Listeriosis outbreak in sheep raised in feedlots in the Southern Region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Background: A listeriosis outbreak in a sheep fattening feedlot in the Southern Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazilis described. This disease is caused by Listeria monocytogenes and represents a risk to public health since it affects notonly ruminants but also humans. This agent is widely spread in the environment, such as in the soil and water. It is alsofound in decaying vegetable matter and the feces and fluids of domestic animals. The aim of this study was to describe alisteriosis outbreak in sheep raised in feedlots, its epidemiology, and to establish the importance of this disease in this typeof sheep management system, evaluate the possible sources of infection, and suggest ways to control it.Cases: Sheep were kept in a 2-sector shed, one with east solar orientation and the other with west solar orientation, thelatter with free access to domestic birds. Sheep were fed silage and concentrate. Seven sheep were affected, 5 died and 2recovered. Clinically, the sheep displayed loss of balance, excessive drooling, and tremors; one exhibited circling, headdeviation, apathy, nystagmus, lateral recumbency, paddling, and labored breathing. At necropsy, macroscopic lesions werenot found, and histologically several micro-abscesses and perivascular cuffs with lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils were present in the brain stem. Listeria monocytogenes suspected colonies were observed in the microbiologicalculture, and the bacteria was identified by biochemical analysis. The immunohistochemistry test in brain stem sectionswas positive for the antibody BD DifcoTM Listeria O Antiserum Poly Serotypes 1 and 4.Discussion: A listeriosis outbreak in a feedlot sheep was confirmed through epidemiological findings, histological lesions,bacterial culture, and immunohistochemistry analysis. This infection is frequent...

Listeriosis outbreak in sheep raised in feedlots in the Southern Region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Background: A listeriosis outbreak in a sheep fattening feedlot in the Southern Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazilis described. This disease is caused by Listeria monocytogenes and represents a risk to public health since it affects notonly ruminants but also humans. This agent is widely spread in the environment, such as in the soil and water. It is alsofound in decaying vegetable matter and the feces and fluids of domestic animals. The aim of this study was to describe alisteriosis outbreak in sheep raised in feedlots, its epidemiology, and to establish the importance of this disease in this typeof sheep management system, evaluate the possible sources of infection, and suggest ways to control it.Cases: Sheep were kept in a 2-sector shed, one with east solar orientation and the other with west solar orientation, thelatter with free access to domestic birds. Sheep were fed silage and concentrate. Seven sheep were affected, 5 died and 2recovered. Clinically, the sheep displayed loss of balance, excessive drooling, and tremors; one exhibited circling, headdeviation, apathy, nystagmus, lateral recumbency, paddling, and labored breathing. At necropsy, macroscopic lesions werenot found, and histologically several micro-abscesses and perivascular cuffs with lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils were present in the brain stem. Listeria monocytogenes suspected colonies were observed in the microbiologicalculture, and the bacteria was identified by biochemical analysis. The immunohistochemistry test in brain stem sectionswas positive for the antibody BD DifcoTM Listeria O Antiserum Poly Serotypes 1 and 4.Discussion: A listeriosis outbreak in a feedlot sheep was confirmed through epidemiological findings, histological lesions,bacterial culture, and immunohistochemistry analysis. This infection is frequent...(AU)

Meningioma intracraniano em cão - tratamento com radioterapia / Intracranial meningioma in a dog - treatment with radiotherapy

Background: The most common primary brain neoplasm is meningioma. Dolichocephalic breeds are predisposed and there is no sexual predilection. Clinical signs depend on the location and size of the tumor and have a progressive course. Primary treatement includes surgery, radiotherapy or both. This study aimed to describe the treatment of a dog with suspected intracranial meningioma with definitive radiotherapy, which resulted in significant clinical improvement and prolonged survival. Case: A 9-year-old Shetland Shepherd bitch was diagnosed with a head tilt to the left side that progressed over a few weeks. She previously received corticosteroid therapy, which resulted a clinical improvement that worsened after treatment was discontinued. Computed tomography revealed an extra-axial brain mass in the caudal fossa, lateralized to the right, welldelimited, and measuring approximately 1.5 × 1.4 × 1.7 cm, suggestive of intracranial meningioma. The patient was treated with radiotherapy using Cobalt-60 equipment, with 18 daily fractions of 2.5 Gy at a total dose of 45 Gy using parallel and opposite technique fields. A new tomography performed 30 days after treatment showed a remission of 85% of the initial brain mass measuring approximately 0.9 × 1.0 × 0.5 cm, as well as complete resolution of the clinical signs initially presented. After 14 months, the patient presented with signs of lethargy and ataxia and was medicated with hydroxyurea at a dose of 50 mg/kg 3 times a week and corticosteroid therapy. However, the patient's neurological condition deteriorated, and she was subjected to reirradiation using the same protocol used previously, which resulted in clinical improvement and a 54% reduction in tumor volume on magnetic resonance. As a late side effect, only permanent alopecia in the irradiated region was observed. The patient died of disease 330 days after the second course of radiotherapy, with a total survival time of 1087 days. Discussion: Meningiomas are extra-axial neoplasms of the central nervous system that grow inside the dura mater. The literature shows that meningiomas are more common in dolichocephalic races with a mean age of 9 years, which supports our findings. Meningiomas most commonly affect the cortical thalamus and cerebellopontine region in dogs, which are normally associated with vestibular symptoms, as seen in this case. Diencephalic damage can result in vestibular signals since the thalamus functions as a relay station for vestibular afferent stimuli that are relayed to the cerebral cortex. In addition to the vestibular syndrome, common clinical signs associated with meningiomas in dogs include seizures, behavioral changes, and walking in circles, which are frequently misinterpreted due to tumor-induced side effects, such as cerebral edema, obstructive hydrocephalus, and cerebral hernia. Advanced imaging techniques should be used to diagnose intracranial neoplasms. In this case, computed tomography was critical for diagnosis and treatment planning. Meningioma treatment may comprise palliative measures, surgery, and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy as a single treatment can improve the quality of life with a decrease in clinical signs and a median survival time of approximately 250-536 days, as reported in the literature. Hydroxyurea can be a therapeutic option in inoperable cases and for patients with clinical limitations to undergo successive anesthesia during radiotherapy. Its most serious side effect is progressive myelosuppression. It can cause temporary partial tumor remission and improvement in clinical signs. As previously stated, radiotherapy can be an effective primary treatment option for treating intracranial meningiomas in dogs, with significant improvement in neurological clinical signs and mild side effects.

Central nervous system infiltration in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a dog

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant neoplasia in which there is proliferation of lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, blood, and extramedullary sites. This disorder has a fast and progressive development; in dogs, cases of infiltration of ALL cells in the central nervous system (CNS) are uncommon and rare. Diagnosis can be achieved with the help of the clinical history and physical, radiographic, hematological, myelographic, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests in patients with or without neurological clinical signs. The present report aims to describe a case of ALL and the presence of lymphoblasts in the CSF of a dog with neurological clinical signs. Case: An 8-year-old Lhasa Apso dog was examined at the Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba campus. At the physical examination, the animal exhibited apathy and paralysis of pelvic limbs, which progressed to tetraplegia. Abdominal palpation revealed presence of hepatosplenomegaly and absence of lymphadenomegaly. No alterations were observed in radiographs of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. A complete blood count revealed presence of non-regenerative anemia (hematocrit = 22%), extreme lymphocytosis (185,229 cells/µL), lymphoblasts at a level of 72% (133,364 cells/µL), and thrombocytopenia (66,000 platelets/µL). The biochemical tests revealed increased alkaline phosphatase (859 IU/L). The levels of alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, and globulin were normal. The diagnosis of ALL was achieved with the help of a myelogram. The myelogram findings included 39% of mature lymphocytes and 59% of lymphoblasts exhibiting large size, spherical shape, poorly delimited borders, with a high nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, marked cytoplasmic basophilia, and 2 to 3 evident nucleoli; metarubricytes (1%) and promyelocytes (0.6%) were also observed. The CSF contained an increased number of nucleated cells (27 cells/µL) comprising lymphocytes (43%), macrophages (33%), and segmented neutrophils (24%). Of the 11.6 lymphocytes per µL of CSF, 8.1 were lymphoblasts, which indicates infiltration of ALL cells in the CNS. The animal died one day after collection of bone barrow and CSF. Discussion: Relevant alterations observed in this case included the neurological signs caused by the infiltration of neoplastic cells in the CNS, severe leukocytosis and lymphocytosis, with large amounts of lymphoblasts in the blood and predominance of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow, which are alterations typically found in ALL. The animal also exhibited non-regenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia, which were secondary to infiltration of leukemic cells in the bone marrow. The CSF exhibited pleocytosis (27 cells/ µL), and 30% of the cells observed were lymphoblasts. Lymphoblast infiltration in the CNS of leukemic dogs is rare, and other studies have reported absence of neurological signs or neurological signs different from those observed in the present study. CSF analysis in indicated in cases of leukemia to assess leukemic cell infiltration in the CNS. In the case reported here, the plasma level of alkaline phosphatase was increased (859 IU/L) as a consequence of hepatomegaly and hepatic cholestasis. ALL is a very aggressive, proliferative neoplasia, and the resulting lymphoblasts infiltrated the CNS of the animal. In cases of ALL, performing complete blood count, myelogram, and CSF analysis is indicated whether the patients exhibit neurological signs or not.(AU)

Wobbly syndrome in an Africa pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris): neuropathological and immunohistochemical studies / Síndrome de Wobbly em um ouriço pigmeu africano (Atelerix albiventris): estudo neuropatológico e imuno-histoquímico

A three-year-old female African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), born and domiciled in Brazil, presented apathy, prostration, and difficulty to stay standing. Its parents were siblings but did not present clinical signs related to this condition. As its clinical condition worsened, the animal was euthanized and referred for necropsy. No gross lesions were found in the central nervous system (CNS). Histologically, there was vacuolation with axonal degeneration in the white matter of the CNS and in peripheral nervous tissue. The Kluver-Barrera (KB) stain confirmed demyelination in vacuolated areas. Immunohistochemistry using several neural markers confirmed astrocytosis and microgliosis associated with vacuolated areas. In addition, there was a mild decrease in the immuno intensity of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) in these areas. These results suggest a genetic origin of the present demyelination, which resulted in the wobbly syndrome described in this report.(AU)

Um ouriço pigmeu africano de três anos de idade, nascido e domiciliado no Brasil, apresentou apatia, prostração e dificuldade em permanecer em estação. Os pais deste ouriço eram irmãos, mas não apresentaram sinais clínicos relacionados a esta condição. Com a piora dos sinais clínicos, o animal foi eutanasiado e encaminhado para necropsia. Não foram encontradas lesões macroscópicas no sistema nervoso central (SNC). Histologicamente, havia vacuolização com degeneração axonal na substância branca do SNC e no tecido nervoso periférico. A coloração de Kluver-Barrera (KB) confirmou desmielinização nas áreas vacuolizadas e a imuno-histoquímica utilizando vários marcadores, confirmou astrocitose e microgliose associadas com as áreas de vacuolização. Além disso, houve discreta diminuição da imunointensidade da proteína proteolipídica da mielina (PLP) nessas áreas. Estes resultados sugerem origem genética da desmielinização que resultou na síndrome de wobbly descrita neste relato.(AU)

Medulloblastoma in a calf of the flemish breed / Meduloblastoma em bezerro da raça Flamenga

Medulloblastomas are neuroectodermal tumors of embryonic origin developing in cerebellum and spinal cord and have an unusual occurrence. When occurs in cattle, it is observed in neonatal cases, leading to multiple neurological clinical signs. Flemish cattle are considered at risk of extinction and the rare specimens of Brazil are in Lages, Santa Catarina. The case of a two-month-old calf with difficulty to remain in a standing position, imbalance, opisthotonus, strabismus, and broad-based gait is described in this study. The animal was euthanized and the necropsy showed an irregular, whitish pink, and friable mass in the cerebellar vermis region, measuring 5×6×3.8 cm associated with the dilation of the lateral ventricles, which extended through the interventricular foramen, midbrain aqueduct, and fourth ventricle. Histologically, it presented elongated triangular neuronal cells arranged in a dense sheet that sometimes encircled small areas of neuropil to form Homer-Wright pseudorosettes. These tumor characteristics were compatible with a medulloblastoma. The immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation of the tumor demonstrated a positive staining for vimentin in neoplastic cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein in neoplastic stromal cells, non-reactive for synaptophysin, and negative for S100 protein and pan-cytokeratin. The histological and topographical characteristics were paramount for determining the medulloblastoma diagnosis and the IHC panl is similar to that observed in other studies. Tumor growth is limited by skull bony structures, allowing determining that the clinical signs expressed by the animal were directly related to the compression of important functional structures due to tumor expansion. Medulloblastoma is an unusual tumor in all animal species, not previously reported in Flemish cattle, and necropsy followed by histopathological examination is essential for diagnosis.(AU)

Meduloblastomas são tumores da neuroectoderme com origem embrionária, que se desenvolvem no cerebelo e na medula espinhal com ocorrência incomum. Quando ocorre em bovinos é observado em casos neonatal, levando a múltiplos sinais clínicos neurológicos. Os bovinos da raça Flamenga estão considerados em risco de extinção e os raros exemplares do Brasil estão localizados em Lages, Santa Catarina. Descreve-se o caso de um bezerro com dois meses de idade, apresentando dificuldade para manter-se em estação, desequilíbrio, opistótono, estrabismo e caminhar em base ampla. O animal foi submetido a eutanásia e na necropsia observou-se na região do vérmis do cerebelo uma massa irregular, rosa esbranquiçada e friável, medindo 5x6x3,8cm associado a dilatação dos ventrículos laterais, que prolongava pelo forame interventricular, aqueduto do mesencéfalo e IV ventrículo. Histologicamente, observava células neuronais triangulares alongadas organizadas em um lençol denso, que às vezes circundavam pequenas áreas de neurópilo para formar pseudorosetas de Homer-Wright, estas características do tumor eram compatíveis com um meduloblastoma. A avaliação imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) do tumor demonstrou marcação positiva para vimentina em células neoplásicas e para proteína glial fibrilar ácida em células do estroma neoplásico, não reagente para sinaptofisina e negativo para proteína S100 e pan-citoqueratina. As características histológicas e topográficas foram primordiais para a determinação do diagnóstico de meduloblastoma e o painel IHQ é semelhante à observada em outros trabalhos. O crescimento do tumor é limitado pelas estruturas ósseas do crânio, permitindo determinar que os sinais clínicos expressos pelo animal estavam diretamente relacionados com a compressão de estruturas funcionais importantes em decorrência da expansão tumoral.(AU)

Medulloblastoma in a calf of the flemish breed / Meduloblastoma em bezerro da raça Flamenga

Medulloblastomas are neuroectodermal tumors of embryonic origin developing in cerebellum and spinal cord and have an unusual occurrence. When occurs in cattle, it is observed in neonatal cases, leading to multiple neurological clinical signs. Flemish cattle are considered at risk of extinction and the rare specimens of Brazil are in Lages, Santa Catarina. The case of a two-month-old calf with difficulty to remain in a standing position, imbalance, opisthotonus, strabismus, and broad-based gait is described in this study. The animal was euthanized and the necropsy showed an irregular, whitish pink, and friable mass in the cerebellar vermis region, measuring 5×6×3.8 cm associated with the dilation of the lateral ventricles, which extended through the interventricular foramen, midbrain aqueduct, and fourth ventricle. Histologically, it presented elongated triangular neuronal cells arranged in a dense sheet that sometimes encircled small areas of neuropil to form Homer-Wright pseudorosettes. These tumor characteristics were compatible with a medulloblastoma. The immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation of the tumor demonstrated a positive staining for vimentin in neoplastic cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein in neoplastic stromal cells, non-reactive for synaptophysin, and negative for S100 protein and pan-cytokeratin. The histological and topographical characteristics were paramount for determining the medulloblastoma diagnosis and the IHC panl is similar to that observed in other studies. Tumor growth is limited by skull bony structures, allowing determining that the clinical signs expressed by the animal were directly related to the compression of important functional structures due to tumor expansion. Medulloblastoma is an unusual tumor in all animal species, not previously reported in Flemish cattle, and necropsy followed by histopathological examination is essential for diagnosis.

Meduloblastomas são tumores da neuroectoderme com origem embrionária, que se desenvolvem no cerebelo e na medula espinhal com ocorrência incomum. Quando ocorre em bovinos é observado em casos neonatal, levando a múltiplos sinais clínicos neurológicos. Os bovinos da raça Flamenga estão considerados em risco de extinção e os raros exemplares do Brasil estão localizados em Lages, Santa Catarina. Descreve-se o caso de um bezerro com dois meses de idade, apresentando dificuldade para manter-se em estação, desequilíbrio, opistótono, estrabismo e caminhar em base ampla. O animal foi submetido a eutanásia e na necropsia observou-se na região do vérmis do cerebelo uma massa irregular, rosa esbranquiçada e friável, medindo 5x6x3,8cm associado a dilatação dos ventrículos laterais, que prolongava pelo forame interventricular, aqueduto do mesencéfalo e IV ventrículo. Histologicamente, observava células neuronais triangulares alongadas organizadas em um lençol denso, que às vezes circundavam pequenas áreas de neurópilo para formar pseudorosetas de Homer-Wright, estas características do tumor eram compatíveis com um meduloblastoma. A avaliação imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) do tumor demonstrou marcação positiva para vimentina em células neoplásicas e para proteína glial fibrilar ácida em células do estroma neoplásico, não reagente para sinaptofisina e negativo para proteína S100 e pan-citoqueratina. As características histológicas e topográficas foram primordiais para a determinação do diagnóstico de meduloblastoma e o painel IHQ é semelhante à observada em outros trabalhos. O crescimento do tumor é limitado pelas estruturas ósseas do crânio, permitindo determinar que os sinais clínicos expressos pelo animal estavam diretamente relacionados com a compressão de estruturas funcionais importantes em decorrência da expansão tumoral.

Cholesteatoma and hydrocephalus associated to a third ventricle meningioma in a cat / Colesteatoma e hidrocefalia associados a meningioma em terceiro ventrículo em um gato

Meningiomas are neoplasms that commonly involve the central nervous system of cats, while cholesteatomas are nodular granulomatous chronic lesions within the choroid plexus that are rarely reported in cats. This study described a case of cholesteatoma and non-communicating hydrocephalus associated to a third ventricle meningioma in a cat. Clinically, the cat had a 2-year history of behavioral changes, photophobia and motor incoordination. At the necropsy, a tan-brown mass totally occluded the third ventricle, causing a severe dilation of the lateral ventricles (non-communicating hydrocephalus). Microscopically, the mass was composed by a neoplastic proliferation of spindle cells arranged in bundles, containing in the center psammomatous bodies (meningioma), while in the adjacent areas a cholesteatoma was observed, which was characterized by multiple cholesterol cleft formation, hemosiderosis and associated granulomatous inflammation. At immunohistochemistry (IHC), neoplastic cells had a marked immunostaining for vimentin, while were negative for cytokeratin and S100. The diagnosis of transitional meningioma occurring in association to cholesteatoma and non-communicating hydrocephalus in a cat was obtained mainly by the histological and IHC features. These are important methods to distinguish this condition from other neurological disorders in cats.(AU)

Meningiomas são neoplasias que comumente envolvem o sistema nervoso central de gatos, enquanto colesteatomas são formações nodulares granulomatosas raramente descritas nessa espécie e que resultam de lesões crônicas em plexo coroide. O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever um caso de meningioma em terceiro ventrículo culminando com a formação de colesteatoma e hidrocefalia não comunicante em um gato. Clinicamente, o gato apresentava alteração de comportamento, fotofobia e incoordenação motora durante dois anos. À necropsia apresentava uma massa acastanhada no terceiro ventrículo que provocava oclusão total do mesmo e acentuada dilatação de ventrículos laterais (hidrocefalia não comunicante). Microscopicamente, havia proliferação neoplásica de células fusiformes arranjadas em feixes com a formação de corpos psamomatosos (meningioma), e em área adjacente havia múltiplas fendas de colesterol e hemossiderose com infiltrado granulomatoso (colesteatoma). À imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), foi observada marcação positiva para vimentina e negativa para citoqueratina e S100 nas células neoplásicas. Os exames histológicos e de IHQ contribuíram para a confirmação do diagnóstico de meningioma transicional associado à formação de colesteatoma e hidrocefalia não comunicante, e são métodos importantes para diferenciar de outras afecções que cursam com quadro clínico neurológico em felinos.(AU)

Polioencephalomalacia in ruminants from the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil / Polioencefalomalácia em ruminantes na região semiárida do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

The present study aimed to describe epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial, and pathological findings of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in ruminants from the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. A total of seven ruminants (five sheep, one cattle, and one goat) with pathological diagnosis of PEM were included. Four cases were associated with thiamine deficiency, on account of chronic ruminal acidosis caused by diets rich in carbohydrate, with mainly concentrates, ground soybean hulls, and melon. Three ruminants from an outbreak of petroleum poisoning presented macro and microscopic lesions consistent with changes of malacia and edema in deep structures of the brain, as described in ruminants with PEM associated with sulfur intoxication. Major macroscopic changes included congestion of cerebral vessels, edema, and herniation of the cerebellum. The most observed microscopic lesions, among all assessed cases, were laminar and segmental neuronal necrosis at different regions of the brain, spongiosis, nuclear pyknosis, and red nucleus neurons. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed nonspecific alterations, requiring its association with epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings, as the results described here are similar to those reported in toxic diseases with neurological manifestations, such as botulism.

O presente trabalho objetiva descrever os achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, laboratoriais e patológicos de casos de polioencefalomalácia (PEM) em ruminantes na região semiárida do Rio Grande do Norte. Sete ruminantes (cinco ovinos, um bovino e um caprino) com diagnóstico patológico de PEM foram incluídos. Quatro casos foram associados à deficiência de tiamina devido acidose láctica ruminal crônica por oferta de alimentação rica em carboidratos, destacando-se os concentrados, casca de soja triturada e melão. Três ruminantes de um surto de intoxicação por petróleo apresentaram lesões macro e microscópicas condizentes com alterações de malácia e edema em estruturas profundas do encéfalo, descritas em ruminantes com PEM associada à intoxicação por enxofre. As principais alterações macroscópicas incluíram congestão dos vasos cerebrais, edema e conificação do cerebelo. Em todos os casos avaliados, as lesões microscópicas mais observadas foram a necrose neuronal laminar e segmentar em diferentes regiões do encéfalo, espongiose, picnose nuclear e a presença de neurônios vermelhos. A análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano revelou alterações inespecíficas, sendo necessário sua associação aos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos, pois os resultados aqui descritos são semelhantes aos relatados em doenças tóxicas com manifestações neurológicas, como o botulismo.

Polioencephalomalacia in ruminants from the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil / Polioencefalomalácia em ruminantes na região semiárida do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

The present study aimed to describe epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial, and pathological findings of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in ruminants from the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. A total of seven ruminants (five sheep, one cattle, and one goat) with pathological diagnosis of PEM were included. Four cases were associated with thiamine deficiency, on account of chronic ruminal acidosis caused by diets rich in carbohydrate, with mainly concentrates, ground soybean hulls, and melon. Three ruminants from an outbreak of petroleum poisoning presented macro and microscopic lesions consistent with changes of malacia and edema in deep structures of the brain, as described in ruminants with PEM associated with sulfur intoxication. Major macroscopic changes included congestion of cerebral vessels, edema, and herniation of the cerebellum. The most observed microscopic lesions, among all assessed cases, were laminar and segmental neuronal necrosis at different regions of the brain, spongiosis, nuclear pyknosis, and red nucleus neurons. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed nonspecific alterations, requiring its association with epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings, as the results described here are similar to those reported in toxic diseases with neurological manifestations, such as botulism.(AU)

O presente trabalho objetiva descrever os achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, laboratoriais e patológicos de casos de polioencefalomalácia (PEM) em ruminantes na região semiárida do Rio Grande do Norte. Sete ruminantes (cinco ovinos, um bovino e um caprino) com diagnóstico patológico de PEM foram incluídos. Quatro casos foram associados à deficiência de tiamina devido acidose láctica ruminal crônica por oferta de alimentação rica em carboidratos, destacando-se os concentrados, casca de soja triturada e melão. Três ruminantes de um surto de intoxicação por petróleo apresentaram lesões macro e microscópicas condizentes com alterações de malácia e edema em estruturas profundas do encéfalo, descritas em ruminantes com PEM associada à intoxicação por enxofre. As principais alterações macroscópicas incluíram congestão dos vasos cerebrais, edema e conificação do cerebelo. Em todos os casos avaliados, as lesões microscópicas mais observadas foram a necrose neuronal laminar e segmentar em diferentes regiões do encéfalo, espongiose, picnose nuclear e a presença de neurônios vermelhos. A análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano revelou alterações inespecíficas, sendo necessário sua associação aos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos, pois os resultados aqui descritos são semelhantes aos relatados em doenças tóxicas com manifestações neurológicas, como o botulismo.(AU)

Spinal cord anaplastic meningioma with extra-neural metastasis in a cat / Meningioma anaplásico medular com metástases extra-neurais em um felino

Meningiomas are the most frequent neoplasms involving the brain in dogs and cats, and are occasionally observed in the spinal cord. They cause compression of the central nervous system; however, do not infiltrate the neuropile and rarely metastasize to other organs. The present study describes a case of anaplastic spinal meningioma with extra neural metastasis in a 20 years-old cat. Clinically, the feline presented a clinical history of 120 days with paresis of the hind limbs and loss of the tails movements, with subsequent death. At necropsy, there was an irregular and soft whitish mass involving the meninges from the lumbar intumescence to the sacral region of the spinal cord. Similar white nodular masses were observed in the lungs, liver and kidneys. Microscopically, both were composed of a poorly limited and infiltrative neoplastic proliferation composed by spindle, round and epithelioid cells, with a high cellular pleomorphism. On IHC, there was a severe immunostaining for vimentin and S100. Histopathologic and IHC analysis are important tools for definitive diagnosis of meningiomas in cats, and differentiation of other common neurologic disorders in these animals.(AU)

Meningiomas são neoplasias frequentes no encéfalo de cães e gatos e ocasionalmente observadas em medula espinhal. Causam, geralmente, compressão do sistema nervoso central, todavia não infiltram o neurópilo e raramente fazem metástases a outros órgãos. Este trabalho descreve um caso de meningioma anaplásico espinhal com metástases extra-neurais em um felino de 20 anos de idade. Clinicamente, o felino apresentou um quadro de paresia dos membros pélvicos e perda dos movimentos da cauda com evolução de 120 dias, vindo a óbito. À necropsia, apresentava massa irregular, macia e brancacenta envolvendo as meninges da intumescência lombar à região sacral da medula espinhal. Áreas nodulares esbranquiçadas similares foram observadas nos pulmões, fígado e rins. Histologicamente, ambas consistiam em proliferação neoplásica não delimitada e infiltrativa de células fusiformes, arredondadas a epitelioides, com um alto pleomorfismo celular. À IHQ, exibiam acentuada marcação para vimentina e S100. As análises histopatológica e IHQ são importantes ferramentas para obter-se o diagnóstico definitivo de meningiomas em felinos, e permitem diferenciar a condição de outras afecções neurológicas comuns nesses animais.(AU)

Acidúria L2-hidroxiglutárica: circulação do gene em cães da raça Staffordshire Bull Terrier no Brasil em 2008-2015 / L2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria: circulation of the gene in Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs in Brazil (2008-2015)

O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar a presença no Brasil do gene mutante L2HGDH em cães da raça Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT). Para tanto foi feito o teste genético em 76 cães provenientes de diferentes regiões do Brasil, no período de 2008 a 2015, sendo encontrados 55 animais (72,37%) livres do gene mutante L2-HGDH ou homozigotos dominantes, e 21(27,63%) portadores do gene mutante ou heterozigotos. Não foi encontrado nenhum animal homozigoto recessivo (afetado), porém pode-se observar que o gene circula no Brasil e que cães afetados podem aparecer.(AU)

The aim of this study was to identify the presence of a mutation in the L2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (L2-HGDH) gene in Staffordshire bull terriers in Brazil. Genetic testing was done in 76 dogs from different regions of the country, from 2008 to 2015. Fifty-five dogs (72.37%) were free of the mutant gene L2HGDH or homozygous-dominant, and 21 (27.63%) were carriers for the mutant gene or heterozygous. No homozygous recessive dogs (affected) were found, however, it is worth noting that the gene circulates in Brazil and that affected dogs can appear.(AU)

Acidúria L2-hidroxiglutárica: circulação do gene em cães da raça Staffordshire Bull Terrier no Brasil em 2008-2015 / L2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria: circulation of the gene in Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs in Brazil (2008-2015)

The aim of this study was to identify the presence of a mutation in the L2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (L2-HGDH) gene in Staffordshire bull terriers in Brazil. Genetic testing was done in 76 dogs from different regions of the country, from 2008 to 2015. Fifty-five dogs (72.37%) were free of the mutant gene L2HGDH or homozygous-dominant, and 21 (27.63%) were carriers for the mutant gene or heterozygous. No homozygous recessive dogs (affected) were found, however, it is worth noting that the gene circulates in Brazil and that affected dogs can appear.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar a presença no Brasil do gene mutante L2HGDH em cães da raça Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT). Para tanto foi feito o teste genético em 76 cães provenientes de diferentes regiões do Brasil, no período de 2008 a 2015, sendo encontrados 55 animais (72,37%) livres do gene mutante L2-HGDH ou homozigotos dominantes, e 21(27,63%) portadores do gene mutante ou heterozigotos. Não foi encontrado nenhum animal homozigoto recessivo (afetado), porém pode-se observar que o gene circula no Brasil e que cães afetados podem aparecer.(AU)

Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular study of BHV-5 infection in the central nervous system of experimentally infected calves / Estudo histopatológico, imuno-histoquímico e molecular da infecção por BHV-5 no sistema nervoso central de bovinos experimentalmente infectados

Bovine meningoencephalitis caused by BHV-5, a double-stranded DNA enveloped virus that belongs to the family Herpesviridae and subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, is an important differential diagnosis of central nervous diseases. The aim of this study was to describe the histological changes in the central nervous system of calves experimentally infected with BHV-5 and compare these changes with the PCR and IHC results. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded central nervous system samples from calves previously inoculated with BHV-5 were microscopically evaluated and tested using IHC and PCR. All the animals presented with nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis. From 18 evaluated areas of each calf, 32.41% and 35.19% were positive by IHC and PCR, respectively. The telencephalon presented more accentuated lesions and positive areas in the PCR than other encephalic areas and was the best sampling area for diagnostic purposes. Positive areas in the IHC and PCR were more injured than IHC and PCR negative areas. The animal with neurological signs showed more PCR- and IHC-positive areas than the other animals.(AU)

A meningoencefalite bovina causada pelo BHV-5, um vírus DNA fita dupla envelopado que pertence à família Herpesviridae e subfamília Alphaherpesvirinae, é um importante diagnóstico diferencial das doenças do sistema nervoso central. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as alterações histológicas no sistema nervoso central de bovinos experimentalmente infectados com BHV-5 e comparar estas alterações com os resultados de imunoistoquímica (IHQ) e PCR. Amostras do sistema nervoso central de bezerros previamente inoculados com BHV-5 foram microscopicamente avaliadas e submetidas à IHQ e PCR. Todos os animais apresentaram meningoencefalite não-supurativa. Das 18 áreas avaliadas de cada bezerro, 32,41% e 35,13% foram positivas na IHQ e PCR, respectivamente. O telencéfalo apresentou lesões mais acentuadas e foi mais positivo na PCR do que as demais áreas encefálicas e se apresentou como a melhor área para coleta de material para o diagnóstico. As áreas positivas na IHQ e na PCR apresentaram lesões mais acentuadas do que as áreas negativas para as mesmas técnicas. O animal com sinais neurológicos apresentou mais áreas positivas para PCR e IHQ do que os demais animais.(AU)

Linfoma intravascular de células T em um cão / Intravascular t-cell lymphoma in dog / Linfoma intravascular de células t en perro

Linfoma intravascular (LI) é uma desordem linfoproliferativa rara caracterizada por proliferação intravascular de linfócitos neoplásicos com nenhum ou mínimo envolvimento do parênquima. O sistema nervoso central e a pele são os tecidos mais comumente afetados. O LI de células B é mais frequentemente relatado em comparação com os de origem T. Este trabalho descreve os achados anatomopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos de um cão com linfoma intravascular de células T em múltiplos órgãos, incluindo encéfalo, fígado, adrenais, rins e estômago.(AU)

Intravascular lymphoma (IL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by intravascular proliferation of neoplastic lymphoid cells with minimal or no involvement of organs parenchyma. The central nervous system and skin are the most commonly affected tissues. B-cell IL is more frequently reported when compared with T-cell IL. This report describes the immunohistochemistry and anatomic pathology findings of a dog with intravascular T-cell lymphoma in multiple organs, including brain, liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, and stomach.(AU)

El Linfoma Intravascular (LI) es un desorden linfoproliferativo raro caracterizado por la proliferación intravascular de linfocitos neoplásicos con ninguna o mínima afectación del parénquima. El sistema nervioso central y la piel son los tejidos más comúnmente afectados. Los LI de células B han sido reportados más frecuentemente que los de origen T. Este trabajo describe los hallazgos anatomopatológicos e inmuno-histoquímicos de un perro con LI de células T en múltiples órganos, incluyendo encéfalo, hígado, adrenales, riñones y estómago.(AU)

Meningiomas em cães: aspectos clínicos, histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos / Meningiomas in dogs: clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects

As neoplasias no sistema nervoso central (SNC) de animais de companhia são frequentemente diagnosticadas, no entanto dados sobre prevalência são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar retrospectivamente a ocorrência de neoplasias primárias de SNC em cães atendidos em um Hospital-Escola Veterinário e descrever aspectos clínicos, histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos dos tumores mais frequentes. Quatorze casos (prevalência de 0,27%) de neoplasias primárias de SNC foram identificados no período de 1998 a 2013 e destes, 11 tiveram o diagnóstico de meningiomas. A idade média dos animais com meningioma foi 10 anos, sendo machos (7/11) e a raça Boxer (3/11) os mais afetados. Sete meningiomas eram espinhais e quatro intracranianos, sendo os principais sinais clínicos alteração na locomoção e convulsões, respectivamente. Metástase pulmonar ocorreu em dois casos. Em seis animais com meningioma espinhal foi realizada a mielografia, sendo que em um também foi realizada a tomografia. Em todos os casos os exames foram efetivos na visualização de desvio ou interrupção da coluna de contraste, com alterações sugestivas da presença de massa. Em cinco animais realizou-se cirurgia exploratória visando a confirmação da suspeita clínica ou retirada da massa, sendo que a sobrevida variou de 85 a 960 dias. Na avaliação histopatológica, os meningiomas foram classificados em transicional (4/11), meningotelial (2/11), papilar (2/11), angiomatoso (1/11), microcístico (1/11) e anaplásico (1/11). Destes, oito (8/11) apresentaram marcação positiva para tricrômio de Masson e um para vermelho congo nas técnicas histoquímicas. No painel imuno-histoquímico, todos os casos apresentaram imunomarcação positiva para vimentina, mas imunomarcação negativa para fator VIII e p53. A imunomarcação para S100 (6/11), GFAP (5/11) e pancitoqueratina (3/11) foi de intensidade variável. Na graduação histológica, dez meningiomas eram grau I e um grau III. O índice médio de proliferação...(AU)

Neoplasias of the central nervous system (CNS) of small animals are frequently diagnosed; however, data relative to prevalence are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the occurrence of primary CNS tumors in dogs in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital and describe clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of the most common tumors. Fourteen cases of CNS primary neoplasia (prevalence of 0.27%) were identified from 1998 to 2013; from these 11 were diagnosed as meningiomas. The mean age of dogs with meningiomas was 10 years; male (7/11) and the Boxer breed (3/11) were most commonly represented. Seven meningiomas were located in the spinal cord and four intracranially; the main clinical signs were impaired locomotion and seizures, respectively. Pulmonary metastasis was found in two cases. Myelography was performed in six dogs with spinal meningiomas. In these cases it was effective in demonstrating the deviation or interruption of the contrast column. Exploratory surgery to confirm diagnosis or remove the tumor was performed in five animals and the survival rate varies 85 to 960 days. Meningiomas were histologically classified as transitional (4/11), meningothelial (2/11), papillary (2/11), angiomatous (1/11), microcystic (1/11) and anaplastic (1/11). Evaluation of histological grade was performed; 10 meningiomas were classified as grade I and one as grade III. The neoplastic cells of eight tumors (8/11) were positive for Masson's trichrome and one with the Congo red histochemical techniques. The immunohistochemical assays revealed in all tumors a positive immunoreactivity for vimentin but negative staining for factor VIII and p53. Immunolabelling for S100 (6/11), GFAP (5/11) and pancytokeratin (3/11) showed a variable staining intensity. The mean cell proliferation index was 3.2 mitotic figures and 3.4% for Ki-67 immunostaining. The results confirmed that meningiomas are the most frequent primary CNS neoplasia...(AU)

Neoplasias intracranianas em pequenos animais - Revisão de literatura / Intracranial neoplasms in small animals – Review

Tumores intracranianos representam a principal causa de disfunção neurológica em animais de meia idade a idosos. O objetivo dessa revisão foi detalhar os aspectos clínico-patológicos dessas afecções. O acometimento secundário do tecido nervoso intracraniano, por extensão tumoral ou lesões metastáticas, é mais comum em relação às neoplasias primárias. No entanto, o meningioma é a principal neoplasia extra-axial primária de cães e gatos, enquanto os gliomas (astrocitoma e oligodendroglioma), ependimomas e tumores do plexo coróide representam os principais processos intra-axiais. Os sinais neurológicos decorrentes de neoplasias intracranianas dependem da localização, extensão e taxa de crescimento do tumor. O diagnóstico definitivo só é possível após o exame histopatológico do tecido tumoral, no entanto diagnósticos presuntivos podem ser obtidos a partir do exame clínico e exames de imagem, com destaque para a tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética. O prognóstico de cães e gatos com neoplasias intracranianas pode ser significativamente alterado a partir do tratamento com cirurgia, radioterapia e quimioterapia, utilizados isoladamente ou em combinação. No entanto, o elevado custo de implantação da radioterapia e a morbidade e mortalidade associadas à neurocirurgia limitam a biópsia e o tratamento cirúrgico aos centros veterinários que disponham de alta qualificação e técnicas avançadas de anestesia e cuidados críticos.

Intracranial tumors are the leading cause of neurological dysfunction in companion animals of middle aged and older. The objective of this review was to detail the clinical and pathological aspects of these conditions. Primary intracranial neoplasms of the nerve tissue are less frequent than secondary involvement by tumor extension or metastatic lesions. Meningiomais the main extra-axial primary neoplasm of cats and dogs as gliomas (astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma), ependymomas and choroid plexus tumors represent the major intra-axial processes. Neurological signs resulting from intracranial tumors depend on the location, extent and rate of tumor growth. The definitive diagnosisis only possible after histopathological examination of tumor tissue, however clinical suspicion maybe obtained from the clinical examination and imaging studies, particularly computed tomography and magnetic ressonance image.The prognosis for dogs and cats with brain tumors can be significantly improved from the treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, used alone or in combination. However, the high deployment cost of radiation therapy and morbidity and mortality associated with neurosurgery limits biopsy and surgical treatment to veterinary centers that have high qualification and advanced techniques of anesthesia and critical care.

Neoplasias intracranianas em pequenos animais - Revisão de literatura / Intracranial neoplasms in small animals Review

Tumores intracranianos representam a principal causa de disfunção neurológica em animais de meia idade a idosos. O objetivo dessa revisão foi detalhar os aspectos clínico-patológicos dessas afecções. O acometimento secundário do tecido nervoso intracraniano, por extensão tumoral ou lesões metastáticas, é mais comum em relação às neoplasias primárias. No entanto, o meningioma é a principal neoplasia extra-axial primária de cães e gatos, enquanto os gliomas (astrocitoma e oligodendroglioma), ependimomas e tumores do plexo coróide representam os principais processos intra-axiais. Os sinais neurológicos decorrentes de neoplasias intracranianas dependem da localização, extensão e taxa de crescimento do tumor. O diagnóstico definitivo só é possível após o exame histopatológico do tecido tumoral, no entanto diagnósticos presuntivos podem ser obtidos a partir do exame clínico e exames de imagem, com destaque para a tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética. O prognóstico de cães e gatos com neoplasias intracranianas pode ser significativamente alterado a partir do tratamento com cirurgia, radioterapia e quimioterapia, utilizados isoladamente ou em combinação. No entanto, o elevado custo de implantação da radioterapia e a morbidade e mortalidade associadas à neurocirurgia limitam a biópsia e o tratamento cirúrgico aos centros veterinários que disponham de alta qualificação e técnicas avançadas de anestesia e cuidados críticos.(AU)

Intracranial tumors are the leading cause of neurological dysfunction in companion animals of middle aged and older. The objective of this review was to detail the clinical and pathological aspects of these conditions. Primary intracranial neoplasms of the nerve tissue are less frequent than secondary involvement by tumor extension or metastatic lesions. Meningiomais the main extra-axial primary neoplasm of cats and dogs as gliomas (astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma), ependymomas and choroid plexus tumors represent the major intra-axial processes. Neurological signs resulting from intracranial tumors depend on the location, extent and rate of tumor growth. The definitive diagnosisis only possible after histopathological examination of tumor tissue, however clinical suspicion maybe obtained from the clinical examination and imaging studies, particularly computed tomography and magnetic ressonance image.The prognosis for dogs and cats with brain tumors can be significantly improved from the treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, used alone or in combination. However, the high deployment cost of radiation therapy and morbidity and mortality associated with neurosurgery limits biopsy and surgical treatment to veterinary centers that have high qualification and advanced techniques of anesthesia and critical care.(AU)

Abortos em equinos na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul: estudo de 72 casos / Equine abortion in southern Brazil: study of 72 cases

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo das causas de aborto ocorridas em equinos na área de influência do Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD), da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), no período entre janeiro de 2000 e junho de 2011. Foram revisados os protocolos de necropsia e de 1.154 equinos ou materiais de equinos recebidos 72 (6,2 por cento) eram casos de abortos. A infecção bacteriana foi a principal causa de aborto neste estudo com 36,1 por cento dos casos. As causas não infecciosas corresponderam a 8,3 por cento dos casos, os abortos virais a 4,2 por cento, os parasitários a 1,4 por cento e os inflamatórios a 2,8 por cento. Em 47,2 por cento dos casos não foi possível determinar a causa/etiologia do aborto. Lesões macroscópicas e histológicas características foram observadas em casos de aborto por Leptospira sp. e por herpesvirus equino-1 sendo que nos demais casos as lesões foram inespecíficas. Ficou demonstrado que o envio do feto inteiro junto com a placenta, sob refrigeração, aumenta consideravelmente a eficiência do diagnóstico e o elevado número de abortos de causa não determinada foi atribuído em parte ao envio de material não adequado.(AU)

A retrospective study of the causes of equine abortion occurred in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, diagnosed from January 2000 to June 2011 by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) of the Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), is reported. Necropsy protocols were reviewed, and from 1.154 horses or equine materials received 72 (6.2 percent) were abortions. The main cause of abortion in this study was bacterial infection on 36.1 percent of the cases. Non-infectious causes accounted for 8.3 percent of the cases, viral abortions for 4.2 percent, parasitic for 1.4 percent and inflammatory for 2.8 percent. In 47.2 percent, it was not possible to determine the cause/etiology of abortions. Characteristic macroscopic and histological lesions were observed in abortion by Leptospira sp. and equine herpesvirus-1. No lesions were observed in the other cases. It was demonstrated that the analyses of whole fetus with the placenta under refrigeration increases the efficiency of diagnosis. The high number of abortions of undetermined cause was attributed in part to inadequate delivery of fetus material for diagnoses.(AU)

Intoxicação natural por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em búfalos na Ilha de Marajó, Pará / Natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in buffaloes on the Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil

Epidemiological aspects and clinical signs of natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia in buffaloes are described. The poisoning was diagnosed in four buffaloes on three different farms, in the County of Cachoeira do Arari, Marajó Island, Pará, and occurred in November-December, a period of drought and severe pasture shortage. The clinical signs were of the central nervous system, as unsteady gait, hypermetria, severe muscular tremors, falling down in unusual positions, nystagmus and marked excitement, signs that turned more severe after movement. Based on the epidemic aspects, clinical signs and absence of histopatological changes, poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia was diagnosed.(AU)

Descrevem-se os aspectos epidemiológicos e os sinais clínicos dos primeiros casos de intoxicação natural por Ipomoea asarifolia em búfalos. A doença foi diagnosticada em quatro bubalinos de três diferentes propriedades, no município de Cachoeira do Arari, Ilha de Marajó, PA, e ocorreu nos meses de novembro e dezembro, o período mais seco do ano nesta região e de escassez de alimento. Os sinais clínicos observados foram relacionados ao sistema nervoso central, como andar trôpego, hipermetria, acentuados tremores musculares, queda ao solo em posições incomuns, nistagmo e marcada excitação, sinais que se agravavam após movimentação. Baseado nos aspectos epidemiológicos, sinais clínicos e na ausência de leões histopatológicas, concluiu se tratar de intoxicação por Ipomoea asarifolia.(AU)