Intestinal parasites in free-living Puma concolor

Background: Studies on intestinal parasites in cougars Puma concolor are scarce, and most of the available information on the species has been derived from individuals in captivity. One of the greatest threats to the survival of wild cats is habitat loss caused by urban sprawl, agricultural matrix, and linear developments such as highways and railways, which expose animals to direct contact with humans and to a high risk of death. Given the lack of scientific data the objective of this study was to report on the occurrence of intestinal parasites in a cougar (P. concolor) specimen from the northwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil. Case: The carcass of a free-living cougar (P. concolor) individual was sent to the Interdisciplinary Science Museum (Museu Interdisciplinar de Ciências - MIC) of Paranaense University (Universidade Paranaense - UNIPAR); an individual was killed during a collision with an unidentified vehicle on highway PR-486, in the municipality of Mariluz (PR, Brazil). The geographical coordinates of the location where the animal was found are: 23°59′29″S, 53°8′47″W. This region is characterized by semi-deciduous seasonal forest remnants. After being identified on site and collected by the inspectors of the Paraná Environmental Institute (Instituto Ambiental do Paraná - IAP), the cadaver was donated to the MIC (by the IAP) for a necropsy to elucidate the cause of death. In this context, the cadaver was sent to the Animal Pathology section of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at UNIPAR. The animal was necropsied by performing the standard necropsy technique for carnivores: opening the intestine through the mesentery and exposing the mucosa from the duodenum to the colon...

Intestinal parasites in free-living Puma concolor

Background: Studies on intestinal parasites in cougars Puma concolor are scarce, and most of the available information on the species has been derived from individuals in captivity. One of the greatest threats to the survival of wild cats is habitat loss caused by urban sprawl, agricultural matrix, and linear developments such as highways and railways, which expose animals to direct contact with humans and to a high risk of death. Given the lack of scientific data the objective of this study was to report on the occurrence of intestinal parasites in a cougar (P. concolor) specimen from the northwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil. Case: The carcass of a free-living cougar (P. concolor) individual was sent to the Interdisciplinary Science Museum (Museu Interdisciplinar de Ciências - MIC) of Paranaense University (Universidade Paranaense - UNIPAR); an individual was killed during a collision with an unidentified vehicle on highway PR-486, in the municipality of Mariluz (PR, Brazil). The geographical coordinates of the location where the animal was found are: 23°59′29″S, 53°8′47″W. This region is characterized by semi-deciduous seasonal forest remnants. After being identified on site and collected by the inspectors of the Paraná Environmental Institute (Instituto Ambiental do Paraná - IAP), the cadaver was donated to the MIC (by the IAP) for a necropsy to elucidate the cause of death. In this context, the cadaver was sent to the Animal Pathology section of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at UNIPAR. The animal was necropsied by performing the standard necropsy technique for carnivores: opening the intestine through the mesentery and exposing the mucosa from the duodenum to the colon...(AU)

Monitoramento de espécie guarda-chuva Puma concolor (Felidae Mammalia: Carnivora) empregando amostras não invasivas

O Brasil é um país megadiverso detentor de grande parte da riqueza ecológica do mundo, porém seus biomas, importantes devido aos serviços ecossistêmicos, sofrem com a pressão antrópica. Assim, os grandes predadores, que possuem efeito regulatório no ecossistema, geram conflitos direto com o homem. O Puma concolor é um predador generalista, atuando no perfil trófico onde reside. Estudos de populações in situ são importantes na elaboração de planos de manejo e a utilização de amostras não invasivas nos permitem ter acesso a informações biológicas a baixo custo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de amostras não invasivas para contribuir com informações nos planos conservacionistas da região. Foram percorridas bordas de mata e áreas de transição da APA-Botucatu. As amostras de fezes encontradas foram georreferenciadas, coletadas, selecionadas, fotografadas, classificadas e seu DNA extraído por meio da técnica empregando fenol/clorofórmio. O DNA obtido foi quantificado em espectrofotômetro e sua qualidade avaliada em eletroforese. Trinta e cinco amostras foram classificadas quanto ao seu grau de degradação, submetidas à extração de DNA e seu produto avaliado. A presença de material genético nas fezes frescas ou pouco degradadas apresentaram maiores concentrações de DNA além de melhor qualidade quando comparadas com as mais degradadas. Estes resultados evidenciam que, o DNA obtido empregando metodologia de baixo custo, possui quantidade e qualidade suficientes para seu emprego em técnicas de biologia molecular com a acurácia necessária. Além disso, este material biológico pode responder diversas questões biológicas tais como ecologia trófica, parasitismo, comportamento territorial, entre outros.

Brazil is a highly diverse country that holds a significant part of the worlds ecological wealth. However, its biomes, important due to its role in the ecosystemic services, suffer from anthropic pressure. Therefore, large predators, that have regulatory effect on the ecosystem, generate direct conflicts with humans. The Puma concolor is a large generalist predator that acts on the trophic profile where it lives. Populational studies in situ are important for the elaboration of management plans and the use of non-invasive samples allow us to have access to biological informations at a low cost. This project aimed to evaluate the use of non-invasive samples in conservationist plans of the region. Transitioning areas and edges of Forrest were analysed and samples of faeces were collected, selected, geo-referenced, photographed and classified. The DNA was extracted using phenol/chloroform and quantified with spectrophotometer and its quality was analysed through electrophoresis. 35 samples were classified regarding the degradation level, submitted to DNA extractions and its product evaluated. The presence of genetic material in the fresh faeces or low degraded showed higher concentrations of DNA and better quality of this material in comparison to the higher degraded samples. This results show that the DNA obtained through a non-invasive method (low cost methodology) can provide enough quality and quantity for molecular biology analyses while also be used to answer other different biological issues, such as trophic chain, parasitism, territorial behaviour, among others. Making the use of this methodology financially viable for this type of study.

Aspectos radiográficos do hiperparatireoidismo nutricional em uma suçuarana (Puma concolor) / Radiographic aspects of nutritional hyperparathyroidism in a cougar (Puma concolor)

Background: Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (SNH) is a metabolic disease related to calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and causes generalized bone dystrophy. It occurs especially when animals are fed diets which contain proportionally high levels of phosphorus. SNH has been diagnosed in various large feline species such as jaguars, tigers, lions and leopards by means of biochemical and radiographic exams. Even though the feeding habits of these animals are well known, mistakes regarding administration of diets to animals in captivity are common, the most frequent being feeding them exclusively meat. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiographic findings of SNH in a cougar kept in captivity. Case: An approximately 9-month-old cougar (Puma concolor) which had been fed an exclusive meat diet was referred to the UFMT Veterinary Hospital after a period of diet correction and oral supplementation with calcium. The animal exhibited hind limb ambulation problems, poor nutritional condition and constipation. Radiographic examination revealed a slight skeletal density reduction, severe angular deformities of the hind limb bones, thickening of the femoral diaphysis, abnormal curvatures of the tibiae and calcanei, lateral displacement of the patellae and narrowing of the pelvic canal. Additionally to the skeletal alterations, there was intense colonic impaction caused by exacerbated accumulation of segmented, highly radiopaque feces. Discussion: In their natural habitat, wild carnivores eat not only meat but also organs like liver, intestines and bones, which suffice the body's needs for essential minerals and vitamins. A meat exclusive diet with no calcium and vitamin D supplementation results in imbalance of calcium and phosphorus levels as well as an increase in the parathyroid hormone levels in the serum. Increased levels of this hormone cause bone resorption and generalized decrease in skeletal density and resistance which can be identified by means of radiographic exams. In this report, the animal exhibited history, clinical signs and radiographic findings similar to cases of SNH in other large felines. Prolonged meat exclusive diet administration caused marked deformities of the pelvis and hind limb bones which were reflected by severe problems in locomotion and defecation. Radiographs showed the existence of angular deformities in several long bones, alterations in shape and of the cortical and medullary portions of the bones, and also the presence of numerous radiopaque lines indicative of fracture consolidation. However, contrary to findings described in other reports, there was only a focal reduction in bone density, probably owing to the balanced diet and treatment employed before the radiographs were taken. Furthermore, in this case constipation occurred simultaneously to the skeletal problems. As reported for domestic animals, the most plausible explanation for the fecal retention observed is mechanical compression of the rectum by the deformed pelvic bones. The present report demonstrates that nutritional hyperparathyroidism can occur in cougars, with characteristics similar to those observed in domestic cats and other large felines. Additionally, it can be diagnosed based on epidemiological data, clinical findings and radiographic imaging.

Radiographic aspects of nutritional hyperparathyroidism in a cougar (Puma concolor) / Aspectos radiográfi cos do hiperparatireoidismo nutricional em uma suçuarana (Puma concolor)

Background: Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (SNH) is a metabolic disease related to calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and causes generalized bone dystrophy. It occurs especially when animals are fed diets which contain proportionally high levels of phosphorus. SNH has been diagnosed in various large feline species such as jaguars, tigers, lions and leopards by means of biochemical and radiographic exams. Even though the feeding habits of these animals are well known, mistakes regarding administration of diets to animals in captivity are common, the most frequent being feeding them exclusively meat. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiographic fi ndings of SNH in a cougar kept in captivity. Case: An approximately 9-month-old cougar (Puma concolor) which had been fed an exclusive meat diet was referred to the UFMT Veterinary Hospital after a period of diet correction and oral supplementation with calcium. The animal exhibited hind limb ambulation problems, poor nutritional condition and constipation. Radiographic examination revealed a slight skeletal density reduction, severe angular deformities of the hind limb bones, thickening of the femoral diaphysis, abnormal curvatures of the tibiae and calcanei, lateral displacement of the patellae and narrowing of the pelvic canal. Additionally to the skeletal alterations, there was intense colonic impac

Background: Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (SNH) is a metabolic disease related to calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and causes generalized bone dystrophy. It occurs especially when animals are fed diets which contain proportionally high levels of phosphorus. SNH has been diagnosed in various large feline species such as jaguars, tigers, lions and leopards by means of biochemical and radiographic exams. Even though the feeding habits of these animals are well known, mistakes regarding administration of diets to animals in captivity are common, the most frequent being feeding them exclusively meat. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiographic fi ndings of SNH in a cougar kept in captivity. Case: An approximately 9-month-old cougar (Puma concolor) which had been fed an exclusive meat diet was referred to the UFMT Veterinary Hospital after a period of diet correction and oral supplementation with calcium. The animal exhibited hind limb ambulation problems, poor nutritional condition and constipation. Radiographic examination revealed a slight skeletal density reduction, severe angular deformities of the hind limb bones, thickening of the femoral diaphysis, abnormal curvatures of the tibiae and calcanei, lateral displacement of the patellae and narrowing of the pelvic canal. Additionally to the skeletal alterations, there was intense colonic impac

Traumatismo craniano em uma Puma concolor - relato de caso / Cranial trauma in a Puma concolor - case report / Trauma craneano en Puma concolor - reporte de un caso

Traumatismos são comuns em felinos, e frequentemente envolvem lesões craniofaciais que variam muito em termos de gravidade. Os animais podem apresentar lesões neurológicas graves, bem como comprometimento do sistema cardiorrespiratório. Dessa forma, o manejo desses pacientes pode ser desafiador, tanto a curto como a longo prazo. A rápida estabilização e a monitoração intensiva no período inicial maximizam as perspectivas de êxito. A terapia de escolha varia de acordo com os sinais neurológicos, porém, em animais com déficits neurológicos graves a descompressão cirúrgica é preconizada. A craniotomia consiste na remoção de uma parte do crânio. Relata-se uma craniotomia em um felino da espécie Puma concolor. No exame clínico, o animal apresentava aumento de volume em região encefálica, com fratura em região frontal e estado de coma. Além da terapia de suporte, optou-se pela craniotomia e pela retirada de aproximadamente 25% da massa encefálica necrosada, além de coágulos. 72 horas após o procedimento cirúrgico, o animal apresentou melhora clínica de valor 15 na escala de Glasgow. Assim, a craniotomia é um tratamento eficaz para a redução da pressão intracraniana.

Injuries are common in cats, and often involve craniofacial lesions that vary in severity. Animals can have severe neurological injuries, as well as impairment of the cardiorespiratory system. Thus, both short and long-term management of these patients can be challenging. Quick stabilization and intensive monitoring during the initial period maximize the chances of success. The therapy of choice varies with neurological signs, but surgical decompression is recommended in animals with severe neurological deficits. Craniotomy involves removing a portion of the cranium. This article reports a craniotomy in a Puma concolor. Upon clinical examination, the animal presented increased brain volume with a fracture in the frontal region as well as a comatose state. Besides supportive therapy, we opted for craniotomy and removal of approximately 25% of necrotic brain tissue and blood clots. 72 hours after surgery the animal showed a clinical improvement equivalent to value 15 on the Glasgow coma scale. Therefore, craniotomy is an effective treatment for the reduction of intracranial pressure.

Las lesiones traumáticas suelen ser comunes en los felinos, varían en relación a su gravedad y frecuentemente afectan la región del cráneo y cara. Los animales pueden presentar lesiones neurológicas graves, así como también lesiones en el sistema cardiorespiratorio. Por estas razones, el manejo de estas pacientes suele ser un desafío, tanto a corto como a largo plazo. Una estabilización rápida y el monitoreo intensivo durante el período inicial aumentan las perspectivas de éxito. La terapéutica suele variar de acuerdo a los signos neurológicos, y en casos de pacientes con lesiones neurológicas graves se preconiza la descompresión quirúrgica. La craneotomía se define como la retirada de una parte del cráneo. En el presente trabajo se relata una craneotomía realizada en un felino de la especie Puma concolor. Durante el examen clínico el animal presentaba un aumento de volumen en la región encefálica, con fractura de la región frontal, y se encontraba en coma. Además de la terapia de soporte, se decidió realizar la craneotomia y retirada de aproximadamente un 25% de la masa encefálica que se encontraba necrosada, además de las coágulos presentes. Setenta y dos horas después del procedimiento quirúrgico, el animal presentaba una mejoría clínica de 15 en la escala de Glasgow. Así, la craneotomía se mostró como un tratamiento eficiente para la reducción de la presión intracraneana.

Traumatismo craniano em uma Puma concolor - relato de caso / Cranial trauma in a Puma concolor - case report / Trauma craneano en Puma concolor - reporte de un caso

Traumatismos são comuns em felinos, e frequentemente envolvem lesões craniofaciais que variam muito em termos de gravidade. Os animais podem apresentar lesões neurológicas graves, bem como comprometimento do sistema cardiorrespiratório. Dessa forma, o manejo desses pacientes pode ser desafiador, tanto a curto como a longo prazo. A rápida estabilização e a monitoração intensiva no período inicial maximizam as perspectivas de êxito. A terapia de escolha varia de acordo com os sinais neurológicos, porém, em animais com déficits neurológicos graves a descompressão cirúrgica é preconizada. A craniotomia consiste na remoção de uma parte do crânio. Relata-se uma craniotomia em um felino da espécie Puma concolor. No exame clínico, o animal apresentava aumento de volume em região encefálica, com fratura em região frontal e estado de coma. Além da terapia de suporte, optou-se pela craniotomia e pela retirada de aproximadamente 25% da massa encefálica necrosada, além de coágulos. 72 horas após o procedimento cirúrgico, o animal apresentou melhora clínica de valor 15 na escala de Glasgow. Assim, a craniotomia é um tratamento eficaz para a redução da pressão intracraniana.(AU)

Injuries are common in cats, and often involve craniofacial lesions that vary in severity. Animals can have severe neurological injuries, as well as impairment of the cardiorespiratory system. Thus, both short and long-term management of these patients can be challenging. Quick stabilization and intensive monitoring during the initial period maximize the chances of success. The therapy of choice varies with neurological signs, but surgical decompression is recommended in animals with severe neurological deficits. Craniotomy involves removing a portion of the cranium. This article reports a craniotomy in a Puma concolor. Upon clinical examination, the animal presented increased brain volume with a fracture in the frontal region as well as a comatose state. Besides supportive therapy, we opted for craniotomy and removal of approximately 25% of necrotic brain tissue and blood clots. 72 hours after surgery the animal showed a clinical improvement equivalent to value 15 on the Glasgow coma scale. Therefore, craniotomy is an effective treatment for the reduction of intracranial pressure.(AU)

Las lesiones traumáticas suelen ser comunes en los felinos, varían en relación a su gravedad y frecuentemente afectan la región del cráneo y cara. Los animales pueden presentar lesiones neurológicas graves, así como también lesiones en el sistema cardiorespiratorio. Por estas razones, el manejo de estas pacientes suele ser un desafío, tanto a corto como a largo plazo. Una estabilización rápida y el monitoreo intensivo durante el período inicial aumentan las perspectivas de éxito. La terapéutica suele variar de acuerdo a los signos neurológicos, y en casos de pacientes con lesiones neurológicas graves se preconiza la descompresión quirúrgica. La craneotomía se define como la retirada de una parte del cráneo. En el presente trabajo se relata una craneotomía realizada en un felino de la especie Puma concolor. Durante el examen clínico el animal presentaba un aumento de volumen en la región encefálica, con fractura de la región frontal, y se encontraba en coma. Además de la terapia de soporte, se decidió realizar la craneotomia y retirada de aproximadamente un 25% de la masa encefálica que se encontraba necrosada, además de las coágulos presentes. Setenta y dos horas después del procedimiento quirúrgico, el animal presentaba una mejoría clínica de 15 en la escala de Glasgow. Así, la craneotomía se mostró como un tratamiento eficiente para la reducción de la presión intracraneana.(AU)

Radiographic aspects of nutritional hyperparathyroidism in a cougar (Puma concolor) / Aspectos radiográfi cos do hiperparatireoidismo nutricional em uma suçuarana (Puma concolor)

Background: Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (SNH) is a metabolic disease related to calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and causes generalized bone dystrophy. It occurs especially when animals are fed diets which contain proportionally high levels of phosphorus. SNH has been diagnosed in various large feline species such as jaguars, tigers, lions and leopards by means of biochemical and radiographic exams. Even though the feeding habits of these animals are well known, mistakes regarding administration of diets to animals in captivity are common, the most frequent being feeding them exclusively meat. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiographic fi ndings of SNH in a cougar kept in captivity. Case: An approximately 9-month-old cougar (Puma concolor) which had been fed an exclusive meat diet was referred to the UFMT Veterinary Hospital after a period of diet correction and oral supplementation with calcium. The animal exhibited hind limb ambulation problems, poor nutritional condition and constipation. Radiographic examination revealed a slight skeletal density reduction, severe angular deformities of the hind limb bones, thickening of the femoral diaphysis, abnormal curvatures of the tibiae and calcanei, lateral displacement of the patellae and narrowing of the pelvic canal. Additionally to the skeletal alterations, there was intense colonic impac

Background: Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism (SNH) is a metabolic disease related to calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and causes generalized bone dystrophy. It occurs especially when animals are fed diets which contain proportionally high levels of phosphorus. SNH has been diagnosed in various large feline species such as jaguars, tigers, lions and leopards by means of biochemical and radiographic exams. Even though the feeding habits of these animals are well known, mistakes regarding administration of diets to animals in captivity are common, the most frequent being feeding them exclusively meat. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiographic fi ndings of SNH in a cougar kept in captivity. Case: An approximately 9-month-old cougar (Puma concolor) which had been fed an exclusive meat diet was referred to the UFMT Veterinary Hospital after a period of diet correction and oral supplementation with calcium. The animal exhibited hind limb ambulation problems, poor nutritional condition and constipation. Radiographic examination revealed a slight skeletal density reduction, severe angular deformities of the hind limb bones, thickening of the femoral diaphysis, abnormal curvatures of the tibiae and calcanei, lateral displacement of the patellae and narrowing of the pelvic canal. Additionally to the skeletal alterations, there was intense colonic impac