Occurrence of Gasterophilus spp. in weanling foals in southern Brazil

The occurrence of gastrointestinal myiasis caused by Gasterophilus spp. larvae (Diptera: Oestridae) in adult horses has been widely characterized, however data on natural infestation in young foals have been lacking. This observation may be related to the absence of conclusive diagnosis in these individuals, most likely due to logistical or financial constraints. Gastric ulceration is a problem and a significant cause of morbidity in foals, particularly during the weaning stage; therefore, gasterophilosis should be included in the differential diagnosis. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of gasterophilosis in 4- to 6-month-old weanling foals. Seventy-one healthy weanling foals were enrolled in the study. Physical assessment blood sampling and was completed in all foals before the commencement of the experiment. Gastroscopy examinations were performed under sedation (Detomidine 0.01 - 0.02 mg/kg) with a flexible endoscope inserted through nasogastric via. The lumen of the stomach was examined in order to search for botflies' larvae. Following gastroscopy, foals were classified into 2 groups based on the presence of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in their stomachs: 1) Infected and 2) Not Infected. Infected foals received a single dose of commercial trichlorfon and albendazole equine oral gel and were stalled for 24 h. The passed feces were thoroughly examined, searching for elimination of larvae. A total of 64% of the foals (n = 45/71) harbored Gasterophilus spp. larvae in the stomach. Mild hyperemia in the gastric mucosa was observed in the attachment sites of the parasites. Physical assessment and hematological parameters' data were analyzed with Shapiro-Wilk normality test. Comparison between groups for clinical signs, hematological parameters and Gasterophilus spp. infection rates were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test or Student's t-test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. There were no statistically significant variations in physical and hematological parameters between foals that were affected and those that were not infected. The larvae found in the feces were subjected to morphological examination, which confirmed the diagnosis of Gasterophilus intestinalis. No systemic clinical indications compatible with Gasterophilus spp. infestation were seen, as described in previous studies of horses infected with the parasite. No botfly eggs were observed in the hair of evaluated foals. During gastroscopy, mild hyperemic lesions in the gastric mucosa were observed in the larvae fixation sites. Although no changes in clinical or hematological parameters were noted, the confirmation of parasite presence is a cause for concern due to horses' tolerance for low infestation levels and poor diagnosis. Additionally, the presence of this myiasis in foals may be a significant stressor during the weaning period and should be included in the differential diagnosis of recurring abdominal pain. Furthermore, infected foals might be a reservoir for the parasite and, contribute to the elimination and spread of the larvae in the environment. Thus, inclusion of young horses in deworming protocols targeted to botfly larvae is needed. This is the first report of Gasterophilus intestinalis myiasis in foals in Brazil. Further research is necessary to fully understand the epidemiology and prevalence of this condition in young horses in Brazil, based on the findings of this study.(AU)

Development of a weight-estimation model to use in pregnant criollo-type mares / Modelo para estimativa de peso em éguas gestantes mestiças crioulas

The aims of this study were: 1) to compare the tape weight and associated weight-estimation formula to evaluate weight gain in pregnant mares, and 2) to develop a mathematical model to estimate the weight of pregnant mares using body measurements. Thirty-four criollo-type mares were evaluated every two weeks during the middle and late pregnancy. The mares were weighed on a livestock scale, and we estimated body weight using tape weights and an associated body-weight estimation formula. Also, heart-girth circumference (heartgirth) and abdominal circumference were measured; the latter at the 12th intercostal space (12th ICS) and 18th rib (18th Rib), to use in a mathematical model to estimate the weight of pregnant mares. Observations were divided into three periods of pregnancy: 5th to 7 h month, 7th to 9 h month, and 9th to 11th month. Mares in late pregnancy showed an increase in actual weight and an increase in 12th ICS and 18th Rib measurements. Tape weight and body-weight estimation formula underestimated the weight of pregnant mares. However, the regression model using heart-girth circumference, 12th ICS, and 18th Rib measurements showed high correlation (r2 = 0.87, P 0.001) with actual weight. Finally, the alternative methods usually used in horses are not accurate to estimate body weight in pregnant mares. In conclusion, the regression model Y=-540.143 + (heartgirth x 3.068) + (12th ICS x 1.278) + (18th Rib x 0.944) can be used to estimate body weight in pregnant mares from the 5th to 11th months of pregnancy.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivos: 1) comparar a utilização dos métodos alternativos fita de pesagem e peso metabólico em éguas gestantes e; 2) desenvolver um modelo matemático para estimar o peso de éguas gestantes, baseado em medidas corporais. Trinta e quatro éguas foram avaliadas quinzenalmente durante o terço médio e final da gestação. Foi realizada a pesagem em balança comercial; a mensuração com a fita de peso para equinos; o cálculo do peso metabólico; as medidas de perímetro torácico (Ptorac); a mensuração abdominal no décimo segundo espaço intercostal (12EI) e na décima oitava costela (18Cost). As observações foram divididas em três períodos gestacionais: Período de 5 a 7 meses, Período de 7 a 9 meses e Período de 9 a 11 meses. As éguas demonstraram incremento no peso na balança e na mensuração abdominal no 12EI e 18Cost no terço final da gestação. A utilização da fita de pesagem e o cálculo de peso metabólico subestimaram o peso na balança em éguas gestantes. O modelo de regressão utilizando o Ptorac, 12EI e 18Cost apresentou alta correção (r2=0,87; P 0,001) com o peso na balança. Observou-se que os métodos alternativos de pesagem, usualmente utilizados, não apresentaram a mesma eficiência em éguas prenhes. Pode-se concluir que o modelo de regressão Y=-540,143+(Ptorac X 3,068) + (12EI X 1,278) + (18Cost X 0,944) pode ser utilizado para mensurar o peso em éguas gestantes a partir do 5º mês de gestação.(AU)

Aneurysm in the distal portion of the extern jugular vein in a horse / Aneurisma de porção distal da veia jugular externa em equino

Background: Aneurysm is a vascular disease that causes the partial rupture of arteries and veins and subsequent blood leakage due to the weakening of the vessels elastic middle layer. Venous aneurysms in horses are rare, but the arterial aneurysms are commonly reported. The aim of this paper is to report a rare occurrence of jugular external aneurysm in a horse and propose the inclusion this disease as a differential diagnosis, both because it is rare in this specie and invariably fatal. The medical examination showed a firm well-defined mass, painless, nonpulsatile on palpation and with no changed in the local temperature. Case: The horse was referred to the Veterinarian Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel, RS-Brazil. It was a male, Crioulo breed, 10 years old, used as stallion. The owner reported a swelling in the pectoral region that occurred after a trauma episode that had gradually grown for two years. The patient was clinically stable, and would undergo surgery extirpation for aesthetic matters. Clinical examination showed the swelling was circumscribed and centralized and it presented about 20 centimeters in diameter. The ultrasound of the pectoral area showed an anechoic structure with hyperechoic spots inside limited by an hyperechoic layer similar to a fibrous capsule. Presumptive diagnostics were of: hematoma, subcutaneous abscess, neoplasia, and [...]

Cryopreservation protocol for equine platelet-rich plasma / Protocolo de criopreservação para plasma rico em plaquetas de equinos

In this preliminary study, a new equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) cryopreservation protocol was evaluated. PRP was obtained by a double centrifugation technique of whole blood collected from 8 adult healthy ponies. A fresh sample of PRP was analyzed for total platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet morphology. Upon morphological evaluation, 200 platelets were counted using a differential interference contrast microscope with a 40x phase objective and classified as activated (with pseudopodia), inactivated (normal discoid shape), or uncertain state (spherical shape, without pseudopodia). Two other PRP samples, one containing DMSO as a cryoprotectant and the other without DMSO, were stored in a mechanical freezer at 80ºC. After 14 days, the frozen samples were thawed and submitted to the same analysis as described above. The fresh PRP showed a platelet count of 830 (±95.3) x103 uL-1, an MPV of 5.2 (±0.07) fL, and composed of 4% activated platelets. There was no significant difference in platelet count, MPV, and activated platelets between fresh and 6% DMSO frozen PRP samples (617.9±65.5x103uL-1; 5.3±0.06fL; 9.5%) (p > 0.05). On the other hand, samples frozen without DMSO showed a significantly lower platelet count (519.6±66.1x103uL-1), higher MPV (5.7±0.08fL), and more activated platelets (13.9%) than the other groups (p 0.05). The 6% DMSO was able to...(AU)

Neste estudo preliminar, um novo protocolo de criopreservação de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) de equinos foi avaliado. O PRP foi obtido através de dupla centrifugação do sangue total coletado de oito pôneis clinicamente saudáveis. Uma amostra de PRP fresco foi analisada quanto ao número total de plaquetas, volume plaquetário médio (VPM) e morfologia plaquetária. Na avaliação morfológica 200 plaquetas foram contadas utilizando um microscópio com contraste de fase com objetiva de 40x e classificadas como ativadas (com pseudópodes), inativas (forma discóide normal) ou estado incerto (forma esférica, mas sem peseudópodes). Duas outras amostras de PRP foram armazenadas em um freezer mecânico a 80oC, uma contendo dimetil sulfóxido (DMSO) como crioprotetor e outra sem DMSO. Após 14 dias as amostras congeladas foram descongeladas e submetidas às mesmas avaliações das amostras frescas. O PRP fresco apresentou contagem plaquetária de 830 (±95,3) x103 ?L 1, VPM 5,2 (±0,07) fL e 4% de plaquetas ativadas. Não houve diferença na contagem plaquetária, VPM e plaquetas ativadas entre as amostras de PRP frescas e congeladas com 6% de DMSO (617,9±65,5x103 uL-1; 5,3±0,06fL; 9,5%) (p > 0,05). Por outro lado, as amostras congeladas sem DMSO apresentaram uma contagem de plaquetas significativamente menor (519,6±66,1x103 u-1), maior VPM (5,7±0,08fL) e mais plaquetas ativadas (13,9%) do que os...(AU)

Aneurysm in the distal portion of the extern jugular vein in a horse / Aneurisma de porção distal da veia jugular externa em equino

Background: Aneurysm is a vascular disease that causes the partial rupture of arteries and veins and subsequent blood leakage due to the weakening of the vessels elastic middle layer. Venous aneurysms in horses are rare, but the arterial aneurysms are commonly reported. The aim of this paper is to report a rare occurrence of jugular external aneurysm in a horse and propose the inclusion this disease as a differential diagnosis, both because it is rare in this specie and invariably fatal. The medical examination showed a firm well-defined mass, painless, nonpulsatile on palpation and with no changed in the local temperature. Case: The horse was referred to the Veterinarian Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel, RS-Brazil. It was a male, Crioulo breed, 10 years old, used as stallion. The owner reported a swelling in the pectoral region that occurred after a trauma episode that had gradually grown for two years. The patient was clinically stable, and would undergo surgery extirpation for aesthetic matters. Clinical examination showed the swelling was circumscribed and centralized and it presented about 20 centimeters in diameter. The ultrasound of the pectoral area showed an anechoic structure with hyperechoic spots inside limited by an hyperechoic layer similar to a fibrous capsule. Presumptive diagnostics were of: hematoma, subcutaneous abscess, neoplasia, and [...](AU)

Cryopreservation protocol for equine platelet-rich plasma / Protocolo de criopreservação para plasma rico em plaquetas de equinos

In this preliminary study, a new equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) cryopreservation protocol was evaluated. PRP was obtained by a double centrifugation technique of whole blood collected from 8 adult healthy ponies. A fresh sample of PRP was analyzed for total platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet morphology. Upon morphological evaluation, 200 platelets were counted using a differential interference contrast microscope with a 40x phase objective and classified as activated (with pseudopodia), inactivated (normal discoid shape), or uncertain state (spherical shape, without pseudopodia). Two other PRP samples, one containing DMSO as a cryoprotectant and the other without DMSO, were stored in a mechanical freezer at 80ºC. After 14 days, the frozen samples were thawed and submitted to the same analysis as described above. The fresh PRP showed a platelet count of 830 (±95.3) x103 uL-1, an MPV of 5.2 (±0.07) fL, and composed of 4% activated platelets. There was no significant difference in platelet count, MPV, and activated platelets between fresh and 6% DMSO frozen PRP samples (617.9±65.5x103uL-1; 5.3±0.06fL; 9.5%) (p > 0.05). On the other hand, samples frozen without DMSO showed a significantly lower platelet count (519.6±66.1x103uL-1), higher MPV (5.7±0.08fL), and more activated platelets (13.9%) than the other groups (p 0.05). The 6% DMSO was able to...

Neste estudo preliminar, um novo protocolo de criopreservação de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) de equinos foi avaliado. O PRP foi obtido através de dupla centrifugação do sangue total coletado de oito pôneis clinicamente saudáveis. Uma amostra de PRP fresco foi analisada quanto ao número total de plaquetas, volume plaquetário médio (VPM) e morfologia plaquetária. Na avaliação morfológica 200 plaquetas foram contadas utilizando um microscópio com contraste de fase com objetiva de 40x e classificadas como ativadas (com pseudópodes), inativas (forma discóide normal) ou estado incerto (forma esférica, mas sem peseudópodes). Duas outras amostras de PRP foram armazenadas em um freezer mecânico a 80oC, uma contendo dimetil sulfóxido (DMSO) como crioprotetor e outra sem DMSO. Após 14 dias as amostras congeladas foram descongeladas e submetidas às mesmas avaliações das amostras frescas. O PRP fresco apresentou contagem plaquetária de 830 (±95,3) x103 ?L 1, VPM 5,2 (±0,07) fL e 4% de plaquetas ativadas. Não houve diferença na contagem plaquetária, VPM e plaquetas ativadas entre as amostras de PRP frescas e congeladas com 6% de DMSO (617,9±65,5x103 uL-1; 5,3±0,06fL; 9,5%) (p > 0,05). Por outro lado, as amostras congeladas sem DMSO apresentaram uma contagem de plaquetas significativamente menor (519,6±66,1x103 u-1), maior VPM (5,7±0,08fL) e mais plaquetas ativadas (13,9%) do que os...

Alterações do sistema oftálmico em equinos com ênfase em medidas terapêuticas / Disorders of the ophthalmic system in horses emphasising the therapeutic approach

Background: Ophthalmic disorders in horses have different etiologies and pathologies, compromising the quality of vision in different degrees. The main importance of ophthalmic disorders is the potential for vision impairment. Due to the severe consequences of vision impairment, the proper approach to the ophthalmic system is a prerequisite for an adequate diagnosis and treatment. The choice of treatment is critical to a successful outcome and for the prognosis of vision quality. This paper presents a case study of horses with disorders of the ophthalmic system emphasising the therapeutic approach. Case: From 2011 to 2014, 35 horses with ophthalmic disorders were attended at the Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Among them, 45.7% had corneal ulcer, 14.2% stromal abscess, 8.5% recurrent uveitis, 20% eyeball perforation and 11.4% squamous cell carcinoma. All the horses were evaluated by specific clinical examination of the ophthalmic system. The animals testing positive for fluorescein had corneal ulceration, photophobia, blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia, miosis, uveitis severe eye pain and were treated with eye wash cleaning, intravenous flunixin meglumine, topical gentamicin, tobramycin, atropine and autologous serum. Horses irresponsive to treatment within 10 days were referred to surgery...(AU)

Alterações do sistema oftálmico em equinos com ênfase em medidas terapêuticas / Disorders of the ophthalmic system in horses emphasising the therapeutic approach

Background: Ophthalmic disorders in horses have different etiologies and pathologies, compromising the quality of vision in different degrees. The main importance of ophthalmic disorders is the potential for vision impairment. Due to the severe consequences of vision impairment, the proper approach to the ophthalmic system is a prerequisite for an adequate diagnosis and treatment. The choice of treatment is critical to a successful outcome and for the prognosis of vision quality. This paper presents a case study of horses with disorders of the ophthalmic system emphasising the therapeutic approach. Case: From 2011 to 2014, 35 horses with ophthalmic disorders were attended at the Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Among them, 45.7% had corneal ulcer, 14.2% stromal abscess, 8.5% recurrent uveitis, 20% eyeball perforation and 11.4% squamous cell carcinoma. All the horses were evaluated by specific clinical examination of the ophthalmic system. The animals testing positive for fluorescein had corneal ulceration, photophobia, blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia, miosis, uveitis severe eye pain and were treated with eye wash cleaning, intravenous flunixin meglumine, topical gentamicin, tobramycin, atropine and autologous serum. Horses irresponsive to treatment within 10 days were referred to surgery...

Nasal and laryngeal rhinosporidiosis in a horse / Rinosporidiose nasal e laringeana em equino

Background: The rhinosporidiosis is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic parasite that occur in flooded regions. The disease can affect several species, including horses. In Brazil, there are few reported cases and the mortality rate is low, thus its epidemiological importance is related to its zoonotic aspects. The transmission of Rhinosporidium seeberi occurs via contaminated water or soil and subsequent infection through mucosal injury where a granulomatous lesion is developed. In horses, nasal mucosa is the most affected area and laryngeal affection is rare. The aim of this work is to describe a case of nasal and laryngeal rhinosporidiosis in a horse, focusing on diagnosis and therapeutics. Case: A 07-year-old crossbreed male was referred to the Veterinary Clinics Hospital (HCV) of UFPel, RS, with clinical history of cough and nasal discharge. In the clinical examination, the patient showed a proliferative mass near the nasal septum located medially in the left nostril, tracheal rales and respiratory distress. Hematologic findings were in agreement with the reference values for the species. The tumor was removed with the animal standing using local anesthesia and sedation and the fragments were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and sent for histopathological examination. Fifteen days later, the patient was referred for further evaluation in the HCV, showing the...(AU)

Nasal and laryngeal rhinosporidiosis in a horse / Rinosporidiose nasal e laringeana em equino

Background: The rhinosporidiosis is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic parasite that occur in flooded regions. The disease can affect several species, including horses. In Brazil, there are few reported cases and the mortality rate is low, thus its epidemiological importance is related to its zoonotic aspects. The transmission of Rhinosporidium seeberi occurs via contaminated water or soil and subsequent infection through mucosal injury where a granulomatous lesion is developed. In horses, nasal mucosa is the most affected area and laryngeal affection is rare. The aim of this work is to describe a case of nasal and laryngeal rhinosporidiosis in a horse, focusing on diagnosis and therapeutics. Case: A 07-year-old crossbreed male was referred to the Veterinary Clinics Hospital (HCV) of UFPel, RS, with clinical history of cough and nasal discharge. In the clinical examination, the patient showed a proliferative mass near the nasal septum located medially in the left nostril, tracheal rales and respiratory distress. Hematologic findings were in agreement with the reference values for the species. The tumor was removed with the animal standing using local anesthesia and sedation and the fragments were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and sent for histopathological examination. Fifteen days later, the patient was referred for further evaluation in the HCV, showing the...