Retrospective evaluation of canine anal sac carcinoma (260 cases) in Brazil: late detection and failures in lymph node evaluation / Avaliação retrospectiva do carcinoma de saco anal canino (260 casos) no Brasil: detecção tardia e falhas na avaliação dos linfonodos

Anal sac neoplasms are common in companion animals, and the epidemiological profile has been extensively described in international studies; however, national data are still lacking. Data on the Brazilian reality of anal sac carcinoma cases' diagnosis and treatment are also scarce. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate cases of canine anal sac carcinoma and assess the profile of involvement, tumor size, and lymphatic invasion at the time of diagnosis. Information was obtained from Vetpat laboratory database, from 260 cases spanning a 12-year period (2010-2021). In histopathological evaluation at the time of diagnosis, data on sex, age, and race were described, as well as tumor size and lymphatic invasion. The presence of metastasis was also assessed in cases where lymph nodes were sampled. Simple descriptive statistical analysis was used to evaluate the data. Adult and elderly, female, and mixed-breed animals were more involved, indicating differences from international studies that can be attributed to sociocultural factors. In terms of tumor size, it was observed that 93% of the cases had the largest diameter above 2.5cm. Only 7% of the cases had the largest diameter below 2.5cm, demonstrating the often late diagnosis and the importance of rectal palpation examination during the general physical assessment of canine patients, particularly at an advanced age. Regarding lymphatic invasion and affected lymph nodes, 50% of the cases had lymphatic invasion described in the histopathological examination. However, only 5% of the lymph nodes were sent along with the primary tumor, indicating the disease's aggressive behavior but with possible metastases underdiagnosed.

As neoplasias de saco anal possuem incidência importante nos animais de companhia, tendo o seu perfil epidemiológico de acometimento amplamente descrito em estudos internacionais, entretanto dados nacionais ainda são escassos. De modo semelhante, dados acerca da realidade brasileira, associados ao diagnóstico e conduta desses casos, são inexistentes. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar, de forma retrospectiva, os casos de carcinoma de saco anal canino, avaliando o perfil de acometimento, o tamanho tumoral e a invasão linfática no momento do diagnóstico. Foi obtido informações de 260 casos, respectivo a um período de 12 anos (2010-2021), proveniente do banco de dados do laboratório Vetpat. Foram descritos os dados acerca do sexo, idade e raça, bem como o tamanho tumoral e presença de invasão linfática em avaliação histopatológica no momento do diagnóstico. Os casos que cursavam com envio dos linfonodos também foram avaliados quanto a presença de metástase. Os dados foram avaliados mediante análise estatística descritiva simples. Foi encontrado um maior acometimento em animais adultos a idosos, do sexo feminino e sem raça definida, evidenciando diferenças em relação a estudos internacionais, que podem ser atribuídas a fatores socioculturais. Em relação ao tamanho tumoral, observou-se que 93% dos casos apresentavam o maior diâmetro acima de 2,5cm e apenas 7% dos casos apresentavam o maior diâmetro abaixo de 2,5cm, evidenciando o diagnostico frequentemente tardio, bem como a importância do exame de palpação retal durante a avaliação física geral de pacientes caninos, principalmente em idade avançada. Quanto a avaliação da invasão linfática e linfonodos acometidos, 50% dos casos cursavam com invasão linfática descrita em exame histopatológico, entretanto em apenas 5% dos casos os linfonodos foram enviados junto ao tumor primário, evidenciando o comportamento agressivo da doença, porém com metástases possivelmente subdiagnosticadas.

Optimizing gilt mammary development to increase future milk yield

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

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

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

Espiradenoma écrino em rato twister (Rattus norvegicus): Relato de caso / Spiradenoma ecrine in twister rat (Rattus norvegicus): Case report / Espiradenoma ecrino en rata twister (Rattus norvegicus): Reporte de caso

A ordem Rodentiarepresenta 40% de todos os mamíferos vivos do planeta e está adaptada a todos os ambientes. O rato twister (Rattus novegicus) pertence à família Muridae. Historicamente, os roedores estão próximos de seres humanos há séculos e onde há presença de seres humanos, possivelmente há roedores. A população de roedores e lagomorfos estácrescendo nas residências de tutores, na condição de animais petsnão convencionais O objetivo do presente trabalho científico é descrever a ocorrência de uma neoplasia benigna em glândula sudorípara em rato, assim como, discorrer sobre a técnica cirúrgica e o protocolo anestésico utilizado com sucesso no paciente.(AU)

The Rodentia order represents 40% of all living mammals on the planet and are adapted to all environments. The twister rat (Rattus novegicus) belongs to the Muridae Family. Historically rodents have been close to humans for centuries and where humans are present, there are possibly rodents. Nowdays rodents and lagomorphs are commons in the owners homes, as animals pets because of their graciousness and docility. The objective of the present scientific work is to describe the occurrence of a benign neoplasm reported in rat, as well as to discuss the surgical technique and anesthetic protocol used successfullyin the patient.(AU)

El orden Rodentia representa el 40% de todos los mamíferos vivos del planeta y se adaptan a todoslos ambientes. El Rattus novegicuspertenece al la familia Muridae. Históricamente, los roedores han estado cerca de los humanos durante siglos y donde hay humanos, posiblemente haya roedores. Los roedores y lagomorfas son animales comunes en las casas delos tutores, como mascotas poco convencionales por su gracia y docilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo científico es describir la ocurrencia de una neoplasia benigna raramente reportada en ratas, así como discutir la técnica quirúrgica y el protocolo anestésico exitosamente utilizado en el paciente.(AU)

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

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

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

Distiquíases em gatos / Distichiasis in cats

Background: Distichiasis is a disease that is rare in cats, but very common in dogs. The term distichiasis may be controversial when used in the feline species, given that they do not possess true cilia, but rudimentary hair along the superior palpebra. The patients may be asymptomatic, though some show signs of ocular discomfort and ulcerative keratitis. The diagnosis is reached through an ophthalmological exam, and the treatment consists of the removal of the cilium with or without its hair follicle. With this work, we aim to report a series of cases of distichiasis in cats, as it is an uncommon anomaly, and has the potential to cause ocular discomfort in cats. Cases: Two mobile services of veterinary ophthalmology, one in the federal district of Brasília (DF) and the other in the municipality of Valinhos (SP), attended to 9 cats over a period of 5 years (2018 to 2022). The cats (n = 9) attended are of an undefined breed with ages varying from 10 months to 9 years, with an average of 3.9-year-old. The number of distichiasis presented by the animals was classified according to their quantity, being categorized as a mild grade when there was a single cilium, moderate grade when there were 2 to 4 cilia, and severe grade when there were more than 5 cilia. The highest incidence of distichiasis in this study was in males (78%) while females accounted for (22%) of the cases. The clinical changes reported by the owners consisted of signs of ocular discomfort (photophobia, blepharospasm, and periocular itching), ocular discharge and ocular redness. In the ophthalmological evaluations, blepharospasm (22%), serous to mucosal secretion (56%), chemosis (22%), mild (44%) to moderate (11%) conjunctival hyperemia, and ulcerative keratitis (22%) were observed. Distichiasis was more frequent affecting both eyes (56%), while in only (44%) of cases it affected the left eye only. The highest occurrence of cilia was identified in the upper palpebra (78%). Distichiasis was found more often in the temporal palpebral portion (78%), and in 2 patients the identification was more challenging since these cilia lack pigmentation. Single cilium affected (44%) of patients, while 5 cats had multiple distichiasis (56%). A total of 29% of the cats had a mild grade, whereas 14% had a moderated grade, and 57% had a severe grade. The treatments performed consisted of manual epilation (ME) and electroepilation (EE). ME was carried out in 56% of the cats, with relapses occurring in 80% of the patients, while 44% of the cats submitted to EE had a relapse in 20% of the cases. Discussion: Distichiasis is an inherited disorder very frequent in dogs, but considered uncommon in cats. Its causative factor is still unknown, as is its mode of inheritance. In distichiasis therapy, epilation, electroepilation, electrolysis, diode laser, cryotherapy and surgical palpebral resection techniques are referred to as procedures. Among the treatments used in this study, we observed a lower incidence of relapse with the electroepilation technique, which proved to be a viable and successful therapeutic modality. This series of cases shows that perhaps this disorder is much more frequent than what has been reported in the literature, being sometimes underdiagnosed and consequently underreported. Therefore, distichiasis in cats should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with clinical signs of ocular discomfort and ulcerative keratitis.

Cutaneous apocrine adenocarcinoma in a goat

Apocrine neoplasms are rare in goats. This report describes an apocrine adenocarcinoma in a 5-year-old female Boer goat with an ulcerated, exophytic, multilobulated mass on the left dorsolateral cervical area. Histologically, the dermis was effaced and expanded by a poorly demarcated epithelial neoplasm with desmoplasia. Neoplastic cells were arranged in acini with papillary projections into the lumen and had cuboidal or columnar, eosinophilic, occasionally vacuolated cytoplasm. Nuclei were round and had finely stippled chromatin with one nucleolus. Neoplastic cells contained periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)­positive and diastase­resistant, alcian blue­positive cytoplasmic granules. There were 6 mitoses in 2.37 mm2 (equivalent to 10 FN22/40X fields). Histologic and histochemical features in the current case were consistent with a cutaneous apocrine gland adenocarcinoma.(AU)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Histology and histochemistry of the accessory gland of the female reproductive tract of Rhodnius neglectus Lent, 1954 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) / Histologia e histoquímica das glândulas acessórias do sistema reprodutor feminino de Rhodnius neglectus Lent, 1954 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Rhodnius neglectus is a wild triatomine, vector of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas' disease, and feeds on the blood of small mammals, being essential for its growth and reproduction. Accessory glands of the female reproductive tract are important in insect reproduction, but their anatomy and histology in R. neglectus are poorly studied. The aim of this work was to describe the histology and histochemistry of the accessory gland of the female reproductive tract of R. neglectus. The reproductive tract of five females of R. neglectus was dissected and the accessory glands transferred to Zamboni's fixative solution, dehydrated in a crescent series of ethanol, embedded in historesin, sectioned at 2 µm thick, stained with toluidine blue for histological analysis or mercury bromophenol blue for detection of total proteins. The accessory gland R. neglectus is tubular, without branches, opening in the dorsal region of the vagina and differing along its length in proximal and distal regions. In the proximal region, the gland is lined by the cuticle with a layer of columnar cells associated with muscle fibers. In the distal region of the gland, the epithelium has spherical secretory cells with terminal apparatus and conducting canaliculi opening in the lumen through pores in the cuticle. Proteins were identified in the gland lumen, terminal apparatus, nucleus and cytoplasm of secretory cells. The histology of the R. neglectus gland is similar to that found in other species of this genus, but with variations in the shape and size of its distal region.

Rhodnius neglectus é um triatomíneo silvestre, vetor do protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi, causador da doença de Chagas. Este inseto se alimenta do sangue de pequenos mamíferos, que é essencial para o seu crescimento e reprodução. As glândulas acessórias do sistema reprodutor feminino são importantes na reprodução de insetos, mas sua anatomia e histologia em R. neglectus são pouco conhecidas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a histologia e histoquímica da glândula acessória do aparelho reprodutor feminino de R. neglectus. O sistema reprodutor de cinco fêmeas de R. neglectus foi dissecado e as glândulas acessórias transferidas para solução fixadora de Zamboni, desidratadas em série crescente de etanol, embebidas em historesina, seccionadas com 2 µm de espessura, coradas com azul de toluidina para análise histológica ou submetidas ao teste de mercúrio-bromofenol para detecção de proteínas totais. O sistema reprodutor de R. neglectus tem uma glândula acessória tubular, sem ramificações, abrindo-se na região dorsal da vagina, sendo diferenciada em regiões proximal e distal. Na região proximal, a glândula é revestida internamente pela cutícula com uma camada de células colunares associadas a fibras musculares. Na região distal ocorrem células secretoras esféricas com aparato terminal e canalículos condutores que se abrem no lúmen da glândula através de poros na cutícula. O teste histoquímico revelou a presença de proteínas no lúmen da glândula e no aparato terminal, núcleo e citoplasma das células secretoras. A histologia da glândula de R. neglectus é semelhante à das espécies desse gênero, mas com variações na forma e no tamanho de sua região distal.

Morphological study of the digestive tract of the cardinal tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi (Characiformes: Characidae)

The cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi is a species of the family Characidae of great interest as an ornamental fish. Many aspects of the biology of this species are still unknown. The present work presents a complete description of the different components of the digestive tract of P. axelrodi, analyzing its global anatomical arrangement, the adjacent glands (liver and pancreas) and the previously ignored pyloric caeca, using histological and histochemical techniques with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Three levels of analysis were performed: macroscopic anatomy, histology of the gastrointestinal tract and scanning electron microscopy of mucosal surfaces. The intestinal coefficient (Ci) of P. axelrodi calculated here (0.94) is within the expected range for a carnivorous species. The anatomy of the alimentary and the resulting Ci is consistent with carnivorous diet in line with dietary studies in the wild in this species. The digestive tract, including adjacent glands (liver and pancreas), presented a relatively conserved general pattern within that described for other species of the family Characidae, especially at the histological level.(AU)

El tetra cardenal Paracheirodon axelrodi es una especie de la familia Characidae de gran interés como pez ornamental. Muchos aspectos de la biología de esta especie son aún desconocidos. En este trabajo se presenta una descripción completa de los diferentes componentes del tracto digestivo de P. axelrodi, analizando su disposición anatómica global, las glándulas adyacentes (hígado y páncreas) y la presencia de ciegos pilóricos, mediante técnicas histológicas e histoquímicas con microscopía óptica y electrónica de barrido. Se realizaron tres niveles de análisis: anatomía macroscópica, histología del tracto gastrointestinal y microscopía electrónica de barrido de las superficies mucosas. El coeficiente intestinal (Ci) de P. axelrodi calculado aquí (0,94) está dentro del rango esperado para una especie carnívora. Los estudios anatómicos del tracto alimentario y el Ci son consistentes con una dieta carnívora en línea con los estudios de la dieta en ejemplares silvestres en esta especie. El tracto digestivo, incluyendo las glándulas adyacentes (hígado y páncreas), presentó un patrón general relativamente conservado dentro de lo descrito para otras especies de la familia Characidae, especialmente a nivel histológico.(AU)

Gastrointestinal parasites in bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) in aquaculture production units in the Mexican central highlands / Parasitos gastrointestinais em rãs-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus) em unidades de produção aquícola do planalto central do México

Abstract In Mexico, intensive production of bullfrogs is one of the most important aquaculture activities, due to growing demand for their meat. Frogs can be hosts for several parasites that negatively affect their development and health. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of intestinal parasites in bullfrogs in aquaculture production units. Eighteen bullfrogs aquaculture production units were selected, and 20 animals (n=360) from each farm. Fecal samples were obtained by mucosal scraping and processed using the concentration method. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 70.5%, and all farms had frogs infected by some species of parasite. Two species of parasites were identified: Eimeria sp. and Strongyloides sp. Significant differences were found regarding parasite prevalence between males and females (73.8% vs 58.8%) and regarding tibia length (5.5 vs 6.1 cm) and weight (168 vs 187 g) between parasitized and non-parasitized frogs. In conclusion, the present study showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, and morphometric alterations (weight, snout-cloaca length, radio-ulna length, tibia length and distance between parotid glands) were identified in the parasitized animals. These results provided useful information that will enable establishment of adequate control measures to help minimize the adverse effects of these parasites.

Resumo No México, a produção intensiva de rãs-touro é uma das atividades mais relevantes da aquicultura devido à sua crescente demanda. As rãs podem ser hospedeiras de vários parasitos que afetam negativamente seu desenvolvimento e sua saúde animal. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar a presença de parasitas gastrointestinais (IPs) em rãs de boi em unidades de produção aquícola. Foram selecionadas 18 unidades de produção aquícola de rãs-touro, e de cada unidade 20 animais (n=360). Amostras fecais foram obtidas por raspagem de mucosas e processadas pelo método de concentração. A prevalência geral de IPs foi de 70,5%, todas as fazendas foram infectadas com algum parasita. Duas espécies de parasitas Eimeria sp. e Strongyloides sp. foram identificadas; encontrando-se diferenças significativas na prevalência entre machos e fêmeas (73,8% vs 58,8%), comprimento da tíbia (5,5 vs 6,1 cm) e peso (168 vs 187 g) entre rãs parasitadas e não parasitadas. Em conclusão, o presente estudo mostrou uma alta prevalência e alterações morfométricas (peso, comprimento do ronco-cloaca, comprimento do rádio-ulna, comprimento da tíbia e distância entre as glândulas parótidas) todas identificadas nos animais parasitados. Esses resultados mostram informações relevantes que permitirão o estabelecimento de medidas de controle adequadas para ajudar a minimizar os efeitos adversos desses parasitas.

Morphology and morphometry of Paratanaisia bragai (Santos, 1934) Freitas, 1959 (Digenea, Eucotylidae) through light and scanning electron microscopy / Morfologia e morfometria de Paratanaisia bragai (Santos, 1934) Freitas, 1959 (Digenea, Eucotylidae) através da microscopia de luz e microscopiaeletrônica de varredura

Paratanaisia bragai is a digenetic trematode that reaches sexual maturity in the kidney collecting ducts of domestic and wild birds, while the snails Subulina octona and Leptinaria unilamellata serve as its intermediate hosts in Brazil. The present study analyzed the morphology and morphometry of P. bragai. Adult specimens of the parasite were collected from naturally infected Columba livia kidneys, fixed and prepared for observation via bright field and differential interference contrast light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The parasite has an elongated and flattened body, with a subterminal oral sucker located at the anterior end of the body, as observed by all techniques used. Staining the parasite with hematoxylin-eosin enabled observation of the pharynx, located posteriorly to the oral sucker, the vitelline glands, which are extra-cecal and extend anteriorly to the pre-ovarian region and later to the median region of the body, and intestinal caeca parallel to the vitelline glands. The presence and functionality of the acetabulum are controversial points in the literature, but it was observed in all specimens analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, with a major diameter of 38.36 ± 6.96 (28.77 - 45.39) and minor diameter of 31.59 ± 7.04 (21.75 - 38.16). Close to the acetabulum, scales were observed in the integument of the parasite. Scales with (1 - 5) blade divisions were identified. In the genital pore, it was possible to see the everted cirrus with rosette shape. The excretory pore (first morphometric record) is dorsal and subterminal, with major diameter of 12.27 ± 9.16 (5.79 - 18.75) and minor diameter of 3.95 ± 1.49 (2.89 - 5.00).

Paratanaisia bragai é um trematódeo digenético que atinge a maturidade sexual nos ductos coletores de aves domésticas e silvestres, enquanto os moluscos Subulina octona e Leptinaria unilamellata atuam como seus hospedeiros intermediários no Brasil. O presente estudo analisou a morfologia e morfometria de P. bragai. Amostras adultas do parasito foram coletadas de rins de Columba livia naturalmente infectada, fixadas e preparadas para observação na microscopia de campo claro e microscopia de luz de contraste de interferência diferencial e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. O parasite possui corpo alongado e achatado, com uma ventosa oral subterminal localizada na extremidade anterior do corpo, conforme observado por todas as técnicas utilizadas. A coloração do parasito com hematoxilina-eosina permitiu observar a faringe, localizada posteriormente à ventosa oral, as glândulas vitelogênicas, que são extracecais e estendem-se anteriormente à região pré-ovariana e posteriormente à região mediana do corpo, e os cecos intestinais paralelos às glândulas vitelinas. A presença e funcionalidade do acetábulo são pontos controversos na literatura, mas foi observado em todos os espécimes analisados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, com diâmetro maior de 38.36 ± 6.96 (28.77 - 45.39) e diâmetro menor de 31.59 ± 7,04 (21.75 - 38.16). Próximo ao acetábulo foram observadas escamas no tegumento do parasito. Escamas com (1 - 5) divisões de lâmina foram identificadas. No poro genital, foi possível visualizar o cirro evertido com formato de roseta. O poro excretor (primeiro registro morfométrico) é dorsal e subterminal, com diâmetro maior de 12.27 ± 9.16 (5.79 - 18.75) e diâmetro menor de 3.95 ± 1.49 (2.89 - 5.00).

Morphology and morphometry of Paratanaisia bragai (Santos, 1934) Freitas, 1959 (Digenea, Eucotylidae) through light and scanning electron microscopy / Morfologia e morfometria de Paratanaisia bragai (Santos, 1934) Freitas, 1959 (Digenea, Eucotylidae) através da microscopia de luz e microscopiaeletrônica de varredura

Paratanaisia bragai is a digenetic trematode that reaches sexual maturity in the kidney collecting ducts of domestic and wild birds, while the snails Subulina octona and Leptinaria unilamellata serve as its intermediate hosts in Brazil. The present study analyzed the morphology and morphometry of P. bragai. Adult specimens of the parasite were collected from naturally infected Columba livia kidneys, fixed and prepared for observation via bright field and differential interference contrast light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The parasite has an elongated and flattened body, with a subterminal oral sucker located at the anterior end of the body, as observed by all techniques used. Staining the parasite with hematoxylin-eosin enabled observation of the pharynx, located posteriorly to the oral sucker, the vitelline glands, which are extra-cecal and extend anteriorly to the pre-ovarian region and later to the median region of the body, and intestinal caeca parallel to the vitelline glands. The presence and functionality of the acetabulum are controversial points in the literature, but it was observed in all specimens analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, with a major diameter of 38.36 ± 6.96 (28.77 - 45.39) and minor diameter of 31.59 ± 7.04 (21.75 - 38.16). Close to the acetabulum, scales were observed in the integument of the parasite. Scales with (1 - 5) blade divisions were identified. In the genital pore, it was possible to see the everted cirrus with rosette shape. The excretory pore (first morphometric record) is dorsal and subterminal, with major diameter of 12.27 ± 9.16 (5.79 - 18.75) and minor diameter of 3.95 ± 1.49 (2.89 - 5.00).

Paratanaisia bragai é um trematódeo digenético que atinge a maturidade sexual nos ductos coletores de aves domésticas e silvestres, enquanto os moluscos Subulina octona e Leptinaria unilamellata atuam como seus hospedeiros intermediários no Brasil. O presente estudo analisou a morfologia e morfometria de P. bragai. Amostras adultas do parasito foram coletadas de rins de Columba livia naturalmente infectada, fixadas e preparadas para observação na microscopia de campo claro e microscopia de luz de contraste de interferência diferencial e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. O parasite possui corpo alongado e achatado, com uma ventosa oral subterminal localizada na extremidade anterior do corpo, conforme observado por todas as técnicas utilizadas. A coloração do parasito com hematoxilina-eosina permitiu observar a faringe, localizada posteriormente à ventosa oral, as glândulas vitelogênicas, que são extracecais e estendem-se anteriormente à região pré-ovariana e posteriormente à região mediana do corpo, e os cecos intestinais paralelos às glândulas vitelinas. A presença e funcionalidade do acetábulo são pontos controversos na literatura, mas foi observado em todos os espécimes analisados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, com diâmetro maior de 38.36 ± 6.96 (28.77 - 45.39) e diâmetro menor de 31.59 ± 7,04 (21.75 - 38.16). Próximo ao acetábulo foram observadas escamas no tegumento do parasito. Escamas com (1 - 5) divisões de lâmina foram identificadas. No poro genital, foi possível visualizar o cirro evertido com formato de roseta. O poro excretor (primeiro registro morfométrico) é dorsal e subterminal, com diâmetro maior de 12.27 ± 9.16 (5.79 - 18.75) e diâmetro menor de 3.95 ± 1.49 (2.89 - 5.00).

Aspects of skin morphology and morphometry of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla, LINNAEUS, 1758) / spectos da morfologia e morfometria da pele do tamanduá bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla, LINNAEUS, 1758)

The aim of the present study is to describe the skin morphology and morphometry of the giant anteater (M. tridactyla), based on comparative analysis applied to skin segments from central metacarpal torus (palmar pad), dorsal thorax, ventral cervical, ventral abdomen, medial carpal and nasal regions. In order to do so, eight adult specimens of M. tridactyla were used for macroscopic studies and four for microscopic assessments. Microscopy was used to assess fur general features that were macroscopically assessed through visual analysis. Fragments (2.0cm²) were collected from the selected regions for microscopic studies. Samples were fixed on McDowell solution, processed through routine histology techniques and subjected to semi-serial cuts (5 µm). The cuts were stained in HE, Alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff. General morphology of different skin layers was described, as well as their architecture and composition; mesoscopy of the epidermis, dermis and stratum corneum was also carried out. There was difference in skin morphometry between males and females, and between different skin regions in the same animal, based on the statistical evaluation of the recorded values. All epidermis layers were assessed for the selected regions. Dermis encompassed surface and deep layers; it presented sweat and sebaceous glands, as well as hair follicles. Findings also allowed reporting that epidermis components are easily identified given its thickness, and the large amount of sweat glands in it ­ it contrasts its physiological features.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a morfologia e morfometria da pele do Tamanduá-bandeira (M. tridactyla), mediante a análise comparativa de segmentos cutâneos das regiões central do toro metacarpal (coxim palmar), dorsal do tórax, cervical ventral, ventral do abdome, medial do carpo e nasal. Para tanto, foram utilizados oito exemplares adultos de M. tri-dactyla para o estudo macroscópico, e quatro destes para o estudo microscópico. Macroscopicamente estudou-se, por meio de análise visual, as características gerais do pelo e pelagem. Para o estudo microscópico, foram coletados fragmentos de 2,0 cm2 das áreas selecionadas. As amostras foram fixadas em solução de McDowell, processadas pelas técnicas rotineiras de his-tologia e submetidas a cortes semi-seriados de 5 µm. Os cortes foram corados com HE, azul de Alcian e ácido periódico de Schiff. Descreveu-se a morfologia geral, a arquitetura e a composição das diferentes camadas da pele e ainda realizou-se a mesoscopia da epiderme, derme e estrato córneo. De acordo com a avaliação estatística dos valores obtidos, houve diferença na morfometria cutânea entre machos e fêmeas, e entre as diferentes regiões cutâneas de um mesmo animal. Nas regiões estu-dadas observou-se todas as camadas da epiderme. A derme compôs-se das camadas superficial e profunda, apresentado glân-dulas sudoríferas e sebáceas e folículos pilosos. Dentre os achados também pode-se relatar que os componentes da epiderme são facilmente identificáveis pela sua maior espessura, além da grande quantidade de glândulas sudoríferas presentes, o que contrasta com suas características fisiológicas.(AU)

Urethral obstruction due to seminal vesiculitis in a sheep: case report / Obstrução uretral por vesiculite seminal em ovino: relato de caso

We report a case of urethral obstruction due to seminal vesiculitis in a Dorper sheep, with symptoms of anuria, rectal prolapse, orchitis/epididymitis, and uroperitoneum and biochemical tests indicating severe azotemia. The animal died due to advanced azotemia, and necropsy revealed kidneys with cortical and medullary necrosis, pyelonephritis of renal calyces, hydronephrosis, ruptured and necrotic bladder, and vesicular, bulbourethral, and ampoule accessory sex glands. There was prostate hyperplasia that revealed a large amount of pus in the cross section, which was also observed bilaterally in the epididymis and right testis. Morphotintorial and biochemical analyses of bacteria obtained from microbiological culture revealed Corynebacterium sp. and Escherichia coli. Infection, hyperplasia, and abscessation of accessory sex glands caused urethral compression, resulting in an obstructive condition, similar to urolithiasis, in addition to bacteremia. Hyperplastic seminal vesiculitis, although rare, must be included among the differential diagnoses of obstructive processes in the urinary tract of sheep.

Relata-se um caso de obstrução uretral decorrente de vesiculite seminal em carneiro da raça Dorper, com quadro de anúria, prolapso retal, orquite/epididimite e uroperitôneo, com exames bioquímicos indicativos de severa azotemia. Devido ao quadro avançado de azotemia, o animal faleceu e, na necropsia, foi observado:: rins com necrose de cortical e medular, pielonefrite dos cálices renais e hidronefrose, bexiga rompida e necrosada, assim como glândulas sexuais acessórias vesiculares, bulbouretrais e ampola. Havia hiperplasia de próstata que, ao corte transversal, revelou grande quantidade de pus, que também foi observado bilateralmente no epidídimo e no testículo direito. As análises morfotintoriais e bioquímicas das bactérias obtidas a partir do cultivo microbiológico foram compatíveis com Corynebacterium sp. e Escherichia coli. A infecção, a hiperplasia e a abscedação das glândulas sexuais acessória, causaram compressão uretral, levando a um quadro obstrutivo, semelhante à urolitíase, somado à bacteremia. A vesiculite seminal hiperplásica, apesar de rara, deve ser incluída entre os diagnósticos diferenciais dos processos obstrutivos do trato urinário de carneiros.

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.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: comparison between pneumoperitoneum and the use of a laparoscopic lift device in dog cadavers / Adrenalectomia laparoscópica: comparação entre o pneumoperitônio e o uso de dispositivo paraliftlaparoscopy em cadáveres de cães

This study evaluated the feasibility of abdominal liftfor laparoscopic adrenalectomy and compared it with the conventional laparoscopic technique using pneumoperitoneum with medicinal CO2 in dog cadavers. The total surgical time (TST), adrenalectomy time (AT), and gland integrity after removal were evaluated. Thirty-eight adrenalectomies were performed in 19 cadavers. Regardless of the antimere, the TST was significantly lower in the CO2 procedures than in the lift laparoscopy procedures (P=0.001). When comparing the techniques between antimeres, the TST was significantly higher on the left side with lift laparoscopy than with CO2 (P=0.015) and similar between the techniques on the right side of the animals (P=0.086). In the comparison of AT, regardless of the execution side, no differences were observed between the techniques (P=0.05). The same was observed when AT was evaluated separately using antimeres (P=0.902). Of the 38 adrenals evaluated, 92.1% were removed in a single block, and 32.29% had a superficial lesion in the capsule. There was no difference between the groups in the removal capacity in a single block (P=0.340) and capsule integrity (P=0.287). Abdominal lift for laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a feasible technique in dog cadavers; however, it requires a longer surgical time than the conventional technique. The traction force used to elevate the abdominal wall must be evaluated.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a exequibilidade da adrenalectomia laparoscópica utilizando dispositivo de elevação da parede abdominal via liftlaparoscopy e comparar com a técnica laparoscópica convencional utilizando pneumoperitônio com CO2 medicinal em cadáveres de cães. Para isso, avaliou-se tempo cirúrgico total (TCT), tempo de adrenalectomia (TA) e integridade das glândulas após remoção. Foram realizadas 38 adrenalectomias em 19 cadáveres. Independentemente do antímero, o TCT foi significativamente menor nos procedimentos com CO2 do que com liftlaparoscopy (P=0,001). Na comparação das técnicas entre antímeros, o TCT foi significativamente maior no lado esquerdo com liftlaparoscopy do que com CO2 (P = 0,015) e semelhante entre as técnicas no lado direito dos animais (P=0,086). Já na comparação do TA, independente do lado de execução, não foram observadas diferenças entre os métodos (P=0,05). O mesmo foi observado quando o TA foi avaliado separadamente por antímero (P=0,902). Das 38 adrenais avaliadas, 92,1% foram removidas em um único bloco e destas, 32,29% apresentaram lesão superficial na cápsula. Não houve diferença entre grupos para capacidade de remoção em um único bloco (P=0,340) e da integridade da cápsula (P=0,287). A adrenalectomia laparoscópica por elevação da parede abdominal é factível de ser realizada em cadáveres de cães, entretanto, demanda maior tempo cirúrgico quando comparada à técnica convencional. Além disso, a força de tração empregada para elevar a parede abdominal necessita ser avaliada.