suggesting the presence of myocardial hypoxia and/or electrolyte disturbance. One cat had a prolonged PR interval (from the fCMH group). As for the QT interval, 6 cats had an interval < 120 (2 from the control group and 4 from the affected group) and 3 had an interval > 180 (1 from the control group and 2 from the affected group). The ST segment remained isoelectric in all segments. As for the mean electrical axis of the QRS complex, 5 cats (10.42%) had axis deviation to the right (control: 1; fCMH: 4) suggesting right ventricular overload; 7 cats (14.58%) had left axis deviation (control: 5; fCMH: 2), suggestive of left ventricular overload; and 36 cats (75%) had a normal mean electrical axis. Discussion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, it can be concluded that screening studies in asymptomatic felines should be increasingly implemented in the veterinary clinical routine, since the frequency found was high (30.44%) and that patients may remain asymptomatic for years until the development of signs. It should be concluded that there was no correlation between the mean electric axis of P-wave and the presence of subclinical phenotype hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, more studies are needed, with felines at different stages of the disease, to evaluate whether this electrocardiographic measurement allows us to assist in its diagnosis, since it is a feasible measure in cats. Furthermore, it is concluded that the electrocardiogram should be used as an aid method in the diagnosis of the disease and not as a screening test.

Feline aortic thromboembolism diagnosed by thermography

Background: In cats, arterial thromboembolism is one of the most devastating diseases, with an acute presentation, andis often caused by undiagnosed cardiomyopathy. Defined as the obstruction of one or more arterial lumens by emboli,the arterial thromboembolism is responsible for hypoperfusion signs. As the temperature of the skin surface is directlyrelated to tissue perfusion, thermography can be promising for the early diagnosis of thromboembolism. Therefore, thisstudy reports the importance of thermography as a complementary examination for the diagnosis of thromboembolism inthe abdominal aorta of a domestic cat.Case: A 4-year-old mixed-breed cat weighing 2.95 kg was presented with a history of sudden onset paraplegia, apathy,and pain when handled, with greater intensity in the sacro-coccidian region. During physical exam, it was noted that thefemoral artery pulse was undetectable bilaterally during manual pulse measurement. Superficial and deep sensitivity inthe pelvic limbs and proprioception were also absent and the plantar cushions and nail beds of the posterior limbs werepale to cyanotic. Thermographic images revealed that the temperature of both hind limbs was lower than that of forelimbs,with difference of 3.2ºC and 2.9ºC between the left and right limbs, respectively. Doppler ultrasonography revealed theabsence of pulse and flow in the femoral arteries bilaterally. Electrocardiography revealed sinus tachycardia, with a heartrate of 250 bpm. Echocardiography revealed dilation of the left atrium and concentric cardiac hypertrophy. After 24 h, dueto the worsening of the clinical condition and unfavorable prognosis, the animal was euthanized and sent for necropsy.Necropsy revealed that the arterial lumen of the caudal abdominal aorta and bifurcation of the iliac arteries were obliterated...

Feline aortic thromboembolism diagnosed by thermography

Background: In cats, arterial thromboembolism is one of the most devastating diseases, with an acute presentation, andis often caused by undiagnosed cardiomyopathy. Defined as the obstruction of one or more arterial lumens by emboli,the arterial thromboembolism is responsible for hypoperfusion signs. As the temperature of the skin surface is directlyrelated to tissue perfusion, thermography can be promising for the early diagnosis of thromboembolism. Therefore, thisstudy reports the importance of thermography as a complementary examination for the diagnosis of thromboembolism inthe abdominal aorta of a domestic cat.Case: A 4-year-old mixed-breed cat weighing 2.95 kg was presented with a history of sudden onset paraplegia, apathy,and pain when handled, with greater intensity in the sacro-coccidian region. During physical exam, it was noted that thefemoral artery pulse was undetectable bilaterally during manual pulse measurement. Superficial and deep sensitivity inthe pelvic limbs and proprioception were also absent and the plantar cushions and nail beds of the posterior limbs werepale to cyanotic. Thermographic images revealed that the temperature of both hind limbs was lower than that of forelimbs,with difference of 3.2ºC and 2.9ºC between the left and right limbs, respectively. Doppler ultrasonography revealed theabsence of pulse and flow in the femoral arteries bilaterally. Electrocardiography revealed sinus tachycardia, with a heartrate of 250 bpm. Echocardiography revealed dilation of the left atrium and concentric cardiac hypertrophy. After 24 h, dueto the worsening of the clinical condition and unfavorable prognosis, the animal was euthanized and sent for necropsy.Necropsy revealed that the arterial lumen of the caudal abdominal aorta and bifurcation of the iliac arteries were obliterated...(AU)

Clinical aspects, food management, and clinical evolution of a cat with hypertrophic muscular dystrophy / Aspectos clínicos, manejo alimentar e evolução clínica de um gato com distrofia muscular hipertrófica

Hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy (HFMD), rarely reported in the literature, is a disease caused by a hereditary recessive dystrophin deficiency linked to the X chromosome, mainly affecting young male cats. Here, we presented the clinical aspects, food management, and clinical evolution of a seven-year-old mixed-breed cat diagnosed with HFMD, having a primary history of progressive tongue protrusion.

A distrofia muscular hipertrófica felina é uma doença causada por uma deficiência da distrofina com caráter hereditário recessivo ligado ao cromossomo X, com poucos registros de ocorrência na literatura, que acomete principalmente gatos machos jovens. Neste trabalho, são relatados os aspectos clínicos, manejo alimentar e evolução clínica de um gato, sem raça definida, de sete anos com histórico principal de protrusão progressiva da língua e diagnosticado com distrofia muscular hipertrófica felina.

Desordens hiperostóticas em American Bully / Hiperostotic disorders in american bully

O complexo de desordens hiperostóticas é uma condição rara e autolimitante, que tem as mesmas características histopatológicas, que cursa com proliferação óssea de caráter não neoplásico. Acomete cães jovens de raças distintas, com variabilidade quanto ao tipo de proliferação óssea e quanto aos ossos acometidos. O complexo é composto pela osteopatia craniomandibular, hiperostose da calota craniana e osteodistrofia hipertrófica. Podendo estar presente nos ossos da calota craniana, mandíbulas, coluna cervical e esqueleto apendicular. O presente relato, descreveu o quadro de uma cadela, da raça American Bully, não castrada, três meses de idade, que foi atendida com queixa de aumento de volume doloroso das mandíbulas, hiporexia e sialorreia há 15 dias, apresentando ao exame físico, amplitude de movimento diminuída e sensibilidade dolorosa da articulação temporomandibular, espessamento firme bilateral do crânio em região de fossa temporal, espessamento palpável de consistência firme das mandíbulas e crepitação respiratória. Após avaliação clínica e realização de exames complementares, chegou-se ao diagnóstico presuntivo, de complexo de desordens hiperostóticas. Foi instituído como conduta terapêutica o suporte analgésico, sendo eficaz para a manutenção das necessidades fisiológicas até a paciente alcançar a fase adulta. O prognóstico para esta paciente foi considerado bom, uma vez que não havia indícios de anquilose da articulação temporomandibular e/ou manifestações neurológicas.

The complex of hyperostotic disorders is a rare and self-limiting condition, which has the same histophatological characteristics, which courses with non-neoplastic bone proliferations. It affects young dogs of different breeds, with variability the bones affected. The complex is composed of craniomandibular osteopathy, calvarial hyperostotic syndrome and hypertrophic osteodystrophy. It may be present in the bones of the skullcap, jaws, cervical spine and appendicular skeleton. The present report describes the condition of a female dog, American Bully breed, entire, three months old, with a complaint of painful swelling of the jaws, hyporexia and drooling for 15 days, presenting on physical examination, reduced amplitude and pain of the temporomandibular joint, bilateral firm thickening of the skull in the temporal fossa region, palpable firm-consistent thickening of the mandibles and respiratory crackle. After clinical evaluation and complementary tests, a presumptive diagnosis of hyperostotic disorders complex was reached. It was instituted pain management as a treatment, being effective for the maintenance of physiological needs until the patient reaches the adulthood. The prognosis for this patient was considered good, since there was no evidence of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and/or neurological manifestations.

Intertubular morphometric and ultrastructural testes analyses in mdx mice

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) reproductive alterations and the influence of antioxidant treatments may aid in understanding morphometry testicular quantification. In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterize the intertubular compartment (ITC) morphometry of animal testes in mdx mice supplemented with ascorbic acid (AA). Sixteen mice were used, namely the C57BL/10 (non-dystrophic) and C57BL/10Mdx (dystrophic) lineages, distributed into the following groups: Control (C60), Dystrophic (D60), Control supplemented with AA (CS60), Dystrophic supplemented with AA (DS60). A total of 200 mg/kg of AA were administered to mice for 30 days. Subsequently, the testicles were collected, weighed, and fragmented. The obtained fragments were fixed in Karnovsky's solution (pH 7.2) and embedded in historesin for morphometric and transmission electron microscopy assessments. Leydig cells were hypertrophic in the D60 group, but was reverted by AA supplementation in the DS60 group. The DS60 group also exhibited increased intertubular volume compared to the CS60 group. The ultrastructural images identified multilamellar bodies in dystrophic animals (lipid storage) and telocyte cells (transport substances) in both control and dystrophic animals. Morphometric alterations were, therefore, noted in the intertubular compartment due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with AA administration capable of altering Leydig cells in this condition.(AU)

Equine cutaneous habronematidosis

The superficial and deep preputial dermis contains multifocal to coalescing, well-demarcated eosinophilic granulomas (Fig. 2) characterized by a central area of abundant eosinophilic necrotic debris mixed with degenerate eosinophils surrounded by numerous epithelioid macrophages and occasional multinucleated giant cells (foreign-body type), rimmed by ill-defined layers of fibrous connective tissue. In the center of the granulomas, there are cross-sections of degenerate nematode larvae (Fig. 3). The adjacent dermal collagen is expanded by dense inflammatory infiltrate composed mainly of eosinophils and a few lymphocytes and plasma cells (Fig. 4). The dermal microvasculature is prominent, with hypertrophic reactive endothelial lining. There is also vascular proliferation amidst perpendicularly oriented plump fibroblasts embedded in collagen (granulation tissue). In addition, there are numerous shrunken, hypereosinophilic, fragmented or hyalinized collagen bundles, occasionally surrounded by degranulated eosinophils (flame figures).(AU)

Compensatory growth of Nile tilapia fingerlings subjected to food restriction and re-feeding at low temperatures / Crescimento compensatório de alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo submetidos à restrição alimentar e realimentação em temperaturas amenas

This study aims to investigate the effect of different periods of fasting and re-feeding on compensatory responses in Nile tilapia fingerlings and the frequency of muscle fiber distribution. A total of 108 Nile tilapia fingerlings with initial weight of 1.64 ± 0.41 g and mean initial length of 3.60 ± 0.39 cm were used for 55 days. The fish were distributed in a water recirculation system in a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replications: Control - CO - (fish fed until apparent satiation throughout the experimental period); fasting 10 - J10 - (fish fed to apparent satiation for 15 days, followed by 10 days of fasting and re-feeding to satiation for 30 days); and fasting 15 - J15 - (fish fed to apparent satiation for 15 days, followed by 15 days of fasting and re-feeding to satiation for 25 days). Fish from the J15 treatment showed unsatisfactory results in terms of productive performance (p<0.05), such as lower final weight, apparent feed conversion, protein efficiency ratio, and survival, while fish from the J10 treatment achieved the same results as those animals kept in the CO treatment with the exception of the variables of relative weight gain and feed intake. Furthermore, food restriction directly influenced the growth of muscle fibers with a diameter smaller than 20 µm (p<0.05), and fish from the J15 treatment had the lowest frequency of fibers in this diameter class. Therefore, this study concludes that food restriction in short periods (10 days) and at low temperatures can present a compensatory growth, as they alter the process of hyperplasia and hypertrophy of muscle fibers without affecting the morphology of the fibers; however, 15 days of fasting under low temperatures do not compensate for growth and delays the hypertrophic growth of muscle fibers.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar o efeito de diferentes períodos de jejum alimentar e realimentação nas respostas compensatórias em alevinos de tilápias-do-Nilo, e a frequência de distribuição das fibras musculares. Foram utilizados 108 alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo com peso inicial de 1,64±0,41 g e comprimento inicial médio de 3,60 ± 0,39 cm, durante um período de 55 dias. Os peixes foram distribuídos em um sistema de recirculação de água, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e quatro repetições: Controle - CO - (peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente durante todo período experimental); jejum 10 - J10 - (peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente por 15 dias, seguidos de 10 dias de jejum e realimentação até a saciedade por 30 dias); e jejum 15 - J15 - (peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente por 15 dias, seguidos de 15 dias de jejum e realimentação até a saciedade por 25 dias). Os peixes do tratamento J15 apresentaram resultados insatisfatórios de desempenho produtivo (p<0,05), como menor peso final, conversão alimentar aparente, taxa de eficiência proteica e sobrevivência, enquanto os peixes do tratamento J10, atingiram os mesmos resultados daqueles animais mantidos no tratamento CO, com exceção das variáveis de ganho em peso relativo e do consumo de ração. A restrição alimentar influenciou diretamente no crescimento das fibras musculares com diâmetro menor que 20 µm (p<0,05), sendo que os peixes do tratamento J15 apresentaram a menor frequência de fibras nesta classe de diâmetro. Conclui-se que a restrição alimentar em curtos períodos (10 dias) e em temperaturas amenas podem apresentar um crescimento compensatório, alterando o processo de hiperplasia e hipertrofia das fibras musculares, sem afetar a morfologia das fibras, entretanto, 15 dias de jejum e sob temperaturas amenas não ocorre uma compensação no crescimento e atrasa o crescimento hipertrófico das fibras musculares.(AU)

Metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma associated with hypertrophic gastropathy resembling Ménétriers disease in an adult Labrador Retriever dog

We describe a case of hypertrophic gastropathy (Ménétriers like disease) with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma in a seven-year-old intact female Labrador Retriever dog. The animal suddenly presented with emesis and died. Gross lesions included a marked diffuse thickening of the gastric mucosa and an ulcerated transmural neoplastic mass in the gastric body. Gastric body and fundus were affected by foveolar hyperplasia with loss of chief and parietal cells replaced by mucous cells and marked dilatation of gastric glands. An area of gastric adenocarcinoma with submucosal lymphatic vessels invasion was also present and metastases were observed in the gastric lymph nodes, small intestine, pancreas, lung and liver. Due to its similarity with other gastric proliferative disorders, including this condition in the list of differentials is a necessary step in the diagnostic investigation of canine gastropathies.(AU)

Metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma associated with hypertrophic gastropathy resembling Ménétrier’s disease in an adult Labrador Retriever dog

We describe a case of hypertrophic gastropathy (Ménétrier’s like disease) with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma in a seven-year-old intact female Labrador Retriever dog. The animal suddenly presented with emesis and died. Gross lesions included a marked diffuse thickening of the gastric mucosa and an ulcerated transmural neoplastic mass in the gastric body. Gastric body and fundus were affected by foveolar hyperplasia with loss of chief and parietal cells replaced by mucous cells and marked dilatation of gastric glands. An area of gastric adenocarcinoma with submucosal lymphatic vessels invasion was also present and metastases were observed in the gastric lymph nodes, small intestine, pancreas, lung and liver. Due to its similarity with other gastric proliferative disorders, including this condition in the list of differentials is a necessary step in the diagnostic investigation of canine gastropathies.

Outcome of a ceratohyiodectomy in a criollo mare with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy

Background: Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is a progressive disease that causes acute onset of peripheral vestibular signs with or without facial paralysis. Ankylosis of temporhyoid joint occurs which predispose to fractures of theinvolved bones and consequently causes the commonly neurological signs observed. Clinical signs vary depending on thestage of the disease and the nerves affected. Surgical treatment is advised to improve survival rates in which the ceratohyoidectomy is currently known as the most advantageous. The aim of the present study is to report a case and outcome ofa ceratohyoidectomy procedure in a Criollo mare presenting THO of the right temporohyoid joint.Case: A 17-year-old Criollo mare was referred to the Equine Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas witha 5-day history of facial paralysis on the right side, head tilt and difficulty to chew and swallow. Auricular, palpebraland labial ptosis along with deviation of the lip and nostril to the left were observed. A corneal ulcer was also identifiedin the right eye. Complementary imaging exams (endoscopy of the guttural pouches and radiography of the head) wereperformed and showed thickening of the right stylohyoid bone confirming a diagnosis of THO. Anti-inflammatory andantibiotic therapy were administered and the corneal ulcer was treated with topical antibiotics and autologous serum. Dueto rapid deterioration of clinical signs, the mare was referred to surgery. A ceratohyoidectomty procedure was performedunder general anesthesia. In this procedure, the ceratohyoid bone was disarticulated from the ceratohyoid-basihyoid jointand removed. During the procedure, a branch of the linguofacial vein was accidentally incised causing hemorrhage, thebranch was identified and successfully ligated. Recovery was uneventful. Supportive treatment with anti-inflammatory andantibiotics was continued after surgery and ...

Outcome of a ceratohyiodectomy in a criollo mare with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy

Background: Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is a progressive disease that causes acute onset of peripheral vestibular signs with or without facial paralysis. Ankylosis of temporhyoid joint occurs which predispose to fractures of theinvolved bones and consequently causes the commonly neurological signs observed. Clinical signs vary depending on thestage of the disease and the nerves affected. Surgical treatment is advised to improve survival rates in which the ceratohyoidectomy is currently known as the most advantageous. The aim of the present study is to report a case and outcome ofa ceratohyoidectomy procedure in a Criollo mare presenting THO of the right temporohyoid joint.Case: A 17-year-old Criollo mare was referred to the Equine Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas witha 5-day history of facial paralysis on the right side, head tilt and difficulty to chew and swallow. Auricular, palpebraland labial ptosis along with deviation of the lip and nostril to the left were observed. A corneal ulcer was also identifiedin the right eye. Complementary imaging exams (endoscopy of the guttural pouches and radiography of the head) wereperformed and showed thickening of the right stylohyoid bone confirming a diagnosis of THO. Anti-inflammatory andantibiotic therapy were administered and the corneal ulcer was treated with topical antibiotics and autologous serum. Dueto rapid deterioration of clinical signs, the mare was referred to surgery. A ceratohyoidectomty procedure was performedunder general anesthesia. In this procedure, the ceratohyoid bone was disarticulated from the ceratohyoid-basihyoid jointand removed. During the procedure, a branch of the linguofacial vein was accidentally incised causing hemorrhage, thebranch was identified and successfully ligated. Recovery was uneventful. Supportive treatment with anti-inflammatory andantibiotics was continued after surgery and ...(AU)

Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with pulmonary metastasis of carcinoma mammary solid grade III in a dog: case report / Osteopatia hipertrófica associada à metástase pulmonar de carcinoma mamário sólido grau III de malignidade em um cão: relato de caso

The hypertrophic osteopathy is a syndrome characterized by bone proliferation as a consequence of lung disease, such as metastatic nodules. The diagnosis is based on radiography of the appendicular bones evidencing the proliferation. Mammary neoplasms are the ones that affect dogs the most and, their malignant variants, frequently metastasize. The present report describe the case of a bitch with carcinoma mammary solid grade III of malignancy that presented pulmonary metastasis and, consequently, developed hypertrophic osteopathy. Due to advanced stage of the neoplasm the patient was submitted to euthanasia. In this way, the osteopathy can act as a sinalizer for the veterinarian for pulmonary diseases, especially metastatic nodules.

A osteopatia hipertrófica é uma síndrome caracterizada por proliferação óssea em consequência de doença pulmonar, como nódulos metastáticos. O diagnóstico é baseado na radiografia dos ossos apendiculares evidenciando a proliferação. As neoplasias mamárias são as que mais acometem os cães e, suas variantes malignas, frequentemente metastatizam. O presente relato apresenta o caso de uma cadela com carcinoma mamário sólido grau III de malignidade que apresentou metástase pulmonar e, em decorrência, desenvolveu a osteopatia hipertrófica. Devido o estágio avançado da neoplasia, a paciente foi submetida à eutanásia. Desse modo, a osteopatia pode atuar como um sinalizador para o médico veterinário para doenças pulmonares, sobretudo nódulos metastáticos.

Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with pulmonary metastasis of carcinoma mammary solid grade III in a dog: case report / Osteopatia hipertrófica associada à metástase pulmonar de carcinoma mamário sólido grau III de malignidade em um cão: relato de caso

The hypertrophic osteopathy is a syndrome characterized by bone proliferation as a consequence of lung disease, such as metastatic nodules. The diagnosis is based on radiography of the appendicular bones evidencing the proliferation. Mammary neoplasms are the ones that affect dogs the most and, their malignant variants, frequently metastasize. The present report describe the case of a bitch with carcinoma mammary solid grade III of malignancy that presented pulmonary metastasis and, consequently, developed hypertrophic osteopathy. Due to advanced stage of the neoplasm the patient was submitted to euthanasia. In this way, the osteopathy can act as a sinalizer for the veterinarian for pulmonary diseases, especially metastatic nodules.(AU)

A osteopatia hipertrófica é uma síndrome caracterizada por proliferação óssea em consequência de doença pulmonar, como nódulos metastáticos. O diagnóstico é baseado na radiografia dos ossos apendiculares evidenciando a proliferação. As neoplasias mamárias são as que mais acometem os cães e, suas variantes malignas, frequentemente metastatizam. O presente relato apresenta o caso de uma cadela com carcinoma mamário sólido grau III de malignidade que apresentou metástase pulmonar e, em decorrência, desenvolveu a osteopatia hipertrófica. Devido o estágio avançado da neoplasia, a paciente foi submetida à eutanásia. Desse modo, a osteopatia pode atuar como um sinalizador para o médico veterinário para doenças pulmonares, sobretudo nódulos metastáticos.(AU)

Pimobendan em gatos / Pimobendan in cats

As miocardiopatias são as cardiopatias mais comumente diagnosticadas em felinos domésticos. A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) soma a maioria dos casos de cardiomiopatias em pacientes atendidos na rotina da medicina interna de felinos. Gatos com doenças cardíacas podem não apresentar manifestações clínicas evidentes podendo apresentar sinais sutis de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) ao longo do tempo de modo que em um dado momento descompensam e evidenciam sinais clínicos. O pimobendan é um fármaco denominado inodilatador devido a sua capacidade de promover inotropismo positivo e vasodilatação. Apesar de escassos, os estudos existentes com a utilização de pimobendan demonstram boa tolerância em gatos saudáveis e com cardiopatias diversas. Atualmente, o uso do pimobendan em gatos é extra bula e a dose baseia-se em estudos realizados com cães. No entanto, sabe-se que as concentrações plasmáticas diferem entre as espécies o que pode requerer possíveis ajustes. A terapia da IC em gatos é bastante discutida e evidências recentes demonstram que o pimobendan pode ser um aliado no tratamento de diversas doenças cardíacas que levem à disfunção sistólica sendo capaz de prover melhora dos sinais clínicos e até aumento da expectativa de vida desses pacientes. Contudo, pesquisas são necessárias para melhor entendimento dos efeitos hemodinâmicos do medicamento em gatos com disfunção diastólica.

Myocardiopathies are the most diagnosed heart disease in domestic cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) adds up to most cases of cardiomyopathies in patients seen in the routine of feline internal medicine. Cats with heart disease may not have evident clinical manifestations and may show subtle signs of heart failure (HF) over time so that at a given moment they decompensate and show clinical symptoms. Pimobendan is an inodilator drug due to its ability to promote positive inotropism and vasodilation. Although scarce, the existing studies with the use of pimobendan demonstrate good tolerance in healthy cats with various heart diseases. Currently, the use of pimobendan in cats is off-label and the dose is based on studies conducted in dogs. However, it is known that plasma concentrations differ between species, which may require possible adjustments. The therapy of HF in cats is widely discussed and recent evidence shows that pimobendan can be an ally in the treatment of various heart diseases that lead to systolic dysfunction, being able to provide improvement in clinical signs and even increase the life expectancy of these patients. However, research is necessary to better understand the hemodynamic effects of the drug in cats with diastolic dysfunction.

Non-cardiogenic thromboembolism in a Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common acquired cardiovascular disease in the feline species. A frequent complication of this cardiomyopathy is the development of cardiac congestive failure, left atrial enlargement and subsequent development of arterial thromboembolism. In a significant percentage of affected animals there is progression to congestive heart failure, resulting in cyanosis and dyspnea, often the first clinical signs reported by owners. This is a report of a 10-year-old Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and venous and arterial thromboembolism of non-cardiogenic origin. Case: The patient was referred for cardiac evaluation, arterial thromboembolism was the suspected cause of tetraparesis. On clinical examination, a metacarpal pulse was present in all limbs; there was no cyanosis or peripheral hypothermia thus, ruling out a thromboembolic event in the limbs. Changes consistent with feline asthma and pulmonary edema were seen on radiographs, therefore hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was suspected. Treatment with enalapril (0.25 mg/kg every 12 h) for the heart condition and prednisolone (1 mg/kg every 24 h) for asthma was started. Nine days later, the patient developed mixed dyspnea (inspiratory and expiratory) and was hospitalized with signs consistent with arterial thromboembolism: paralysis and cold extremities in the right and left pelvic limbs. The patient was euthanized due to the poor prognosis. Postmortem and histopathological findings revealed left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, with no valvular changes; disseminated intravascular coagulation, with thrombi in the arterial (iliac arteries, pancreatic and renal vessels) and venous (pulmonary and renal veins) beds; as well as multiple neoplastic lung masses, identified as scirrhous pulmonary adenocarcinoma, responsible for increased interstitial radiopacity. Metastasis was also identified at the tracheal bifurcation, causing radiographic changes similar to the alveolar pattern of pulmonary edema

Non-cardiogenic thromboembolism in a Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common acquired cardiovascular disease in the feline species. A frequent complication of this cardiomyopathy is the development of cardiac congestive failure, left atrial enlargement and subsequent development of arterial thromboembolism. In a significant percentage of affected animals there is progression to congestive heart failure, resulting in cyanosis and dyspnea, often the first clinical signs reported by owners. This is a report of a 10-year-old Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and venous and arterial thromboembolism of non-cardiogenic origin. Case: The patient was referred for cardiac evaluation, arterial thromboembolism was the suspected cause of tetraparesis. On clinical examination, a metacarpal pulse was present in all limbs; there was no cyanosis or peripheral hypothermia thus, ruling out a thromboembolic event in the limbs. Changes consistent with feline asthma and pulmonary edema were seen on radiographs, therefore hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was suspected. Treatment with enalapril (0.25 mg/kg every 12 h) for the heart condition and prednisolone (1 mg/kg every 24 h) for asthma was started. Nine days later, the patient developed mixed dyspnea (inspiratory and expiratory) and was hospitalized with signs consistent with arterial thromboembolism: paralysis and cold extremities in the right and left pelvic limbs. The patient was euthanized due to the poor prognosis. Postmortem and histopathological findings revealed left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, with no valvular changes; disseminated intravascular coagulation, with thrombi in the arterial (iliac arteries, pancreatic and renal vessels) and venous (pulmonary and renal veins) beds; as well as multiple neoplastic lung masses, identified as scirrhous pulmonary adenocarcinoma, responsible for increased interstitial radiopacity. Metastasis was also identified at the tracheal bifurcation, causing radiographic changes similar to the alveolar pattern of pulmonary edema…(AU)

Epidemiological and pathological aspects of cardiomyopathies in cats in Southern Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos das cardiomiopatias em gatos no Sul do Brasil

Cardiomyopathies are considered one of the most important causes of heart failure in cats and are subdivided into three main morphological types: hypertrophic (HCM), dilated (DCM), and restrictive (RCM). This study aimed to determine the frequency and types of cardiomyopathies in cats diagnosed in southern Brazil, with an emphasis on their epidemiological and pathological aspects. Necropsy reports filed in a veterinary pathology laboratory were reviewed, and cats diagnosed with cardiomyopathy were selected for the study. Animal identification data, history and clinical signs, and gross lesions, were reviewed and compiled. During the study period, 1.594 cat necropsies were performed, of which 72 (4.5%) comprised a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. HCM was the most frequent followed by CMR and CMD, representing 77.8%, 12.5% and 9.7%, respectively. Age ranged from three months to 18 years, with a median age of seven years. In relation to sex, 62.5% were males and 37.5% females. In 76.4% of the cases, it affected cats without a breed defined. Restrictive mixed dyspnea and hydrothorax were the main signs or findings of the clinical examination. Sudden death and acute paresis of the pelvic limbs due to aortic thromboembolism have also been described. In HCM, myocardial thickening was observed, with a reduction in the ventricular chamber. Hypertrophy, disarray, and fibrosis of the myofibers were the main histological findings. In RCM, whitish and thickened endocardium was seen in most cases. DCM was characterized by dilated cardiac chambers, and microscopic examination revealed no significant findings. The main extra cardiac lesions revealed pulmonary edema and congestion, hydrothorax and chronic passive congestion of the liver. Cardiomyopathies are important causes of death in cats and should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with cardio respiratory clinical signs and in cases related to sudden death and acute paresis of the pelvic limbs.(AU)

As cardiomiopatias são consideradas umas das mais importantes causas de insuficiência cardíaca em gatos e são subdivididas morfologicamente em três principais tipos: cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH), dilatada (CMD) e restritiva (CMR). Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a frequência e os tipos de cardiomiopatias em gatos diagnosticados no Sul do Brasil, abordando seus aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos. Foram revisados os laudos de necropsias de gatos e selecionados para o estudo de diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia. Os dados referentes à identificação do animal, o histórico/sinais clínicos e lesões macroscópicas foram revisados e compilados. No período estudado, foram realizadas 1.594 necropsias de gatos, destas, 72 (4,5%) compreenderam diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia. A CMH foi a mais frequente seguida pela CMR e CMD, representando 77,8%, 12,5% e 9,7%, respectivamente. A idade variou de três meses a 18 anos, com a idade mediana de sete anos. Em relação ao sexo, 62,5% eram machos e 37,5% fêmeas. Em 76,4% dos casos, afetou gatos sem raça definida. Dispneia mista restritiva e hidrotórax foram os principais sinais ou achados do exame clínico. Morte súbita e paresia aguda de membros pélvicos em razão do tromboembolismo aórtico também foram descritos. Na CMH, observou-se espessamento do miocárdio, com redução da câmara ventricular. Hipertrofia, desarranjo e fibrose das miofibras foram os principais achados histológicos. Na CMR, visualizou-se endocárdio esbranquiçado e espessado na maioria dos casos. A CMD caracterizou-se pela dilatação das câmaras cardíacas, e sem lesão histológica significante. As principais lesões extracardíacas encontradas foram edema e congestão pulmonares, hidrotórax e congestão passiva crônica do fígado. As cardiomiopatias são causas importantes de morte em gatos, devem ser incluídas no diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes com sinais clínicos cardiorrespiratórios e também em casos relacionados a morte súbita e paresia aguda dos membros pélvicos.(AU)

Epidemiological and pathological aspects of cardiomyopathies in cats in Southern Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos das cardiomiopatias em gatos no Sul do Brasil

Cardiomyopathies are considered one of the most important causes of heart failure in cats and are subdivided into three main morphological types: hypertrophic (HCM), dilated (DCM), and restrictive (RCM). This study aimed to determine the frequency and types of cardiomyopathies in cats diagnosed in southern Brazil, with an emphasis on their epidemiological and pathological aspects. Necropsy reports filed in a veterinary pathology laboratory were reviewed, and cats diagnosed with cardiomyopathy were selected for the study. Animal identification data, history and clinical signs, and gross lesions, were reviewed and compiled. During the study period, 1.594 cat necropsies were performed, of which 72 (4.5%) comprised a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. HCM was the most frequent followed by CMR and CMD, representing 77.8%, 12.5% and 9.7%, respectively. Age ranged from three months to 18 years, with a median age of seven years. In relation to sex, 62.5% were males and 37.5% females. In 76.4% of the cases, it affected cats without a breed defined. Restrictive mixed dyspnea and hydrothorax were the main signs or findings of the clinical examination. Sudden death and acute paresis of the pelvic limbs due to aortic thromboembolism have also been described. In HCM, myocardial thickening was observed, with a reduction in the ventricular chamber. Hypertrophy, disarray, and fibrosis of the myofibers were the main histological findings. In RCM, whitish and thickened endocardium was seen in most cases. DCM was characterized by dilated cardiac chambers, and microscopic examination revealed no significant findings. The main extra cardiac lesions revealed pulmonary edema and congestion, hydrothorax and chronic passive congestion of the liver. Cardiomyopathies are important causes of death in cats and should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with cardio respiratory clinical signs and in cases related to sudden death and acute paresis of the pelvic limbs.(AU)

As cardiomiopatias são consideradas umas das mais importantes causas de insuficiência cardíaca em gatos e são subdivididas morfologicamente em três principais tipos: cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH), dilatada (CMD) e restritiva (CMR). Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a frequência e os tipos de cardiomiopatias em gatos diagnosticados no Sul do Brasil, abordando seus aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos. Foram revisados os laudos de necropsias de gatos e selecionados para o estudo de diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia. Os dados referentes à identificação do animal, o histórico/sinais clínicos e lesões macroscópicas foram revisados e compilados. No período estudado, foram realizadas 1.594 necropsias de gatos, destas, 72 (4,5%) compreenderam diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia. A CMH foi a mais frequente seguida pela CMR e CMD, representando 77,8%, 12,5% e 9,7%, respectivamente. A idade variou de três meses a 18 anos, com a idade mediana de sete anos. Em relação ao sexo, 62,5% eram machos e 37,5% fêmeas. Em 76,4% dos casos, afetou gatos sem raça definida. Dispneia mista restritiva e hidrotórax foram os principais sinais ou achados do exame clínico. Morte súbita e paresia aguda de membros pélvicos em razão do tromboembolismo aórtico também foram descritos. Na CMH, observou-se espessamento do miocárdio, com redução da câmara ventricular. Hipertrofia, desarranjo e fibrose das miofibras foram os principais achados histológicos. Na CMR, visualizou-se endocárdio esbranquiçado e espessado na maioria dos casos. A CMD caracterizou-se pela dilatação das câmaras cardíacas, e sem lesão histológica significante. As principais lesões extracardíacas encontradas foram edema e congestão pulmonares, hidrotórax e congestão passiva crônica do fígado. As cardiomiopatias são causas importantes de morte em gatos, devem ser incluídas no diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes com sinais clínicos cardiorrespiratórios e também em casos relacionados a morte súbita e paresia aguda dos membros pélvicos.(AU)