Hypertrophic phenotypic cardiomyopathy in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

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

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

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

Feline aortic thromboembolism diagnosed by thermography

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

Feline aortic thromboembolism diagnosed by thermography

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

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

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

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

Desordens hiperostóticas em American Bully / Hiperostotic disorders in american bully

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outcome of a ceratohyiodectomy in a criollo mare with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy

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

Outcome of a ceratohyiodectomy in a criollo mare with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pimobendan em gatos / Pimobendan in cats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Non-cardiogenic thromboembolism in a Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

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

Non-cardiogenic thromboembolism in a Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

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

Hypertrophic osteopathy and bone metastases in a dog with prostatic carcinoma / Osteopatia hipertrófica e metástases ósseas em um canino com carcinoma prostático

Prostatic carcinomas in are aggressive neoplasms and bone metastases may occur; however, hypertrophic osteopathy associated with that condition is poorly documented. A ten-year-old, neutered male, mixed breed dog had a history of lameness and volume increase in the left pelvic limb. On radiographic examination, a lytic bone mass was observed in the left metatarsus, as well as a diffuse proliferative periosteal reaction in several bones of the appendicular skeleton, in addition to radiopaque nodular structures in all lung lobes. A presumptive diagnosis of primary bone neoplasia with pulmonary metastases and hypertrophic osteopathy was established and chemotherapy treatment was started. However, there was no satisfactory clinical response, and euthanasia was ellected. At necropsy, there was moderate enlargement of the prostate gland. The gland was firm and whitish, with a multilobulated aspect. Several similar masses were observed in the right kidney, lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, and multiple bones of the appendicular skeleton. These bones also presented evident diffuse periosteal reaction. Histological examination revealed a metastatic prostatic carcinoma with bone involvement and hypertrophic osteopathy. This report is an unusual case of metastatic prostatic carcinoma in association with hypertrophic osteopathy and concomitant bone metastases.(AU)

Os carcinomas prostáticos em cães são neoplasmas agressivos e as metástases ósseas podem ocorrer, entretanto a associação com osteopatia hipertrófica é pouco relatada. Um canino, macho, sem raça definida de 10 anos de idade, com histórico de claudicação e aumento de volume em membro pélvico esquerdo, apresentou no exame radiográfico uma massa óssea, lítica em metatarso esquerdo, bem como reação periosteal proliferativa difusa em diversos ossos do esqueleto apendicular além de estruturas nodulares, radiopacas em todos os lobos pulmonares. Realizou-se o diagnóstico presuntivo de neoplasia óssea primaria com metástases pulmonares e osteopatia hipertrófica e iniciou-se o tratamento quimioterápico. Todavia, não houve resposta clínica satisfatória, optando-se pela eutanásia. Na necropsia foi constatado aumento de volume moderado da próstata, com aspecto multilobulado, ao corte firme e brancacento. Diversas massas similares foram observadas no rim direito, pulmões, linfonodos mediastínicos e em vários ossos do esqueleto apendicular, além de evidente reação periosteal difusa. A avaliação histológica revelou um carcinoma prostático metastático com envolvimento ósseo, bem como osteopatia hipertrófica pulmonar. Esse relato é um caso incomum de carcinoma prostático metastático devido a associação com osteopatia hipertrófica pulmonar e as metástases ósseas concomitantes.(AU)

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a sheep / Osteoartropatia hipertrófica em um ovino

This research described the radiological, clinical and pathological aspects of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a seven-year-old Santa Inês ram. The main clinical features were lameness of the thoracic and pelvic limbs, rigid, cracking and enlarged of the humeroradial, humeroulnar and tibiofemoral joints, cervical spine stiffness, and severe lordosis of the thoracolumbar vertebrae. Dyspnea, nasal discharge and abdominal breathing were also observed. On radiographic examination of the thoracic and pelvic limbs, osteoarthrosis with the formation of osteophyte bridging, intra-articular calcification and periosteum reaction were observed. At necropsy were reported bilateral osteophytosis in the humeroradial, humeroulnar, tibiofemoral and interphalangeal joints, and fusion of the bodies of thoracic vertebrae T5-13 T6 and T12-T13. Microscopically, extensive areas of fibrosis were observed in the lungs and the affected joints were thickened by well demarcated and perpendicular orientated woven and trabecular bone proliferation in the epiphysis. The periosteum was also expanded by fibrous connective tissue that extended into and between the new proliferated bone. Based on these findings, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, which is an unusual condition in sheep, was diagnosed.(AU)

Este trabalho descreve os aspectos radiográficos e clínico-patológicos de um caso de osteoartropatia hipertrófica em um ovino, macho, de sete anos de idade, da raça Santa Inês. Os principais sinais clínicos consistiram em claudicação dos membros torácicos e pélvicos, rigidez, crepitação e aumento das articulações úmero-radio-ulnar e femoro-tibio-patelar, rigidez na coluna cervical e severa lordose das vértebras toracolombares. Dispneia, secreção nasal e respiração abdominal também foram observadas. No exame radiográfico dos membros torácicos e pélvicos, foram observadas osteoartrose com formação de osteófitos em ponte, calcificação intra-articular e reação do periósteo. À necropsia notou-se osteofitose bilateral nas articulações umerorradioulnar, femorotibiopatelar e interfalangiana e fusão dos corpos das vértebras torácicas T5-T6 e T12-T13. Microscopicamente, havia áreas extensivas de fibrose pulmonar e as articulações afetadas encontravam-se expandidas pela proliferação de tecido ósseo recém-formado e trabecular, bem demarcado na epífise. O periósteo também estava expandido por tecido conjuntivo fibroso que se estendia dentro e entre o novo osso proliferado. Com base nestes achados, osteoartropatia hipertrófica, que é uma condição inusual em ovinos, foi diagnosticada.(AU)

Mast cells in the pathophysiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Golden Retriever dogs / O papel dos mastócitos na patogênese da distrofia muscular de Duchenne em cães Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) is one of the best models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with similar genotypic and phenotypic manifestations. Progressive proliferation of connective tissue in the endomysium of the muscle fibers occurs in parallel with the clinical course of the disease in GRMD animals. Previous studies suggest a relationship between mast cells and the deposition of fibrous tissue due to the release of mediators that recruit fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of mast cells and their relationship with muscle injury and fibrosis in GRMD dogs of different ages. Samples of muscle groups from six GRMD and four control dogs, aged 2 to 8 months, were collected and analyzed. The samples were processed and stained with HE, toluidine blue, and Azan trichrome. Our results showed that there was a significant increase in infiltration of mast cells in all muscle groups of GRMD dogs compared to the control group. The average number of mast cells, as well as the deposition of fibrous tissue, decreased with age in GRMD dogs. In the control group, all muscle types showed a significant increase in the amount of collagenous tissue. This suggests increased mast cell degranulation occurred in younger GRMD dogs, resulting in increased interstitial space and fibrous tissue in muscle, which then gradually decreased over time as the dogs aged. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of fibrosis.(AU)

O cão Golden Retriever distrófico (Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy - GRMD) é um dos melhores modelos da distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD), com manifestações genotípicas e fenotípicas similares. A proliferação progressiva de tecido conjuntivo no endomísio das fibras musculares ocorre paralelamente ao curso clínico da doença em animais GRMD. Estudos anteriores sugerem uma relação entre os mastócitos e a deposição de tecido fibroso devido à liberação de mediadores que recrutam fibroblastos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença de mastócitos e sua relação com a lesão muscular e fibrose em cães GRMD de diferentes idades. Amostras de grupos musculares de seis GRMD e quatro controles, com idade entre 2 a 8 meses, foram coletadas e analisadas. As amostras foram processadas e coradas com HE, azul de toluidina e tricrômico de Azan. Nossos resultados mostraram que houve um aumento significativo na infiltração de mastócitos em todos os grupos musculares de cães GRMD em comparação com o grupo controle. O número médio de mastócitos, assim como a deposição de tecido fibroso, diminuiu com a idade em cães GRMD. No grupo controle, todos os tipos musculares mostraram um aumento significativo na quantidade de tecido colágeno. Isto sugere o aumento da degranulação de mastócitos em cães GRMD mais jovens, resultando em aumento do espaço intersticial e tecido fibroso no músculo, que então gradualmente diminuiu com o tempo à medida que os cães envelheceram. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para esclarecer o papel dos mastócitos na patogênese da fibrose.(AU)