The use of fluconazole associated with surgical excision in the treatment of equine cutaneous pythiosis / Uso do flucozanol associado à excisão cirúrgica no tratamento da pitiose cutânea equina

Cutaneous pythiosis is an important disease affecting horses raised in regions with a hot climate and water stagnation, occurring throughout all regions of Brazil. The disease progresses rapidly, and treatment for chronic lesions is challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluconazole after surgical excision and electrocauterization of cutaneous lesions in horses naturally infected with Pythium insidiosum. We treated 10 horses with cutaneous pythiosis, whose diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. After surgical debridement of lesion, animals received fluconazole orally for 21 days, in combination with topical treatment for the wounds. After 7 days of therapy, there was decreased serosanguineous secretion and no kunkers in the wounds in all horses. All lesions healed completely after therapy, and there were no recurrences 10 months after discharge. When associated with surgical excision, oral fluconazole therapy was an effective treatment in clinical cases of equine cutaneous pythiosis.

Pitiose cutânea é uma enfermidade importante que acomete equinos criados em regiões de clima quente e com presença de água estagnada, sendo reportada em todas as regiões do Brasil. Possui evolução rápida e o tratamento de lesões crônicas ainda é considerado um desafio. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi a avaliação da eficácia do fluconazol após a excisão cirúrgica e termocauterização de feridas cutâneas de equinos naturalmente infectados por Pythium insidiosum. Para o estudo foram utilizados 10 equinos com pitiose cutânea, com diagnóstico confirmado por meio da avaliação histopatológica e da imuno-histoquímica. Após o desbridamento cirúrgico da lesão, os animais receberam fluconazol por via oral durante 21 dias, associado a tratamento tópico da ferida. Em todos os casos, após sete dias do início da terapia foi possível evidenciar diminuição da secreção serosanguinolenta, assim como ausência de kunkers na ferida. Todos os animais tiveram cicatrização completa das lesões após a terapia e não houve recidiva após dez meses da alta médica. A terapia com fluconazol administrado por via oral demonstrou ser um tratamento eficaz quando associado à excisão cirúrgica em casos clínicos de pitiose cutânea equina.

The use of fluconazole associated with surgical excision in the treatment of equine cutaneous pythiosis / Uso do flucozanol associado à excisão cirúrgica no tratamento da pitiose cutânea equina

Cutaneous pythiosis is an important disease affecting horses raised in regions with a hot climate and water stagnation, occurring throughout all regions of Brazil. The disease progresses rapidly, and treatment for chronic lesions is challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluconazole after surgical excision and electrocauterization of cutaneous lesions in horses naturally infected with Pythium insidiosum. We treated 10 horses with cutaneous pythiosis, whose diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. After surgical debridement of lesion, animals received fluconazole orally for 21 days, in combination with topical treatment for the wounds. After 7 days of therapy, there was decreased serosanguineous secretion and no kunkers in the wounds in all horses. All lesions healed completely after therapy, and there were no recurrences 10 months after discharge. When associated with surgical excision, oral fluconazole therapy was an effective treatment in clinical cases of equine cutaneous pythiosis.(AU)

Pitiose cutânea é uma enfermidade importante que acomete equinos criados em regiões de clima quente e com presença de água estagnada, sendo reportada em todas as regiões do Brasil. Possui evolução rápida e o tratamento de lesões crônicas ainda é considerado um desafio. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi a avaliação da eficácia do fluconazol após a excisão cirúrgica e termocauterização de feridas cutâneas de equinos naturalmente infectados por Pythium insidiosum. Para o estudo foram utilizados 10 equinos com pitiose cutânea, com diagnóstico confirmado por meio da avaliação histopatológica e da imuno-histoquímica. Após o desbridamento cirúrgico da lesão, os animais receberam fluconazol por via oral durante 21 dias, associado a tratamento tópico da ferida. Em todos os casos, após sete dias do início da terapia foi possível evidenciar diminuição da secreção serosanguinolenta, assim como ausência de kunkers na ferida. Todos os animais tiveram cicatrização completa das lesões após a terapia e não houve recidiva após dez meses da alta médica. A terapia com fluconazol administrado por via oral demonstrou ser um tratamento eficaz quando associado à excisão cirúrgica em casos clínicos de pitiose cutânea equina.(AU)

Outbreaks of Mycoplasmosis and Histomoniasis in a southern Brazilian flock of ornamental birds

Background: Infectious diseases have expanded their host and geographic ranges, increasing impacts on both human and animal health. Mycoplasma gallisepticum usually causes avian chronic respiratory conditions and Histomonas meleagridis infects the cecum and the liver of poultry. Although these diseases have been reported in several bird species, information associated with their prevalence and impact in local flocks of ornamental birds is scarce. This communication describes severe outbreaks of mycoplasmosis and histomoniasis that affected a southern Brazilian commercial flock of ornamental birds. Case: The outbreaks occurred in an ornamental bird flock that contained 2,340 birds from 39 different species, distributed mostly in the orders Galliformes, Anseriformes, and Psittaciformes. Mycoplasma gallisepticum affected 12 chukar partridges, 12 Indian peacocks, 19 ornamental chickens and 46 individuals of 4 species of pheasant. The disease cases were distributed between April and July 2015. A total of 36 birds died due to the disease’ complications and most surviving birds suffered from severe ocular sequels, which determined their subsequent culling, despite attempts of different treatment protocols. The main signs included coughing, sneezing, infraorbital swelling, wasting, and death which were mostly associated with caseous sinusitis. Affected birds had positive samples when stained with anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum immunohistochemistry and tested by Mycoplasma gallisepticum-Polymerase Chain Reaction. The application of 2 doses of a Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine in early 2016 to all the Galliformes in the flock reduced the annual prevalence to 4 clinical cases. Histomoniasis affected and killed 19 out of 27 chukar partridges that were being kept with ring-necked pheasants in the same enclosure. The disease occurred between September […]

Outbreaks of Mycoplasmosis and Histomoniasis in a southern Brazilian flock of ornamental birds

Background: Infectious diseases have expanded their host and geographic ranges, increasing impacts on both human and animal health. Mycoplasma gallisepticum usually causes avian chronic respiratory conditions and Histomonas meleagridis infects the cecum and the liver of poultry. Although these diseases have been reported in several bird species, information associated with their prevalence and impact in local flocks of ornamental birds is scarce. This communication describes severe outbreaks of mycoplasmosis and histomoniasis that affected a southern Brazilian commercial flock of ornamental birds. Case: The outbreaks occurred in an ornamental bird flock that contained 2,340 birds from 39 different species, distributed mostly in the orders Galliformes, Anseriformes, and Psittaciformes. Mycoplasma gallisepticum affected 12 chukar partridges, 12 Indian peacocks, 19 ornamental chickens and 46 individuals of 4 species of pheasant. The disease cases were distributed between April and July 2015. A total of 36 birds died due to the disease complications and most surviving birds suffered from severe ocular sequels, which determined their subsequent culling, despite attempts of different treatment protocols. The main signs included coughing, sneezing, infraorbital swelling, wasting, and death which were mostly associated with caseous sinusitis. Affected birds had positive samples when stained with anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum immunohistochemistry and tested by Mycoplasma gallisepticum-Polymerase Chain Reaction. The application of 2 doses of a Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine in early 2016 to all the Galliformes in the flock reduced the annual prevalence to 4 clinical cases. Histomoniasis affected and killed 19 out of 27 chukar partridges that were being kept with ring-necked pheasants in the same enclosure. The disease occurred between September […](AU)

Hemangiosarcoma in a free-living Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris)

Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant endothelial cell-derived neoplasm characterized by an intense cellular proliferation organized in a solid or cavernous pattern. Is characterized by intense cell proliferation, and organized in vascular slits, filled with blood, with fast grow and there is a high recurrence rate. This paper reports a case of multiple hemangiosarcoma in a Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris). Case: A free-living Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris), was attended at the veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) - Cuiabá, presenting prostration and three masses located in the following regions: left periorbital area, left lateral insertion of the beak and distal portion of the left tibia. The masses were blackened colored with an irregular aspect, and the cut surface was multiple cavity, filled with a blackened gelatinous material. The animal died during the surgical procedure and was sent to necropsy. Additionally, special immunohistochemistry staining was used in the tumors sections, with primary anti-S-100, anti-Von Willebrand Factor, anti-desmin, anti-actin, anti-cytokeratin and anti-vimentin. The three masses have rounded shape, multilobuled surface, deep red to blackened color, with skin adhered base, and, when cut, blackened color with multiple cavities filled with red to blackened gelatinous material and [...]

Hemangiosarcoma in a free-living Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris)

Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant endothelial cell-derived neoplasm characterized by an intense cellular proliferation organized in a solid or cavernous pattern. Is characterized by intense cell proliferation, and organized in vascular slits, filled with blood, with fast grow and there is a high recurrence rate. This paper reports a case of multiple hemangiosarcoma in a Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris). Case: A free-living Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris), was attended at the veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) - Cuiabá, presenting prostration and three masses located in the following regions: left periorbital area, left lateral insertion of the beak and distal portion of the left tibia. The masses were blackened colored with an irregular aspect, and the cut surface was multiple cavity, filled with a blackened gelatinous material. The animal died during the surgical procedure and was sent to necropsy. Additionally, special immunohistochemistry staining was used in the tumors sections, with primary anti-S-100, anti-Von Willebrand Factor, anti-desmin, anti-actin, anti-cytokeratin and anti-vimentin. The three masses have rounded shape, multilobuled surface, deep red to blackened color, with skin adhered base, and, when cut, blackened color with multiple cavities filled with red to blackened gelatinous material and [...](AU)

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in herbivores in Southern Brazil

Background: The genus Clostridium includes a group of Gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria which producing endosporesand produce toxins when encounter conditions favorable to their development. These toxins can be produced and absorbedin the intestinal lumen, as occurs in cases of enterotoxemia (Clostridium perfringens), or are produced in areas of tissuenecrosis after bacterial infections, as seen in tetanus (C. tetani), blackleg (C. chauvoei) and bacillary hemoglobinuria(C. haemolyticum), or in infections by C. chauvoei, C. novyi and C. septicum frequently associated with cases of malignant edema. The aim of this research was relates the epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects of the clostridiosisobserved in the region of infl uence of the Setor de Patologia Veterinária of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.Materials, Methods & Results: The necropsy records were reviewed from January 1996 to December 2011 to identifythe cases of clostridiosis that were diagnosed. In the period, 4.689 necropsies were performed by the (SPV-UFRGS). Atotal of 135 cases (2.88%) were associated with clostridiosis. The most prevalent clostridiosis included tetanus (48.15%)in horses, cattle, sheep and goats; botulism (17.04%) in cattle and enterotoxemia (22.96%) in goats. Additional diseaseswere blackleg (5.93%) in cattle, necrotic myositis/malignant edema in horses and sheep and bacillary hemoglobinuria incattle, both with 4 cases each (2.96%).Discussion: Tetanus, enterotoxemia, and botulism were the most prevalent clostrodiosis diagnosed at SPV-UFRGS andtogether accounted for approximately 90% of cases in the period 1996-2011. As for blackleg, bacillary hemoglobinuria,and necrotic myositis/malignant edema, together they represented slightly less than 10% of the clostridioses in the period.The most signifi cant clostridiosis in the period studied was tetanus, affecting cattle, sheep, and horses. There was a largenumber...(AU)

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in herbivores in Southern Brazil

Background: The genus Clostridium includes a group of Gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria which producing endosporesand produce toxins when encounter conditions favorable to their development. These toxins can be produced and absorbedin the intestinal lumen, as occurs in cases of enterotoxemia (Clostridium perfringens), or are produced in areas of tissuenecrosis after bacterial infections, as seen in tetanus (C. tetani), blackleg (C. chauvoei) and bacillary hemoglobinuria(C. haemolyticum), or in infections by C. chauvoei, C. novyi and C. septicum frequently associated with cases of malignant edema. The aim of this research was relates the epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects of the clostridiosisobserved in the region of infl uence of the Setor de Patologia Veterinária of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.Materials, Methods & Results: The necropsy records were reviewed from January 1996 to December 2011 to identifythe cases of clostridiosis that were diagnosed. In the period, 4.689 necropsies were performed by the (SPV-UFRGS). Atotal of 135 cases (2.88%) were associated with clostridiosis. The most prevalent clostridiosis included tetanus (48.15%)in horses, cattle, sheep and goats; botulism (17.04%) in cattle and enterotoxemia (22.96%) in goats. Additional diseaseswere blackleg (5.93%) in cattle, necrotic myositis/malignant edema in horses and sheep and bacillary hemoglobinuria incattle, both with 4 cases each (2.96%).Discussion: Tetanus, enterotoxemia, and botulism were the most prevalent clostrodiosis diagnosed at SPV-UFRGS andtogether accounted for approximately 90% of cases in the period 1996-2011. As for blackleg, bacillary hemoglobinuria,and necrotic myositis/malignant edema, together they represented slightly less than 10% of the clostridioses in the period.The most signifi cant clostridiosis in the period studied was tetanus, affecting cattle, sheep, and horses. There was a largenumber...

Condrodisplasia tipo Dexter em fetos bovinos abortados / Chondrodysplasia Dexter type in aborted bovine fetuses

Background: Chondrodysplasia is a congenital anomaly related to defects of the genes that control the chondrogenesis. This anomaly is described in many breeds of cattle and consanguineous matings increases the likelihood of developing defective traits. There are three distinct syndromes known: Dexter, Telemark and Brachycephalic type. The chondrodysplasia Dexter type syndrome is associated to an incompletely dominant gene, which occurs in Dexter and Holstein breeds more frequently, yet Charolais and Jersey can also be affected. There are three recognized phenotypes in this form of disease: severe achondroplasia, with abortion before the seventh month of gestation (monster Dexter), when related to dominant homozygous; chondrodisplasia with limbs shortening, when heterozygous; and normal animals, when recessive homozygous. The objective of this paper is to describe Dexter chondrodysplasia observed in two bovine fetuses examined by the Setor de Patologia Veterinária from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS). Case: The necropsy of two aborted bovine calves was performed by the SPV-UFRGS. The Fetus 1 did not have data, neither clinical history. The Fetus 2, a Jersey breed calf, was in the last third of gestation and came from a property with Jersey and mini-Jersey herd. Natural mating was used for reproduction, with only one bull. Macroscopic alterations observed in both fetuses were characterized by shortened limbs, rounded and disproportionate skull, short snout, undershot jaw, tongue protrusion and abdominal hernia with eventration. In the second fetus was also observed spina bifida and palatoschisis. Microscopically, in both fetuses were observed extensive areas of immature cartilage, chondrocytes of the femur's bone tissue were not organized in recognizable growth plates, the metaphysis was markedly shortened and consisted in short bone trabeculae with occasional cartilage isles. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was negative. Discussion: The macroscopic and microscopic alterations in both fetuses were compatible with chondrodysplasia "monster Dexter" type. Such alterations, associated with dominant homozygotes, are due to defective endochondral ossifi cation with little growth in the length of long bones, meanwhile intramembranous ossification beneath the periosteum keeps growing and contributing to the abnormal volume and growth of the bones. Such difference is clearly observed when the size of the head is compared with the rest of the body. As the skull bones depends basically on intramembranous ossification, they are generally bigger than the rest of the body. The negative result of IHC to BVDV shows that this agent, known as the cause of congenital malformation did not have association with the anomalies observed. According to other researchers, this low frequency of viral agents as responsible for congenital anomalies was observed previously in cattle from the south of Brazil. Although Dexter chondrodysplasia can be considered of occasional occurrence, it can be responsible for considerable damage. As an abnormality with hereditary nature and consanguinity is the main reason to its occurrence, prevention is the main method to be adopted by the producer to avoid bigger loses.

Linfadenite caseosa como causa de paralisia de membros pélvicos em ovinos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Caseous ymphadenitis as a cause of hind limb paralysis in sheep in Rio Grande do Sul State

Background: Caseous lymphadenitis (CL), an infectious disease of sheep and goats caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is characterized by pyogranulomas, white to greenish-yellow contents with aspect of rennet-coagulated cheese, and concentric laminations. Transmission occurs through direct contact with animals showing superficial lesions, via iatrogenic, or by respiratory route from aerosols. This paper reports the association of pyogranulomatous spondylitis with caseous lymphadenitis in two sheep, in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. Cases: Two male sheep, 7- and 6-months-old, Texel (lamb 1) and mixed Texel (lamb 2), respectively, were submitted to necropsy. Affected sheep were reared under semi-intensive system in the same group, and had not been tail-docked. Both lambs showed weakness, diarrhea and paralysis of hind limbs. At necropsy, sheep had good body conditions, pale mucous membranes and large numbers of Haemonchus sp. worms within the abomasum. Lamb 1 showed serous fat atrophy and two abscesse-like lesions, one measuring 3.0 cm in diameter in the left apical lung lobe and other affecting the last lumbar vertebrae body. In lamb 2 there were three lesions like abscesses, a thoracic lesion involving the 13th vertebrae and the 1st lumbar vertebrae, a 3.0 cm in diameter lesion in the left axillary region, and a 1.5 cm lung lesion in the left apical lobe, apart of a calcified nodule with 0.5 cm in diameter in the diaphragmatic lobe. Histologically, these lesions were characterized by areas of caseous necrosis with foci of mineralization associated with peripheral infl ammatory infi ltrate rich in neutrophils surrounded by macrophages, epithelioid cells and occasional multinucleated giant cells and plasma cells and peripheral abundant fi brous connective tissue proliferation. In the vertebral bodies these lesions were partly surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, and in lamb 1 reached the dura mater, while in lamb 2, it extends to the spinal cord with pyogranulomatous myelitis, characterized by foci containing large amounts of neutrophils, surrounded by macrophages and epithelioid cells. There was thickening of blood vessel walls, with macrophages within or around them. Spinal cord injury affects both gray and white matter, with peripheral axonal spheroids. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis grew in pure culture upon microbiological tests from samples of lung and vertebral lesions from both cases. Discussion: This paper describes, originally, caseous lymphadenitis as a cause of hind limb paralysis in sheep in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The association of the macroscopic and histological findings with the isolation of C. pseudotuberculosis allowed us to relate pyogranulomatous spondylitis with caseous lymphadenitis. The spondylitis and spinal cord compression and/or myelitis may explain the hind limb paralysis. The spread of the pathogen was probably hematogenous to the lungs and the other parts of the body. The hematogenous osteomyelitis caused by bacterial infection affects often young animals in the area of vascularization of the growth plate and epiphyseal articular complex. The blood vessels of these sites allow the bacterial installation due to slow flow and the blood turbulence in the larger descending vascular branches, but also due to lowed phagocytic capacity and discontinuity between endothelial cells. These factors, in addition to the antiphagocytic action of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in endothelial cells may explain the location at spinal lesions of caseous lymphadenitis in these sheep.

Sheep production as a Senecio spp. control tool / Ovinocultura, ferramenta de controle de Senecio spp

Since poisoning by Senecio spp. is one of the main causes of cattle death in southern Brazil, control of these plants is a priority for the local livestock production. After the pasture has been mowed, grazing by 16 sheep was efficient for controlling Senecio brasiliensis and Senecio madagascariensis populations in a 5.5-hectare area that had long been severely infested with these species. A total of 28,629 plants among S. brasiliensis (flower-of-souls, 10,122) and S.madagascariensis (fireweed, 18,507) were almost completely eliminated in a two-year period. The number of sheep was kept at 3.0 stock units/ha, but a variable number of cattle were temporarily stocked according to pasture availability. The major sanitary practice applied to the sheep was anthelmintic administration. Liver biopsies taken from sheep and cattle before and after experimental period didn't reveal any change associable with seneciosis. The performance levels of the sheep were comparable to those observed in flocks managed under traditional extensive grazing systems in southern Brazil.(AU)

As intoxicações por Senecio spp. estão entre as principais causas de morte de bovinos no sul do Brasil; portanto, o controle dessas plantas é prioridade para a pecuária local. Depois de uma roçada, o pastejo por 16 ovinos controlou, eficientemente, populações de Senecio brasiliensis e Senecio madagascariensis em uma área de 5,5 hectares, a qual havia se mantido, por oito anos consecutivos, severamente, infestada por essas espécies. Um total de 28.629 plantas, entre S. brasiliensis (10.122) e S.madagascariensis (18.507) foi, virtualmente, eliminado em um período de dois anos. O número de ovelhas foi mantido em três unidades /hectare, mas variáveis lotações de bovinos foram associadas com a disponibilidade de forragem. As principais práticas de manejo sanitário aplicadas aos ovinos foram administrações de anti-helmínticos. Biópsias hepáticas, colhidas antes e após o período de estudo, não revelaram qualquer alteração associável com seneciose. Os níveis de desempenho dos ovinos foram comparáveis aos observados em rebanhos manejados em sistemas extensivos tradicionais no sul do Brasil.(AU)

Surto de intoxicação por Senna occidentalis em bovinos em pastoreio / Outbreak of poisoning by Senna occidentalis in grazzing cattle

The Senna occidentalis poisoning occurs by the ingestion of seeds, leaves and stem of the plant, causing degenerative myopathy lesion. In addition, a several animals species are affected. Outbreaks are related with the ration consumption contaminated by seeds. However, few cases of spontaneous ingestion of the plant in fields were described. A rapid clinical disease is characterized by diarrhea, colic and tenesmus. Afterwards, muscular lesions and brownish-urine were revealed. In the end of the disease course, serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are increased. The aim of this study is to describe an outbreak of S. occidentalis poisoning in live cattle, in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurred in May 2008.[...]

Surto de intoxicação por Senna occidentalis em bovinos em pastoreio / Outbreak of poisoning by Senna occidentalis in grazzing cattle

The Senna occidentalis poisoning occurs by the ingestion of seeds, leaves and stem of the plant, causing degenerative myopathy lesion. In addition, a several animals species are affected. Outbreaks are related with the ration consumption contaminated by seeds. However, few cases of spontaneous ingestion of the plant in fields were described. A rapid clinical disease is characterized by diarrhea, colic and tenesmus. Afterwards, muscular lesions and brownish-urine were revealed. In the end of the disease course, serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are increased. The aim of this study is to describe an outbreak of S. occidentalis poisoning in live cattle, in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurred in May 2008.[...](AU)