Occurrence of Apicomplexa protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast region of Brazil / Ocorrência de protozoários Apicomplexa em aves silvestres na região Nordeste do Brasil

Protozoa of the Apicomplexa phylum are worldwide distributed with capacity to infect endothermic animals. The study of these protozoa in wild birds in Brazil is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of apicomplexan protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast of Brazil. From October to December 2019, brain tissue samples were collected from 71 captive birds from the Wild Animal Screening Center of the Pernambuco State (CETRAS-Tangara) and 25 free-living birds from the Caatinga biome in Rio Grande do Norte, totaling 96 animals (41 species). Brain fragments were subjected to molecular diagnosis by nested PCR for the 18s rDNA gene of Apicomplexa parasites, followed by DNA sequencing. This gene was detected in 25% (24/96) of the samples, and it was possible to perform DNA sequencing of 14 samples, confirming three genera: Isospora, Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma from eight bird species (Amazona aestiva, Coereba flaveola, Egretta thula, Paroaria dominicana, Sporophila nigricollis, Cariama cristata, Columbina talpacoti, Crypturellus parvirostris). The occurrence these coccidia in wild birds provides important epidemiological information for the adoption of preventive measures for its conservation. Future studies are needed to better understand the consequence of Apicomplexa infection in birds in Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes.(AU)

Protozoários do filo Apicomplexa são distribuídos mundialmente e com capacidade de infectar animais endotérmicos. O estudo destes protozoários, em aves silvestres do Brasil, é escasso. Objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência de protozoários Apicomplexa em aves silvestres na região Nordeste do Brasil. De outubro a dezembro de 2019, foram coletadas amostras de encéfalo de 71 aves de cativeiro do Centro de Triagem e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres de Pernambuco (CETRAS-Tangara). E 25 aves de vida livre do bioma Caatinga no Rio Grande do Norte, totalizando 96 animais (41 espécies). Os fragmentos de encéfalo foram submetidos ao diagnóstico molecular por nested PCR, para o gene 18s rDNA de protozoários Apicomplexa, seguido por sequenciamento do DNA. Este gene foi detectado em 25% (24/96) das amostras analisadas; foi possível realizar o sequenciamento de 14 amostras, confirmando-se três gêneros: Isospora, Sarcocystis e Toxoplasma em oito espécies de aves (Amazona aestiva, Coereba flaveola, Egretta thula, Paroaria dominicana, Sporophila nigricollis, Cariama cristata, Columbina talpacoti, Crypturellus parvirostris). A ocorrência destes coccídios nas aves silvestres fornece informações epidemiológicas importantes para a adoção de medidas preventivas tendo em vista sua conservação. Estudos futuros são necessários para melhor compreensão da consequência da infecção por Apicomplexa, em aves silvestres dos biomas Caatinga e Floresta Atlântica.(AU)

Marek's disease in roosters in the Potiguar semi-arid region

Background: Marek's disease (MD) is a transmissible disease in chickens caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2). The infection is characterized by lymphocyte cellular infiltrates in peripheral nerves and other organs and tissues, including the skin; which can lead to dysfunction causing progressive asymmetric paresis and complete spastic paralysis of body extremities. Dermatitis and cardiac myositis caused by GaHV-2 in free-range chickens has rarely been described in Brazil. This reports the occurrence of the disease with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in free-range poultry showing signs of dermatitis, poor performance, and cachexia and no mortality in the semi-arid Potiguar region. Cases: Twenty roosters of the Shamo lineage, among a brood of 42 birds, had a history of progressive weight loss and skin lesions. Two birds with poor body condition, erythema, and scaling of the skin in the head and cervical regions were sent for clinical care. All birds were between 12 and 18 months of age and were vaccinated against Newcastle disease and Fowlpox with only a few receiving vaccines against MD and Gumboro disease. According to the owner's report, some birds were previously kept outdoors, and when they were transferred to a small shed with little air circulation, they began to develop clinical signs after approximately 15 days. The first signs of the disease were also reported to have appeared 2.5 months before clinical care and, in the meantime, several treatments were instituted without success. Owing to the general condition of the animals and inconclusive clinical suspicion, the birds were subjected to euthanasia and necropsy. Tissue samples were collected for histopathological and polymerase chain reaction analyses to search for the GaHV-2 DNA meq gene. The main clinicopathological findings were erythema (47%, 20/42) and desquamation of skin and mild, prominent white multifocal areas in the heart. Histopathology revealed infiltration of pleomorphic lymphoblastic cells in the skin, heart, and sciatic nerve. The amplification of the L-meq and meq oncoprotein genes in these organs and in the liver, confirmed the infection by GaHV-2, consistent with that of a field strain. Discussion: MD was confirmed based on the macroscopic and histological lesions, and with the detection of GaHV-2 DNA in the affected tissues. The unusual clinical presentation represented an initial challenge for diagnosis. The clinical history was important to lead to the suspicion of MD, as roosters initiated clinical signs 15 days after they were transferred to a small shed with poor air circulation. This probably favored the high viral concentration and disease transmission among susceptible birds in the brood because the feather follicle is the primary site of viral replication for transmission; and desquamation of infected epithelial cells favor airborne horizontal transmission to susceptible chickens. The roosters had not been vaccinated against MD, which probably favored the infection, as vaccination is known to be a fundamental approach for MD control for effective growth of the poultry industry. Clinical findings and lesions, together with viral molecular detection, were fundamental for the diagnosis, a premise for the application of adequate prevention and control measures for the disease in breeding. This is the first report of MD with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in northeastern Brazil.

Squamous cell carcinoma in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) / Carcinoma de células escamosas em gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), also known as Mongolian jird, is a rodent of the family Cricetidae. One of its most noticeable anatomical characteristics is the presence of ventral and dorsal scent glands, the former located in the abdominal region. The present study aimed at describing an incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the ventral scent gland in the species. A two-year-old animal characterized by an increased volume in the ventral abdominal region was treated at the Veterinary Hospital. After evaluating the macro-and microscopic characteristics of the mass tissue, a diagnosis of SCC could be confirmed. However, further studies on the physiology of neoplasms in Mongolian gerbils are needed in order to promote the well-being and longevity of individuals. Hormonal dysfunction of sexual origin is likely the most common factor associated with the occurrence of this type of neoplasm in the species.

O esquilo-da-mongólia (Meriones unguiculatus), conhecido também como gerbil, é um roedor da família Cricetidae. Uma das características anatômicas evidentes nesses animais é a presença de glândulas ventrais e dorsais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo relatar um carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) na glândula ventral da região abdominal, em um esquilo-da-mongólia. O animal de 2 anos de idade foi atendido no hospital veterinário, apresentando um aumento de volume na região abdominal ventral. Após avaliar as características macro e microscópicas, foi confirmado o diagnóstico de CCE. Novos estudos são necessários na área para a compreensão de neoplasias em gerbis, para o melhor entendimento de sua fisiologia, o que garantirá o bem-estar e longevidade à esses animais. Nesta espécie, a disfunção hormonal de origem sexual é o que mais está associado à ocorrência desse tipo de neoplasia.

Squamous cell carcinoma in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) / Carcinoma de células escamosas em gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), also known as Mongolian jird, is a rodent of the family Cricetidae. One of its most noticeable anatomical characteristics is the presence of ventral and dorsal scent glands, the former located in the abdominal region. The present study aimed at describing an incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the ventral scent gland in the species. A two-year-old animal characterized by an increased volume in the ventral abdominal region was treated at the Veterinary Hospital. After evaluating the macro-and microscopic characteristics of the mass tissue, a diagnosis of SCC could be confirmed. However, further studies on the physiology of neoplasms in Mongolian gerbils are needed in order to promote the well-being and longevity of individuals. Hormonal dysfunction of sexual origin is likely the most common factor associated with the occurrence of this type of neoplasm in the species.(AU)

O esquilo-da-mongólia (Meriones unguiculatus), conhecido também como gerbil, é um roedor da família Cricetidae. Uma das características anatômicas evidentes nesses animais é a presença de glândulas ventrais e dorsais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo relatar um carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) na glândula ventral da região abdominal, em um esquilo-da-mongólia. O animal de 2 anos de idade foi atendido no hospital veterinário, apresentando um aumento de volume na região abdominal ventral. Após avaliar as características macro e microscópicas, foi confirmado o diagnóstico de CCE. Novos estudos são necessários na área para a compreensão de neoplasias em gerbis, para o melhor entendimento de sua fisiologia, o que garantirá o bem-estar e longevidade à esses animais. Nesta espécie, a disfunção hormonal de origem sexual é o que mais está associado à ocorrência desse tipo de neoplasia.(AU)

Enterotomia para retirada de corpo estranho em iguana / Enterotomy for foreign body withdrawal in iguana

A dieta de uma iguana verde (iguana da iguana) é essencialmente composta de folhas verdes, porém, quando esses animais são expostos ao sinantropismo, surgem condições favoráveis à ingestão de corpos estranhos. Casos de ingestão de corpos estranhos por iguanas são escassos e pouco relatados na literatura e, quando ocorrem, a sintomatologia consiste em distensão gástrica ou intestinal e irritação da mucosa, podendo também evoluir para casos de intoxicação. Nesses casos, procedimentos cirúrgicos foram estabelecidos para reverter essas circunstâncias, como cecotomia ou gastrotomia. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é descrever o desempenho de uma enterotomia para remoção de corpo estranho em uma iguana verde (iguana da iguana).

The diet of a green iguana (Iguana iguana) is essentially composed of green leaves, however when these animals are exposed to synanthropism, favorable conditions for the ingestion of foreign bodies emerge. Cases of ingestion of foreign bodies by iguanas are scarce and little reported in the literature, and when they occur, the symptomatology consists of gastric or intestinal distension and mucosal irritation and may also evolve into cases of intoxication. In these cases, surgical procedures were established to reverse these circumstances, such as cecotomy or gastrotomy. Thus, the objective of this paper is to describe the performance of a foreign body removal enterotomy in a green iguana (Iguana iguana).

Osteossíntese de fratura femoral epifisária em savacu (Nycticorax nycticorax) por meio de pinos / Osteosynthesis of femoral epiphyseal fracture in savacu (Nycticorax nycticorax) by pins

O savacu (Nycticorax nycticorax) é uma ave que possui ampla distribuição em todo o território nacional. O sinantropismo predispõe condições que podem levar a traumas decorrentes de acidentes com elementos urbanos. As fraturas de ossos longos podem causar danos nos vasos e nervos, levando ao comprometimento funcional dos membros afetados, dificultando a reintrodução de animais silvestres em seu habitat, exigindo muita cautela e planejamento cirúrgico para escolher o método de correção da fratura. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é relatar a ocorrência de fratura transversa epifisária distal no fêmur e sua correção por meio de pinos intramedulares, hemicerclagem e cerclagem em espécime imaturo de savacu.

Savacu (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a bird that has wide distribution throughout the national territory. The synanthropism predisposes conditions that can lead to trauma resulting from accidents with urban elements. Long bone fractures can cause vessel and nerve damage, leading to functional impairment of the affected limbs, thus hindering the reintroduction of wildlife animals into their habitat, requiring great caution and surgical planning to choose the method for fracture correction. Thus, the aim of this study is to report the occurrence of distal epiphyseal transverse fracture in the femur and its correction by means of intramedullary pins, hemicerclage and cerclage in immature savacu specimen.

Osteossíntese de fratura femoral epifisária em savacu (Nycticorax nycticorax) por meio de pinos / Osteosynthesis of femoral epiphyseal fracture in savacu (Nycticorax nycticorax) by pins

O savacu (Nycticorax nycticorax) é uma ave que possui ampla distribuição em todo o território nacional. O sinantropismo predispõe condições que podem levar a traumas decorrentes de acidentes com elementos urbanos. As fraturas de ossos longos podem causar danos nos vasos e nervos, levando ao comprometimento funcional dos membros afetados, dificultando a reintrodução de animais silvestres em seu habitat, exigindo muita cautela e planejamento cirúrgico para escolher o método de correção da fratura. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é relatar a ocorrência de fratura transversa epifisária distal no fêmur e sua correção por meio de pinos intramedulares, hemicerclagem e cerclagem em espécime imaturo de savacu.(AU)

Savacu (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a bird that has wide distribution throughout the national territory. The synanthropism predisposes conditions that can lead to trauma resulting from accidents with urban elements. Long bone fractures can cause vessel and nerve damage, leading to functional impairment of the affected limbs, thus hindering the reintroduction of wildlife animals into their habitat, requiring great caution and surgical planning to choose the method for fracture correction. Thus, the aim of this study is to report the occurrence of distal epiphyseal transverse fracture in the femur and its correction by means of intramedullary pins, hemicerclage and cerclage in immature savacu specimen.(AU)

Enterotomia para retirada de corpo estranho em iguana / Enterotomy for foreign body withdrawal in iguana

A dieta de uma iguana verde (iguana da iguana) é essencialmente composta de folhas verdes, porém, quando esses animais são expostos ao sinantropismo, surgem condições favoráveis à ingestão de corpos estranhos. Casos de ingestão de corpos estranhos por iguanas são escassos e pouco relatados na literatura e, quando ocorrem, a sintomatologia consiste em distensão gástrica ou intestinal e irritação da mucosa, podendo também evoluir para casos de intoxicação. Nesses casos, procedimentos cirúrgicos foram estabelecidos para reverter essas circunstâncias, como cecotomia ou gastrotomia. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é descrever o desempenho de uma enterotomia para remoção de corpo estranho em uma iguana verde (iguana da iguana).(AU)

The diet of a green iguana (Iguana iguana) is essentially composed of green leaves, however when these animals are exposed to synanthropism, favorable conditions for the ingestion of foreign bodies emerge. Cases of ingestion of foreign bodies by iguanas are scarce and little reported in the literature, and when they occur, the symptomatology consists of gastric or intestinal distension and mucosal irritation and may also evolve into cases of intoxication. In these cases, surgical procedures were established to reverse these circumstances, such as cecotomy or gastrotomy. Thus, the objective of this paper is to describe the performance of a foreign body removal enterotomy in a green iguana (Iguana iguana).(AU)

Parasitismo por Proatractis sp em jabuti piranga / Parasitism due to Proatractis sp. in red-footed tortoise

Tortoises are chelonians characterized by cylindrical and strong legs adapted to terrestrial life. These animals have gradually gained more space within the segment of wild animal pets. Parasitism is the relationship between living beings in which there is advantage to one species, parasite, and disadvantage to a greater or lesser degree to another, host. It may also be divided into endoparasitism or ectoparasitism if the parasite inhabits the interior of the host organism or only its outer surface, respectively. Atractidae is a family of endoparasites with direct cycle. Their eggs hatch in utero and third stage larvae are released. A male adult specimen of red-footed tortoise was treated in the Wild Animal Sector of the Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid. During the physical examination the animal defecated and when inspecting its feces it was possible to observe with the naked eye the presence of large quantity of small helminths. Samples were collected and analyzed in an electron microscope through the direct examination technique through which it was possible to identify the parasite.

Encefalopatia hepática em Amazona aestiva / Hepatic encephalopathy in Amazonas aestiva

A Turquoise-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) was attended at the Veterinary Hospital Dr. Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia - HOVET UFERSA presenting changes suggestive of hepatic, apathetic disease, below-average body score and with diarrhea. After correction of the diet and initial treatment with anti-inflammatory and essential amino acids, the animal returned with episodes of seizures, suggesting clinical diagnosis for hepatic encephalopathy. Treatment with silymarin (at a dose of 75 mg / kg orally -VO) twice daily (BID) was instituted for 30 days, then extended for continuous use, thus achieving a stability in the general picture of the animal.

Parasitismo por Proatractis sp em jabuti piranga / Parasitism due to Proatractis sp. in red-footed tortoise

Tortoises are chelonians characterized by cylindrical and strong legs adapted to terrestrial life. These animals have gradually gained more space within the segment of wild animal pets. Parasitism is the relationship between living beings in which there is advantage to one species, parasite, and disadvantage to a greater or lesser degree to another, host. It may also be divided into endoparasitism or ectoparasitism if the parasite inhabits the interior of the host organism or only its outer surface, respectively. Atractidae is a family of endoparasites with direct cycle. Their eggs hatch in utero and third stage larvae are released. A male adult specimen of red-footed tortoise was treated in the Wild Animal Sector of the Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid. During the physical examination the animal defecated and when inspecting its feces it was possible to observe with the naked eye the presence of large quantity of small helminths. Samples were collected and analyzed in an electron microscope through the direct examination technique through which it was possible to identify the parasite.(AU)

Encefalopatia hepática em Amazona aestiva / Hepatic encephalopathy in Amazonas aestiva

A Turquoise-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) was attended at the Veterinary Hospital Dr. Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia - HOVET UFERSA presenting changes suggestive of hepatic, apathetic disease, below-average body score and with diarrhea. After correction of the diet and initial treatment with anti-inflammatory and essential amino acids, the animal returned with episodes of seizures, suggesting clinical diagnosis for hepatic encephalopathy. Treatment with silymarin (at a dose of 75 mg / kg orally -VO) twice daily (BID) was instituted for 30 days, then extended for continuous use, thus achieving a stability in the general picture of the animal.(AU)

Obstrução gástrica por ingestão de castanha de caju em iguana / Gastric obstruction by ingestion of cashew nut in iguana

Gastric obstructions in reptiles due to the ingestion of foreign bodies may be the result of inadequate nutritional management, stress or by mistake in food seizures. If it is difficult to diagnose the obstruction through radiography, the animal may die. This paper reports the case of a gastric obstruction by a cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale), occupying the entire lumen of the stomach in a female green iguana (Iguana iguana), of free life and in gestational period, identified only during necropsy.

Resolução de abscesso intraocular em coelho doméstico com uso de gatifloxacino / Resolution of intraocular abscess in domestic rabbit with antibiotic therapy

Intraocular abscesses usually have an indication of surgical resolution, since drainage is not indicated when it occurs in this region. The gift study objective is to report the clinical resolution of an intraocular abscess with the topical antibiotictherapy. A rabbit, female, four years old, was atended at the Hospital Veterinarian Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia with the complaint of ocular inflammation. During physical examination was verified inflammation and content caseous intraocular. An improvement in infection was also perceived, thus deciding to continue the conservative treatment with the antibiotic. After 29 days of treatment, a complete reversal of the abscess was observed, resulting only in a corneal opacity, suggestive of scar tissue. It was concluded that gatifloxacin was effective in the treatment of intraocular abscess, thus alternative treatment before deciding on enucleation.

Sinusite crônica em Cyanoloxia brissonii / Chronic sinusitis in Cyanoloxia brissonii

A Ultramarine Grosbeak (Cyanoloxia brissonii) was treated at the Veterinary Hospital Dr. Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia - HOVET UFERSA with complaint of respiratory alterations, the animal arrived dyspneic and with a marked increase of the left nostril. For the treatment of sinusitis, antibiotic (Enrofloxacin -15mg/kg, once daily (SID) for 7 days), anti-inflammatory (Cetoprofen - 2mg/kg, SID, for 5 days), both orally, and nebulization (Gentamicin -5mg/kg associated with Aminophylline - 1mL/10mL of Physiological Solution, twice a day (BID), throughout the treatment period). Removal of the cushion was carried out in the left nostril, which showed recurrence and the need for two new cleanings of this nostril. On the third occasion, the chemical cauterization with 2% iodine and the addition of a ciprofloxacin-based eye drops to be made via topical in the nostril, thus obtaining success in the treatment.

Sinusite crônica em Cyanoloxia brissonii / Chronic sinusitis in Cyanoloxia brissonii

A Ultramarine Grosbeak (Cyanoloxia brissonii) was treated at the Veterinary Hospital Dr. Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia - HOVET UFERSA with complaint of respiratory alterations, the animal arrived dyspneic and with a marked increase of the left nostril. For the treatment of sinusitis, antibiotic (Enrofloxacin -15mg/kg, once daily (SID) for 7 days), anti-inflammatory (Cetoprofen - 2mg/kg, SID, for 5 days), both orally, and nebulization (Gentamicin -5mg/kg associated with Aminophylline - 1mL/10mL of Physiological Solution, twice a day (BID), throughout the treatment period). Removal of the cushion was carried out in the left nostril, which showed recurrence and the need for two new cleanings of this nostril. On the third occasion, the chemical cauterization with 2% iodine and the addition of a ciprofloxacin-based eye drops to be made via topical in the nostril, thus obtaining success in the treatment.(AU)

Obstrução gástrica por ingestão de castanha de caju em iguana / Gastric obstruction by ingestion of cashew nut in iguana

Gastric obstructions in reptiles due to the ingestion of foreign bodies may be the result of inadequate nutritional management, stress or by mistake in food seizures. If it is difficult to diagnose the obstruction through radiography, the animal may die. This paper reports the case of a gastric obstruction by a cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale), occupying the entire lumen of the stomach in a female green iguana (Iguana iguana), of free life and in gestational period, identified only during necropsy.(AU)

Resolução de abscesso intraocular em coelho doméstico com uso de gatifloxacino / Resolution of intraocular abscess in domestic rabbit with antibiotic therapy

Intraocular abscesses usually have an indication of surgical resolution, since drainage is not indicated when it occurs in this region. The gift study objective is to report the clinical resolution of an intraocular abscess with the topical antibiotictherapy. A rabbit, female, four years old, was atended at the Hospital Veterinarian Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia with the complaint of ocular inflammation. During physical examination was verified inflammation and content caseous intraocular. An improvement in infection was also perceived, thus deciding to continue the conservative treatment with the antibiotic. After 29 days of treatment, a complete reversal of the abscess was observed, resulting only in a corneal opacity, suggestive of scar tissue. It was concluded that gatifloxacin was effective in the treatment of intraocular abscess, thus alternative treatment before deciding on enucleation.(AU)