Steroid-responsive myelitis in dogs - comparison with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis

Background: Myelitis is the inflammation of the spinal cord parenchyma alone, whereas meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges. Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is a meningomyelitis in which the major lesions involve the meninges, not the spinal cord parenchyma, and respond well to glucocorticoid treatment. However, myelitis in dogs has rarely been reported, and myelitis with a good response to glucocorticoid treatment without relapse has not been reported. This report describes 5 cases of steroid-responsive myelitis (SRM) in dogs. Cases: Case 1. A 8-year-old intact female Cocker Spaniel presented with progressive nonambulatory paraplegia. Whole spinal parenchymal lesions were identified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Mononuclear pleocytosis with increased total protein levels was the only abnormal finding on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Prednisolone (PDS) was administered followed by dose tapering according to therapeutic response. Cyclosporine was administered until the termination of PDS. Since then, no recurrence of neurological symptoms has been observed. Follow-up MRI and CSF analysis revealed resolution of previously observed abnormal findings. Case 2. A 2-year-old intact female Maltese presented with non-progressive paraparesis. A spinal parenchymal lesion in the lumbosacral region was observed on MRI. PDS was administered and slowly tapered at approximately 3-week intervals. No recurrence of neurological symptoms was observed after the treatment. Case 3. A 6-year-old intact female Miniature Pinscher presented with neck pain, along with leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Cervical spinal parenchyma lesions were revealed through MRI. Increased total protein concentration with mixed cell pleocytosis was observed on CSF analysis. Immunomodulatory therapy, similar to that in case 2, was initiated. A second MRI and CSF analysis revealed an improvement in the previously observed abnormalities. Case 4. A 2-year-old, intact female Toy Poodle presented with acute paraplegia and back pain. Lesions were observed in the spinal parenchyma at the T12-L3 levels on MRI. The treatment was conducted as in case 2. During treatment, neurological symptoms, including paraplegia and back pain, were not observed. Follow-up MRI revealed improvement in the spinal lesion. Case 5. A 6-month-old, castrated male Standard Poodle presented with progressive paraparesis. On MRI, lesions were observed in the T11-T13 regions. Immunomodulation therapy, similar to that in case 2, was initiated. No recurrence of neurological symptoms was observed after treatment initiation Discussion: SRM is similar to SRMA in terms of good steroid-responsiveness and noninfectious inflammation etiology; however, it does not exactly satisfy the diagnostic criteria for SRMA, nor does it progress similarly. The characteristics of SRM that do not satisfy the diagnostic criteria of SRMA include the absence of fever, C-reactive protein elevation, hyperglobulinemia, and relapse, and the presence of spinal parenchymal lesions without parenchymal or meningeal enhancement on MRI. It is also a seemingly different from spinal cord-only meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin due to its better treatment response and prognosis. However, the dogs in the present report with SRM satisfied the diagnostic criteria for transverse myelitis in human patients. Therefore, SRM, including good steroid responsiveness and good prognosis without relapse, may represent a novel type of meningomyelitis.

Adenocarcinoma de saco anal com metástase vertebro-medular em um Cocker Spaniel / Anal sac adenocarcinoma with vertebromedullary metastasis in a Cocker Spaniel

Background: Several neoplasms can affect the perianal region, being the hepatic adenoma and the anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC), which is considered the most frequent. The ASAC is a malignant neoplasm originating from the secretory epithelium of the perianal apocrine glands and is rarely seen in veterinary medicine. The ASAC occurs mainly in adult to elderly canines with high metastasis rates. Patients may be asymptomatic or manifest discomfort and behavioral changes. In the presence of metastasis, the most frequent clinical signs are inappetence, coughing, dyspnea, and colorectal obstruction. Given this scenario, this paper aims to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic examination, and necropsy findings of a Cocker Spaniel with ASAC and metastasis in the vertebral body, spinal cord, and cauda equina. Case: A 8-year-old neutered male Cocker Spaniel (12 kg of body mass) with a clinical history of non-ambulatory paraparesis was evaluated. The patient also presented tenesmus, difficulty to defecate, and the presence of nodules in the anal sac area. On the neurological examination, asymmetrical changes compatible with injury between L4-S3 were found. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and imaging exams such as plain radiography, abdominal ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were requested. Blood count revealed anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis and hypercalcemia. The liver showed increased echogenicity and thickened pancreas in the abdominal US scan. A slightly heterogeneous, vascularized mass with irregular borders was identified in the topographic region of the sublumbar lymph nodes; MRI images demonstrated an expansile formation in the ventral region of the lumbosacral spine, corresponding to the sublumbar lymph nodes and interruption of the cerebrospinal fluid at L5, suggestive of compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina. A presumptive diagnosis of perianal neoplasm with metastasis was made based on the complementary exams. The dog was referred to necropsy, which revealed a 4 cm tumor in the perianal region that invaded the pelvic canal. Multifocal nodules were present on the lung surface, liver, and kidneys, suggesting metastasis. On the cross-section of the spine, one could note the presence of the tumor in the vertebral bodies, spinal cord, and cauda equina from L5 to S3. Even with histopathological evaluation of the tumor, only the immunohistochemical analysis allowed us to confirm the anal sac adenocarcinoma. Discussion: Adenomas and carcinomas are perianal gland neoplasms common in adult and elderly male dogs; the Cocker Spaniel breed is among the most affected. The clinical signs presented by the patient, such as tenesmus and difficulty in adopting the posture of defecation, are common, although neurological changes are rare. As for metastasis, carcinomas of the perianal region present high chances of metastasis to organs including the liver, kidneys, and lungs, both lymphatically and hematogenously, but few studies have related these factors to neurological alterations due to metastasis. We concluded that metastases from carcinomas to the spine must be considered a possible differential diagnosis in cases of patients presenting clinical signs that are compatible with spinal cord compression and a history of previous neoplasm.

Multilobular tumor of bone in bitches: clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and overall survival aspects

Background: Multilobular tumor of bone (MTB) is an unusual neoplasm with variable biologic behavior which originates primarily in bone tissues. Radiographs computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful in diagnoses and surgical planning. Tumor removal with wide surgical margins is the treatment of choice. Immunohistochemistry has been shown as an important tool in veterinary oncology to define therapeutic and prognostic decisions. The goal of this study was to report 2 distinct cases of multilobular tumor of bone, their Cox-2 and Mib-1 immunohistochemical profile and its impact on overall survival. Case: Two bitches were presented at the Oncology Department of the Veterinary Hospital in the Veterinary School of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Both had a history of a progressive, painless, circumscribed, and firm facial mass. The 1st patient was a 8-year-old intact bitch mixed breed, weighing 50 kg, that presented a fast growing right infraorbital 3-cm mass, causing eye displacement. The 2nd patient was a 7-year-old spayed bitch Labrador retriever, weighing 28 kg, that presented a left temporal 8-cm mass. Neurologic examination of both bitches was normal. Skin over the nodules was strained, but with no ulceration. Radiographic exams of the head revealed lytic and proliferative bone reaction, with loss of cortical definition in both cases. These alterations were seen on the left zygomatic arch of the retrobulbar region, involving part of the mandible and of the nasal sinus lateral frontal bone in 1st patient, and on the right temporal process of the zygomatic bone in 2nd patient. The last one, also showed a granular solid mass with little contact with skull bones. Complete blood count, biochemistry profile, electrocardiogram, and 3-view thoracic radiographs were performed. Results were within normal ranges for the species and no signs of metastasis was seen on the radiographs. Location, size, and density of the mass, adjacent tissue compression, absence of cranial invasion, and lymph node size were rigorously evaluated with CT, allowing an individualized surgical planning to achieve complete mass removal and maintenance of the function of adjacent structures. Both animals were submitted to surgery. Both tumors were fixed on 10% neutral buffered formalin and sent to the Animal Pathology Department of UFMG for histopathological examination and margin assessment. Both tumors were diagnosed as grade I MTB. Tumor immunohistochemistry was performed to identify prognostic factors that could be used to better define therapeutic treatments and to try to clarify the discrepancy in disease progression between both tumors. The 1st patient expressed 20% of Mib-1 and was considered score 2 of Cox-2. The 2nd one expressed 5% of Mib-1 and was considered score 1 of Cox-2. Considering the diagnoses and histological characteristics of the tumors, it was decided for clinical follow-up of patients without additional therapeutic complementation. Even considering incomplete surgical margins in 2nd patient, adjuvant chemotherapy was not performed, due to low mitotic index and low histological grade. The 1st patient had an overall survival of 240 days, and death was due to recurrence and disease progression; and the 2nd did not show recurrence nor metastasis after 1200 days. Discussion: Proper and individualized surgical planning and histopathological evaluation are extremely important to guide treatment decisions. However, immunohistochemistry can be important in MTB cases, to help define which patients should be submitted to surgery alone and which patients could be benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy.

Adrenal glands of Chinchilla lanigera - study of anatomical features with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Background: Since chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is frequently used as a laboratory animal, satisfactory data about the imaging anatomical appearance of its adrenal glands, such as their anatomical location and closeness with other abdominal soft tissue and vessels, are important. The aim of this study to determine anatomical features of the chinchilla adrenal gland's using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Materials, Methods & Results: We used 12 chinchillas (6 males and 6 females), aged 18 months. The animals were in supine recumbency when contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed. Transverse, sagittal and dorsal images of the adrenal glands were obtained with iodinated contrast medium, and 3D reconstruction of the obtained images was applied. The craniocaudal (CrCc - length), dorsoventral (DV - height) and lateromedial (LM - width) diameters were measured using an electronic calliper. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, and coronal T1-weighted images were obtained. The transverse CT anatomical image at the level of the 3rd lumbar vertebra demonstrated the location of the both adrenal glands in accordance with the grey-white scale's variation. The right adrenal gland was hypo-attenuated and elliptic compared to the right kidney and in close contact to it and to the caudal vena cava. The left adrenal gland was oval and at a distance to the abdominal aorta. The dorsal MRI anatomical study of the chinchilla's abdominal organs at a distance of 10 mm from the spine and in a T1-weighted sequence showed that both adrenal glands were retroperitoneal organs. Discussion: Post-contrasted CT defined the topography of both glands. The right adrenal gland has an oval shape and is cranially situated to the left gland, whose shape is cylindrical and elongated. The LM diameter of the right gland is higher than that measured in the left gland. Both DV and CrCc diameters of the right gland are lower compared to those of the left gland. The right adrenal gland is in close contact to the caudal vena cava, the right kidney and the liver, and the left adrenal gland is in a distance to the abdominal aorta. The right adrenal gland was close to the caudal vena cava and the right kidney and medially to the left kidney. The successful comparative analysis of the images in 3D reconstruction and post-contrast CT in 2D allowed us to conclude that 3D reconstruction is suitable to obtain detailed information in a summary form regarding the closeness of the glands and their shape, mainly because the results are in a real time and highly comprehensive. Our data are in in agreement with previous findings about the advantages of 3D reconstruction. The research algorithm applied was based on the dorsal visualization of the glands in T1-weighted sequence, achieving a comprehensive and high-quality MRI imaging of the examined organs in chinchillas. Both adrenal glands were retroperitoneal organs and with low signal. The dorsal MRI anatomical study of the chinchilla's abdominal organs at a distance of 10 mm from the spine and in a T1-weighted sequence showed the whole profile of the right and left glands and the cranial position of the right gland to the left one, the close contact between the right gland and the kidney and the distance between the left gland and the left kidney. The MRI results are detailed and comprehensive for interpretation. In conclusion, the results of the present study are comprehensive, detailed and with high resolution. We present data for the anatomical relationships of the studied organs, their shape and macrometric parameters, concluding that the above mentioned modalities are very important tools for studying the chinchilla's adrenal glands to create a morphological base, which is necessary to investigate specific diseases.

Polioencephalomalacia in sheep - clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Background: Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is a neurological disease in ruminants, which is characterized by malacia of brain gray matter. Thiamine deficiency and sulfur intoxication are the most common causes of PEM in sheep. Affected animals present signs of cerebrocortical syndrome, including amaurosis, ataxia, head pressing, mental depression, seizures, and opisthotonus. The neurological examination aims to determine the neurolocalization of the lesions and advanced imaging techniques are useful for confirming the affected area(s) in the central nervous system. The aim of this study is to describe clinical features and ante-mortem diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a sheep with PEM. Case: A 18-month-old male Dorper sheep from a flock started receiving concentrate 7 days before. According to the owner, no clinical signs of abnormality were observed on the previous morning. However, in the afternoon, the animal became selfisolated and did not follow the flock to the sheepfold. The following day, he was found in recumbency. Physical examination revealed lateral recumbency, rectal temperature 39.5ºC, 52 bpm, 120 bpm, congested mucous membranes, capillary refill time 1 s, ruminal (4/5 min) and intestinal hypomotility. The assessment of the central nervous system revealed a decreased level of consciousness, focal seizures, opisthotonus, and absence of menace response. The following differential diagnoses were listed: PEM, head trauma, focal symmetrical encephalomalacia, bacterial encephalitis, and rabies. Treatment was composed of dexamethasone [0.2 mg/kg - i.v., SID (1st-3rd day), 0.1 mg/kg, i.v., SID (4th-6th day), and 0.05 mg/kg, i.v., SID (7th-9th day)]; mannitol [1 g/kg - i.v. and diazepam 0.4 mg/kg, i.v. single dose at admission]; vitamin B1 [10 mg/kg - i.m., SID], furosemide [1 mg/kg - i.v., SID for 3 days] and sulfadoxine/trimethoprim [30 mg/kg - i.m., SID for 10 days]. After the initial treatment, the patient showed mild clinical improvement; however, the amaurosis was still present. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed on the 2nd day of hospitalization, showing a symmetrical hypersignal in the parietal and occipital cortices, in the axial and sagittal sequences weighted in T2 and FLAIR. Discussion: This study aimed to describe the clinical signs and MRI findings in a sheep with PEM. In this case, the sudden change to the feed composition probably led to ruminal dysbiosis, inhibition of thiamine-producing microorganisms and proliferation of bacteria that synthesize thiaminase. Thiamine therapy proved to be effective and capable of reverting the clinical signs. The decrease in the level of consciousness, cortical blindness, and opisthotonus are due to alterations in the parietal cortex, in the occipital cortex, and in the cerebellum, respectively, which were demonstrated by hypersignal areas in the MRI. Therefore, the neurolocalization of the lesion based on neurologic examination and the MRI findings were related. The physicochemical and cytological evaluations of the cerebrospinal fluid, and dosage of thiamine and the concentration of hydrogen sulphide in the rumen were not performed. However, the response to thiamine treatment associated with the neurologic examination and MRI findings helped in determining the diagnosis. Additionally, MRI can be used as a useful tool for the ante mortem diagnosis of PEM.

Métodos ultrassonográficos na avaliação das afecções prostáticas em cães ­ revisão de literatura / Ultrasonographic methods in the evaluation of prostatic disorders in dogs ­ paper review

O objetivo desta revisão foi descrever as principais técnicas de avaliação e achados ultrassonográficos da próstata canina. A ultrassonografia é o método de escolha para avaliação da glândula prostática, sendo imprescindível como auxílio no diagnóstico na detecção de anormalidades, principalmente quando há suspeita da presença de tumores. Com inovação dos equipamentos, surgiram técnicas complementares à ultrassonografia modo Bidimensional (B), tais como Doppler, ultrassonografia contrastada e elastografia, que aumentam a acurácia diagnóstica. O Doppler fornece informações sobre arquitetura vascular e aspectos hemodinâmicos dos vasos sanguíneos. A ultrassonografia contrastada permite determinar parâmetros relacionados à perfusão sanguínea das estruturas pelos agentes de contraste (ex.: microbolhas), definindo, portanto, padrões de alta e baixa intensidade da arquitetura vascular. A elastografia proporciona a avaliação da rigidez tecidual tanto de forma qualitativa, por meio de elastogramas, quanto quantitativa, por meio das velocidades de cisalhamento. Espera-se que esta revisão possa contribuir com informações relevantes aos leitores e veterinários da área de ultrassonografia e reprodução animal.(AU)

The purpose of this review was to describe the main assessment techniques and ultrasound findings of the canine prostate. Ultrasonography is the method of choice for assessing the prostate gland, being essential as an aid in the diagnosis in the detection of abnormalities, especially when the presence of tumors is suspected. With the innovation of the equipment, complementary techniques to B-mode ultrasonography have emerged, such as Doppler, contrasted ultrasound and elastography, which increase the diagnostic accuracy. Doppler provides information on vascular architecture and hemodynamic aspects of blood vessels. Contrast ultrasonography allows to determine parameters related to the blood perfusion of structures by contrast agents (eg, microbubbles), thus defining high and low intensity patterns of vascular architecture. ARFI elastography provides assessment of tissue stiffness both qualitatively, using elastograms, and quantitative, using shear speeds. It is hoped that this review can contribute with relevant information to readers and veterinarians in the area of asound and animal reproduction.(AU)

Comparative susceptibility of Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) and Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to insecticides / Suscetibilidade comparativa de Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) e Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a inseticidas

Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) and Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner are important soybean defoliators. The chemical control of A. gemmatalis has been easier and more effective than that of C. includens. It is hypothesized that C. includens is natural tolerant to insecticides. This study quantified and compare the susceptibility of C. includens and A. gemmatalis to the insecticides flubendiamide, methomyl, and spinetoram. A susceptible population of each species, maintained under laboratory conditions without insecticides selection pressure for more than 17 generations, was used. Ingestion bioassays using five to eight concentrations of each insecticide applied on the artificial diet surface were used to estimate the LC50 and LC99 (LC = Lethal Concentration). The tolerance ratio (TR) was calculated by dividing the LC50 or LC99 of the most tolerant species by the respective value of the most susceptible species. Chrysodeixis includens was more tolerant to all insecticides tested than A. gemmatalis, with TR50 values of 45.9-, 10.0- and 2.6-fold for methomyl, flubendiamide, and spinetoram. These findings indicated that the risk of evolution of resistance may be higher for C. includens than A. gemmatalis due to differential survival when exposed to the same dose of insecticide applied in soybean fields. Therefore, to improve the control of both species, integrated pest management (IPM) and insect resistance management (IRM) strategies should be considered to avoid control failures in field conditions.

Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) e Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner são importantes desfolhadoras da cultura da soja. O controle químico de A. gemmatalis tem sido mais fácil e eficaz quando comparado a C. includens, sendo uma hipótese para isso a maior tolerância natural de C. includens aos inseticidas. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar e comparar a suscetibilidade de C. includens e A. gemmatalis aos inseticidas flubendiamida, metomil e espinetoram. Nos bioensaios foram utilizadas uma população suscetível de referência de cada espécie, mantidas em laboratório sem pressão de seleção por inseticidas a mais de 17 gerações. O método de bioensaio foi o de ingestão com aplicação de cinco a oito concentrações de cada inseticida na superfície da dieta artificial para estimativa da CL50 e CL99 (CL = Concentrações Letais). A razão de tolerância (RT) foi calculada pela divisão da CL50 ou CL99 da espécie mais tolerante pelo respectivo valor da espécie mais suscetível. Chrysodeixis includens foi mais tolerante aos inseticidas testados do que A. gemmatalis. A tolerância diferencial pode indicar o risco de evolução da resistência, nesse caso maior para C. includens a metomil e flubendiamida, porque apresentaram maiores valores de RT50 (45,9 e 10,0 vezes respectivamente) do que para espinetoram (RT50 2,6 vezes). Para evitar fracassos no controle é importante adotar as premissas do Manejo Integrado de Pragas (MIP) e do Manejo da Resistência de Insetos (MRI).

Tratamiento de la reacción inflamatoria cerebral después de un accidente vascular cerebral (acv) y traumatismo cerebral (tec) en un perro / Treatment of inflammatory brain reaction after brain vascular accident (cva) and traumatic brain injury (tbi) in a dog / Tratamento de reação inflamatória cerebral após acidente vascular encefálico (ave) e trauma cranioencefálico (tce) em cão

El presente reporte de caso tiene como objetivo describir la aparición de una condición neurológica tardía, posterior a un traumatismo craneoencefálico en un paciente canino, atendido en una clínica veterinaria privada. El animal fue evaluado clínicamente, con alteraciones neurológicas severas de ataxia vestibular, marcha compulsiva, paresia, pérdida de propiocepción en las cuatro extremidades, miosis bilateral, anisocoria, entre otras. El diagnóstico fue presuntivo, ayudado por resonancia magnética y basado en una historia clínica detallada. El tratamiento clínico se determinó empíricamente, a base de dexametasona comercial, asociada a metionina, nicotinamida y piridoxina. El paciente presentó una rápida mejoría clínica, sin cuadro neurológico.

The present case report aims to describe the occurrence of a late neurological condition, after traumatic brain injury in a canine patient, treated at a private veterinary clinic. The animal was clinically evaluated, with severe neurological alterations of vestibular ataxia, compulsive gait, paresis, loss of proprioception in all four limbs, bilateral miosis, anisocoria, among others. Diagnosis was presumptive, aided by MRI, and based on detailed history. Clinical treatment was empirically determined, based on commercial dexamethasone, associated with methionine, nicotinamide and pyridoxine. The patient showed rapid clinical improvement, with no neurological picture.

O presente relato de caso tem por objetivo descrever a ocorrência de quadro neurológico tardio, pós-trauma cranioencefálico em um paciente canino, atendido em clínica veterinária particular. O animal foi avaliado clinicamente, com alterações neurológicas intensas de ataxia vestibular, andar compulsivo, paresia, perda de propriocepção nos quatro membros, miose bilateral, anisocoria, entre outros. O diagnóstico foi presuntivo, auxiliado por ressonância magnética, e baseado no histórico detalhado. O tratamento clínico foi determinado empiricamente, a base de dexametasona comercial, associada a metionina, nicotinamida e piridoxina. O paciente apresentou melhora clínica rápida, diminuindo inflamação encefálica e desaparecimento de quadro neurológico.

Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection: an integrative review / Aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais de infecção por Angiostrongylus cantonensis: uma revisão integrativa

This integrative literature review study analyzes the findings of the last 5 years of the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. It is known that this nematode is found in the pulmonary arteries of rats, where it remains as a definitive host. From mice, the cycle spreads to animals, such as snails, which in contact with humans can trigger the disease. In humans, the parasite causes several neurological, abdominal manifestations and mainly meningitis. Based on the review of studies, its epidemiology shows worldwide distribution, although there are endemic cases for this parasite, such as asian countries. Laboratory findings generally showed altered CSF with turbidity, increased protein and eosinophilia, which generated meningeal signs in the patient, moreover MRI exams showed multiple alterations. Rare findings of the nematode in the eyeball, lung and signs of peritoneal inflammation were reported, which requires further studies to understand the whole pathophysiology. Finally, conservative treatment based on anthelmintics and anti-inflammatories brought good responses, although there are reports of deaths, which demonstrates the importance in the prevention and therapy of this disease.

Este estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura analisa os achados dos últimos 5 anos do parasita Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Sabe-se que esse nematoide é encontrado nas artérias pulmonares de ratos, onde permanece como hospedeiro definitivo. Dos camundongos, o ciclo se espalha para os animais, como os caracóis, que em contato com humanos podem desencadear a doença. Em humanos, o parasita causa diversas manifestações neurológicas, abdominais e principalmente meningite. Com base na revisão de estudos, sua epidemiologia mostra distribuição mundial, embora existam casos endêmicos para esse parasito, como países asiáticos. Os achados laboratoriais geralmente mostraram LCR alterado com turbidez, aumento de proteínas e eosinofilia, o que gerou sinais meníngeos nos pacientes, além disso, os exames de ressonância magnética mostraram múltiplas alterações. Foram relatados achados raros do nematoide no globo ocular, pulmão e sinais de inflamação peritoneal, o que requer mais estudos para o entendimento de toda a fisiopatologia. Por fim, o tratamento conservador à base de anti-helmínticos e anti-inflamatórios trouxe boas respostas, embora haja relatos de óbitos, o que demonstra a importância na prevenção e terapia dessa doença.

Kukoamine A activates Akt/GSK-3ß signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and relieve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Purpose: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury refers to a pathological condition of treatment of myocardial infarction. Oxidative stress and inflammation are believed to be important mechanisms mediating MI/R injury. Kukoamine A (KuA), a sperm, is the main bioactive component extracted from the bark of goji berries. In this study, we wanted to investigate the possible effects of KuA on MI/R injury. Methods: In this experiment, all rats were divided into sham operation group, MI/R group, KuA 10 mg + MI/R group, KuA 20 mg + MI/R group. After 120 min of ischemia/reperfusion treatment, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), maximal rates of rising and fall of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax), and ischemic area were detected. Serum samples of rats in each group were collected. The enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), CK muscle/brain (CK-MB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The apoptosis of myocardium in each group was detected according to the instructions of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expressions of mammalian target of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSH-3ß) and protein kinase B (Akt) mRNA level in myocardial tissues were detected via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: MI/R rats showed a significant increase in oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, we showed that KuA significantly improved the myocardial function such as LVSP, left ventricular ejection fraction, +dp/dt, and -dp/dt. Here, it attenuated dose-dependent histological damage in ischemia-reperfused myocardium, which is associated with the enzyme activities of SOD, GSH-PX, and levels of MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, L-1ß. Conclusions: KuA inhibited gene expression of Akt/GSK-3ß, inflammation, oxidative stress and improved MR/I injury. Taken together, our results allowed us to better understand the pharmacological activity of KuA against MR/I injury.

Tratamento de reação inflamatória cerebral após Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) e Trauma Cranioencefálico (TCE) em cão / Treatment of inflammatory brain reaction after Brain Vascular Accident (CVA) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a dog / Tratamiento de la reacción inflamatoria cerebral después de un Accidente Vascular Cerebral (ACV) y Traumatismo Cerebral (TEC) en un perro

O presente relato de caso tem por objetivo descrever a ocorrência de quadro neurológico tardio, pós-trauma cranioencefálico em um paciente canino, atendido em clínica veterinária particular. O animal foi avaliado clinicamente, com alterações neurológicas intensas de ataxia vestibular, andar compulsivo, paresia, perda de propriocepção nos quatro membros, miose bilateral, anisocoria, entre outros. O diagnóstico foi presuntivo, auxiliado por ressonância magnética, e baseado no histórico detalhado. O tratamento clínico foi determinado empiricamente, a base de dexametasona comercial, associada a metionina, nicotinamida e piridoxina. O paciente apresentou melhora clínica rápida, diminuindo inflamação encefálica e desaparecimento de quadro neurológico.

The present case report aims to describe the occurrence of a late neurological condition, after traumatic brain injury in a canine patient, treated at a private veterinary clinic. The animal was clinically evaluated, with severe neurological alterations of vestibular ataxia, compulsive gait, paresis, loss of proprioception in all four limbs, bilateral miosis, anisocoria, among others. Diagnosis was presumptive, aided by MRI, and based on detailed history. Clinical treatment was empirically determined, based on commercial dexamethasone, associated with methionine, nicotinamide and pyridoxine. The patient showed rapid clinical improvement, with no neurological picture.

El presente reporte de caso tiene como objetivo describir la aparición de una condición neurológica tardía, posterior a un traumatismo craneoencefálico en un paciente canino, atendido en una clínica veterinaria privada. El animal fue evaluado clínicamente, con alteraciones neurológicas severas de ataxia vestibular, marcha compulsiva, paresia, pérdida de propiocepción en las cuatro extremidades, miosis bilateral, anisocoria, entre otras. El diagnóstico fue presuntivo, ayudado por resonancia magnética y basado en una historia clínica detallada. El tratamiento clínico se determinó empíricamente, a base de dexametasona comercial, asociada a metionina, nicotinamida y piridoxina. El paciente presentó una rápida mejoría clínica sin cuadro neurológico.

Artéria subclávia direita aberrante em cão - aspectos clínicos e de imagem / Aberrant right subclavian artery in a dog - clinical and imaging aspects

Background: Aberrant right subclavian artery is only rarely observed in veterinary medicine. Some animals may present postprandial regurgitation and progressive weight loss, which is considered an incidental finding unrelated to clinical alterations. Advanced imaging techniques such as thoracic CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast angiography are used for the accurate detection of lesions, anatomical changes and specific information about vascular rings. This paper describes the clinical changes, imaging exams and therapeutic approach in a female dog with megaesophagus induced by an aberrant right subclavian artery. Case: A 2-month-old female bull terrier, weighing 1.6 kg, with a history of regurgitation immediately or a few minutes after a meal, diarrhea, polyphagia, progressive emaciation and apathy for 45 days, was treated at a University Veterinary Hospital. The dog's physical examination revealed 7% dehydration and body condition score 1 (scale 1 to 5), but no cardiac or pulmonary alterations upon auscultation. The hematological analysis and renal and hepatic serum enzymes were within the normal range for the species. In view of the presumptive clinical diagnosis of vascular anomaly, suggested by the contrast X-ray examination, a chest tomography was performed, which revealed altered aortic arch shape and contours, and a posterior aneurysm in the area of abnormal connection of the right subclavian artery. The patient was released with a prescription for conservative dietary management for megaesophagus. Within two weeks, the patient returned with a report of a good response to the prescribed therapy, absence of vomiting and diarrhea, and an increase in body weight. Surgical correction was recommended, but has not been performed so far, but conservative treatment for megaesophagus was continued. No further episodes of regurgitation were identified during the nine-month follow-up period. Discussion: In the case reported here, the right subclavian artery is considered anatomically atypical because it arises directly from the aortic arch. This vascular anomaly passes on to the right pectoral limb, dorsal to the esophagus, contracting it in its dorsal aspect. It tends to affect purebred dogs, occurring more frequently in Irish setters, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers, although it has been described in other breeds such as the bull terrier documented here and mixed breed dogs. Vascular ring anomalies may not cause clinical changes in animals and represent only incidental findings, or they may lead to gastrointestinal changes resulting from esophageal stricture, contributing to megaesophagus and clinical signs of esophageal obstruction, especially in recently weaned puppies. Such alterations were observed in this case, with the dog presenting regurgitation, immediately or a few minutes after a meal, megaesophagus, diarrhea and progressive weight loss. A CT scan was performed to confirm the type and location of the vascular anomaly and diagnostic accuracy, as recommended in the literature. Dietary therapy is one of the approaches adopted for patients presenting with regurgitation resulting from megaesophagus secondary to vascular anomalies. The dog in this report responded well to the medical therapy; nevertheless, the treatment of choice to correct the esophageal obstruction caused by this anomaly is surgical sectioning of the aberrant vessel by right intercostal thoracotomy, given that the degree of esophageal dilation and dysfunction tends to increase over time. However, at this time, the animal's owner decided to suspend the recommended surgical procedure.

Uso e perspectivas da eletroencefalografia em animais domésticos / Use and perspectives of electroencephalography in domestic animals

A eletroencefalografia (EEG) é um método utilizado para a análise da atividade elétrica cerebral de humanos e animais. Possui baixo custo e métodos já estudados para as principais espécies de animais domésticos, tais como cães, gatos, equinos e bovinos. É um método minimamente invasivo que, ao ser associado com exames de avaliação estrutural, tais como a ressonância magnética e tomografia, permite elaborar um cenário mais completo sobre o estado geral do tecido neural cerebral. Sua aquisição de dados ao longo do tempo permite avaliar pacientes com epilepsia idiopática, epilepsias estruturais, metabólicas, hidrocefalia congênita e realizar monitoramento anestésico. O conhecimento de pós-processamento de sinais utilizando-se de FFT abre um universo de possibilidades para o uso da EEG, incluindo a polissonografia, avaliação de distúrbios comportamentais, neuropsíquicos, dor, cognição e aprendizagem.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method used to analyze the electrical activity of the brain in humans and animals. It has low cost and methods already studied for the main species of domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. It is a minimally invasive method that, when associated with structural assessment tests such as MRI and CT, allows for a more complete picture of the general state of brain neural tissue. Its data acquisition over time allows the evaluation of patients with idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsies, metabolic epilepsies, congenital hydrocephalus, and to perform anesthesia monitoring. The knowledge of signal post-processing using FFT opens a universe of possibilities for the use of EEG, including polysomnography, evaluation of behavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders, pain, cognition, and learning.

Uso e perspectivas da eletroencefalografia em animais domésticos / Use and perspectives of electroencephalography in domestic animals

A eletroencefalografia (EEG) é um método utilizado para a análise da atividade elétrica cerebral de humanos e animais. Possui baixo custo e métodos já estudados para as principais espécies de animais domésticos, tais como cães, gatos, equinos e bovinos. É um método minimamente invasivo que, ao ser associado com exames de avaliação estrutural, tais como a ressonância magnética e tomografia, permite elaborar um cenário mais completo sobre o estado geral do tecido neural cerebral. Sua aquisição de dados ao longo do tempo permite avaliar pacientes com epilepsia idiopática, epilepsias estruturais, metabólicas, hidrocefalia congênita e realizar monitoramento anestésico. O conhecimento de pós-processamento de sinais utilizando-se de FFT abre um universo de possibilidades para o uso da EEG, incluindo a polissonografia, avaliação de distúrbios comportamentais, neuropsíquicos, dor, cognição e aprendizagem.(AU)

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method used to analyze the electrical activity of the brain in humans and animals. It has low cost and methods already studied for the main species of domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. It is a minimally invasive method that, when associated with structural assessment tests such as MRI and CT, allows for a more complete picture of the general state of brain neural tissue. Its data acquisition over time allows the evaluation of patients with idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsies, metabolic epilepsies, congenital hydrocephalus, and to perform anesthesia monitoring. The knowledge of signal post-processing using FFT opens a universe of possibilities for the use of EEG, including polysomnography, evaluation of behavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders, pain, cognition, and learning.(AU)

Is there something new regarding triceps brachii muscle insertion?

Purpose: Previous studies have questioned whether the triceps brachii muscle tendon (TBMT) has a double or single insertion on the ulna. Aiming to provide an answer, we describe the anatomy of the TBMT and review a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) series of the elbow. Methods: Forty-one elbows were dissected to assess the details of the triceps brachii insertion. Elbow plastination slices were analyzed to determine whether there was a space on the TBMT. Magnetic resonance imaging from the records of the authors were also obtained to demonstrate the appearance of the pre-tricipital space on MRI. Results: A virtual space on the medial aspect near the TBTM insertion site in the olecranon was consistently found on anatomic dissections. It was a distal pre-tricipital space. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the appearance of the pre-tricipital space on MRI, and its extension was measured longitudinally either in elbow flexion or extension. There was no statistically significant difference between the measurements of this space in the right and left elbows or between flexion and extension (p > 0.05). The coefficient of variation was 10% for all measurements. Conclusion: Knowledge of this structure may be essential to avoid incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary therapeutic interventions.(AU)

Spinal cord meningioma in a Boxer breed dog

Meningiomas are one of the most common primary tumors of the canine central nervous system. They usually grow within the cranial cavity but occasionally they are found in the spinal cord. A case of a Boxer breed with a spinal cord transitional meningioma is reported. Two years history presenting progressive neurological signs is described. The MRI examination revealed a focal, intradural extramedullary lesion within the right side of the spinal canal, compromising the C1and C2 vertebral segments. Cytoreductive surgery with a dorsolateral laminectomy approach was performed to decompressthe spinal cord and to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological studies diagnosed a grade I transitional meningioma. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis detected positive cells to vimentin (VIM), pan-cytokeratin (pCk),neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and doublecortin (DXC). Although apparently benign, positivity to pCK and DXC suggest a possible transition into a malignant tumor. Although variations in the behavior, histology and the immunoreactive profile of these tumors are reported, the latter constitutes a good indicator for the diagnosis of the patient.

Spinal cord meningioma in a Boxer breed dog

Meningiomas are one of the most common primary tumors of the canine central nervous system. They usually grow within the cranial cavity but occasionally they are found in the spinal cord. A case of a Boxer breed with a spinal cord transitional meningioma is reported. Two years history presenting progressive neurological signs is described. The MRI examination revealed a focal, intradural extramedullary lesion within the right side of the spinal canal, compromising the C1and C2 vertebral segments. Cytoreductive surgery with a dorsolateral laminectomy approach was performed to decompressthe spinal cord and to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological studies diagnosed a grade I transitional meningioma. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis detected positive cells to vimentin (VIM), pan-cytokeratin (pCk),neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and doublecortin (DXC). Although apparently benign, positivity to pCK and DXC suggest a possible transition into a malignant tumor. Although variations in the behavior, histology and the immunoreactive profile of these tumors are reported, the latter constitutes a good indicator for the diagnosis of the patient.(AU)

Inflammatory lesions and brain tumors: is it possible to differentiate them based on texture features in magnetic resonance imaging?

Neuroimaging strategies are essential to locate, to elucidate the etiology, and to the follow up of brain disease patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides good cerebral soft-tissue contrast detection and diagnostic sensitivity. Inflammatory lesions and tumors are common brain diseases that may present a similar pattern of a cerebral ring enhancing lesion on MRI, and non-enhancing core (which may reflect cystic components or necrosis) leading to misdiagnosis. Texture analysis (TA) and machine learning approaches are computer-aided diagnostic tools that can be used to assist radiologists in such decisions. Methods: In this study, we combined texture features with machine learning (ML) methods aiming to differentiate brain tumors from inflammatory lesions in magnetic resonance imaging. Retrospective examination of 67 patients, with a pattern of a cerebral ring enhancing lesion, 30 with inflammatory, and 37 with tumoral lesions were selected. Three different MRI sequences and textural features were extracted using gray level co-occurrence matrix and gray level run length. All diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology, laboratorial analysis or MRI. Results: The features extracted were processed for the application of ML methods that performed the classification. T1-weighted images proved to be the best sequence for classification, in which the differentiation between inflammatory and tumoral lesions presented high accuracy (0.827), area under ROC curve (0.906), precision (0.837), and recall (0.912). Conclusion: The algorithm obtained textures capable of differentiating brain tumors from inflammatory lesions, on T1-weghted images without contrast medium using the Random Forest machine learning classifier.(AU)

Inflammatory lesions and brain tumors: is it possible to differentiate them based on texture features in magnetic resonance imaging?

Neuroimaging strategies are essential to locate, to elucidate the etiology, and to the follow up of brain disease patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides good cerebral soft-tissue contrast detection and diagnostic sensitivity. Inflammatory lesions and tumors are common brain diseases that may present a similar pattern of a cerebral ring enhancing lesion on MRI, and non-enhancing core (which may reflect cystic components or necrosis) leading to misdiagnosis. Texture analysis (TA) and machine learning approaches are computer-aided diagnostic tools that can be used to assist radiologists in such decisions. Methods: In this study, we combined texture features with machine learning (ML) methods aiming to differentiate brain tumors from inflammatory lesions in magnetic resonance imaging. Retrospective examination of 67 patients, with a pattern of a cerebral ring enhancing lesion, 30 with inflammatory, and 37 with tumoral lesions were selected. Three different MRI sequences and textural features were extracted using gray level co-occurrence matrix and gray level run length. All diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology, laboratorial analysis or MRI. Results: The features extracted were processed for the application of ML methods that performed the classification. T1-weighted images proved to be the best sequence for classification, in which the differentiation between inflammatory and tumoral lesions presented high accuracy (0.827), area under ROC curve (0.906), precision (0.837), and recall (0.912). Conclusion: The algorithm obtained textures capable of differentiating brain tumors from inflammatory lesions, on T1-weghted images without contrast medium using the Random Forest machine learning classifier.(AU)

Mielografia em cães / Myelography in dogs

Doenças na medula espinhal causam dor, dificuldade ambulatorial e incontinência urinária, interferindo de forma significativa na qualidade de vida dos animais. A localização clínica das lesões neurológicas bem como a característica do curso das doenças, é de extrema importância na elaboração dos possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais. Para se definir o diagnóstico e tratamento, são necessários exames complementares. Atualmente, destacam-se os exames de imagem avançados como tomografia computadorizada (TC) e a ressonância magnética (RM) como possibilidades complementares. Estes exames, entretanto, são pouco disponíveis no Brasil e em outros países em desenvolvimento, ou estão restritos aos grandes centros urbanos. Desta maneira, técnicas que exijam menor tecnologia e estão mais disponíveis, como mielografia, ainda têm papel fundamental no diagnóstico e planejamento cirúrgico de afecções medulares em locais nos quais a TC e RM são inacessíveis. Para a realização da mielografia, o paciente deve ser submetido à anestesia geral e a punção deve ser feita em condições estéreis em cisterna magna ou em região lombar. O fluir do liquor, caso o animal movimente a cauda ou membros, são indícios de que o bisel da agulha está no espaço subaracnóideo e o contraste deve ser administrado. Existem quatro tipos de padrão mielográfico (normal, extradural, intradural-extramedular e intramedular) e cada padrão pode estar relacionado a diferentes tipos de afecção. A administração do contraste no espaço subaracnóideo pode causar inúmeros efeitos adversos, sendo o mais estudado a ocorrência de convulsões após mielografia.

Spinal cord diseases can cause pain and urinary incontinence. All these clinical signs can interfere in a significant way in life quality of ill patients. The clinical localization of the neurological lesions as well as the characteristic of the diseases course are of extreme importance in the elaboration of the possible differential diagnoses. In order to define the diagnosis and treatment, additional tests are necessary. Advanced imaging exams such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stand out as complementary possibilities. These image modalities aren ́t easily accessible in Brazil and other developing countries and are restricted to big cities. Considering this, more traditional image techniques such as myelography are still useful in spinal cord diseases diagnosis and treatment in places where CT and or MRI are inaccessible. Myelography requires general anesthesia and the spinal tap area must be clipped and surgically prepared. The spinal tap can be done in subarachnoid lumbar space or cisterna magna. Liquor fluence, twitching the tail or limbs are signs that the needle is in the subarachnoid space and myelography contrast can be administrated. There are four myelography patterns: normal, extradural, intradural-extramedullary and intramedullary) and these patterners can occur in different diseases etiologies. Subdural contrast administration can cause many side effects, the most studied is myelography induced seizures.