Feline leishmaniosis: hematological and biochemical analysis / Leishmaniose felina: análises de hematologia e bioquímica

One hundred and sixty-six cats from two animal shelters were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR) and parasitological tests (PA) for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. Among them, 15% (25/166), 53.6% (89/166), 3.6% (06/166) and 1.8% (03/166) were positive by ELISA, IFAT, both PCRs and PA, respectively. The sequencing of ITS-1 PCR amplicons revealed a 100% match with Leishmania infantum. After the Leishmania spp. survey, 12 cats were selected and divided into two groups for clinical, hematological, and biochemical analysis: six L. infantum positive cats (G1) and six Leishmania spp. negative cats (G2). All the cats were negative for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). A statistical analysis indicated significantly low platelet counts and significant hyperproteinemia associated with hypoalbuminemia in positive cats (p<0.05). Our results suggest that in endemic areas, cats with clinical signs of feline leishmaniosis (such as skin lesions, weight loss and/or enlarged lymph nodes) and that exhibit hematological and biochemical changes, such as low platelet counts and hyperproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia, should be tested for Leishmania spp. infection.(AU)

Cento e sessenta e seis gatos de dois abrigos foram submetidos ao diagnóstico de Leishmania spp. por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), reação em cadeia pela polimerase convencional (cPCR) e quantitativa (qPCR) e métodos parasitológicos (PA). Destes, 15% (25/166), 53,6% (89/166), 3,6% (06/166) e 1,8% (03/166) foram positivos por ELISA, RIFI, as duas PCRs e PA, respectivamente. O sequenciamento dos produtos amplificados da PCR ITS-1 foi 100% idêntico à Leishmania infantum. Após o inquérito, 12 gatos foram selecionados para compor dois grupos para análises de hematologia e bioquímica: 6 gatos positivos para L. infantum (G1) e 6 gatos Leishmania spp. negativos (G2). Todos os gatos foram negativos para o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e o da leucemia felina (FeLV). Foi observada uma diminuição na contagem de plaquetas e uma hiperproteinemia e hipoalbuminemia significativas em gatos positivos (p<0,05). Esses resultados sugerem que, em áreas endêmicas, os gatos com sinais clínicos de leishmaniose felina (tais como lesões dermatológicas, perda de peso e/ou linfonodos aumentados), associados a alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas, como contagem reduzida de plaquetas e hiperproteinemia com hipoalbuminemia, devem ser testados para leishmaniose felina.(AU)

Gurltia paralysans infection in a domestic cat in the São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil

Gurltia paralysans is a nematode first described in 1933 in Chile, causing a syndrome called feline crural parasitic paraplegia. Insects, mollusks, frogs, lizards, and rodents are paratenic hosts of this nematode, and cats probably become infected by ingesting them. This report aims to discuss the main anatomopathological findings of gurltiosis in a cat submitted to necropsy in a laboratory in Ribeirão Preto city, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil, being the first case reported in this state. The main necroscopic findings were extramedullary reddened areas below the leptomeninges in the cervical and lumbar segments of the spinal cord. The histopathological examination showed marked thickening of the leptomeninges in the lumbar segment of the spinal cord, with marked neovascularization and fibrosis associated with eosinophilic and mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, as well as the presence of intravascular nematodes. The diagnosis of this lesion was chronic segmental meningomyelitis associated with intralesional parasites. Although uncommon, feline gurltiosis is a neglected parasitic disease that should be included as a differential diagnosis of paraparesis in domestic cats.(AU)

Clinical, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations in domestic cats (Felis catus) infected by Leishmania infantum / Avaliação clínica, hematológica, bioquímica e histopatológica em gatos domésticos (Felis catus) infectados por Leishmania infantum

A high frequency of feline leishmaniasis has been reported in several countries. However, much information about disease progression in cats still needs to be clarified. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of clinicopathological changes in cats infected with Leishmania infantum. A total of 60 cats were divided into three groups of 20 animals each: control, suspects, and infected. All 60 cats underwent blood count and biochemical analyses. Serum samples from 20 animals with leishmaniasis were also used to diagnose feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus. A total of five of the infected animals underwent necropsy for a histopathological study. The main clinical findings in cats with leishmaniasis were lymphadenomegaly (65%), alopecia (55%), ulcerative skin lesions and weight loss (40%), skin nodules (25%), a significant reduction in red blood cells (p=0.0005) and hematocrit (p=0.0007), hyperplasia in spleen 4/5(80%), presence of Leishmania in the spleen 2/5(40%), hepatitis 3/5(60%), liver degeneration 4/5(80%) and inflammatory nephropathy 3/5(60%). It was concluded that cats with leishmaniasis presented significant clinical, hematological, and histopathological alterations compatible with L. infantum infection. The observation of lymphadenomegaly, weight loss, skin lesions and low concentration of red blood cells, contributes significantly to the diagnosis and analysis of progression of feline leishmaniasis.(AU)

Uma alta frequência de leishmaniose felina tem sido relatada em vários países. No entanto, muitas informações sobre a progressão da doença em gatos ainda precisam ser esclarecidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência de alterações clinicopatológicas em gatos infectados por Leishmania infantum. Um total de 60 gatos foi dividido em três grupos de 20 animais cada: controle, suspeitos e infectados. Todos os 60 gatos foram submetidos à hemograma e testes bioquímicos. Amostras de soro de 20 animais com leishmaniose também foram utilizadas para diagnosticar o vírus da imunodeficiência felina e o vírus da leucemia felina. Um total de cinco dos animais infectados foram necropsiados para estudo histopatológico. Os principais achados clínicos nos gatos com leishmaniose foram linfadenomegalia (65%), alopecia (55%), lesões ulcerativas na pele e emagrecimento (40%), nódulos cutâneos (25%), redução significativa de hemácias (p=0,0005) e hematócrito (p=0,0007), hiperplasia no baço 4/5(80%), presença de Leishmania no baço 2/5(40%), hepatite 3/5(60%), degeneração hepática 4/5(80%) e nefropatia inflamatória 3/5(60%). Concluiu-se que gatos com leishmaniose apresentaram alterações clínicas, hematológicas e histopatológicas significativas compatíveis com infecção por L. infantum. A observação de linfadenomegalia, emagrecimento, lesões cutâneas e baixa concentração de hemácias, contribui significativamente para o diagnóstico e análise da progressão da leishmaniose felina.(AU)

Casos clínicos de infertilidade em gatos / Clinical cases of infertility in cats

A criação comercial de gato doméstico tem aumentado assim como a realização de estudos para melhorar a eficiência reprodutiva é uma realidade. O interesse pela identificação das falhas reprodutivas tem crescido, entretanto, os casos de infertilidade nos machos são escassos na literatura disponível. O histórico de infertilidade de um gato deve ser investigado cuidadosamente, pois pode estar associado a mudanças no manejo ou doenças. O diagnóstico dessas 'falhas reprodutivas' geralmente é simples, se realizada uma boa anamnese, exames, físico e andrológico, minuciosos, assim como exames complementares, entre eles hemograma completo, perfil bioquímico e testes para doenças infecciosas como FIV, FELV e FIP.(AU)

Commercial breeding of domestic cats has increased, and studies to improve reproductive efficiency are a reality. Interest in identifying reproductive failures has increased, however, cases of infertility in men are scarce in the available literature. A cat's history of infertility should be investigated carefully as it may be associated with changes in management or illness. The diagnosis of these 'reproductive failures' is usually simple if a good anamnesis, thorough physical and andrological examinations are carried out, in addition to complementary tests, including complete blood count, biochemical profile, tests for infectious diseases such as FIV, FELV, FIP.(AU)

Pyometra in queens - changes in haemato-biochemical parameters

Background: Pyometra is a bacterial and hormone-induced reproductive disease that occurs in the post-estrus luteal phase in intact queens. Pyometra is more common in the diestrus period due to the high progesterone concentration (in queens that mated, spontaneously ovulated, or were induced to ovulate). However, it can also be seen due to the use of exogenous hormones such as progesterone for the suppression of estrus. More research is needed in cases of pyometra in queens, as well as in bitches. Because, considering that the pathogenesis and characteristics of feline pyometra is similar to bitches, studies on pyometra-affected bitches are taken as reference in studies and applications on queens. From this point of view, the aims of this study were to reveal the changes in complete blood count, blood gas, and serum biochemistry parameters in feline pyometra cases and to determine the correlation between the mentioned parameters. Materials, Methods & Results: In the study, a total of 25 female cats of different breeds were used, between the ages of 6 months and 7 years, 15 were diagnosed with pyometra, and 10 healthy. Anamnesis, clinical findings, and ultrasonographic examinations were used in the diagnosis of pyometra. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed on queens brought to the clinic with complaints such as anorexia, polydipsia, polyuria, abdominal tension, and fever. The control group (n =10) consisted of queens that were introduced to the clinic and were reproductively healthy. Before any treatment in queens with pyometra and the control group, 1 mL blood samples were taken from v. cephalica to evaluate complete blood count, blood gases and serum biochemistry parameters. In complete WBC, Lym, Mon, Gra, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and PLT parameters and, blood gas parameters such as pH, pCO2 , pO2 , sO2 , Na, K, Cl, lactate, glucose, HCO3 , and BE were also evaluated in taken blood samples. Biochemical parameters BUN, creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP, amylase, T.BIL, D.BIL, P, CHOL, TG, LDH, TP, CPK, ALP, Ca, GGT were measured in serum samples. After examination and laboratory analysis, ovariohysterectomy was performed on queens as a treatment. Granulocyte, WBC, HCT and MCH levels of the pyometra group were higher (P < 0.05) and Lym levels were lower (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. According to these results, pH, HCO3 , and BE were lower (P < 0.05) in queens with pyometra than those in the control group, while Na and lactate parameters were higher (P < 0.05). According to the results of biochemical analysis, it was determined that BUN, creatinine levels, GGT, and LDH enzyme activities were found to be higher in the pyometra group compared to the control group, while the Ca level was found to be low (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between BUN and creatinine and LDH, WBC, granulocyte, HCT, and lactate, and a negative correlation between lymphocytes, pH, and BE in the correlation analysis performed on queens with pyometra and control group. However, a positive correlation was observed between creatinine and LDH and HCT, and a negative correlation between lymphocyte, pH and BE. Discussion: There is not enough information about pyometra in queens. As a result, it was determined that there were significant changes in complete blood count, blood gases and serum biochemical parameters in queens with pyometra in this study. These changes were generally thought to be related to dehydration and sepsis or endotoxemia. In addition, it was evaluated that prerenal azotemia occurring in pyometra affected queens may cause renal dysfunction. For this reason, it is thought that the results obtained in the presented study may contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of pyometra cases in queens.

Carcinoma de tireoide associado à metástase pulmonar e efusão pleural em um gato: relato de caso / Thyroid carcinoma associated with pulmonary metastasis and pleural effusion in a cat: case report

O presente trabalho relata um caso de carcinoma de tireoide em um felino doméstico, SRD de 10 anos de idade, fêmea, em que foram realizados exames laboratoriais e de imagem no laboratório veterinário Delort em Jundiaí (SP). A paciente apresentava apenas perda de peso e aumento de volume em região cervical ventral no início do quadro. Durante os exames de ultrassom abdominal e radiografia torácica observou-se presença de efusão pleural e opacificação pulmonar por padrão miliar, o que sugeria um quadro metastático. Após os achados o paciente foi encaminhado para o oncologista, além de ser realizada a colheita de material para exame citológico, onde foi confirmado o diagnóstico de carcinoma.(AU)

This paper reports a case of thyroid carcinoma in a crossbreed domestic feline, 10 years old, female. Laboratory and imaging exams were performed at the veterinary laboratory Delort in Jundiaí (SP). The patient presented weight loss and volume increase in the ventral cervical region at the beginning of the condition. During abdominal ultrasound and thorax radiography, pleural effusion and pulmonary opacification by miliary pattern were observed, which suggested a pulmonary metastasis. After the findings, the patient was referred to the oncologist, in addition to the collection of material for cytological examination, where the diagnosis of carcinoma was confirmed.(AU)

Comparison of efficiency between two artificial insemination methods using fresh semen in domestic cat (Felis Catus) / Comparação da eficiência entre dois métodos de inseminação artificial utilizando sêmen fresco em gata doméstica (Felis Catus)

This study aimed to compare domestic cats' pregnancy rates using fresh semen for the bilateral intrauterine insemination (BIUI) method and the novel uterine body insemination (UBI) method. Queens received a single injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) (200 IU; IM) to induce ovarian follicular development and, after 83 h, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (100 IU; IM) for final oocyte maturation and ovulation induction. Thirty-four hours after hCG administration, 3 × 106fresh spermatozoa were used for insemination by the BIUI (n = 8 queens) or by the UBI (n = 7 queens) techniques,respectively. Pregnancy rates were 75.00% (6/8) by BIUI and 42.85% (3/7) by the UBI method. Themean litter size was 3.0 ± 0.86 for the BIUI, and 2.0 ± 1.0 for the UBI method. Spontaneous abortion occurred on day 35 of pregnancy in one queen following the UBI method. Our findings showed that the BIUI of queens with fresh semen resulted in higher pregnancy rates than the novel UBI method; also, acceptable pregnancy rates were achieved following BIUI with fresh semen in the domestic cat.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as taxas de prenhez em gatas domésticas usando sêmen fresco para o método de inseminação intrauterina bilateral (BIUI) e o novo método de inseminação do corpo uterino (UBI). As gatas receberam uma única injeção de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) (200 UI; IM) para induzir o desenvolvimento folicular ovariano e, após 83 h, uma injeção de gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) (100 UI; IM) para maturação final do oócito e ovulação indução. Trinta e quatro horas após a administração de hCG, 3 × 106 espermatozoides frescos foram utilizados para inseminação pelas técnicas de BIUI (n = 8 gatas) ou UBI (n = 7 gatas), respectivamente. As taxas de gravidez foram de 75,00% (6/8) pela BIUI e 42,85% (3/7) pelo método UBI. O tamanho médio da ninhada foi de 3,0 ± 0,86 para o método BIUI e 2,0 ± 1,0 para o método UBI. Aborto espontâneo ocorreu no dia 35 de gestação em uma gata seguindo o método UBI. Nossos achados mostraram que a BIUI de gatas com sêmen fresco resultou em maiores taxas de prenhez do que o novo método UBI; também, taxas de prenhez aceitáveis foram alcançadas após BIUI com sêmen fresco no gato doméstico.(AU)

Dirofilaria immitis parasite infection in cats: first case reported in the Legal Amazon region, Brazil: case report / Infecção por Dirofilaria immitis em gato: primeiro registro na região da Amazônia Legal, Brasil: relato de caso

A case of infection with Dirofilaria immitis in a cat is reported here with clinical signs of apathy, anorexia, dyspnea, polypnea, slight dehydration and pale mucus membranes. The radiographic examination showed cardiomegaly, lobar arteries dilation of the cranial lobes and tortuosity, enlargement of the caudal lobar arteries. In the right lobe of the lung parenchyma, interstitial pulmonary opacification tending to alveolar opacification was seen. The clinical signs, the movements, and the morphology of the microfilariae in the direct examination of fresh blood, peripheral blood smear and Knott's modified test supported the diagnosis. We alert to the need for clinicians to consider feline heartworm diseases as a differential diagnosis in endemic areas when cats show respiratory signs.

Descreve-se um caso de infecção por Dirofilaria immitis em gato com sinais clínicos de apatia, anorexia, dispneia, polipneia, leve desidratação e mucosas pálidas. O exame radiográfico demonstrou cardiomegalia, dilatação da artéria lobar cranial e tortuosidade, alargamento dos lobos caudais da artéria lobar. No lobo direito do parênquima pulmonar, opacificação pulmonar intersticial tendendo à opacificação foi observada. O diagnóstico foi baseado nos sinais clínicos, nos movimentos e na morfologia das microfilárias detectadas no exame de sangue a fresco, no esfregaço de sangue periférico e no teste de Knott modificado. Alertou-se para a necessidade de os clínicos considerarem a dirofilariose felina como diagnóstico diferencial em áreas endêmicas quando os gatos apresentam sinais respiratórios.

Felinos portadores de cardiomiopatia fenótipo hipertrófica - eixo elétrico da onda P / Cats with hypertrophic phenotype cardiomyopathy - P-wave electrical axis

Background: Hypertrophic phenotype cardiomyopathy is the most common heart disease in cats. Although the echocardiogram is the gold standard test for diagnosing fHCM, patients with the disease may have electrocardiographic changes. Despite being reported in most 12-lead electrocardiograms, the P wave axis generally receives little attention when compared to other wave parameters. We performed a Doppler echocardiographic and electrocardiographic study in cats, in order to verify the presence of correlation between the electrical axis average P wave and the presence of fCMH, aiming to investigate the possibility of its aid in the early diagnosis of cardiac disorders. Materials, Methods & Results: One hundred cats of different breeds, ages, males and females were evaluated. Those animals with a history of previous disease other than hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were excluded from the study. The groups were formed after obtaining the results of the echocardiographic examination. Eight of the 100 cats did not allow echocardiographic evaluation, and the remaining 92 were divided into 2 groups (control group, n = 64 and heart disease group, n = 28) after the examination. Of these 92 animals, 28 cats had the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype. The electrocardiographic examination was performed after the allocation of animals into groups lasting 5 min with the recording of tracings for later interpretation. To calculate the axis of the P wave, leads D1 and D3 were used, measuring the amplitude of the P wave in these leads and calculating the resulting amplitude. All cats studied had mean electrical axis of the P wave within the normal range for the species (0º to 90º). Based on mean electrical axis P wave values, there was no significant difference between groups. The control group had a median of 63.7° with a maximum value of 80°, a minimum value of 60° and a mean of 65.1°. The fCMH group had a median of 68.7° with a maximum value of 85.3°, a minimum value of 56.3° and a mean of 68.8°. Of the fCMH group, 3 cats had increased P wave duration (50.33 ± 5.77 ms), suggesting left atrial overload, and 13 cats had increased QRS complex duration (66.30 ± 11.23 ms). Also, 18 cats (Control group: 11; fCMH group: 7) showed T wave amplitude greater than 25% of R, suggesting the presence of myocardial hypoxia and/or electrolyte disturbance. One cat had a prolonged PR interval (from the fCMH group). As for the QT interval, 6 cats had an interval < 120 (2 from the control group and 4 from the affected group) and 3 had an interval > 180 (1 from the control group and 2 from the affected group). The ST segment remained isoelectric in all segments. As for the mean electrical axis of the QRS complex, 5 cats (10.42%) had axis deviation to the right (control: 1; fCMH: 4) suggesting right ventricular overload; 7 cats (14.58%) had left axis deviation (control: 5; fCMH: 2), suggestive of left ventricular overload; and 36 cats (75%) had a normal mean electrical axis. Discussion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, it can be concluded that screening studies in asymptomatic felines should be increasingly implemented in the veterinary clinical routine, since the frequency found was high (30.44%) and that patients may remain asymptomatic for years until the development of signs. It should be concluded that there was no correlation between the mean electric axis of P-wave and the presence of subclinical phenotype hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, more studies are needed, with felines at different stages of the disease, to evaluate whether this electrocardiographic measurement allows us to assist in its diagnosis, since it is a feasible measure in cats. Furthermore, it is concluded that the electrocardiogram should be used as an aid method in the diagnosis of the disease and not as a screening test.

Carcinoma de células escamosas (cce) em cão na região prepucial: relato de caso / Squamous cell carcinoma (scc) in dog in the preputial region: case report / Carcinoma de células escamosas (cce) en perro de la región prepucial: reporte de un caso

A expectativa de vida dos animais de companhia vem aumentando devido as mudanças comportamentais e de cuidados dos tutores. Em analogia, com as idades cada vez mais avançadas, é comum o desenvolvimento de doenças associadas, sendo o tumor o mais comum entre elas. Todavia, as neoplasias mais comuns na clínica de pequenos animais estão associadas ao sistema tegumentar. O carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE), ou carcinoma espinocelular, é uma neoplasia de epitélio, maligno, de crescimento lento e de baixo potencial metastático. Sua etiologia ainda não é precisamente conhecida e a causa exógena mais comum e descrita pela literatura é a exposição à luz ultravioleta, gerando consequentes lesões nas estruturas genéticas e imunogênicas na pele. Além disso, essas lesões apresentam-se de forma mais comum em animais de pelagem clara, com grande exposição solar e em área anatômicas hipopigmentadas. O prognóstico varia de acordo com a localização e o estágio clínico, sendo favorável o diagnóstico realizado precocemente, e o tratamento consiste na avaliação clínica seguida do protocolo adequado O presente relato de caso tem como objetivo principal reunir e discutir informações associadas sobre o carcinoma de células escamosas em caninos e felinos, abordando aspectos clínicos e patológicos, a fim de facilitar o raciocínio sobre o CCE, desde sua abordagem inicial, até seu diagnóstico final e estadiamento.(AU)

The life expectancy of companion animals has been increasing due to behavioral and care changes of the guardians. In analogy, with the increasingly advanced ages, the development of associated diseases is common, the tumor being the most common among them. However, the most common neoplasms in the small animal clinic are associated with the integumentary system. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or squamous cell carcinoma, is a malignant, slow-growing, low-potential metastatic epithelial neoplasm. Its etiology is not yet precisely known and the most common exogenous cause described by the literature is exposure to ultraviolet light, generating consequent lesions on the genetic and immunogenic structures in the skin. In addition, these lesions are more common in light-haired animals, with high exposure to the sun, and in hypopigmented anatomical areas. The prognosis varies according to the location and clinical stage, being favorable to the early diagnosis, and the treatment consists in the clinical evaluation followed by the appropriate protocol. The present case report has as its main objective to gather and discuss associated information about squamous cell carcinoma in canines and cats, addressing clinical and pathological aspects, in order to facilitate the reasoning about the CCE, from its initial approach, to its final diagnosis and staging.(AU)

La esperanza de vida de los animales de compañía ha ido en aumento debido a los cambios de comportamiento y cuidado de los guardianes. Por analogía, con las edades cada vez más avanzadas, el desarrollo de enfermedades asociadas es común, siendo el tumor el más común entre ellos. Sin embargo, las neoplasias más comunes en la clínica de animales pequeños se asocian con el sistema tegumentario. El carcinoma epidermoide (CCE), o carcinoma epidermoide, es una neoplasia epitelial metastásica maligna de crecimiento lento y bajo potencial. Su etiología aún no se conoce con precisión y la causa exógena más común descrita por la literatura es la exposición a la luz ultravioleta, generando lesiones consecuentes en las estructuras genéticas e inmunogénicas de la piel. Además, estas lesiones son más comunes en animales de pelo claro, con alta exposición al sol, y en áreas anatómicas hipopigmentadas. El pronóstico varía según la localización y el estadio clínico, siendo favorable al diagnóstico precoz, y el tratamiento consiste en la evaluación clínica seguida del protocolo adecuado. El presente reporte de caso tiene como objetivo principal reunir y discutir información asociada sobre el carcinoma epidermoide en caninos y gatos, abordando aspectos clínicos y patológicos, con el fin de facilitar el razonamiento sobre el CCE, desde su abordaje inicial, hasta su diagnóstico final y estadificación.(AU)

Retinopatia deficiente de taurina em uma gata / Taurine deficiency retinopathy in a cat

Background: Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats and its deficiency causes an ocular disorder called taurine deficiency retinopathy. The retinal lesion is definitive and can be classified into five progression stages. In an advanced stage, it leads to blindness that in most cases is irreversible. This disease is considered rare as taurine is currently supplemented in commercial cat food. The objective of this report is to describe the ophthalmic changes in a cat with advanced taurine deficiency retinopathy, a rare but current disease that is important for differential diagnosis of blindness in cats. Case: We report the case of an adult mixed-breed cat (weighing 3.4 kg), that was attended by the Ophthalmology Service of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (UNESP - Botucatu), which was treated due to complaints of poor visual acuity for about 1 year. The animal, which was previously a stray animal, had been adopted for 2 years and provided premium cat food ad libitum. Ophthalmic examination showed bilateral mydriasis, with negative menace, direct pupillary, and consensual light reflexes. No change was observed in the ocular appendages, cornea, anterior chamber, lens, and vitreous humor. The eyes were normotensive and fluorescein test negative. Direct and indirect fundoscopy revealed an area of ellipsoidal hyperreflexia with darkened margins laterally to the optic nerve disk in the tapetal region and intense retinal vascular attenuation in both eyes, with a diagnosis of taurine deficiency retinopathy. Complete blood count and biochemical analysis parameters were within the normal range, including the leukocyte count. The guardian was instructed to continue feeding the cat balanced cat food and received information on the proper care and management of a blind animal. Discussion: Although taurine deficient retinopathy is currently underdiagnosed due to the supplementation of this amino acid in commercial cat food, animals that are not properly fed, such as those receiving dog food or homemade food, may be deficient in this amino acid. Taurine deficiency and in this case, the consequent taurine deficiency retinopathy, was diagnosed by visualizing the lesion characteristic of this amino acid deficit since no other retinal change presents this aspect in cats. Therefore, this lesion is considered pathognomonic of this deficiency. Hyperreflective retinal lesions with darkened margins indicate the slow chronic progression in the already stabilized lesions. The animal in this report presented pigmented lesion margins, indicating the chronicity of these retinal changes. Moreover, lesion signs are visible on fundoscopy only after a period of 2-11 months of nutritional amino acid deficiency, and complete retinal atrophy usually occurs after at least nine months of taurine deficiency. Thus, complete blindness associated with advanced retinal changes reinforced the suspicion that the animal had taurine deficiency for a prolonged period of time prior to its adoption. Its guardian was instructed to provide balanced commercial cat food, because although retinal lesions are irreversible, cardiac changes resulting from taurine deficiency are reversed with dietary supplementation. In addition, taurine deficiency affects other organs and systems, such as the central nervous, immune, and reproductive systems. In conclusion, although taurine deficiency retinopathy is currently rare, this condition should be considered one of the possible differential diagnoses for blindness in feline patients.

Molecular characterization of carnivore protoparvovirus strains circulating in cats in Turkey / Caracterização molecular de cepas de protoparvovírus carnívoros circulantes em gatos na Turquia

Cats are susceptible to feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). Therefore, coinfection and superinfection with multiple parvovirus strains may occur, resulting in high heterogeneity and recombination. Considering the importance of cats as a potential source of genetic diversity for parvoviruses, we investigated the frequency of parvovirus infection in cats using their blood and fecal samples and performed molecular characterization of parvovirus strains circulating in cat populations. Accordingly, the fecal and blood samples of 60 cats with gastroenteritis symptoms were collected from Turkey's Burdur, Isparta, and Izmit provinces. Of these 15 fecal samples tested as parvovirus-positive by PCR, 14 were confirmed to have been infected with true FPV strains by sequencing analysis. Through the phylogeny analysis, those were located in the FPV cluster, closely related to CPV-2, and one was discriminated in the CPV-2b cluster. Additionally, sequence analysis of the VP2 gene of CPV and FPV revealed that the FPV strains detected in Turkey and the vaccine strains were highly related to each other, with a nucleotide identity of 97.7- 100%. Furthermore, 13 variable positions were detected in VP2 of the field and reference FPV strains. Three synonymous mutations were determined in the VP2 gene. Some amino acid mutations in the VP2 protein-affected sites were considered responsible for the virus's biological and antigenic properties. The partial sequence analysis of the VP2 gene revealed that four FPV strains detected in Turkey have a single nucleotide change from T to G at the amino acid position 384 between the nucleotides 3939-3941, which was reported for the first time. Therefore, these four isolates formed a different branch in the phylogenetic tree. The results suggest that both FPV and CPV-2b strains are circulating in domestic cats in Turkey and cats should be considered as potential sources of new parvovirus variants for cats, dogs and other animals.

Os gatos são suscetíveis ao vírus da panleucopenia felina (FPV) e ao parvovírus canino tipo 2 (CPV-2). Portanto, coinfecção e superinfecção com múltiplas cepas de parvovírus podem ocorrer, resultando em alta heterogeneidade e recombinação. Considerando a importância dos gatos como uma fonte potencial de diversidade genética para parvovírus, investigamos a frequência da infecção por parvovírus em gatos usando suas amostras de sangue e fezes e realizamos a caracterização molecular de cepas de parvovírus circulantes nas populações de gatos. Amostras fecais e de sangue de 60 gatos com sinais de gastroenterite foram coletadas nas províncias de Burdur, Isparta e Izmit, na Turquia. Destas, 15 amostras fecais testaram positivas para parvovírus por PCR e 14 foram confirmadas como infectadas com cepas verdadeiras de FPV por análise de sequenciamento. Através da análise filogenética, aqueles foram localizados no agrupamento FPV que está intimamente relacionado com o CPV-2, e um foi discriminado no agrupamento CPV-2b. Além disso, a análise da sequência do gene VP2 de CPV e FPV revelou que as cepas de FPV detectadas na Turquia e as cepas vacinais eram altamente relacionadas entre si, com uma identidade de nucleotídeos de 97,7-100%. Além disso, 13 posições variáveis foram detectadas em VP2 das cepas de campo e FPV de referência. Três mutações sinônimas foram determinadas no gene VP2. Algumas mutações de aminoácidos nos locais afetados pela proteína VP2 foram consideradas responsáveis pelas propriedades biológicas e antigênicas do vírus. A análise da sequência parcial do gene VP2 revelou que quatro cepas de FPV detectadas na Turquia têm uma única mudança de nucleotídeo de T para G na posição do aminoácido 384 entre os nucleotídeos 3939-3941, o que foi relatado pela primeira vez. Portanto, esses quatro isolados formaram um ramo diferente na árvore filogenética. Os resultados sugerem que ambas as cepas FPV e CPV-2b estão circulando em gatos domésticos na Turquia e os gatos devem ser considerados como fontes potenciais de novas variantes de parvovírus para gatos, cães e outros animais.

Metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma in a cat

Biliary neoplasms are uncommon in cats and affect older animals. A 12-year-old female crossbreed cat showed prostration, lethargy, apathy, and severe jaundice. Ultrasonography showed distention of the gallbladder associated with severe obstruction of the bile ducts with thickening of the biliary wall, forming amorphous masses of irregular contour and heterogeneous appearance directed to the lumen measuring up to 2 cm. Necropsy showed a gallbladder with a yellowish and soft nodule measuring 3 × 3 cm, compressing the extrahepatic bile duct, occluding the passage of bile. There were also firm, yellowish multifocal to coalescing nodules in the liver, ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm, affecting 10% of the organ, in addition to lungs with firm, yellowish multifocal nodules ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 cm, affecting 20% of the organ. Histologically, gallbladder and bile ducts had malignant epithelial neoplastic proliferation, which was organized into multiple papillary and ductal projections, separated by moderate fibrovascular stroma compatible with gallbladder adenocarcinoma. The liver and lungs also contained neoplastic structures with a ductal appearance and papilliform projections identical to those observed in the gallbladder. The immunohistochemical examination (IHC) showed intense positive staining of epithelial neoplastic cells for pan-cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and no staining for vimentin (Clone V9). The diagnosis of gallbladder adenocarcinoma with metastasis in the liver and lungs was established based on the clinical, macroscopic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings.(AU)

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic cats (Felis catus) diagnosed by different coproparasitological techniques in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro / Prevalência de parasitos gastrointestinais gatos de domésticos (Felis catus) diagnosticados por diferentes técnicas coproparasitológicas no município de Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro

The objectives of this work were to investigate the occurrence of parasites in feces of cats, compare different coproparasitological techniques for their diagnosis and determine associations with parasitism. The samples were processed using three different coproparasitological techniques: centrifugal flotation in sucrose, centrifugal flotation in ZnSO4 and simple sedimentation. The parasitic association between parasitism and variables such as age, sex and fecal consistency was performed using the chi-square test or the G test with a significance level of 5%. A total of 237 samples were analyzed, of which 93 (39.2%) were positive, being Ancylostoma spp. (17.3%), Giardia intestinalis (12.2%), Platynosomum illiciens (8.0%), Cystoisospora spp. (6.3%), Toxoplasma gondii/ Hammondia hammondi (3.4%), Diphyllobothriidae (2.1%), Toxocara spp. (1.7%), Dipylidium caninum (1.3%) and Mesocestoides spp. (0.8%). In the parasitism association analysis, it was possible to verify a statistical difference in the age category for Cystoisospora spp. (p=0.001) observing a strong relationship between parasitism and young animals, the association with sex proved to be important for P. illiciens (p<0.001) with a higher frequency of parasitized females and fecal consistency revealed to be related to the parasites G. intestinalis (p=0.007) and P. illiciens (p=0.033) showing a higher number of positive animals for these parasites with normal fecal consistency. In conclusion, we observed a higher occurrence of Ancylostoma spp. and G. intestinalis in fecal samples from domestic cats received in routine diagnoses and the presence of other parasites with zoonotic potential, as well as the relationship of these diagnosed parasites with the categories sex, age and fecal consistency.(AU)

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram investigar a ocorrência de parasitos em fezes de gatos, comparar diferentes técnicas coproparasitológicas para o seu diagnóstico e determinar as associações com o parasitismo. As amostras foram processadas usando três diferentes técnicas coproparasitológicas: centrífugo-flutuação em sacarose, centrífugo-flutuação em ZnSO4 e sedimentação simples. A associação parasitária entre o parasitismo e variáveis, como idade, sexo e consistência fecal, foi realizada pelo teste de qui-quadrado ou teste de G com nível de significância de 5%. No total, foram analisadas 237 amostras, das quais 93 (39,2%) foram positivas, sendo diagnosticados os parasitos Ancylostoma spp. (17,3%), Giardia intestinalis (12,2%), Platynosomum illiciens (8,0%), Cystoisospora spp. (6,3%), Toxoplasma gondii/ Hammondia hammondi (3,4%), Diphyllobothriidae (2,1%), Toxocara spp. (1,7%), Dipylidium caninum (1,3%) e Mesocestoides spp. (0,8%). Na análise de associação entre o parasitismo e as outras variáveis, foi possível verificar diferença estatística na categoria idade para Cystoisospora spp. (p=0,001), observando forte relação entre o parasitismo e animais jovens. A associação com o sexo demonstrou ser importante para P. illiciens (p<0,001), com maior frequência de fêmeas parasitadas. E a consistência fecal revelou ter relação com os parasitos G. intestinalis (p=0,007) e P. illiciens (p=0,033), com maior frequência de fezes com consistência normal nos animais positivos para esses parasitos. Em conclusão, foi observada uma maior ocorrência de Ancylostoma spp. e G. intestinalis em amostras fecais de gatos domésticos, recebidas em diagnósticos de rotina e a presença de outros parasitos com potencial zoonótico, como também, a relação desses parasitos diagnosticados com as categorias sexo, idade e consistência fecal.(AU)

Rinoscopia como auxiliar no diagnóstico de criptococose felina: Relato de caso / Rhinoscopy as aid in the diagnosis of feline cryptococosis: case report

Criptococose é uma micose sistêmica não contagiosa que acomete, principalmente, felinos. O agente etiológico é uma levedura do gênero Cryptococcus sp., e a sua transmissão ocorre por via aerógena, com a inalação dos esporos que se alojam, principalmente, na cavidade nasal e pulmão. A forma nasal é a mais comum em felinos e as suas manifestações clínicas incluem edema nasofacial, eritema e secreção nasal. O diagnóstico pode ser realizado por meio de cultivo micológico, citologia, histologia e reação em cadeia polimerase. Neste artigo, é apresentado o relato de caso de um felino diagnosticado com criptococose, no qual o diagnóstico de triagem foi realizado por meio de rinoscopia. No atendimento inicial, o animal apresentava hiporexia, reflexo de deglutição constante, engasgos, odor acentuado em região nasal e crepitações pulmonares com evolução de três meses. O diagnóstico foi realizado com o emprego de rinoscopia, que identificou massa interna na região da mucosa nasofaríngea, com posterior biópsia e exame anatomopatológico. Após a confirmação diagnóstica, o paciente foi medicado com itraconazol 10 mg/kg SID, por 5 meses, e teve a resolução de todos os sinais clínicos apresentados. A criptococose deve ser considerada como diagnóstico, diferencial de alterações do sistema respiratório em felinos e a rinoscopia pode ser um recurso diagnóstico importante para auxiliar na conclusão e reconhecimento da enfermidade.(AU)

Cryptococcosis is a non-contagious systemic mycosis that primarily affects felines. Its etiological agent is a yeast of the genus Cryptococcus sp., and its transmission occurs through the air, by inhalation of spores that primarily lodge in the nasal cavity and lungs. The nasal form is the most common in felines and clinical manifestations include nasofacial edema, erythema and nasal discharge. Diagnosis can be made by means of mycological culture, cytology, histology and polymerase chain reaction. This article presents a case of a feline diagnosed with cryptococcosis, in which the screening diagnosis was performed by means of rhinoscopy. In the initial care, the animal presented hyporexia, constant swallowing reflex, choking, accentuated odor in the nasal region and pulmonary crackles with evolution of three months. The diagnosis was made using rhinoscopy, which identified an internal mass in the nasopharyngeal mucosa, and subsequent biopsy and anatomopathological examination. After diagnostic confirmation, the patient was medicated with itraconazole 10 mg/kg SID for 5 months and had resolution of all clinical signs presented. Cryptococcosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of alterations in the respiratory system in cats and rhinoscopy can be an important diagnostic tool to assist in the conclusion and recognition of this disease.(AU)

Esporotricose em felinos domésticos: revisão de literatura / Sporotrichosis in domestic felines: literature review

A Esporotricose é uma micose subcutânea de caráter zoonótico causada pelo fungo Sporothrix schenckii que habita o solo, palhas, vegetais e também madeiras, podendo ser transmitido por meio de materiais contaminados, como farpas ou espinhos. Contudo os animais infectados e em especial os gatos, também transmitem a doença, por meio de arranhões, mordidas e contato direto com pele lesionada. Nos mamíferos, o quadro clínico apresenta-se na forma crônica ou aguda com o surgimento de lesões cutâneas. A doença é considerada um problema de saúde pública, pois afeta a população de áreas endêmicas. O presente trabalho foi delineado para analisar a manifestação da doença em gatos domésticos, revisando sinais clínicos, diagnóstico, prevenção, tratamento e também faz um alerta para a sua importância em saúde pública.(AU)

Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic subcutaneous mycosis caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii that inhabits the soil, straw, vegetables and also wood, and can be transmitted through contaminated materials, such as splinters or thorns. However, infected animals, and especially cats, also transmit the disease through scratches, bites and direct contact with injured skin. In mammals, the clinical picture is chronic or acute with the appearance of skin lesions. The disease is considered a public health problem, as it affects the population of endemic areas. The present work was designed to analyze the manifestation of the disease in domestic cats, reviewing clinical signs, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and also makes an alert for its importance in public health. Educational measures are needed to make the population aware of the effects of waste on One Health.(AU)

Carcinoma de células escamosas em gato - tratamento com quimioterapia metronômica / Squamous cell carcinoma in a cat - treatment with metronomic chemotherapy

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant neoplasm associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and lack of skin pigment in white-coated animals. The disease diagnosis is based on the animal's history, clinical signs and histopathology of the samples collected. The therapeutic alternatives are diverse. Among them, one of the most used is the metronomic chemotherapy which is based on the use of cytostatics drugs, applied in low and frequent doses for a longer period of time. One of the mechanisms of action of this type of therapy is the decrease in angiogenesis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are simultaneously used to maximize the angiogenic effect. The objective of this study is to report the results of a treatment accomplised with metronomic chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide with meloxicam) in a domestic feline which presented a squamous cell tumor. Case: A 7-year-old female cat, mixed breed, not neutered, weighing 3.5 kg, was assisted at the Veterinary Specialties Teaching Clinic (CEEV) of the Technical University of Machala (UTMACH), presenting bilateral ulcerative lesion in the nasal plane for 5 months. Chronic exposure to sunlight is referred to in the patient's anamnesis. Aspiration cytology performed in the patient revealed an inflammatory process with a predominance of neutrophils and macrophages, and showed absence of neoplastic cells. A treatment based on antibiotics and corticosteroids was adopted. As there were no favorable results, an excisional biopsy procedure was chosen to collect the affected tissues. The result of the histopathological analysis was a level 2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The initial treatment consisted of surgical removal of the tumor and later the use of metronomic chemotherapy based on Cyclophosphamide, Meloxicam, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and Sucralfate for 5 months was adopted. At the beginning of the second phase of treatment, the patient developed a macula that progressively diminished. Currently, the patient does not have any recurrence of the diagnosed neoplasm. Discussion: The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was based on clinical and histopathological findings. The macroscopic lesions were crusted ulcers that do not heal in the nasal plane and auricular pavilion, as reported in the literature. SCC is characterized by the infiltration of squamous cells in the dermal layer of the skin, forming epithelial islands with keratin pearls. The histopathological findings of this case present the same characteristics. The climatic conditions of Ecuador, high temperatures with greater incidence of sunlight, hypopigmented areas of the animal's body and chronic exposure to solar radiation are risk factors present in this case that foster the development of this malignant neoplasm. There are multiple treatments to be introduced in this sort of pathology. In this case, surgical removal of the tumor was adopted, followed by metronomic chemotherapy based on cyclophosphamide at 10 mg/m2 and meloxicam at a 0.05 mg/kg per day for a period of time of five months, obtaining favorable results and absence of recurrence. Despite metronomic chemotherapy being easy to administer, with fewer side effects, which includes a better acceptance of care takers who are reluctant to administer conventional chemotherapy, further studies are still necessary in what concerns certain variables such as age, carcinoma level, appropriate dosages and drugs according to each neoplasm.

Adenocarcinoma pancreático em um gato / Pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a cat

Background: Despite being rare in domestic animals, pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the feline pancreas. Due non-specificity of clinical signs in cats and the late diagnosis of the neoplasm, it is necessary to understand this disease better, to contribute for the knowledge of its early recognition and treatment. Thus, this study aims to report a case of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in a cat, focusing on the main clinical aspects, diagnosis, and prognosis of this disease, in addition to the description of the presentation of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Case: A 14-year-old male neutered mixed breed cat, was referred to the Feline Medicine Service (MedFel) of the Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias (HCV) - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, with a history of hyporexia, constipation and increased abdominal volume for 3 days, besides mild difficulty in locomotion and progressive weight loss in the last 6 months. On the physical examination, the patient was alert, with a body condition score of 6/9; muscle condition score 1/4 and moderate dehydration of 7%. Popliteal lymph nodes were enlarged, and abdominal distension was evident. Around 200 mL of a slightly cloudy, straw-yellow liquid were drained from the abdominal cavity. After draining the fluid, a new abdominal palpation was performed, and there were fecal retention and a palpable mass in the right hypogastric region. The result of the cytological analysis of the fluid was consistent with a protein-rich transudate, suggesting neoplastic effusion of epithelial origin. Hematological and biochemical changes included leukocytosis due to neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphopenia, thrombocytosis and azotemia. On abdominal ultrasound, the patient had free fluid in the abdominal cavity, and the gallbladder had discreet of biliary sludge. The intestines showed some corrugated segments with other segments lacking definition of its layers, and without peristaltic movements, suggesting intestinal neoplasia. Pancreas and adrenals were not visualized. On the chest X-ray, moderate opacification of lung fields with a diffuse interstitial pattern was observed, suggesting lung metastasis. The patient presented an acute worsening of the clinical condition and the owner requested euthanasia. The patient was referred for necropsy and based on the macroscopic and microscopic changes, the post-mortem diagnosis was metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Discussion: The clinical presentation of cats with exocrine pancreatic neoplasia is nonspecific, as clinical signs are common to several diseases, such as anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss with normal appetite, jaundice, depression, and lethargy. Complementary blood tests also do not provide data that could lead to the suspicion of pancreatic neoplastic disease. In the present case, the diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis was only possible post mortem. The pancreas is a difficult organ to assess adequately using most diagnostic imaging methods, so histopathology is still the method of choice for differentiating pancreatic tissue comorbidities. Therefore, exploratory laparotomy should be instituted to provide tissue samples from the pancreas and its metastases for histopathological diagnosis, whenever ultrasound or other imaging methods indicate suspicious abdominal changes. The literature reports that less than 10% of affected cats treated with complete surgical removal of the mass and chemotherapy alone will survive more than a year, and the average time for untreated cats is only 6 days. The prognosis of this disease is bad and most cats are euthanized, due to rapid clinical worsening. Therefore, diagnosis is essential to determine an adequate prognosis in advanced cases and to support therapeutic decisions or euthanasia.

Induced corneal ulcers in cats - effects of 2% dorzolamide on epithelization time and on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9

Background: Topically administered 2% dorzolamide is among the most commonly used agents to lower IOP. As a complication of glaucoma, blind patients may develop corneal ulcers secondary to trauma. Nonetheless, in patients with a hypertensive or glaucomatous eye, in which the cornea has also been ulcerated, medical hypotensive therapy should not be discontinued. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether the instillation of a benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved 2% dorzolamide alters corneal wound healing time and the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9) in the tears of cats with experimentally induced corneal ulcers. Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen cats (8/group) were randomly assigned to receive 40 µL of 2% dorzolamide (TG) or saline (CG) 3 times daily until corneal re-epithelialization. Experimental keratectomies were performed under general and topical anesthesia using an operating microscope. For this purpose, a millimitred trephine was calibrated and used to create a temporal paraxial corneal ulcer with a diameter of 6 mm and a depth of 200 µm. After corneal wounding, the ulcerated area, the healing time, blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia, and aqueous flare were compared between groups. Tears were collected at baseline and 24 and 48 h after keratectomy, and the total MMP-9 was quantified by ELISA. Data were assessed statistically using unpaired Student's t test, one-way, and two-way ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 for all analyses. The average time to achieve corneal wound healing did not differ between groups (P = 0.36) and was 65.50 ± 3.62 h in the CG and 71.00 ± 4.58 h in the TG. Twenty-four h after keratectomy, the ulcerated area in the CG was 3.34 mm2 larger than that observed in the TG (P = 0.04); the rest of the comparisons did not reach statistical significance at any time point between groups (P > 0.05). Higher blepharospasm scores were observed in cats of TG (P = 0.04). When compared with baseline of both groups, the levels of MMP-9 increased significantly at 24 and 48 h post-keratectomy (P < 0.001), but differences between groups were not observed at 24 and 48 h post-keratectomy (P > 0.05). Discussion: In cats, 9 mm axial corneal ulcers created by superficial debridement re-epithelize approximately 48 h postwounding. In the present study, re-epithelialization post keratectomy occurred within an average time of 68.25 h in most cats and in a delayed manner in one cat of the TG after 96 h. In the current study, the lesions in both groups healed without corneal scarring, pigmentation, or vascularization. Although BAC was present in all topical medications used in the present study, the authors attribute the higher scores of blepharospasm in the TG to the rheological characteristics and the pH of the dorzolamide ophthalmic solution. Indeed, the pH value of dorzolamide (5.58) may cause signs of irritation, as the tear film has an approximate pH of 7.6. Previous studies showed that ulcerated corneas presented significantly higher levels of MMP-9 in tears at the early stages (8 to 36 h) post-wounding. In the current study, the levels of this enzyme after wounding did not change significantly in the tears of cats treated with 2% dorzolamide when compared to the eyes in the control group. This study showed that the instillation of a BAC-preserved 2% dorzolamide ophthalmic solution did not impair the corneal wound healing time or the early expression of MMP-9 in the tears of cats with experimentally induced corneal ulcers. However, our results warrant further investigation in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma presenting concomitant naturally occurring corneal ulcers to certify our findings.

First molecular detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a domestic cat (Felis catus) from an urban area in eastern Amazon

Background: Domestic cats have been implicated as accidental hosts of Leishmania sp. However, in recent years, the recurrent description of new cases in endemic and nonendemic areas draw attention to the potential epidemiological role of cats as reservoir hosts. Although dogs are considered urban reservoirs, cats could act as a secondary natural reservoirs in these areas. Thus, feline leishmaniasis has become an emerging disease in several countries worldwide. Case presentation: This study aimed to describe the first case of feline leishmaniasis in a stray animal that presented lesions compatible with the disease in Belém, Pará, Brazil, an important urban area in eastern Amazon. Serological tests for Leishmania infantum (ELISA and IFA) were nonreactive, whereas histopathological examination indicated infectious dermatitis caused by Leishmania spp. or Toxoplasma gondii. Cytopathological study of lesion aspirate confirmed the presence of Leishmania sp. amastigotes within macrophages. Finally, molecular analyses revealed that the feline infection was caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi. Conclusion: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study reports the first case of natural infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a feline from eastern Amazon. These findings suggest domestic cats as potential secondary reservoir hosts of Leishmania spp. in Belém, which reinforces the importance of further epidemiological investigation of feline leishmaniasis, especially in urban areas with human cases.(AU)