Infectious diseases of neotropical primates

Neotropical primates are represented by more than 200 species and subspecies distributed in five families. Considering that some of these species are considered endangered, disease investigation in these populations is critical for conservation strategies. Therefore, an increasing number of studies and publications on this topic became available in the past few years. This review deals with infectious diseases of neotropical primates, with focus on free-ranging animals, including those caused by bacterial, viral, protozoal, metazoan, or mycotic infectious organisms, with particular emphasis on gross and microscopic lesions associated with these diseases. In addition, a few relevant unpublished cases of infection by Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. were included in this review.(AU)

Lafora's disease in a free-ranging toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) with neurologic disease

Lafora's disease is a genetic disease associated to mutations in genes that encodes laforin and malin, which results in intracellular polyglucan storage. The present report describes a case of Lafora's disease in a toco toucan with episodes of incoordination and myoclonus that resulted in traumatic lesions and fracture of the left hindlimb. The bird was euthanized and submitted to necropsy. Microscopically there were abundant PAS-positive and diastasis-resistant Lafora's inclusion bodies in neurons in the cerebellum, supporting the diagnosis of Lafora's disease.(AU)

Urethral obstruction secondary to Staphylococcus felis chronic urethritis and hepatoid gland adenoma in a captive ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

A male adult ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kept under human care developed anuria, which progressed to death. Grossly, the urinary bladder was markedly dilated and filled with red discolored urine containing blood clots. In addition, the animal had a hepatoid cell adenoma adjacent to the urethra, which likely caused partial urethral occlusion. Microscopically, there was a predominantly neutrophilic, fibrinous and hemorrhagic urethritis, cystitis, and pyelonephritis with intralesional gram-positive cocci. Microbiologic culture followed by MALDI-TOF MS analysis resulted in the identification of isolates from the urine and urethra as Staphylococcus felis.(AU)

Avian mycobacteriosis in a naturally infected captive nocturnal curassow (Nothocrax urumutum)

A senile female nocturnal curassow (Nothocrax urumutum) kept under human care was found dead. Grossly, the lungs were congested and had a nodule with 2.0 cm in diameter adhered to the left lung. Histologically, there were multifocal to coalescent areas of necrosis characterized by deposition of amorphous and eosinophilic material with large amount of cellular debris, surrounded by numerous epithelioid macrophages, multinucleated Langhans giant cells, occasional lymphocytes and plasma cells. Ziehl-Neelsen stained sections demonstrated myriad of intralesional alcohol-acid resistant bacilli (BAAR). DNA extracted from lung samples were evaluated by nested polymerase chain reaction resulting in mycobacterial DNA identification. This is the first reported case of mycobacteriosis in a nocturnal curassow.(AU)

Staphylococcus aureus-induced pyogranulomatous dermatitis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis with Splendore-Hoeppli reaction in a cat coinfected with the feline leukemia virus and Leishmania sp

This report describes a case of a pyogranulomatous dermatitis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis with Splendore-Hoeppli reaction caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a sheltered female adult cat coinfected with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Leishmania sp. The cat had a mild anemia and marked increased total leukocytes, particularly band and segmented neutrophils. The cat had laboratorial diagnosis of FeLV and Leishmania sp. infections. Clinically, the cat had extensive and multifocal areas of ulceration in cranial region. Due to the progression of cutaneous lesions, progressive weight loss, and the risk for other sheltered animals, the cat was euthanized. Microscopically, there was marked pyogranulomatous ulcerative dermatitis, osteomyelitis and meningitis, with multiple large intralesional colonies of Gram-positive cocci associated with Splendore-Hoeppli reaction. Aerobic bacterial isolates were identified as S. aureus by MALDI-ToF MS. Leishmania sp. DNA sequences were detected in liver and spleen, and amastigotes were demonstrated in skin sections by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, here we describe a case of S. aureus-induced pyogranulomatous meningitis with SH reaction in a cat naturally coinfected with FeLV and Leishmania sp(AU)

Seminoma in a gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) with unilateral cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is the incomplete descent of the testes and associated structures, and cryptorchid testes are more likely to develop testicular neoplasms, such as seminoma. This is the first report of a seminoma in a cryptorchid wild-caught gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira). The animal developed a unilateral seminoma with classical histopathological findings and benign behavior. Six months after the orchiectomy the cervid presented a metatarsal opened fracture, dying during the orthopedic surgery. No macro or micrometric metastasis was observed at the necropsy.(AU)

Suppurative meningoencephalitis secondary to a Trueperella pyogenes-induced mandibular abscess in a free-ranging gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

Trueperella pyogenes é um patógeno oportunista, afetando mais comumente ruminantes e porcos. Uma fêmea de veado-mato-cinzento ( Mazama gouazoubira ) teve um abscesso no músculo masseter associado a uma osteólise e osteomielite na mandíbula direita adjacente, com um trato fistuloso até a órbita e através do forame óptico no crânio, causando uma supuração meningite. Histologicamente, o abscesso foi caracterizado por um infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico e histiocítico com uma miríade de bactérias Gram-positivas em forma de bastonete e uma leptomeningite supurativa e histiocítica focalmente extensa das porções ventrais do cérebro. A cultura microbiológica aeróbia, MALDI-ToF e PCR identificaram T. pyogenes.

Suppurative meningoencephalitis secondary to a Trueperella pyogenes-induced mandibular abscess in a free-ranging gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

Trueperella pyogenes é um patógeno oportunista, afetando mais comumente ruminantes e porcos. Uma fêmea de veado-mato-cinzento ( Mazama gouazoubira ) teve um abscesso no músculo masseter associado a uma osteólise e osteomielite na mandíbula direita adjacente, com um trato fistuloso até a órbita e através do forame óptico no crânio, causando uma supuração meningite. Histologicamente, o abscesso foi caracterizado por um infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico e histiocítico com uma miríade de bactérias Gram-positivas em forma de bastonete e uma leptomeningite supurativa e histiocítica focalmente extensa das porções ventrais do cérebro. A cultura microbiológica aeróbia, MALDI-ToF e PCR identificaram T. pyogenes.(AU)

Mammary gland malignant myoepithelioma in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Background: Malignant myoepithelioma is a rare neoplasm in humans and rats, poorly reported in dogs and not previously described in rabbits. This study aimed to report a case of malignant mammary myoepithelioma in a domestic rabbit(Oryctolagus cuniculus).Case: A domestic, hybrid, female, entire, nulliparous, 7-year-old rabbit was attended in the Veterinary Hospital Prof. Ricardo Alexandre Hippler at Universidade Vila Velha (UVV) with a history of apathy, lethargy and anorexia. In the clinicalexamination a 5 cm tumour was observed in the right abdominal mammary gland (M2), along with floating smaller lesionsin M1 and M3. There were no palpable abnormalities in the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. Complete blood count andserum biochemistry were within the normal range. Fine needle aspiration was performed for cytopathological evaluationof the tumour in M2 and it was suggestive of a malignant glandular neoplasm, with probable epithelial origin. Completestaging included chest and abdominal radiographs, but they were unremarkable. The patient was submitted to a rightunilateral mastectomy, involving resection of the inguinal lymph node. The sample was sent to the Laboratory of AnimalPathology of UVV for routine histological evaluation. Histopathological evaluation in M2 was compatible with malignantmyoepithelioma based on the literature, while nodules in M1 and M3 were classified as mammary cysts. The inguinal lymphnode showed no significant abnormalities. An immunohistochemical panel was performed in the Comparative PathologyLaboratory of the Institute of Biological Sciences of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), using immunomarkers (pan-cytokeratin, p63 and vimentin) to characterize the tumour and confirm its diagnosis. Immunohistochemistryrevealed expression of p63, and was negative for pan-cytokeratin and vimentin, which confirmed the myoepithelial origin,without involvement of the epithelial compartment...(AU)

Solitary osseous plasmacytoma of a lumbar vertebrae with systemic involvement in a dog

Background: Myeloma-related disorders are characterized by proliferation of neoplastic plasma cell or immature immunoglobulin secreting B-lymphocytes, and include multiple myeloma, M-macroglobulinemia and extra-medullary plasmacytoma(cutaneous or extra-cutaneous). Solitary osseous plasmacytoma (SOP) is considered an unique entity among extra-medullaryextra-cutaneous plasmacytoma. It is an unusual neoplasia in dogs, predominantly found in middle-aged to older animals,with a higher incidence in bones of axial skeleton. Dogs with vertebral SOP present neurological signs related to spinalcord compression, but progression to multiple myeloma is related to a poor outcome. As in humans, progression to multiple myeloma occurs in most cases, although it may take months or years from its initial presentation. SOP’s biologicalbehaviour, incidence and prognostic are rarely documented. Chemotherapy with melphalan and prednisolone representthe most used protocol for multiple myeloma. However, in SOP, the combination of chemotherapy with local approachesis controversial before the evidence of systemic disease. This paper aims at reporting a case of SOP in a lumbar vertebraeof a dog, with systemic involvement.Case: A 11-year old male mixed breed dog was attended presenting muscle weakness, lethargy, anorexia, adipsia and intense pain manifestation. The dog also presented multiple skin nodules, previously diagnosed as a plasmacytoma, throughcytology. The dog’s poor clinical condition and aggressive temper, associated with suspicious of an advanced myelomarelated disorder, resulted in the decision for humanized euthanasia. At necropsy, a pale, friable and hemorrhagic masswas identified on the L3 lumbar vertebrae, associated with an osteolytic bone lesion and spinal cord compression. Histopathological analyses revealed proliferation of plasma cells, with pale perinuclear halo, moderate cellular pleomorphism,10 binucleated cells and 10 mitotic figures per 10 high...

Mammary gland malignant myoepithelioma in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Background: Malignant myoepithelioma is a rare neoplasm in humans and rats, poorly reported in dogs and not previously described in rabbits. This study aimed to report a case of malignant mammary myoepithelioma in a domestic rabbit(Oryctolagus cuniculus).Case: A domestic, hybrid, female, entire, nulliparous, 7-year-old rabbit was attended in the Veterinary Hospital Prof. Ricardo Alexandre Hippler at Universidade Vila Velha (UVV) with a history of apathy, lethargy and anorexia. In the clinicalexamination a 5 cm tumour was observed in the right abdominal mammary gland (M2), along with floating smaller lesionsin M1 and M3. There were no palpable abnormalities in the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. Complete blood count andserum biochemistry were within the normal range. Fine needle aspiration was performed for cytopathological evaluationof the tumour in M2 and it was suggestive of a malignant glandular neoplasm, with probable epithelial origin. Completestaging included chest and abdominal radiographs, but they were unremarkable. The patient was submitted to a rightunilateral mastectomy, involving resection of the inguinal lymph node. The sample was sent to the Laboratory of AnimalPathology of UVV for routine histological evaluation. Histopathological evaluation in M2 was compatible with malignantmyoepithelioma based on the literature, while nodules in M1 and M3 were classified as mammary cysts. The inguinal lymphnode showed no significant abnormalities. An immunohistochemical panel was performed in the Comparative PathologyLaboratory of the Institute of Biological Sciences of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), using immunomarkers (pan-cytokeratin, p63 and vimentin) to characterize the tumour and confirm its diagnosis. Immunohistochemistryrevealed expression of p63, and was negative for pan-cytokeratin and vimentin, which confirmed the myoepithelial origin,without involvement of the epithelial compartment...

Solitary osseous plasmacytoma of a lumbar vertebrae with systemic involvement in a dog

Background: Myeloma-related disorders are characterized by proliferation of neoplastic plasma cell or immature immunoglobulin secreting B-lymphocytes, and include multiple myeloma, M-macroglobulinemia and extra-medullary plasmacytoma(cutaneous or extra-cutaneous). Solitary osseous plasmacytoma (SOP) is considered an unique entity among extra-medullaryextra-cutaneous plasmacytoma. It is an unusual neoplasia in dogs, predominantly found in middle-aged to older animals,with a higher incidence in bones of axial skeleton. Dogs with vertebral SOP present neurological signs related to spinalcord compression, but progression to multiple myeloma is related to a poor outcome. As in humans, progression to multiple myeloma occurs in most cases, although it may take months or years from its initial presentation. SOPs biologicalbehaviour, incidence and prognostic are rarely documented. Chemotherapy with melphalan and prednisolone representthe most used protocol for multiple myeloma. However, in SOP, the combination of chemotherapy with local approachesis controversial before the evidence of systemic disease. This paper aims at reporting a case of SOP in a lumbar vertebraeof a dog, with systemic involvement.Case: A 11-year old male mixed breed dog was attended presenting muscle weakness, lethargy, anorexia, adipsia and intense pain manifestation. The dog also presented multiple skin nodules, previously diagnosed as a plasmacytoma, throughcytology. The dogs poor clinical condition and aggressive temper, associated with suspicious of an advanced myelomarelated disorder, resulted in the decision for humanized euthanasia. At necropsy, a pale, friable and hemorrhagic masswas identified on the L3 lumbar vertebrae, associated with an osteolytic bone lesion and spinal cord compression. Histopathological analyses revealed proliferation of plasma cells, with pale perinuclear halo, moderate cellular pleomorphism,10 binucleated cells and 10 mitotic figures per 10 high...(AU)

Epidemiology of canine mammary gland tumours in Espírito Santo, Brazil

Background: Mammary tumours represent about 50 to 70% of all neoplasms in female dogs and their occurrence is directlyrelated to the reproductive status and patient´s age. The purpose of this research was to apply the Brazilian consensus ondiagnosis, prognosis and treatment of canine mammary tumours and to define the regional epidemiological aspects ofcanine mammary gland tumours in Vitoria metropolitan region (ES, Brazil) between 2012 and 2016 and to correlate themacroscopic characteristics such as lesion size and location of the neoplasm with histopathological diagnosis, tumoursgrade and lymph node metastasis.Materials, Methods & Results: Data were collected from the archives of the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of UVV andmedical records of patients attended at the Veterinary Hospital Prof. Ricardo Alexandre Hippler in 5 years (2012 to 2016). Theanimals were separated into groups by age to facilitate classification in the group with the highest occurrence of neoplasms. Theevaluation of the macroscopic characteristics was performed through the histopathological record described in the pathologylaboratory, for each patient, at the time of the initial evaluation. After descriptive analysis, data was correlated using Spearmanntest, and frequency dispersion was evaluated using chi-square test, both in the software Graph Pad Prism v. 6.01. This studyincluded 255 bitches and diagnosis of 486 lesions, once 48.6% of the dogs had more than one lesion, classified according tothe Brazilian Consensus for Canine Mammary Tumours and graded according to Elston and Ellis system. 86.8% of lesionswere consistent with actual mammary neoplasms, of which 67% were malignant and 20% were benign. Non-neoplastic lesionscorresponded to 7.2% of cases and 5.8% were extra-mammary neoplasms, with an increased incidence of lipomas (39.3%) andmast cell tumours (32.1%). Cross-breed dogs represented 26.7% of cases. Poodles (25.5%), Pinschers (9.8%) and Dachshund(4.7%)...(AU)

Epidemiology of canine mammary gland tumours in Espírito Santo, Brazil

Background: Mammary tumours represent about 50 to 70% of all neoplasms in female dogs and their occurrence is directlyrelated to the reproductive status and patient´s age. The purpose of this research was to apply the Brazilian consensus ondiagnosis, prognosis and treatment of canine mammary tumours and to define the regional epidemiological aspects ofcanine mammary gland tumours in Vitoria metropolitan region (ES, Brazil) between 2012 and 2016 and to correlate themacroscopic characteristics such as lesion size and location of the neoplasm with histopathological diagnosis, tumoursgrade and lymph node metastasis.Materials, Methods & Results: Data were collected from the archives of the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of UVV andmedical records of patients attended at the Veterinary Hospital Prof. Ricardo Alexandre Hippler in 5 years (2012 to 2016). Theanimals were separated into groups by age to facilitate classification in the group with the highest occurrence of neoplasms. Theevaluation of the macroscopic characteristics was performed through the histopathological record described in the pathologylaboratory, for each patient, at the time of the initial evaluation. After descriptive analysis, data was correlated using Spearmanntest, and frequency dispersion was evaluated using chi-square test, both in the software Graph Pad Prism v. 6.01. This studyincluded 255 bitches and diagnosis of 486 lesions, once 48.6% of the dogs had more than one lesion, classified according tothe Brazilian Consensus for Canine Mammary Tumours and graded according to Elston and Ellis system. 86.8% of lesionswere consistent with actual mammary neoplasms, of which 67% were malignant and 20% were benign. Non-neoplastic lesionscorresponded to 7.2% of cases and 5.8% were extra-mammary neoplasms, with an increased incidence of lipomas (39.3%) andmast cell tumours (32.1%). Cross-breed dogs represented 26.7% of cases. Poodles (25.5%), Pinschers (9.8%) and Dachshund(4.7%)...