Monitoring bovine tick fever on a dairy farm: An economic proposal for rational use of medications.

In this study, we evaluated the monitoring of tick fever (TF) in a Brazilian dairy farm in the Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from July 10 to August 4, 2018. We aimed to identify diagnostic and treatment flaws in the protocol adopted by the farm, and to establish a novel and accurate TF monitoring protocol based on precision dairy farming and rational use of antimicrobials and antiparasitic drugs, while evaluating the economic benefits of the proposed strategy. We monitored TF in 395 heifer calves aged between 3 and 14 mo. According to the farm's standard protocol, all calves with an increase of 0.5°C in rectal temperature compared with the previous week's measurement were treated for Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. Blood smears were collected from the tail tip of the treated calves. During the last week of the study, we prepared blood smears of all calves regardless of treatment indication. Economic analysis was performed. The results indicated that at least 56.86% (261/459) of the calves did not require treatment for TF, whereas only 23.09% (106/459) had treatment indications. Negative blood smears (45.97%; 211/459) indicated the possibility of calves being affected by another disease or a condition that was not being adequately treated or those not necessarily sick. These results demonstrate the excessive use of medications, representing a direct economic loss, in addition to potentially favoring the occurrence of resistance to antimicrobials. In contrast, 9.42% (26/276) of calves had no treatment indication based on rectal temperature but had treatment indications based on blood smears. Only 5.73% (42/735) of blood smears had co-infection with hemopathogens, and none had triple co-infection. Therefore, we proposed the monitoring of TF using rectal temperature and microscopic analysis. If implemented, this strategy would result in a direct annual savings of approximately $22,638.96 (77.99%) related to medication for the treatment of TF. Therefore, implementing the proposed protocol would be cheaper than treatment based only on rectal temperatures. The currently implemented TF protocols overestimate the occurrence of TF, resulting in overtreatment. Thus, implementing a TF monitoring protocol based on a microscopy tool is justified, with benefits including rational use of medication, potential to generate savings, and reduced morbidity and mortality rates, in addition to enabling other diagnoses.

Avaliação morfológica do concentrado autólogo de plaquetas em cães sob refrigeração e criopreservação em DMSO 6% / [Morphological evaluation of the autologous platelet concentrate in dogs under refrigeration and criopreservation in 6% DMSO]

The morphological characteristics of the autologous platelet concentrate (APC) of 31 dogs were evaluated after cooling and freezing in 6% DMSO. Blood from the jugular vein of each patient was collected and centrifuged at 191g for six minutes to obtain APC. In the fresh sample, the platelet count, MPV, PDW and cell morphology were evaluated. Four samples of each animal were sent for storage, one refrigerated at 4°C for seven days, another for 30 days and two more stored in a freezer at -80°C in the same time interval, using 6% DMSO as cryoprotectant. The conserved samples were submitted to the same laboratory analysis as the fresh sample. There was a difference between fresh and preserved samples for platelet count, cell concentration, MPV and PDW (P<0.05), except in the 30-day refrigerated group, which showed severe morphological changes. In the frozen group for seven days, no difference was observed in the percentage of activation (P>0.05). The results obtained lead to the conclusion that cryopreservation with 6% DMSO at -80°C for seven days is a favorable option for the maintenance of platelet concentrations and the morphological characteristics of APC in dogs.(AU)

Evaluation of different sites for blood collection for ß-hydroxybutyrate assessment in dairy cows using hand-held meter / Avaliação de diferentes locais de coleta de sangue para avaliação de ß-hidroxibutirato em vacas de leite usando aparelho portátil automático

Cetose subclínica é uma grande preocupação em rebanhos leiteiros, e seu diagnóstico e prevenção podem ter um grande impacto na saúde animal. Este estudo comparou quatro locais diferentes para a coleta de amostras de sangue (jugular, veias mamárias e coccígeas e ponta da cauda) para medição de ß-hidroxibutirato (BHBA), usando-se um medidor portátil automático. Foram utilizadas seis vacas Holandesas, e a coleta de sangue foi feita no segundo, quinto, 10º, 15º e 21º dias pós-parto. Os resultados do medidor portátil foram semelhantes aos resultados do laboratório e apresentaram uma correlação forte de 0,83. As concentrações séricas de BHBA nas amostras de sangue coletadas na ponta da cauda, na jugular e na coccígea foram semelhantes. No entanto, o sangue retirado da veia mamária tinha uma concentração mais baixa. Portanto, as amostras de sangue para aferição de BHBA podem ser recolhidas nas veias jugular e coccígeas e na ponta da cauda, sendo as duas últimas as opções mais fáceis para monitorar o BHBA em rebanho leiteiro.(AU)

Mineral profile of crossbred F 1 Holstein x Gyr dairy cows during the transition period in summer and winter / Perfil mineral de vacas F1 Holandês x Gir durante o período de transição no verão e inverno

The transition period is often a great challenge for dairy cows and mineral imbalances are frequent. With the aim to better understand the mineral profile of F1 Holstein x Gyr dairy cows and their performances under the different conditions of summer and winter, we collected blood samples to measure calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Samplings were performed during summer and winter, on 15 and 13 pluriparous F1 Holstein x Gyr dairy cows, respectively. Blood sampling started 4 weeks prior to the expected calving date until 30 days postpartum. The mean concentrations of all three minerals had a different pattern during the transition period in each season, representing the interaction time x season. Calcium concentration was lower in winter and more animals suffered from subclinical hypocalcemia (100%) then in summer (38.46%). Magnesium concentration was also lower in winter and 46.67% of animals had hypomagnesemia, contributing for the higher hypocalcemia frequency observed in the same season. A high proportion of animals had hyperphosphatemia what can represent an environmental problem and more attention should be given to it. The high frequency of animals with subclinical hypocalcemia is alarming once that can lead to greater consequences.(AU)

O período de transição é uma fase de grandes desafios para vacas leiteiras, e desequilíbrios minerais são frequentes. O objetivo ao desenvolver este trabalho foi de entender melhor o perfil mineral de vacas leiteiras F1 Holandês x Gir e suas performances sob as diferentes condições de verão e inverno. Para isso, foram mensurados cálcio, magnésio e fósforo sanguíneo. As coletas de sangue foram realizadas durante os períodos de verão e inverno, e utilizaram-se, respectivamente, 15 e 13 vacas leiteiras pluríparas, todas F1 Holandês x Gir. As coletas de sangue começaram quatro semanas antes da data prevista do parto até 30 dias pós-parto. As concentrações médias e o padrão de variação dos três minerais foram distintos em cada estação do ano, representando a interação tempo de coleta x estação do ano. A concentração de cálcio foi menor no inverno, período em que todos os animais apresentaram hipocalcemia subclínica, enquanto no verão 38,46% apresentaram essa condição. A concentração de magnésio foi maior no verão e nenhum animal teve hipomagnesemia, enquanto no inverno 46,67% dos animais apresentaram hipomagnesemia subclínica, contribuindo para a maior frequência de hipocalcemia observada no inverno. Uma alta proporção de animais teve hiperfosfatemia, o que pode representar um problema ambiental. A alta frequência de animais com hipocalcemia subclínica é alarmante principalmente devido às consequências geradas por essa condição.(AU)

Bone marrow bi-hypoplasia in a dog with a sertoli cell tumor / Hipoplasia dupla de medula óssea em um cão com tumor de células de sertoli

A 20-year-old unneutered male poodle presented prostration, apathy, staggering gait, lack of appetite and tick infestation. The dog was diagnosed with a Sertoli cell tumor in an undescended testicle by cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical tests. Pancytopenia with moderate nonregenerative anemia, leukopenia and severe thrombocytopenia were detected in the complete blood count. Cytological and histopathological evaluation of the bone marrow revealed a cellularity of 30%, with erythroid (59%), lymphoid (40%) and mast cells (1%), and an absence of granulocytic, monocytic and megakaryocytic lineage cells. In post-mortem examinations, changes related to hemostatic disorders were found. The absence of microorganisms in molecular tests and an estrogen serum concentration over reference values confirmed hyperestrogenism as a possible cause of pancytopenia. The literature describes a Sertoli cell tumor hyperestrogenism that induced pancytopenia, along with bone marrow hypoplasia of all hematopoietic lineages. In contrast, in the present case, the erythroid precursor cells were preserved in the bone marrow, although there were no reticulocytes circulating in the blood. This case, therefore, should be considered in future investigations of pancytopenia induced by Sertoli cell tumor hyperestrogenism.(AU)

Um cão Poodle, macho, de 20 anos, não castrado, apresentou prostração, apatia, andar cambaleante, falta de apetite e infestação por carrapatos. Nesse animal, foi diagnosticado tumor de células de Sertoli em um testículo não descendente, utilizando-se citologia, histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica. Pancitopenia com anemia moderada não regenerativa, leucopenia e trombocitopenia intensas foram detectadas no hemograma. Na avaliação citológica e histopatológica da medula óssea, havia celularidade de 30%, constituída pelas linhagens eritroide (59%) e linfoide (40%) e por mastócitos (1%), com ausência de células das linhagens granulocítica, monocítica e megacariocítica. Em exames post mortem, mudanças relacionadas à hemostasia foram encontradas. A ausência de micro-organismos nos testes moleculares e a concentração sérica de estrogênio acima dos valores de referência confirmaram hiperestrogenismo como a possível causa da pancitopenia. A literatura descreve hiperestrogenismo em tumores de células de Sertoli induzindo pancitopenia associada com hipoplasia da medula óssea de todas as linhagens hematopoiéticas. Em contraste, no presente caso, as células precursoras eritróides estavam preservadas na medula óssea, embora não houvesse reticulócitos no sangue. Assim, o relato apresentado deve ser considerado em futuras investigações de pancitopenia induzida por hiperestrogenismo em tumor de células de Sertoli.(AU)

The effect of environmental colour on the growth, metabolism, physiology and skin pigmentation of the carnivorous freshwater catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri.

The growth, physiology and skin pigmentation of pacamã Lophiosilurus alexandri juveniles were evaluated in an experiment using different tank colours (white, yellow, green, blue, brown and black) over an 80 day period. The tank colours did not cause significant differences to final body mass, total length, survival rate, carcass composition (moisture, crude protein, ash, ether extract, calcium, phosphorus, energy), or to plasma protein, triglyceride and cholesterol values. Haematocrit values, however, were highest for fish kept in white tanks (ANOVA P < 0·05), while the greatest haemoglobin levels were recorded for fish kept in blue and brown tanks (P < 0·01). The concentrations of cortisol (P < 0·001) and glucose (P < 0·01) were the most in fish in the black tanks. Tank colour affected skin pigmentation significantly, with fish in white tanks having the highest values of L* (brightness) and the lowest values in blue and black tanks. L*, however, decreased in all treatments throughout the experiment. C*ab increased significantly over the course of the experiment in fish kept in white tanks. Similar increases of C*ab were recorded in the other treatments but to a lesser extent. The use of black tanks during the cultivation of L. alexandri caused stress and should be avoided. Cultivation in white and yellow tanks produced individuals with a pale skin colour, while cultivation in blue and black tanks resulted in juveniles with a darker and more pigmented skin.

Avaliação e comparação entre métodos de mensuração de pressão arterial sistólica em gatos hígidos conscientes / Evaluation and comparison between methods of measurement of systolic blood pressure in healthy conscious cats

Após validação de dois diferentes métodos de mensuração de pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) não invasivos ou indiretos (oscilométrico e Doppler vascular) com o invasivo ou direto (cateterização arterial - padrão ouro) em 12 gatos hígidos anestesiados de mesma faixa etária, os métodos não invasivos foram avaliados e comparados em 24 gatos hígidos e conscientes, divididos em quatro grupos de idade. Em cada animal, procedeu-se à mensuração da pressão pelos métodos Doppler e oscilométrico. O método oscilométrico foi o primeiro a ser realizado, e, logo em seguida, o método Doppler. Os valores considerados foram obtidos das médias de sete medidas consecutivas para cada método, com intervalo de 30 segundos entre elas. A primeira medida e as medidas discrepantes (variação ˃ 20% PAS), obtidas com sinais óbvios de estresse e/ou com movimentação do animal, foram descartadas. Os métodos de mensuração oscilométrico e Doppler, embora tenham apresentado médias estatisticamente diferentes em todos os grupos, quando comparados em cada grupo, apresentaram uma correlação significativa, alta e positiva. Ou seja, sempre que for obtido um valor elevado por um método, o mesmo fato ocorrerá com o outro método e vice-versa. Clinicamente, a diferença observada não é relevante, uma vez que a diferença média dos valores obtida pelos dois métodos, em cada grupo, foi menor que 1,1%.(AU)

After two different validation systolic blood pressure measurement methods (PAS), not invasive or indirect (oscillometric and doppler vascular) with invasive or direct (arterial catheterization - Gold Standard) in 12 anesthetized healthy cats of the same age group, not invasive methods were evaluated and compared in 24 healthy conscious cats, divided into four age groups. In each animal, we proceeded to measure the pressure by Doppler and oscillometric methods. The oscillometric method was the first to be performed, and, shortly thereafter, the doppler method. The values considered were obtained from averages from seven consecutive measurements for each method with an interval of thirty seconds between them. The first measurement and disparate measurements (range ˃ 20% PAS) obtained with obvious signs of stress and / or animal movement were discarded. Methods of oscillometric and doppler measurement, although statistically different averages were shown in all groups when compared, each group showed a significant high positive correlation, meaning that when a high value is obtained by a method, the same occurs with the other method, and vice versa. Clinically, the observed difference is not relevant since the mean difference values obtained by the two methods, in each group was lower than 1.1%.(AU)

Criopreservação do plasma rico em plaquetas de equinos / Equine platelet-rich plasma cryopreservation

Avaliou-se o congelamento do plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) de equinos, a -196ºC em nitrogênio líquido, utilizando-se como crioprotetor o DMSO em duas concentrações (3% e 6%), e, como ponto final, a avaliação da morfologia e da agregometria plaquetária. Foram utilizadas 12 amostras de PRP em duas repetições. Previamente ao congelamento, as amostras foram submetidas a um resfriamento lento (-0,07ºC/minuto) até a temperatura final de 4-5ºC. A criopreservação do PRP equino, incluindo um resfriamento lento a 4-5ºC, previamente ao congelamento a -197ºC em nitrogênio líquido, foi similar para as concentrações do crioprotetor DMSO a 3% ou 6%, quando avaliado o percentual de ativação e de agregação plaquetária.

Equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) frozen at -196°C in liquid nitrogen using DMSO as a cryoprotectant in two different concentrations (3% and 6%) was evaluated, using platelet morphology and aggregometry as the final parameters. Twelve PRP samples were used in two repetitions. The samples were submitted to slow cooling prior to frozen (-0.07°C/minute) until they reached the temperature of 4-5°C. Platelet cryopreserved in 3% or 6% DMSO, presented similar efficacy when the percentage of activation and platelet aggregation was evaluated.

Desvio para a esquerda associado a compartimento medular de reserva dos neutrófilos não esgotado em cadelas portadoras de piometra / Nuclear left deviation associated with medullary reserve compartment of non exhausted neutrophils in female dogs with pyometra

From fifteen female dogs with clinical diagnoses of pyometra, hematological exams were performed at three times: M0 (prior to the surgery), M24 (24h after ovarysalpingohisterectomy-OSH) and M48 (48h after OSH). Anemia was seen in 80% of the cases, characterized as mild normocytic normochromic type. The means of total leukocyte counts were 27.043, 57.940 and 40.139 céls/µL in M0, M24 and M48. A total of80% of the animals presented neutrophilic left shift in all moments. During medullar exams, the cellular, iron reserve and megakaryocytic concentration were raised as well as the ME ratio, showing a value of 26,3:1,0, probably due to the elevation of granular proliferation and maturation compartment, as the mean of the reserve compartment was within normal range. As 83% of the animals with neutrophilic left shift showed a melullary reserve compartment raised, it can be concluded that female dogs with piometra had left shift of neutrophils with disproportionally between compartments, without segmented medullar saturation.(AU)

Equilíbrio ácido-básico de embriões e pintos de corte em momentos críticos da incubação e submetidos a diferentes períodos de transferência para o nascedouro / Acid-base balance of embryos and broiler chicks in critical moments of incubation and submitted to different periods of transfer to the hatcher

Foram analisados os níveis de pCO2, pO2, pH e HCO3 - de embriões e pintos de corte provenientes de matrizes novas e velhas, nos momentos anteriores à bicagem interna e externa da casca e ao nascimento, submetidos a diferentes períodos de transferência para as condições ambientais dos nascedouros. Os tratamentos foram definidos pela idade da matriz (33 e 63 semanas) e pela transferência para o nascedouro (aos 15, 17 e 19 dias). O delineamento experimental foi em parcelas subdivididas, sendo a parcela os três momentos de transferência e a subparcela as duas idades das matrizes. Foram utilizadas seis repetições para cada tratamento, e o embrião ou o pinto foi considerado uma repetição. Os dados normais e homogêneos foram submetidos às análises de variância, e as médias comparadas pelos testes F, de Tukey e SNK. Embriões cujos ovos foram transferidos aos 15 dias para o nascedouro apresentaram melhor equilíbrio ácido-básico durante as fases pré-natal e perinatal. Durante o último terço da incubação, independentemente das diferentes condições ambientais às quais os embriões são submetidos e da idade da matriz, há capacidade de resposta fisiológica que permite uma estabilidade no equilíbrio ácido-básico dos pintos após a eclosão...

We analyzed the levels of pCO2, pO2, pH and HCO3 - in embryos and chicks from young and older breeders, in the moments before internal pipping, external pipping and at hatch and submitted to different periods in the environmental conditions of hatchers. The treatments were defined by breeder age (33 and 63 weeks) and transfer to the hatcher (at 15, 17 and 19 days). The experimental design was split plots with three periods in the hatcher and the plots were the two breeder ages. We used six replicates per treatment and the embryo or chick was considered a repetition. The normal data forms were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by F, Tukey and SNK tests. Embryos transferred at 15 days to the hatcher had better acid-base balance during the pre-and perinatal phases. During the last third of incubation, regardless of the different environmental conditions which the embryos are subjected and breeder age, there is physiological responsiveness that allows for stability in acid-base balance of the chicks after hatching...

Citologia de medula óssea das primeiras seis semanas de vida de bovinos da raça Holandesa / Cytology of the bone marrow of the first six weeks of life of Holstein cattle

The possible changes in the bone marrow associated with hematological changes in peripheral blood during the first six weeks of life in cattle were evaluated. To this purpose, blood samples were evaluated at 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of life, and cytologic examination of bone marrow at 2, 7, 21, and 42 days of life in 10 Holstein calves. The bone marrow examination showed, in different times, myeloid:erythroid ratio from 0.60 to 0.69. The erythroid lineage distribution remained pyramidal, with concentration of precursor cells above the initial reference values for adult cattle. Proliferation pool of myeloid lineage also remained above the reference range, with decreases of concentrations in the third and sixth weeks. In the lymphoid lineage, the concentration of lymphocytes showed a decrease in the first three weeks, with a tendency to rise in the sixth week.

Hemograma de cães submetidos ao envenenamento experimental por Tityus serrulatus / Canine blood profile after experimental envenomation by Tityus serrulatus

Avaliou-se o hemograma de 12 cães adultos, saudáveis (14,2±5,4kg) após a inoculação de veneno do escorpião amarelo (Tityus serrulatus). Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos (G), com seis em cada: os do GI foram usados como controle e receberam 0,5mL de salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) por via subcutânea (SC) na face medial da coxa esquerda (FMCE), e os do GII receberam veneno liofilizado do T. serrulatus (250µg/kg) diluído em PBS por via SC na FMCE. Foram realizadas colheitas de sangue com anticoagulante EDTA a 10 por cento antes da inoculação do veneno (T0) e após 2h, (T1), 6h (T2), 12h (T3), 24h (T4), 48h (T5) e 72h (T6), para contagem de eritrócitos, leucócitos e plaquetas em aparelho contador eletrônico e esfregaços sanguíneos para contagem diferencial de leucócitos. Houve aumento significativo (P<0,05) dos valores de eritrócitos, volume globular e hemoglobina 2h e 6h após o envenenamento, devido à contração esplênica decorrente da dor local causada pelo veneno e pela liberação de catecolaminas. Foi observada leucocitose por aumento significativo (P<0,05) de neutrófilos e linfócitos 2h e 6h após o envenenamento. Concluiu-se que o veneno de Tityus serrulatus na dose de 250µg/kg, é capaz de aumentar os valores do eritrograma e do leucograma dos cães, provavelmente devido à dor local, com liberação de catecolaminas.

The canine blood profile after scorpion envenomation was evaluated using 12 healthy mongrel male dogs (14.2±5.4kg) distributed in two groups, with six animals in each: group I (control group) and group II (venom group). The lyophilized yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) venom (250µg/kg) diluted in 0.5mL phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was given to group II animals by subcutaneous injection, in the medial face of the left thigh. Group I animals received only 0.5mL of PBS, by subcutaneous injection, in the medial face of the left thigh. Blood samples were collected with EDTA before (T0) and 2 (T1), 6 (T2), 12 (T3), 24 (T4), 48 (T5), and 72h (T6) after envenomation. Significant increases (P<0.05) in erythrocytes counting, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration, 2 and 6h after envenomation were observed. Leukocytosis with significant increases (P<0.05) of neutrophils and lymphocytes 2 and 6h after envenomation was found. Then, T. serrulatus venom may induce alterations in blood profile in dogs, probably due to spleen contraction evoked by pain and catecholamines releasing.

Efeito de diferentes soluções de enema sobre os parâmetros clínicos de eqüinos / Effect of different enema solutions on clinical parameters of equines

Avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes soluções de enema sobre os parâmetros clínicos de eqüinos hígidos. Foram utilizados 15 eqüinos adultos, distribuídos em três grupos de cinco animais cada: grupo 1 - tratados com água de torneira mais sabão neutro; grupo 2 - tratados com solução isotônica e grupo 3 - tratados com água de torneira mais vaselina. O efeito das soluções de enema sobre os parâmetros clínicos variou em função do tipo de solução infundida. A solução com menor efeito sobre os parâmetros clínicos foi a isotônica. A solução de água de torneira e sabão neutro desencadeou um aumento da temperatura retal e edema da mucosa retal. Embora as três soluções tenham se mostrado efetivas em hidratar e amolecer as fezes, a solução de água com sabão foi a que apresentou o melhor efeito.

The effect of three different enema solutions on clinical parameters of equines was studied using 15 healthy adult animals. They were alloted into three groups of five animals each: group 1 - treated with tap water associated with neuter soap; group 2 -treated with isotonic solution; and group 3 - treated with tap water associated with vaseline. Effects of enema solutions on clinical parameters were observed. Isotonic solution caused less alteration on clinical parameters. Tap water and soap enema induced inflammatory reaction on colon mucosa. Even though all three solutions showed effectiveness in hydrating and softening the feces, the treatment with water plus soap showed the best results.