Feline demodicosis by Demodex cati / Demodiciose felina por Demodex cati

Background: Feline demodicosis is considered an uncommon dermatopathy in cats that is mainly caused by the mite Demodex cati, but in few cases D. gatoi may be involved. Although the clinical aspects and pathogeny of feline demodicosis are not completely understood, its clinical expression is believed to be associated with the presence of primary immunosuppressive agents. Thus, the aim of this study is to report the diagnosis and treatment of an infested cat by D. cati, associated with mixed intestinal parasitic infection.Case: An approximately 1-year-old male short hair cat which was grown in a rural area was presented at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Pampa (Unipampa) in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul. The cat had alopecia, itching, excoriations on neck and head, and softened feces as clinical signs. Performed skin scrapings revealed eggs, larvae and adult forms of D. cati. In order to find possible immunosuppressive agents, exams for detection of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) were also performed. They revealed, however, negative results for FIV and FeLV infections. Moreover, coproparasitologic analysis revealed the presence of the intestinal parasites Trichuris sp., Ancylostoma sp., and Spirometra mansonoides. Thus, it was decided to proceed the treatment utilizing 0.2 mg/kg of moxidectin subcutaneously every four [...]

Feline demodicosis by Demodex cati / Demodiciose felina por Demodex cati

Background: Feline demodicosis is considered an uncommon dermatopathy in cats that is mainly caused by the mite Demodex cati, but in few cases D. gatoi may be involved. Although the clinical aspects and pathogeny of feline demodicosis are not completely understood, its clinical expression is believed to be associated with the presence of primary immunosuppressive agents. Thus, the aim of this study is to report the diagnosis and treatment of an infested cat by D. cati, associated with mixed intestinal parasitic infection.Case: An approximately 1-year-old male short hair cat which was grown in a rural area was presented at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Pampa (Unipampa) in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul. The cat had alopecia, itching, excoriations on neck and head, and softened feces as clinical signs. Performed skin scrapings revealed eggs, larvae and adult forms of D. cati. In order to find possible immunosuppressive agents, exams for detection of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) were also performed. They revealed, however, negative results for FIV and FeLV infections. Moreover, coproparasitologic analysis revealed the presence of the intestinal parasites Trichuris sp., Ancylostoma sp., and Spirometra mansonoides. Thus, it was decided to proceed the treatment utilizing 0.2 mg/kg of moxidectin subcutaneously every four [...](AU)

Alterações na população de protozoários ruminais, quantificados a partir da adaptação da técnica de Dehority, de ovinos submetidos a uma dieta de confinamento / Alterations in population of ruminal protozoa, quantified from the adaptation technique Dehority, of sheep submitted to confinement diet

Background: The search for productivity increase in finish ruminants is related with the intensification of production. The use of concentrated feed in finish lambs can determine a profitable product and quality, wich reachs ideal weight in a short time. However, the addition of concentrated feed can cause a shift in the whole rumen ecosystem, and as a result, having animals more susceptible to metabolic disorders. As protozoa have their growth stimulated or inhibited by dietary factors, it becomes important to quantify and evaluate its activity in response to diets for ruminants. Thus, using measurements of the number of protozoa in the rumen fluid, we are able to make early diagnosis of possible metabolic disorders, as well as adjustments in ration formulations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration and activity of protozoa in rumen of sheep in a feedlot diet, and validate an adaptation of the technique Dehority for counting of protozoa in the rumen fluid. Materials, Methods & Results: It were utilized 5 crossbred Texel x Corriedale ewes not pregnant, not lactating, with approximately 18 months old and with average weight of 50.73 ± 4.38 kg. The females were kept confined, receiving water and ration ad libitum in individual feeders. Ewes were fed twice (8:30 and 16:30) daily with a diet aiming to provide the DM intake equivalent to 3.5% of body weight. The roughage supply was 60% of DM, divided into Alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) and Tifton 85 (Cynodondactylon), plus supplementation with commercial concentrate of 40%. Before the experimental period, we conducted a pre-trial adaptation period (21 days in length). Pre-prandial ruminal fluid collections were performed before the AM feeding, at intervals of seven days, during 35 days (Day 0 to Day 35 of the experiment), in a total of six collections. The rumen fluid was collected through oro-ruminal probe and the contents stored in sterile containers for immediate realization of sedimentation and flotation tests, methylene blue reduction test and ruminal pH.The values found in the rumen evaluations are in agreement physiological parameters for sheep. The average number of protozoa in rumen fluid in the range of 35 days was similar to other studies. Discussion: In this study, supplementation of concentrate at 1.4% of BW did not induce ruminal acidosis, as well as other changes in the analysis of rumen fluid, demonstrating an appropriate relation concentrate/roughage in the diet. Furthermore, the supply of forages (Alfalfa hay and Tifton) at 60% of the diet (DM basis), or 2.1% of BW, was crucial to maintaining stable rumen pH. However, we observed an increase (P < 0.05) in the number of protozoa associated with the course of the experimental period. Moreover, this study we observed that even after a adaptation period of 21 days, the average number of protozoa in rumen fluid continued with a significant gradual increase. Using an alternative methodology was possible to validate a technical adaptation to the counting of protozoa in rumen fluid proposed by Dehority. In conclusion, diets based on alfalfa hay and Tifton, plus supplementation with concentrated promote a gradual increase in the number of ruminal protozoa in confined ewes, without any interference in other markers of rumen activity.

Alterations in population of ruminal protozoa, quantified from the adaptation technique dehority, of sheep submitted to confinement diet / Alterações na população de protozoários ruminais, quantificados a partir da adaptação da técnica de Dehority, de ovinos submetidos a uma dieta de confinamento

Background: The search for productivity increase in finish ruminants is related with the intensification of production. The use of concentrated feed in finish lambs can determine a profitable product and quality, wich reachs ideal weight in a short time. However, the addition of concentrated feed can cause a shift in the whole rumen ecosystem, and as a result, having animals more susceptible to metabolic disorders. As protozoa have their growth stimulated or inhibited by dietary factors, it becomes important to quantify and evaluate its activity in response to diets for ruminants. Thus, using measurements of the number of protozoa in the rumen fluid, we are able to make early diagnosis of possible metabolic disorders, as well as adjustments in ration formulations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration and activity of protozoa in rumen of sheep in a feedlot diet, and validate an adaptation of the technique Dehority for counting of protozoa in the rumen fluid. Materials, Methods & Results: It were utilized 5 crossbred Texel x Corriedale ewes not pregnant, not lactating, with approximately 18 months old and with average weight of 50.73 ± 4.38 kg. The females were kept confined, receiving water and ration ad libitum in individual feeders. Ewes were fed twice (8:30 and 16:30) daily with a diet aiming to provide the DM intake equivalent to 3.5% of body wei

Background: The search for productivity increase in finish ruminants is related with the intensification of production. The use of concentrated feed in finish lambs can determine a profitable product and quality, wich reachs ideal weight in a short time. However, the addition of concentrated feed can cause a shift in the whole rumen ecosystem, and as a result, having animals more susceptible to metabolic disorders. As protozoa have their growth stimulated or inhibited by dietary factors, it becomes important to quantify and evaluate its activity in response to diets for ruminants. Thus, using measurements of the number of protozoa in the rumen fluid, we are able to make early diagnosis of possible metabolic disorders, as well as adjustments in ration formulations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration and activity of protozoa in rumen of sheep in a feedlot diet, and validate an adaptation of the technique Dehority for counting of protozoa in the rumen fluid. Materials, Methods & Results: It were utilized 5 crossbred Texel x Corriedale ewes not pregnant, not lactating, with approximately 18 months old and with average weight of 50.73 ± 4.38 kg. The females were kept confined, receiving water and ration ad libitum in individual feeders. Ewes were fed twice (8:30 and 16:30) daily with a diet aiming to provide the DM intake equivalent to 3.5% of body wei

Presence of eggs of Toxocara spp. and hookworms in a student environment in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Presença de ovos de Toxocara spp. e ancilostomatídeos em ambiente estudantil do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Environmental contamination by parasite forms was studied on a university campus in the municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Soil samples were analyzed using the modified Caldwell & Caldwell technique to identify parasite forms. Nematode eggs were detected in 62% of the samples. Among the parasites detected, eggs of Toxocara spp. and Ancylostomatidae were the most prevalent parasites in the studied area throughout the study period. The results demonstrated that there is significant environmental contamination, thereby representing a risk of zoonotic infection for humans frequenting the study area.(AU)

A contaminação ambiental por formas parasitárias foi estudada na área do campus universitário no município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Amostras de solo foram analisadas para identificação de formas parasitárias e a presença de ovos de nematóides foi verificada em 62% das amostras. Entre os parasitos observados destacam-se a presença de ovos de Toxocara spp. e de ancilostomatídeos em todo período estudado. Os resultados demonstram que há contaminação ambiental significativa, o que representa risco de infecção zoonótica aos humanos que frequentam a região estudada.(AU)

Presence of eggs of Toxocara spp. and hookworms in a student environment in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Environmental contamination by parasite forms was studied on a university campus in the municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Soil samples were analyzed using the modified Caldwell & Caldwell technique to identify parasite forms. Nematode eggs were detected in 62% of the samples. Among the parasites detected, eggs of Toxocara spp. and Ancylostomatidae were the most prevalent parasites in the studied area throughout the study period. The results demonstrated that there is significant environmental contamination, thereby representing a risk of zoonotic infection for humans frequenting the study area.

A contaminação ambiental por formas parasitárias foi estudada na área do campus universitário no município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Amostras de solo foram analisadas para identificação de formas parasitárias e a presença de ovos de nematóides foi verificada em 62% das amostras. Entre os parasitos observados destacam-se a presença de ovos de Toxocara spp. e de ancilostomatídeos em todo período estudado. Os resultados demonstram que há contaminação ambiental significativa, o que representa risco de infecção zoonótica aos humanos que frequentam a região estudada.

Helmintos do cachorro do campo, Pseudalopex gymnocercus (Fischer, 1814) e do cachorro do mato, Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) no sul do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Forty wild canids were captured by live trap at Municipalities of Pedro Osorio and Pelotas in Southern of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and they were transported to the Parasitology Laboratory at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas. After they were posted, segments of intestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts and liver were separated and examined. Animal skulls were used for taxonomic identification. Of forty wild animals trapped, 22 (55%) were Pseudalopex gymnocercus and 22 (55%) Cerdocyon thous. The most prevalent nematodes were: Ancylostoma caninum (45.4 in P. gymnocercus and 22.2% in C. thous), Molineus felineus (9.9 in P. gymnocercus and 5.6% in C. thous), Strongyloides sp. (22.7 in P. gymnocercus and 16.7% in C. thous), Trichuris sp. (13.6 in P. gymnocercus and 11.1% in C. thous), and Capillaria hepatica (13.6 in P. gymnocercus and 5.5 % in C. thous). The trematodes observed were: Alaria alata (36.4 in P. gymnocercus and 50.0% in C. thous), and Asthemia heterolecithodes in 5.6% C. thous. Cestodes were identified as Spirometra sp. (61.1 % in C. thous and 54.5 in P. gymnocercus), Diphyllobothriidae, (81.8 in P. gymnocercus and 77.8 % in C. thous) and an Acantocephala of the genus Centrorhynchus was also observed in 5.6% of C. thous only. These results indicated the helminths fauna in wild canids from the studied area.

Quarenta canídeos selvagens foram capturados por "live trap" nos municípios de Pedro Osório e Pelotas, sul do estado do Rio Grande do Sul e transportados para o Laboratório de Parasitologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. Após serem necropsiados, segmentos do intestino, respiratório, urinário e fígado foram separados e examinados. Os crânios dos animais foram usados para identificação taxonômica. Dos 40 animais capturados, 22 (55%) foram Pseudalopex gymnocercus e 18 (45%) Cerdocyon thous. Os nematóides mais prevalentes foram: Ancylostoma caninum (45,4 em P. gymnocercus e 22,2% em C. thous), Molineus felineus (9,9 em P. gymnocercus e 5,6% em C. thous), Strongyloides sp. (22,7 em P. gymnocercus e 16,7% em C. thous), Trichuris sp. (13,6 em P. gymnocercus e 11,1% em C. thous), e Capillaria hepatica (13,6 em P. gymnocercus e 5,5 % em C. thous). Os trematódeos observados foram: Alaria alata (50,0% em C. thous e 36,4 em P. gymnocercus), e Asthemia heterolecithodes em 5,6% dos C. thous. Cestóides foram identificados como Spirometra sp. (61,1% em C. thous e 54,5 em P. gymnocercus), Diphyllobothriidae (81,8 em P. gymnocercus e 77,8% em C. thous), e Acantocephala do gênero Centrorhynchus foi observado somente em 5,6% dos C. thous. Estes resultados indicaram a helmintofauna de canídeos selvagens nas áreas estudadas.

Helmintos do cachorro do campo, Pseudalopex gymnocercus (Fischer, 1814) e do cachorro do mato, Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) no sul do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Forty wild canids were captured by live trap at Municipalities of Pedro Osorio and Pelotas in Southern of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and they were transported to the Parasitology Laboratory at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas. After they were posted, segments of intestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts and liver were separated and examined. Animal skulls were used for taxonomic identification. Of forty wild animals trapped, 22 (55%) were Pseudalopex gymnocercus and 22 (55%) Cerdocyon thous. The most prevalent nematodes were: Ancylostoma caninum (45.4 in P. gymnocercus and 22.2% in C. thous), Molineus felineus (9.9 in P. gymnocercus and 5.6% in C. thous), Strongyloides sp. (22.7 in P. gymnocercus and 16.7% in C. thous), Trichuris sp. (13.6 in P. gymnocercus and 11.1% in C. thous), and Capillaria hepatica (13.6 in P. gymnocercus and 5.5 % in C. thous). The trematodes observed were: Alaria alata (36.4 in P. gymnocercus and 50.0% in C. thous), and Asthemia heterolecithodes in 5.6% C. thous. Cestodes were identified as Spirometra sp. (61.1 % in C. thous and 54.5 in P. gymnocercus), Diphyllobothriidae, (81.8 in P. gymnocercus and 77.8 % in C. thous) and an Acantocephala of the genus Centrorhynchus was also observed in 5.6% of C. thous only. These results indicated the helminths fauna in wild canids from the studied area.

Quarenta canídeos selvagens foram capturados por "live trap" nos municípios de Pedro Osório e Pelotas, sul do estado do Rio Grande do Sul e transportados para o Laboratório de Parasitologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. Após serem necropsiados, segmentos do intestino, respiratório, urinário e fígado foram separados e examinados. Os crânios dos animais foram usados para identificação taxonômica. Dos 40 animais capturados, 22 (55%) foram Pseudalopex gymnocercus e 18 (45%) Cerdocyon thous. Os nematóides mais prevalentes foram: Ancylostoma caninum (45,4 em P. gymnocercus e 22,2% em C. thous), Molineus felineus (9,9 em P. gymnocercus e 5,6% em C. thous), Strongyloides sp. (22,7 em P. gymnocercus e 16,7% em C. thous), Trichuris sp. (13,6 em P. gymnocercus e 11,1% em C. thous), e Capillaria hepatica (13,6 em P. gymnocercus e 5,5 % em C. thous). Os trematódeos observados foram: Alaria alata (50,0% em C. thous e 36,4 em P. gymnocercus), e Asthemia heterolecithodes em 5,6% dos C. thous. Cestóides foram identificados como Spirometra sp. (61,1% em C. thous e 54,5 em P. gymnocercus), Diphyllobothriidae (81,8 em P. gymnocercus e 77,8% em C. thous), e Acantocephala do gênero Centrorhynchus foi observado somente em 5,6% dos C. thous. Estes resultados indicaram a helmintofauna de canídeos selvagens nas áreas estudadas.

Alterations in population of ruminal protozoa, quantified from the adaptation technique dehority, of sheep submitted to confinement diet / Alterações na população de protozoários ruminais, quantificados a partir da adaptação da técnica de Dehority, de ovinos submetidos a uma dieta de confinamento

Background: The search for productivity increase in finish ruminants is related with the intensification of production. The use of concentrated feed in finish lambs can determine a profitable product and quality, wich reachs ideal weight in a short time. However, the addition of concentrated feed can cause a shift in the whole rumen ecosystem, and as a result, having animals more susceptible to metabolic disorders. As protozoa have their growth stimulated or inhibited by dietary factors, it becomes important to quantify and evaluate its activity in response to diets for ruminants. Thus, using measurements of the number of protozoa in the rumen fluid, we are able to make early diagnosis of possible metabolic disorders, as well as adjustments in ration formulations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration and activity of protozoa in rumen of sheep in a feedlot diet, and validate an adaptation of the technique Dehority for counting of protozoa in the rumen fluid. Materials, Methods & Results: It were utilized 5 crossbred Texel x Corriedale ewes not pregnant, not lactating, with approximately 18 months old and with average weight of 50.73 ± 4.38 kg. The females were kept confined, receiving water and ration ad libitum in individual feeders. Ewes were fed twice (8:30 and 16:30) daily with a diet aiming to provide the DM intake equivalent to 3.5% of body wei

Background: The search for productivity increase in finish ruminants is related with the intensification of production. The use of concentrated feed in finish lambs can determine a profitable product and quality, wich reachs ideal weight in a short time. However, the addition of concentrated feed can cause a shift in the whole rumen ecosystem, and as a result, having animals more susceptible to metabolic disorders. As protozoa have their growth stimulated or inhibited by dietary factors, it becomes important to quantify and evaluate its activity in response to diets for ruminants. Thus, using measurements of the number of protozoa in the rumen fluid, we are able to make early diagnosis of possible metabolic disorders, as well as adjustments in ration formulations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration and activity of protozoa in rumen of sheep in a feedlot diet, and validate an adaptation of the technique Dehority for counting of protozoa in the rumen fluid. Materials, Methods & Results: It were utilized 5 crossbred Texel x Corriedale ewes not pregnant, not lactating, with approximately 18 months old and with average weight of 50.73 ± 4.38 kg. The females were kept confined, receiving water and ration ad libitum in individual feeders. Ewes were fed twice (8:30 and 16:30) daily with a diet aiming to provide the DM intake equivalent to 3.5% of body wei