Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs

Background: Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) is a critical cause of neurological disorders in dogs, mainly affecting small young individuals. Its symptomatology is varied and depends on the affected neuroanatomic region. The ante mortem diagnosis of this condition is uncertain, being achieved by discarding other conditions and often occurring definitively only by performing a necropsy. Thus, this study aims to report 2 cases of meningoencephalitis, one necrotizing and the other granulomatous in dogs. Cases: Case 1. A 3-year-old, Shih Tzu bitch with a body weight of 4 kg, showing proprioceptive ataxia, behavior of walking in circles, and evolving rapidly to non-ambulatory paresis, was treated. The neurological examination showed a posture of decerebrate stiffness and absence of withdrawal reflex and proprioception, suggesting brainstem injury. Laboratory tests showed mild neutrophilia and lymphopenia, while the rapid test for distemper was non-reactive. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and the PCR tests of the CSF, blood, and urine for the detection of infectious diseases were negative, as well as the culture. With no improvement in clinical condition and exams showing a progressive degenerative condition unresponsive to available treatments, the tutor opted for euthanasia of the patient. The subsequently requested necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalitis. Case 2. This case refers to a 1-year-and-5-month-old male Maltese breed weighing 4.8 kg. This animal presented walking in circles behavior and loss of vision for a week, with signs worsening rapidly. In the neurological evaluation, the patient presented sensitivity in the middle ear, difficulty opening the mouth, hearing deficit in the right ear, blindness in the right eye, a proprioceptive deficit in the right anterior limb, and head pressing. Laboratory tests showed nonregenerative anemia and mild lymphopenia. After 1 day of hospitalization, the patient showed worsening clinical condition, with obstruction, absence of facial and auricular sensitivity, and nasal stimulus. In addition, onset of generalized seizures was observed; therefore, CSF was analyzed, which did not present significant alterations except for detecting reactive lymphocytes. The bacteriological culture of CSF resulted in no bacterial growth. In addition, the same neurological PCR panel performed for the previous patient was negative. After 5 days of intensive care, the patient presented a cardiorespiratory arrest and died. The subsequently requested necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of necrotizing meningoencephalitis. Discussion: The 2 reported cases confirm that MUO should be considered during the differential diagnoses of patients with neurological alterations. It is known that small-breed dogs are predisposed to these diseases. Laboratory tests and medical imaging are crucial for clinical guidance, helping to discard other neurological pathologies, especially those due to bacterial, fungal, and/or viral agents. However, definitive diagnosis of MUO can only be performed through necropsy and histopathological analysis. For the reported cases, CSF analysis, neurological PCR panel for detecting possible infectious agents, and bacterial culture were essential to rule out other possible causes of meningoencephalitis. Unfortunately, MUO includes progressive neurological disorders causing the patient's death.

Gota úrica visceral em pato-do-mato (Cairina moschata) / Visceral uric gout in muscovy duck (Cairina moschata)

Background: Gout, a metabolic disease affecting multiple species, is frequent in birds which are uricotelic animals. It is primarily caused by hyperuricemia originating from birds' renal disorders with subsequent deposition of urate crystals into tissue. The location of the crystals determines the type of disease. Joint disease occurs with deposition inside and around joints, joint capsules, and tandine hems, while visceral disease occurs when the serous surface of visceral organs (mainly pericardium, liver, kidneys, air sacs, peritoneum, and spleen) are affected. This report describes a case of visceral uric gout in a Muscovy duck, which is rare. Case: An adult, male, Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata), kept under human care in a zoo, was referred to a veterinary clinic. The animal presented suddenly with prostration, ataxia, and anorexia, and died the following day. The body was sent to the Pathology Sector of Ritter dos Reis University Center (UniRitter) for a necropsy. During the necropsy, it was observed that white membranes, presenting a "chalk dust" appearance, were deposited under the serous layer of organs including the liver, kidneys, and pericardium. Following the necropsy and macroscopic evaluations, fragments of multiple organs were fixed in 10% formalin and processed routinely with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for histopathological evaluation in an analysis laboratory in Porto Alegre city. A deposition of amorphous eosinophilic material was identified in the intestine, liver (serous), kidneys, lungs, and heart (epicardium) with findings of serositis, nephritis, and fibrinous epicarditis. The liver parenchyma and lungs had areas of congestion. There was both moderate and intense hepatocellular degeneration as well as degeneration in the renal tubular cells. These macro and microscopic changes were compatible with urate crystal deposition which represents visceral uric gout. Discussion: As opposed to free-living birds, birds in captivity have easy access to food and are sedentary. These factors, together with inadequate food management, make nutritional disorders the main predisposing cause of uric gout in these animals. Since it was not possible to determine the causative factors of this individual animal's disease due to the absence of examinations while alive, a nutritional origin of this animal's demise was considered. According to prior reports, an important cause of avian disease can be attributed directly or indirectly to kidney dysfunction. In addition to a deposition of amorphous material in the renal cortex, this Muscovy duck had areas of tubular cell degeneration and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue. However, it was not possible to establish a cause and effect relationship between the renal damage and the uric gout. Despite being common in birds under human care, the disease still is challenging for veterinarians, since the diagnosis is often late and treatment is often ineffective. The absence of documentation of this disease in the Muscovy duck contributes to the difficulty in establishing predisposing factors and a distinct disease etiology. This highlights the importance of the present report and the need for new studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of visceral uric gout in a Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata). This highlights the importance of necroscopic examinations and the impact they can have in the clinical arena, especially in wild animals.

Anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, Brazil / Achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, Brasil

In order to determine the main anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, all necropsy records performed at the "Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária" of the "Universidade de Brasília" (LPV-UnB) on Testudines during the period from January 2008 to July 2020 were reviewed. The 72 cases reviewed were grouped and classified according to species, sex, origin, season of occurrence, and diagnosis. In 69.44% of the cases the species was informed in the necropsy protocols, which included Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) and Podocnemis expansa (2%). In 30.55% of the cases this parameter was not informed and were classified only as Testudines. In 41.66% of the cases the sex was informed, being female 22.22%, male 19.44%, and 58.33% were not informed. Of these animals 79.16% were from environmental agencies and 20.84% from zoos and/or guardians. In 70.83% of the animals analyzed they were directly related to the autumn and winter seasons, with June being the most frequent month (29.17%). The conclusive diagnosis was possible in 68.05% of the cases. The category of disorders caused by injurious agents (48.97%) was the most prevalent, followed by inflammatory disorders (32.65%) and nutritional and metabolic disorders (28.57%). The main diagnoses were carapace and/or plastron fracture with 30.61%, hepatic steatosis (20.40%) and pneumonia (10.22%). Most cases of carapace or plastron fracture and hepatic steatosis occurred in animals from environmental agencies.

Com o objetivo de determinar os principais achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, foram revisadas todas as fichas de necropsia realizadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade de Brasília (LPV-UnB) em Testudines, durante o período de janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2020. Os 72 casos revisados foram agrupados e classificados quanto à espécie, sexo, procedência, estação do ano de ocorrência e diagnóstico. Em 69,44% dos casos havia a espécie informada nos protocolos de necropsia, que incluíam Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) e Podocnemis expansa (2%). Em 30,55% dos casos não tiveram esse parâmetro informado e foram classificados apenas como Testudines. Em 41,66% casos foi informado o sexo, sendo fêmea 22,22%, macho 19,44% e não informados 58,33%. Destes animais 79,16% eram de órgão ambiental e 20,84% de zoológicos e ou tutores. Em 70,83% dos animais analisados tiveram direta relação com as estações de outono e inverno, sendo o mês de junho o mais frequente (29,17%). O diagnóstico conclusivo foi possível em 68,05% dos casos. A categoria de distúrbios causados por agentes lesivos (48,97%) foi a mais prevalente, seguido por distúrbios inflamatórios (32,65%) e dos distúrbios nutricionais e metabólicos (28,57%). Os principais diagnósticos foram fratura de carapaça e ou plastrão com 30,61%, esteatose hepática (20,40%) e pneumonia (10,22%). A maior parte dos casos de fratura de carapaça ou plastrão e de esteatose hepática ocorreram em animais provenientes de órgão ambiental.

Anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, Brazil

ABSTRACT: In order to determine the main anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, all necropsy records performed at the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade de Brasília (LPV-UnB) on Testudines during the period from January 2008 to July 2020 were reviewed. The 72 cases reviewed were grouped and classified according to species, sex, origin, season of occurrence, and diagnosis. In 69.44% of the cases the species was informed in the necropsy protocols, which included Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) and Podocnemis expansa (2%). In 30.55% of the cases this parameter was not informed and were classified only as Testudines. In 41.66% of the cases the sex was informed, being female 22.22%, male 19.44%, and 58.33% were not informed. Of these animals 79.16% were from environmental agencies and 20.84% from zoos and/or guardians. In 70.83% of the animals analyzed they were directly related to the autumn and winter seasons, with June being the most frequent month (29.17%). The conclusive diagnosis was possible in 68.05% of the cases. The category of disorders caused by injurious agents (48.97%) was the most prevalent, followed by inflammatory disorders (32.65%) and nutritional and metabolic disorders (28.57%). The main diagnoses were carapace and/or plastron fracture with 30.61%, hepatic steatosis (20.40%) and pneumonia (10.22%). Most cases of carapace or plastron fracture and hepatic steatosis occurred in animals from environmental agencies.

RESUMO: Com o objetivo de determinar os principais achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, foram revisadas todas as fichas de necropsia realizadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade de Brasília (LPV-UnB) em Testudines, durante o período de janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2020. Os 72 casos revisados foram agrupados e classificados quanto à espécie, sexo, procedência, estação do ano de ocorrência e diagnóstico. Em 69,44% dos casos havia a espécie informada nos protocolos de necropsia, que incluíam Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) e Podocnemis expansa (2%). Em 30,55% dos casos não tiveram esse parâmetro informado e foram classificados apenas como Testudines. Em 41,66% casos foi informado o sexo, sendo fêmea 22,22%, macho 19,44% e não informados 58,33%. Destes animais 79,16% eram de órgão ambiental e 20,84% de zoológicos e ou tutores. Em 70,83% dos animais analisados tiveram direta relação com as estações de outono e inverno, sendo o mês de junho o mais frequente (29,17%). O diagnóstico conclusivo foi possível em 68,05% dos casos. A categoria de distúrbios causados por agentes lesivos (48,97%) foi a mais prevalente, seguido por distúrbios inflamatórios (32,65%) e dos distúrbios nutricionais e metabólicos (28,57%). Os principais diagnósticos foram fratura de carapaça e ou plastrão com 30,61%, esteatose hepática (20,40%) e pneumonia (10,22%). A maior parte dos casos de fratura de carapaça ou plastrão e de esteatose hepática ocorreram em animais provenientes de órgão ambiental.

Anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, Brazil / Achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, Brasil

In order to determine the main anatomopathological findings of Testudines necropsied in the Distrito Federal, all necropsy records performed at the "Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária" of the "Universidade de Brasília" (LPV-UnB) on Testudines during the period from January 2008 to July 2020 were reviewed. The 72 cases reviewed were grouped and classified according to species, sex, origin, season of occurrence, and diagnosis. In 69.44% of the cases the species was informed in the necropsy protocols, which included Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) and Podocnemis expansa (2%). In 30.55% of the cases this parameter was not informed and were classified only as Testudines. In 41.66% of the cases the sex was informed, being female 22.22%, male 19.44%, and 58.33% were not informed. Of these animals 79.16% were from environmental agencies and 20.84% from zoos and/or guardians. In 70.83% of the animals analyzed they were directly related to the autumn and winter seasons, with June being the most frequent month (29.17%). The conclusive diagnosis was possible in 68.05% of the cases. The category of disorders caused by injurious agents (48.97%) was the most prevalent, followed by inflammatory disorders (32.65%) and nutritional and metabolic disorders (28.57%). The main diagnoses were carapace and/or plastron fracture with 30.61%, hepatic steatosis (20.40%) and pneumonia (10.22%). Most cases of carapace or plastron fracture and hepatic steatosis occurred in animals from environmental agencies.(AU)

Com o objetivo de determinar os principais achados anatomopatológicos de Testudines necropsiados no Distrito Federal, foram revisadas todas as fichas de necropsia realizadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade de Brasília (LPV-UnB) em Testudines, durante o período de janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2020. Os 72 casos revisados foram agrupados e classificados quanto à espécie, sexo, procedência, estação do ano de ocorrência e diagnóstico. Em 69,44% dos casos havia a espécie informada nos protocolos de necropsia, que incluíam Phrynops geoffroanus (38%), Trachemys dorbigni (36%), Chelonoidis carbonaria (14%), Chelonoidis denticulata (10%) e Podocnemis expansa (2%). Em 30,55% dos casos não tiveram esse parâmetro informado e foram classificados apenas como Testudines. Em 41,66% casos foi informado o sexo, sendo fêmea 22,22%, macho 19,44% e não informados 58,33%. Destes animais 79,16% eram de órgão ambiental e 20,84% de zoológicos e ou tutores. Em 70,83% dos animais analisados tiveram direta relação com as estações de outono e inverno, sendo o mês de junho o mais frequente (29,17%). O diagnóstico conclusivo foi possível em 68,05% dos casos. A categoria de distúrbios causados por agentes lesivos (48,97%) foi a mais prevalente, seguido por distúrbios inflamatórios (32,65%) e dos distúrbios nutricionais e metabólicos (28,57%). Os principais diagnósticos foram fratura de carapaça e ou plastrão com 30,61%, esteatose hepática (20,40%) e pneumonia (10,22%). A maior parte dos casos de fratura de carapaça ou plastrão e de esteatose hepática ocorreram em animais provenientes de órgão ambiental.(AU)

Canine gastrointestinal pythiosis: a case report in Brazilian Pantanal from a diagnostic approach / Pitiose gastrointestinal canina: relato de caso no Pantanal brasileiro a partir de uma abordagem diagnóstica

Pythiosis is caused by an aquatic fungus-like organism (Pythium insidiosum). It is considered an important public health issue as it can affect both animals and humans. This paper reports a case of gastrointestinal pythiosis in a dog. The patient was hospitalized for four days, during which the animal received supportive and symptomatic treatment. But the applied treatment was unsuccessful and the dog's clinical condition worsened, culminating in death. Complementary imaging tests such as radiography and ultrasonography, as well as hematological tests, were performed during the hospitalization period. The definitive diagnosis was reached in the postmortem as macroscopic and microscopic characteristics suggested the presence of intestinal granuloma and accentuated multifocal suppurative necrotic enteritis. Additionally, the histological evaluation revealed morphological structures compatible with P. insidiosum. Also, the results of nested PCR performed showed partial amplification (105 bp) of the ITS1 region of the ribosomal gene of P. insidiosum.(AU)

A pitiose é causada por um organismo aquático semelhante a um fungo (Pythium insidiosum) e considerada um importante problema de saúde pública, pois pode afetar animais e humanos. Este artigo relata um caso de pitiose gastrointestinal em um cão. O paciente ficou internado por quatro dias, período em que o animal recebeu tratamento de suporte e sintomático. No entanto, o tratamento aplicado não teve sucesso e o quadro clínico do cão piorou, culminando com a morte. Exames de imagem complementares, como radiografia e ultrassonografia, bem como exames hematológicos, foram realizados durante o período de internação. O diagnóstico definitivo foi feito na autópsia, pois as características macroscópicas e microscópicas sugeriam a presença de granuloma intestinal e acentuada enterite necrótica multifocal supurativa. Além disso, a avaliação histológica revelou estruturas morfológicas compatíveis com P. insidiosum. Além disso, a nested PCR foi realizada e mostrou amplificação parcial (105 pb) da região ITS1 do gene ribossomal de P. insidiosum.(AU)

Impact of recreational fishing on seagull (Larus dominicanus) rescued on the coast of the São Paulo state: case report / Impacto da pesca recreativa em gaivota (Larus dominicanus) resgatada no litoral do estado de São Paulo: relato de caso

The seagull (Larus dominicanus) commonly can be observed near human fishing activities, as this species feeds on discards from fishing. This common interaction between a seabird and human fishing activity (both commercial and recreational), provides an easy source of food, but is not without risk for the birds. We report here clinical, radiographic and anatomopathological findings of an esophageal perforation caused by fishing gear in a specimen of Larus dominicanus found alive on a beach in the state of São Paulo which illustrated a harmful effect of stemming from recreational fishing. Clinical examination revealed a nylon thread in the oral cavity with the presence of caseous suggestive of ingestion of lost fishing gear, paralysis of the pelvic limbs and a decrease in the pain reflex associated with sternal decubitus, suggestive of food intoxication. Necroscopic examination revealed two hooks, one in the caudal portion of the esophagus with esophageal and pulmonary perforation, and the other in the muscular stomach. These injuries would have been expected to lead to the death of the bird. These anatomopathological findings confirmed the seriousness of the injuries. This reinforces the importance of studies focused on the interaction of recreational fishing artifacts (hooks, lines) with coastal birds on the Brazilian coast, in order to develop a preventative strategy.(AU)

A gaivota (Larus dominicanus) está intimamente relacionada às atividades pesqueiras, uma vez que possui hábitos generalistas e se alimenta dos descartes provenientes da pesca. Este processo de interação entre aves marinhas e a pesca apre-senta efeitos positivos e negativos, porém, suas relações ecológicas ainda não são bem compreendidas. No presente trabalho, objetivou-se relatar achados clínicos, radiográficos e anatomopatológicos de uma perfuração esofágica ocasionada por petrecho de pesca em um espécime de Larus dominicanus no litoral do estado de São Paulo e levantar a problemática da pesca recrea-tiva na região. Ao exame clínico, observou-se presença de fio de náilon em cavidade oral com presença de cáseo sugestivo de ingestão de petrecho de pesca, paresia de membros pélvicos e diminuição de reflexo doloroso associado a decúbito esternal, sugerindo um quadro de intoxicação alimentar. O exame necroscópico revelou a presença de dois anzóis, um em porção cau-dal do esôfago com perfuração esofágica e pulmonar, e outro em ventrículo. Os achados anatomopatológicos comprovaram a gravidade das lesões causadas pela interação com a pesca recreativa, o que reforça a importância de estudos referentes à intera-ção de artefatos pesqueiros (anzóis, linhas) com aves costeiras do litoral brasileiro, atualmente escassos na literatura científica.(AU)

Diseases of the digestive system of agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) raised in captivity in the Brazilian semiarid region / Doenças do sistema digestivo de cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) criadas em cativeiro na região semiárida brasileira

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of diseases of the digestive system in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosed by the "Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária" (Veterinary Pathology Laboratory) of the "Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido" (UFERSA), from January 2018 to February 2020. During the study period, necropsy and a survey of the clinical history of 27 agoutis were performed, 25.93% (7/27) of which were diagnosed with digestive system diseases. The percentages of digestive tract diseases among the diagnosed were: acute carbohydrate overload (11.12%), gastric ulcer (7.41%), gastric volvulus (3.70%), and intestinal volvulus (3.70%). Studies on the occurrence rate of these diseases, as well as the description of their clinical and anatomopathological aspects, may serve as a basis for guiding the appropriate management in the breeding of these animals.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e patológicos das doenças do aparelho digestivo em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosticadas pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido (UFERSA), de janeiro 2018 a fevereiro de 2020. Durante o período do estudo, foram realizadas necropsias e levantamento da história clínica de 27 cutias, sendo 25,93% (7/27) diagnosticadas com doenças do aparelho digestivo. Os percentuais de doenças do aparelho digestivo foram: sobrecarga aguda de carboidratos (11,12%), úlcera gástrica (7,41%), vólvulo gástrico (3,70%) e vólvulo intestinal (3,70%). Estudos sobre a taxa de ocorrência dessas doenças, bem como a descrição de seus aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos, podem servir de base para orientar o manejo adequado na criação dessa espécie.

Diseases of the digestive system of agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) raised in captivity in the Brazilian semiarid region

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of diseases of the digestive system in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosed by the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (Veterinary Pathology Laboratory) of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), from January 2018 to February 2020. During the study period, necropsy and a survey of the clinical history of 27 agoutis were performed, 25.93% (7/27) of which were diagnosed with digestive system diseases. The percentages of digestive tract diseases among the diagnosed were: acute carbohydrate overload (11.12%), gastric ulcer (7.41%), gastric volvulus (3.70%), and intestinal volvulus (3.70%). Studies on the occurrence rate of these diseases, as well as the description of their clinical and anatomopathological aspects, may serve as a basis for guiding the appropriate management in the breeding of these animals.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e patológicos das doenças do aparelho digestivo em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosticadas pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido (UFERSA), de janeiro 2018 a fevereiro de 2020. Durante o período do estudo, foram realizadas necropsias e levantamento da história clínica de 27 cutias, sendo 25,93% (7/27) diagnosticadas com doenças do aparelho digestivo. Os percentuais de doenças do aparelho digestivo foram: sobrecarga aguda de carboidratos (11,12%), úlcera gástrica (7,41%), vólvulo gástrico (3,70%) e vólvulo intestinal (3,70%). Estudos sobre a taxa de ocorrência dessas doenças, bem como a descrição de seus aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos, podem servir de base para orientar o manejo adequado na criação dessa espécie.

Diseases of the digestive system of agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) raised in captivity in the Brazilian semiarid region / Doenças do sistema digestivo de cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) criadas em cativeiro na região semiárida brasileira

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of diseases of the digestive system in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosed by the "Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária" (Veterinary Pathology Laboratory) of the "Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido" (UFERSA), from January 2018 to February 2020. During the study period, necropsy and a survey of the clinical history of 27 agoutis were performed, 25.93% (7/27) of which were diagnosed with digestive system diseases. The percentages of digestive tract diseases among the diagnosed were: acute carbohydrate overload (11.12%), gastric ulcer (7.41%), gastric volvulus (3.70%), and intestinal volvulus (3.70%). Studies on the occurrence rate of these diseases, as well as the description of their clinical and anatomopathological aspects, may serve as a basis for guiding the appropriate management in the breeding of these animals.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e patológicos das doenças do aparelho digestivo em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosticadas pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido (UFERSA), de janeiro 2018 a fevereiro de 2020. Durante o período do estudo, foram realizadas necropsias e levantamento da história clínica de 27 cutias, sendo 25,93% (7/27) diagnosticadas com doenças do aparelho digestivo. Os percentuais de doenças do aparelho digestivo foram: sobrecarga aguda de carboidratos (11,12%), úlcera gástrica (7,41%), vólvulo gástrico (3,70%) e vólvulo intestinal (3,70%). Estudos sobre a taxa de ocorrência dessas doenças, bem como a descrição de seus aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos, podem servir de base para orientar o manejo adequado na criação dessa espécie.(AU)

Dehydration and hemodynamic changes as causa mortis associated with Trichuris vulpis in a dog

Background: Trichuris vulpis, a species that belongs to Trichuris and shows a cosmopolitan distribution, parasitizes thegastrointestinal system of dogs causing trichuriasis. The infection occurs owing to ingestion of larval eggs and subsequentfixation of their adult form in the large intestine of the host. The objective of this paper is to report the case of a BorderCollie dog that arrived at the Veterinary Pathology and Parasitology Laboratory (LPPV) of the Federal University of Jataí(UFJ) after exhibiting signs of intense dehydration and sudden death caused by severe T. vulpis infection, and to elucidatethe macroscopic and microscopic histopathological correlations observed during necropsy.Case: A 7-year-old male Border Collie dog was referred for routine necroscopic examination on suspicion of death fromintoxication. In the history, there were reports of bone ingestion, restlessness, and polydipsia for three days, followed bysudden death. Although the animal presented an adequate body state during the necroscopic procedure, enophthalmia andpale oral and ocular mucosa were observed, which are characteristic signs of severe dehydration and anemia. On opening the abdominal cavity, the visceral serosa were found to be stained and severely dry. Greenish mucous content wasobserved throughout the intestine, and in the large intestine, a moderate amount of mucus associated with high parasiticinfestation by elongated parasites attached to the mucosa was identified. The parasites were harvested, stored in airtightvials containing 70% alcohol, processed, and subsequently identified as T. vulpis.Discussion: The necroscopic findings associated with the histopathology were compatible with T. vulpis infestation at highparasite intensity, with severe destruction of the intestinal mucosa and inability of water absorption, resulting in severedehydration. In cases of parasitism, villous atrophy with crypt hypertrophy occurs...

Dehydration and hemodynamic changes as causa mortis associated with Trichuris vulpis in a dog

Background: Trichuris vulpis, a species that belongs to Trichuris and shows a cosmopolitan distribution, parasitizes thegastrointestinal system of dogs causing trichuriasis. The infection occurs owing to ingestion of larval eggs and subsequentfixation of their adult form in the large intestine of the host. The objective of this paper is to report the case of a BorderCollie dog that arrived at the Veterinary Pathology and Parasitology Laboratory (LPPV) of the Federal University of Jataí(UFJ) after exhibiting signs of intense dehydration and sudden death caused by severe T. vulpis infection, and to elucidatethe macroscopic and microscopic histopathological correlations observed during necropsy.Case: A 7-year-old male Border Collie dog was referred for routine necroscopic examination on suspicion of death fromintoxication. In the history, there were reports of bone ingestion, restlessness, and polydipsia for three days, followed bysudden death. Although the animal presented an adequate body state during the necroscopic procedure, enophthalmia andpale oral and ocular mucosa were observed, which are characteristic signs of severe dehydration and anemia. On opening the abdominal cavity, the visceral serosa were found to be stained and severely dry. Greenish mucous content wasobserved throughout the intestine, and in the large intestine, a moderate amount of mucus associated with high parasiticinfestation by elongated parasites attached to the mucosa was identified. The parasites were harvested, stored in airtightvials containing 70% alcohol, processed, and subsequently identified as T. vulpis.Discussion: The necroscopic findings associated with the histopathology were compatible with T. vulpis infestation at highparasite intensity, with severe destruction of the intestinal mucosa and inability of water absorption, resulting in severedehydration. In cases of parasitism, villous atrophy with crypt hypertrophy occurs...(AU)

Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in a Maltese dog with endogenous lipoid pneumonia

Background: Pneumothorax is a clinical condition which can cause respiratory distress. It can have as its origin traumatic causes or even classified as spontaneous, mainly related to diseases of the lung parenchyma. Lipoid pneumonia is rarely described in dogs, and it is characterized by globules of lipid in the alveolar spaces. Endogenous lipoid pneumonia (EnLP) occurs when lesions on pulmonary cells release cholesterol and other lipids in the alveoli. There is no clinical approach established for EnLP in veterinary patients. The aim of this report is to describe a case of a young Maltese dog, with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in which EnLP was diagnosed post mortem. Case: A 2-year-old sexually intact male Maltese dog was evaluated for restrictive dyspnea. Clinicopathologic findings included cyanotic, muffled chest auscultation with hypersonic thoracic percussion. Chest x-ray demonstrated an increase in pleuropulmonary radio transparency and a floating-looking heart, indicating pneumothorax. Complete blood counts and biochemical panel results were normal. Dirofilaria immitis antigen test results were negative. Computed tomography demonstrated slightly hyper-expanded pulmonary fields, with slightly enlarged reticular marking with areas of mild multicentric panlobular emphysema and a fracture on the sixth left rib. The treatment was focused on improving the breathing pattern through sedation, supplementation with oxygen, and thoracentesis. Owing to the reserved prognosis of the case, the unknown etiology of the recurrent pneumothorax, and the clinical worsening of the patient, the owner opted for euthanasia. Necropsy displayed multiple, circular whitish areas in the lungs, distributed over the surface of all lobes. Histopathological examination revealed pulmonary tissue with the subpleural micronodular foci, multifocal to coalescent, with a moderate accumulation of foamy intra-alveolar macrophages, occasionally multinucleate, associated with cholesterol crystals compatible with endogenous lipid pneumonia. Discussion: The patient presented with clinical signs and physical examination characteristics of pneumothorax at the first visit. After the pneumothorax diagnosis, and clinical stabilization of the patient. No predisposing factor for the formation of the pneumothorax was identified as the radiography revealed only bronchitis and blood tests were normal, the patient was thus discharged after 24 h, with the recommendations for observing the breathing pattern. Initially, spontaneous pneumothorax was suspected. The antibiotics were administered since bacterial pneumonia, although not confirmed on chest x-ray, is the main cause of pneumothorax in dogs is lung parenchyma disease. With the worsening of the clinical condition of the patient, CT was performed and did not demonstrate any findings that would justify the presence of pneumothorax. Despite the placement of the chest tube for facilitating the management of thoracentesis, there was no stabilization of the condition, enhancing the frequency of centesis procedures, which led to the decision to euthanize. The microscopic examination of the pulmonary alterations was decisive for the diagnostic conclusion. The visualization of the accumulation of foamy intra-alveolar macrophages, occasionally multinucleate, associated with cholesterol crystals, was responsible for the diagnosis of EnLP. This condition is rarely described in dogs and as in the present report, it is a noninfectious inflammatory condition, characterized by intra- or extracellular globules of lipid in the alveolar spaces. In the present report, although it was not possible to determine the etiology of EnLP, we can conclude that although rare, it can affect dogs and can generate severe clinical repercussions.

Intussuscepção gastroesofágica em canino / Gastroesophageal intussusception in canine

Background: Gastroesophageal intussusception is characterized by the invagination of the stomach into the esophagus,with or without the involvementof adjacent organs such as the spleen, pancreas, and omentum. In dogs, this condition hasno breed or sex predisposition. As it is an infrequent disease in routine veterinary medical practice, this study reports acase of gastroesophageal intussusception in a dog necropsied at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural Universityof Pernambuco (HOVET - UFRPE), Recife, Brazil.Case: The body of a 12-year-old black mixed breed male dog was sent to the Pathology Department (Necropsy Sectorof the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE) for a necropsy. The animal had a previous 4-year history ofrecurrent emesis and limb weakness, primarily in the anterior limbs, that worsened in the previous months and progressedto death. No previous treatments were reported by the owner. On external examination, the animal had a low body score(cachectic), forelimb joints with great flexibility, congested oral and ocular mucous membranes, enophthalmos, and increased volume in the perianal region. At the opening of the thoracic cavity, the final third of the esophagus was dilatedand gastroesophageal intussusception, edema, and pulmonary congestion were noted. In the abdominal cavity, there washepatic and renal congestion and large intestine and rectal ampoule dilation, with a large amount of solid and retainedfeces (fecaloma), perianal hernia, and testicular neoformation. These findings were consistent with those observed in deathcaused by cardiorespiratory failure secondary to gastroesophageal intussusception.Discussion: The pathophysiology of gastroesophageal intussusception is still not elucidated and is probably multifactorial.This condition causes reverse gastric peristalsis associated with a sudden and sustained increase in abdominal...

Intussuscepção gastroesofágica em canino / Gastroesophageal intussusception in canine

Background: Gastroesophageal intussusception is characterized by the invagination of the stomach into the esophagus,with or without the involvementof adjacent organs such as the spleen, pancreas, and omentum. In dogs, this condition hasno breed or sex predisposition. As it is an infrequent disease in routine veterinary medical practice, this study reports acase of gastroesophageal intussusception in a dog necropsied at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural Universityof Pernambuco (HOVET - UFRPE), Recife, Brazil.Case: The body of a 12-year-old black mixed breed male dog was sent to the Pathology Department (Necropsy Sectorof the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE) for a necropsy. The animal had a previous 4-year history ofrecurrent emesis and limb weakness, primarily in the anterior limbs, that worsened in the previous months and progressedto death. No previous treatments were reported by the owner. On external examination, the animal had a low body score(cachectic), forelimb joints with great flexibility, congested oral and ocular mucous membranes, enophthalmos, and increased volume in the perianal region. At the opening of the thoracic cavity, the final third of the esophagus was dilatedand gastroesophageal intussusception, edema, and pulmonary congestion were noted. In the abdominal cavity, there washepatic and renal congestion and large intestine and rectal ampoule dilation, with a large amount of solid and retainedfeces (fecaloma), perianal hernia, and testicular neoformation. These findings were consistent with those observed in deathcaused by cardiorespiratory failure secondary to gastroesophageal intussusception.Discussion: The pathophysiology of gastroesophageal intussusception is still not elucidated and is probably multifactorial.This condition causes reverse gastric peristalsis associated with a sudden and sustained increase in abdominal...(AU)

Hematological and histopathological changes in medular aplasia resulting from Ehrlichia canis infection in a Border collie dog / Alterações hematológicas e histopatológicas na aplasia medulardecorrente da infecção por Ehrlichia canis em cão da raça Border Collie

The Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is an infectious disease that commonly affects dogs of all breeds and ages. It is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is transmitted by the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The disease may pre-sent itself in the acute, subclinical, and chronic forms. The present study reports the case of a 2-year-old male Border Collie with advanced stage CME, attended at the Pet Clinic of the Veterinary Hospital of the University Federal de Jataí, which resul-ted in medullary aplasia. The diagnosis of marrow aplasia was based on the necroscopic and histopathological examinations. At necropsy, the diaphyses of the long bones were filled with diffuse, strongly whitish and pasty tissue, typical of the adipose tissue, also found in the femoral epiphyses. The histopathology showed unilocular adipose tissue as the major constituent of the bone marrow and rare islands of marrow cells. These findings were compatible with severe hypoplasia of the red bone mar-row and hyperplasia of the white bone marrow, affecting hematopoiesis, resulting in the laboratory alterations observed in the hematocrit, WBC, and plateletogram.

A erliquiose monocítica canina (EMC) é uma doença infecciosa que comumente afeta cães de todas as raças e idades. Causada pela bactéria Ehrlichia canis e transmitida pelo carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus, a doença pode apresentar-se nas for-mas aguda, subclínica e crônica. O presente trabalho relata o caso de um cão, raça Border Collie, macho, 2 anos de idade, com EMC em estágio avançado, atendido no Setor de Clínica de Animais de Companhia do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Jataí, caso este que resultou em aplasia medular. O diagnóstico da aplasia de medula baseou-se na realização de exames necroscópico e histopatológico. Na necropsia verificou-se a diáfise de ossos longos preenchida por tecido difuso, seve-ramente esbranquiçado e pastoso, característico de tecido adiposo, também encontrado em epífises femorais. No histopatoló-gico foi verificado tecido adiposo unilocular como maior constituinte da medula óssea e raras ilhas de células medulares. Esses achados foram compatíveis com hipoplasia severa de medula óssea vermelha e hiperplasia de medula óssea branca, afetando a hematopoiese resultando nas alterações laboratoriais verificadas no eritrograma, leucograma e plaquetograma.

Melanose talâmica em caprinos / Thalamic melanosis in goats

Background: Melanosis is a blackened pigmentation resulting from the accumulation of melanocytes in tissues that are not normally pigmented. This change in the color of the organs occurs due to the agglomeration of melanocytes originating from abnormal migration during embryogenesis and does not cause dysfunction to the affected organ. Although melanosis frequently occurs in several species and affects several organs such as the brain and spinal cord leptomeninges, involvement in the thalamus region is unusual. The objective of this work was to report 2 cases of thalamic melanosis in goats, determining the pathological and histochemical aspects that assist in the diagnosis of this condition. Cases: Two cases of thalamic melanosis in goats were diagnosed. In both cases, the animals had no nervous history disease and clinical signs. The cause of death in cases 1 and 2 was established based on anatomopathological findings and clinical signs being diagnosed with mycoplasmosis and asphyxia, respectively. After fixing and making cross-sections of the brain, a focal lengthy blackened area was observed on the thalamus surface in both cases. Microscopically, lesions in the brain were similar in both cases and exclusively affected the thalamus. These cells had abundant cytoplasm, well delimited with brownish granular pigment. The nuclei were difficult to visualize and in some cells, it was rounded, well-defined, morphologically compatible with melanocytes. Melanocytes were mainly distributed around neurons and often distended the perivascular space of multiple blood vessels. In Fontana Masson staining, the granules in the cytoplasm of these cells stained strongly black. The Prussian Blue, Periodic Acid- Schiff's, Von Kossa, and Giemsa stains were negative, and the pigment remained brown. In the unstained slides, assembled after the deparaffinization and clarification process, it was observed the permanence of cells with blackish-brown pigment in the cytoplasm. In immunohistochemistry, strong immunostaining of pigmented cells with the Anti-MelanA antibodies was observed in both cases. Discussion: The diagnosis of thalamic melanosis in goats was carried out based on the characteristic pathological findings, in which melanin pigments were demonstrated and identified through HE, Fontana-Masson staining, and unstained slides and confirmed by the IHC. The use of complementary histochemical techniques was fundamental for the classification of the pigment as melanin, demonstrating to be an accessible and reliable tool for the diagnosis of pathological processes that lead to the accumulation of pigments and or material in the tissues. The occurrence of melanin in the thalamus may be associated with a failure in the migration of melanoblasts, which would go to the optical pathways or to the thalamus. This erratic migration of melanoblasts can be explained by the fact that the forebrain is the embryogenic origin of the optic and diencephalon pathways. Macroscopically, thalamic melanosis must be differentiated mainly from neoplastic processes such as melanoma and hemangiosarcoma, pigmented fungus infections, Phalaris angusta poisoning, listeriosis, neurocutaneous melanosis, and neuromelanin. It was concluded that thalamic melanosis is an uncommon alteration in goats and although it has been diagnosed as an incidental necropsy finding, should be included in the differential diagnosis of diseases that affect the central nervous system, especially those that have a color change associated with the deposition of pigments in the tissues.

Hematological and histopathological changes in medular aplasia resulting from Ehrlichia canis infection in a Border collie dog / Alterações hematológicas e histopatológicas na aplasia medulardecorrente da infecção por Ehrlichia canis em cão da raça Border Collie

The Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is an infectious disease that commonly affects dogs of all breeds and ages. It is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is transmitted by the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The disease may pre-sent itself in the acute, subclinical, and chronic forms. The present study reports the case of a 2-year-old male Border Collie with advanced stage CME, attended at the Pet Clinic of the Veterinary Hospital of the University Federal de Jataí, which resul-ted in medullary aplasia. The diagnosis of marrow aplasia was based on the necroscopic and histopathological examinations. At necropsy, the diaphyses of the long bones were filled with diffuse, strongly whitish and pasty tissue, typical of the adipose tissue, also found in the femoral epiphyses. The histopathology showed unilocular adipose tissue as the major constituent of the bone marrow and rare islands of marrow cells. These findings were compatible with severe hypoplasia of the red bone mar-row and hyperplasia of the white bone marrow, affecting hematopoiesis, resulting in the laboratory alterations observed in the hematocrit, WBC, and plateletogram.(AU)

A erliquiose monocítica canina (EMC) é uma doença infecciosa que comumente afeta cães de todas as raças e idades. Causada pela bactéria Ehrlichia canis e transmitida pelo carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus, a doença pode apresentar-se nas for-mas aguda, subclínica e crônica. O presente trabalho relata o caso de um cão, raça Border Collie, macho, 2 anos de idade, com EMC em estágio avançado, atendido no Setor de Clínica de Animais de Companhia do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Jataí, caso este que resultou em aplasia medular. O diagnóstico da aplasia de medula baseou-se na realização de exames necroscópico e histopatológico. Na necropsia verificou-se a diáfise de ossos longos preenchida por tecido difuso, seve-ramente esbranquiçado e pastoso, característico de tecido adiposo, também encontrado em epífises femorais. No histopatoló-gico foi verificado tecido adiposo unilocular como maior constituinte da medula óssea e raras ilhas de células medulares. Esses achados foram compatíveis com hipoplasia severa de medula óssea vermelha e hiperplasia de medula óssea branca, afetando a hematopoiese resultando nas alterações laboratoriais verificadas no eritrograma, leucograma e plaquetograma.(AU)

Lipid rich carcinoma in canine mammary gland with metastasis in the abdominal cavity

Lipid-rich carcinoma of the mammary gland is a rare variant of cancer and extremely uncommon in dogs. This case report describes the clinical and histopathological aspects of lipid-rich carcinoma in a female dog. A four-year-old spaeyd German Shepherd dog with enlarged volume adhered to the caudal and inguinal abdominal mammary region was examined. The impossibility of surgical ressection led to euthanasia during the surgical procedure. At necropsy, analysis of the abdominal cavity revealed the presence of an irregularly shaped mass, whitish with red areas, in the intrapelvic region. Also, metastases in axillary and mediastinal lymph nodes and right lung were observed. Histopathological analysis of the tumor inthe mammary glands and intrapelvic mass showed malignant neoplastic proliferation of epithelial cells. The cells had adistinct shape and boundary, a well-defined cytoplasm, and the presence of intracytoplasmic macro and micro vacuoles, which sometimes pushed the nuclei to the periphery. The lymph nodes had lost the histological architecture due tometastasis. Marked and diffuse immunostaining of tumor cells in the cytoplasm by pancytokeratin, GATA 3 and 35BH11 confirmed the epithelial origin of the tumor. This very aggressive and uncommon neoplasm should be considered as apossible metastasi in the differential diagnosis of tumors of the abdominal cavity.

Lipid rich carcinoma in canine mammary gland with metastasis in the abdominal cavity

Lipid-rich carcinoma of the mammary gland is a rare variant of cancer and extremely uncommon in dogs. This case report describes the clinical and histopathological aspects of lipid-rich carcinoma in a female dog. A four-year-old spaeyd German Shepherd dog with enlarged volume adhered to the caudal and inguinal abdominal mammary region was examined. The impossibility of surgical ressection led to euthanasia during the surgical procedure. At necropsy, analysis of the abdominal cavity revealed the presence of an irregularly shaped mass, whitish with red areas, in the intrapelvic region. Also, metastases in axillary and mediastinal lymph nodes and right lung were observed. Histopathological analysis of the tumor inthe mammary glands and intrapelvic mass showed malignant neoplastic proliferation of epithelial cells. The cells had adistinct shape and boundary, a well-defined cytoplasm, and the presence of intracytoplasmic macro and micro vacuoles, which sometimes pushed the nuclei to the periphery. The lymph nodes had lost the histological architecture due tometastasis. Marked and diffuse immunostaining of tumor cells in the cytoplasm by pancytokeratin, GATA 3 and 35BH11 confirmed the epithelial origin of the tumor. This very aggressive and uncommon neoplasm should be considered as apossible metastasi in the differential diagnosis of tumors of the abdominal cavity.(AU)