Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs

Background: Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) is a critical cause of neurological disorders in dogs, mainly affecting small young individuals. Its symptomatology is varied and depends on the affected neuroanatomic region. The ante mortem diagnosis of this condition is uncertain, being achieved by discarding other conditions and often occurring definitively only by performing a necropsy. Thus, this study aims to report 2 cases of meningoencephalitis, one necrotizing and the other granulomatous in dogs. Cases: Case 1. A 3-year-old, Shih Tzu bitch with a body weight of 4 kg, showing proprioceptive ataxia, behavior of walking in circles, and evolving rapidly to non-ambulatory paresis, was treated. The neurological examination showed a posture of decerebrate stiffness and absence of withdrawal reflex and proprioception, suggesting brainstem injury. Laboratory tests showed mild neutrophilia and lymphopenia, while the rapid test for distemper was non-reactive. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and the PCR tests of the CSF, blood, and urine for the detection of infectious diseases were negative, as well as the culture. With no improvement in clinical condition and exams showing a progressive degenerative condition unresponsive to available treatments, the tutor opted for euthanasia of the patient. The subsequently requested necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalitis. Case 2. This case refers to a 1-year-and-5-month-old male Maltese breed weighing 4.8 kg. This animal presented walking in circles behavior and loss of vision for a week, with signs worsening rapidly. In the neurological evaluation, the patient presented sensitivity in the middle ear, difficulty opening the mouth, hearing deficit in the right ear, blindness in the right eye, a proprioceptive deficit in the right anterior limb, and head pressing. Laboratory tests showed nonregenerative anemia and mild lymphopenia. After 1 day of hospitalization, the patient showed worsening clinical condition, with obstruction, absence of facial and auricular sensitivity, and nasal stimulus. In addition, onset of generalized seizures was observed; therefore, CSF was analyzed, which did not present significant alterations except for detecting reactive lymphocytes. The bacteriological culture of CSF resulted in no bacterial growth. In addition, the same neurological PCR panel performed for the previous patient was negative. After 5 days of intensive care, the patient presented a cardiorespiratory arrest and died. The subsequently requested necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of necrotizing meningoencephalitis. Discussion: The 2 reported cases confirm that MUO should be considered during the differential diagnoses of patients with neurological alterations. It is known that small-breed dogs are predisposed to these diseases. Laboratory tests and medical imaging are crucial for clinical guidance, helping to discard other neurological pathologies, especially those due to bacterial, fungal, and/or viral agents. However, definitive diagnosis of MUO can only be performed through necropsy and histopathological analysis. For the reported cases, CSF analysis, neurological PCR panel for detecting possible infectious agents, and bacterial culture were essential to rule out other possible causes of meningoencephalitis. Unfortunately, MUO includes progressive neurological disorders causing the patient's death.

Metastatic intranasal mastocytoma in a dog

Background: Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are neoplasms originating from mast cells, which can be well or poorly differentiated. They are considered the most commonly diagnosed malignant cutaneous neoplasm in dogs; however, intranasal forms are still little reported. Thus, this study seeks to report a case of unilateral intranasal MCT exhibiting submandibular lymph node metastasis. Case: A 11-year-old-and-4-month-old dog of undefined breed (UB), weighing 41 kg, was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Presenting a clinical history of bilateral purulent nasal secretion, accompanied by sneezing in the two months prior to admission, in addition to vomiting and diarrhea. Auxiliary tests were requested, including skull X-ray, cytology of the nasal cavity with a swab, and collection of material from the submandibular lymph node directly through cytology with a needle. Cytological findings from the right nasal cavity were consistent with mast cell tumors (MCTs). Cytological analysis of the left nasal cavity was compatible with dysplasia/cellular reactivity. A heterogeneous population of cells was detected on cytology of the right submandibular lymph node. These findings were consistent with MCT lymph node metastasis. Skull radiography showed an increase in both opacity and soft tissue extension, surpassing the palate, from the canine tooth through the caudal region of the maxillary sinuses to the last molar, without bone destruction. The dog was then admitted for an abdominal ultrasound, which showed no changes in the spleen or liver. The leukocyte count showed mild lymphopenia and the presence of reactive lymphocytes. Through the buffy coat, the presence of rare round cells, compatible with circulating mast cells, was detected. Due to the biological behavior of the neoplasm and its anatomical location, the established therapy was based on the use of vinblastine and prednisolone. The patient did not show any clinical improvements. In a joint decision with the patient's guardian, the dog was euthanized. Discussion: Intranasal MCTs commonly present progressive and intermittent unilateral epitaxis, mucopurulent nasal discharge, dyspnea, and ocular discharge. Several anatomical sites were associated with more aggressive neoplastic phenotypes; those with an unfavorable prognosis were mainly those present in the oral and intranasal mucosa. Cytopathological examination is considered a highly sensitive method for the diagnosis of MCTs. Metastases are present in more than 90% of mucosal MCTs, usually affecting regional lymph nodes and associated with a poor prognosis. Radiography is considered a useful test in determining the size and location of tumors in the nasal cavity. Chemotherapy plays an important role in the treatment, especially in cases like the one described in this report, in which surgical excision is not possible due to the anatomical location of the neoplasm. Intranasal MCTs are uncommon in dogs. In this case, he presented aggressive, metastatic behavior and a poor response to antineoplastic therapy. Furthermore, due to the location of these tumors, they may be clinically similar to a number of other upper respiratory tract diseases, posing a diagnostic challenge. Therefore, it is essential that the search for differential diagnoses be carried out through auxiliary tests, such as cytology and imaging.

Multicentric T-cell lymphoma in a creole filly / Linfoma multicêntrico de células T em uma potra crioula

A 2-year-old creole filly was referred to us for evaluation because of the clinical suspicion of infection by Streptococcus equi. It presented with progressive weight loss and increased volume of the submandibular, retropharyngeal, and precrural lymph nodes. General clinical examinations and laboratory tests revealed dehydration, anemia, leukopenia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and thrombocytopenia. The initial treatment for equine adenitis did not achieve significant results, and new hematological and biochemical tests and lymph node cytology by puncture were performed. Cytology revealed cells compatible with neoplastic lymphocytes, resulting in the suspicion of lymphoma. The animal died from general weakness and was sent for autopsy. Macroscopically, generalized lymphadenomegaly and splenomegaly were observed, with multiple nodules and tumor lesions in the splenic parenchyma. There was an irregular nodule in the medullary layer of the right kidney. The liver and lungs were slightly enlarged, with petechiae and multifocal suffusions. Histopathological evaluation of different organ specimens revealed intense proliferation of the neoplastic lymphoid cells, invading the adjacent tissues, with moderate cellular pleomorphism. Immunohistochemistry of the lymph node sections with neoplastic infiltration revealed multicentric T-cell lymphoma. In horses, cases of lymphomas are rare and should be differentiated from other causes that induce lymphadenomegaly in this species.(AU)

Uma potra da raça crioula, com dois anos de idade foi encaminhada para avaliação clínica com suspeita de infecção por Streptococcus equi. A paciente apresentava emagrecimento progressivo e aumento dos linfonodos submandibulares, retrofaríngeos e pré-crurais. A potra foi submetida a exames clínicos gerais e de laboratório, apresentando desidratação, anemia, leucopenia, hiperfibrinogenemia e trombocitopenia. O tratamento inicial para adenite equina não obteve resultados significativos, e novos exames hematológicos, bioquímicos e citologia da punção de linfonodos foram realizados. O resultado da citologia revelou células compatíveis com linfócitos neoplásicos, o que levou a suspeita de linfoma. O animal morreu em consequência da debilidade de seu estado geral e foi encaminhado para necropsia. Macroscopicamente, observou-se linfadenomegalia generalizada, esplenomegalia com múltiplos nódulos no parênquima do baço, bem como lesões tumorais caracterizadas por rim direito apresentando nódulo irregular na camada medular, fígado levemente aumentado e pulmões com petéquias e sufusões multifocais. Amostras de variados órgãos foram submetidos a avaliação histopatológica, a qual revelou intensa proliferação de células linfoides neoplásicas com invasão de tecidos adjacentes com moderado pleomorfismo celular. Secções de linfonodos com infiltrado neoplásico foram submetidas à avaliação imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) a qual determinou tratar-se de linfoma de células T multicêntrico. Em equinos, esse tipo de neoplasma é pouco frequente e deve ser diferenciado de outras causas que induzem linfadenomegalia nessa espécie.(AU)

Immunohistochemical and serological aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Neotropical primates / Aspectos imuno-histoquímicos e sorológicos da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em primatas neotropicais

Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by the intracellular coccidian Toxoplasma gondii that infects most warm-blooded vertebrates, is widely distributed and fatal for primates, which are peculiarly susceptible for unknown reason(s). Owing to the increasing number of Neotropical mammal deaths where in T. gondii were detected in analyzed tissues, the present immunohistochemical study analyzed the distribution patterns of immunostainings related to this parasite on primates necropsied at the Laboratório de Patologia Animal of Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), between the years of 2000 and 2014. Furthermore, a serological survey for the disease was conducted for 21 primates from the UPF Zoo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, belonging to genera Sapajus and Alouatta. In a immunohistochemical test performed using streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase, 26.53% positivity was detected in 98 primates. Immunostainings revealed that infection differed among the lung (76.92%), liver (58.33%), heart (50%), brain (42.30%), and kidney (23.07%) tissues. Serology performed through indirect hemagglutination showed reactivity in 85.7% of the animals, all belonging to Sapajus sp., while the three primates that did not show reactivity (14.3%) belonged to Alouatta sp.

A toxoplasmose é causada por Toxoplasma gondii, um coccídeo intracelular que infecta a maioria dos vertebrados homeotérmicos. Esta doença, de ampla distribuição mundial, é fatal em primatas neotropicais, os quais apresentam uma suscetibilidade peculiar, ainda não elucidada. Dado o crescente número de óbitos em primatas com fortes indícios da presença de T. gondii nos tecidos, o presente estudo imuno-histoquímico teve por objetivo verificar o padrão de distribuição de imunomarcações relativas a este parasita nos primatas necropsiados no Laboratório de Patologia Animal da Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), entre os anos 2000 e 2014. Realizou-se, ainda, um inquérito sorológico para T. gondii em 21 primatas neotropicais dos generous Sapajus e Alouatta pertencentes ao Zoológico da UPF, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A imuno-histoquímica realizada através do método da streptavidina-biotinaperoxidase detectou 26,53% de positividade em 98 primatas. A distribuição das imunomarcações variou entre os tecidos analisados: pulmão (76,92%), fígado (58,33%), coração (50%), cérebro (42,30%), e rins (23,07%). A sorologia dos 21 primatas, realizada através de hemaglutinação indireta, exibiu reatividade em 85,7% dos animais, todos pertencentes ao gênero Sapajus, e os três animais negativos (14,3%) pertenciam ao gênero Alouatta.

Immunomodulatory effects of dietary ß-glucan in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) / Efeito imunomodulador da ß-glucana usada como aditivo alimentar em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen)

The immunomodulatory effects of dietary ß-glucan were evaluated in silver catfish. ß-glucan was added to the diet (0.01%, and 0.1%) and fed to the fish for 21 days, to evaluate effects on blood and some innate immune parameter, or fed for 42 days, to evaluate growth rate and resistance to challenge with pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila. We found that adding ß-glucan to the diet had no effect on fish growth and no effect on blood cells, or serum bacterial agglutination and serum myeloperoxidase activity. However, fish that received ß-glucan in the diet had the natural hemolytic activity of complement significantly higher compared to control fish. Furthermore, fish fed with ß-glucan and challenged with A. hydrophila had fewer bacteria in blood and presented a significantly higher survival rate compared to control fish. Thus, we concluded that ß-glucan might be explored as feed additive aiming to improve silver catfish innate immunity and resistance to specific pathogen.(AU)

O uso da ß-glucana como suplemento alimentar foi avaliado em jundiás. A ß-glucana foi adicionada à ração na proporção de 0.01%, e 0.1% e fornecida aos peixes por 21, para avaliar dados hematológicos e parâmetros do sistema imune natural, ou 42 dias, para avaliar ganho de peso e resistência ao desafio com Aeromonas hydrophila. A adição da ß-glucana na dieta não afetou o ganho de peso e não induziu alterações hematológicas nem alterações nos níveis de aglutininas e mieloperoxidase sanguínea. No entanto, a atividade hemolítica natural do sistema do complemento foi significativamente maior nos peixes alimentados com ß-glucana. Além disso, nos peixes alimentados com ß-glucana e desafiados com A. hydrophila, o número de bactérias isoladas do sangue foi significativamente menor, e a sobrevivência ao desafio foi significativamente maior do que nos peixes que não receberam ß-glucana. Consequentemente, concluímos que a ß-glucana tem potencial imunomodulador quando adicionada à dieta, nas condições experimentais aqui indicadas, e contribui para aumentar imunidade natural e a resistência dos jundiás ao desafio com patógenos específicos.(AU)

Immunohistochemical and serological aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Neotropical primates / Aspectos imuno-histoquímicos e sorológicos da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em primatas neotropicais

Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by the intracellular coccidian Toxoplasma gondii that infects most warm-blooded vertebrates, is widely distributed and fatal for primates, which are peculiarly susceptible for unknown reason(s). Owing to the increasing number of Neotropical mammal deaths where in T. gondii were detected in analyzed tissues, the present immunohistochemical study analyzed the distribution patterns of immunostainings related to this parasite on primates necropsied at the Laboratório de Patologia Animal of Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), between the years of 2000 and 2014. Furthermore, a serological survey for the disease was conducted for 21 primates from the UPF Zoo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, belonging to genera Sapajus and Alouatta. In a immunohistochemical test performed using streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase, 26.53% positivity was detected in 98 primates. Immunostainings revealed that infection differed among the lung (76.92%), liver (58.33%), heart (50%), brain (42.30%), and kidney (23.07%) tissues. Serology performed through indirect hemagglutination showed reactivity in 85.7% of the animals, all belonging to Sapajus sp., while the three primates that did not show reactivity (14.3%) belonged to Alouatta sp.(AU)

A toxoplasmose é causada por Toxoplasma gondii, um coccídeo intracelular que infecta a maioria dos vertebrados homeotérmicos. Esta doença, de ampla distribuição mundial, é fatal em primatas neotropicais, os quais apresentam uma suscetibilidade peculiar, ainda não elucidada. Dado o crescente número de óbitos em primatas com fortes indícios da presença de T. gondii nos tecidos, o presente estudo imuno-histoquímico teve por objetivo verificar o padrão de distribuição de imunomarcações relativas a este parasita nos primatas necropsiados no Laboratório de Patologia Animal da Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), entre os anos 2000 e 2014. Realizou-se, ainda, um inquérito sorológico para T. gondii em 21 primatas neotropicais dos generous Sapajus e Alouatta pertencentes ao Zoológico da UPF, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A imuno-histoquímica realizada através do método da streptavidina-biotinaperoxidase detectou 26,53% de positividade em 98 primatas. A distribuição das imunomarcações variou entre os tecidos analisados: pulmão (76,92%), fígado (58,33%), coração (50%), cérebro (42,30%), e rins (23,07%). A sorologia dos 21 primatas, realizada através de hemaglutinação indireta, exibiu reatividade em 85,7% dos animais, todos pertencentes ao gênero Sapajus, e os três animais negativos (14,3%) pertenciam ao gênero Alouatta.(AU)

Immunomodulatory effects of dietary Beta-glucan in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) / Efeito imunomodulador da Beta- glucana usada como aditivo alimentar em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen)

The immunomodulatory effects of dietary Beta-glucan were evaluated in silver catfish. Beta-glucan was added to the diet (0.01%, and 0.1%) and fed to the fish for 21 days, to evaluate effects on blood and some innate immune parameter, or fed for 42 days, to evaluate growth rate and resistance to challenge with pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila. We found that adding Beta-glucan to the diet had no effect on fish growth and no effect on blood cells, or serum bacterial agglutination and serum myeloperoxidase activity. However, fish that received Beta-glucan in the diet had the natural hemolytic activity of complement significantly higher compared to control fish. Furthermore, fish fed with Beta-glucan and challenged with A. hydrophila had fewer bacteria in blood and presented a significantly higher survival rate compared to control fish. Thus, we concluded that Beta-glucan might be explored as feed additive aiming to improve silver catfish innate immunity and resistance to specific pathogen.(AU)

O uso da Beta-glucana como suplemento alimentar foi avaliado em jundiás. A Beta-glucana foi adicionada à ração na proporção de 0.01%, e 0.1% e fornecida aos peixes por 21, para avaliar dados hematológicos e parâmetros do sistema imune natural, ou 42 dias, para avaliar ganho de peso e resistência ao desafio com Aeromonas hydrophila. A adição da Beta-glucana na dieta não afetou o ganho de peso e não induziu alterações hematológicas nem alterações nos níveis de aglutininas e mieloperoxidase sanguínea. No entanto, a atividade hemolítica natural do sistema do complemento foi significativamente maior nos peixes alimentados com Beta-glucana. Além disso, nos peixes alimentados com Beta-glucana e desafiados com A. hydrophila, o número de bactérias isoladas do sangue foi significativamente menor, e a sobrevivência ao desafio foi significativamente maior do que nos peixes que não receberam Beta-glucana. Consequentemente, concluímos que a Beta-glucana tem potencial imunomodulador quando adicionada à dieta, nas condições experimentais aqui indicadas, e contribui para aumentar imunidade natural e a resistência dos jundiás ao desafio com patógenos específicos.(AU)

Immunomodulatory effects of dietary -glucan in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

ABSTRACT: The immunomodulatory effects of dietary -glucan were evaluated in silver catfish. -glucan was added to the diet (0.01%, and 0.1%) and fed to the fish for 21 days, to evaluate effects on blood and some innate immune parameter, or fed for 42 days, to evaluate growth rate and resistance to challenge with pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila. We found that adding -glucan to the diet had no effect on fish growth and no effect on blood cells, or serum bacterial agglutination and serum myeloperoxidase activity. However, fish that received -glucan in the diet had the natural hemolytic activity of complement significantly higher compared to control fish. Furthermore, fish fed with -glucan and challenged with A. hydrophila had fewer bacteria in blood and presented a significantly higher survival rate compared to control fish. Thus, we concluded that -glucan might be explored as feed additive aiming to improve silver catfish innate immunity and resistance to specific pathogen.

RESUMO: O uso da -glucana como suplemento alimentar foi avaliado em jundiás. A -glucana foi adicionada à ração na proporção de 0.01%, e 0.1% e fornecida aos peixes por 21, para avaliar dados hematológicos e parâmetros do sistema imune natural, ou 42 dias, para avaliar ganho de peso e resistência ao desafio com Aeromonas hydrophila. A adição da -glucana na dieta não afetou o ganho de peso e não induziu alterações hematológicas nem alterações nos níveis de aglutininas e mieloperoxidase sanguínea. No entanto, a atividade hemolítica natural do sistema do complemento foi significativamente maior nos peixes alimentados com -glucana. Além disso, nos peixes alimentados com -glucana e desafiados com A. hydrophila, o número de bactérias isoladas do sangue foi significativamente menor, e a sobrevivência ao desafio foi significativamente maior do que nos peixes que não receberam -glucana. Consequentemente, concluímos que a -glucana tem potencial imunomodulador quando adicionada à dieta, nas condições experimentais aqui indicadas, e contribui para aumentar imunidade natural e a resistência dos jundiás ao desafio com patógenos específicos.

Uso da imuno-histoquímica no diagnóstico de leptospirose em primatas neotropicais / Role of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of leptospirosis in neotropical primates

Background: Leptospirosis is considered the most widespread zoonosis worldwide, occurring more frequently in tropical and developing regions. The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of Leptospira spp. in different primate tissues, using immunohistochemical (IHC) assays, taking advantage of the considerable number of necropsies compatible with a diagnosis of leptospirosis in neotropical primates at the Animal Pathology Laboratory (APL) of the University of Passo Fundo (UPF) in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul. Materials, Methods & Results: Paraffin-embedded primate tissue samples were selected from necropsy examinations and subjected to IHC. The streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method was used with diaminobenzidine chromogen (DAB) to verify immunostaining. Of the101 primates tested for Leptospira spp., 51.48% were positive; taining was distributed between lung (76.92%), liver (44.23%), and kidney (32.69%) tissue. Analysis of the combined anatomopathological verification data of the studied organs revealed a high frequency of lesions commonly observed in the tissues of animals exposed to the pathogen. For complementary diagnosis, an anti-Leptospira spp. antibody test was performed in primates at the UPF-Zoo, from which a population of the necropsied animals originated. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was utilized, which demonstrated 90.47% positivity in 21 individuals; sejroe and panama were the most frequent serovars. Discussion: Different intensities of tissue immunostaining were observed. Areas of fragmented or diffuse staining were considered to indicate equal positivity to that indicated by areas of staining with preserved morphology. Of 52 Leptospirapositive primates, most presented some degree of staining in lung samples, which shows a high level of involvement for this organ in primate leptospirosis. […](AU)

Uso da imuno-histoquímica no diagnóstico de leptospirose em primatas neotropicais / Role of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of leptospirosis in neotropical primates

Background: Leptospirosis is considered the most widespread zoonosis worldwide, occurring more frequently in tropical and developing regions. The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of Leptospira spp. in different primate tissues, using immunohistochemical (IHC) assays, taking advantage of the considerable number of necropsies compatible with a diagnosis of leptospirosis in neotropical primates at the Animal Pathology Laboratory (APL) of the University of Passo Fundo (UPF) in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul. Materials, Methods & Results: Paraffin-embedded primate tissue samples were selected from necropsy examinations and subjected to IHC. The streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method was used with diaminobenzidine chromogen (DAB) to verify immunostaining. Of the101 primates tested for Leptospira spp., 51.48% were positive; taining was distributed between lung (76.92%), liver (44.23%), and kidney (32.69%) tissue. Analysis of the combined anatomopathological verification data of the studied organs revealed a high frequency of lesions commonly observed in the tissues of animals exposed to the pathogen. For complementary diagnosis, an anti-Leptospira spp. antibody test was performed in primates at the UPF-Zoo, from which a population of the necropsied animals originated. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was utilized, which demonstrated 90.47% positivity in 21 individuals; sejroe and panama were the most frequent serovars. Discussion: Different intensities of tissue immunostaining were observed. Areas of fragmented or diffuse staining were considered to indicate equal positivity to that indicated by areas of staining with preserved morphology. Of 52 Leptospirapositive primates, most presented some degree of staining in lung samples, which shows a high level of involvement for this organ in primate leptospirosis. […]

Immobilizer removable articulate in rehabilitation of dogs submitted to tenorrhaphy patellar / Imobilizador articular ajustável na reabilitação de cães submetidos à tenorrafia patelar

Background: In cases of patellar tendon ruptures, there is a need for primary repair by sutures aiming to restore the extensor mechanism of the knee and prevent degenerative sequelae. Even though the need for temporary immobilization of the joint reconstruction surgeries involving tendons and ligaments, seeks to avoid or minimize the undesirable effects of disuse without any interference at the surgical site. Thus, the objective of this research was to propose a model of joint immobilization adjustable in dogs undergoing patellar tenorrhaphy to allow, in the immediate postoperative period, the achievement of physical therapy modalities without interfering with the healing of the involved structures. Materials, Methods & Results: The dogs were randomly divided into two groups called fixed immobilization or GF (6 dogs) and adjustable or GA (5 dogs) immobilization. Once on plane and restrained in dorsal decubitus, lateral incision was performed on the right knee in dogs GF and GA for total section of the patellar tendon at its insertion 10 mm at the tibial crest. Immediately, it was made with tenorrhaphy modified Kessler suture pattern using monofilament nylon wire nº 1, followed by a Wolff point involving modified Kessler suture with the same type of wire. In both groups, the joint was immobilized femorotibiopatelar percutaneous external fixation biplanar at an angle of 110 [...](AU)

Immobilizer removable articulate in rehabilitation of dogs submitted to tenorrhaphy patellar / Imobilizador articular ajustável na reabilitação de cães submetidos à tenorrafia patelar

Background: In cases of patellar tendon ruptures, there is a need for primary repair by sutures aiming to restore the extensor mechanism of the knee and prevent degenerative sequelae. Even though the need for temporary immobilization of the joint reconstruction surgeries involving tendons and ligaments, seeks to avoid or minimize the undesirable effects of disuse without any interference at the surgical site. Thus, the objective of this research was to propose a model of joint immobilization adjustable in dogs undergoing patellar tenorrhaphy to allow, in the immediate postoperative period, the achievement of physical therapy modalities without interfering with the healing of the involved structures. Materials, Methods & Results: The dogs were randomly divided into two groups called fixed immobilization or GF (6 dogs) and adjustable or GA (5 dogs) immobilization. Once on plane and restrained in dorsal decubitus, lateral incision was performed on the right knee in dogs GF and GA for total section of the patellar tendon at its insertion 10 mm at the tibial crest. Immediately, it was made with tenorrhaphy modified Kessler suture pattern using monofilament nylon wire nº 1, followed by a Wolff point involving modified Kessler suture with the same type of wire. In both groups, the joint was immobilized femorotibiopatelar percutaneous external fixation biplanar at an angle of 110 [...]

Osteoblastic nasal osteosarcoma in a Wagyu bovine / Osteossarcoma osteoblástico nasal em um bovino Wagyu

Background: Osteosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumor with a wide variety of histological patterns. It is the primary bone neoplasia diagnosed in most domestic animal clinic, but rare in farm animals. The tumor develops both the appendicular skeleton as the axial skeleton, the latter being less affected. Generally it has a fast, painful and infiltrative grow, being observed metastasis. This study aims to report a case of metastatic osteoblastic osteosarcoma in the nasal bone of a bovine, diagnosed at the Animal Pathology Laboratory at the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), featuring its pathological and immunohistochemical aspects. Case: A 5 year old Wagyu female beef cattle, was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Passo Fundo. The animal had swelling in the left nasal plan, dyspnoea and anorexia. It was held cytology and biopsy which revealed malignant mesenchymal neoplasm compatible with osteosarcoma. The clinical picture has worsened and the animal died. At necropsy, the left nasal plane, had ulcerated tumor mass measuring 15x12.5x7.5 cm, hard and firm consistency with whitish color that seeped up to the turbinates and sinuses. In the lung, there were numerous nodules of tumor appearance, adhered to the parietal pleura, similar to bone tissue. In the histopathological analysis, proliferation of neoplastic cells located in the deep dermis was observed [...]

Osteoblastic nasal osteosarcoma in a Wagyu bovine / Osteossarcoma osteoblástico nasal em um bovino Wagyu

Background: Osteosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumor with a wide variety of histological patterns. It is the primary bone neoplasia diagnosed in most domestic animal clinic, but rare in farm animals. The tumor develops both the appendicular skeleton as the axial skeleton, the latter being less affected. Generally it has a fast, painful and infiltrative grow, being observed metastasis. This study aims to report a case of metastatic osteoblastic osteosarcoma in the nasal bone of a bovine, diagnosed at the Animal Pathology Laboratory at the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), featuring its pathological and immunohistochemical aspects. Case: A 5 year old Wagyu female beef cattle, was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Passo Fundo. The animal had swelling in the left nasal plan, dyspnoea and anorexia. It was held cytology and biopsy which revealed malignant mesenchymal neoplasm compatible with osteosarcoma. The clinical picture has worsened and the animal died. At necropsy, the left nasal plane, had ulcerated tumor mass measuring 15x12.5x7.5 cm, hard and firm consistency with whitish color that seeped up to the turbinates and sinuses. In the lung, there were numerous nodules of tumor appearance, adhered to the parietal pleura, similar to bone tissue. In the histopathological analysis, proliferation of neoplastic cells located in the deep dermis was observed [...](AU)

Rangelia vitalii, Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in dogs in Passo Fundo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Rangelia vitalii, Babesia spp. e Ehrlichia spp. em cães de Passo Fundo, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Pathogens transmitted by ticks are an emerging problem worldwide, this study aimed to diagnose the causal agents of infection in dogs presenting suspected hemoparasitoses. Fifty-eight dogs with clinical signs such as depression, hemorrhagic diathesis and fever were evaluated regarding clinical presentation, hemogram, blood smears and serological tests, using the indirect immunofluorescence method for the agents Babesia vogeli and Ehrlichia canis and conventional PCR for Babesia spp. (gene 18S rRNA), Rangelia vitalii (gene 18S rRNA) and Ehrlichia spp. (gene dsb). Five (8.6%) of the 58 dogs were serologically positive for Babesia spp. and three (5.1%) for E. canis. Four dogs (6.8%) were positive for R. vitalii through the molecular diagnosis. The PCR products were sequenced and the DNA from R. vitalii was found to be 99% genetically identical to samples of R. vitalii that had been isolated in Brazil. No presence of Babesia spp. or E. canis was observed through PCR on the dogs evaluated here. The results indicate the presence of R. vitalii and exposure to Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. among the dogs analyzed.(AU)

Patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos são um problema emergente em todo o mundo, o trabalho objetivou diagnosticar os agentes causais da infecção em cães com suspeita de hemoparasitoses. Cinquenta e oito caninos com sinais clínicos como depressão, diáteses hemorrágicas e febre foram avaliados quanto à apresentação clínica, hemograma, esfregaço sanguíneo, sorologia pelo método de Imunofluorescência Indireta para os agentes Babesia vogeli e Ehrlichia canis e na PCR convencional para Babesia spp. (gene 18S rRNA), Rangelia vitalii (gene 18S rRNA) e Ehrlichia spp. (gene dsb). Cinco (8,6%) dos 58 cães apresentaram sorologia positiva para Babesia spp. e três (5,1%) para E. canis. Quatro (6,8%) animais mostraram-se positivos para R. vitalii no diagnóstico molecular. Os produtos da PCR foram sequenciados e o DNA encontrado de R. vitalii mostrou 99% de identidade genética com amostras de R. vitalii isoladas no Brasil. Não foi observada a presença de Babesia spp. e E. canis na PCR dos cães avaliados. Os resultados indicaram a presença de R. vitalii e exposição a Babesia spp. e Ehrlichia spp. entre os cães analisados.(AU)

Biomarcadores inflamatórios e indicadores de estresse oxidativo em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingohisterectomia convencional, por NOTES híbrida e NOTES total / Inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress indicators in bitches subjected to conventional ovarysalpingohysterectomy, by hybrid NOTES and by total NOTE

Objetivou-se comparar a resposta inflamatória e o perfil oxidativo da técnica de ovariossalpingohisterectomia (OSH) convencional com duas técnicas de Cirurgia Endoscópica por Orifícios Naturais (NOTES). Foram utilizados 15 fêmeas, alocadas em três grupos de cinco animais. No primeiro grupo, a OSH foi realizada por celiotomia convencional, no segundo, por NOTES total e, no terceiro, por NOTES híbrida. Foram realizadas as coletas sanguíneas antes do procedimento cirúrgico (basal), 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 72h pós-operatórias. A atividade da catalase manteve-se alta nos três grupos estudados, entretanto a peroxidação lipídica, medida pelos níveis dos produtos de reação com o ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), ocorreu mais acentuadamente no grupo convencional e foi quase que imperceptível no grupo de NOTES total. Nos três grupos estudados, ocorreu elevação na atividade da butirilcolinesterase e acetilcolinesterases, bem como aumento leucocitário neutrofílico nas primeiras horas pós-cirúrgicas. Conclui-se que a inflamação sistêmica acontece de forma similar nas três técnicas operatórias, com ressalva para as realizadas por NOTES total que mantiveram as mais baixas taxas oxidativas.(AU)

This study aimed at comparing the inflammatory response and the oxydative profile of the conventional ovarysalpingohysterectomy (OSH) technique to Totally Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) and Hybrid NOTES. Group of fifteen female dogs was used for each technique. Blood samples were taken before the surgical procedure (basal) and 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72h postoperative. The catalase activity was increased in the three studied groups. Nevertheless, lipid peroxidation, measured by TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) levels, was higher in the conventional group and almost indistinguishable in the total NOTES group. In the three analyzed groups, both butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase activities were increased as well as the neutrophil counts during the first post-surgical hours. It is possible to conclude that systemic inflammation occurs in a similar way in the three operative techniques; however, total NOTES technique presents lower levels of cellular oxidative damage, particularly if compared to the conventional approach.(AU)

Bilateral perinephric pseudocyst in a cat

Background: Perinephric pseudocyst is a rare disease that affects animals and humans. It is characterized by an accumulation of serous fluid around of one or both kidneys, and in cats the manifestation as sub-capsular, containing liquid with transudate characteristics are most frequently observed. The etiology is not well understood yet, but it is known that it is associated with chronic renal injury. While it has no direct relation to race and gender, it shows a higher occurrence in elderly patients above 10 years. According to the scientific literature, surgery is the treatment of choice for this condition. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to report the first case of bilateral perinephric pseudocyst in a young cat in Brazil, treated with palliative maneuver associated with a therapeutic feeding balanced. Case: A 1-year-old Siamese cat, 3 kg, female non-castrated was referred for clinical investigation in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It presented a 30 days history of progressive increase of abdominal volume, followed also by weight loss, hyporexia, and apathy. The patient underwent to an abdominal ultrasound, showing a large cyst in both kidneys, suggestive of perinephric pseudocyst. It was found that the surgical therapy would the choice for such alterations; however, the animal owners we do not accepted surgical treatment, were oriented about the risks of recurrence a treatment palliative. Nevertheless, recognizing the risks, they preferred by choose for a minimally invasive treatment. With this clinical challenge, we established a supportive treatment, with fluid therapy and commercial therapeutic feeding. At day of diagnosis of perinephric pseudocyst, which we consider as day 0, blood sample was collected for evaluation hemogram and biochemical serum, tests revealed normochromic normocytic anemia and azotemia. Elapsed 10 days of supportive therapy, the liquid was aseptically drained, being classified as a transudate. It was performed only two collection of perirenal liquid within a interval of 10 days between them. After the second perinephric pseudocyst draining the animal did not return to the veterinary clinic, since the owners had reported, by phone call, the improvement of the animal. The reports were maintained during three months and two years after the diagnostic, with no longer observation of abdominal enlargement. Discussion: The abdominal ultrasound proved to be an effective diagnostic method for the differentiation and confirmation of PNP e the liquid analysis revealed pure transudate. These results are similar to those described by other authors. Laboratory tests showed normocytic normochromic anemia and azotemia. The azotemia may be prerenal, by dehydration, as observed in this report; however, as shown in other studies of conical renal injury, obstruction by calculus can lead to this azotemic condition. Thus, it was possible to observe in this study, corroborating the literature, that the prognosis is related to the degree of renal dysfunction. Since this animal was a young cat, when the dehydration was, corrected along with the percutaneous puncture of liquid, the animal's response was immediate and satisfactory. The levels of urea and creatinine declined, with consequent decrease in accumulation of liquid in cysts. Another fundamental process in the therapeutic care, was the combination of mechanical therapy with therapeutic feeding, providing lower renal overload of minerals and a greater supply of proteins with high digestibility to the animal. It is important to emphasize that it is not recommended to replace the surgery by this protocol, but it is expected with this report demonstrate the importance of this rare disease in our country, highlighting that a palliative maneuver in association with changes in diet are therapies that can be employed with favorable prognosis.

Cholinesterase activity in serum, whole blood and lymphocytes of dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii

Background: The cholinergic system is involved in many biological functions in mammals and is associated with pathogenesis of infectious diseases, as has participation in transmission of nerve impulses in cholinergic synapses, haematopoiesis, regulation of inflammatory markers, production and coordination of movement, and memory. Rangelia vitalii is a parasite endemic to south of Brazil. This parasite multiplies in the blood and can be visualized in plasma in its free form and/or within leukocytes and erythrocytes, causing various pathologies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the activity of cholinergic system enzymes in dogs experimentally infected with R. vitalii. Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve dogs were used, divided into two groups: control group (n = 5), consisting of healthy animals, and infected group with R. vitalii (n = 7). Fresh blood samples of these infected animals were inoculated in seven dogs (2 mL/dog through the jugular vein). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 10 and 20 post-infection (PI). Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity was measured in serum and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in lymphocytes and whole blood. Boold samples were diluted 1:50 (v/v) in lysis solution (0.1 mmol/L potassium/sodium phosphate buffer containing 0.03% Triton X-100) and frozen (-20 ºC by 7 days) to determine AChE activity in whole blood. Lymphocytes were also obtained from whole blood with EDTA by gradient separation using Ficoll-Histopaque™ plus to AChE activity this cell. After analysis of the samples, was observed that the dogs infected with R. vitalii presented a signifi cant (P < 0.01) increase in AChE activity in whole blood on days 10 and 20 PI. However, the infected group showed a reduced activity in AChE in lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and BChE in serum (P < 0.05) on day 20 PI. Discussion: According to the literature, infected dogs R. vitalii develop regenerative anemia evidenced by an increase in the erytroid precursors in bone marrow associated with alterations of leucogram as leukopenia, neutropenia, eosinopenia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis. Furthermore, it was observed severe thrombocytopenia, with alteration in platelet aggregation and activity of enzymes involved in the control of ATP, ADP and adenosine levels on platelets, thereby influencing hemostasis and contributing to the typical bleeding disease. AChE activity in whole blood was increased in dogs parasitized by R. vitalii observed in this study. This increase may be a compensatory effect to severe anemia caused by the parasite infection, because this enzyme is involved in the maturation of erythrocytes and in the regulation of hematopoiesis. In the present study, we found that the reduction in AChE activity in lymphocytes is associated to lymphocytosis; and it is known that ACh is produced within lymphocytes and has the ability to negatively modulate the immune response, acting directly on the inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, the decrease of AChE activity may have an anti-inflammatory action in order to have more free ACh to bind lymphocytes and inhibit inflammation. The enzyme BChE can also act as an inflammatory marker in various diseases, similar to AChE, because the enzyme can hydrolyze acetylcholine when AChE is inhibited. In conclusion, our results indicate that canine rangeliosis alters the activity of cholinesterase's, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, as well as various pathological conditions.

A hematologic and electrophoretic study in puppies vaccinated against canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus

Background: Canine distemper is a contagious multisystemic viral disease that affects canines and others carnivores. Canine parvovirus infection is one of the most important viral diseases in young dogs. Side effects of vaccine generally include fever, lethargy and local inflammation. Complementary exams are important to evaluate the strenght of immungenic stimulation. This study was aimed at evaluating hematological and electrophoretic alterations in puppies after inoculation of live attenuated vaccine against canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus. Materials, Methods & Results: Five non-breeding newborn dogs of the same litter were used. Animals received three subcutaneous injection of 1mL (at days 0, 21 and 42). Blood was collected at day 0 (day of vaccination) and for three times for each dose: at days 7, 14 and 21 (first dose); at days 28, 35 and 42 (second dose); and at days 49, 56 and 63 (third dose). Blood containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as anticoagulant was used for hematological evaluation. The total serum protein were determined by the biuret method, using commercial reagent, according to fabricant instructions. Serum was used for protein fractionation by using cellulose acetate strip electrophoresis. A decrease in platelet count was observed at days 7 and 28 post-vaccination. Lymphocyte number increased 88.4%, as well as the level of the protein fractions alpha-1 globulin (68%) and alpha-2 globulin (41.4%) at day 7. Moreover, a 5-fold increase in the fibrinogem concentration and in the number of eosinophils was observed at day 14. Thereafter, the platelet count decreased by 27.3% and the number of monocytes increased 5-fold at day 28. Discussion: Mild to moderate thrombocytopenia is often observed in dogs 3-5 days post-vaccination with live attenuated vaccines, mainly those against CDV and CPV. Besides the platelet damage caused by the CDV per se, infected animals showed secondary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and decreased platelet production due to direct viral megakaryocyte infection. The increase in alpha-1 globulin may be related to the augment in the synthesis of alpha-1 antitrypsin, the main protein of the alpha-1 globulin region, in response to the vaccine-induced acute inflammatory process. The alpha-2 globulin region includes haptoglobin, alpha-2 macroglobulin and ceruloplasmin, and the increase observed in this fraction suggested that both haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin levels were augmented, following acute inflammatory response pattern. Fibrinogen is a soluble plasma glycoprotein that is converted by thrombin into fibrin during blood clotting. Despite the increase in fibrinogen concentration be the best indicator of inflammation in large animals, the hyperfibrinogenemia observed suggests that the inflammatory process was adequate to stimulate synthesis of this acute phase protein (P < 0,05). Absence of lymphocytosis observed at days 49, 56 and 63 associated to the progressive increase of the gamma globulin fraction, although not statistically significant, suggested an augment of B lymphocytes. The eosinophilia was observed in highlighting the presence of inflammation. Moreover, an increase in monocyte count indicating the presence of subacute or chronic inflammation after the second dose of the vaccine.

Activities of the enzymes NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase in platelets of rats experimentally infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae

Background: Leptospirosis, a spirochetal zoonotic disease caused by different serovars of Leptospira interrogans, is increasingly recognized as an important cause of hemorrhagic fever. Although the haemorrhagic potential of leptospirosis was noted by Weil (1886) as early as 1886, its pathophysiology is still not clearly elucidated, particularly regarding the cause and mechanisms of bleeding. Studies with ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase; EC 3.6.1.5; CD39), 5'-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5; CD73) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) have demonstrated the involvement of these enzymes in thromboregulation mechanisms, and altered enzymatic activities have been reported in many diseases. Since leptospirosis is a disease increasingly recognized as an important cause of hemorrhagic fever, the aim of this study was to evaluate these enzymes activities and parameters of platelet aggregation in platelets from rats experimentally infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae during different periods of experimental infection. Materials, Methods & Results: For this purpose, thirty-six adult male rats were divided into two groups: A, as uninfected control (subgroups A1, A2 and A3); and B, infected (subgroups B1, B2 and B3). Group B was inoculated intraperitoneally (Day 0) with 2 x 108 organisms per rat. Blood samples were collected on days 05 (A1 and B1), 10 (A2 and B2) and 20 (A3 and B3) post-inoculation (PI). In the infected group, platelet count had a decrease on day 10 PI and prothrombin time (PT) had an increase on day 5 PI. In the same group, platelet aggregation decreased (P < 0.01) day 10 PI. The hydrolysis of ATP in platelets was also decreased (P < 0.05) on day 10 PI, when compared to the control group. By the other side, ADP hydrolysis was increased (P < 0.05) on days 5 and 10 PI. 5'-nucleotidase activity was significantly increased on day 5 (P < 0.01) and 20 (P < 0.05) PI. Results of adenosine deamination into inosine by ADA in platelets showed a signifi cant (P < 0.01) increase on days 5 and 10 PI in the infected group. Discussion: Studies with NTPDase, 5'nucleotidase and ADA have demonstrated the involvement of these enzymes in the thromboregulation mechanisms, and altered enzymatic activities have been reported in many diseases. It has been established that extracellular adenosine nucleotides and adenosine are versatile signaling molecules known to participate in an array of platelet functions. For example, the nucleotide ADP is the main promoter of platelet aggregation, while adenosine can act as a vasodilator and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. In addition, high concentrations of ATP have been shown to inhibit ADP-induced aggregation in vitro, while low concentrations of ATP can significantly enhance platelet aggregation. In our experimental study the coagulation cascade was activated, since when the activities of NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase and ADA were analyzed is possible to suggest that levels of ATP were decreased, unlike of ADP and AMP levels, supposedly increased during determinate periods of our experiment. Adenosine levels were also enhanced due to the higher levels of its precursors. This cascade activation may be a mechanism of bleeding prevention front to leptospires infection, especially the ones caused by serovar icterohaemorrhagiae.