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 vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in a mare

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common cutaneous neoplasm in horses, which mainly affects the external genitalia, oral cavity, and periocular region. The development of SCC metastases is rare in these animals, and the most common occurrence is a marked local infiltration. Exposure to ultraviolet rays and skin depigmentation are the main etiological factors of SCC. Definitive diagnosis of the neoplasm is performed through histological examination of lesions. The present report describes the clinical, anatomopathological, and immunohistochemical (IHC) aspects of a case of metastatic SCC, with the vulva as the primary site in a mare. Case: A 17-year-old mare, mixed breed, was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), with history of areas of depigmented skin (pinto coat), and clinical history of anorexia, frequent episodes of colic, and recumbency. During clinical evaluation, heart rate (68 bpm), rectal temperature (38.4ºC), and respiratory rate (48 mpm) were elevated, and the oral mucosa was pale. The mare also had an ulcerated tumor mass involving the vulva, which extended to the inguinal region and involved the mammary gland. A cytological aspirate of the vulvar tumor was performed, in which no neoplastic cells were found. Next, a biopsy of 2 distinct areas of the vulva was performed. The material was sent for anatomopathological examination, which showed markedly pleomorphic malignant squamous cells, with individual keratinization and high mitotic index, organized in trabeculae with rare keratin pearl-like formations. The exam allowed the diagnosis of SCC Grade II. Due to the poor prognosis and high cost of treatment, the owner consented to euthanasia and necropsy examination. During necropsy, the vulvar tumor mass was grayish, firm to hard, infiltrative, and had friable areas. Tumor foci suggestive of metastasis were also observed in inguinal, mesenteric, mediastinal and renal lymph nodes, adrenal glands, lung, pericardium, medullary canal, intercostal muscles, right 15th rib, and tissue surrounding the azygos vein. Samples from all organs were collected for anatomopathological examination. Diagnosis of metastatic vulvar SCC was confirmed through histological and IHC studies, which evaluated the expression of cytokeratins (AE1/ AE3), as well as the proliferative activity of neoplastic cells through the PCNA marker. Discussion: The diagnosis of metastatic SCC was obtained through the observed clinical, necroscopic, histological, and IHC characteristics. This neoplasm usually appears in depigmented regions exposed to ultraviolet light, and older animals are more likely to be affected. The mare in the present case had areas of depigmented skin (pinto coat). The animal was kept in a paddock outdoor and exposed to constant solar radiation. Although rare in horses, manifestation of anorexia, progressive weight loss, and frequent colic episodes and recumbency may be closely related to the multiple sites of metastasis in the present case. The main histological findings of the neoplasm were the dense proliferation of malignant squamous cells with individual keratinization, arranged in a trabecular pattern and with rare formations of keratin pearls, in line with previous studies. During IHC evaluation, the neoplastic cells showed expression of cytokeratins (AE1/AE3), as well as high proliferative activity evidenced by the PCNA marker. Given this background, the present report describes the clinical, anatomopathological, and IHC aspects of a case of metastatic SCC with a primary site in the vulva of a mare.

First case report of nematode parasitic myelopathy in a wild feline in Brazil / Primeiro relato de caso de mielopatia parasitária causada por nematódeo em um felídeo selvagem no Brasil

Parasitic myelopathy caused by Gurltia paralysans in domestic cats is a disease commonly reported in several South American countries. The adult parasite is lodged in the meningeal veins and spinal cord, often causing clinical manifestations of vascular proliferation, thrombophlebitis, and medullary compression. Wild felines are believed to be the definitive hosts of this parasite. The infection occurs through the ingestion of paratenic hosts, but the life cycle of G. paralysans is not yet clearly understood. In this paper, we discuss a case of parasitic myelopathy in a margay (Leopardus wiedii) that died during post-surgical care. Necropsy revealed focal hemorrhages in the thoracolumbar spinal cord. A microscopic examination revealed adult nematodes and eggs inside the veins of subarachnoid space in spinal cord, suggesting G. paralysans infection. This is first description of parasitic myelopathy in a margay in Brazil.(AU)

Mielopatia parasitária causada por Gurltia paralysans em gatos domésticos é uma doença comumente relatada em vários países da América do Sul. O parasita adulto aloja-se nas veias das meninges e da medula espinhal, muitas vezes causando proliferação vascular, tromboflebite e compressão medular, que se manifestam como sinais clínicos. Acredita-se que os felídeos selvagens sejam hospedeiros definitivos deste parasita e que a infecção ocorre por ingestão de hospedeiros paratênicos, entretanto seu ciclo de vida completo é desconhecido. Aqui, apresentamos um caso de um gato-maracajá (Leopardus wiedii) que morreu durante a assistência pós-cirúrgica. Na necropsia, foram observadas hemorragias focais na medula espinhal toracolombar. A microscopia revelou presença de nematódeos adultos e ovos, localizados dentro das veias do espaço subaracnoide da medula espinhal, o que sugeriu a infecção por G. paralysans. Esta é a primeira descrição de mielopatia parasitária em um gato-maracajá no Brasil.(AU)

Chemoprophylaxis for babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle: case report / Quimioprofilaxia para babesiose e anaplasmose em bovinos: relato de caso

Cattle tick fever (CTF) causes significant economic losses in the livestock sector. The pathogenic action of the hemoparasites is associated with anemia, weight loss, abortion and reduced productivity, which result with animal death. Programs to prevent CTF involve several procedures, including immunization, chemoprophylaxis and use of ectoparasiticides, together with the vector control in the environment. The objective of this study was to report an acute outbreak of CTF in a group of 157 Hereford cattle from a farm without presence of the vector, that were moved to a farm in the same state with a high tick infestation (Rhipicephalus microplus). On the day before the transportation, the animals received a chemoprophylaxis with imidocarb dipropionate (3 mg/kg, SC), which was repeated 21 days after the first application. After 42 days, some animals showed signs compatible with CTF, which was confirmed through clinical examination, necropsy, histopathological and hemoparasitological analyses. The morbidity rate was 37.6% and the mortality rate was 24.8%. Calves that were recently weaned were the group most affected with the tick fever, morbidity (100% and mortality (73%). Chemoprophylaxis in association with use of ectoparasiticides was not sufficient to control the outbreak of the disease.(AU)

A tristeza parasitária bovina (TPB) gera importantes perdas econômicas na bovinocultura mundial. A ação patogênica dos hemoparasitas resulta em anemia, perda de peso, abortos e diminuição da produtividade, culminando, muitas vezes, em óbito dos animais. Um programa de prevenção para TPB necessita de medidas integradas, como a imunização, quimioprofilaxia e utilização de ectoparasiticidas, em conjunto com ações que visem ao controle ambiental dos vetores. Este artigo tem em vista o relato de um surto de TPB em uma fazenda de produção de bovinos de corte e com alta infestação do carrapato (Rhipicephalus microplus). A fazenda adquiriu 157 animais puros de origem, da raça Hereford, proveniente de uma fazenda sem presença do vetor. No dia anterior ao transporte, os animais receberam quimioprofilaxia com dipropionato de imidocarb (3mg/Kg/SC), repetindo-se 21 dias após a primeira aplicação. Aos 42 dias, alguns bezerros manifestaram sinais clínicos compatíveis com TPB, sendo confirmado pelo exame clínico, necropsia, análises histopatológicas e hemoparasitológicas. A morbidade foi de 37,6% (59/157), e a letalidade de 24,8% (39/157). A categoria de bezerros recém desmamados foi a mais acometida, com morbidade de 100% (52/52) e letalidade de 73% (38/52). A quimioprofilaxia associada à utilização de ectoparasiticidas foram insuficientes para evitar a ocorrência do surto da enfermidade.(AU)

Feline lymphoplasmacytic gingivostomatitis: clinical and anatomopathological aspects

Background: Feline lymphoplasmacytic gingivostomatitis (FLPG) is an idiopathic, multifactorial and highly challengingcondition, since the results of the available treatments are partial and transitory. A set of lesions triggered by inflammatoryreaction is observed, sometimes with ulcerations in the oral mucosa, leading to algia and discomfort. Histopathologicalexamination figures as the definitive diagnostic tool, presenting distinct cellular elements. The present study aims to reportthree cases of FLPG, firstly addressing the anatomopathological findings, as well as the therapeutic approach used andthe results obtained in each case.Cases: Case 1- Occurred in a feline Siamese male 15-year-old, weighing 3.8 kg, which was admitted at a local clinic, underthe complaint of prostration, dysphagia, and weight loss, signs that were noticed approximately 5 days before. Clinicalevaluation revealed multiple proliferative and ulcerative lesions, extending until the isthmus of the fauces, erythematousareas around the teeth and multifocal gingival reabsorption. Once the clinical signs and lesions were observed, samples werecollected for histopathological examination and sent to the Laboratory of Animal Pathology (LAP) of Faculty of Agronomyand Veterinary Medicine of the University of Passo Fundo (FAVM-UPF). Histologically, both fragments presented lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, with large and intensely eosinophilic cytoplasm, often with granular aspect, central to lateralizedhyperchromatic nuclei, located predominantly in lamina propria and mucosa, as well as a discrete Mott cell infiltrate. Itwas also observed the presence of diffuse suppurative chronic inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly in lamina propriaand mucosa, as well as foci of edema and hemorrhage, in addition to loss of tissue architecture establishing the definitivediagnosis of...

Feline lymphoplasmacytic gingivostomatitis: clinical and anatomopathological aspects

Background: Feline lymphoplasmacytic gingivostomatitis (FLPG) is an idiopathic, multifactorial and highly challengingcondition, since the results of the available treatments are partial and transitory. A set of lesions triggered by inflammatoryreaction is observed, sometimes with ulcerations in the oral mucosa, leading to algia and discomfort. Histopathologicalexamination figures as the definitive diagnostic tool, presenting distinct cellular elements. The present study aims to reportthree cases of FLPG, firstly addressing the anatomopathological findings, as well as the therapeutic approach used andthe results obtained in each case.Cases: Case 1- Occurred in a feline Siamese male 15-year-old, weighing 3.8 kg, which was admitted at a local clinic, underthe complaint of prostration, dysphagia, and weight loss, signs that were noticed approximately 5 days before. Clinicalevaluation revealed multiple proliferative and ulcerative lesions, extending until the isthmus of the fauces, erythematousareas around the teeth and multifocal gingival reabsorption. Once the clinical signs and lesions were observed, samples werecollected for histopathological examination and sent to the Laboratory of Animal Pathology (LAP) of Faculty of Agronomyand Veterinary Medicine of the University of Passo Fundo (FAVM-UPF). Histologically, both fragments presented lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, with large and intensely eosinophilic cytoplasm, often with granular aspect, central to lateralizedhyperchromatic nuclei, located predominantly in lamina propria and mucosa, as well as a discrete Mott cell infiltrate. Itwas also observed the presence of diffuse suppurative chronic inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly in lamina propriaand mucosa, as well as foci of edema and hemorrhage, in addition to loss of tissue architecture establishing the definitivediagnosis of...(AU)

Poisoning by Senecio brasiliensis in horses in northern Rio Grande do Sul

Background: In various regions of Brazil, horses and cattle are considered the most susceptible animals to plant poisoning. The plants of the genus Senecio are the most important in Rio Grande do Sul because they have the active principleknown as the pyrrolizidine alkaloid. Its diagnosis is made through epidemiology, clinical signs and histopathologicalanalysis, either of the tissues obtained by biopsy or necropsy. The objective of this study was to report and characterizethe epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological findings of three cases of natural poisoning by Senecio brasiliensisin horses assisted at the Hospital Veterinário (HV) of the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF).Cases: Three traction horses, two males and one female, were admitted at the HV-UPF for clinical care. The animals werepresenting anorexia, weight loss, dysmetria, proprioceptive deficit and signs suggestive of colic. The epidemiological studyrevealed that the sites where these animals were located were infested by Senecio brasiliensis. The support therapy usedfor equine colic in all three cases was unsuccessful. One of the animals died and the other two were euthanized, all threeof them being reffered for necropsy. The post-mortem findings were mainly found in the liver, which showed accentuationof the lobular pattern and the appearance of nutmeg. During necropsy, fragments of organs from thoracic and abdominalcavities and central nervous system were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Subsequently, the samples wereprocessed chemically, submitted to cuts of five micrometers of thickness and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for microscopic analysis. Microscopically, the liver of all three horses presented megalocytosis, fibrosis and bile ducts hyperplasia.In the central nervous system, spongiosis and the presence of Alzheimer type II astrocytes were observed. Thus, throughthe association of information, the diagnosis of...

Poisoning by Senecio brasiliensis in horses in northern Rio Grande do Sul

Background: In various regions of Brazil, horses and cattle are considered the most susceptible animals to plant poisoning. The plants of the genus Senecio are the most important in Rio Grande do Sul because they have the active principleknown as the pyrrolizidine alkaloid. Its diagnosis is made through epidemiology, clinical signs and histopathologicalanalysis, either of the tissues obtained by biopsy or necropsy. The objective of this study was to report and characterizethe epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological findings of three cases of natural poisoning by Senecio brasiliensisin horses assisted at the Hospital Veterinário (HV) of the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF).Cases: Three traction horses, two males and one female, were admitted at the HV-UPF for clinical care. The animals werepresenting anorexia, weight loss, dysmetria, proprioceptive deficit and signs suggestive of colic. The epidemiological studyrevealed that the sites where these animals were located were infested by Senecio brasiliensis. The support therapy usedfor equine colic in all three cases was unsuccessful. One of the animals died and the other two were euthanized, all threeof them being reffered for necropsy. The post-mortem findings were mainly found in the liver, which showed accentuationof the lobular pattern and the appearance of nutmeg. During necropsy, fragments of organs from thoracic and abdominalcavities and central nervous system were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Subsequently, the samples wereprocessed chemically, submitted to cuts of five micrometers of thickness and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for microscopic analysis. Microscopically, the liver of all three horses presented megalocytosis, fibrosis and bile ducts hyperplasia.In the central nervous system, spongiosis and the presence of Alzheimer type II astrocytes were observed. Thus, throughthe association of information, the diagnosis of...(AU)

Iatrogenic postvaccinal injection site granulomas in cattle

Background: The Brazilian government has established disease eradication and control programs to protect livestock from pathogens that affect animal health and compromise animal protein production and food safety and quality. Vaccination campaigns against foot-and-mouth disease and other infectious diseases in cattle except brucellosis can be carried out by non-veterinarian employees. However, vaccination errors can result in the formation of granulomas at injection sites that can affect animal welfare and production. The present study aimed to report two cases of granulomas at injection sites due to the inadvertent administration of vaccines containing saponins and mineral oil as adjuvants.Cases: Case 1. The history was that a 2-year-old Devon steer was down for 7 days and was vaccinated 20 days ago with a vaccine containing saponins and mineral oil as adjuvants. Case 2. A 7-month-old Holstein heifer was examinated due to a 40-day history of ataxia, forelimb paresis progressing to tetraparesis, and vaccination with a vaccine containing saponins and mineral oil as adjuvants 60 days ago. These two animals were admitted in the Veterinary Hospital from the University of Passo Fundo (UPF) with a clinical history of incoordination and permanent decubitus after vaccination. The disease had a similar clinical course in both animals. Clinical signs included the presence of a palpable cervical mass at the site of vaccination, forelimb paresis that progressed to tetraparesis, and decubitus scars. Treatment included intravenous administration of anti-inflammatory steroids, antibiotic therapy, daily cleansing of the pressure sores, all four limbs were massaged, animals underwent several physiotherapy sessions, slings were used to mantain recumbent patients in a standing position and supportive therapy consisted of fluid therapy and oral supplementation. Animals remained hospitalized for approximately 40 days.[...]

Iatrogenic postvaccinal injection site granulomas in cattle

Background: The Brazilian government has established disease eradication and control programs to protect livestock from pathogens that affect animal health and compromise animal protein production and food safety and quality. Vaccination campaigns against foot-and-mouth disease and other infectious diseases in cattle except brucellosis can be carried out by non-veterinarian employees. However, vaccination errors can result in the formation of granulomas at injection sites that can affect animal welfare and production. The present study aimed to report two cases of granulomas at injection sites due to the inadvertent administration of vaccines containing saponins and mineral oil as adjuvants.Cases: Case 1. The history was that a 2-year-old Devon steer was down for 7 days and was vaccinated 20 days ago with a vaccine containing saponins and mineral oil as adjuvants. Case 2. A 7-month-old Holstein heifer was examinated due to a 40-day history of ataxia, forelimb paresis progressing to tetraparesis, and vaccination with a vaccine containing saponins and mineral oil as adjuvants 60 days ago. These two animals were admitted in the Veterinary Hospital from the University of Passo Fundo (UPF) with a clinical history of incoordination and permanent decubitus after vaccination. The disease had a similar clinical course in both animals. Clinical signs included the presence of a palpable cervical mass at the site of vaccination, forelimb paresis that progressed to tetraparesis, and decubitus scars. Treatment included intravenous administration of anti-inflammatory steroids, antibiotic therapy, daily cleansing of the pressure sores, all four limbs were massaged, animals underwent several physiotherapy sessions, slings were used to mantain recumbent patients in a standing position and supportive therapy consisted of fluid therapy and oral supplementation. Animals remained hospitalized for approximately 40 days.[...](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.

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)

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. […]

Reproductive disorders caused by Toxoplasma gondii in sheep / Alterações reprodutivas causadas por Toxoplasma gondii em ovinos / Alteraciones reproductivas causadas por Toxoplasma gondii en ovinos

Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan, intracellular, obligatory parasite protozoan of importance to public and animal health. In sheep, this species is a causative agent of reproductive disorders. The main sign produced by T. gondii infection in this species is abortion, which causes economic losses to sheep ranching. The main purpose of this review is to summarize the abortion outbreaks and reproductive disorders caused by T. gondii infection in sheep, also addressing aspects of biology, diagnosis, prevention and control of the parasite.(AU)

Toxoplasma gondii es un parásito protozoario intracelular obligatorio cosmopolita, de importancia para la salud pública y animal. En la especie ovina es reconocido como agente causador de trastornos reproductivos. El principal síntoma producido por la infección con Toxoplasma en ovinos es el aborto, lo que provoca pérdidas económicas. Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar los brotes de aborto y alteraciones reproductivas causadas por la infección con T. gondii en la especie ovina, abordando también aspectos de la biología, diagnóstico, prevención y control del parásito.(AU)

Toxoplasma gondii é um parasito protozoário intracelular obrigatório cosmopolita de importância para saúde pública e animal. Na espécie ovina é reconhecido como agente causador de distúrbios reprodutivos. O principal quadro clínico causado pela infecção pelo Toxoplasma em ovinos é o abortamento, que causa perdas econômicas. O principal objetivo deste artigo é fazer um levantamento dos surtos de abortamentos e alterações reprodutivas causadas pela infecção por T. gondii na espécie ovina, abordando ainda aspectos da biologia, diagnóstico, prevenção e controle do parasito.(AU)

Reproductive disorders caused by Toxoplasma gondii in sheep / Alterações reprodutivas causadas por Toxoplasma gondii em ovinos / Alteraciones reproductivas causadas por Toxoplasma gondii en ovinos

Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan, intracellular, obligatory parasite protozoan of importance to public and animal health. In sheep, this species is a causative agent of reproductive disorders. The main sign produced by T. gondii infection in this species is abortion, which causes economic losses to sheep ranching. The main purpose of this review is to summarize the abortion outbreaks and reproductive disorders caused by T. gondii infection in sheep, also addressing aspects of biology, diagnosis, prevention and control of the parasite.

Toxoplasma gondii es un parásito protozoario intracelular obligatorio cosmopolita, de importancia para la salud pública y animal. En la especie ovina es reconocido como agente causador de trastornos reproductivos. El principal síntoma producido por la infección con Toxoplasma en ovinos es el aborto, lo que provoca pérdidas económicas. Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar los brotes de aborto y alteraciones reproductivas causadas por la infección con T. gondii en la especie ovina, abordando también aspectos de la biología, diagnóstico, prevención y control del parásito.

Toxoplasma gondii é um parasito protozoário intracelular obrigatório cosmopolita de importância para saúde pública e animal. Na espécie ovina é reconhecido como agente causador de distúrbios reprodutivos. O principal quadro clínico causado pela infecção pelo Toxoplasma em ovinos é o abortamento, que causa perdas econômicas. O principal objetivo deste artigo é fazer um levantamento dos surtos de abortamentos e alterações reprodutivas causadas pela infecção por T. gondii na espécie ovina, abordando ainda aspectos da biologia, diagnóstico, prevenção e controle do parasito.

Pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I procedure) for obstructive antrum pyloric leiomyoma in a bitch

Background: Gastric neoplasms are uncommon in dogs, especially those affecting smooth muscle layers. Leiomyoma is a smooth muscle benign neoplasm, which requires surgical resection. Pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I procedure) is the most indicated technique in cases not affecting the biliary and pancreatic tracts. Thus, the purpose of this study was to report a successful case of Billroth I procedure in a bitch presenting antrum pyloric obstructive leiomyoma. Case: A 12-year-old, non-spayed, Cocker Spaniel bitch was admitted presenting depression, hyporexia, postprandial vomiting and sparse episodes of hematemesis, for 30 days. Clinical suspicion on obstructive gastric outflow disease was established. Bloodwork (complete blood count, BUN, albumin, ALP and ALT), abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiographs were assessed. The patient undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. On endoscopic evaluation, small hemorrhagic mucosa ulcers were visualized on the gastric body, antrum and pylorus. Moreover, a sessile, ulcerated, round-shape and infiltrated antral-pyloric mass was seen. The mass was 1.5-2.0 cm in diameter and apparently involved the smooth muscle layer, causing severe pyloric obstruction. However, endoscopic evaluation of the duodenum was possible. Several biopsy samples were taken from the neoplasm and sent for histopathologic assessment. The result was [...](AU)

Pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I procedure) for obstructive antrum pyloric leiomyoma in a bitch

Background: Gastric neoplasms are uncommon in dogs, especially those affecting smooth muscle layers. Leiomyoma is a smooth muscle benign neoplasm, which requires surgical resection. Pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I procedure) is the most indicated technique in cases not affecting the biliary and pancreatic tracts. Thus, the purpose of this study was to report a successful case of Billroth I procedure in a bitch presenting antrum pyloric obstructive leiomyoma. Case: A 12-year-old, non-spayed, Cocker Spaniel bitch was admitted presenting depression, hyporexia, postprandial vomiting and sparse episodes of hematemesis, for 30 days. Clinical suspicion on obstructive gastric outflow disease was established. Bloodwork (complete blood count, BUN, albumin, ALP and ALT), abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiographs were assessed. The patient undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. On endoscopic evaluation, small hemorrhagic mucosa ulcers were visualized on the gastric body, antrum and pylorus. Moreover, a sessile, ulcerated, round-shape and infiltrated antral-pyloric mass was seen. The mass was 1.5-2.0 cm in diameter and apparently involved the smooth muscle layer, causing severe pyloric obstruction. However, endoscopic evaluation of the duodenum was possible. Several biopsy samples were taken from the neoplasm and sent for histopathologic assessment. The result was [...]

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)