Vitamin A deficiency as a cause of blindness in feedlot calves / Deficiência de vitamina A como causa de cegueira em bezerros confinados

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient to reproduction, development, normal growth, and function of the nervous system and vision, especially in growing animals. Hypovitaminosis A can affect any of these functions. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical signs, pathological aspects, and diagnostic approach in an outbreak of blindness in feedlot calves fed only grain. Five of 57 ten-month-old calves became blind after eight months at the feedlot. Clinical signs were mydriasis, absent pupillary and menace reflexes, bilaterally. Hypovitaminosis A was suspected and subsequently confirmed by low serum levels of vitamin A. One calf was euthanized and necropsied, and no gross findings were present. Histopathological lesions were restricted to the retina and characterized by degeneration and atrophy of the photoreceptor layer and some retinal scars. The calves were treated with intramuscular vitamin A injection at a dose of 5,000 international units (IU) per kilogram of body weight (kg BW) every 60 days until slaughter. Affected calves did not recover visual capacity, but no other cases occurred.

Vitamina A é um micronutriente essencial para reprodução, desenvolvimento, crescimento normal, além de participar do funcionamento do sistema nervoso central e visão, especialmente em animais em crescimento. Hipovitaminose A pode afetar qualquer uma dessas funções. O objetivo desse artigo é descrever a epidemiologia, sinais clínicos, aspectos patológicos e abordagem diagnóstica em um surto de cegueira em bezerros confinados alimentados apenas com grãos. De 57 bezerros de dez meses de idade, cinco ficaram cegos após oito meses no confinamento. Os sinais clínicos eram midríase, ausência de reflexo pupilar a luz e de ameaça, bilateralmente. Suspeitou-se de hipovitaminose A, que foi subsequentemente confirmada pelos baixos níveis séricos de vitamina A. Um bezerro foi eutanasiado e necropsiado, e alterações macroscópicas não foram encontradas. Lesões histopatológicas estavam restritas a retina e caracterizavam-se por degeneração e atrofia da camada de fotorreceptores, além de cicatrizes na retina. Os bezerros foram tratados com injeção intramuscular de vitamina A, na dose de 5.000 unidades internacionais (UI) por quilograma de peso vivo (Kg PV) a cada 60 dias, até o dia do abate. Os bezerros afetados não recuperaram a capacidade visual, mas novos casos não ocorreram.

Mammal prevalence after the fire catastrophe in northeastern Pantanal, Brazil

Fire might occur under natural conditions in the Pantanal of Brazil; however, with climate change, severe periods of drought potentiated the devasting fires in 2020, resulting in substantial wildlife loss. Considering that mammal communities are strongly affected by fire and habitat alterations, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible differences in mammal diversity and the number of records before and one year after the fire in one region of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil (Parque SESC Baía das Pedras - PSBP). The data collection was performed using camera trapping between 2015 and 2017 and 2021, together with visual field observations in PSBP. We observed that the mammal assemblage composition was similar before and one year after the fire. Four species were more or less frequent in burned areas than in unburned ones. Since the fire was controlled in this area, avoiding its total destruction, and the species that fled from the surrounding areas, which were completely burnt, might be using PSBP as a refuge while the vegetation recovers elsewhere. Therefore, the PSBP might have contributed to protecting mammal species after the fire and maintaining and conserving biodiversity on a regional scale in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Use of automated central lamellar superficial keratectomy in the treatment of chronic pigmentary superficial keratitis in dogs / [Uso da ceratectomia superficial lamelar central automatizada no tratamento das ceratites superficiais pigmentares crônicas em cães]

Pigmentary superficial keratitis (PSK) is a chronic corneal disorder with different causes, which may include immune-mediated diseases and reactions to ultraviolet rays. This study aimed to evaluate the use of automated central lamellar superficial keratectomy (ACLSK) in the treatment of chronic pigmentary superficial keratitis (CPSK) in dogs. We enrolled 24 animals with CPSK and loss of visual function even after clinical treatment with preserved post-corneal transparent media, and the potential for recovery of visual function after surgical treatment. The microkeratome was positioned on the eye surface, and the central corneal lamellae were obtained after translation. With ACSLC, 21 animals (87.5%) recovered their visual function. In 3 animals (12.5%), the formation of granuloma and posterior central leukoma in the cornea compromised the transparency of the visual axis. This study concludes that ACLSK is a viable surgical alternative for the restoration of visual function in dogs with severe PSK, thus improving their quality of life. The short execution time of this procedure reduces the costs and anesthetic risks.

A ceratite pigmentar superficial (CPS) é uma doença crônica da córnea, com diferentes causas, que podem incluir doenças imunomediadas e reação aos raios ultravioleta. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a utilização da ceratectomia superficial lamelar central automatizada (CSLCA) no tratamento da ceratite superficial pigmentar crônica (CSPC) em cães. Vinte e quatro animais incluídos apresentaram CSPC e perda da função visual mesmo após o tratamento clínico, porém mantiveram os meios transparentes pós-córnea preservados e o potencial de recuperação da função visual após o tratamento cirúrgico. O microcerátomo foi posicionado na superfície do olho e, após o término de sua translação, foram obtidas as lamelas centrais da córnea. Com a CSLCA, 21 animais (87,5%) recuperaram a função visual. Em três animais (12,5%), a formação de granuloma e leucoma central posterior na córnea comprometeu a transparência do eixo visual. Este estudo conclui que a CSLCA é uma alternativa cirúrgica viável para o restabelecimento da função visual em cães com CPS grave, melhorando, assim, sua qualidade de vida. Seu curto tempo de execução proporciona redução de custos e de riscos anestésicos.

Primary corneal hemangiosarcoma in a tapir (Tapirus terrestris)

Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant vascular tumor commonly described in veterinary ophthalmology as emerging at the margin of the third eyelid and bulbar conjunctiva. The primary corneal attachment of the tumor is considered rare, as the cornea is an avascular structure, but there are sparse reports of primary occurrences in the cornea of dogs, cats, and horses. No reports were found in wild animals. The Tapirus terrestris, commonly known as Tapir, is a perissodactyl mammal that inhabits South America regions, being considered the largest terrestrial mammal of Brazil and one of the most popular animals in zoos in various countries. This paper aims to report the first case of primary corneal hemangiosarcoma in a 25-year-old female Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) held in captivity. Case: A 25-year-old Tapirus terrestris female presented an irregular mass in the right cornea, mucopurulent secretion, and inconclusive previous cytological evaluation. It also had a history of a milky cornea for many years, and in the last 12 months, a tissue growth was observed, as well as the occurrence of mucopurulent secretion. The menace response in the right eye was negative. In the ophthalmologic examination, a red-colored, lobed, hemorrhagic, and ulcerated mass occupying approximately 90% of the cornea was observed, and in the peripheral cornea, there was an intense discoloration. Due to the extension of the mass and visual loss, the transpalpebral enucleation was performed under general inhalation anesthesia. The histopathological analysis evidenced a vascular tumor restricted to the central peripheral cornea, composed of blood vessels of small and large caliber, showing polygonal endothelial cells with moderate atypia, anisocytosis, and anisocariasis, in addition to dense stroma and inflammatory cells. The mass occupied the anterior corneal stroma, and there was no involvement of bulbar conjunctiva, sclera, or intraocular structures. The immunohistochemical study revealed the positivity of neoplastic cells for CD31, and the proliferative index of the lesion was evaluated by the Ki-67 as inferior to 10%. Discussion: The histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations evidenced a hypercellular lesion, and the diagnosis of primary corneal hemangiosarcoma (HSA) was possible due to the significant cellular atypia identified in the lesion. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of corneal hemangiosarcoma described in Tapirus terrestris. The HAS is a malignant neoplasm originating in the vascular endothelial cells. There is a significant correlation between the HSA and prolonged exposure to solar radiation. The tapir of this report lived in a high-altitude region with exposure to ultraviolet rays; therefore, it might be an important predisposing factor for the HSA emergence. The chosen treatment for vascular tumors according to the visual prognostic is the lamellar keratectomy; however, the transpalpebral enucleation was the elected treatment since the eye was not visual, the neoplasm had a great extension, the animal was in advanced age and lived in captivity, and it was difficult to handle the animal without sedation to perform adjuvant therapies. Since the mass corresponded to 90% of the cornea, total removal with free edges would not be possible as described in the literature, and, therefore, there was an increased risk of relapse. In the follow-up after 3 years of surgical excision, the animal remained free of metastasis, reinforcing the diagnosis of primary corneal hemangiosarcoma.

Focal spinal hyperesthesia as a prognostic factor in paraplegic dogs without deep pain perception / Hiperestesia espinhal focal como fator prognóstico em cães paraplégicos sem percepção de dor profunda

Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is the most common cause of spinal cord compression in dogs, whose prognosis is variable and depends on several factors, with deep pain perception (DPP) being the main parameter used. Investigations of new prognostic factors are studied to assist in the estimation of functional recovery. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate whether spinal hyperesthesia (SH) at the compression site can be used as a prognostic factor for the functional recovery of dogs with acute IVDE (Hansen type I), without DPP being subjected to thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy. Decompression surgery was performed on the same day or the day after admission. The duration of the loss of DPP until surgery performance ranged from 1 to 60 days, with a median of 4.5 days for the group of dogs with SH and 5.5 days for those without SH. Among the 68 dogs included in this retrospective study, 73.5% (50/68) showed SH, and 26.5% (18/68) were not identified. Recovery was satisfactory in 60% (30/50) of dogs with SH and in 27.7% (5/18) of dogs without SH, demonstrating that paraplegic dogs without DPP but with SH were 3.9 times more likely to recover when compared to dogs in the same condition, but with no SH. No studies have evaluated SH by palpation of the spine as a prognostic factor, which reinforces the relevance of the present study. The results of this study imply that SH in paraplegic dogs affected by thoracolumbar IVDE, without the presence of DPP, can be used as a possible prognostic indicator of functional recovery.

A extrusão do disco intervertebral (EDIV) é a causa mais comum de lesão compressiva na medula espinhal de cães, cujo prognóstico é variável e depende de diversos fatores, sendo a percepção de dor profunda (PDP) o principal parâmetro utilizado. Pesquisas de novos fatores prognósticos são estudados com intuito de auxiliar na estimativa mais precisa de recuperação funcional. Com isso, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar se a hiperestesia espinhal (HE) no local da compressão, pode ser utilizada como um fator prognóstico para recuperação funcional de cães com extrusão aguda do disco intervertebral (Hansen tipo I), sem a presença de PDP submetidos a hemilaminectomia toracolombar. A cirurgia descompressiva ocorreu no mesmo dia ou no dia seguinte ao atendimento. A duração da perda de dor profunda até a realização da cirurgia variou de 1 a 60 dias, com uma mediana de 4,5 dias para o grupo de cães com e 5,5 dias para aqueles sem hiperestesia espinhal. Dos 68 cães incluídos nesse estudo retrospectivo, 73,5% (50/68) apresentavam HE e, em 26,5% (18/68) a dor não foi identificada. A recuperação foi satisfatória nos cães com HE em 60% (30/50) e, sem HE, em 27,7% (5/18) dos casos, demonstrando que os cães paraplégicos sem PDP, mas com presença de hiperestesia espinhal tem 3,9 vezes mais chances de recuperação quando comparado com cães na mesma condição, mas sem HE. Não foram encontrados trabalhos que avaliaram a HE mediante a palpação da coluna vertebral como um fator prognóstico, o que reforça a relevância do presente estudo. Os resultados do presente trabalho sugerem que a HE em cães paraplégicos acometidos por EDIV toracolombar sem presença de PDP pode ser utilizada como um possível indicador prognóstico de recuperação funcional.

Insecticides action of neonicotinoids group in fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) control on bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Among several factors that impact the bean culture productivity there are pest insects, which affect the plant since seeding until postharvest, causing loss in the culture yield. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) stands out among the main pests of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of insecticides of the neonicotinoid group in the control of the fall armyworm in the bean crop, comparing dinotefuran, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid performance. Experimental design was composed of blocks entirely randomized, with 9 treatments and 10 replicates. Three caterpillars, at the stage of second instar, were used in each experiment, focusing on the ingestion of leaves containing the treatments. Evaluations were realized in the intervals of 1, 3, 6 and 8 days after every application, counting the number of caterpillars alive in the Petri's dish, attributing visual notes on bean leaves, according to the foliar area affected (consumed). The dinotefuran treatment with the highest dose presented superior efficiency at 80% in the first evaluation. The thiamethoxam treatment with the lowest dose, in the latest analyses, showed efficient superior at 90%. The major doses of all treatments presented efficiency higher than 80% in the last evaluations, being efficient in the S. frugiperda control.

Complete avulsion of the hoof capsule and subsequent testicular degeneration in a criollo stallion

Background: Complete avulsion of the hoof in horses, also known as exungulation, is not a commonly reported injury and usually leads to euthanasia due to the great amount of tissue loss, intense pain, secondary complications, expensive and lengthy treatment. It can involve deep structures and cause different complications leading to chronic lameness. In stallions affected by such injury, the reproductive tract and performance may also be affected. The aim of this study was to report a case of complete avulsion of the right front hoof in a Criollo stallion and subsequent bilateral testicular degeneration. Case: A 10-year-old Criollo stallion was referred to the Veterinary Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas (HCV- UFPel) with a complete avulsion of the left front hoof. At admission, the stallion had clinical parameters compatible with intense pain and blood loss. Evaluation of the wound demonstrated that the distal end of the third phalanx (P3) was exposed but no fracture was detected on radiological evaluation. No other structure was apparently affected. Initially, anti-inflammatory (phenylbutazone) and opioid (morphine) was given for pain control and supportive fluid therapy was started to restore hydration. Antibiotic (Sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim) was administered for 10 days. Continued therapy with phenylbutazone, pentoxifylline, omeprazole and supplementation with methionine, biotin and zinc was also given. Local treatment was carried out by cleaning the wound, applying an antimicrobial ointment and dressing it with a bandage. Wound management was adapted according to the evolution and healing process. The stallion was kept in stall rest during its hospitalization time. In the second month after the injury, accumulation of liquid in the scrotum was observed. Clinical and ultrasound evaluation lead to a presumptive diagnosis of testicular degeneration. The stallion was discharged after three months when the wound was almost healed and the hoof had started to grow. Six month later, a follow up by the referring vet showed that the hoof was almost completely grown and the x-ray assessment demonstrated a dorsal rotation and resorption of the distal end of the third phalanx. Discussion: The stallion of this report had a complete avulsion of the hoof capsule caused by trauma. Conservative treatment was established including wound cleaning and dressing to avoid contamination, control of pain and inflammation, antimicrobial care and supplementation to support hoof growth. Time period for wound healing and hoof growth was in agreement with other cases described previously. Bone sequestrum of the distal end of the third phalanx, and detachment of a fragment were observed in this case, followed by bone resorption. The stallion was closely monitored to prevent laminitis in the contralateral limb and no alterations were detected during the treatment period. Testicular degeneration was observed, probably caused as a consequence of hoof avulsion and due to a long period of stall rest. Degenerative alterations in testicles interfere with thermoregulation and spermatogenesis, affecting semen quality and reproductive performance. Rotation of the third phalanx was also observed six months later caused by the hoof loss. In conclusion, the patient of this report had a complete regrowth of the hoof capsule although a long intensive treatment was necessary to achieve this result. As a consequence, testicles degeneration may happen impairing its function as a stallion.(AU)

Anesthesia for osteosynthesis of femur in a cane toad (Rhinella marina)

Background: The taxonomic order Anura is composed of frogs and toads, with approximately 6,000 species worldwide, of which 900 species are found in Brazil. Rhinella marina, popularly known as "sapo-cururu," is the most commonly found frog in Brazil. Although most of these animals are found in research laboratories and zoos, they are increasingly being reared as pets. Therefore, sedation or anesthesia is often necessary for these animals to facilitate medical care, complementary examinations, or surgical procedures. However, there are only a few reports of anesthesia in frogs. Therefore, the present report aimed to describe the anesthetic protocol for femoral osteosynthetic surgery in an adult cane toad. Case: An adult cane toad presented with a history of difficulty in moving the left hindlimb and loss of limb movements. Radiography showed a simple, complete, transverse, and closed average shaft of the left femur and bone shaft fracture deviation. The animal was referred for an osteosynthetic surgery to stabilize the fracture. Animal restraint was performed using humidified gloves on the operating table. As premedication, ketamine, meloxicam, and morphine were administered, and general anesthesia was induced with isoflurane through a face mask. The anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane through a drip on the animal's back for cutaneous absorption. Lidocaine (2%) anesthetic gel was applied on the incision line to complement the somatic analgesia. The fracture was fixed using an intramedullary Kirschner pin. The heart rate was measured based on the beep of the arterial pulse using a Doppler ultrasonic device, respiratory rate was recorded by visual observation of the animal's respiratory motion, and body temperature was assessed using an esophageal digital thermometer - all of these remained stable during the procedure. Morphine, enrofloxacin, and meloxicam were administered postoperatively. The animal was discharged from the hospital seven days after the surgery, and 14 days later, the animal was deemed clinically stable with favorable wound healing. Discussion: Toads use their skin to breathe and maintain osmotic balance. Therefore, their skin is extremely sensitive to dehydration, requiring constant wetting. General anesthesia in amphibians is recommended for prolonged and painful procedures, as in the present case. Different anesthetics, analgesics, and associated drugs may be used. Ketamine is often used for chemical restraint in amphibians, and the induction and recovery times may vary due to sensitivity and drug resistance. Inhalational anesthesia with isoflurane may also be effective; in the present case, the anesthetic was administered using a mask placed on the frog's skin, without any irritation. Analgesia is essential for any animal, and amphibians have opioid receptors that may be used as targets of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. As indicated for all species, the animal was monitored throughout the procedure. Assessment of heartbeat is the simplest way to monitor anesthesia using Doppler (on the heart or throat); in the present case, was placed on the axillary artery for clear auscultation. In addition, other parameters, such as temperature and primary respiratory movements, were monitored. Anesthetic recovery can take hours or even days, whereas excretion depends on the metabolic rate of each animal. In the present case, recovery was observed 4 h after completion of the procedure, using fresh water on the animal's body to accelerate recovery, as indicated in the literature. This case demonstrated that anesthesia and medications used for anesthesia induction, maintenance, and recovery are safe in toads. For cane toads, during femoral osteosynthesis, this anesthetic procedure has never been described previously in the literature. Finally, such information can aid veterinarians in performing safe and adequate analgesic and anesthetic procedures for the wellbeing of animals.

Conduta diagnóstica em equino da raça Crioula com síndrome de Cushing / Diagnostic process in a crioulo horse with Cushing’s syndrome

Background: Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, also known as equine Cushing’s syndrome, is a neurodegenerative disease. An important risk factor for Cushing’s is advanced aging and it is the most common endocrine disorder inolder horses. The prevalence in horses aged over 10 and 15 years is reported as 9.3% and 21%, respectively. Due to the slowprogressive nature of the disease, seasonal variation in hormone output and overlapping endocrine response to other events,accurate diagnosis is challenging. The diagnosis requires the combination of anamnesis, clinical signs, in addition to laboratory tests results. This study aimed to report Cushing’s syndrome in a Crioulo breed horse focusing on diagnostic methods.Case: A 13-year-old male Crioulo breed, orchiectomized, was attended at the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), in PassoFundo, RS, Brazil. The owner reported that the animal had progressive weight loss and coat abnormal growth, with curlyappearance. From visual inspection, body condition score was 4 (1-9) bulging abdomen was noticed, hirsutism, depressionand lethargy. Also, there was a large neoplastic mass on the left side of gluteal region. Later, this mass was classified inhistopathological examination as a fibroblastic sarcoid and was treated. The animal presented physical parameters withinthe physiological limits of the specie. Normochromic normocytic anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis were reported in thehematologic evaluation. In coproparasitological examination, there were 300 eggs per gram of feaces. Hyperadrenocorticismwas suspected in the clinical examination and dexamethasone suppression test was performed to confirm the fact. Basal serumwas collected at 17 h (M0) and subsequently 40 µg/kg of dexamethasone was administered intramuscular...

Conduta diagnóstica em equino da raça Crioula com síndrome de Cushing / Diagnostic process in a crioulo horse with Cushings syndrome

Background: Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, also known as equine Cushings syndrome, is a neurodegenerative disease. An important risk factor for Cushings is advanced aging and it is the most common endocrine disorder inolder horses. The prevalence in horses aged over 10 and 15 years is reported as 9.3% and 21%, respectively. Due to the slowprogressive nature of the disease, seasonal variation in hormone output and overlapping endocrine response to other events,accurate diagnosis is challenging. The diagnosis requires the combination of anamnesis, clinical signs, in addition to laboratory tests results. This study aimed to report Cushings syndrome in a Crioulo breed horse focusing on diagnostic methods.Case: A 13-year-old male Crioulo breed, orchiectomized, was attended at the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), in PassoFundo, RS, Brazil. The owner reported that the animal had progressive weight loss and coat abnormal growth, with curlyappearance. From visual inspection, body condition score was 4 (1-9) bulging abdomen was noticed, hirsutism, depressionand lethargy. Also, there was a large neoplastic mass on the left side of gluteal region. Later, this mass was classified inhistopathological examination as a fibroblastic sarcoid and was treated. The animal presented physical parameters withinthe physiological limits of the specie. Normochromic normocytic anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis were reported in thehematologic evaluation. In coproparasitological examination, there were 300 eggs per gram of feaces. Hyperadrenocorticismwas suspected in the clinical examination and dexamethasone suppression test was performed to confirm the fact. Basal serumwas collected at 17 h (M0) and subsequently 40 µg/kg of dexamethasone was administered intramuscular...(AU)

Central blindness associated with a pituitary adenoma in a mare / Cegueira de origem central associado a adenoma de pars intermedia de hipófise em uma égua

Background: Pituitary pars intermedia (PI) adenoma is a benign adenohypophysis neoplasm, rare in Brazil, which maycompress adjacent structures and lead to dysfunctions of the endocrine organs. The most affected species are equines,particularly aged animals. This neoplastic disease is often associated with Cushing’s syndrome, when the pituitaryadrenocortical axis is affected. However, this neoplasm is seldom associated with clinical blindness. This paper describesa case of pituitary pars intermedia (PI) adenoma which caused blindness in a mare.Case: An emaciated, blind mare that had difficulty finding water and food was referred to “Hospital Veterinário de GrandesAnimais” of “Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro”, in Seropédica, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and later tothe “Setor de Anatomia Patológica” (SAP/UFRRJ) for necropsy. During necropsy it was found that the animal’s pituitarygland consisted of a circumscribed globous mass measuring 3.5x2.5x2.5 cm, symmetrical and well delimited at the sellaturcica. Several organs were collected, fixed in 10% formalin and then processed for histological examination. The brainwas subjected to serial cleavage along the path of the vision organs. All collected tissues were stained with hematoxylinand eosin; the pituitary was stained with Schiff Periodic Acid (PAS) to differentiate neoplastic cells and with Luxol FastBlue to evidence demyelination. Histopathology found that the pars intermedia (PI) was thickened and compressed theneurohypophysis and adenohypophysis. Cells were arranged in a disorganized manner or formed follicles or cysts containing eosinophilic material (colloid), with granules strongly positive after staining with PAS. Proliferated cells werelarge, polyhedral to ovoid, and contained clear basophilic granular material. The nuclei were spherical to ovoid and therewere mild anisocytosis and anisocariasis. Cysts were frequently found in the pars intermedia (PI)...

Central blindness associated with a pituitary adenoma in a mare / Cegueira de origem central associado a adenoma de pars intermedia de hipófise em uma égua

Background: Pituitary pars intermedia (PI) adenoma is a benign adenohypophysis neoplasm, rare in Brazil, which maycompress adjacent structures and lead to dysfunctions of the endocrine organs. The most affected species are equines,particularly aged animals. This neoplastic disease is often associated with Cushings syndrome, when the pituitaryadrenocortical axis is affected. However, this neoplasm is seldom associated with clinical blindness. This paper describesa case of pituitary pars intermedia (PI) adenoma which caused blindness in a mare.Case: An emaciated, blind mare that had difficulty finding water and food was referred to “Hospital Veterinário de GrandesAnimais” of “Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro”, in Seropédica, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and later tothe “Setor de Anatomia Patológica” (SAP/UFRRJ) for necropsy. During necropsy it was found that the animals pituitarygland consisted of a circumscribed globous mass measuring 3.5x2.5x2.5 cm, symmetrical and well delimited at the sellaturcica. Several organs were collected, fixed in 10% formalin and then processed for histological examination. The brainwas subjected to serial cleavage along the path of the vision organs. All collected tissues were stained with hematoxylinand eosin; the pituitary was stained with Schiff Periodic Acid (PAS) to differentiate neoplastic cells and with Luxol FastBlue to evidence demyelination. Histopathology found that the pars intermedia (PI) was thickened and compressed theneurohypophysis and adenohypophysis. Cells were arranged in a disorganized manner or formed follicles or cysts containing eosinophilic material (colloid), with granules strongly positive after staining with PAS. Proliferated cells werelarge, polyhedral to ovoid, and contained clear basophilic granular material. The nuclei were spherical to ovoid and therewere mild anisocytosis and anisocariasis. Cysts were frequently found in the pars intermedia (PI)...(AU)

When roads cross streams: fish assemblage responses to fluvial fragmentation in lowland Amazonian streams

Roads affect biodiversity by increasing mortality rates, habitat loss, and natural landscape fragmentation. Poorly installed culverts can impound streams, changing the environmental conditions, and affecting aquatic communities. We evaluated the effects of road crossings on the taxonomic composition and functional structure of fish assemblages in lowland eastern Amazonian streams, Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of road-derived impoundments affects assemblage taxonomic and functional composition and structure. Two predictions were addressed: (1) Species and functional group composition will differ in impounded reaches in relation to lotic reaches; (2) Assemblages in downstream lotic reaches will be richer in species and functional groups in relation to upstream lotic and impoundment reaches. We sampled five streams crossed by roads presenting impoundment formation, conducted by visual census (day, dusk, and night) in 200 m line transects. Assemblage composition from lentic reaches was different from lotic reaches, and Shannon diversity from downstream reaches was different from upstream and impoundment, however, beta diversity partitioning between lotic reaches showed higher nestedness contribution, reinforcing the role of impoundment in limiting fish dispersal between lotic reaches. These results suggest that impoundments impose environmental and dispersal constraints to fish, affecting their longitudinal distribution in streams fragmented by roads.(AU)

Estradas afetam a biodiversidade aumentando as taxas de mortalidade, perda de hábitat e fragmentação. Cruzamentos mal instalados represam riachos, alterando as condições ambientais e afetando as comunidades aquáticas. Avaliamos os efeitos deste impacto sobre a estrutura taxonômica e funcional das assembleias de peixes em riachos da Amazônia Oriental, Brasil. Testamos a hipótese de que a presença dos alagados derivados de estradas afeta a composição e estrutura taxonômica e funcional das assembleias. Nossas predições foram: (1) A composição de espécies e grupos funcionais é diferente entre trechos alagados e lóticos; (2) Assembleias nos trechos à jusante serão mais ricas em espécies e grupos funcionais que os trechos à montante e alagados. Amostramos cinco riachos cruzados por estradas com formação de alagamentos por censo visual (dia, crepúsculo e noite) em transectos lineares de 200 m. A composição das assembleias dos trechos lênticos diferiu dos lóticos, e a diversidade de Shannon à jusante diferiu dos trechos montante e alagados, entretanto, nos lóticos, houve maior contribuição do aninhamento na partição da diversidade beta, reforçando o papel do represamento na limitação da dispersão de peixes entre estes. Sugerimos que os represamentos impõem restrições ambientais e de dispersão aos peixes, afetando sua distribuição longitudinal em riachos fragmentados por estradas.(AU)

When roads cross streams: fish assemblage responses to fluvial fragmentation in lowland Amazonian streams

Roads affect biodiversity by increasing mortality rates, habitat loss, and natural landscape fragmentation. Poorly installed culverts can impound streams, changing the environmental conditions, and affecting aquatic communities. We evaluated the effects of road crossings on the taxonomic composition and functional structure of fish assemblages in lowland eastern Amazonian streams, Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of road-derived impoundments affects assemblage taxonomic and functional composition and structure. Two predictions were addressed: (1) Species and functional group composition will differ in impounded reaches in relation to lotic reaches; (2) Assemblages in downstream lotic reaches will be richer in species and functional groups in relation to upstream lotic and impoundment reaches. We sampled five streams crossed by roads presenting impoundment formation, conducted by visual census (day, dusk, and night) in 200 m line transects. Assemblage composition from lentic reaches was different from lotic reaches, and Shannon diversity from downstream reaches was different from upstream and impoundment, however, beta diversity partitioning between lotic reaches showed higher nestedness contribution, reinforcing the role of impoundment in limiting fish dispersal between lotic reaches. These results suggest that impoundments impose environmental and dispersal constraints to fish, affecting their longitudinal distribution in streams fragmented by roads.(AU)

Estradas afetam a biodiversidade aumentando as taxas de mortalidade, perda de hábitat e fragmentação. Cruzamentos mal instalados represam riachos, alterando as condições ambientais e afetando as comunidades aquáticas. Avaliamos os efeitos deste impacto sobre a estrutura taxonômica e funcional das assembleias de peixes em riachos da Amazônia Oriental, Brasil. Testamos a hipótese de que a presença dos alagados derivados de estradas afeta a composição e estrutura taxonômica e funcional das assembleias. Nossas predições foram: (1) A composição de espécies e grupos funcionais é diferente entre trechos alagados e lóticos; (2) Assembleias nos trechos à jusante serão mais ricas em espécies e grupos funcionais que os trechos à montante e alagados. Amostramos cinco riachos cruzados por estradas com formação de alagamentos por censo visual (dia, crepúsculo e noite) em transectos lineares de 200 m. A composição das assembleias dos trechos lênticos diferiu dos lóticos, e a diversidade de Shannon à jusante diferiu dos trechos montante e alagados, entretanto, nos lóticos, houve maior contribuição do aninhamento na partição da diversidade beta, reforçando o papel do represamento na limitação da dispersão de peixes entre estes. Sugerimos que os represamentos impõem restrições ambientais e de dispersão aos peixes, afetando sua distribuição longitudinal em riachos fragmentados por estradas.(AU)

Efeitos dos colírios a base de cloridrato de dorzolamida a 2% e latanoprosta a 0, 005% sobre a superfície ocular de coelhos / Effects of 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride and 0.005% latanoprost solutions on the eye surface of rabbits

Background: The glaucoma is a progressive optical neuropathy generally associated to the increase of the intraocular pressure (IOP). It is a disease of difficult therapeutic conduct and potential cause of blindness. The dorzolamide at 2% and the latanoprost at 0.005% are topical antiglaucoma drugs that cause significant reduction of the IOP. We decided to evaluate the local adverse effects of the dorzolamide at 2% and of the latanoprost at 0.005% in rabbits treated during 120 days. Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen adult male rabbits were used in this study. They were randomly distributed into 3 groups (G) [n = 6]. Each animal received topical treatment in both eyes: GI (latanoprost at 0.005%, SID); GII (dorzolamide at 2%, TID) and GIII (ultra-pure water, TID) during 120 days. Ophthalmological evaluation was carried out through daily clinical examination, and at the end of the 120 days of treatment, it was verified clinical-ophthalmological alterations in the eyelids. The measurement of ECC was performed in triplicate, obtaining the lowest value among them as a result. They were carried out at the same time, in the morning between 9 and 10 am in order to avoid the effects of daytime ECC variation related to corneal hydration. In animals from group I, changes were observed in two eyes. Conjunctival hyperemia and ocular secretion, both in mild degree, were evidenced, respectively, in 13.75% and 9.1% of the observations. Conjunctival hyperemia was characterized from the 16th day and lasted until the final time (120 days). The animals from GII, treated with dorzolamide at 2%, presented the highest number of ophthalmological alterations. At the end of the experiment, conjunctival and eyelid changes and presence of ocular secretion, both ranging from mild to moderate, were observed in 60% and 16.32% of eyes, respectively. The animals from control group, GIII, did not present ophthalmological alterations. Discussion: Clinical signs observed in eyes...

Pupillary membrane persistence in a feline

Background: Pupillary membrane persistence (PMP) is a congenital abnormality, which is not usually reported in felines.It is characterized by remnants of the fetal membrane that persist as filamentous tissue across the pupil. In general, thischange does not cause any clinical signs. However, the filaments may either attach to the cornea and cause small opacitiesin it or attach to the lens and cause cataracts. In most cases, there is no visual impairment, so treatment is not required.This report aims to describe a case of PMP in a domestic cat diagnosed at the Veterinary Hospital of the State Universityof Santa Cruz (HV-UESC).Case: A two-and-a-half-year-old mixed-breed castrated male cat was brought to the HV-UESC with dermatological complaints. Upon physical examination, the animal was alert with a body temperature, heart, and respiratory rate within thenormal parameters for the feline species. The lymph nodes were non-reactive, and the coloration of the oral mucosa wasnormal. There was no ophthalmic complaint from the owner, nor any loss of visual acuity. In addition, the animal hadmoderate pruritus, redness, and alopecia in the region of the ears, head, neck, chest, and back. Bristle samples were collected for an optical microscope analysis and an infestation with lice (Felicola subrostratus) was confirmed. An endectocidecontaining selamectin (15 mg; single application every 30 days) was prescribed. During physical examination, filamentoustissue crossing from iris to iris through pupil was observed in both eyes. The eyelid, corneal, and pupillary reflexes werewithin normal ranges. An ophthalmic evaluation did not identify conjunctival hyperemia or episcleral vessel congestion,and the eyelid, corneal, and pupillary reflexes were determined to be within the normal range. A slit-lamp biomicroscopydid not detect any anterior chamber alteration besides the filamentous tissue previously mentioned...

Pupillary membrane persistence in a feline

Background: Pupillary membrane persistence (PMP) is a congenital abnormality, which is not usually reported in felines.It is characterized by remnants of the fetal membrane that persist as filamentous tissue across the pupil. In general, thischange does not cause any clinical signs. However, the filaments may either attach to the cornea and cause small opacitiesin it or attach to the lens and cause cataracts. In most cases, there is no visual impairment, so treatment is not required.This report aims to describe a case of PMP in a domestic cat diagnosed at the Veterinary Hospital of the State Universityof Santa Cruz (HV-UESC).Case: A two-and-a-half-year-old mixed-breed castrated male cat was brought to the HV-UESC with dermatological complaints. Upon physical examination, the animal was alert with a body temperature, heart, and respiratory rate within thenormal parameters for the feline species. The lymph nodes were non-reactive, and the coloration of the oral mucosa wasnormal. There was no ophthalmic complaint from the owner, nor any loss of visual acuity. In addition, the animal hadmoderate pruritus, redness, and alopecia in the region of the ears, head, neck, chest, and back. Bristle samples were collected for an optical microscope analysis and an infestation with lice (Felicola subrostratus) was confirmed. An endectocidecontaining selamectin (15 mg; single application every 30 days) was prescribed. During physical examination, filamentoustissue crossing from iris to iris through pupil was observed in both eyes. The eyelid, corneal, and pupillary reflexes werewithin normal ranges. An ophthalmic evaluation did not identify conjunctival hyperemia or episcleral vessel congestion,and the eyelid, corneal, and pupillary reflexes were determined to be within the normal range. A slit-lamp biomicroscopydid not detect any anterior chamber alteration besides the filamentous tissue previously mentioned...(AU)

DIMSUB, a computer program for designing microirrigation subunits: tool definition and case studies

DIMSUB is a computer program to complement a decision support tool (DST) to effectively study different hydraulic design alternatives in microirrigation systems. We developed environments in Visual Basic for applications for Microsoft Excel® that allow specific step-by-step functions to be created for the design of irrigation subunits. Different alternatives can be considered, such as types of emitter, lateral and submain pipe sizes, different feeding points, irregular subunit shapes and topography slopes. Furthermore, specific uniformity criteria need to be considered to achieve efficient water applications and proper design systems. Lengths of run lateral and submain pipes, position of the hydrant connection, pressure head and head loss in pipes or pressure-compensating emitters can be assigned to evaluate the results and choose the best design alternative. This user-friendly tool to study hydraulic variables is expected to be a valuable aid for the decision-making process in designing irrigation systems. Some examples of practical cases under specific crop conditions to design drip irrigation subunits are given using DIMSUB.

DIMSUB, a computer program for designing microirrigation subunits: tool definition and case studies

DIMSUB is a computer program to complement a decision support tool (DST) to effectively study different hydraulic design alternatives in microirrigation systems. We developed environments in Visual Basic for applications for Microsoft Excel® that allow specific step-by-step functions to be created for the design of irrigation subunits. Different alternatives can be considered, such as types of emitter, lateral and submain pipe sizes, different feeding points, irregular subunit shapes and topography slopes. Furthermore, specific uniformity criteria need to be considered to achieve efficient water applications and proper design systems. Lengths of run lateral and submain pipes, position of the hydrant connection, pressure head and head loss in pipes or pressure-compensating emitters can be assigned to evaluate the results and choose the best design alternative. This user-friendly tool to study hydraulic variables is expected to be a valuable aid for the decision-making process in designing irrigation systems. Some examples of practical cases under specific crop conditions to design drip irrigation subunits are given using DIMSUB.(AU)

Use of crosses for sustainability in livestock farming in the Brazilian Meio-Norte region

This study evaluated different crosses for sustainable beef production in the Meio-Norte, Brazil. Thirty-four cattle [seven Curraleiro Pé-duro (CPD), six Nellore (NEL), seven ½ ½ , seven » » ½ , and seven » » ½ ] were evaluated on natural pastures in the states of Piauí and Maranhão. The animals were weighed at birth (BW); weaning (WW); 12 (W12), 18 (W18), and 24 months (W24); and slaughter (SW). The morphometric measurements of rump height (RH), withers height (WH), body length (BW), and heart girth (HG) were assessed. Hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW), loin-eye area (LEA), backfat thickness (BFT), carcass dressing percentage (DP), water-holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), shear force (SF), pH, meat color (L*M, a*M, and b*M), and fat color (L*F, a*F, and b*F) were also analyzed. The three-cross animals (F2A and F2S) showed heavier weights from weaning to slaughter as well as higher HCW and CCW. The three-cross cattle produced less methane per kg of meat. The lack of differences between the NEL, F1, F2A, and F2S animals indicates that crossbreeding did not increase their size, which could be detrimental to reproductive efficiency. Loin-eye area, BFT, and DP differed between the genetic groups, with the highest LEA obtained by F2A. Backfat thickness and DP were low in all animals, suggesting a need for increased carcass fatness. Water-holding capacity, CL, SF, pH, a*F, b*F, L*M, and a*M did not differ; therefore, crossbreeding did not affect qualitative or visual aspects of meat and fat. The use of crosses in meat production systems in the Meio-Norte region of Brazil is a viable option to improve sustainability. In this respect, three-cross animals have the best performance.(AU)