Uso de soro autólogo no tratamento de úlcera ocular em cães: uma revisão bibliográfica / Use of autologus serum in the treatment of ocular ulcers in dogs: a bibliographic review / Uso de suero autólogo em el tratamiento de úlceras oculares em perro: una revisión bibliográfica

Sendo considerada uma doença de alto acometimento na oftalmologia veterinária de cães, a úlcera de córnea é um distúrbio caracterizado por uma ferida exposta na região corneal do olho. Os sinais são variados conforme o grau de agressividade da lesão, acarretando em perda da visão caso a intervenção não seja iniciada imediatamente. Devido a estes fatores e ao elevado nível de importância da doença, torna-se necessário o uso de terapêuticas que auxiliem o processo de reparo ocular, como a utilização do soro autólogo. Essa substância realiza uma função de evitar degradação da córnea e diminuir os sinais inflamatórios, o que torna essa prática um apoio eficaz para a finalização do tratamento, além de ser barato e de fácil acesso. Levando essas informações em consideração, o presente artigo realiza uma revisão com base em publicações apresentando o soro autólogo como um elemento adicional para o paciente poder concluir o tratamento de úlcera de córnea em menor tempo e com maior qualidade, retomando-o ao seu estado saudável.(AU)

Being considered a disease of high involvement in the veterinary ophthalmology of dogs, the corneal ulcer is a disorder characterized by an exposed wound in the corneal region of the eye. The signs vary according to the degree of aggressiveness of the lesion, leading to loss of vision if intervention is not started immediately. Due to these factors and the high level of importance of the disease, it becomes necessary to use therapies that help in the process of ocular repair, such as the use of autologous serum. This substance performs a function of preventing corneal degradation and reducing inflammatory signs, which makes this practice an effective support for the completion of treatment, besides being cheap and easily accessible. Taking this information into consideration, the present article performs a review based on publications presenting the autologous serum as an additional element for the patient to finish the corneal ulcer treatment in less time and with higher quality, returning him to his healthy state.(AU)

Siendo considerada una enfermedad de alto ataque en la oftalmología veterinaria de perros, la úlcera de córnea es una alteración caracterizada por una herida expuesta en la región corneal del ojo. Los signos son variados según el grado de agresividad de la lesión, acarreando en pérdida de la visión en caso de que la intervención no sea iniciada inmediatamente. Debido a estos factores y al alto nivel de importancia de la enfermedad, es necesario utilizar terapias que ayuden al proceso de reparación ocular, como el uso de suero autólogo. Esta sustancia cumple una función de evitar la degradación corneal y disminuir los signos inflamatorios, lo que hace de esta práctica un apoyo eficaz para el final del tratamiento, además de ser barata y de fácil acceso. Teniendo en cuenta esta información, el presente artículo realiza una revisión basada en publicaciones que presentan el suero autólogo como un elemento adicional para que el paciente finalice el tratamiento de la úlcera corneal en menor tiempo y con mayor calidad, devolviéndolo a su estado saludable.(AU)

The influence of season, environment, sex, and body mass on biochemical profile of the freshwater turtle Phrynops geoffroanus (Schweigger, 1812) / [Influência da estação, do ambiente, do sexo e da massa corporal no perfil bioquímico do cágado Phrynops geoffroanus (Schweigger, 1812)]

We analyzed the influence of the season, the environment, and the sex, as well as the relation of body mass (BM) in the serum albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (C), creatine kinase (CK), phosphorus (P), total calcium (tCa), total protein (TP), urea (U), uric acid (UA), calcium:phosphorus ratio (Ca:P), and the globulin value (GV) of thirty individuals of Phrynops geoffroanus of the urban area of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The modeling of biochemical parameters was performed using the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) to verify the influence of variables considered in this study on each of the biochemical parameters analyzed. The season influenced AST, CK, C, tCa, Ca:P and UA. The environment influenced tCa, Ca:P, U and UA. On the other hand, CK, tCa, P, Ca:P and U differed significantly between males and females. Regarding the BM, a relationship of this variable was observed with CK, C, tCa, P, U, UA and Ca:P. We concluded that the season, environment, sex, and body mass can influence the biochemical parameters of P. geoffroanus, and these factors should be routinely considered in the interpretation of laboratory results.

Analisou-se a influência da estação, do ambiente e do sexo, assim como a relação da massa corporal (BM) nos níveis sorológicos de albumina (ALB), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatinina (C), creatina quinase (CK), fósforo (P), cálcio total (tCa), sólidos totais (TS), ureia (U), ácido úrico (UA), relação cálcio:fósforo (Ca:P), e do valor da globulina (GV) de Phrynops geoffroanus da área urbana de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil. A modelagem dos parâmetros bioquímicos foi realizada utilizando-se os modelos aditivos generalizados para locação, escala e forma (GAMLSS) para verificar a influência das variáveis consideradas neste estudo em cada um dos parâmetros bioquímicos analisados. A estação sazonal influenciou os níveis de AST, CK, C, tCa, Ca:P e UA. O ambiente foi capaz de influenciar tCa, Ca:P, U e UA. Por outro lado, CK, tCa, P, Ca:P e U diferiram significativamente entre machos e fêmeas. Em relação à BM, observou-se relação dessa variável com CK, C, tCa, P, U, UA e Ca:P. Concluiu-se que a estação sazonal, o ambiente, o sexo e a massa corporal são capazes de influenciar os parâmetros bioquímicos de P. geoffroanus e que esses fatores devem ser rotineiramente considerados na interpretação dos resultados laboratoriais.

Abscesso estromal em córnea de cão / Corneal stromal abscess in a dog

Background: The eye is an important sense organ responsible for sight. The cornea is the outermost of many eye layers,being predisposed to several lesions, some of them being frequent in small animal clinics meanwhile others are unusualand seldom reported in specialized literature. The stroma abscess is a common condition in horses, but atypical in dogs,it’s a condition in which a microperforation in the corneal epithelium allows microorganisms or a foreign body to penetratethe corneal stroma, and those become inside the cornea after a re-epithelialization, producing an intense inflammatoryresponse. Therefore, this case reports a case of deep stromal abscess in a Shih Tzu dog.Case: A 4-year-old female Shih Tzu, weighing 4.6 kg, was submitted to ophthalmic examination in which the left eyepresented an opaque yellowish-white protruding structure located on the right side, in the center of the cornea (3 o´clockposition), bulbar and palpebral conjunctival hyperemia and congestion, chemosis, blepharospasm, and a moderate amountof mucous discharge. The clinical diagnosis was stromal abscess with reflex uveitis. A differential diagnosis should includeconditions affecting the anterior part of the cornea, such as an epithelial inclusion cyst and a corneal ulcer. The inclusioncyst, contrarily to the corneal abscess, doesn’t cause pain, meanwhile, the corneal ulcer was ruled out by the FluoresceinStaining Test. The recommended treatment was surgical, through lamellar keratectomy, followed by overlapping pedicledconjunctival graft and third eyelid flap. In association with the surgical treatment, oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory,and opioids, plus topical antibiotics and autologous serum eye drop. Seventy days post-surgery, the previously observedinflammatory signs were no longer present. In the conjunctival graft insertion site perpetuated a scar leucoma with few...

Abscesso estromal em córnea de cão / Corneal stromal abscess in a dog

Background: The eye is an important sense organ responsible for sight. The cornea is the outermost of many eye layers,being predisposed to several lesions, some of them being frequent in small animal clinics meanwhile others are unusualand seldom reported in specialized literature. The stroma abscess is a common condition in horses, but atypical in dogs,its a condition in which a microperforation in the corneal epithelium allows microorganisms or a foreign body to penetratethe corneal stroma, and those become inside the cornea after a re-epithelialization, producing an intense inflammatoryresponse. Therefore, this case reports a case of deep stromal abscess in a Shih Tzu dog.Case: A 4-year-old female Shih Tzu, weighing 4.6 kg, was submitted to ophthalmic examination in which the left eyepresented an opaque yellowish-white protruding structure located on the right side, in the center of the cornea (3 o´clockposition), bulbar and palpebral conjunctival hyperemia and congestion, chemosis, blepharospasm, and a moderate amountof mucous discharge. The clinical diagnosis was stromal abscess with reflex uveitis. A differential diagnosis should includeconditions affecting the anterior part of the cornea, such as an epithelial inclusion cyst and a corneal ulcer. The inclusioncyst, contrarily to the corneal abscess, doesnt cause pain, meanwhile, the corneal ulcer was ruled out by the FluoresceinStaining Test. The recommended treatment was surgical, through lamellar keratectomy, followed by overlapping pedicledconjunctival graft and third eyelid flap. In association with the surgical treatment, oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory,and opioids, plus topical antibiotics and autologous serum eye drop. Seventy days post-surgery, the previously observedinflammatory signs were no longer present. In the conjunctival graft insertion site perpetuated a scar leucoma with few...(AU)

Innate immunity in chicken lines developed by EMBRAPA Suínos e Aves: antimicrobial activity of macrophages and serum

The objective of this study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of macrophages and serum in laying hen (MM, CC, and CCc) and broiler chicken lineages (TT and LL). Macrophages were evaluated for phagocytic and antimicrobial activity. Microbicidal serum activity was evaluated by the resistance test for serum and the agar test. The results showed that phagocytic activity was higher in males of the MM strain, with 13% of macrophages presenting phagocytosis, while the other lineages studied, and even female MM, presented a rate of 6% of phagocytic cells. However, antimicrobial activity in macrophages from males of CCc lineage and females of TT lineage were higher, eliminating more than 30% of the Salmonella enterica inoculum, while in the other strains, the results were similar, with inoculum reduction below 30%. In the serum resistance assay, female laying lines presented higher antibacterial activity than female broiler lines. In the trials to evaluate the microbicide activity of the serum, females of both broiler and laying lineages presented higher performance when compared with males of the same lineage. Females of laying hen lines (MM and CC) present a greater antibacterium activity than males. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the immune response in broiler chicken and laying hen lineages, to aid development of lineages of birds more resistant to pathogens.

Blood serum stability limit and maximum storage time of bovine samples

Measuring metabolic parameters in the blood has been an indispensable tool for assessing the productive and health status of dairy cows for more than 100 years. The values of laboratory parameters depend on various preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical factors. The most important preanalytical factors are sample transport time and temperature, hemolysis, anticoagulant type, and sample volume. Preanalytical factors can lead to reduced stability of the analyte in the sample, which changes their concentration. Loss of stability changes the time of storage and manipulation of the sample, which determines the criteria for its acceptance or rejection. The two stability indicators are stability limit and maximum permissible instability. A stability limit (SL) is defined as the period of time in which a property variation does not exceed a maximum permissible instability (MPI). The aim of this study was to determine the SL and MPI for each analyte in the blood serum of cows and to determine whether SL differs in the function of the presence of preanalytical errors in the blood sample. Three hundred samples of dairy cow origin in different periods of lactation participated in this research. They were classified into 6 groups of 50 samples: according to the time from sampling to processing in the laboratory (0-4 h, 4-8 h and over 8 h; all transported on dry ice, protected from environmental factors, without preanalytical errors) and according to the presence of preanalytical errors (group with hemolysis, a group transported at ambient temperature and a group with a small sample volume). Each sample was aliquoted in two portions. One portion was left at +4°C and tested once a day for 6 days of sample storage, and the second portion, placed at -20°C, was tested once a month for 6 months. The MPI had a value ranging from 1.51 to 8.4. Metabolic profile analytes with lower MPI values (1.51-3.22) were albumin (ALB), total protein (TPROT), UREA, glucose (GLU), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P). Higher MPI values (5.1-8.4) were found for nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutirate (BHB), cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TGC), total bilirubin (TBIL) and aspartat aminotransferase (AST). For most parameters, we can conclude that their PD% changed faster in storage conditions at +4°C compared to the regime of -20°C. The largest number of biochemical analytes in bovine blood serum shows preserved stability in the first 6 days at +4°C or 6 months at -20°C if transported to the laboratory within 8 h after sampling in ideal conditions and without the action of preanalytical errors. Prolonged transport under ideal conditions or the existence of preanalytical errors such as transport at room temperature, hemolysis or small sample volume shorten the stability of the ALB, NEFA, GLU, UREA and P. Concentration of all analytes decreases during the stability test except for UREA, NEFA, BHB and for CHOL and TGC in some groups. Variations in parameters such as BHB, NEFA, TBIL, AST, and Ca have shown potential clinical significance. At storage conditions at +4°C, clinically significant variations at at least one measurement point were found for AST (7.5% of samples), BHB (6.1% of samples), NEFA (9.9% of samples) and for TBIL (in 7% of samples). This study can help define acceptable delay times and storage conditions for bovine blood samples, which is of great importance because in working with farm animals it is often not possible to take samples in a short time and deliver them to the laboratory, and samples are often burdened with certain preanalytical errors with limited possibilities of re-sampling.(AU)

Dietary Supplementation with Ferula Improves Productive Performance, Serum Levels of Reproductive Hormones, and Reproductive Gene Expression in Aged Laying Hens

This study investigated the effects of dietary Ferula supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, follicular development, serum levels of reproductive hormones, and reproductive gene expression in aged laying hens. A total of 300 Dawu pink laying hens (65 weeks old) were assigned to four treatments with six replicates per treatment and 10 hens per replicate. The birds were individually housed in wire cages and fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet with added Ferula at doses of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 12 weeks. The results showed that the laying rate in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented group was higher than in birds of the control group during weeks 1 to 12 (p<0.05). The average egg weight in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.01), while the feed-to-egg ratio was significantly lower than in other groups (p<0.01). The numbers of small yellow follicle, middle white follicle, and small white follicle were higher in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented birds than in the other groups (p<0.01). On weeks 69, the serum levels of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were significantly higher in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented group than in the other groups (p<0.05). Additionally, expressions of ERα, FSHR, and LHR in the ovarian tissue were up-regulated by Ferula supplementation, especially in the 100 mg/kg group (p<0.01). These results indicate that the Ferula supplementation can significantly improve productive performance, egg quality, reproduction of hormonal profile, and reproductive gene expression of aged laying hens.(AU)

Dietary Supplementation with Ferula Improves Productive Performance, Serum Levels of Reproductive Hormones, and Reproductive Gene Expression in Aged Laying Hens

This study investigated the effects of dietary Ferula supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, follicular development, serum levels of reproductive hormones, and reproductive gene expression in aged laying hens. A total of 300 Dawu pink laying hens (65 weeks old) were assigned to four treatments with six replicates per treatment and 10 hens per replicate. The birds were individually housed in wire cages and fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet with added Ferula at doses of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 12 weeks. The results showed that the laying rate in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented group was higher than in birds of the control group during weeks 1 to 12 (p<0.05). The average egg weight in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.01), while the feed-to-egg ratio was significantly lower than in other groups (p<0.01). The numbers of small yellow follicle, middle white follicle, and small white follicle were higher in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented birds than in the other groups (p<0.01). On weeks 69, the serum levels of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were significantly higher in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented group than in the other groups (p<0.05). Additionally, expressions of ERα, FSHR, and LHR in the ovarian tissue were up-regulated by Ferula supplementation, especially in the 100 mg/kg group (p<0.01). These results indicate that the Ferula supplementation can significantly improve productive performance, egg quality, reproduction of hormonal profile, and reproductive gene expression of aged laying hens.

Serologic profile of bovine Alfaherpesvirus type1 (BoHV-1) and Pestivírus A (BVDV-1) in herds of a family farming of the Sao Paulo state / Perfil sorológico do Alfaherpesvirus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV-1) e Pestivírus A (BVDV-1) em rebanhos da agricultura familiar no estado de São Paulo

Serum samples from 719 dairy cattle of reproductive age, from 47 farms in a settlement in the municipality of Andradina, São Paulo, were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against the Nebraska strain of BoHV-1 and Singer type 1 of BVDV-1, using the virus neutralization technique (VN). Regarding BoHV-1, 72.0% of the samples analyzed (518/719) were positive, with a geometric mean of antibody titers of 318. For BVDV-1, 44.8% of the samples were reactive, only one farm had no reactive animals, and the majority of antibody titers found in the animals' sera were low. The results of this study revealed that BoHV-1 was present in all of the studied herds, with moderate titration in the majority of cases, with the presence of some high individual titers among the tested animals. Also, even with the reactivation or circulation of BoHV-1 in herds, the clinical disease was not observed, an epidemiological finding that also applied to BVDV-1. In view of the results obtained, the circulation of diseases in family farm herds in the studied region was evident, suggesting the need to study local risk factors and improve health education policies as a way to prevent or reduce the prevalence of these diseases.

Coletou-se 719 amostras de soro sanguíneo de bovinos em idade reprodutiva, de 47 propriedades de um assentamento no município de Andradina-SP. As amostras foram analisadas para presença de anticorpos contra ambos os vírus estudados, pela técnica de virusneutralização, utilizando-se a estirpe Nebraska para o BoHV-1 e Singer tipo 1 para o BVDV-1. Em relação ao BoHV-1, 72,0% (518/719) das amostras foram positivas, sendo 318 a média geométrica dos títulos de anticorpos (GMT).Para o BVDV-1, 44,8% das amostras foram reagentes; apenas uma propriedade não teve animais reagentes, sendo a maioria dos títulos de anticorpos encontrados nos soros baixa. Observou-se que o BoHV-1 está presente em todos os rebanhos estudados com titulação moderada, com presença de alguns títulos individuais altos entre animais e com GMT alta em um dos rebanhos. Mesmo havendo a reativação ou mesmo a circulação do BoHV-1 nos rebanhos, não foi observado a doença clínica, fato epidemiológico que também ocorreu com o BVDV-1. Diante dos resultados obtidos, ficou evidente a circulação das doenças nos rebanhos da agricultura familiar na região estudada, sugerindo o estudo de fatores de risco local e melhorias de políticas de educação em saúde como forma de prevenir e ou reduzir a prevalência das enfermidades.

Nelore females along a new Brazilian agricultural frontier: hematological and clinical-biochemical approaches / [Abordagens hematológicas e bioquímicas clínicas de fêmeas Nelore na nova fronteira agrícola brasileira]

The Nelore breed is the second largest bovine breed in the world and has actively participated in the expansion of new Brazilian agricultural frontiers. In this context, the purpose of this study was to determine the hematological and biochemical reference intervals of healthy Nelore matrices raised under an extensive regime without supplementation along southwest of Piauí state. Blood samples were collected from fifty-five multiparous female of the Nelore breed. Biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed using a parametric statistical method with 95% CI of reference limits. The average values of red blood cells, hemoglobin as well as hematimetric indices showed reference ranges similar to reference standards. The hematocrit as well as granulocytes and agranulocytes presented alterations typical of animals raised in environments with higher temperatures. Mineral, enzymatic, protein and metabolic profiles were similar to other bovine breeds but with a narrower range of values. However, lower mean values were observed for levels of ionized calcium, total protein and urea. Nelore females present slightly different biochemical and hematological profiles from other breeds, which might result from the environmental and nutritional management applied and the natural deficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium in the region's pastures.(AU)

Nelore é a segunda maior raça bovina do mundo e tem participado ativamente da expansão das novas fronteiras agrícolas brasileiras. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar os intervalos de referência hematológicos e bioquímicos de matrizes Nelore criadas em regime extensivo sem suplementação, ao longo do sudoeste do estado do Piauí. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 55 fêmeas multíparas da raça Nelore. Os parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos foram analisados por método estatístico paramétrico com IC 95% para os limites de referência. Os valores médios de hemácias, hemoglobina e índices hematimétricos apresentaram intervalos de referência semelhantes aos padrões de referência. Tanto o hematócrito quanto os granulócitos e os agranulócitos apresentaram alterações típicas de animais criados em ambientes com temperaturas mais elevadas. Os perfis mineral, enzimático, proteico e metabólico foram semelhantes aos de outras raças bovinas, mas com uma faixa de valores mais estreita. No entanto, valores médios mais baixos foram observados para os níveis de cálcio ionizado, proteína total e ureia. Fêmeas Nelore apresentam perfis bioquímicos e hematológicos ligeiramente diferentes de outras raças, o que pode resultar dos manejos ambiental e nutricional aplicados e da deficiência natural de nitrogênio, fósforo e cálcio nas pastagens da região.(AU)

Serum protein profile as a biomarker in diagnosing leishmaniosis and monocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs / Perfil sérico de proteínas como biomarcador nos diagnósticos da leishmaniose e da erliquiose monocítica em cães

Diagnosing Canine Visceral Leishmaniosis is challenging for veterinarians given that its hematological and biochemical abnormalities greatly resemble those of other illnesses of dogs, such as canine ehrlichiosis, which is caused by Ehrlichia canis and is highly prevalent with high pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to determine occurrences of serological positivity for the antigens of Ehrlichia canis and Leishmania infantum and its relationship to globulin concentrations in samples from dogs. Out of 93 samples tested, 12.9% were negative for the antigens of both L. infantum and E. canis; 33.3% were seropositive for both antigens. Discordant results were found from 18.3% that were positive only for L. infantum, while 35.5% were positive only for E. canis. Hyperglobulinemia was observed in 88.2% and the statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the high levels of globulins and seropositivity for the antigen of E. canis. However, the relationship between positivity for the antigen of L. infantum and hyperglobulinemia, showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between the two laboratory findings. From these results, it can be concluded that concomitant infections occur frequently and that hyperglobulinemia is more closely related to ehrlichiosis than to leishmaniosis, in dogs.

O diagnóstico da leishmaniose canina é um desafio ao Médico Veterinário visto que anormalidades hematológicas e bioquímicas muito se assemelham à outras enfermidades dos cães, como a erliquiose canina, causada pela Ehrlichia canis, muito prevalente e de alta patogenicidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a positividade sorológica frente aos antígenos de Ehrlichia canis e Leishmania infantum e a sua relação com as concentrações de globulinas em amostras de cães. Das 93 amostras testadas, 12,9% foram negativas frente aos antígenos de E. canis e L. infantum e 33% foram soropositivas. Resultados discordantes foram encontradas em 18,3% positivas apenas para L. infantum, enquanto que 35,5% reagiram apenas frente a E. canis. Hiperglobulinemia foi observada em 88,2% das amostras e a análise estatística mostrou haver relação significante entre a soropositividade frente aos antígenos de E. canis e a hiperglobulinemia, e em contrapartida, a relação entre esse aumento de globulinas e a positividade para L. infantum foi insignificante. Pelos resultados apresentados, pode-se concluir que as infecções concomitantes são frequentes e que a hiperglobulinemia está mais intimamente relacionada a erliquiose quando comparada à leishmaniose em cães.

Serum protein profile as a biomarker in diagnosing leishmaniosis and monocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs / Perfil sérico de proteínas como biomarcador nos diagnósticos da leishmaniose e da erliquiose monocítica em cães

Diagnosing Canine Visceral Leishmaniosis is challenging for veterinarians given that its hematological and biochemical abnormalities greatly resemble those of other illnesses of dogs, such as canine ehrlichiosis, which is caused by Ehrlichia canis and is highly prevalent with high pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to determine occurrences of serological positivity for the antigens of Ehrlichia canis and Leishmania infantum and its relationship to globulin concentrations in samples from dogs. Out of 93 samples tested, 12.9% were negative for the antigens of both L. infantum and E. canis; 33.3% were seropositive for both antigens. Discordant results were found from 18.3% that were positive only for L. infantum, while 35.5% were positive only for E. canis. Hyperglobulinemia was observed in 88.2% and the statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the high levels of globulins and seropositivity for the antigen of E. canis. However, the relationship between positivity for the antigen of L. infantum and hyperglobulinemia, showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between the two laboratory findings. From these results, it can be concluded that concomitant infections occur frequently and that hyperglobulinemia is more closely related to ehrlichiosis than to leishmaniosis, in dogs.(AU)

O diagnóstico da leishmaniose canina é um desafio ao Médico Veterinário visto que anormalidades hematológicas e bioquímicas muito se assemelham à outras enfermidades dos cães, como a erliquiose canina, causada pela Ehrlichia canis, muito prevalente e de alta patogenicidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a positividade sorológica frente aos antígenos de Ehrlichia canis e Leishmania infantum e a sua relação com as concentrações de globulinas em amostras de cães. Das 93 amostras testadas, 12,9% foram negativas frente aos antígenos de E. canis e L. infantum e 33% foram soropositivas. Resultados discordantes foram encontradas em 18,3% positivas apenas para L. infantum, enquanto que 35,5% reagiram apenas frente a E. canis. Hiperglobulinemia foi observada em 88,2% das amostras e a análise estatística mostrou haver relação significante entre a soropositividade frente aos antígenos de E. canis e a hiperglobulinemia, e em contrapartida, a relação entre esse aumento de globulinas e a positividade para L. infantum foi insignificante. Pelos resultados apresentados, pode-se concluir que as infecções concomitantes são frequentes e que a hiperglobulinemia está mais intimamente relacionada a erliquiose quando comparada à leishmaniose em cães.(AU)

Serologic profile of bovine Alfaherpesvirus type1 (BoHV-1) and Pestivírus A (BVDV-1) in herds of a family farming of the Sao Paulo state / Perfil sorológico do Alfaherpesvirus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV-1) e Pestivírus A (BVDV-1) em rebanhos da agricultura familiar no estado de São Paulo

Serum samples from 719 dairy cattle of reproductive age, from 47 farms in a settlement in the municipality of Andradina, São Paulo, were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against the Nebraska strain of BoHV-1 and Singer type 1 of BVDV-1, using the virus neutralization technique (VN). Regarding BoHV-1, 72.0% of the samples analyzed (518/719) were positive, with a geometric mean of antibody titers of 318. For BVDV-1, 44.8% of the samples were reactive, only one farm had no reactive animals, and the majority of antibody titers found in the animals' sera were low. The results of this study revealed that BoHV-1 was present in all of the studied herds, with moderate titration in the majority of cases, with the presence of some high individual titers among the tested animals. Also, even with the reactivation or circulation of BoHV-1 in herds, the clinical disease was not observed, an epidemiological finding that also applied to BVDV-1. In view of the results obtained, the circulation of diseases in family farm herds in the studied region was evident, suggesting the need to study local risk factors and improve health education policies as a way to prevent or reduce the prevalence of these diseases.(AU)

Coletou-se 719 amostras de soro sanguíneo de bovinos em idade reprodutiva, de 47 propriedades de um assentamento no município de Andradina-SP. As amostras foram analisadas para presença de anticorpos contra ambos os vírus estudados, pela técnica de virusneutralização, utilizando-se a estirpe Nebraska para o BoHV-1 e Singer tipo 1 para o BVDV-1. Em relação ao BoHV-1, 72,0% (518/719) das amostras foram positivas, sendo 318 a média geométrica dos títulos de anticorpos (GMT).Para o BVDV-1, 44,8% das amostras foram reagentes; apenas uma propriedade não teve animais reagentes, sendo a maioria dos títulos de anticorpos encontrados nos soros baixa. Observou-se que o BoHV-1 está presente em todos os rebanhos estudados com titulação moderada, com presença de alguns títulos individuais altos entre animais e com GMT alta em um dos rebanhos. Mesmo havendo a reativação ou mesmo a circulação do BoHV-1 nos rebanhos, não foi observado a doença clínica, fato epidemiológico que também ocorreu com o BVDV-1. Diante dos resultados obtidos, ficou evidente a circulação das doenças nos rebanhos da agricultura familiar na região estudada, sugerindo o estudo de fatores de risco local e melhorias de políticas de educação em saúde como forma de prevenir e ou reduzir a prevalência das enfermidades.(AU)

Evaluation of yeast culture and direct-fed microbial on gut histology and serum components of broilers challenged with suboptimal diets under heat stress

The use of antibiotics in feed for growth promotion has been restricted in many countries, thus it is of interest to investigate potential alternatives for enhancing growth performance in birds. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the concurrent use of prebiotic and probiotic on gut histology and some blood chemicals of broiler chickens during heat stress. A total of 144 day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into 3 treatments. The first treatment was a diluted diet including rice bran without probiotic or prebiotic. The other treatments were fed the diluted diets with a prebiotic (treatment 2) and concurrent use of that prebiotic along with a probiotic (treatment 3). Results showed that villus height was not influenced by feed additives. However, crypt depth significantly increased by feed additives in particular with combination of prebiotic and probiotic. The ratio of villus height to crypt depth significantly decreased in treatments fed prebiotic alone or prebiotic and probiotic together. This finding is indicating the fact that non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in high inclusion rate of rice bran caused to villus height erosion. It could be concluded that prebiotic and probiotic caused an increasing of enterocyte proliferation in the crypt of Liberkhun.(AU)

Evaluation of yeast culture and direct-fed microbial on gut histology and serum components of broilers challenged with suboptimal diets under heat stress

The use of antibiotics in feed for growth promotion has been restricted in many countries, thus it is of interest to investigate potential alternatives for enhancing growth performance in birds. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the concurrent use of prebiotic and probiotic on gut histology and some blood chemicals of broiler chickens during heat stress. A total of 144 day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into 3 treatments. The first treatment was a diluted diet including rice bran without probiotic or prebiotic. The other treatments were fed the diluted diets with a prebiotic (treatment 2) and concurrent use of that prebiotic along with a probiotic (treatment 3). Results showed that villus height was not influenced by feed additives. However, crypt depth significantly increased by feed additives in particular with combination of prebiotic and probiotic. The ratio of villus height to crypt depth significantly decreased in treatments fed prebiotic alone or prebiotic and probiotic together. This finding is indicating the fact that non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in high inclusion rate of rice bran caused to villus height erosion. It could be concluded that prebiotic and probiotic caused an increasing of enterocyte proliferation in the crypt of Liberkhun.

Assessment of renal functions and lesions in dogs with serological diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis is a complex vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. In urban centers of South America, where this zoonotic cycle occurs, dogs seem to be the main reservoirs and infection sources. Animals with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) may have a wide clinical spectrum, and dogs are usually classified as asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic, and symptomatic. Several organs are affected in canine CVL, and renal involvement is often a determining factor in dog prognosis. Nevertheless, serum markers are slow to indicate loss of renal function. The aim of this study was to evaluate kidney impairment in dogs diagnosed with CVL. Materials, Methods & Results: Blood and urine samples were collected from 45 dogs from Barra Mansa-RJ, and used for urinalysis, urine protein/creatinine (UPC) ratio, and serum concentrations of urea and creatinine. The animals were classified as symptomatic (42.2%), oligosymptomatic (37.8%), and asymptomatic (20.0%). Some alterations were found in the urine samples; pale-yellow color in 17.8%, low specific gravity in 6.7%, turbidity in 51.1%, proteinuria in 80%, occult blood in 46.7%, bilirubin in 8.89%, and glucose in 6.7% of the samples. According to the UPC ratio, 60% of dogs were proteinuric, and UPC > 2.0 was high in symptomatic dogs. Azotemia was observed only in three dogs with CVL. Discussion: The majority of dogs presented one or more symptoms of CVL, as expected in an endemic area from Brazil. Pale-yellow urine was observed in some samples, and this change, when accompanied by the decreased urine specific gravity in dogs with CVL, suggests some degree of kidney disease. The presence of epithelial and red blood cells, leukocytes, bacteria, suspended mucus, and phosphate crystals that precipitate in alkaline urines could be associated, to some degree, with the urine turbidity found in the present study. The alkaline urine identified in some dogs could be related to...

Perfil bioquímico do líquido amniótico de éguas com placentite ascendente e sua relação com parâmetros séricos do potro neonato / Biochemical profile of amniotic fluid in mares with ascending placentitis and its relationship with serum biochemical parameters in neonatal foals

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar os parâmetros bioquímicos do líquido amniótico (LA) no momento do parto de éguas com placentite ascendente e relacionar com parâmetros bioquímicos séricos dos neonatos. Foram utilizadas 36 éguas gestantes da raça Puro Sangue Inglês, divididas em dois grupos: placentite (n=5) e sadias (n=31). A placentite foi definida de acordo com a avaliação clínica, exame ultrassonográfico e histopatologia das placentas. Essas éguas foram submetidas a terapia antimicrobiana, antiinflamatórios e altrenogest. A coleta do LA foi realizada na segunda fase do parto e as amostras sanguíneas dos neonatos imediatamente após o nascimento. Foi observada menor concentração de creatinina no LA de éguas com placentite. Potros provenientes de éguas com placentite foram menores em peso e altura ao nascimento, e apresentaram concentrações elevadas de ureia e reduzidas de PPT na avaliação sérica. Foi observado correlação positiva moderada entre creatinina e ureia no LA e correlação positiva fraca entre a creatinina do LA e sérica dos potros. Concluiu-se que o perfil bioquímico do LA e sérico dos neonatos oriundos de éguas com placentite ascendente diferem de gestações sadias. Sendo que esses parâmetros podem ser utilizados como indicadores de alterações placentárias em éguas.(AU)

The aim of this study was to identify the biochemical parameters of amniotic fluid (AF) at parturition in mares with ascending placentitis, and to relate with biochemical parameters in neonatal foals serum. Thirty-six pregnant Thoroughbred mares were divided in 2 groups: mares with placentitis (n=5) and healthy mares (n=31). Placentitis was identified based on clinical signs, ultrasound evaluation and histopathological features in the placenta. Mares with placentitis were treated with antibiotics, antiinflammatories and altrenogest. AF was collected during the second stage of labor and blood samples were taken immediately after foaling. Lower concentrations of creatinine were found in the AF of mares with placentitis. Foals from mares with placentitis showed smaller height and lower birthweight, also showed increase of urea and decrease of total protein levels in blood serum. A moderate positive correlation between urea and creatinine in AF was observed, and a weak positive correlation was found between creatinine in AF and the serum of foals. In conclusion, biochemical composition of AF and of blood serum of neonatal foals from mares with ascending placentitis are different of healthy mares. So, those analysis could be useful to identify placental changes in mares.(AU)

Perfil bioquímico do líquido amniótico de éguas com placentite ascendente e sua relação com parâmetros séricos do potro neonato / Biochemical profile of amniotic fluid in mares with ascending placentitis and its relationship with serum biochemical parameters in neonatal foals

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar os parâmetros bioquímicos do líquido amniótico (LA) no momento do parto de éguas com placentite ascendente e relacionar com parâmetros bioquímicos séricos dos neonatos. Foram utilizadas 36 éguas gestantes da raça Puro Sangue Inglês, divididas em dois grupos: placentite (n=5) e sadias (n=31). A placentite foi definida de acordo com a avaliação clínica, exame ultrassonográfico e histopatologia das placentas. Essas éguas foram submetidas a terapia antimicrobiana, antiinflamatórios e altrenogest. A coleta do LA foi realizada na segunda fase do parto e as amostras sanguíneas dos neonatos imediatamente após o nascimento. Foi observada menor concentração de creatinina no LA de éguas com placentite. Potros provenientes de éguas com placentite foram menores em peso e altura ao nascimento, e apresentaram concentrações elevadas de ureia e reduzidas de PPT na avaliação sérica. Foi observado correlação positiva moderada entre creatinina e ureia no LA e correlação positiva fraca entre a creatinina do LA e sérica dos potros. Concluiu-se que o perfil bioquímico do LA e sérico dos neonatos oriundos de éguas com placentite ascendente diferem de gestações sadias. Sendo que esses parâmetros podem ser utilizados como indicadores de alterações placentárias em éguas.

The aim of this study was to identify the biochemical parameters of amniotic fluid (AF) at parturition in mares with ascending placentitis, and to relate with biochemical parameters in neonatal foals’ serum. Thirty-six pregnant Thoroughbred mares were divided in 2 groups: mares with placentitis (n=5) and healthy mares (n=31). Placentitis was identified based on clinical signs, ultrasound evaluation and histopathological features in the placenta. Mares with placentitis were treated with antibiotics, antiinflammatories and altrenogest. AF was collected during the second stage of labor and blood samples were taken immediately after foaling. Lower concentrations of creatinine were found in the AF of mares with placentitis. Foals from mares with placentitis showed smaller height and lower birthweight, also showed increase of urea and decrease of total protein levels in blood serum. A moderate positive correlation between urea and creatinine in AF was observed, and a weak positive correlation was found between creatinine in AF and the serum of foals. In conclusion, biochemical composition of AF and of blood serum of neonatal foals from mares with ascending placentitis are different of healthy mares. So, those analysis could be useful to identify placental changes in mares.

Clinical biochemistry of rescued Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus): serum or heparinized plasma? / Bioquímica clínica de pinguins-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) de resgate: soro ou plasma heparinizado?

IIn the last few years, an increasing number of debilitated Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) has been rescued and taken to rehabilitation centers on Brazil's southern coast to be clinically treated and evaluated for re-introduction. This work aims to compare the viability of heparinized plasma with the viability of serum for biochemistry analyses under rehabilitation conditions. Blood sampled from 31 physically healthy rescued penguins was processed into serum/plasma-paired samples and analyzed for 12 biochemical parameters: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol (CHOL), creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose, (GLU) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total proteins (TP), triglycerides (TG), urea (UR), and uric acid (UA).The results showed that six paired samples presented visual signs of hemolysis (visual hemolytic score≥1), four of which occurred exclusively in the serum counterpart. Significant differences (P≤ 0.5) between sample types were found for CHOL (3%), GLU (6%) and TG (52%). Only TG was considered clinically relevant (>10%). All mean/median results fell within the available reference intervals by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Penguin, 2014). In conclusion, we verified that heparinized plasma is a viable sample for the clinical biochemistry of rescued Magellanic penguins as it yields compatible results with serum, while providing practical benefits. The adoption of this practice favors a faster bird recovery, by minimizing blood sampling volume, and optimizes material resources, allowing use of the same collector tube as for hematology.(AU)

Nos últimos anos, um número crescente de pinguins-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) debilitados vem sendo resgatado e encaminhado aos centros de reabilitação do litoral sul do Brasil para cuidados clínicos e posterior avaliação de reintrodução. Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar a viabilidade do plasma heparinizado com a do soro para análises bioquímicas, em condições de reabilitação. Amostras de sangue de 31 pinguins de resgate fisicamente saudáveis foram processadas em amostras pareadas de soro e plasma heparinizado, e 12 parâmetros bioquímicos foram analisados: alanina aminotransferase (ALT), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), colesterol (CHOL), creatina quinase (CK), gamaglutamil transpeptidase (GGT), glicose (GLU), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), proteínas totais (TP), triglicérides (TG), ureia (UR) e ácido úrico (UA). Os resultados mostraram que seis amostras pareadas apresentaram sinais visuais de hemólise (escore hemolítico visual≥1), das quais quatro ocorreram exclusivamente no soro. Observaram-se diferenças significativas (P≤0,5) entre os tipos de amostra em CHOL (3%), GLU (6%) e TG (52%), sendo apenas TG considerado clinicamente relevante (>10%). Todos os resultados de médias e medianas situaram-se dentro dos intervalos de referência disponíveis fornecidos pela Associação de Zoológicos e Aquários (AZA). Como conclusão, verificou-se que o plasma heparinizado é uma amostra viável para a bioquímica clínica de pinguins-de-magalhães de resgate, produzindo resultados compatíveis com os do soro. Além disso, a adoção dessa prática favorece uma recuperação mais rápida dos animais, ao diminuir o volume de sangue amostrado, e otimiza os recursos materiais, ao permitir o aproveitamento do mesmo tubo de colheita de hematologia.(AU)

Clinical biochemistry of rescued Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus): serum or heparinized plasma? / Bioquímica clínica de pinguins-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) de resgate: soro ou plasma heparinizado?

In the last few years, an increasing number of debilitated Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) has been rescued and taken to rehabilitation centers on Brazil's southern coast to be clinically treated and evaluated for re-introduction. This work aims to compare the viability of heparinized plasma with the viability of serum for biochemistry analyses under rehabilitation conditions. Blood sampled from 31 physically healthy rescued penguins was processed into serum/plasma-paired samples and analyzed for 12 biochemical parameters: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol (CHOL), creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose, (GLU) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total proteins (TP), triglycerides (TG), urea (UR), and uric acid (UA).The results showed that six paired samples presented visual signs of hemolysis (visual hemolytic score≥1), four of which occurred exclusively in the serum counterpart. Significant differences (P≤ 0.5) between sample types were found for CHOL (3%), GLU (6%) and TG (52%). Only TG was considered clinically relevant (>10%). All mean/median results fell within the available reference intervals by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Penguin, 2014). In conclusion, we verified that heparinized plasma is a viable sample for the clinical biochemistry of rescued Magellanic penguins as it yields compatible results with serum, while providing practical benefits. The adoption of this practice favors a faster bird recovery, by minimizing blood sampling volume, and optimizes material resources, allowing use of the same collector tube as for hematology.(AU)

Nos últimos anos, um número crescente de pinguins-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) debilitados vem sendo resgatado e encaminhado aos centros de reabilitação do litoral sul do Brasil para cuidados clínicos e posterior avaliação de reintrodução. Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar a viabilidade do plasma heparinizado com a do soro para análises bioquímicas, em condições de reabilitação. Amostras de sangue de 31 pinguins de resgate fisicamente saudáveis foram processadas em amostras pareadas de soro e plasma heparinizado, e 12 parâmetros bioquímicos foram analisados: alanina aminotransferase (ALT), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), colesterol (CHOL), creatina quinase (CK), gamaglutamil transpeptidase (GGT), glicose (GLU), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), proteínas totais (TP), triglicérides (TG), ureia (UR) e ácido úrico (UA). Os resultados mostraram que seis amostras pareadas apresentaram sinais visuais de hemólise (escore hemolítico visual≥1), das quais quatro ocorreram exclusivamente no soro. Observaram-se diferenças significativas (P≤0,5) entre os tipos de amostra em CHOL (3%), GLU (6%) e TG (52%), sendo apenas TG considerado clinicamente relevante (>10%). Todos os resultados de médias e medianas situaram-se dentro dos intervalos de referência disponíveis fornecidos pela Associação de Zoológicos e Aquários (AZA). Como conclusão, verificou-se que o plasma heparinizado é uma amostra viável para a bioquímica clínica de pinguins-de-magalhães de resgate, produzindo resultados compatíveis com os do soro. Além disso, a adoção dessa prática favorece uma recuperação mais rápida dos animais, ao diminuir o volume de sangue amostrado, e otimiza os recursos materiais, ao permitir o aproveitamento do mesmo tubo de colheita de hematologia.(AU)