The gynecological examination in Pantaneiro mares

Gynecological examination is essential to assess the reproductive tract of mares and can provide important information about the uterine environment. It includes physical, vaginal, and rectal examination, ultrasound, cytology, culture, and endometrial biopsy. The present study aimed to perform gynecological examination and fertility to assess the fertility prognosis of Pantaneiro mares that have not been reproductively active and to determine their reproductive ability. Eight mares underwent ultrasound and gynecological examination and artificial insemination. Ultrasound revealed changes only in one mare. Histopathological findings were mild, such as periglandular and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates, fibrotic areas, glandular dilation, glandular island formation, and edema due to the phase of the estrous cycle. One animal was classified in category I and the others in category IIA. Cytological changes were found in only one mare. Endometrial culture from five mares resulted in isolation of Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli and Candida sp. Only four mares resulted pregnant through artificial insemination, using the same stallion with fresh semen, which has been proving fertility. Thus, mares with better uterine conditions will not always become pregnant and those with mild changes will not always be barren.

The gynecological examination in Pantaneiro mares

Gynecological examination is essential to assess the reproductive tract of mares and can provide important information about the uterine environment. It includes physical, vaginal, and rectal examination, ultrasound, cytology, culture, and endometrial biopsy. The present study aimed to perform gynecological examination and fertility to assess the fertility prognosis of Pantaneiro mares that have not been reproductively active and to determine their reproductive ability. Eight mares underwent ultrasound and gynecological examination and artificial insemination. Ultrasound revealed changes only in one mare. Histopathological findings were mild, such as periglandular and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates, fibrotic areas, glandular dilation, glandular island formation, and edema due to the phase of the estrous cycle. One animal was classified in category I and the others in category IIA. Cytological changes were found in only one mare. Endometrial culture from five mares resulted in isolation of Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli and Candida sp. Only four mares resulted pregnant through artificial insemination, using the same stallion with fresh semen, which has been proving fertility. Thus, mares with better uterine conditions will not always become pregnant and those with mild changes will not always be barren.(AU)

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma in the oral cavity of a cow

Background: Squamous cell carcinomas and lymphomas are the most prevalent neoplasms in cattle, the latter usually being attributed to infection by bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Neoplasms of the oral cavity are sporadic in cattle, with but asingle case of lymphoma involving this anatomic site in a bovine reported to date. This paper reports a case of lymphomainvolving the oral cavity of a dairy cow. The clinical and pathological aspects of the tumor are described and discussed.Case: A 39-month-old Holstein-Friesian cow was presented with weight loss and a tumorous growth in the left masseterregion, tearing in the left eye, and mild ipsilateral exophthalmos. Treatment with antibiotics was unsuccessful. The tumorgrowth was 16 x 11 cm, with a soft center and firm periphery, multilobulated, with white intercalated with black and friableareas from which a fetid odor emanated. The cut surface was predominantly white-yellow. A cross-section of the head,caudal to the second molar, revealed a mass infiltrating and almost completely obliterating the left nasal cavity, destroyingthe frontal sinus, the ventral conchae, and the middle and ventral meatus, and compressing the common meatus. The tracheobronchial, mediastinal, and internal iliac lymph nodes were enlarged and masses with similar characteristics to thosein the oral cavity replace their parenchyma. Microscopically, the mass consisted of large neoplastic lymphocytes arrangedin a non-encapsulated and infiltrative mantle and supported by scarce fibrovascular tissue. The cytoplasm of neoplasticcells was scarce and had distinct boundaries; the nuclei were round or oval, the chromatin was finely granulated, and theprominent nucleolus had occasionally multiplied. Nuclear pleomorphism was marked and there were, on average, five mitotic figures per microscopic field of 400x. Similar neoplastic cells obliterated the normal...

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma in the oral cavity of a cow

Background: Squamous cell carcinomas and lymphomas are the most prevalent neoplasms in cattle, the latter usually being attributed to infection by bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Neoplasms of the oral cavity are sporadic in cattle, with but asingle case of lymphoma involving this anatomic site in a bovine reported to date. This paper reports a case of lymphomainvolving the oral cavity of a dairy cow. The clinical and pathological aspects of the tumor are described and discussed.Case: A 39-month-old Holstein-Friesian cow was presented with weight loss and a tumorous growth in the left masseterregion, tearing in the left eye, and mild ipsilateral exophthalmos. Treatment with antibiotics was unsuccessful. The tumorgrowth was 16 x 11 cm, with a soft center and firm periphery, multilobulated, with white intercalated with black and friableareas from which a fetid odor emanated. The cut surface was predominantly white-yellow. A cross-section of the head,caudal to the second molar, revealed a mass infiltrating and almost completely obliterating the left nasal cavity, destroyingthe frontal sinus, the ventral conchae, and the middle and ventral meatus, and compressing the common meatus. The tracheobronchial, mediastinal, and internal iliac lymph nodes were enlarged and masses with similar characteristics to thosein the oral cavity replace their parenchyma. Microscopically, the mass consisted of large neoplastic lymphocytes arrangedin a non-encapsulated and infiltrative mantle and supported by scarce fibrovascular tissue. The cytoplasm of neoplasticcells was scarce and had distinct boundaries; the nuclei were round or oval, the chromatin was finely granulated, and theprominent nucleolus had occasionally multiplied. Nuclear pleomorphism was marked and there were, on average, five mitotic figures per microscopic field of 400x. Similar neoplastic cells obliterated the normal...(AU)

Osteopatia hipertrófica idiopática em um gatoˆipt / Hypertrophic osteopathy in a catˆien

Background: Hypertrophic osteopathy (OH) is a syndrome characterized by progressive bilateral periosteal bone neofor-mation that mainly affects the thoracic and pelvic limb bones’ metaphyses and diaphyses. In most cases, it is secondary to a chronic primary lesion located in the thoracic cavity but can be associated with an abdominal injury that has already been occurred. The occurrence of this condition without being associated with a primary lesion is considered infrequent in animals. The purpose of this report was to describe a case of idiopathic hypertrophic osteopathy in a cat with a description of clinical signs and radiographic and anatomopathological findings.Case: A male adult cat was brought to the veterinarian with an initial observation by the owner of four limbs’ volume in-crease, apathy, and reluctance to move. Upon clinical examination, the animal presented dehydration, mucosal hyperemia, hyperthermia, and bilateral edema of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Based on the radiographic examination, a periosteal reaction with palisade-like appearance was found in the metacarpals, radios, ulna, humerus, scapulae, tibias, and fibulae. There were no significant changes in additional exams. Due to poor prognosis, the cat was euthanized and referred for necropsy and histopathological examination. All organs were examined both macroscopically and microscopically. Frag-ments were fixed in 10% formalin and routinely processed for histological slides with hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome, and limb bones that were not fixed in formalin were macerated. Lesions were observed only in the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Macroscopically, there was a diffuse, regular, slightly firm volume increase, covered by abundant gelati-nous whitish tissue. The periosteal bone neoformations were characterized by numerous papillary projections distributed throughout the phalanges, radius, ulna, humerus, scapulae, tibia and fibulae. Histologically...

Osteopatia hipertrófica idiopática em um gatoˆipt / Hypertrophic osteopathy in a catˆien

Background: Hypertrophic osteopathy (OH) is a syndrome characterized by progressive bilateral periosteal bone neofor-mation that mainly affects the thoracic and pelvic limb bones metaphyses and diaphyses. In most cases, it is secondary to a chronic primary lesion located in the thoracic cavity but can be associated with an abdominal injury that has already been occurred. The occurrence of this condition without being associated with a primary lesion is considered infrequent in animals. The purpose of this report was to describe a case of idiopathic hypertrophic osteopathy in a cat with a description of clinical signs and radiographic and anatomopathological findings.Case: A male adult cat was brought to the veterinarian with an initial observation by the owner of four limbs volume in-crease, apathy, and reluctance to move. Upon clinical examination, the animal presented dehydration, mucosal hyperemia, hyperthermia, and bilateral edema of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Based on the radiographic examination, a periosteal reaction with palisade-like appearance was found in the metacarpals, radios, ulna, humerus, scapulae, tibias, and fibulae. There were no significant changes in additional exams. Due to poor prognosis, the cat was euthanized and referred for necropsy and histopathological examination. All organs were examined both macroscopically and microscopically. Frag-ments were fixed in 10% formalin and routinely processed for histological slides with hematoxylin–eosin and Massons trichrome, and limb bones that were not fixed in formalin were macerated. Lesions were observed only in the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Macroscopically, there was a diffuse, regular, slightly firm volume increase, covered by abundant gelati-nous whitish tissue. The periosteal bone neoformations were characterized by numerous papillary projections distributed throughout the phalanges, radius, ulna, humerus, scapulae, tibia and fibulae. Histologically...(AU)

Photosensitization in cattle caused by spontaneous and experimentally ingestion of Stryphnodendron fissuratum

Background: Stryphnodendron fissuratum is a tree from the Brazilian Cerrado. Its fruit is toxic to cattle and can cause clinical digestive signs, hepatogenous photosensitization, and abortion. Cases of poisoning in cattle, goats and guinea pigs have been experimentally reproduced; however, photosensitization could not be reproduced. The aim of this work was to describe an outbreak of natural poisoning and experimental reproduction in cattle, both with hepatogenous photosensitization.Materials, Methods & Results: Its described and natural outbreak and an experimental poisoning. In the outbreak, three bovines in the acute phase and three in the chronic phase were examined. Blood samples were collected from all of these animals in order to measure serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea, and creatinine. The first three animals underwent necropsy and histopathological evaluation. The experiment was conducted with two nine-month-old calves that received an oral paste made with crushed S. fissuratum fruits mixed with water. These fruits were collected at a farm at which cattle poisoning cases had occurred. Blood samples were collected in order to measure serum levels of AST, GGT, urea, and creatinine, before plant administration and then daily during the experimental period. Skin biopsies were taken before plant administration and new one after the first signs of skin lesions. The natural outbreak affected 52 of 160 bovine (31 calves and 21 cows) in the lot. Two calves and 14 cows died. Clinical signs consisted of depression, ataxia, incoordination, behavioral changes, decubitus, and death. One animal that died and 36 others that recovered had photodermatitis. Necropsy findings in the animals consisted of bad corporal condition, pale kidneys, evidence of liver lobular pattern, dry rumen contents, and full bladder.[...]

Photosensitization in cattle caused by spontaneous and experimentally ingestion of Stryphnodendron fissuratum

Background: Stryphnodendron fissuratum is a tree from the Brazilian Cerrado. Its fruit is toxic to cattle and can cause clinical digestive signs, hepatogenous photosensitization, and abortion. Cases of poisoning in cattle, goats and guinea pigs have been experimentally reproduced; however, photosensitization could not be reproduced. The aim of this work was to describe an outbreak of natural poisoning and experimental reproduction in cattle, both with hepatogenous photosensitization.Materials, Methods & Results: Its described and natural outbreak and an experimental poisoning. In the outbreak, three bovines in the acute phase and three in the chronic phase were examined. Blood samples were collected from all of these animals in order to measure serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea, and creatinine. The first three animals underwent necropsy and histopathological evaluation. The experiment was conducted with two nine-month-old calves that received an oral paste made with crushed S. fissuratum fruits mixed with water. These fruits were collected at a farm at which cattle poisoning cases had occurred. Blood samples were collected in order to measure serum levels of AST, GGT, urea, and creatinine, before plant administration and then daily during the experimental period. Skin biopsies were taken before plant administration and new one after the first signs of skin lesions. The natural outbreak affected 52 of 160 bovine (31 calves and 21 cows) in the lot. Two calves and 14 cows died. Clinical signs consisted of depression, ataxia, incoordination, behavioral changes, decubitus, and death. One animal that died and 36 others that recovered had photodermatitis. Necropsy findings in the animals consisted of bad corporal condition, pale kidneys, evidence of liver lobular pattern, dry rumen contents, and full bladder.[...](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...

Hemangiosarcoma in the radius of a dog treated by limb-sparing surgery

Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm particularly rare as a primary bone tumor. The standard treatment for dogs with this neoplasm usually takes limb amputation. The aim of this paper is to report a primary hemangiosarcoma on the distal radius, treated by limb-sparing surgery. Case: An 11-year-old mixed breed male intact dog with body weight of 30 kg was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (HCV-UFRGS) with previous history of progressive lameness on the right forelimb for a few months. Physical examination was unremarkable. The orthopedic examination revealed grade 4/5 lameness, swelling of the distal radioulnar joint with severe pain at palpation. Radiographs revealed intense osteolysis of the distal radial epiphysis with no involvement of the ulna and carpal bones. Biopsy revealed bone hemangiosarcoma. Chest radiographs and abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities or signs of metastases. The treatment of choice was limb-sparing surgery with the use of allogeneic cortical graft from bone bank preserved in glycerol 98% at room temperature. Arthrodesis was performed with a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate with 10 holes and eight screws. Histological analysis of the bone fragment confirmed the diagnosis. The dog recovered satisfactory limb function and within 15 days postoperatively presented grade 2/5...(AU)

Hemangiosarcoma in the radius of a dog treated by limb-sparing surgery

Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm particularly rare as a primary bone tumor. The standard treatment for dogs with this neoplasm usually takes limb amputation. The aim of this paper is to report a primary hemangiosarcoma on the distal radius, treated by limb-sparing surgery. Case: An 11-year-old mixed breed male intact dog with body weight of 30 kg was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (HCV-UFRGS) with previous history of progressive lameness on the right forelimb for a few months. Physical examination was unremarkable. The orthopedic examination revealed grade 4/5 lameness, swelling of the distal radioulnar joint with severe pain at palpation. Radiographs revealed intense osteolysis of the distal radial epiphysis with no involvement of the ulna and carpal bones. Biopsy revealed bone hemangiosarcoma. Chest radiographs and abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities or signs of metastases. The treatment of choice was limb-sparing surgery with the use of allogeneic cortical graft from bone bank preserved in glycerol 98% at room temperature. Arthrodesis was performed with a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate with 10 holes and eight screws. Histological analysis of the bone fragment confirmed the diagnosis. The dog recovered satisfactory limb function and within 15 days postoperatively presented grade 2/5...

Intoxicação por organofosforados em bezerros no Uruguai / Organophosphate poisoning in Calves in Uruguay

Background: Organophosphate compounds are used worldwide in animal agriculture as pesticides, inseticides and herbicides. The inappropriate use of these anticholinesterasic agents may cause poisoning, apart of great economic losses. Organophosphate poisoning may affect all animal species. Organophosphate overdose induce increase in tissue acetylcholine content and, therefore, enhanced parasympathetic and post-ganglionic sympathetic nerve activities. The toxic effects are shown as muscarinic, nicotinic and central nervous system signs. The muscarinic signs are characterized by increased peristaltism, salivation, lacrimation, nasal discharge, bronchial constrition, miosis and sudoresis, among others. The nicotinic signs are mainly locomotor signs and include muscular tremors, weakness, and flaccid paralysis. The effects on the central nervous system include inquietation, ataxia, convulsions, depression and coma. Minimal differences may be seen in the diseases caused by different compounds; nevertheless, the route of administration may facilitate the exacerbation of some signs instead of others. Case: This paper report an outbreak of organophosphate poisoning in calves. The disease occurred in a dairy farm located in Florida, Uruguay and affected female Holstein 15-day-old calves. The main owner complaints were apathy, standing difficulty and sialorrhea. Seven out of twenty calves presented neurological signs such as incoordination and sternal recumbency. The clinical examination revealed prostration, lacrimation, tongue protusion, muscular weakness and miosis. At anamnesis, the previous application, in the day before, of a pour-on inseticide was noticed. The composition of the commercial product was ethion (15%), which is an insecticide organophosphate widely used as an antiparasitic drug. Affected animals were treated with intravenous atropine sulfate 1% (0.50 mg/kg) and sodium chloride 0.9%. Atropine sulfate is a potent parasympatholytic agent that inhibits the effects of acetylcholine at the postganglionic parasympathetic neuroeffector junctions. Ten minutes after the treatment, most calves showed an improvement in health status. Only one calf needed two extra doses at 1-hour intervals to recuperate. The presumptive diagnosis was based on the clinical findings and supported by depressed blood cholinesterase level. Discussion: The rapid therapeutic response of affected animals to specific treatment also supports the hypothesis. The outcome of this outbreak relies in the aggressive approach of the team and adequate treatment choice. In spite of other differential diagnosis possibilities such as poisoning by carbamate and pyrethroid, the clinical findings, laboratory result and therapeutic response allowed us to attribute this outbreak to the misuse of organophosphate. The key to an excellent outcome, when dealing with organophosphate poisoning, is immediate treatment.

Colite histiocítica ulcerativa em um cão boxer no Brasil / Histiocytic ulcerative colitis in a Boxer dog in Brazil

Background: Histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC), also known as granulomatous Boxer’s colitis or colitis similar to Whipple’s disease is a condition affecting especially Boxer dogs. The disease is characterized by chronic increase in the defecation frequency, tenesmus, fetid dark-brown stools with blood streaks and mucus. Histopathology of a colorectal biopsy confirms the clinical diagnosis, when infiltrates of markedly PAS-positive macrophages are observed in the colonic lamina propria and submucosa. This communication reports a case of histiocytic ulcerative colitis in a Boxer dog in Brazil. Case: A Boxer dog, with one year and three months of age had been presenting, since it was nine months old, increased frequency of defecation, tenesmus, intermittent diarrhea, loose stools with streaks of liquid blood, and coprophagy; however, no weight loss or appetite loss were noticed. After an initial period of three months experiencing the aforementioned signs, the dog started with persistent diarrhea with bright red blood, mild prostration, weight loss, and voracious appetite. Because of continuous deteriorating condition and treatment refractoriness, the dog was euthanized. At necropsy, the colon was decreased in size with thickened mucosa and foci of ulceration, apart of enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Tissue fragments were collected and fixed in 10% formalin, processed following standard procedures for histopathology, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE). Selected sections from samples of intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes were also stained with Periodic Acid Shiff (PAS) and Brown-Hopps adapted Gram Staining. Microscopic findings in the colon included infiltration with rounded to oval bulky macrophages, with eccentric nuclei and abundant eosinophilic and slightly granular cytoplasm. These macrophages were distributed in the basal lamina propria and submucosa, and there also was diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Extensive multifocal mucosal ulcerations with exposure of the submucosa were also observed. The cytoplasm of macrophages was strongly marked when stained by Periodic Acid Schiff. Macrófagos do cólon e do linfonodo mesentérico não coraram pela técnica de Gram. Discussion: This diagnosis of histiocytic ulcerative colitis was based on the clinical and pathological findings, especially the association of the clinical signs with the infiltrates of markedly PAS-positive macrophages within the colonic lamina propria and submucosa, which is considered a typical characteristic of the condition. The disease afflicts mainly young Boxer dogs, as it was recorded here. In most cases, there is neither weight loss, nor appetite loss, and the hair coat maintains a healthy appearance. However, in chronic cases such this described here, the dogs may show wasting. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings in macrophages of HUC have indicated the participation of Escherichia coli in the etiopathogeny of the disease. The Boxer dog’s predisposition to HUC has been attributed to a hereditary abnormality that confers invasion and persistence of an adherent E. coli group. This paper reports the importance of the histiocytic ulcerative colitis as an enteric condition affecting Boxer dogs also in Brazil.

Colite histiocítica ulcerativa em um cão boxer no Brasil / Histiocytic ulcerative colitis in a Boxer dog in Brazil

Background: Histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC), also known as granulomatous Boxers colitis or colitis similar to Whipples disease is a condition affecting especially Boxer dogs. The disease is characterized by chronic increase in the defecation frequency, tenesmus, fetid dark-brown stools with blood streaks and mucus. Histopathology of a colorectal biopsy confirms the clinical diagnosis, when infiltrates of markedly PAS-positive macrophages are observed in the colonic lamina propria and submucosa. This communication reports a case of histiocytic ulcerative colitis in a Boxer dog in Brazil. Case: A Boxer dog, with one year and three months of age had been presenting, since it was nine months old, increased frequency of defecation, tenesmus, intermittent diarrhea, loose stools with streaks of liquid blood, and coprophagy; however, no weight loss or appetite loss were noticed. After an initial period of three months experiencing the aforementioned signs, the dog started with persistent diarrhea with bright red blood, mild prostration, weight loss, and voracious appetite. Because of continuous deteriorating condition and treatment refractoriness, the dog was euthanized. At necropsy, the colon was decreased in size with thickened mucosa and foci of ulceration, apart of enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Tissue fragments were collected and fixed in 10% formalin, processed following standard procedures for histopathology, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE). Selected sections from samples of intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes were also stained with Periodic Acid Shiff (PAS) and Brown-Hopps adapted Gram Staining. Microscopic findings in the colon included infiltration with rounded to oval bulky macrophages, with eccentric nuclei and abundant eosinophilic and slightly granular cytoplasm. These macrophages were distributed in the basal lamina propria and submucosa, and there also was diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Extensive multifocal mucosal ulcerations with exposure of the submucosa were also observed. The cytoplasm of macrophages was strongly marked when stained by Periodic Acid Schiff. Macrófagos do cólon e do linfonodo mesentérico não coraram pela técnica de Gram. Discussion: This diagnosis of histiocytic ulcerative colitis was based on the clinical and pathological findings, especially the association of the clinical signs with the infiltrates of markedly PAS-positive macrophages within the colonic lamina propria and submucosa, which is considered a typical characteristic of the condition. The disease afflicts mainly young Boxer dogs, as it was recorded here. In most cases, there is neither weight loss, nor appetite loss, and the hair coat maintains a healthy appearance. However, in chronic cases such this described here, the dogs may show wasting. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings in macrophages of HUC have indicated the participation of Escherichia coli in the etiopathogeny of the disease. The Boxer dogs predisposition to HUC has been attributed to a hereditary abnormality that confers invasion and persistence of an adherent E. coli group. This paper reports the importance of the histiocytic ulcerative colitis as an enteric condition affecting Boxer dogs also in Brazil.(AU)

Intoxicação por organofosforados em bezerros no Uruguai / Organophosphate poisoning in Calves in Uruguay

Background: Organophosphate compounds are used worldwide in animal agriculture as pesticides, inseticides and herbicides. The inappropriate use of these anticholinesterasic agents may cause poisoning, apart of great economic losses. Organophosphate poisoning may affect all animal species. Organophosphate overdose induce increase in tissue acetylcholine content and, therefore, enhanced parasympathetic and post-ganglionic sympathetic nerve activities. The toxic effects are shown as muscarinic, nicotinic and central nervous system signs. The muscarinic signs are characterized by increased peristaltism, salivation, lacrimation, nasal discharge, bronchial constrition, miosis and sudoresis, among others. The nicotinic signs are mainly locomotor signs and include muscular tremors, weakness, and flaccid paralysis. The effects on the central nervous system include inquietation, ataxia, convulsions, depression and coma. Minimal differences may be seen in the diseases caused by different compounds; nevertheless, the route of administration may facilitate the exacerbation of some signs instead of others. Case: This paper report an outbreak of organophosphate poisoning in calves. The disease occurred in a dairy farm located in Florida, Uruguay and affected female Holstein 15-day-old calves. The main owner complaints were apathy, standing difficulty and sialorrhea. Seven out of twenty calves presented neurological signs such as incoordination and sternal recumbency. The clinical examination revealed prostration, lacrimation, tongue protusion, muscular weakness and miosis. At anamnesis, the previous application, in the day before, of a pour-on inseticide was noticed. The composition of the commercial product was ethion (15%), which is an insecticide organophosphate widely used as an antiparasitic drug. Affected animals were treated with intravenous atropine sulfate 1% (0.50 mg/kg) and sodium chloride 0.9%. Atropine sulfate is a potent parasympatholytic agent that inhibits the effects of acetylcholine at the postganglionic parasympathetic neuroeffector junctions. Ten minutes after the treatment, most calves showed an improvement in health status. Only one calf needed two extra doses at 1-hour intervals to recuperate. The presumptive diagnosis was based on the clinical findings and supported by depressed blood cholinesterase level. Discussion: The rapid therapeutic response of affected animals to specific treatment also supports the hypothesis. The outcome of this outbreak relies in the aggressive approach of the team and adequate treatment choice. In spite of other differential diagnosis possibilities such as poisoning by carbamate and pyrethroid, the clinical findings, laboratory result and therapeutic response allowed us to attribute this outbreak to the misuse of organophosphate. The key to an excellent outcome, when dealing with organophosphate poisoning, is immediate treatment.(AU)

Detecção do vírus da diarreia viral bovina em carrapatos Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus alimentados em bovino persistentemente infectado / Detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks fed on persistently infected cattle

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the main agents that cause economical losses in cattle worldwide. Congenitally infected calves that are born persistently infected (PI) to BVDV are the main sources of infection to susceptible cattle. Direct contact is the most important form of transmission, but indirect contact can also spread BVDV, not only inside herds, but also between them. Transmission of BVDV by haematophagous insects has been proven experimentally, but the role of ticks in the transmission of BVDV has never been investigated. Ticks can heavily infest cattle raised in tropical areas and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is the most important among them. The present experiment was carried out to investigate the role of R. microplus ticks in the transmission of BVDV, experimentally infecting PI calf with ticks. Material, Methods and Results: Three calves were used in the experiment: one PI calf was identified from a natural.

Detecção do vírus da diarreia viral bovina em carrapatos Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus alimentados em bovino persistentemente infectado / Detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks fed on persistently infected cattle

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the main agents that cause economical losses in cattle worldwide. Congenitally infected calves that are born persistently infected (PI) to BVDV are the main sources of infection to susceptible cattle. Direct contact is the most important form of transmission, but indirect contact can also spread BVDV, not only inside herds, but also between them. Transmission of BVDV by haematophagous insects has been proven experimentally, but the role of ticks in the transmission of BVDV has never been investigated. Ticks can heavily infest cattle raised in tropical areas and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is the most important among them. The present experiment was carried out to investigate the role of R. microplus ticks in the transmission of BVDV, experimentally infecting PI calf with ticks. Material, Methods and Results: Three calves were used in the experiment: one PI calf was identified from a natural.(AU)

Aspectos clínicos e patológicos da intoxicação por selênio em suínos

Dois surtos de intoxicação por selênio em suínos que ocorreram no estado do Paraná são descritos. Foram acometidos leitões em fase de creche, 16 de um lote de 100 com 27 dias de idade (surto 1) e 350 de 2285 com 22 dias de idade (surto2) apresentaram poliomielomalácia simétrica focal. Animais que sobreviveram aos surtos desenvolveram lesões de casco características de intoxicação crônica por selênio. Os sinais clínicos iniciaram após 6 dias e 30 horas da introdução da ração com alto teor de selênio nos surtos 1 e 2, respectivamente. O surgimento dos sinais foi abrupto, os animais começavam com andar cambaleante, evoluiam para paralisia dos membros pélvicos e progrediam para paralisia dos membros torácicos e tetraparesia. Os animais do surto 1 não tinham alterações de comportamento e mantinham estado de alerta e animais do surto 2 apresentaram quadros de depressão. Macroscopicamente, observaram-se focos circulares amarelados com áreas deprimidas mais escura, em alguns animais, restritas ao corno ventral da substância cinzenta (H medular) em intumescências cervical e lombar. Microscopicamente, essas áreas corresponderam à malácia da substância cinzenta, caracterizada por microcavitações, perda neuronal, cromatólise, neuronofagia, infiltrado de células Gitter, microgliose, astrócitos de Alzheimer tipo II e proliferação de células endoteliais evidenciadas na imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) para fator de von Willebrand. No segundo surto, dois animais apresentaram vacuolização difusa do citoplasma de neurônios. Em um animal, Astrócitos gemistocíticos foram observados. Na IHQ para Proteína Ácida Glial Fibrilar (GFAP), obteve-se marcação positiva na maioria dos animais e, na IHQ para Proteína S-100, obteve-se marcação em alguns casos. Além dessas alterações medulares, foram encontrados, em dois animais lesões de polioencefalomalácia em porções do tronco encefálico. Fragmentos de fígado de oito animais e ração de ambos os surtos foram encaminhados para dosagem de selênio. Em amostras de ração, detectou-se 3,38 ppm (surto 1) e 154 ppm (surto 2) e em amostras de fígado teve dosagens superiores a 3,34 ppm. No surto 2, foi realizada uma visita onde seis suínos foram eutanasiados para monitoramento de níveis hepáticos de selênio, sendo dois animais controles e quatro sobreviventes do surto. Quarenta e dois dias após a retirada da ração, os níveis de selênio foram inferiores ao controle e ao nível considerado em quadros de intoxicação (3 ppm)