Bovine abortion by a vaccine strain of Bacillus anthracis / Aborto bovino por uma cepa vacinal de Bacillus anthracis

This paper reports the abortion of a male Aberdeen Angus bovine by a vaccine strain of Bacillus anthracis, describing the pathological and microbiological findings and the genome sequence. Necropsy findings included multifocal areas of hemorrhage in different organs. Histologically, various organs showed hemorrhage, fibrin exudation, necrosis associated with countless bacillary bacterial clumps and severe neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrate. In the microbiological examination, numerous rough, nonhemolytic, gray and dry colonies with irregular edges were isolated from liver, lung and abomasum content samples. Gram staining revealed square-ended Gram-positive rods arranged in chains. B. anthracis identification was confirmed by detection of the molecular chromosomal marker Ba813. The genomes from the isolated B. anthracis (named SPV842_15) and from the isolated vaccinal strain (Brazilian vaccinal strain), which was recovered from a commercial vaccine used in the pregnant cow, were sequenced. Genomic comparisons displayed a high level of nucleotide identity in the comparisons between B. anthracis SPV842_15 and the B. anthracis Brazilian vaccinal strain (98,2%). Furthermore, in both strains, only the plasmid pX01 sequence was detected. Although, vaccination against anthrax is characterized by an elevated protective profile and very low residual virulence, immunization with Sterne strains can cause abortion in cattle, presumably by the plasmid pX01 toxins in rare or special situations.(AU)

Este trabalho relata um aborto de um bovino, macho, Aberdeen Angus, por uma cepa vacinal de Bacillus anthracis, descreve os achados patológicos, microbiológicos e o sequenciamento do genoma. Os achados de necropsia incluíram áreas multifocais de hemorragias em diferentes órgãos. Histologicamente, órgãos afetados apresentaram hemorragia, exsudação de fibrina, necrose associada a miríades bacterianas bacilares e intenso infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico. No exame microbiológico, foram isoladas numerosas colônias rugosas, não hemolíticas, cinzas e secas, com bordas irregulares a partir de amostras de fígado, pulmão e conteúdo do abomaso. A coloração de Gram revelou bastonetes Gram-positivos dispostos em cadeias. A identificação do B. anthracis foi confirmada pela detecção do marcador cromossômico molecular Ba813. Os genomas do isolado B. anthracis (SPV842_15) e do isolado vacinal (cepa vacinal brasileira), recuperado de uma vacina comercial utilizada na vaca prenhe, foram sequenciados. Comparações genômicas mostraram um elevado nível de identidade de nucleotídeos entre B. anthracis SPV842_15 e cepa vacinal brasileira (98,2%). Além disso, em ambas as estirpes foi detectada apenas a sequência do plasmídeo pX01. Embora a vacinação contra o antraz seja caracterizada por um perfil protetor elevado e uma virulência residual muito baixa, a imunização com estirpes de Sterne pode causar aborto em bovinos, presumivelmente pelas toxinas do plasmídeo pX01 em situações raras ou específicas.(AU)

Retrospective study of pneumony by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats / Estudo retrospectivo de pneumonia por Aelurostrongylus abstrusus em gatos

Background: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a lungworm of cats with worldwide distribution. The adult forms of this parasite live in terminal bronchioles and alveoli, and can cause an asymptomatic disease or predominantly respiratory clinical signs, which can be occasionally cause of death. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological and pathological findings of infection by A. abstrusus through a necropsy retrospective study. Materials, Methods & Results: the necropsy records from the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul were recovered and cats diagnosed with lungworm by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were selected since January 1998 until December 2015. General data, such as age, sex, breed, clinical signs, and macroscopic lesions, were analyzed and compiled. The histological slides were reviewed by optical microscopy and detailed the microscopic aspects. In this study, were identified 22 cats with varying degrees of lungworm by A. abstrusus, and in 45.5% of the cases, this was the cause of death. Most part of the cats were mixed breed (19/22), and there were no sex predisposition. The age of the cats ranged from four months to 11 years old, and the most frequent age group was three to six years, with nine cases reported. In 37.5% of the cases were reported respiratory clinical signs, such as dyspnea and nasal [...]

Haemorrhagic myelomalacia in a cat with extradural T-cell lymphoma / Mielomalacia hemorrágica em um gato com linfoma de células T extradural

Myelomalacia is a term used to indicate the softening of the spinal cord, which results from ischaemic or haemorrhagic necrosis that can occur as a sequel to acute spinal cord injury. A 10-month-old, female, mixed breed domestic cat exhibiting neurological symptoms was referred for evaluation. Neurological examination revealed symptoms consistent with thoracolumbar syndrome. Initial radiographic examination detected no changes of the thoracolumbar spine. The cat received a palliative treatment with tramadol hydrochloride and prednisolone. The patient did not respond to the treatment and one month later presented with worsening of symptoms that progressed to non-ambulatory paraplegia. Radiographic examination was performed a second time and revealed a mass inside the spinal canal at the L1 and L3 vertebral levels. The animal died and was sent for post-mortem examination. The necropsy revealed a greyish-white epidural mass inside the spinal canal that was compressing the spinal cord at the L1 and L3 vertebral levels. The spinal cord between T2 and L3 was reddish and friable. The pancreaticoduodenal lymph node was enlarged. Histologically, the spinal cord mass and pancreaticoduodenal lymph node presented neoplastic lymphocyte proliferation, and haemorrhagic myelomalacia was observed in the spinal cord from T2 to L3. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the neoplastic lymphocytes were positive for CD3 antibody (T-cell lymphoma), and the lymphoid organs showed immunostaining for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Haemorrhagic myelomalacia due to extradural lymphoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats with spinal neurological signs.(AU)

Mielomalácia é um termo utilizado para indicar amolecimento da medula espinhal, decorrente de necrose isquêmica ou hemorrágica que pode ocorrer como sequela de lesão medular aguda. Um felino doméstico, sem raça definida, fêmea, 10 meses de idade, com sintomas neurológicos foi avaliado. O exame neurológico constatou sinais clínicos compatíveis com síndrome toracolombar. Na primeira avaliação, no exame radiográfico não foram observadas alterações na coluna vertebral toracolombar. Foi realizado tratamento suporte a base de cloridrato de tramadol e prednisolona. O paciente não respondeu ao tratamento e um mês após a primeira avaliação clínica, apresentou piora do quadro clínico apresentando então paraplegia não ambulatória. No segundo exame radiográfico foi observada uma massa radiopaca no interior do canal vertebral, comprimindo a medula espinhal entre L1 e L3. O felino veio a óbito e encaminhado para exame post-mortem. Na necropsia, foi observada no canal medular a presença de uma massa branco-acinzentada, extradural, comprimindo à medula espinhal no segmento entre as vértebras lombares L1 e L3. A medula espinhal entre T2 até L3 estava hemorrágica e friável. O linfonodo pancreaticoduodenal estava aumentado. Na avaliação histológica, a massa observada no canal medular e linfonodo pancreaticoduodenal apresentaram proliferação de linfócitos neoplásicos e a medula espinhal entre T2 e L3 apresentou mielomalácia hemorrágica. No exame imuno-histoquímico, os linfócitos neoplásicos apresentaram marcação positiva para anticorpo CD3 (linfoma de células T) e os órgãos linfoides apresentaram imuno-marcação para o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Mielomalácia hemorrágica causada por linfoma extradural deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial em felinos FeLV positivos com sinais neurológicos medulares.(AU)

Retrospective study of pneumony by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats / Estudo retrospectivo de pneumonia por Aelurostrongylus abstrusus em gatos

Background: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a lungworm of cats with worldwide distribution. The adult forms of this parasite live in terminal bronchioles and alveoli, and can cause an asymptomatic disease or predominantly respiratory clinical signs, which can be occasionally cause of death. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological and pathological findings of infection by A. abstrusus through a necropsy retrospective study. Materials, Methods & Results: the necropsy records from the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul were recovered and cats diagnosed with lungworm by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were selected since January 1998 until December 2015. General data, such as age, sex, breed, clinical signs, and macroscopic lesions, were analyzed and compiled. The histological slides were reviewed by optical microscopy and detailed the microscopic aspects. In this study, were identified 22 cats with varying degrees of lungworm by A. abstrusus, and in 45.5% of the cases, this was the cause of death. Most part of the cats were mixed breed (19/22), and there were no sex predisposition. The age of the cats ranged from four months to 11 years old, and the most frequent age group was three to six years, with nine cases reported. In 37.5% of the cases were reported respiratory clinical signs, such as dyspnea and nasal [...](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.

Ulcerative dermatitis caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 in a domestic cat / Dermatite ulcerativa causada por herpesvírus felino tipo 1 em um gato doméstico

A case of ulcerative dermatitis caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 (FeHV-1) in an adult male domestic shorthair cat is reported. The cat was rescued from the streets and presented with ulcerative lesions at the nasal planum and tongue in addition to a history of occasional sneezing. Thirty days after of the first clinical evaluation, the cat died as a result of acute myeloid leukemia. During necropsy, ulcerative lesions were found on the superior lip, the skin of the nasal planum, and at the periorbital region. Ulcerations were also noted on the tongue and hard palate. Histological examination revealed extensive epidermal necrosis, which involved the subjacent dermis and adnexal structures; the inflammatory infiltrate consisted of neutrophils, mast cells, and lymphocytes. Amphophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were occasionally observed in intact epithelial cells. In the immunohistochemical evaluation, positive intracytoplasmic immunolabeling was detected in the sebaceous and follicular epithelial cells as well as in the bronchiolar epithelial cells. Samples of lymphoid tissue tested positive for the presence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus by immunohistochemistry. Pulmonary tissue fragments were immunolabeled for feline calicivirus. Samples obtained from a cutaneous lesion were subjected to virus isolation in a cellular culture, which revealed the cytopathic effects characteristic of herpesvirus. FeHV-1 was detected in the samples by polymerase chain reaction.

Descreve-se um caso de dermatite ulcerativa causada por herpesvírus felino tipo 1 (FeHV-1), em um gato adulto, macho, sem raça definida. O gato foi resgatado da rua e apresentava uma lesão ulcerativa no plano nasal e língua, além de espirros esporádicos. Trinta dias após o primeiro atendimento, o gato morreu por leucemia mieloide aguda. Na necropsia, o lábio superior e a pele do plano nasal e periorbital apresentaram extensa lesão ulcerativa, além de ulcerações na língua e no palato duro. Histologicamente havia extensa necrose da epiderme, estendendo-se à derme subjacente e estruturas anexas, associada ao infiltrado inflamatório, constituído por neutrófilos, mastócitos e linfócitos. Observaram-se ainda, ocasionalmente, em células epiteliais intactas, corpúsculos de inclusão intranucleares anfofílicos. Na avaliação imuno-histoquímica anti-FeHV-1 observou-se imunomarcação positiva intracitoplasmática nas células epiteliais e nas células epiteliais bronquiolares. Amostras de tecido linfoide apresentaram imunomarcação para vírus da leucemia felina, vírus da imunodeficiência felina, além de marcação para calicivírus em fragmentos pulmonares. Fragmentos da lesão cutânea foram submetidos a isolamento viral em cultivo celular, onde foi observado efeito citopático característico de herpesvírus e a amostra foi positiva na PCR para FeHV-1.

Ulcerative dermatitis caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 in a domestic cat / Dermatite ulcerativa causada por herpesvírus felino tipo 1 em um gato doméstico

A case of ulcerative dermatitis caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 (FeHV-1) in an adult male domestic shorthair cat is reported. The cat was rescued from the streets and presented with ulcerative lesions at the nasal planum and tongue in addition to a history of occasional sneezing. Thirty days after of the first clinical evaluation, the cat died as a result of acute myeloid leukemia. During necropsy, ulcerative lesions were found on the superior lip, the skin of the nasal planum, and at the periorbital region. Ulcerations were also noted on the tongue and hard palate. Histological examination revealed extensive epidermal necrosis, which involved the subjacent dermis and adnexal structures; the inflammatory infiltrate consisted of neutrophils, mast cells, and lymphocytes. Amphophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were occasionally observed in intact epithelial cells. In the immunohistochemical evaluation, positive intracytoplasmic immunolabeling was detected in the sebaceous and follicular epithelial cells as well as in the bronchiolar epithelial cells. Samples of lymphoid tissue tested positive for the presence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus by immunohistochemistry. Pulmonary tissue fragments were immunolabeled for feline calicivirus. Samples obtained from a cutaneous lesion were subjected to virus isolation in a cellular culture, which revealed the cytopathic effects characteristic of herpesvirus. FeHV-1 was detected in the samples by polymerase chain reaction.(AU)

Descreve-se um caso de dermatite ulcerativa causada por herpesvírus felino tipo 1 (FeHV-1), em um gato adulto, macho, sem raça definida. O gato foi resgatado da rua e apresentava uma lesão ulcerativa no plano nasal e língua, além de espirros esporádicos. Trinta dias após o primeiro atendimento, o gato morreu por leucemia mieloide aguda. Na necropsia, o lábio superior e a pele do plano nasal e periorbital apresentaram extensa lesão ulcerativa, além de ulcerações na língua e no palato duro. Histologicamente havia extensa necrose da epiderme, estendendo-se à derme subjacente e estruturas anexas, associada ao infiltrado inflamatório, constituído por neutrófilos, mastócitos e linfócitos. Observaram-se ainda, ocasionalmente, em células epiteliais intactas, corpúsculos de inclusão intranucleares anfofílicos. Na avaliação imuno-histoquímica anti-FeHV-1 observou-se imunomarcação positiva intracitoplasmática nas células epiteliais e nas células epiteliais bronquiolares. Amostras de tecido linfoide apresentaram imunomarcação para vírus da leucemia felina, vírus da imunodeficiência felina, além de marcação para calicivírus em fragmentos pulmonares. Fragmentos da lesão cutânea foram submetidos a isolamento viral em cultivo celular, onde foi observado efeito citopático característico de herpesvírus e a amostra foi positiva na PCR para FeHV-1.(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 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)

Fatal toxoplasmosis in an immunosuppressed domestic cat from Brazil caused by Toxoplasma gondii clonal type I / Toxoplasmose fatal em um gato doméstico imunossuprimido do Brasil causada por Toxoplama gondii clonal tipo I

The objective of the study was to report on a fatal case of feline toxoplasmosis with coinfection with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). A domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) presented intense dyspnea and died three days later. In the necropsy, the lungs were firm, without collapse and with many white areas; moderate lymphadenomegaly and splenomegaly were also observed. The histopathological examination showed severe necrotic interstitial bronchopneumonia and mild necrotic hepatitis, associated with intralesional cysts and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii that were positive by anti-T. gondii immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation. The bone marrow showed chronic myeloid leukemia and the neoplastic cells were positive by anti-FeLV IHC evaluation. DNA extracted from lungs was positive for T. gondii by PCR targeting REP-529. T. gondii was characterized by PCR-RFLP and by the microsatellites technique. ToxoDB-PCR-RFLP #10, i.e. the archetypal type I, was identified. Microsatellite analysis showed that the strain was a variant of type I with two atypical alleles. This was the first time that a T. gondii clonal type I genotype was correlated with a case of acute toxoplasmosis in a host in Brazil.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de toxoplasmose felina fatal com coinfecção com o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Um gato doméstico (Felis silvestris catus) apresentou intensa dispneia e morreu três dias depois. Na necropsia, observaram-se pulmões firmes, não colabados e com múltiplas áreas brancas, além de linfoadenomegalia e esplenomegalia moderadas. No exame histopatológico, evidenciaram-se broncopneumonia intersticial necrótica acentuada e hepatite necrótica discreta associada a cistos e taquizoítas de T. gondii intralesionais positivos na imuno-histoquímica (IHC) anti-T. gondii. Evidenciou-se ainda, na medula óssea, leucemia mieloide crônica com IHC anti-FeLV positiva nas células neoplásicas. O DNA extraído dos pulmões foi positivo para T. gondii por meio da PCR-REP-529. T. gondii foi caracterizado por PCR-RFLP e pela técnica de microssatélites. Foi identificado o genótipo ToxoDB-PCR-RFLP #10, i.e., o arquétipo tipo I. A análise por microssatélites mostrou que a cepa era uma variante do tipo I, com dois alelos atípicos. Esta é a primeira vez que T. gondii clonal tipo I foi relacionado com um caso agudo de toxoplasmosis em um hospedeiro no Brasil.(AU)

Histopathological, immunohistochemical and biomolecular diagnosis of myocarditis due to Clostridium chauvoei in a bovine / Diagnóstico anatomopatológico, imuno-histoquímico e biomolecular de um caso de miocardite por Clostridium chauvoei em um bovino

The aim of this study was to report a case of clostridial myocarditis in a bovine in Brazil with emphasis on the pathological findings, isolation and molecular identification associated with the in situ localization of C. chauvoei. The animal, a male Brangus bull with nine months of age, was found dead without prior clinical signs. Multifocal and coalescent areas of necrosis were observed in the myocardium. Rod cells in the cardiac muscle fibers were positive immunostaining for C. chauvoei, while this bacterium was also isolated and identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de miocardite clostridial em um bovino no Brasil, com ênfase nos achados patológicos, isolamento e identificação molecular do agente e visualização in situ de C. chauvoei. O animal, um macho da raça Brangus com nove meses de idade, foi encontrado morto sem sinais clínicos prévios. Foram observadas áreas de necrose multifocal e coalescente no miocárdio, com a presença de bastonetes imunomarcados para C. chauvoei nas fibras musculares cardíacas. Uma estirpe de C. chauvoei foi isolada do tecido e sua identidade foi confirmada por reação em cadeia da polimeras (PCR).(AU)

Outbreak of cumarin poisoning in suckling piglets / Surto de intoxicação por cumarínico em leitões de maternidade

Background: Cumarin, also called warfarin, is used as an anticoagulant rodenticide. Pigs can be accidentally poisoned by ingestion of baits and/or dead rodents contaminated with cumarin and/or its criminal use. The clinical signs typically begin one to three days after ingestion of the rodenticide, when subcutaneous hematomas, epistaxis, among others symptoms, can be observed. The macroscopic and microscopic changes consist mainly of widespread hemorrhages in several organs. The objective of the present study is to report a rare case of cumarin poisoning in suckling piglets.Case: Four male piglets 18 days old were examined in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. The animals came from a farrowing unit located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a history of sudden death in piglets from different litters. The animals were submitted to necropsy. On external examination, the piglets had marked pallor of the oral and conjunctival mucosa and multiple petechiae and bruises on the skin of the ventral abdomen and bleeding on the white line of the hoof. During the internal examination, it was identified that there were multiple areas of hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue and skeletal muscles besides the thymus, liver, stomach, pancreas, bladder, kidney, heart and cerebellum. The mesenteric and inguinal lymph nodes, testicles and...(AU)

Derivados cumarínicos, também chamados varfarínicos, são compostos da cumarina utilizados como rodenticidas anticoagulantes em granjas de suínos como forma de controle de roedores [7]. Suínos podem se intoxicar acidentalmente através da ingestão de iscas e/ou roedores mortos por estas substâncias, ou pelo uso criminoso das mesmas [6]. Esses compostos inibem de forma competitiva a vitamina K epóxi redutase, enzima necessária para converter a vitamina K epóxi à sua forma reduzida, que é necessária para ativação dos fatores de coagulação II, VII, IX e X, consequentemente, a coagulação é comprometida [7]. A ingestão de 3 mg/kg em dose única pode ser suficiente para levar à intoxicação de suínos [2]. Já as doses de 0,05 mg/kg, se ingeridas por sete dias, também podem intoxicar os animais [5]. Os sinais clínicos normalmente surgem um a três dias após ingestão do raticida, sendo observados principalmente hematomas subcutâneos e epistaxe. As alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas consistem de hemorragias disseminadas em diversos órgãos [6]. O diagnóstico diferencial deve incluir carência de vitamina K; tratamento com quimioterápicos por períodos prolongados; intoxicação por chumbo, fosfato de zinco, ricina (da mamona), aflatoxinas e venenos ofídicos [6] e, principalmente, trombocitopenia púrpura dos leitões [9]. Dessa forma, a descrição de um surto de intoxicação por cumarínico pode...(AU)

Outbreak of cumarin poisoning in suckling piglets / Surto de intoxicação por cumarínico em leitões de maternidade

Background: Cumarin, also called warfarin, is used as an anticoagulant rodenticide. Pigs can be accidentally poisoned by ingestion of baits and/or dead rodents contaminated with cumarin and/or its criminal use. The clinical signs typically begin one to three days after ingestion of the rodenticide, when subcutaneous hematomas, epistaxis, among others symptoms, can be observed. The macroscopic and microscopic changes consist mainly of widespread hemorrhages in several organs. The objective of the present study is to report a rare case of cumarin poisoning in suckling piglets.Case: Four male piglets 18 days old were examined in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. The animals came from a farrowing unit located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a history of sudden death in piglets from different litters. The animals were submitted to necropsy. On external examination, the piglets had marked pallor of the oral and conjunctival mucosa and multiple petechiae and bruises on the skin of the ventral abdomen and bleeding on the white line of the hoof. During the internal examination, it was identified that there were multiple areas of hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue and skeletal muscles besides the thymus, liver, stomach, pancreas, bladder, kidney, heart and cerebellum. The mesenteric and inguinal lymph nodes, testicles and...

Derivados cumarínicos, também chamados varfarínicos, são compostos da cumarina utilizados como rodenticidas anticoagulantes em granjas de suínos como forma de controle de roedores [7]. Suínos podem se intoxicar acidentalmente através da ingestão de iscas e/ou roedores mortos por estas substâncias, ou pelo uso criminoso das mesmas [6]. Esses compostos inibem de forma competitiva a vitamina K epóxi redutase, enzima necessária para converter a vitamina K epóxi à sua forma reduzida, que é necessária para ativação dos fatores de coagulação II, VII, IX e X, consequentemente, a coagulação é comprometida [7]. A ingestão de 3 mg/kg em dose única pode ser suficiente para levar à intoxicação de suínos [2]. Já as doses de 0,05 mg/kg, se ingeridas por sete dias, também podem intoxicar os animais [5]. Os sinais clínicos normalmente surgem um a três dias após ingestão do raticida, sendo observados principalmente hematomas subcutâneos e epistaxe. As alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas consistem de hemorragias disseminadas em diversos órgãos [6]. O diagnóstico diferencial deve incluir carência de vitamina K; tratamento com quimioterápicos por períodos prolongados; intoxicação por chumbo, fosfato de zinco, ricina (da mamona), aflatoxinas e venenos ofídicos [6] e, principalmente, trombocitopenia púrpura dos leitões [9]. Dessa forma, a descrição de um surto de intoxicação por cumarínico pode...

Enteritis caused by type 2c canine parvovirus in a 5-year-old dog

Background: Canine parvovirosis, caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), emerged in the 1970s as an important disease affecting dogs, causing severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and death. It can occur in any breed, gender, and age; however, puppies of 4 to 12 weeks of age are most commonly afflicted. In 2000 a new variant of the virus, called CPV- 2c, was discovered, and has been related to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs with up to 2 years of age, although some cases have been described in older animals with a full vaccination history. This paper reports a case of enteritis by canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) in a 5-year-old dog. Case: At necropsy a pallid oral and conjunctival mucosae were observed. The small intestine showed a very reddish and wrinkled serosa, the wall was thickened, the mucosae was diffusely wrinkled and yellowed with evidenced Peyer plaques and there was no content in the final portion of the intestine. The mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged and reddish. Multiple suffusions on the serosa of the stomach, and petechiae and subepicardial suffusions in the heart were observed. The histological findings were, collapse of the lamina propria of the small intestine, and fusion of the villi, necrosis of enterocytes, atrophy and the disappearance of crypts, with dilation of remaining crypts showing large rounded nuclei with one or two evident nucleoli...(AU)

Enteritis caused by type 2c canine parvovirus in a 5-year-old dog

Background: Canine parvovirosis, caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), emerged in the 1970s as an important disease affecting dogs, causing severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and death. It can occur in any breed, gender, and age; however, puppies of 4 to 12 weeks of age are most commonly afflicted. In 2000 a new variant of the virus, called CPV- 2c, was discovered, and has been related to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs with up to 2 years of age, although some cases have been described in older animals with a full vaccination history. This paper reports a case of enteritis by canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) in a 5-year-old dog. Case: At necropsy a pallid oral and conjunctival mucosae were observed. The small intestine showed a very reddish and wrinkled serosa, the wall was thickened, the mucosae was diffusely wrinkled and yellowed with evidenced Peyer plaques and there was no content in the final portion of the intestine. The mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged and reddish. Multiple suffusions on the serosa of the stomach, and petechiae and subepicardial suffusions in the heart were observed. The histological findings were, collapse of the lamina propria of the small intestine, and fusion of the villi, necrosis of enterocytes, atrophy and the disappearance of crypts, with dilation of remaining crypts showing large rounded nuclei with one or two evident nucleoli...

Parasitismo pelo ácaro de sistema respiratório Sternostoma tracheacolum em um canário belga (Serinus canaria domestica) / Parasitism by the mite sternostoma tracheacolum in the respiratory system of a belgian canary (Serinus canaria domestica)

Background: The nasal mites of the Rhinonyssidae family include the highest diversity of mandatory hematophagous endoparasites of the respiratory system of birds. In general, these mites cause no significant lesions, except Sternostoma tracheacolum that invades the trachea, lungs and air sacs and may compromise breathing in birds. This study reports the death of a Belgian canary (Serinus canaria domestica) due to the parasitism by S. tracheacolum with an aggravating and concurrent pododermatitis infection. Case: A Belgian canary from a commercial bird flock, in which a high mortality rate had lately been recorded, was submitted to necropsy. Multiple blackened foci (1.0 mm in diameter) present in the trachea and the air sacs were subsequently identified as Sternostoma tracheacolum mites. Microscopically, there were diffuse and moderate infiltrates of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and heterophils within the tracheal submucosa and areas of fibrosis and osseous metaplasia of the tracheal cartilage. In the air sacs, there were multiple yellowish-brown foci of caseous necrosis, which were surrounded by inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. In the lungs, there were foci of caseous necrosis surrounded by macrophages. In the tracheal lumen, mites sections were observed. Clusters of nucleated erythrocytes and brown granular pigment were seen within the longitudinal section of the mites. Prussian blue (Perls) special staining evidenced no hemosiderin content in the mite's tissues, in which no melanin could be detected, as well. Discussion: The parasitism by S. tracheacolum in canaries was first described in South Africa. In such cases, the mite induced clinical respiratory disease and killed the birds. Subsequently, reports of parasitism by these mites included several additional bird species, of which, Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) has been the most frequently affected and there are only a few reports of the condition in canaries. Clinically, hosts have difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, coughing and sneezing. Depending on the severity, infection can persist for months or lead to death by suffocation or weakness. Clinical signs and death are related to the appearance of the lesions induced by the mites. Mite eggs are deposited in the lungs and the larvae hatch soon after oviposition. After the first meal, the female protonymph migrates to the posterior parabronchia, while the male protonymph remains in the lungs, where it completes the development. The adult mites full of eggs tend to occupy the parabronchia, the syrinx and the trachea. The negative results on Prussian blue and melanin bleach methods indicate that the dark pigment present within the tissues from the mites is neither hemosiderin nor melanin, respectively. In parasitism due to Plasmodium sp. (malaria), hemozoin, an iron-containing pigment associated with erythrocytic changes induced by the protozoan, has not been detectable by the Prussian blue staining. It is suggested that the dark color observed in the mites in this study could be associated with a similar pigment. The clinical respiratory diseases in birds are generally nonspecific. The paper focuses on the importance of the confirmation of the diagnosis by the necropsy and histopathological examinations, as well as on the characterization of this respiratory parasitic disease of birds.

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.

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)

Carcinossarcoma mamário em uma gata: caracterização anatomopatológica e imuno-histoquímica / Mammary carcinosarcoma in a cat: anatomopathological and immunohistochemical characterization

Background : Mammary tumor is uncommon in cats. In felines is most frequently observed in old animals and Siamese breed. Apparently there is no relation between the age of the animal at the time of spay how is observed in dogs, although the progression from a focal hyperplasia to an adenoma or a carcinoma is known. The ratio between malignant and benign tumors is estimated between 9:1 and 4:1, most of them are adenocarcinomas and highly metastatic behavior. Mammary carcinosarcoma is rare in felines. The objective of this work was to describe a case of carcinosarcoma in a female cat. Case : Mammary gland mass from a 13-year-old, intact female Siamese cat was submitted for biopsy. The tumor was observed recently by the owners, who reported that the animal never received contraceptives. Macroscopically, it was observed focally extensive poorly demarcated, whitened, firm mass measuring 4.0 x 3.0 x 1.5 cm, recovered by skin with central round area of ulceration measuring 2.0 cm in diameter. Histologically, the neoplasm was composed of epithelial cells and spindle mesenquimal cells with bone and cartilaginous differentiation. Immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and 8/18 were stained intracitoplasmatic positive, accentuated (+++) and moderate (++), respectively in tubular epithelia in more than 50% of the cells. There was immunostaining for vimentin in the cytoplasm of mesenchymal neoplastic cells, cartilaginous and tubular epithelial cells with moderate intensity (++) in less than 50% of the cells. Discussion: Carcinosarcoma is a rare neoplasm in cats and have being reported in the mammary gland and in the lungs. The neoplasm is characterized by mesenchymal and epithelial cells. In many cases the histological exam is insufficient to determinate the diagnosis, being necessary to do the immunohistochemistry (IHC) exam to verify vimentin and cytokeratin coexpression in neoplasic cells. Histologically, was observed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, confi rmed by IHC. In another paper, carcinosarcoma demonstrated similar arranged, as heterogenic cellular composition and infiltrative proliferation of mesenchymal cells. In this case report was also observed cartilaginous and osseous differentiation. Some carcinosarcoma can present differentiated mesenchymal tissue and a mixture of all carcinomatosos and sarcomatosos elements in the same neoplasic mass. Histogenesis of carcinosarcoma remains uncertain thus far, although two theories suggest its origin: a multiclonal and other monoclonal. The first one suggests that mesenchymal and epithelial cells are originated from two or more different base cells. The second theory suggests that the tumors behavior is the result of a totipotent ability of neoplasic cells to differ and be histologically recognizable as epithelial and mesenchymal structures. In this study, tubular epithelial cells were positive stained for cytokeratins (AE1/AE3 and 8/18) and to vimentin, which suggest a monoclonal origin, because it was observed epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation. According to localization, morphology features and immunohistochemistry evaluation, the present study reports a rare case of carcinosarcoma in a cat.(AU)

Carcinossarcoma mamário em uma gata: caracterização anatomopatológica e imuno-histoquímica / Mammary carcinosarcoma in a cat: anatomopathological and immunohistochemical characterization

Background : Mammary tumor is uncommon in cats. In felines is most frequently observed in old animals and Siamese breed. Apparently there is no relation between the age of the animal at the time of spay how is observed in dogs, although the progression from a focal hyperplasia to an adenoma or a carcinoma is known. The ratio between malignant and benign tumors is estimated between 9:1 and 4:1, most of them are adenocarcinomas and highly metastatic behavior. Mammary carcinosarcoma is rare in felines. The objective of this work was to describe a case of carcinosarcoma in a female cat. Case : Mammary gland mass from a 13-year-old, intact female Siamese cat was submitted for biopsy. The tumor was observed recently by the owners, who reported that the animal never received contraceptives. Macroscopically, it was observed focally extensive poorly demarcated, whitened, firm mass measuring 4.0 x 3.0 x 1.5 cm, recovered by skin with central round area of ulceration measuring 2.0 cm in diameter. Histologically, the neoplasm was composed of epithelial cells and spindle mesenquimal cells with bone and cartilaginous differentiation. Immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and 8/18 were stained intracitoplasmatic positive, accentuated (+++) and moderate (++), respectively in tubular epithelia in more than 50% of the cells. There was immunostaining for vimentin in the cytoplasm of mesenchymal neoplastic cells, cartilaginous and tubular epithelial cells with moderate intensity (++) in less than 50% of the cells. Discussion: Carcinosarcoma is a rare neoplasm in cats and have being reported in the mammary gland and in the lungs. The neoplasm is characterized by mesenchymal and epithelial cells. In many cases the histological exam is insufficient to determinate the diagnosis, being necessary to do the immunohistochemistry (IHC) exam to verify vimentin and cytokeratin coexpression in neoplasic cells. Histologically, was observed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, confi rmed by IHC. In another paper, carcinosarcoma demonstrated similar arranged, as heterogenic cellular composition and infiltrative proliferation of mesenchymal cells. In this case report was also observed cartilaginous and osseous differentiation. Some carcinosarcoma can present differentiated mesenchymal tissue and a mixture of all carcinomatosos and sarcomatosos elements in the same neoplasic mass. Histogenesis of carcinosarcoma remains uncertain thus far, although two theories suggest its origin: a multiclonal and other monoclonal. The first one suggests that mesenchymal and epithelial cells are originated from two or more different base cells. The second theory suggests that the tumors behavior is the result of a totipotent ability of neoplasic cells to differ and be histologically recognizable as epithelial and mesenchymal structures. In this study, tubular epithelial cells were positive stained for cytokeratins (AE1/AE3 and 8/18) and to vimentin, which suggest a monoclonal origin, because it was observed epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation. According to localization, morphology features and immunohistochemistry evaluation, the present study reports a rare case of carcinosarcoma in a cat.

Disgerminoma bilateral e hiperplasia endometrial cística com piometra em cadela / Bilateral Dysgerminoma and Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia with Pyometra in a Bitch

Background: Ovarian tumors are considered rare both in dogs and cats. Germ cell neoplasms correspond to approximately 15% of the cases and can be classified into dysgerminomas, teratomas and teratocarcinomas. Reports of bilateral dysgerminoma in dogs and cats are rare. The aim of this work was to describe a case of bilateral dysgerminoma and cystic endometrial hyperplasia with pyometra in a bitch by presenting the clinical, surgical, pathological and immunohistochemical findings. Case: A 10-year-old female crossbred dog was presented with a history of vomiting, apathy and purulent vulvar discharge. Physical examination revealed hyperthermia and pain was observed on abdominal palpation. Ultrasound examination revealed cystic formation and increased echogenicity inside the uterus. The animal underwent ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Macroscopically, the ovaries were multinodular, spherical to ovoid in shape, measuring 6 cm in diameter, and with a dark red color; they exhibited a firm consistency and a hemorrhagic cut surface with cystic areas and foci of necrotic tissue. At microscopic evaluation of both ovaries, the neoplasm consisted of large and polyhedral cells with amphophilic cytoplasm which were arranged in cords separated by connective tissue. The cells exhibited an anaplastic appearance, with central nuclei, large amounts of granular chromatin and one or more evident nucleoli. Several mitotic figures, often incomplete and with consequent formation of multinucleated cells similar to giant cells, were observed. Immunohistochemical detection of cytokeratin and vimentin was performed for further examination. The ovarian tumor exhibited positive staining for cytokeratin and negative staining for vimentin. Discussion: Most ovarian tumors are asymptomatic and many times are considered incidental findings during spaying surgeries(...)