Pharmacopuncture with a low dosage of B complex vitamins in the Da Zhui acupoint (Governing Vessel 14) for controlling gastrointestinal parasitism in periparturient ewes / Farmacopuntura com dose baixa de vitaminas do complexo B no acuponto Da Zhui (Vaso Governador 14) para o controle da parasitose gastrintestinal em ovelhas no periparto

Gastrointestinal parasites are a significant challenge in sheep farming, and periparturient ewes are one of the most susceptible categories in sheep flocks. This study aimed to verify whether the injection of B vitamins at the acupuncture point governing vessel 14 (GV14) can influence the parasitic load or host-parasite interaction in naturally infected ewes during the peripartum period. Four weeks before parturition, 25 ewes were divided into five treatment groups: (1) Dose Control: 0.2 mL of B complex via IM; (2) Drug Control: 2 mL Complex B via IM; (3) Acupoint Control: 0.2 mL of Water at GV14 point; (4) Control; (5) Test group: 0.2 mL of B complex at the GV14 point. Treatments were performed at weeks -3, -1, 2, 4, and 6 about the parturition time. Fecal samples to estimate the parasitic load by fecal egg counts (FEC) and total blood samples for hemogram examination were performed seven days after the treatment, coinciding with weeks -2, 3, 5, and 7 about the parturition time. The number of peripheral eosinophils was higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p <0.05). Although groups 3 and 5 had lower mean values of FEC and higher hematological values at the time of weaning, these differences were not statistically significant (p> 0.05) according to the F test. However, all animals in groups 3 and 5 maintained low parasitism levels until the end of the experiment. Further studies should be performed with larger sample sizes and minor changes to the experimental protocol to elucidate the role of GV14 acupoint stimulation in the host-parasite relationship.(AU)

A parasitose gastrointestinal é o principal desafio sanitário para a criação de ovinos a pasto, e as ovelhas no periparto são uma das categorias mais susceptíveis a esta infeção no rebanho. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se a injeção de vitaminas do complexo B no acuponto Vaso Governador 14 (VG14) poderia influenciar a carga parasitária ou modular a interação hospedeiro-parasito em ovelhas naturalmente infectadas no período de periparto. Quatro semanas antes da data prevista para o parto, 25 ovelhas foram divididas em cinco grupos de tratamento (1) Controle da dose: 0,2 mL de vitaminas do complexo B via IM; (2) Controle do fármaco: 2mL complexo B via IM; (3) Controle do Ponto: 0,2 mL de água destilada no ponto VG14; (4) Controle sem tratamento; (5) Grupo teste: 0,2 mL de complexo B no pontoVG14. Estes tratamentos foram realizados nas semanas -3; -1; 2; 4 e 6 em relação à data do parto. Amostras de fezes para contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG), assim como amostras de sangue para realizar o hemograma, foram obtidas dos animais sete dias após os tratamentos, coincidindo com as semanas -2, 3, 5 e 7 do parto. O número de eosinófilos periféricos foi superior no grupo 3 se comparado ao grupo 1 (p <0,05). Os animais dos grupos 3 e 5 tiveram menores valores de OPG e maior hematócrito, mas estas diferenças não foram consideradas significativas pelo teste F (p> 0,05). No entanto, todas as ovelhas dos grupos 3 e 5 se mantiveram com níveis baixos de parasitismo durante todo o experimento. Sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados com algumas modificações deste protocolo a fim de aprofundar o conhecimento do potencial imunomodulador do acuponto VG14.(AU)

Influence of management and lactation order in the serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, minerals, and enzymes of Bonsmara breed cows / Influência da gestação e ordem de lactação nas concentrações séricas de proteínas, metabólitos, minerais e enzimas de vacas da raça Bonsmara

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of gestation and lactation order on serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, minerals, and enzymes in first-, second-, and third-lactation order Bonsmara cows. The Bonsmara breed, originated in South Africa, stands out for its tolerance to heat and productive characteristics, such as meat quality, high fertility, sexual precocity, ease of calving, and good maternal ability. These characteristics make the breed a genetic alternative for crossbreeding with zebu breeds. Blood samples were collected from 34, 29, and 30 first-, second-, and third-lactation order cows, respectively, totaling 93 cows. The samples were processed in an automatic multichannel analyzer using Labtest Diagnóstica® kits. The Kruskal-Wallis test was chosen to compare the values between lactation orders. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare pregnant and non-pregnant cows within lactation orders. Among the analyzed constituents, the lactation order significantly influenced only the serum albumin concentration (ALB) (p<0.0001). Gestation significantly influenced the A:G ratio (p=0.034) in third-lactation cows, and cholesterol (Chol) (p=0.004), triglycerides (TRI) (p<0.0001), inorganic phosphorus (iP) (p=0.033), iron (Fe) (p=0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p=0.018), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p=0.039) in second-lactation cows and the general group. Creatinine (Crea) (p<0.0001) was influenced only in the general group. Therefore, gestation and lactation order significantly influenced the concentration of several biochemical serum constituents in Bonsmara cows, especially second-lactation order cows.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da gestação e ordem de lactação nas concentrações séricas de proteínas, metabólitos, minerais e enzimas de vacas da raça Bonsmara de primeira, segunda e terceira ordem de lactação. A raça Bonsmara, originada na África do Sul, se destaca por sua tolerância ao calor, e caracteristicas produtivas, como a qualidade da carne, a alta fertilidade, precocidade sexual, facilidade ao parto e boa habilidade materna. Essas características tornam a raça uma alternativa genética para realização de cruzamentos com raças zebuínas. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 93 vacas, sendo 34 de primeira ordem de lactação, 29 de segunda ordem de lactação e 30 de terceira ordem de lactação. As amostras foram processadas em analisador automático multicanal, utilizando kits da Labtest Diagnóstica®. Para confrontar os valores entre as ordens de lactação optou-se pelo teste Kruskall-Wallis. Para comparar vacas gestantes e não gestantes dentro das ordens de lactação, foi utilizado o teste de Mann-Whitney. Dos constituintes analisados, a ordem de lactação influenciou significativamente apenas a concentração sérica de albumina (ALB) (p<0,0001). A gestação influenciou significativamente na relação A:G (p=0,034), nas vacas de terceira lactação, no colesterol (COL) (p=0,004), triglicérides (TRI) (p<0,0001), fósforo inorgânico (Pi) (p=0,033), ferro (Fe) (p=0,001), aspartato aminotransferase (AST) (p=0,018) e fosfatase alcalina (FAL) (p=0,039) nas de segunda ordem e no valor do grupo geral. A creatinina (Crea) (p<0,0001) foi influenciada somente no grupo geral. Conclui-se que a gestação e ordem de lactação influenciou significativamente na concentração de vários constituintes bioquímicos séricos de vacas da raça Bonsmara, em especial nas de segunda ordem de lactação.

Caseous stomatitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Boa constrictor amarali

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that belongs to the microbiota of snakes, but it may also be anopportunistic pathogen and contaminate humans through fecal contact, bites, and injuries. In snakes, this microorganismmay present high pathogenicity at certain conditions and have been associated with high morbidity and mortality. Reportsof infection of Boa constrictor by this pathogen are rare. Thus, this study aimed to describe the P. aeruginosa oral infection in a snake specimen (Boa constrictor amarali), approaching the isolation and identification of the infectious agentsinvolved, the antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance, and the therapeutic protocol adopted.Case: A free-living adult female specimen of Boa constrictor amarali (Amaral’s boa), with no described previous history was rescued in an urban area by the Environmental Police. Clinical evaluations showed structures of caseous aspectin the oral cavity, with hyperemia spots in the mucosa. Samples of these lesions were sent for mycological examination,and fungal forms were not found. Samples were collected for isolation and culture. The antimicrobial susceptibility of theisolated microorganisms was determined by the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. P. aeruginosa was isolatedand showed susceptibility to amikacin, gentamicin, and polymyxin-B; intermediate susceptibility to azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin; and resistance to cephalexin, ceftiofur, chloramphenicol, and enrofloxacin. The treatment consisted of cleaningof the oral cavity, local infiltration of lidocaine for debridement of the caseous area that were later cauterized with iodine.Systemic antibiotic therapy was used, with intramuscular administration of amikacin (5 mg/kg) for the first dose and (2.5mg/kg) for the other doses with intervals of 72 h, and oral administration of metronidazole...

Caseous stomatitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Boa constrictor amarali

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that belongs to the microbiota of snakes, but it may also be anopportunistic pathogen and contaminate humans through fecal contact, bites, and injuries. In snakes, this microorganismmay present high pathogenicity at certain conditions and have been associated with high morbidity and mortality. Reportsof infection of Boa constrictor by this pathogen are rare. Thus, this study aimed to describe the P. aeruginosa oral infection in a snake specimen (Boa constrictor amarali), approaching the isolation and identification of the infectious agentsinvolved, the antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance, and the therapeutic protocol adopted.Case: A free-living adult female specimen of Boa constrictor amarali (Amarals boa), with no described previous history was rescued in an urban area by the Environmental Police. Clinical evaluations showed structures of caseous aspectin the oral cavity, with hyperemia spots in the mucosa. Samples of these lesions were sent for mycological examination,and fungal forms were not found. Samples were collected for isolation and culture. The antimicrobial susceptibility of theisolated microorganisms was determined by the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. P. aeruginosa was isolatedand showed susceptibility to amikacin, gentamicin, and polymyxin-B; intermediate susceptibility to azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin; and resistance to cephalexin, ceftiofur, chloramphenicol, and enrofloxacin. The treatment consisted of cleaningof the oral cavity, local infiltration of lidocaine for debridement of the caseous area that were later cauterized with iodine.Systemic antibiotic therapy was used, with intramuscular administration of amikacin (5 mg/kg) for the first dose and (2.5mg/kg) for the other doses with intervals of 72 h, and oral administration of metronidazole...(AU)

Eficácia anti-helmíntica da ivermectina em equinos: exames coproparasitológicos e hematológicos / Antihelminthic efficacy of ivermectin in horses: coproparasitological and hematological exams

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da ivermectina a 2% em equinos, através de exames coproparasitológicos e hematológicos. O experimento foi realizado em uma fazenda no município de Uberlândia, MG. Foram utilizados 24 equinos, de três a oito anos, divididos em dois grupos, conforme valores dos OPG. Contagens de OPG e coproculturas foram realizadas nos dias D0, D+7 e D+14. Os animais foram tratados com a formulação pasta a base de ivermectina 2%, na dose de 200 mcg/kg, via oral. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias D0, D+7 e D+14 para avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos. A presença de ovos, característicos da família Strongylidae e identificação de larvas características de ciatostomíneos demonstrou o parasitismo dos animais por pequenos estrôngilos. Nos D+7 e D+14 houve a redução significativa do OPG no grupo tratado com eficácia de 99,5 e 99,7%, respectivamente. Observou-se tendência do quadro eritrocitário manter-se próximo aos limites inferiores e discreta leucocitose com neutrófilos próximos dos valores superiores. Pode-se inferir que a ivermectina é eficaz contra os ciatostomíneos e alterações hematológicas significativas não foram observadas.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin at 2% in horses, through coproparasitological and hematological exams. The experiment was performed at a farm in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State. Twenty-four horses were used, ranging from 3 to 8 years of age, divided into 2 groups according to EPG values. EPG counts and coprocultures were performed on days D0, D+7 and D+14. The animals were treated with the ivermectin 2%-based paste formulation at a dose of 200 mcg/kg, orally. Blood samples were collected on days D0, D+7 and D+14 for evaluation of haematological parameters. The presence of eggs that are characteristic of the Strongylidae family and the identification of larvae that are characteristic of cyathostomins demonstrated the parasitism of the animals by small strongyles. At D+7 and D+14 there was a significant reduction of EPG in the treated group with an efficacy of 99.5 and 99.7%, respectively. A tendency of the erythrocyte framework to remain close to the lower limits was observed, besides a slight leukocytosis, with neutrophils close to the highest values. It can be inferred that ivermectin is effective against cyastostomines, and no significant haematological changes were observed.

Eficácia anti-helmíntica da ivermectina em equinos: exames coproparasitológicos e hematológicos / Antihelminthic efficacy of ivermectin in horses: coproparasitological and hematological exams

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da ivermectina a 2% em equinos, através de exames coproparasitológicos e hematológicos. O experimento foi realizado em uma fazenda no município de Uberlândia, MG. Foram utilizados 24 equinos, de três a oito anos, divididos em dois grupos, conforme valores dos OPG. Contagens de OPG e coproculturas foram realizadas nos dias D0, D+7 e D+14. Os animais foram tratados com a formulação pasta a base de ivermectina 2%, na dose de 200 mcg/kg, via oral. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias D0, D+7 e D+14 para avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos. A presença de ovos, característicos da família Strongylidae e identificação de larvas características de ciatostomíneos demonstrou o parasitismo dos animais por pequenos estrôngilos. Nos D+7 e D+14 houve a redução significativa do OPG no grupo tratado com eficácia de 99,5 e 99,7%, respectivamente. Observou-se tendência do quadro eritrocitário manter-se próximo aos limites inferiores e discreta leucocitose com neutrófilos próximos dos valores superiores. Pode-se inferir que a ivermectina é eficaz contra os ciatostomíneos e alterações hematológicas significativas não foram observadas.(AU)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin at 2% in horses, through coproparasitological and hematological exams. The experiment was performed at a farm in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State. Twenty-four horses were used, ranging from 3 to 8 years of age, divided into 2 groups according to EPG values. EPG counts and coprocultures were performed on days D0, D+7 and D+14. The animals were treated with the ivermectin 2%-based paste formulation at a dose of 200 mcg/kg, orally. Blood samples were collected on days D0, D+7 and D+14 for evaluation of haematological parameters. The presence of eggs that are characteristic of the Strongylidae family and the identification of larvae that are characteristic of cyathostomins demonstrated the parasitism of the animals by small strongyles. At D+7 and D+14 there was a significant reduction of EPG in the treated group with an efficacy of 99.5 and 99.7%, respectively. A tendency of the erythrocyte framework to remain close to the lower limits was observed, besides a slight leukocytosis, with neutrophils close to the highest values. It can be inferred that ivermectin is effective against cyastostomines, and no significant haematological changes were observed.(AU)

Perfil bioquímico sérico de tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) criadas em tanques rede durante as estações do verão e inverno / Serum biochemical profile of Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) bred in net cages during summer and winter

Background: The growth of fish farming in Brazil has been noticeable over the past few years, and the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most bred species in the country. Studies on the physiology of these animals are necessary so that the production continues to grow and to improve its rates. However, very discrepant data are still found in the area of blood biochemistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological variations in serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, electrolytes and serum enzymes in Nile tilapias bred in net cages in Cachoeira Dourada, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during summer and winter. Materials, Methods & Results: During the year of 2016, samples from 100 Nile tilapias were collected during summer (January and February) and samples from 100 Nile tilapias were also collected during winter (July and August). Only one blood sample was collected by caudal venipuncture of each fish, just before the slaughter, always in the morning. The serum samples obtained were then analyzed for serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, electrolytes, lipids and serum enzymes. Serum concentrations of total proteins, globulins, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), alkaline phosphatase, sodium and chloride were significantly higher during winter in comparison to summer, while the serum concentration of uric acid was significantly lower during winter in comparison to summer. Discussion: Due to the lower temperature of water during winter, tilapias reduced food intake and became more susceptible to diseases, which led to an increase in circulating globulins. In that same season, there was an increase in serum concentrations of sodium and chloride as a result of adding sodium chloride to the water in order to stimulate mucus secretion on the fishes’ skin and gills to prevent pathologies. Triglycerides, HDL, and uric acid are considered indicators of nutritional status of animals.[...]

Perfil bioquímico sérico de tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) criadas em tanques rede durante as estações do verão e inverno / Serum biochemical profile of Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) bred in net cages during summer and winter

Background: The growth of fish farming in Brazil has been noticeable over the past few years, and the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most bred species in the country. Studies on the physiology of these animals are necessary so that the production continues to grow and to improve its rates. However, very discrepant data are still found in the area of blood biochemistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological variations in serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, electrolytes and serum enzymes in Nile tilapias bred in net cages in Cachoeira Dourada, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during summer and winter. Materials, Methods & Results: During the year of 2016, samples from 100 Nile tilapias were collected during summer (January and February) and samples from 100 Nile tilapias were also collected during winter (July and August). Only one blood sample was collected by caudal venipuncture of each fish, just before the slaughter, always in the morning. The serum samples obtained were then analyzed for serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, electrolytes, lipids and serum enzymes. Serum concentrations of total proteins, globulins, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), alkaline phosphatase, sodium and chloride were significantly higher during winter in comparison to summer, while the serum concentration of uric acid was significantly lower during winter in comparison to summer. Discussion: Due to the lower temperature of water during winter, tilapias reduced food intake and became more susceptible to diseases, which led to an increase in circulating globulins. In that same season, there was an increase in serum concentrations of sodium and chloride as a result of adding sodium chloride to the water in order to stimulate mucus secretion on the fishes skin and gills to prevent pathologies. Triglycerides, HDL, and uric acid are considered indicators of nutritional status of animals.[...](AU)

Dermatopathy caused by Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Boa constrictor amarali

Background: Bacterial diseases are the main cause of the high mortality rates of snakes, especially those caused by gramnegative agents. However, studies on dermatopathy caused by these bacterial agents in snakes are scarce; and no reports have been found on Enterobacter aerogenes as causative agent of dermatopathy in snake species. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the clinical signs, and lesion evolution of a dermatopathy in a male snake (Boa constrictor amarali) specimen of approximately seven years old; and to describe the isolation and identification of the Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa agents involved in the cause of this disease. Case: The Boa constrictor amarali evaluated presented blackened cutaneous lesions in the dorsal, snout-vent and tail regions; and well-defined subcutaneous nodules of 2.0-3.0 cm diameter, with soft consistency, reddish color, cutaneous flaccidity, and areas of scale ulceration in the dorsolateral region. The clinical evaluation of the animal showed dehydration signs and pale mucous membranes. The blackened lesions were subjected to mycological analysis - after procedure of deep scale scraping - which showed presence of septate hyphae. The nodule was punctured for microbiological and biochemical analysis. The sample was collected with a sterilized alginate cotton tip swab, and was stored in a plastic tube containing a semi-solid Stuart transport medium, for microbiological analysis. Then, this sample was incubated in a bacteriological oven at 37°C for 24 h. Typical colonies of Pseudomonas and Enterobacter grew on MacConkey agar medium; these bacteria were identified by the colony morphology and their typical odor. The colonies grown in MacConkey agar were also identified through biochemical tests in the mediums: Phenol red, Lysine, Phenylalanine, Citrate, Urea and SIM (Sulfide, Indole, Motility)...

Dermatopathy caused by Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Boa constrictor amarali

Background: Bacterial diseases are the main cause of the high mortality rates of snakes, especially those caused by gramnegative agents. However, studies on dermatopathy caused by these bacterial agents in snakes are scarce; and no reports have been found on Enterobacter aerogenes as causative agent of dermatopathy in snake species. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the clinical signs, and lesion evolution of a dermatopathy in a male snake (Boa constrictor amarali) specimen of approximately seven years old; and to describe the isolation and identification of the Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa agents involved in the cause of this disease. Case: The Boa constrictor amarali evaluated presented blackened cutaneous lesions in the dorsal, snout-vent and tail regions; and well-defined subcutaneous nodules of 2.0-3.0 cm diameter, with soft consistency, reddish color, cutaneous flaccidity, and areas of scale ulceration in the dorsolateral region. The clinical evaluation of the animal showed dehydration signs and pale mucous membranes. The blackened lesions were subjected to mycological analysis - after procedure of deep scale scraping - which showed presence of septate hyphae. The nodule was punctured for microbiological and biochemical analysis. The sample was collected with a sterilized alginate cotton tip swab, and was stored in a plastic tube containing a semi-solid Stuart transport medium, for microbiological analysis. Then, this sample was incubated in a bacteriological oven at 37°C for 24 h. Typical colonies of Pseudomonas and Enterobacter grew on MacConkey agar medium; these bacteria were identified by the colony morphology and their typical odor. The colonies grown in MacConkey agar were also identified through biochemical tests in the mediums: Phenol red, Lysine, Phenylalanine, Citrate, Urea and SIM (Sulfide, Indole, Motility)...(AU)