Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in cats

Background: Esophageal neoplasms are rarely reported in cats. The frequency rate is less than 0.5% and those neoplasms are usually malignant. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an idiopathic epithelial neoplasm, invasive and metastatic that can induce partial or complete obstruction of the esophageal lumen. There is no breed or sex predisposition, and it is more common in cats over 8-years-old. Esophageal SCC is more frequent in the middle third of the esophagus. The prognosis is poor, as the cats are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. This report aims to describe clinical, endoscopic, radiographic, and pathological features of two cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in cats. Cases: A 11-year-old neutered male cat presenting regurgitation, weight loss, anorexia and dyspnea was referred to veterinary internal medicine care. Simple and contrast-enhanced radiographic images of the cervical and thoracic regions showed an alveolar pattern in the cranial lung lobes and signs of esophageal lumen irregularity and dilatation in the mediastinum topography. The upper digestive endoscopy showed a dilated esophageal lumen, and an irregular mass was observed in the thoracic esophagus involving the entire esophageal circumference. Biopsy fragments were collected, and the histopathological result was compatible with squamous cell carcinoma. The second case was a 10-year-old neutered male cat presenting hyporexia, regurgitation, dyspnea, tachypnea, and abnormal breath sounds. The ultrasound of the chest showed 3 amorphous hypoechogenic and heterogeneous areas in the right and left hemithorax between parietal and visceral pleura. The cytological examination was compatible with a malignant epithelial tumor. The patient died 3 months after the onset of clinical signs. At gross exam, it was observed a friable, irregular, and ulcerated mass of 5.0 x 3.0 cm in the middle third of the esophagus...

Mature intracranial teratoma with meningocele in a lamb / Teratoma intracraniano benigno com meningocele em um cordeiro

This study described the pathological aspects of a mature intracranial teratoma with meningocele in a one-day-old lamb. The diagnosis of mature teratoma was based on microscopic features, where well-differentiated tissues representative of the three germ layers were observed. The tumor consisted of respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary epithelium as components of the endoderm; muscle and bone tissues as components of the mesoderm; and keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and adnexa as components of the ectoderm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of intracranial teratoma with meningocele in animals.(AU)

Descrevem-se os aspectos patológicos de um teratoma intracraniano benigno com meningocele em um cordeiro de um dia de idade. O diagnóstico de teratoma benigno foi baseado nos achados histopatológicos, com tecidos representativos das três camadas germinativas. O tumor consistia de epitélio respiratório, gastrintestinal e urinário como componentes do endoderma; tecido muscular e ósseo do mesoderma; e epitélio escamoso estratificado queratinizado e anexos como componentes do ectoderma. Com base no conhecimento dos autores, este é o primeiro relato de teratoma intracraniano com meningocele em animais.(AU)

Renal cell carcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis in a mare / Carcinoma renal associado à carcinomatose peritoneal em uma égua

Renal cell carcinoma, especially with extensive involvement of peritoneal cavity, is rarely described in horses. This study described a case of renal cell carcinoma in an 8-year-old mare, which presented with an enlargement in the left flank, decreased appetite and straining to defecate. Clinically, a tumor in the left retroperitoneal space was detected by rectal examination and ultrasonography. The animal died after one month of clinical evolution. At necropsy, the left kidney was completely effaced by a 50cm in diameter, irregular, round, lobulated cystic mass with necro-hemorrhagic areas. Within the peritoneal cavity, there was severe hemoperitoneum and numerous sessile and pedunculated masses ranging from 2.0 to 15.0cm diameter that were attached to the visceral and parietal peritoneum. Histologically, the primary neoplasia and its metastasis were composed by a proliferation of epithelial cells, which were arranged in a tubulopapillary pattern. Diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis and hemoperitoneum was based on macroscopic aspects, and mainly on the histological features.

Carcinomas renais, principalmente aqueles com extenso envolvimento da cavidade peritoneal são raramente descritos na espécie equina. Este trabalho tem por objetivo descrever um carcinoma renal com carcinomatose peritoneal em um equino, fêmea, de oito anos de idade, que apresentava aumento de volume no flanco esquerdo, hiporexia e dificuldade para defecar. Clinicamente, um tumor localizado no espaço retroperitoneal esquerdo foi detectado por meio de palpação retal e exame ultrassonográfico. Após um mês de evolução clínica, o animal veio a óbito. Macroscopicamente, o rim esquerdo estava completamente obliterado por uma massa de 50,0cm de diâmetro, irregular, lobulada e com áreas císticas e necro-hemorrágicas. Na cavidade peritoneal, havia hemoperitônio acentuado e inúmeras massas sésseis e pedunculadas, de 2,0 a 15,0cm de diâmetro, estavam aderidas às porções parietal e visceral do peritônio. Histologicamente, a neoplasia primária e suas metástases eram constituídas principalmente pela proliferação de células epiteliais, as quais formavam estruturas túbulo-papilares. O diagnóstico de carcinoma renal com carcinomatose peritoneal, associado a hemoperitônio foi baseado nos achados macroscópicos e, principalmente, histológicos da neoplasia.

Renal cell carcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis in a mare / Carcinoma renal associado à carcinomatose peritoneal em uma égua

Renal cell carcinoma, especially with extensive involvement of peritoneal cavity, is rarely described in horses. This study described a case of renal cell carcinoma in an 8-year-old mare, which presented with an enlargement in the left flank, decreased appetite and straining to defecate. Clinically, a tumor in the left retroperitoneal space was detected by rectal examination and ultrasonography. The animal died after one month of clinical evolution. At necropsy, the left kidney was completely effaced by a 50cm in diameter, irregular, round, lobulated cystic mass with necro-hemorrhagic areas. Within the peritoneal cavity, there was severe hemoperitoneum and numerous sessile and pedunculated masses ranging from 2.0 to 15.0cm diameter that were attached to the visceral and parietal peritoneum. Histologically, the primary neoplasia and its metastasis were composed by a proliferation of epithelial cells, which were arranged in a tubulopapillary pattern. Diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis and hemoperitoneum was based on macroscopic aspects, and mainly on the histological features.(AU)

Carcinomas renais, principalmente aqueles com extenso envolvimento da cavidade peritoneal são raramente descritos na espécie equina. Este trabalho tem por objetivo descrever um carcinoma renal com carcinomatose peritoneal em um equino, fêmea, de oito anos de idade, que apresentava aumento de volume no flanco esquerdo, hiporexia e dificuldade para defecar. Clinicamente, um tumor localizado no espaço retroperitoneal esquerdo foi detectado por meio de palpação retal e exame ultrassonográfico. Após um mês de evolução clínica, o animal veio a óbito. Macroscopicamente, o rim esquerdo estava completamente obliterado por uma massa de 50,0cm de diâmetro, irregular, lobulada e com áreas císticas e necro-hemorrágicas. Na cavidade peritoneal, havia hemoperitônio acentuado e inúmeras massas sésseis e pedunculadas, de 2,0 a 15,0cm de diâmetro, estavam aderidas às porções parietal e visceral do peritônio. Histologicamente, a neoplasia primária e suas metástases eram constituídas principalmente pela proliferação de células epiteliais, as quais formavam estruturas túbulo-papilares. O diagnóstico de carcinoma renal com carcinomatose peritoneal, associado a hemoperitônio foi baseado nos achados macroscópicos e, principalmente, histológicos da neoplasia.(AU)

Características epidemiológicas da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em caprinos

Toxoplasma gondii, parasito do filo Apicomplexa e possui os felídeos como hospedeiros definitivos e aves e mamíferos como hospedeiros intermediários. Nos caprinos a toxoplasmose pode levar a abortos, natimortos, mumificação fetal e nascimento de crias debilitadas. O isolamento de parasitos viáveis de tecidos comestíveis, bem como de leite caprino revelam a importância desta espécie como fonte de infecção para os seres humanos. Assim, estudos são realizados na tentativa de descrever os fatores envolvidos na infecção por este protozoário. Este trabalho aborda aspectos clínicos e patológicos da toxoplasmose e faz uma revisão das características epidemiológicas favoráveis a infecção por T. gondii. (AU)

Toxoplasma gondii, parasite of the Apicomplexa phylum that has felids as definitive hosts and birds and mammals as intermediate hosts. In goats, toxoplasmosis can lead to abortion, stillbirths, fetal mummification and birth of weak goat kids. Isolation of viable parasites from edible tissues as well as goat milk reveals the importance of this species as a source of infection for humans. Thus, several studies have been carried out in an attempt to describe factors involved in the infection by this protozoan. This work addresses clinical and pathological aspects of toxoplasmosis and reviews the epidemiological characteristics favorable for T. gondii infection (AU)

Características epidemiológicas da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em caprinos

Toxoplasma gondii, parasito do filo Apicomplexa e possui os felídeos como hospedeiros definitivos e aves e mamíferos como hospedeiros intermediários. Nos caprinos a toxoplasmose pode levar a abortos, natimortos, mumificação fetal e nascimento de crias debilitadas. O isolamento de parasitos viáveis de tecidos comestíveis, bem como de leite caprino revelam a importância desta espécie como fonte de infecção para os seres humanos. Assim, estudos são realizados na tentativa de descrever os fatores envolvidos na infecção por este protozoário. Este trabalho aborda aspectos clínicos e patológicos da toxoplasmose e faz uma revisão das características epidemiológicas favoráveis a infecção por T. gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii, parasite of the Apicomplexa phylum that has felids as definitive hosts and birds and mammals as intermediate hosts. In goats, toxoplasmosis can lead to abortion, stillbirths, fetal mummification and birth of weak goat kids. Isolation of viable parasites from edible tissues as well as goat milk reveals the importance of this species as a source of infection for humans. Thus, several studies have been carried out in an attempt to describe factors involved in the infection by this protozoan. This work addresses clinical and pathological aspects of toxoplasmosis and reviews the epidemiological characteristics favorable for T. gondii infection

Intoxicação por antibiótico ionóforo em ruminantes alimentados com varredura de fábrica de ração Relato de caso / Ionophore antibiotics poisoning of ruminants after feeding with scraps from a ration factory - case report

Antibióticos ionóforos (AI) são fármacos utilizados em animais, principalmente como coccidiostáticos e promotores de crescimento. Podem causar intoxicação aguda ou crônica, induzindo lesões musculares esqueléticas e/ou cardíacas. São descritos os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos de um surto de intoxicação por AI em ovinos e bovinos que receberam sobras provenientes de uma fábrica de ração (popularmente conhecidas como varredura). Quatro horas após acesso à ração contaminada alguns ovinos foram encontrados mortos e vários outros estavam doentes. Os bovinos manifestaram sinais um dia após ingestão da ração, com morte após 4 a 20 dias. Estas consistiam em inapetência, fraqueza, relutância em movimentar-se, incoordenação, dispneia, decúbito lateral e morte. Morreram 61 ovinos (42,36% do rebanho) e oito bovinos jovens (24,24% do lote). Duas ovelhas doentes foram encaminhadas ao Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Lavras (SPV/DMV/UFLA). Devido à gravidade do quadro clínico foram submetidas a eutanásia. Na necropsia observaram-se áreas pálidas na musculatura, caracterizadas histologicamente por graus variáveis de necrose e regeneração em músculos esqueléticos e cardíaco. A análise cromatográfica (HPLC) de uma amostra da ração utilizada revelou 97,14 mg de monensina/kg de ração. O diagnóstico baseou-se nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, lesões macro e microscópicas e na análise toxicológica da ração oferecida aos animais. Embora a utilização de “varredura de fábrica de ração” pareça uma opção economicamente interessante aos produtores ela oferece riscos de intoxicação e/ou morte e não érecomendada.

Ionophore antibiotics (IA) are drugs used in animals, particularly as coccidiostats and growth promoters. They can cause acute or chronic poisoning, inducing skeletal and / or heart muscle injuries. This paper describes the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of an IA poisoning outbreak in sheep and cattle fed with leftovers from a animal ration factory. Four hours after the access to the contaminated feed, some sheep were found dead and several others were sick. The cattle manifested clinical signs one day after ingestion of the feed, with death 4 to 20 days after clinical onset. The signs consisted of inappetence, weakness, reluctance to move, incoordination, dyspnea, lateral decubitus and death. Of the sheep herd 61 (42.36%), and eight young cattle (24.24% of the lot) died. Two sick sheep were sent to the Veterinary Pathology Sector, Department of Veterinary Medicine of the Federal University of Lavras (SPV/DMV/UFLA). Due to the severity of the clinical condition, both were euthanized. At necropsy were observed pale areas in the muscles, characterized histologically by varying degrees of necrosis and regeneration in skeletal and cardiac muscles. It was performed a chromatographic analysis (HPLC) of a sample of feed, which showed 97.14 mg monensin/kg of feed. The diagnosis was based on epidemiological, clinical, gross and histological findings, and toxicological analysis of the feed used. Although the use of "scan feed mill" seems an economically attractive option for producers it presents risks and is not recommended.

Intoxicação por antibiótico ionóforo em ruminantes alimentados com varredura de fábrica de ração Relato de caso / Ionophore antibiotics poisoning of ruminants after feeding with scraps from a ration factory - case report

Antibióticos ionóforos (AI) são fármacos utilizados em animais, principalmente como coccidiostáticos e promotores de crescimento. Podem causar intoxicação aguda ou crônica, induzindo lesões musculares esqueléticas e/ou cardíacas. São descritos os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos de um surto de intoxicação por AI em ovinos e bovinos que receberam sobras provenientes de uma fábrica de ração (popularmente conhecidas como varredura). Quatro horas após acesso à ração contaminada alguns ovinos foram encontrados mortos e vários outros estavam doentes. Os bovinos manifestaram sinais um dia após ingestão da ração, com morte após 4 a 20 dias. Estas consistiam em inapetência, fraqueza, relutância em movimentar-se, incoordenação, dispneia, decúbito lateral e morte. Morreram 61 ovinos (42,36% do rebanho) e oito bovinos jovens (24,24% do lote). Duas ovelhas doentes foram encaminhadas ao Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Lavras (SPV/DMV/UFLA). Devido à gravidade do quadro clínico foram submetidas a eutanásia. Na necropsia observaram-se áreas pálidas na musculatura, caracterizadas histologicamente por graus variáveis de necrose e regeneração em músculos esqueléticos e cardíaco. A análise cromatográfica (HPLC) de uma amostra da ração utilizada revelou 97,14 mg de monensina/kg de ração. O diagnóstico baseou-se nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, lesões macro e microscópicas e na análise toxicológica da ração oferecida aos animais. Embora a utilização de “varredura de fábrica de ração” pareça uma opção economicamente interessante aos produtores ela oferece riscos de intoxicação e/ou morte e não érecomendada.(AU)

Ionophore antibiotics (IA) are drugs used in animals, particularly as coccidiostats and growth promoters. They can cause acute or chronic poisoning, inducing skeletal and / or heart muscle injuries. This paper describes the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of an IA poisoning outbreak in sheep and cattle fed with leftovers from a animal ration factory. Four hours after the access to the contaminated feed, some sheep were found dead and several others were sick. The cattle manifested clinical signs one day after ingestion of the feed, with death 4 to 20 days after clinical onset. The signs consisted of inappetence, weakness, reluctance to move, incoordination, dyspnea, lateral decubitus and death. Of the sheep herd 61 (42.36%), and eight young cattle (24.24% of the lot) died. Two sick sheep were sent to the Veterinary Pathology Sector, Department of Veterinary Medicine of the Federal University of Lavras (SPV/DMV/UFLA). Due to the severity of the clinical condition, both were euthanized. At necropsy were observed pale areas in the muscles, characterized histologically by varying degrees of necrosis and regeneration in skeletal and cardiac muscles. It was performed a chromatographic analysis (HPLC) of a sample of feed, which showed 97.14 mg monensin/kg of feed. The diagnosis was based on epidemiological, clinical, gross and histological findings, and toxicological analysis of the feed used. Although the use of "scan feed mill" seems an economically attractive option for producers it presents risks and is not recommended.(AU)

Chronic hepatopathy in dogs due to long-term treatment with Phenobarbital / Hepatopatia crônica associada a tratamento prolongado com fenobarbital em caninos

Chronic liver diseases are common in dogs, however, their causes are often undetermined. They have been associated with long-term phenobarbital therapy, used in large-scale as anticonvulsivant drug in small animal clinics. In the investigation of etiology for liver disease in dogs its important to check the prolonged use of phenobarbital. A retrospective study of canine necropsies performed at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, was made from 2000 to 2010, and two cases of chronic diffuse hepatopathy in dogs under phenobarbital therapy (more than six months of treatment) were diagnosed. The main macroscopic findings, such as smaller, firmer and irregular surface of liver, ascites and other sites edema, and portosystemic shunts were observed. Histologically, the most important lesions were observed in the liver. There were diffuse fibrosis, bile ducts proliferation, mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, cholestasis, and, in one case also occurred regenerating nodules of hepatocytes with vacuolization of hepatocytes cytoplasm. The diagnosis of chronic hepatopathy was based on these findings, and the intensity of the injuries was consistent with the time of treatment using phenobarbital.(AU)

Doenças hepáticas crônicas são frequentes em caninos e, muitas vezes, não tem causa determinada. Têm sido relacionadas com terapia prolongada com fenobarbital, fármaco usado com frequência na rotina da clínica de pequenos animais, sendo importante a verificação do uso prolongado de fenobarbital na investigação da causa da hepatopatia. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos arquivos de necropsias do Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul no período de 2000 a 2010 e identificados dois casos de hepatopatia crônica em caninos com histórico de uso de fenobarbital por período superior a seis meses. Os achados mais relevantes nos exames de necropsia foram fígado reduzido de volume, firme e com superfície irregular; ascite e edema em outras localizações; além de desvios vasculares portossistêmicos. No exame histológico do fígado havia fibrose difusa, proliferação de ductos biliares, infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear, colestase e, em um dos casos, nódulos de regeneração com vacuolização hepatocelular. Os achados macro e microscópicos determinaram o diagnóstico de hepatopatia crônica e a intensidade das lesões foi condizente com o tempo de uso do fenobarbital.(AU)

Cerebellar abiotrophy in an American Staffordshire Terrier adult dog in Brazil / Abiotrofia cerebelar em um canino American Staffordshire Terrier adulto no Brasil

Background: Cerebellar abiotrophy is a spontaneous, progressive degenerative disease of the cerebellum in which Purkinje cell loss and functional disorders occur secondary to an intrinsic metabolic defect. Clinically, all animals with cerebellar abiotrophy are normal at birth, and neurological signs become evident during development. This work aimed to report and describe a case of cerebellar cortical abiotrophy in an adult American Staffordshire Terrier in Brazil, highlighting the pathologic findings of the cerebellar lesions. Case: A 10-year-old female American Staffordshire Terrier presented with a 3-year history of progressive neurological changes. These changes began with mild ataxia of the hind limbs that involved the forelimbs after 2 years. In the recent months prior to presentation, the patient spent most of her time lying down with a head tilt. When she stood with her head raised, she exhibited abasia and required a broad base of support. When she attempted to walk, she quickly fell and rolled over if not supported. She could not eat on her own because of intense intention tremors. Because of the severity of her condition, the decision was made to euthanize the animal. Necropsy examination revealed no significant findings. Various organ specimens were collected, fixed in 10% formalin, and processed for routine histology. The tissue sections were stained with...(AU)

Cerebellar abiotrophy in an American Staffordshire Terrier adult dog in Brazil / Abiotrofia cerebelar em um canino American Staffordshire Terrier adulto no Brasil

Background: Cerebellar abiotrophy is a spontaneous, progressive degenerative disease of the cerebellum in which Purkinje cell loss and functional disorders occur secondary to an intrinsic metabolic defect. Clinically, all animals with cerebellar abiotrophy are normal at birth, and neurological signs become evident during development. This work aimed to report and describe a case of cerebellar cortical abiotrophy in an adult American Staffordshire Terrier in Brazil, highlighting the pathologic findings of the cerebellar lesions. Case: A 10-year-old female American Staffordshire Terrier presented with a 3-year history of progressive neurological changes. These changes began with mild ataxia of the hind limbs that involved the forelimbs after 2 years. In the recent months prior to presentation, the patient spent most of her time lying down with a head tilt. When she stood with her head raised, she exhibited abasia and required a broad base of support. When she attempted to walk, she quickly fell and rolled over if not supported. She could not eat on her own because of intense intention tremors. Because of the severity of her condition, the decision was made to euthanize the animal. Necropsy examination revealed no significant findings. Various organ specimens were collected, fixed in 10% formalin, and processed for routine histology. The tissue sections were stained with...

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...

Narcolepsia sintomática em um cão com macroadenoma hipofisário / Symptomatic narcolepsy in a dog with hypophisary macroadenoma

Background: Narcolepsy is a neurologic sleep disorder, in humans characterized by excessive and recurrent daytime sleepiness, rapid eye movement in the beginning of the sleep, in association with hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis, with or without cataplexy. In dogs, the characteristic symptom is cataplexy and narcolepsy exists in two forms, one genetic and one acquired. This article describes one case of narcolepsy as a symptom due to an adenohypophysis tumor. Case: Dog presenting progressive signs of appetite loss, incoordination and constant falling. At clinical evaluation, the dog presented cachexia, hipocolored mucosae and compulsively walking in circles to the right, the four limbs collapsed from physical exhaustion, remaining in a narcoleptic state. Complementary exams, like x-ray, ultrasonography, hemogram and biochemical examination did not show significant alterations. The patient was hospitalized for recovery of general status and corticoid treatment was initiated, but after two days it died. Necropsy reported that the cause of death was 180º gastric torsion and adrenals presented diffuse and marked enlargement of the cortical layer, 1.5 cm diameter neoplasia at the base of the brain and 0.5 cm diameter cavitation in the cerebral parenchyma. In the microscopic examination, adrenals were hyperplastic at the cortical region and there was round cell proliferation, with some basophilic cytoplasm and others more eosinophilic at the hypophysis with parenchyma nervous tissue invasion, reaching the diagnosis of macroadenoma of adenohypophysis chromophil cells. Discussion: secondary or symptomatic narcolepsy is not commonly described in animals, with just one case report being found in the literature, in which the patient presented narcolepsy-cataplexy secondary to post-vaccination encephalitis. In humans, it has been reported in cases of hypothalamic pathologies, like Niemann-Pick type C disease, neoplasia, trauma, vascular issues, post-encephalitis, agenesis of the corpus callosum, sarcoidosis, neurocysticercosis and limbic encephalitis. In the described case, probably, there was an infi ltration from the hypophysis macroadenoma to the adjacent tissues, causing destruction and compression of hypothalamic neurons. The hypophisary macroadenomas, with nervous symptoms, occur due to tumor dorsal extention, dorso-caudal direction, comprising and invading the hypothalamus and the third ventricle. The most common signs are apathy, ataxy, behavioral changes, sight reduction and facial paralysis, being some of these symptoms observed in the present case. According to several reports in humans, the hypocretin levels (neurotransmitter which presents the function of sleep regulation, alertness and food intake) is used to diagnose narcolepsy, however, in case of secondary narcolepsy, the neurotransmitter can or not be decreased. Cases in which it had normal amount, the authors based on clinical signs concluded that the hypocretinergic system (hypocretin-1 and 2, and its respective receptors) would be compromised. The patient died before the hypocretin dosage was performed to confirm secondary narcolepsy. For that, it would be necessary to collect cephalorachidian fluid, under sedation, but the dog was not in adequate physical condition to go under such procedure. Because of that, it was concluded that, by symptomatology, its hypocretinergic system was affected, because the location of the tumor lesion is similar to other cases reported in humans.

Linfadenite caseosa como causa de paralisia de membros pélvicos em ovinos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Caseous ymphadenitis as a cause of hind limb paralysis in sheep in Rio Grande do Sul State

Background: Caseous lymphadenitis (CL), an infectious disease of sheep and goats caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is characterized by pyogranulomas, white to greenish-yellow contents with aspect of rennet-coagulated cheese, and concentric laminations. Transmission occurs through direct contact with animals showing superficial lesions, via iatrogenic, or by respiratory route from aerosols. This paper reports the association of pyogranulomatous spondylitis with caseous lymphadenitis in two sheep, in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. Cases: Two male sheep, 7- and 6-months-old, Texel (lamb 1) and mixed Texel (lamb 2), respectively, were submitted to necropsy. Affected sheep were reared under semi-intensive system in the same group, and had not been tail-docked. Both lambs showed weakness, diarrhea and paralysis of hind limbs. At necropsy, sheep had good body conditions, pale mucous membranes and large numbers of Haemonchus sp. worms within the abomasum. Lamb 1 showed serous fat atrophy and two abscesse-like lesions, one measuring 3.0 cm in diameter in the left apical lung lobe and other affecting the last lumbar vertebrae body. In lamb 2 there were three lesions like abscesses, a thoracic lesion involving the 13th vertebrae and the 1st lumbar vertebrae, a 3.0 cm in diameter lesion in the left axillary region, and a 1.5 cm lung lesion in the left apical lobe, apart of a calcified nodule with 0.5 cm in diameter in the diaphragmatic lobe. Histologically, these lesions were characterized by areas of caseous necrosis with foci of mineralization associated with peripheral infl ammatory infi ltrate rich in neutrophils surrounded by macrophages, epithelioid cells and occasional multinucleated giant cells and plasma cells and peripheral abundant fi brous connective tissue proliferation. In the vertebral bodies these lesions were partly surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, and in lamb 1 reached the dura mater, while in lamb 2, it extends to the spinal cord with pyogranulomatous myelitis, characterized by foci containing large amounts of neutrophils, surrounded by macrophages and epithelioid cells. There was thickening of blood vessel walls, with macrophages within or around them. Spinal cord injury affects both gray and white matter, with peripheral axonal spheroids. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis grew in pure culture upon microbiological tests from samples of lung and vertebral lesions from both cases. Discussion: This paper describes, originally, caseous lymphadenitis as a cause of hind limb paralysis in sheep in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The association of the macroscopic and histological findings with the isolation of C. pseudotuberculosis allowed us to relate pyogranulomatous spondylitis with caseous lymphadenitis. The spondylitis and spinal cord compression and/or myelitis may explain the hind limb paralysis. The spread of the pathogen was probably hematogenous to the lungs and the other parts of the body. The hematogenous osteomyelitis caused by bacterial infection affects often young animals in the area of vascularization of the growth plate and epiphyseal articular complex. The blood vessels of these sites allow the bacterial installation due to slow flow and the blood turbulence in the larger descending vascular branches, but also due to lowed phagocytic capacity and discontinuity between endothelial cells. These factors, in addition to the antiphagocytic action of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in endothelial cells may explain the location at spinal lesions of caseous lymphadenitis in these sheep.

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.

Chronic hepatopathy in dogs due to long-term treatment with Phenobarbital / Hepatopatia crônica associada a tratamento prolongado com fenobarbital em caninos

Chronic liver diseases are common in dogs, however, their causes are often undetermined. They have been associated with long-term phenobarbital therapy, used in large-scale as anticonvulsivant drug in small animal clinics. In the investigation of etiology for liver disease in dogs its important to check the prolonged use of phenobarbital. A retrospective study of canine necropsies performed at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, was made from 2000 to 2010, and two cases of chronic diffuse hepatopathy in dogs under phenobarbital therapy (more than six months of treatment) were diagnosed. The main macroscopic findings, such as smaller, firmer and irregular surface of liver, ascites and other sites edema, and portosystemic shunts were observed. Histologically, the most important lesions were observed in the liver. There were diffuse fibrosis, bile ducts proliferation, mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, cholestasis, and, in one case also occurred regenerating nodules of hepatocytes with vacuolization of hepatocytes cytoplasm. The diagnosis of chronic hepatopathy was based on these findings, and the intensity of the injuries was consistent with the time of treatment using phenobarbital.

Doenças hepáticas crônicas são frequentes em caninos e, muitas vezes, não tem causa determinada. Têm sido relacionadas com terapia prolongada com fenobarbital, fármaco usado com frequência na rotina da clínica de pequenos animais, sendo importante a verificação do uso prolongado de fenobarbital na investigação da causa da hepatopatia. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos arquivos de necropsias do Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul no período de 2000 a 2010 e identificados dois casos de hepatopatia crônica em caninos com histórico de uso de fenobarbital por período superior a seis meses. Os achados mais relevantes nos exames de necropsia foram fígado reduzido de volume, firme e com superfície irregular; ascite e edema em outras localizações; além de desvios vasculares portossistêmicos. No exame histológico do fígado havia fibrose difusa, proliferação de ductos biliares, infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear, colestase e, em um dos casos, nódulos de regeneração com vacuolização hepatocelular. Os achados macro e microscópicos determinaram o diagnóstico de hepatopatia crônica e a intensidade das lesões foi condizente com o tempo de uso do fenobarbital.