The use of fluconazole associated with surgical excision in the treatment of equine cutaneous pythiosis / Uso do flucozanol associado à excisão cirúrgica no tratamento da pitiose cutânea equina

Cutaneous pythiosis is an important disease affecting horses raised in regions with a hot climate and water stagnation, occurring throughout all regions of Brazil. The disease progresses rapidly, and treatment for chronic lesions is challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluconazole after surgical excision and electrocauterization of cutaneous lesions in horses naturally infected with Pythium insidiosum. We treated 10 horses with cutaneous pythiosis, whose diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. After surgical debridement of lesion, animals received fluconazole orally for 21 days, in combination with topical treatment for the wounds. After 7 days of therapy, there was decreased serosanguineous secretion and no kunkers in the wounds in all horses. All lesions healed completely after therapy, and there were no recurrences 10 months after discharge. When associated with surgical excision, oral fluconazole therapy was an effective treatment in clinical cases of equine cutaneous pythiosis.

Pitiose cutânea é uma enfermidade importante que acomete equinos criados em regiões de clima quente e com presença de água estagnada, sendo reportada em todas as regiões do Brasil. Possui evolução rápida e o tratamento de lesões crônicas ainda é considerado um desafio. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi a avaliação da eficácia do fluconazol após a excisão cirúrgica e termocauterização de feridas cutâneas de equinos naturalmente infectados por Pythium insidiosum. Para o estudo foram utilizados 10 equinos com pitiose cutânea, com diagnóstico confirmado por meio da avaliação histopatológica e da imuno-histoquímica. Após o desbridamento cirúrgico da lesão, os animais receberam fluconazol por via oral durante 21 dias, associado a tratamento tópico da ferida. Em todos os casos, após sete dias do início da terapia foi possível evidenciar diminuição da secreção serosanguinolenta, assim como ausência de kunkers na ferida. Todos os animais tiveram cicatrização completa das lesões após a terapia e não houve recidiva após dez meses da alta médica. A terapia com fluconazol administrado por via oral demonstrou ser um tratamento eficaz quando associado à excisão cirúrgica em casos clínicos de pitiose cutânea equina.

The use of fluconazole associated with surgical excision in the treatment of equine cutaneous pythiosis / Uso do flucozanol associado à excisão cirúrgica no tratamento da pitiose cutânea equina

Cutaneous pythiosis is an important disease affecting horses raised in regions with a hot climate and water stagnation, occurring throughout all regions of Brazil. The disease progresses rapidly, and treatment for chronic lesions is challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluconazole after surgical excision and electrocauterization of cutaneous lesions in horses naturally infected with Pythium insidiosum. We treated 10 horses with cutaneous pythiosis, whose diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. After surgical debridement of lesion, animals received fluconazole orally for 21 days, in combination with topical treatment for the wounds. After 7 days of therapy, there was decreased serosanguineous secretion and no kunkers in the wounds in all horses. All lesions healed completely after therapy, and there were no recurrences 10 months after discharge. When associated with surgical excision, oral fluconazole therapy was an effective treatment in clinical cases of equine cutaneous pythiosis.(AU)

Pitiose cutânea é uma enfermidade importante que acomete equinos criados em regiões de clima quente e com presença de água estagnada, sendo reportada em todas as regiões do Brasil. Possui evolução rápida e o tratamento de lesões crônicas ainda é considerado um desafio. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi a avaliação da eficácia do fluconazol após a excisão cirúrgica e termocauterização de feridas cutâneas de equinos naturalmente infectados por Pythium insidiosum. Para o estudo foram utilizados 10 equinos com pitiose cutânea, com diagnóstico confirmado por meio da avaliação histopatológica e da imuno-histoquímica. Após o desbridamento cirúrgico da lesão, os animais receberam fluconazol por via oral durante 21 dias, associado a tratamento tópico da ferida. Em todos os casos, após sete dias do início da terapia foi possível evidenciar diminuição da secreção serosanguinolenta, assim como ausência de kunkers na ferida. Todos os animais tiveram cicatrização completa das lesões após a terapia e não houve recidiva após dez meses da alta médica. A terapia com fluconazol administrado por via oral demonstrou ser um tratamento eficaz quando associado à excisão cirúrgica em casos clínicos de pitiose cutânea equina.(AU)

Outbreaks of Mycoplasmosis and Histomoniasis in a southern Brazilian flock of ornamental birds

Background: Infectious diseases have expanded their host and geographic ranges, increasing impacts on both human and animal health. Mycoplasma gallisepticum usually causes avian chronic respiratory conditions and Histomonas meleagridis infects the cecum and the liver of poultry. Although these diseases have been reported in several bird species, information associated with their prevalence and impact in local flocks of ornamental birds is scarce. This communication describes severe outbreaks of mycoplasmosis and histomoniasis that affected a southern Brazilian commercial flock of ornamental birds. Case: The outbreaks occurred in an ornamental bird flock that contained 2,340 birds from 39 different species, distributed mostly in the orders Galliformes, Anseriformes, and Psittaciformes. Mycoplasma gallisepticum affected 12 chukar partridges, 12 Indian peacocks, 19 ornamental chickens and 46 individuals of 4 species of pheasant. The disease cases were distributed between April and July 2015. A total of 36 birds died due to the disease’ complications and most surviving birds suffered from severe ocular sequels, which determined their subsequent culling, despite attempts of different treatment protocols. The main signs included coughing, sneezing, infraorbital swelling, wasting, and death which were mostly associated with caseous sinusitis. Affected birds had positive samples when stained with anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum immunohistochemistry and tested by Mycoplasma gallisepticum-Polymerase Chain Reaction. The application of 2 doses of a Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine in early 2016 to all the Galliformes in the flock reduced the annual prevalence to 4 clinical cases. Histomoniasis affected and killed 19 out of 27 chukar partridges that were being kept with ring-necked pheasants in the same enclosure. The disease occurred between September […]

Outbreaks of Mycoplasmosis and Histomoniasis in a southern Brazilian flock of ornamental birds

Background: Infectious diseases have expanded their host and geographic ranges, increasing impacts on both human and animal health. Mycoplasma gallisepticum usually causes avian chronic respiratory conditions and Histomonas meleagridis infects the cecum and the liver of poultry. Although these diseases have been reported in several bird species, information associated with their prevalence and impact in local flocks of ornamental birds is scarce. This communication describes severe outbreaks of mycoplasmosis and histomoniasis that affected a southern Brazilian commercial flock of ornamental birds. Case: The outbreaks occurred in an ornamental bird flock that contained 2,340 birds from 39 different species, distributed mostly in the orders Galliformes, Anseriformes, and Psittaciformes. Mycoplasma gallisepticum affected 12 chukar partridges, 12 Indian peacocks, 19 ornamental chickens and 46 individuals of 4 species of pheasant. The disease cases were distributed between April and July 2015. A total of 36 birds died due to the disease complications and most surviving birds suffered from severe ocular sequels, which determined their subsequent culling, despite attempts of different treatment protocols. The main signs included coughing, sneezing, infraorbital swelling, wasting, and death which were mostly associated with caseous sinusitis. Affected birds had positive samples when stained with anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum immunohistochemistry and tested by Mycoplasma gallisepticum-Polymerase Chain Reaction. The application of 2 doses of a Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine in early 2016 to all the Galliformes in the flock reduced the annual prevalence to 4 clinical cases. Histomoniasis affected and killed 19 out of 27 chukar partridges that were being kept with ring-necked pheasants in the same enclosure. The disease occurred between September […](AU)

Causes of bird losses recorded in a captive-bred wild bird flock between 2011 and 2015 / Perdas registradas em um plantel de aves silvestres criadas em cativeiro, entre 2011 e 2015

This study discusses the causes of bird deaths recorded in a small aviary dedicated to the breeding of a few exotic, wild bird species. Findings from 28 birds were examined over a period of five years. About 40% of the deaths occurred in the first two weeks after hatching in the two most numerous species in the flock and such losses were mainly a result of starvation caused by inadequate nutritional management. Additionally, 28% of the cases affected recently introduced birds. Despite frequent treatment with anthelmintics; a total of 21% of the deaths in the flock could be attributed to parasitic diseases, most of them in recently acquired birds. Only three of the deaths could be associated with advanced age, all of the further cases were also attributable to management fails. Our results indicated that propagation of these and other species requires an improvement of the management of the newly hatched and newcomer birds to considerably enhance the flock’s performance. Such information may be useful in conservation initiatives and may justify, at least in part, captivity of these animals.

Este estudo discute as causas de morte de aves registradas em um pequeno criadouro de umas poucas espécies de aves silvestres exóticas. As mortes de 28 aves foram examinadas em um período de cinco anos. Cerca de 40% dos casos ocorreram na primeira semana de vida de filhotes das duas espécies mais numerosas no plantel e essas perdas foram consequentes à desnutrição por falhas no manejo nutricional. Outros 28% de casos ocorreram em aves, recentemente introduzidas, ou em fase de adaptação, no criadouro. Ainda que as aves do plantel sejam frequentemente dosificadas com anti-helmínticos, 21% das mortes no plantel foram secundárias a doenças parasitárias; a maioria afetou aves recentemente adquiridas. Exceto por três mortes que foram associadas com desordens atribuídas à idade avançada, todas as demais foram associadas com inadequações no manejo das aves. Esses resultados sugerem que, em sistemas dessa natureza, as aves recém-nascidas e as recém-introduzidas são categorias críticas que demandam concentração de esforços para o atendimento sistemático de suas necessidades. Tais dados podem ser aplicáveis em iniciativas de conservação de outras espécies e podem justificar, ainda que parcialmente, a manutenção desses animais, em cativeiro.

Causes of bird losses recorded in a captive-bred wild bird flock between 2011 and 2015 / Perdas registradas em um plantel de aves silvestres criadas em cativeiro, entre 2011 e 2015

This study discusses the causes of bird deaths recorded in a small aviary dedicated to the breeding of a few exotic, wild bird species. Findings from 28 birds were examined over a period of five years. About 40% of the deaths occurred in the first two weeks after hatching in the two most numerous species in the flock and such losses were mainly a result of starvation caused by inadequate nutritional management. Additionally, 28% of the cases affected recently introduced birds. Despite frequent treatment with anthelmintics; a total of 21% of the deaths in the flock could be attributed to parasitic diseases, most of them in recently acquired birds. Only three of the deaths could be associated with advanced age, all of the further cases were also attributable to management fails. Our results indicated that propagation of these and other species requires an improvement of the management of the newly hatched and newcomer birds to considerably enhance the flocks performance. Such information may be useful in conservation initiatives and may justify, at least in part, captivity of these animals.(AU)

Este estudo discute as causas de morte de aves registradas em um pequeno criadouro de umas poucas espécies de aves silvestres exóticas. As mortes de 28 aves foram examinadas em um período de cinco anos. Cerca de 40% dos casos ocorreram na primeira semana de vida de filhotes das duas espécies mais numerosas no plantel e essas perdas foram consequentes à desnutrição por falhas no manejo nutricional. Outros 28% de casos ocorreram em aves, recentemente introduzidas, ou em fase de adaptação, no criadouro. Ainda que as aves do plantel sejam frequentemente dosificadas com anti-helmínticos, 21% das mortes no plantel foram secundárias a doenças parasitárias; a maioria afetou aves recentemente adquiridas. Exceto por três mortes que foram associadas com desordens atribuídas à idade avançada, todas as demais foram associadas com inadequações no manejo das aves. Esses resultados sugerem que, em sistemas dessa natureza, as aves recém-nascidas e as recém-introduzidas são categorias críticas que demandam concentração de esforços para o atendimento sistemático de suas necessidades. Tais dados podem ser aplicáveis em iniciativas de conservação de outras espécies e podem justificar, ainda que parcialmente, a manutenção desses animais, em cativeiro.(AU)

Raiva em bovinos diagnosticados no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil no período de 2002 a 2007 / Rabies in cattle diagnosed by the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of the UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil in the period from 2002 to 2007

Background: Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by rabies virus, the genus Lyssavirus e family Rhabdoviridae. The commonest way of rabies transmission is by the bite of an infected mammal. Bites by rabid animals generally inoculate virus-laden saliva through the skin into muscle and subcutaneous tissues. Rabies has previously been regarded as 100% lethal. In South America, rabies in cattle is transmitted by vampire bats Desmodus rotundus mainly resulting in a major economic problem and public health. The present study retrospectively analyzed data from cattle affected by rabies registered between 2002 and 2007, evaluating the epidemiological, clinical and pathological and immunohistochemistry studies. Materials, Methods & Results: This retrospective study included epidemiological, clinical, pathological, direct immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry findings from 26 cattle affected by rabies diagnosed by the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil in the period from 2002 to 2007. The samples were selected from a histological diagnosis of lesions characteristic of rabies or positive direct immunofluorescence for rabies where samples were available for histological examination. The central nervous system (CNS) samples of cattle were reported in 10% formalin fixed, routinely processed for histology, embedded in paraffin, cut at 5 µm and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histological slides were also tested with immunohistochemistry procedure using a standardized protocol for rabies with a polyclonal primary antibody at a dilution of 1:1000 in phosphate buffered saline. Cattle between 3 months and 8 years of age were affected. Clinical course ranged from 1-10 days. Paralytical form was the most common. Clinical signs included motor incordination, paresis, and paralysis of the pelvic members and decubitus. The main histopathological findings were characterized by lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis and nonsuppurative meningomyelitis associated with characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in 88.4% (23/26) cases. In 92.3% (24/26), the animals examined were positive by immunohistochemistry for rabies. Positive labeling was present in perikarya of neurons as aggregates of granules or round formations associated with varying numbers of inclusion bodies, mainly observed in the Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum. Discussion: Rabies is an important disease of cattle in Brazil. In this study the diagnosis was based on the histopathological, direct immunofluorescence and positive immunostaining for rabies antigen. Immunohistochemistry is a laboratory technique that uses specific antibodies for visualization and evaluation as to the quantity, distribution and cellular localization of epitopes in histological sections, allowing the use of formalin-fixed tissues, which facilitates the transport of samples to the Laboratory, generating more time for sending. The average markup of 26 cases of cattle was 92.3%, but this average could be higher if other areas of the CNS had been used and the fixation time in formalin were lower. Immunohistochemistry is an important auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of rabies, especially in circunstances in which refrigeration cannot be adequately maintained, and in cases characterized by nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with absence of inclusion bodies.

Aspergilose em trinca-ferros (Saltator similis) competidores de canto / Aspergillosis in Green-winged saltators (Saltator similis) participants in bird singing competitions

Background: Aspergillosis is the most common mycosis in birds, which are considered potential host also susceptible to the infection by Aspergillus spp. The clinical signs of the disease are often related to the respiratory tract, although other organs or systems may be affected. Signs are generally either not specific or may be directly related to the extent of the lesions in the respiratory tract (rhinitis, changes in the vocalization and dyspnea). The aim of this study was to describe and characterize three cases of aspergillosis in Greenwinged saltators (Saltator similis), based on reference standard diagnostics of this mycosis. Cases: Three Green-winged adult male saltators that had been participating weekly for three months in bird singing contests were referred to a private veterinary clinic. The clinical evaluation revealed pronounced hoarseness (3/3) and intense dyspnea (1/3). The animals were allocated to a warmed (28º C) oxygen chamber at 65% relative humidity. All birds were nebulized with saline solution and hyaluronidase. In addition, the birds were treated orally with complex vitamins B, A, D and E and intravenously either with dexamethasone and doxycycline (Case 1), azithromycin (Case 2) or metronidazole-enrofloxacin combination (Case 3), in association with the use of Arnica Montana CH6 in the drinking water, and fluid therapy (5% glucose, Ringer-lactate and saline solution). In spite of the therapeutic treatments, the birds died three days after the hospitalization. The necropsy examination revealed: syrinx with yellowish content ranging from 2 to 5 mm diameter occluding the lumen (3/3) and the lungs were diffusely reddened (3/3) with yellowish areas of 2 mm (1/3). The histologic findings included proliferation of connective tissue in the mucosa and submucosa of the syrinx and granulomas formation in the lumen with necrotic centers that had large amounts of branched and septate hyphae with radiated arrangement. A large amount of hyphae were observed in granulomas in the lungs. The mycological culture (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Malt Extract Agar) of lung fragments and syrinx from all three birds allowed the isolation of colonies of Aspergillus fumigatus. Discussion: In Brazil, there are sparse reports of aspergillosis, mainly for native species of birds in captivity. The disease has been often diagnosed in migratory marine birds (treated at specific rehabilitation centers) and, occasionally, in wild birds or in animals raised in commercial poultry farms. The presence of fungal propagules in the respiratory system may cause colonization (a potential latent infection), condition that allows the fungal isolation from the lung tissue. However, under stress conditions or in a fall in immunity, as observed in this case study involving birds that intensively participate in singing competitions, it is often observed an evolution from the colonizing stage to range of clinical symptoms indicative of aspergillosis. The adoption of preventive measures to reduce the spreading of fungal propagules in the environment is essential, as well as proper feeding and hydration, a minimization of stress-related issues during animal management and transport, the rational use of drugs, and conditions that may favor the development of opportunistic mycoses, such as aspergillosis, which is the most common fungal disease in the world. The reported cases of aspergillosis in the lungs and syrinx of Green-winged saltators emphasizes the importance of a conclusive diagnosis for the disease based on the detection of fungal structures at the histopathological examination associated with the isolation of the agent in a fungal culture. The occurrence of aspergillosis may cause a significant loss of native bird species maintained in captivity, which is a serious concern when related to the preservation of the diversity of the Brazilian avian fauna.

Surto de intoxicação por Senna occidentalis em bovinos em pastoreio / Outbreak of poisoning by Senna occidentalis in grazzing cattle

The Senna occidentalis poisoning occurs by the ingestion of seeds, leaves and stem of the plant, causing degenerative myopathy lesion. In addition, a several animals species are affected. Outbreaks are related with the ration consumption contaminated by seeds. However, few cases of spontaneous ingestion of the plant in fields were described. A rapid clinical disease is characterized by diarrhea, colic and tenesmus. Afterwards, muscular lesions and brownish-urine were revealed. In the end of the disease course, serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are increased. The aim of this study is to describe an outbreak of S. occidentalis poisoning in live cattle, in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurred in May 2008.[...]

Rectal stenosis in pigs associated with Salmonella Typhimurium and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection / Estenose retal em suínos associada à enterite causada por Salmonella Typhimurium em animais infectados pelo circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2)

Rectal stricture is an acquired annular fibrous constriction of the rectum that results from a variety of chronic necrotizing enteric diseases. In pigs, it is in most cases a sequel of Salmonella infection. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a known pathogen causing immunosuppression in pigs worldwide. PCV2 infected pigs may be predisposed to salmonellosis. In this report, rectal stenosis was observed in 160 pigs from a herd that experienced an outbreak of enteric salmonellosis over a 4-month period. Distension of the abdominal wall and diarrhea were the main clinical signs observed. Five animals were analyzed showing annular cicatrization of the rectal wall 5.0-7.0 cm anterior to the anorectal junction and Salmonella-positive immunostaining in the large intestine. Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated from fragments of the large intestine. Porcine circovirus type 2 antigen was observed in the mesenteric lymph-node in 4 pigs and in the large intestine in 3 pigs.(AU)

Estenose retal é uma constrição anular fibrosa do reto que pode ser decorrente de qualquer doença entérica crônica necrotizante. Em suínos, é em muitos casos uma seqüela de infecção por Salmonella. Circovírus suíno tipo 2 é um patógeno bem conhecido que causa imunodepressão em suínos e apresenta distribuição mundial. No presente trabalho, estenose retal foi observada em 160 suínos em um rebanho que teve um surto de salmonelose entérica durante 4 meses. Distensão da parede abdominal e diarreia foram os principais sinais clínicos observados. Foram analisados cinco suínos que demonstraram cicatrização anular da parede do reto 5,0 a 7,0 cm anterior a junção anoretal e imuno-histoquímica positiva para Salmonella spp. no intestino grosso. Antígeno de Circovírus suíno tipo 2 foi observado no linfonodo mesentérico de quatro suínos e no intestino grosso de três.(AU)

Surto de intoxicação por Senna occidentalis em bovinos em pastoreio / Outbreak of poisoning by Senna occidentalis in grazzing cattle

The Senna occidentalis poisoning occurs by the ingestion of seeds, leaves and stem of the plant, causing degenerative myopathy lesion. In addition, a several animals species are affected. Outbreaks are related with the ration consumption contaminated by seeds. However, few cases of spontaneous ingestion of the plant in fields were described. A rapid clinical disease is characterized by diarrhea, colic and tenesmus. Afterwards, muscular lesions and brownish-urine were revealed. In the end of the disease course, serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are increased. The aim of this study is to describe an outbreak of S. occidentalis poisoning in live cattle, in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurred in May 2008.[...](AU)