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Background: Primary lung neoplasms are uncommon in veterinary medicine, and when they develop, they are more frequently observed to be of epithelial origin. Although chondrosarcomas are the second most diagnosed type of neoplasm in dogs at skeletal sites, their development in extraskeletal tissues, including the spleen, aorta, heart, tongue, peritoneum, and lungs, corresponds to approximately only 1% of cases. Therefore, the occurrence of primary pulmonary chondrosarcoma is considered very rare in domestic animals. Considering the rare occurrence and scarcity of data regarding its development, the present report describes the clinical and pathological aspects of a case of primary pulmonary chondrosarcoma in a bitch. Case: A 8-year-old mixed-breed bitch, weighing 14.2 kg, was examined at one private veterinary clinic with the principal complaint of prolonged respiratory distress and resistance to exercise. Clinical evaluation revealed tachypnea with expiratory dyspnea due to intense pleural effusion, tachycardia, and diffusely pale mucous membranes. Thoracocentesis was performed with drainage of 1000 mL of modified transudate, and fluid cytology, blood count, and chest radiography were performed. Cytological analysis of the thoracic fluid did not identify neoplastic cells, the blood count showed intense regenerative anemia, and the radiograph showed an extensive area of consolidation in the left caudal lung lobe, compatible with neoplasia. The results of the tests performed, in addition to the evolution of the clinical picture and the impossibility of performing the indicated surgical intervention, culminated in the patient's unfavorable prognosis, followed by euthanasia, necropsy, and histopathological evaluation of the collected material. Necropsy revealed a white neoplastic formation with reddish areas and firm consistency that diffused into the parenchyma of the left caudal lung lobe with invasion of the rib cage, fracture of the fifth and sixth left ribs, diaphragmatic metastasis, intense hydrothorax, and moderate hydroperitoneum. Microscopically, in the histological sections of the lung and diaphragm, poorly differentiated mesenchymal cells with moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and interspersed with them, moderately differentiated chondrocytes surrounded by chondroid matrix, moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, and a low mitotic index culminated in the diagnosis of primary pulmonary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. Discussion: Malignant epithelial neoplasms were suspected; however, the histopathological features observed were compatible with primary pulmonary chondrosarcoma. The characteristics of the fluid collected through thoracentesis led to its classification as a modified transudate, which is often associated with neoplastic and hemorrhagic processes; both alterations were present in this case. The diagnosis of primary pulmonary chondrosarcoma was established based on the histopathological findings since the cell type and distribution observed in the present case were compatible with the typical pattern observed in extraskeletal chondrosarcomas. An unfavorable prognosis is common in cases of primary or metastatic lung neoplasm since, in most cases, the condition is identified in the advanced stages of the disease, making therapeutic management challenging. Given the increase in the number of dog deaths due to neoplasms in recent years, this case report may contribute to a better understanding of the biological behavior of pulmonary chondrosarcoma and assist in the choice of treatment to be adopted when required.

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Abstract The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of pyridoxine hydrochloride and its associated side effects in the treatment of pseudopregnancy in female dogs. A total of 40 female dogs, with no defined breed, in non-gestational diestrus, with clinical complaint of milk production were selected. The female dogs were divided into four experimental groups of 10 animals each, treated orally for 20 days with 10mg/kg/day (G1) and 50mg/kg/day (G2) of pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), 5μg/kg/day of cabergoline (G3), and with a placebo, in the case of the control group (G4). The effects of the treatments on milk production were investigated, as well as possible systemic side effects, macroscopic uterine and ovarian alterations, and uterine histology. During the investigated period, G2 and G3 were equally efficient (P>0.05) in lactation suppression, differing (P>0.05) from the other groups. There were no systemic side effects or uterine changes associated with administration of the studied drug. Vitamin B6 (50mg/kg) has shown to be a safe and economically viable alternative for lactation interruption in female dogs with pseudopregnancy.

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Background: Conidiobolomycosis is a highly lethal, granulomatous disease that primarily affects the respiratory systemof sheep. The etiological agents are fungi of the genus Conidiobolus, including Conidiobolus coronatus, C. incongruus,and C. lamprageus. In Northeast Brazil, this disease is particularly important considering the significant impact sheepand goats have on the regional economy. The present report describes the occurrence of conidiobolomycosis in two sheepfrom the same property in the Itabuna-BA region that were referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the State University ofSanta Cruz, Bahia, Brazil.Case: The primary complaint in both animals was bilateral bloody nasal discharge over a period of approximately 15 daysand frequent coughing. On physical examination, the animals exhibited “goosebumps” and opaque hair, with a body scoreof 1 (scale, 1-5), mild dehydration (7%), apathy, frequent cough with putrid odor, bilateral serosanguinolent nasal discharge,craniofacial asymmetry, expiratory dyspnea, enlargement of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, audible pulmonary rales,and pain on percussion of the pulmonary field. A therapeutic support protocol was established to stabilize the animals untilthe results of complete blood count, radiography, and microbiological evaluation of nasal content were available. Definitive diagnosis of disease was made by direct positive mycological examination, that revealed the presence of wide rarelyseptate hyphae, and isolation and cultivation of the fungus Conidiobolus sp., with microculture on slides and staining withlactophenol blue cotton. Due to disease diagnosis and the severity of injuries observed, the prognoses of both animals wereconsidered to be unfavorable and led to euthanasia and necropsy. At necropsy, the most...

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Ehrlichiosis is an emerging zoonosis worldwide and has had several adverse effects on public health. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by Ehrlichia canis, has the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus as the vector. The main clinical signs in affected dogs are fever, apathy, anorexia, weight loss, and neurological signs. The diagnosis is made through the association of clinical signs with parasitological, serological, and molecular tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of E. canis infection in dogs from the city of Itabuna-Bahia, as well as to identify the risk factors related to infection. For this, 405 dogs from the Center for Zoonoses Control (CCZ), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and dogs domiciled and semi-domiciled in the city of Itabuna, southern Bahia, were evaluated. After initial physical evaluation of the dogs, blood samples were collected by venipuncture for subsequent DNA extraction and E. canis testing using the nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested-PCR) technique. In addition, an epidemiological questionnaire that included questions related to the animals was administered to the dog owners to identify the risk factors for exposure to the etiological agent and to the vector. Approximately 17% of the dogs in the municipality of Itabuna-Bahia tested positive for E. canis by nested-PCR, a result higher than that found in other studies conducted in the same municipality. Among the factors associated with E. canis infection, contact with other dogs (p = 0.0226) was an important factor for the dissemination of CME, since dogs are reported to be reservoirs of E. canis. Male dogs (p = 0.0016) presented lower risk for E. canis infection. Other studies, however, describe no association between animal gender and infection by E. canis. Preventive measures to reduce exposure to the vector of ehrlichiosis are necessary.

A erliquiose é uma zoonose emergente em todo o mundo e tem acarretado diversos transtornos para a saúde pública. A erliquiose monocítica canina (EMC), causada pela Ehrlichia canis, tem como vetor o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Os principais sinais clínicos nos cães afetados são febre, apatia, anorexia, perda de peso e sinais neurológicos. O diagnóstico é feito através da associação dos sinais clínicos, exames parasitológicos, sorológicos e moleculares. Objetivou-se através deste estudo avaliar a ocorrência de infecção por E. canis em cães do município de Itabuna-Bahia, bem como identificar os fatores de risco relacionados à infecção. Para tanto, foram avaliados 405 cães provenientes do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses (CCZ), Organizações não governamentais (ONGs), cães domiciliados e semi-domiciliados da cidade de Itabuna-Bahia. Após avaliação física inicial dos cães, procedeu-se em seguida a coleta de amostras de sangue por punção venosa, para posterior extração de DNA e pesquisa de E. canis pela técnica de nested-Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (nested-PCR). Adicionalmente, um questionário epidemiológico foi aplicado junto aos responsáveis, no qual constavam questões relacionadas aos animais, com a finalidade de identificar os fatores de risco de exposição destes ao agente etiológico e ao vetor. Em suma, este estudo mostrou que aproximadamente 17% dos cães do município de Itabuna-Bahia foram positivos para E. canis pela nested-PCR, resultado superior ao encontrado em outros estudos realizados no mesmo município. Dos fatores associados à infecção por E. canis, foi significativo o contato com outros cães (p=0,0226), um fator importante para a disseminação da EMC, pois os cães são relatados como reservatórios da E. canis. O gênero macho (p=0,0016) apresentou menor risco para a infecção por E. canis. Outros estudos, no entanto, descrevem que não há nenhuma associação entre o gênero do animal e a infecção por...

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Background: Mammary neoplasms in dogs are commonly observed in veterinary clinical routine, most of which beingmalignant. Hormonal stimulation, endogenous or exogenous, may possibly influence its development. In addition to clinicalevaluation, ultrasound analysis can provide information about the characteristics of breast lumps. The association betweenclinical-epidemiological and pathological data is important for diagnosis. Therefore, given the importance of this pathologyfor the health of affected dogs, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and ultrasound alterations, along with the factors associated with the development of benign and malignant mammary neoplasms in female dogs.Materials, Methods & Results: We examined 47 samples from the mammary tumors of 35 female dogs at the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Hospital (HV) of the Santa Cruz State University (UESC). The dogs underwent a completeclinical examination, with clinical staging, via TNM classification, followed by hematological, biochemical, radiologicaland ultrasound, abdominal, and breast exams. Breast ultrasound examination was used to evaluate the shape parameterssuch as, limits, margins or contour, ecotexture, echogenicity, hyperechoic halo, posterior acoustic shading, surroundingchanges, and nodule components. These criteria were associated with the histopathological classification of neoplasms.Epidemiological data was studied through an adapted questionnaire containing information on risk factors associated withbreast cancer. The same questionnaire was applied to tutors of 19, age-matched, female dogs with no history of breastcancer. The results revealed that most female dogs with neoplasia were over eight years of age, with no specific breed andwere not castrated, and 31.4% of them had already been administered with contraceptives during the reproductive period...

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Background: Renal dysplasia (RD) is a common cause of renal failure in young dogs. It is defined as a disorganization inrenal parenchymal development, with abnormal differentiation. In all domestic animal species, RD may be hereditary oracquired. The affected animals show clinical signs of early chronic kidney disease, usually between 3 months to 3 yearsof age. The alterations include persistent metanephric ducts surrounded by primitive mesenchyme, glomeruli and fetaltubules, and abnormal interstitial fibrous tissue. We aimed to report the case of a 1-year-old canine with renal dysplasia.Case: A 1-year-old male Maltese dog experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, recurrent episodic vomiting, bloody diarrhea,weight loss, apathy, and anorexia was referred to a private clinic in the municipality of Itabuna-Bahia. Physical examination revealed hypochromic mucosa, dehydration estimated at 8%, rectal temperature of 37.5ºC, halitosis, and a bodyscore of 3 out of 9. Laboratory abnormalities included hematocrit of 18%, with hypochromic normocytic aregenerativeanemia, azotemia (urea - 530 mg/dL, creatinine - 10.5 mg/dL), hyperglobulinemia (4.7 g/dL), low urinary density (1005),proteinuria (300 mg/dL), and urinary pH - 7.0. Ultrasonography revealed bilateral small kidneys with loss of corticomedullary definition, cystic formations of different sizes on the renal surface, and hyperechoic areas in the parenchyma;these alterations were suggestive of bilateral chronic nephropathy. Considering the clinical, hematological, biochemical, andultrasonographic presentation associated with the age of the patient, renal dysplasia was suspected. The patient’s clinicalcondition progressed to loss of consciousness and convulsions, followed by death. Necropsy revealed pale, hypotrophickidneys with firm consistency, irregular capsular surface containing multiple cortical cysts of different sizes, and alteredcortico-medullar proportion. Kidney fragments were sent to...

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Background: Cryptococcosis is a mycosis that primarily affects domestic cats and is caused by fungi of the genus Cryptococcus, resulting in cutaneous, ocular, respiratory, and neurological manifestations. Diagnosis is based on the microscopicevaluation of the lesions and isolation of the causative agent. The aim of this study was to describe a case of feline cryptococcosis diagnosed by cytology and treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Santa Cruz (HV-UESC).Case: A 5-year-old uncastrated male cat was taken to the HV-UESC small animal clinic, owing to a gradual increase inthe volume of the nasal plane spanning over a year, accompanied by respiratory distress. Upon physical examination, theanimal was found to have regular nutritional status, dehydration, hypocorous mucosae, and enlarged popliteal lymph nodes.In addition, multifocal areas of ulceration on the body as well as increased volume in the nasal plane (clown nose) wereobserved. Peripheral blood samples were collected for complete blood count and biochemical analysis. Due to clinicalsuspicion of fungal lesions, fine needle aspiration of the nasal lesion was performed and cytological slides were sent tothe HV-UESC histopathology laboratory. Probable diagnoses included rhinosporidiosis, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis. The animal was subjected to thoracic radiography in the imaging division of the HV-UESC. Blood counts revealedthrombocytopenia (130,000/mm3) and biochemical tests presented hypoproteinemia (3.2 g/dL), with hypoalbuminemia(1.52 g/dL); however, chest radiography did not show pulmonary alterations. Results of cytological analysis indicatedpyogranulomatous inflammation associated with intracellular organisms, demonstrating a pathogen morphology similarto that of Cryptococcus spp. Before the diagnosis, itraconazole1 5 mg/kg (1 capsule, twice a day for 30 days) and fipronil2(1 ampoule 0.5 mL, on the back) were prescribed...

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Background: Feline idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an irreversible disease that is rarely reported in veterinary clinicalroutine, with this case as the second reported in Brazil. This study aimed to describe a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosisin a domestic cat.Case: A 10-year-old female cat with a history of respiratory distress was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the StateUniversity of Santa Cruz (HV-UESC). The first signs were observed three months before clinical care, characterized mainlyby dyspnea that was more pronounced during nighttime. There was no history of previous illnesses or prior drug use. Thecat lived with two other domiciled cats, did not have access to the street, and had restricted access to the terrace of thebuilding, from where other animals could have possibly entered. Physical examination showed a poor body condition witha temperature of 37°C and dehydration estimated at 9%.The animal was observed to remain in an orthopedic position, withtachypnea (109 mvm), wheezing through the mouth, and severe expiratory dyspnea. Pulmonary auscultation detected finediscontinuous adventitious noises. There were no changes in the cardiac function in terms of rhythm, frequency, or auscultation. Oxygen therapy and slow administration of 0.9% NaCl solution were performed; moreover, blood was collectedfor complete blood count, in which no abnormalities were observed. Thoracic radiography was performed on the cat, andthe results showed a mixed pulmonary pattern characterized by bronchiectasis, thickening of the bronchiolar wall, and anunstructured interstitial pattern throughout the pulmonary area. Shortly after the beginning of the clinical care, the animaldied due to respiratory arrest and was necropsied. The main macroscopic finding was pulmonary edema. Lung sampleswere subjected to microscopic evaluation, which revealed extensive multifocal areas of alveolar...

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Chagas disease, caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is an anthropozoonosis of great importance for public health. Several species of mammals are reservoirs for this parasite, including dogs. The objective of this work was to verify the natural infection by T. cruzi in the population of dogs of the municipality of Ituberá, Bahia. A total of 392 domiciled dogs from all districts of the city were evaluated; five milliliters of blood was collected from the dogs for molecular diagnosis. T. cruzi DNA was amplified through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR); the primers P35 and P36, which amplify a fragment of 330 bp, were used. The PCR products were subjected to 2% agarose gel electrophoresis containing Sybr (Invitrogen). Of the 392 dogs evaluated, only 2 (0.51%) animals, one male and one female, tested positive for T. cruzi. This study concluded that there are dogs naturally infected by T. cruzi in the municipality of Ituberá-Bahia and that this finding is an alert to veterinarians, health professionals, and local health authorities that their own dogs can act as reservoirs of the disease.

A Doença de Chagas, causada pelo protozoário flagelado Trypanosoma cruzi, é uma antropozoonose de grande importância para a saúde pública. Diversas espécies de mamíferos são reservatórios do parasita, incluindo o cão. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a infecção natural por T. cruzi na população de cães do município de Ituberá, Bahia. Foram avaliados 392 cães domiciliados, em todos os bairros do município, dos quais foram coletados 5mL de sangue para realização do diagnóstico molecular. A amplificação do DNA de T. cruzi foi através da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), com os primers P35 e P36, que amplificam um fragmento de 330 pb. Os produtos das PCRs foram submetidos à eletroforese em gel de agarose a 2% contendo Sybr (Invitrogen®). Dos 392 cães avaliados, apenas 2 (0,51%) animais, um macho e uma fêmea, foram positivos no diagnóstico molecular de T. cruzi. Conclui-se com esse estudo que há cães naturalmente infectados pelo T. cruzi no município de Ituberá-Bahia e que este achado constitui um alerta aos veterinários, profissionais da saúde e autoridades sanitárias locais, cujos cães podem atuar como reservatórios da doença.

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Background: Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (cTVT) is a neoplasia that affects mainly the genital organs of dogs, but can rich extragenital sites as well. It´s a tumor characterized microscopically by the presence of vacuolized round cells. Transmission occurs by implantation of these cells in non-affected tissues and the treatment is based on vincristine chemotherapy.Cases: Case 1. A 5-year-old intact male Poodle, presenting an increase volume of nasal plane came for veterinary care at a private veterinary clinic. The animal had bilateral bloody nasal secretion and dyspnea. The external genitalia had no alterations. The cytological evaluation confirmed cTVT. Treatment with vincristine sulfate weekly showed a rapid response with improvement of the respiratory condition, total remission of the mass and absence of neoplastic cells in cytology. Case 2. A 5-year-old mixed-breed canine bitch, weighing 6.7 kg, was brought to the State University of Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital (UESC-VH), showing an increase volume in the nasal plan region, with complaints about sneezing, nasal bleeding, respiratory distress with approximately 4 months of evolution. The owner informed that the mother of these female dog, that lived in the same environment, died a month before the beginning of clinical signs of the bitch of this case, and showed a reddish vaginal mass with intense bleeding. Intranasal exfoliative cytology showed moderately cellular sample compatible with cTVT. The treatment with vincristine sulphate for 6 weeks, showed completely remission of all clinical signs. Case 3. A 3-year-old mixed-breed male dog was brought to the UESC-VH with a reddish, friable mass located in the left eye. The citology confirmed the clinical suspicion of cTVT. After six weekly sessions of chemotherapy with vincristine sulfate, the tumor regressed and a new cytological evaluation was performed, without visible of tumor cells.[...]

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A ovulação em gatas é induzida por um reflexo neuroendócrino atribuído à estimulação mecânica dos receptores sensoriais durante o coito. Esta estimulação pode ser simulada com auxílio do swab vaginal, desencadeando a pseudogestação. Objetivou-se verificar a eficiência da indução de ovulação com swab, a fim de estabelecer um tratamento contraceptivo natural para felinos domésticos, bem como os efeitos sobre o útero do uso repetido dessa técnica. Na primeira fase do trabalho, foram avaliados 12 animais em três ciclos estrais consecutivos. No primeiro ciclo (T1), houve estimulação vaginal com swab. No segundo ciclo (T2), foi utilizado macho vasectomizado para cópula. No último ciclo (T3), a ovulação foi acompanhada sem estímulo (controle). Na segunda etapa do trabalho, 13 gatas foram submetidas a sucessivos estados de pseudogestação com intuito de verificar os efeitos da estimulação mecânica sobre o útero. A confirmação da ovulação em todas as etapas do trabalho foi realizada por meio da mensuração dos níveis de progesterona. A estimulação vaginal com swab apresentou resposta similar à obtida por monta natural (P>0,05). Algumas gatas apresentaram modificações uterinas discretas; no entanto, nenhum desses achados foi considerado de relevância patológica. Desta forma, a indução de ovulação com swab mostrou-se segura e sem efeitos colaterais expressivos.

A neuroendocrine reflex attributed to the mechanical stimulation of sensory receptors during copulation induces ovulation in cats. This stimulation can be simulated with a vaginal swab, triggering pseudopregnancy. The efficiency of ovulation induction with swab was evaluated in order to establish a natural contraceptive treatment for domestic cats as well as to analyze the effect on uterus of the repeated use of this technique. At the first phase of the study, 12 animals were evaluated in three consecutive estrous cycles. In the first cycle (T1), vaginal swab stimulation was applied. In the second cycle (T2), a vasectomized male was used. In the third cycle (T3), ovulation was accompanied unstimulated (control). At the second phase of the study, 13 female cats were induced to successive pseudopregnancy states to check the effects on the uterus. Confirmation of ovulation in the two phases of the study was carried out by measuring progesterone serum levels. The vaginal swab stimulation showed a similar response to that obtained by natural mating (P>0.05). Some cats showed mild uterine changes without pathological relevance. Thus, ovulation induction with swab is secure and without significant side effects.

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Background: Tickborne diseases are frequent in tropical countries such as Brazil. Protozoa of the Babesia genus and bacteria of the Ehrlichia genus spread throughout the country with high prevalences in urban and rural areas, causing clinical or subclinical diseases in dogs. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection from Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in the dog population in the municipality of Ituberá, Bahia, Brazil, and to verify the risk factors associated with the infections. Materials, Methods & Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted, consisting of the following procedures: clinical examination and blood samples collection from 380 dogs and application of a structure questionnaire to dog owners to collect epidemiological data. All dogs were evaluated for the presence of ticks and clinical signs associated with the infections. Blood samples were collected and tested for Babesia spp. through capillary blood smears, indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR); all the samples were also tested for E. chaffeensis through nested PCR. Intra-erythrocyte piroplasms were visualized in the blood smears of two animals (2/380; 0.5%) in the cytology exams. Anti-B. canis antibodies were detected in 140/380 (36.8%) dogs, at 1:40 dilution. By PCR, 147/380 (38.7%) dogs tested positive for infection by Babesia sp., but no animal was infected by E. chaffeensis. Only 115/380 dogs (30.3%) were infested by ticks. In total, 223/380 dogs (58.7%) were found infected by Babesia spp. No clinical signs were it found to be significant for the infection. The infected (Ht = 40%) and uninfected dogs’ (Ht = 39%) hematocrit averages were not found to significantly differ (P = 0.47). No hematological changes were found to be significant for the disease. The evaluated variables sex, habitat (urban or rural) […]

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Background: Primary hypoparathyroidism (PH) is an endocrine disorder characterized by decreased production and/or release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Dogs and cats are rarely affected, and typical clinical signs include an abrupt onset of neurological and neuromuscular signs. The diagnosis is based on the history, clinical signs, and laboratory findings of hypocalcaemia, as well as the exclusion of other causes of tetany. Treatment involves stabilization of serum calcium with specific therapy. This study aimed to report three cases of PH: two canine cases and the first feline case in Brazil. Cases: 1) A 8-year-old male Yorkshire terrier was brought to the clinic with a history of tetanic crisis. The owner reported that the animal had been previously diagnosed with epilepsy and since treated with phenobarbital. The physical examination revealed hyperthermia, tachypnea, tachycardia, salivation, and ataxia with hyperextension of the anterior and posterior limbs. Emergency treatment included intravenous (IV) administration of calcium gluconate, and the animal showed clinical improvement within an hour. Overall, the complete blood count was within the normal range, but the calcium and PTH levels were below the normal ranges. Therefore, PH was confirmed. Calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 supplementation were prescribed, and the treatment with phenobarbital was suspended. During the...

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Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia. The aims of this study were to detect the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in the blood of dogs in Ituberá, Bahia, and to compare the sensitivities and specificities of blood smear, serological, and molecular examinations. Furthermore, this study identified factors associated with exposure to the agent in dogs in this locality. Blood samples were collected from 379 dogs and submitted for indirect immunofluorescent assay and polymerase chain reaction testing for the detection of Ehrlichia spp. antibodies and DNA, respectively. Additionally, a peripheral blood smear was obtained from the ear tip for parasite identification. Of the 379 animals, 12.4%, 32.7%, and 25.6% were identified as positive on the blood smear, serological, and molecular tests, respectively. The dogs positive in one of the three techniques were considered exposed (46.9%). Younger dogs and rural habitat were protective factors and presence of ticks and contact with other dogs were the risk factors associated with exposure to the agent. It was concluded that dogs of Ituberá have high positivity for Ehrlichia spp. and that the diagnostic methods used for detection are complementary.

Erliquiose é uma doença zoonótica causada por bactérias do gênero Ehrlichia. O objetivo desse estudo foi detectar a presença de Ehrlichia spp. no sangue de cães em Ituberá-BA, e comparar as sensibilidades e especificidades do esfregaço sanguíneo, e testes sorológico e molecular. Além disso, esse estudo identificou fatores associados com a exposição ao agente em cães desta localidade. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 379 cães e submetidas à Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta e Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase para detecção de anticorpos e DNA de Ehrlichia spp., respectivamente. Adicionalmente, sangue periférico de ponta de orelha foi coletado para identificação do parasita. Dos 379 animais, 12,4%, 32,7% e 25,6% foram identificados como positivos no esfregaço sanguíneo, teste sorológico e molecular, respectivamente. Cães positivos em uma das três técnicas foram considerados expostos (46,9%). Cães mais novos e hábitat rural foram fatores de proteção e presença de carrapatos e contato com outros cães foram os fatores de risco associados à exposição ao agente. Foi concluído que, os cães do município de Ituberá têm alta positividade para Ehrlichia spp. e que os diferentes métodos diagnósticos utilizados para sua detecção são complementares.

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Background: Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is an endothelial vessel tumor with high malignant potential. While the etiology is unclear, it is known that older animals are most commonly affected, and it is commoner in dogs than in other domestic species. Clinical signs are nonspecifi c and vary according to the location of the tumor. The prognosis ranges from guarded to poor, owing to the high rate of metastasis, tissue invasion, and biochemical changes during the clinical course. Herein, we describe a case of unilateral renal capsule HSA in a 6-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier bitch. Case: A 6-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier bitch came to veterinary care with a history of recent abdominal distention and progressive weight loss. On physical examination the animal was apathetic with abdominal distention, pale mucous membranes, and a body temperature of 37.5C. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed fl uid collection in the peritoneal cavity. The origin of the fl uid could not be determined because of the extent of the fluid collection, which occupied the abdominal cavity throughout its length. In preoperative hematologic tests, anemia, lymphopenia, monocytosis, and hyperproteinemia were observed. At exploratory laparotomy, a large mass was found in the abdominal cavity, attached to the left renal parenchyma and containing bloody fluid. Owing to its poor state of health, the patient died...

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In order to verify the Trypanosoma cruzi infection in domestic domiciled dogs in a rural endemic area from the south region of the State of Bahia, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were performed using S35 and S36 primers in 272 dogs living in the district of Vila Operaria, in the municipality of Buerarema. All animals were clinically evaluated; 2.5 mL of blood were collected through venipuncture for the performance of molecular tests. None of these animals showed clinical signs of the illness and only two were identified with the DNA parasite. This result is the first report of natural infection by T. cruzi in domestic dogs in southern Bahia.

Com o objetivo de verificar a infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi em cães domésticos domiciliados em área rural e endêmica do sul da Bahia, foi realizada a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), utilizando-se os iniciadores S35 e S36 em 272 cães domiciliados no distrito da Vila Operária, cidade de Buerarema. Todos os animais foram avaliados clinicamente e, posteriormente, foram coletados 2,5 mL de sangue por punção venosa para realização do diagnóstico molecular. Nenhum dos animais apresentou manifestação clínica da doença e, em apenas dois foram identificados DNA do parasito. Esse resultado é o primeiro relato de infecção natural por T. cruzi em cães domésticos no sul baiano.