Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic deviation of gastric vein with azygos in a bitch

Background: Portosystemic shunt (PSS), an alteration commonly found in toy dogs, is caused by an anastomosis between the systemic and portal circulation, interfering with the metabolism of several toxins. It can be of congenital or acquired origin and is classified as intra- or extrahepatic. Clinical signs include the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and urinary system according to the fraction of the shunt. It is diagnosed by several imaging tests and exploratory laparotomy. Therapy involves drug therapy and/or surgical correction of the anomalous vessels. Thus, the aim is to present an unusual case of extrahepatic cPSS originating from the left gastric vein and insertion into the azygos vein. Case: A 2-year-old female toy poodle, spayed, weighing 2.7 kg was treated with a history of recurrent cystitis and neurological signs such as focal seizures, ataxia, tremors, blindness, lethargy, head pressing, and compulsive gait. Complementary tests revealed normochromic microcytic anemia, neutrophilia-induced leukocytosis, monocytosis, and lymphopenia. Biochemical analysis revealed hypoproteinemia due to hypoglobulinemia, an increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, and a decrease in urea. In the urinalysis, ammonium biurate crystals were detected, and Doppler ultrasound revealed microhepathy and the presence of an anomalous gastrosplenic vein inserted into the azygos vein, a finding compatible with the congenital extrahepatic PSS. Abdominal tomography confirmed vascular deviation with a sinuous path originating from the left gastric and splenic veins, inserting into the azygos vein, measuring approximately 5.95 cm in length. Cranial tomography revealed changes consistent with hepatic encephalopathy. Drug therapy was performed with hydration, liver chow, lactulose, probiotics, metronidazole, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, and ursodeoxycholic acid, and after 15 days, surgery was performed to place a 3.5 mm ameroid constrictor ring for gradual occlusion of the anomalous vessel. The animal recovered well, and a control abdominal ultrasound was repeated 30 days after the procedure, noting that the constrictor had not yet fully occluded the deviation. Doppler imaging revealed a favorable evolution with an increase in the diameter of the portal vein in the hepatopetal direction. The patient was followed-up for a year and had a normal and healthy life. Discussion: Extrahepatic PSS is frequently diagnosed in purebred and toy dogs, commonly occurring between the portal vein and one of its tributaries, with a lower frequency of anomalous vessels between the azygos veins, as in the present report. The patient's age and clinical signs were compatible with the disease, in addition to ammonia biurate crystals and hematological and biochemical alterations. The neurological clinical signs observed were compatible with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to congenital PSS. The imaging examinations facilitated the identification of the extrahepatic vascular anomaly, with the tomography being more accurate and helping in proper surgical planning. Clinical treatment should be performed for presurgical stabilization, and occlusion can be performed by placing cellophane bands or an ameroid constrictor, which is the technique of choice for congenital PSS, as it allows for slow constriction to avoid acute portal hypertension, as in this case, emphasizing that anesthesia in animals with portosystemic shunts must be performed with care.

Metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma in a cat

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

Avaliação ultrassonográfica das vias biliares em cães e gatos: coletas e análises de registros médicos veterinários / Ultrasonographic evaluation of the bile ducts in dogs and cats: Collections and analyses of veterinary medical records

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar achados ultrassonográficos de cães e gatos diagnosticados com colestase, correlacionando alterações concomitantes com espécies, sexo, idade, peso, sinais clínicos e dilatação das vias biliares. O sistema biliar de pequenos animais é composto pela vesícula biliar e a árvore biliar. Desta forma, os felinos apresentam mais alterações nestas estruturas devido à anatomia diferenciada. A redução do fluxo biliar, conhecida como colestase, ocorre por inúmeras situações, sendo o ultrassom o principal exame diagnóstico empregado na medicina veterinária. Ductos biliares de 4 e 3mm de diâmetro são considerados normais para felinos e caninos, respectivamente. Neste estudo, os sistemas biliares de 41 animais, incluindo felinos e caninos, foram avaliados por ultrassonografia no Setor de Diagnóstico por Imagem do Hospital Veterinário de janeiro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020, demonstrando a presença de cálculos vesicais em ambas as populações, assim como alterações em ducto cístico associados à pancreatite em cães.

This study aimed to evaluate ultrasound findings of dogs and cats diagnosed with cholestasis, correlating concomitant alterations with species, sex, age, weight, clinical signs, and dilation of bile ducts. The biliary system of small animals is composed of the gallbladder and the biliary tree. Thus, the felines show more alterations in these structures due to their differentiated anatomy. The reduction of the bile flow, known as cholestasis, occurs as a result of numerous situations, with ultrasound being the main diagnostic exam applied in veterinary medicine. Bile ducts of 4 and 3mm diameter are considered normal for felines and canines, respectively. In this study, the biliary systems of 41 animals, including felines and canines, were evaluated using ultrasound at the Diagnostic Imaging Sector of the Veterinary Hospital from January 2019 to February 2020, demonstrating the presence of bladder stones in both populations, as well as changes in the cystic duct associated with pancreatitis in dogs.

Contribuição da ultrassonografia no diagnóstico da platinosomose felina / Contribution of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of platinosome feline / Contribución de la ultrasonografía en el diagnóstico de platinosomosis felina

A platinosomose é uma importante enfermidade hepatobiliar parasitária que acomete felinos, sendo eles de vida livre ou semi domiciliados. O agente etiológico é o trematódeo Platynosomum spp. E a doença é popularmente conhecida como "envenenamento por lagartixa". As manifestações clínicas da platinosomose são inespecíficas assim como é incomum a observação de lesões hepáticas, o que dificulta o diagnóstico. Felinos possuem o hábito de caça e ao ingerir esses pequenos invertebrados, podem dar continuidade ao ciclo da platinosomose, uma vez que esses animais são os hospedeiros definitivos deste parasito. Esse trematódeo se aloja com frequência no trato biliar dos gatos, causando lesões e possível obstrução do ducto biliar. O grau de comprometimento das lesões hepáticas está na dependência tanto da imunidade, quanto da carga parasitária do animal. O diagnóstico de eleição é o exame parasitológico de fezes, embora ainda seja considerado pouco sensível, sendo relevante a utilização de outras ferramentas diagnósticas. O exame ultrassonográfico permite a observação de alterações hepáticas e até mesmo do próprio parasito no interior do ducto biliar, contribuindo para elucidação dessa enfermidade. Foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário "Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira", um felino com histórico de icterícia, e ao exame clínico observou-se escore corporal magro e desidratação em 8%. Após avaliação clínica do animal, o mesmo foi encaminhado para o setor de Diagnóstico por Imagem para avaliação ultrassonográfica abdominal, durante o exame visibilizou-se aumento das dimensões hepáticas, edema de parede em vesícula biliar e a presença pequena de estrutura filiforme, hiperecogênica, em seu interior.(AU)

Platinosomiasis is an importante parasitic hepatobiliary disease that affects felines, whether they live freely or semi-domiciled. The etiological agent is the trematode Platynosomum spp. And the disease is popularly known as "lizard poisoning". The clinical manifestations of platinosomiasis are non-specific and the observation of liver lesions observed are, which makes the diagnosis difficult. Felines have a hunting habit and by ingesting these small invertebrates, they can continuing the platinosomiasis cycle, since these animals are the definitive hosts of this parasite.This trematode frequently lodges in the biliary tract of cats, causing injury and possible obstruction of the bile duct. The degree of involvement of liver lesions is in dependence on both immunity and the parasite load of the animal. The diagnosis of choice is the parasitological examination of feces, although it is still considered not very sensitive, and the use of other diagnostic tools is relevant. The ultrasonographic examination allows the observation of hepatic alterations and even the parasite itself inside the bile duct, contributing to the elucidation of this disease. He was treated at the "Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira", a feline with a history of jaundice, and the clinical examination showed a lean body score and dehydration of 8%. After clinical evaluation of the animal, he was referred to the Diagnostic Imaging Department for abdominal ultrasonography evaluation, during the exam it was seen an increase in the hepatic dimensions, edema of the gallbladder wall and the small presence of a filiform, hyperecogenic structure inside.(AU)

La platinosomosis es una importante enfermedad parasitaria hepatobiliar que afecta a los gatos, ya sean de vida libre o semi-domiciliados. El agente etiológico es el trematodo Platynosomum spp. Y la enfermedad se conoce popularmente como "envenenamiento por gecko". Las manifestaciones clínicas de la platinosomosis son inespecíficas y la observación de lesione hepáticas es poco frecuente, lo que dificulta el diagnóstico. Los felinos tienen el hábito de la caza y al ingerir estos pequeños invertebrados pueden continuar el ciclo de platinosomosis, ya que estos animales son los hospedadores definitivos de este parásito. Este trematodo se aloja con frecuencia en el tracto biliar de los gatos, provocando lesiones y posible obstrucción del conducto biliar. El grado de afectación de las lesiones hepáticas depende tanto de la inmunidad como de la carga parasitaria del animal. El diagnóstico de elección es el examen parasitológico de heces, aunque todavía se considera insensible, siendo relevante el uso de otras herramientas diagnósticas. El examen ecográfico permite la observación de alteraciones hepáticas e incluso del propio parásito fuera de la vía biliar, contribuyendo al esclarecimiento de esta enfermedad. Un felino con antecedentes de ictericia, fue atendido en el Hospital Veterinario "Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira", y el examen clínico mostró un índice corporal magro y deshidratación en 8%. Después de la evaluación clínica del animal, se derivó al sector de Diagnóstico por Imagen para evaluación de ecografía abdominal, durante el examen se observó aumento de las dimensiones hepáticas, edema de la pared vesicular y pequeña presencia de una estructura filiforme hiperecogénica em su interior.(AU)

Physicochemical techniques for determining the composition of canine and feline uroliths: a literature review / Técnicas físico-químicas para determinação da composição de urólitos em caninos e felinos: uma revisão de literatura

Urinary lithiasis has been reported as a problem that affects humankind since ancient times and has been described in several animal species. The condition is a consequence of other diseases that may be present in the urinary system or related to other body disorders. The stone composition needs to be analyzed to identify the possible causes that led to the formation and development of uroliths. For this, several techniques are currently available, some of which are promptly accessible, while others are not. Thus, this literature review aimed to perform a brief introduction on urolithiasis, present the most used techniques in the analysis of the composition of canine and feline uroliths and point out the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

A litíase urinária foi reportada como um problema que atinge a humanidade desde a antiguidade e já foi descrita em diversas espécies de animais. A doença é considerada consequência de outras enfermidades que podem estar presentes no sistema urinário, ou relacionados com outros distúrbios do organismo. Para identificar as possíveis causas que levaram à formação e desenvolvimento de urólitos é importante analisar a composição dos cálculos. Para isso, existem várias técnicas disponíveis atualmente, algumas de mais fácil acesso e outras, nem tanto. Dessa forma, objetiva-se com a presente revisão realizar uma breve introdução sobre a urolitíase e apresentar as técnicas mais utilizadas na análise da composição de urólitos, em caninos e felinos, bem como apontar as vantagens e desvantagens de cada uma das técnicas.

Physicochemical techniques for determining the composition of canine and feline uroliths: a literature review / Técnicas físico-químicas para determinação da composição de urólitos em caninos e felinos: uma revisão de literatura

Urinary lithiasis has been reported as a problem that affects humankind since ancient times and has been described in several animal species. The condition is a consequence of other diseases that may be present in the urinary system or related to other body disorders. The stone composition needs to be analyzed to identify the possible causes that led to the formation and development of uroliths. For this, several techniques are currently available, some of which are promptly accessible, while others are not. Thus, this literature review aimed to perform a brief introduction on urolithiasis, present the most used techniques in the analysis of the composition of canine and feline uroliths and point out the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.(AU)

A litíase urinária foi reportada como um problema que atinge a humanidade desde a antiguidade e já foi descrita em diversas espécies de animais. A doença é considerada consequência de outras enfermidades que podem estar presentes no sistema urinário, ou relacionados com outros distúrbios do organismo. Para identificar as possíveis causas que levaram à formação e desenvolvimento de urólitos é importante analisar a composição dos cálculos. Para isso, existem várias técnicas disponíveis atualmente, algumas de mais fácil acesso e outras, nem tanto. Dessa forma, objetiva-se com a presente revisão realizar uma breve introdução sobre a urolitíase e apresentar as técnicas mais utilizadas na análise da composição de urólitos, em caninos e felinos, bem como apontar as vantagens e desvantagens de cada uma das técnicas.(AU)

Hepatic encephalopathy in adult dog secondary to cirrhosis due to congenital biliary agenesis: a case report / Encefalopatia hepática em cão adulto secundária a cirrose causada por agenesia biliar congênita: relato de caso

Gallbladder agenesis is a congenital malformation that is considered extremely rare in dogs. The disease can course asymptomatically or with clinical signs, usually non-specific and including vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, ascites, and lethargy. The objective of this report was to describe the clinical and anatomopathological aspects of a dog with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to gallbladder agenesis. This condition can be diagnosed during surgery or imaging examinations; however, it is often an incidental finding. In the biochemical examinations, a decrease in alanine aminotransferase and an increase in alkaline phosphatase and hypoalbuminemia were observed. During the necropsy, hepatomegaly was observed with absence of the gallbladder, congestion, cerebral edema, lipiduria, and pulmonary edema. Microscopically, there was intense fibrosis and inflammation in the liver due to chronic cholangiohepatitis (cirrhosis of the liver). The consequence of this lesion secondary to gallbladder agenesis was hepatic encephalopathy. Chronic liver failure exposes the cerebral cortex to toxins that are not metabolized by the liver, such as ammonia, mercaptans, short-chain fatty acids, scatols, indols, and aromatic amino acids. These toxins cause reversible damage to the brain, which results in neurological disorders. In this report, the dog had no clinical neurological signs, and the diagnosis of this condition was observed histologically. Dogs with gallbladder agenesis usually have clinical and pathological findings of hepatobiliary lesions such as cholestasis, cholangiohepatitis, and, in severe cases, hepatic encephalopathy, which are necessary to differentiate from other diseases that affect the hepatobiliary system, such as cholelithiasis, neoplasms, and chronic hepatitis.

A agenesia de vesícula biliar é uma má formação congênita, considerada extremamente rara em cães. A doença pode cursar de forma assintomática ou com sinais clínicos, geralmente, inespecíficos que incluem vômitos, anorexia, diarreia, ascite e letargia. O objetivo deste relato foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos de um cão com encefalopatia hepá-tica secundária a agenesia da vesícula biliar, esta condição pode ser diagnosticada durante uma cirurgia ou exames de imagem, entretanto frequentemente é um achado incidental. Como resultados, nos exames bioquímicos observou-se a diminuição da alanina aminotransferase, aumento da fosfatase alcalina e hipoalbuminemia. Durante a necropsia foi observado hepatomegalia com ausência da vesícula biliar, congestão e edema cerebral, lipidúria e edema pulmonar. Microscopicamente, no fígado havia intensa fibrose e inflamação pela colangiohepatite crônica (cirrose hepática). A consequência desta lesão secundária a agenesia da vesícula biliar, foi a encefalopatia hepática. A insuficiência hepática crônica expõe o córtex cerebral às toxinas não metabo-lizadas pelo fígado, tais como a amônia, mercaptanos, ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, escatóis, indóis e aminoácidos aromáti-cos. Essas toxinas causam danos reversíveis ao encéfalo, o que resulta em distúrbios neurológicos. No presente caso, o cão não apresentou sinais clínicos neurológicos e o diagnóstico desta condição foi observado histologicamente. Cães com agenesia de vesícula biliar, geralmente exibem achados clínicos e patológicos de lesões hepatobiliares, como colestase, conlangiohepatite e, em casos graves, encefalopatia hepática, sendo necessário diferenciar de outras doenças que acometem o sistema hepatobiliar, como colelitíase, neoplasias e hepatites crônicas.

Hepatic encephalopathy in adult dog secondary to cirrhosis due to congenital biliary agenesis: a case report / Encefalopatia hepática em cão adulto secundária a cirrose causada por agenesia biliar congênita: relato de caso

Gallbladder agenesis is a congenital malformation that is considered extremely rare in dogs. The disease can course asymptomatically or with clinical signs, usually non-specific and including vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, ascites, and lethargy. The objective of this report was to describe the clinical and anatomopathological aspects of a dog with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to gallbladder agenesis. This condition can be diagnosed during surgery or imaging examinations; however, it is often an incidental finding. In the biochemical examinations, a decrease in alanine aminotransferase and an increase in alkaline phosphatase and hypoalbuminemia were observed. During the necropsy, hepatomegaly was observed with absence of the gallbladder, congestion, cerebral edema, lipiduria, and pulmonary edema. Microscopically, there was intense fibrosis and inflammation in the liver due to chronic cholangiohepatitis (cirrhosis of the liver). The consequence of this lesion secondary to gallbladder agenesis was hepatic encephalopathy. Chronic liver failure exposes the cerebral cortex to toxins that are not metabolized by the liver, such as ammonia, mercaptans, short-chain fatty acids, scatols, indols, and aromatic amino acids. These toxins cause reversible damage to the brain, which results in neurological disorders. In this report, the dog had no clinical neurological signs, and the diagnosis of this condition was observed histologically. Dogs with gallbladder agenesis usually have clinical and pathological findings of hepatobiliary lesions such as cholestasis, cholangiohepatitis, and, in severe cases, hepatic encephalopathy, which are necessary to differentiate from other diseases that affect the hepatobiliary system, such as cholelithiasis, neoplasms, and chronic hepatitis.(AU)

A agenesia de vesícula biliar é uma má formação congênita, considerada extremamente rara em cães. A doença pode cursar de forma assintomática ou com sinais clínicos, geralmente, inespecíficos que incluem vômitos, anorexia, diarreia, ascite e letargia. O objetivo deste relato foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos de um cão com encefalopatia hepá-tica secundária a agenesia da vesícula biliar, esta condição pode ser diagnosticada durante uma cirurgia ou exames de imagem, entretanto frequentemente é um achado incidental. Como resultados, nos exames bioquímicos observou-se a diminuição da alanina aminotransferase, aumento da fosfatase alcalina e hipoalbuminemia. Durante a necropsia foi observado hepatomegalia com ausência da vesícula biliar, congestão e edema cerebral, lipidúria e edema pulmonar. Microscopicamente, no fígado havia intensa fibrose e inflamação pela colangiohepatite crônica (cirrose hepática). A consequência desta lesão secundária a agenesia da vesícula biliar, foi a encefalopatia hepática. A insuficiência hepática crônica expõe o córtex cerebral às toxinas não metabo-lizadas pelo fígado, tais como a amônia, mercaptanos, ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, escatóis, indóis e aminoácidos aromáti-cos. Essas toxinas causam danos reversíveis ao encéfalo, o que resulta em distúrbios neurológicos. No presente caso, o cão não apresentou sinais clínicos neurológicos e o diagnóstico desta condição foi observado histologicamente. Cães com agenesia de vesícula biliar, geralmente exibem achados clínicos e patológicos de lesões hepatobiliares, como colestase, conlangiohepatite e, em casos graves, encefalopatia hepática, sendo necessário diferenciar de outras doenças que acometem o sistema hepatobiliar, como colelitíase, neoplasias e hepatites crônicas.(AU)

Descriptive Anatomy of Hepatic and Portal Veins with Special Reference to Biliary Duct System in Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus): A Recent Illustration

Chickens have a great participation in meat and egg production. The anatomical scientific data of poultry is important to support the recent researches either for illustrations in academic studies or clinically in diagnosis and treatment of some poultry nutritional diseases. The current investigation was performed on twenty broiler chickens of both sexes. The chickens were anaesthetized, slaughtered then the venous system was flushed with a normal saline to anatomically investigate the distribution of hepatic portal veins both intra and extrahepatic, as well as the hepatic venous and biliary duct systems. The fowl had two hepatic portal veins draining the gastrointestinal tract with its associated organs as spleen and pancreas. The left hepatic portal vein was small, restricted to a limited portion of left hepatic lobe and had been constituted by five main venous tributaries draining the proventriculus, gizzard and pylorus, while the right hepatic portal vein was the largest, receiving the proventriculosplenic, gastropancreaticoduodenal and common mesenteric veins then piercing the right hepatic lobe to be distributed in both hepatic segments through right and left divisions. The fowl has two hepatic portal veins differed in size and distribution. A characteristic imaginary trapezoid shape was formed by some tributaries draining the caudoventral part of the gizzard. There are three ileocecal veins; cranial, caudal and the ileocecal tributary of the cranial mesenteric vein. The wall of gall bladder and the common hepatoenteric duct was characterized by the presence of well-defined longitudinal folds or striations.(AU)

Descriptive Anatomy of Hepatic and Portal Veins with Special Reference to Biliary Duct System in Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus): A Recent Illustration

Chickens have a great participation in meat and egg production. The anatomical scientific data of poultry is important to support the recent researches either for illustrations in academic studies or clinically in diagnosis and treatment of some poultry nutritional diseases. The current investigation was performed on twenty broiler chickens of both sexes. The chickens were anaesthetized, slaughtered then the venous system was flushed with a normal saline to anatomically investigate the distribution of hepatic portal veins both intra and extrahepatic, as well as the hepatic venous and biliary duct systems. The fowl had two hepatic portal veins draining the gastrointestinal tract with its associated organs as spleen and pancreas. The left hepatic portal vein was small, restricted to a limited portion of left hepatic lobe and had been constituted by five main venous tributaries draining the proventriculus, gizzard and pylorus, while the right hepatic portal vein was the largest, receiving the proventriculosplenic, gastropancreaticoduodenal and common mesenteric veins then piercing the right hepatic lobe to be distributed in both hepatic segments through right and left divisions. The fowl has two hepatic portal veins differed in size and distribution. A characteristic imaginary trapezoid shape was formed by some tributaries draining the caudoventral part of the gizzard. There are three ileocecal veins; cranial, caudal and the ileocecal tributary of the cranial mesenteric vein. The wall of gall bladder and the common hepatoenteric duct was characterized by the presence of well-defined longitudinal folds or striations.

Platynosomum fastosum em felinos domésticos em Cuiabá, região Centrooeste do Brasil

Platynosomum fastosum apresenta distribuição em regiões tropicais e subtropicais, e é o principal parasito do sistema biliar dos gatos domésticos. Os gatos podem ser assintomáticos ou apresentar sinais graves de colangite. No Brasil a infecção é relatada em todo território, porém na região Centro-oeste do país, há apenas estudos post mortem. Diante disso o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi pesquisar a frequência do parasitismo por P. fastosum em gatos domésticos atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, campus Cuiabá, associando alterações clínicas e laboratoriais (hemograma, bioquímico e ultrassonografia) com diferentes técnicas coproparasitológicas (sedimentação formalina-éter, Faust e Hoffmann). Foram avaliados 171 gatos clínica e laboratorialmente e um questionário epidemiológico semiestruturado foi aplicado aos tutores. A prevalência observada foi de 26,90%, sem associação significativa com gênero, estado reprodutivo, idade, hábito de caça, acesso à rua, tratamento anti-helmíntico recente e desconhecimento do tutor em relação ao parasitismo. Dos gatos avaliados, 55 (32,16%, valor de p< 0,01) apresentaram sinais clínicos sugestivos de colangite com associação significativa ao parasitismo. Em relação as variáveis clínico patológicas, observou-se leve neutrofilia e elevação não significativa da atividade sérica de ALT e FA, enquanto os valores médios de eosinófilos, leucócitos totais, proteína total, albumina e globulina se encontravam dentro da normalidade. Os achados ultrassonográficos foram semelhantes com os já descritos, ductos biliares dilatados, vesícula biliar espessada, hepatomegalia e sedimento na vesícula biliar. O parasitismo por P. fastosum ocorreu em aproximadamente um quarto (26,90%) dos gatos da amostra avaliada em CuiabáMT, com associação significativa com os sinais clínicos de colangite e concordância regular entre as técnicas coproparasitológicas empregadas.

Platynosomum fastosum has distribution in tropical and subtropical regions and is the main parasite in the biliary system of domestic cats. Cats can be asymptomatic or show severe signs of cholangitis. In Brazil the infection is reported throughout the territory, but in the Midwest region of the country, there are only post-mortem studies. Therefore, the objective of this research was to research the frequency of parasitism by P. fastosum in domestic cats treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, campus Cuiabá, associating clinical and laboratory changes (blood count, biochemistry, and ultrasound) with different coproparasitological techniques (formalin-ether sedimentation, Faust and Hoffmann). One hundred and seventy-one cats were evaluated clinically and laboratorially and a semi-structured epidemiological questionnaire was applied to the tutors. The prevalence observed was 26.90%, with no significant association with gender, reproductive status, age, hunting habit, access to the street and recent anthelmintic treatment and the guardian's lack of knowledge regarding parasitism. Of the evaluated cats, 55 (32.16%, p <0.01) showed clinical signs suggestive of cholangitis with a significant association of this variable. Regarding the clinical pathological variables, mild neutrophilia and non-significant elevation in serum ALT and FA activity were observed, while the mean values of eosinophils, total leukocytes, total protein, albumin, and globulin were normal. The ultrasound findings were like those already described, dilated bile ducts, thickened gallbladder, enlarged liver and gallbladder sediment. P. fastosum parasitism occurred in approximately one quarter (26.90%) of the cats in the sample evaluated in Cuiabá-MT, with a significant association with the clinical signs of cholangitis and regular agreement between the coproparasitological techniques employed.

Validação de um protocolo de nested PCR em tempo real em um tubo e sequenciamento genético para detecção e caracterização de espécies e genótipos de Cryptosporidium em amostras fecais de aves

Protozoários do gênero Cryptosporidium infectam o trato gastrintestinal e, ocasionalmente, os tratos respiratório, biliar e urinário, causando doença clínica e subclínica em aves. O diagnóstico espécie-específico da criptosporidiose é comumente realizado pela nested PCR convencional seguida de sequenciamento genético. O objetivo deste trabalho foi validar um protocolo de nested PCR em tempo real em um tubo (nPCR-TR-1T) seguida da análise da curva de dissociação e de sequenciamento genético para detectar e caracterizar as espécies e genótipos de Cryptosporidium em aves. A reação foi padronizada com utilização do SsoFast® EvaGreen Supermix (Bio-Rad) e do equipamento para PCR em tempo real CFX96 (Bio-Rad). Um total de 443 amostras de DNA genômico de aves foi analisado pela nested PCR convencional e pela nPCR-TR-1. Após a validação, a nPCR-TR-1T foi utilizada para determinar a ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp. em frangos de corte em 64 núcleos comerciais de frangos de corte (NCFC) na região oeste do estado de Santa Catarina. Pela nested PCR convencional, foi observada positividade para Cryptosporidium spp. em 36/443 (8,1%), em contraste com a nPCR-TR-1T, que apresentou 90/443 (20,3%) amostras positivas para Cryptosporidium spp. O teste de sensibilidade analítica mostrou que a nPCR-TR-1T detecta aproximadamente 0,5 oocisto (2 esporozoítos) por reação. A avaliação da especificidade analítica não revelou amplificação de microrganismos que comumente apresentam amplificação inespecífica com primers utilizados para diagnóstico de Cryptosporidium spp. O cálculo da repetibilidade evidenciou o mesmo resultado em 27 de 30 amostras (90%). Em relação à reprodutibilidade da nPCR-TR-1T, foi observado o mesmo resultado em 24 das 30 amostras examinadas (80%). Foi possível realizar o sequenciamento em todas as 90 amostras amplificadas pela nPCR-TR-1T. As seguintes espécies foram identificadas: C. baileyi, C. galli, C. meleagridis, C. proventriculi e Cryptosporidium genótipo I emaves. O sequenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados pela nested PCR convencional foi possível em 10/38 (26,3%) das amostras positivas, com identificação das mesmas espécies identificadas pela nPCR-TR-1T. A ocorrência observada nos NCFC foi de 0,2% (1/64), com identificação de C. baileyi em uma amostra. Os resultados observados demonstram que a nPCR-TR-1T, em comparação com a nested PCR convencional, apresenta mais rapidez para obtenção dos resultados, menor possibilidade de contaminação com produtos amplificados e menor consumo de reagentes, pois ela é realizada em somente uma etapa e os resultados são obtidos em tempo real, sem necessidade de eletroforese em gel de agarose.

Protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium infect the gastrointestinal tract and occasionally the respiratory, biliary, and urinary tracts, causing clinical and subclinical disease in birds. Species-specific diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is commonly performed by conventional nested PCR followed by genetic sequencing. The objective of this study was to validate a one-tube real-time nested PCR protocol followed by melting curve analysis and genetic sequencing to detect and characterize Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in birds. The reaction was standardized using the SsoFast® EvaGreen Supermix (Bio-Rad) and the CFX96 real-time PCR system (Bio-Rad). A total of 443 avian genomic DNA samples were analyzed by conventional nested PCR and one-tube nested real-time PCR. After validation one-tube real-time nested PCR was used to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in 64 commercial broiler flocks in the western region of the state of Santa Catarina. By conventional nested PCR, 36/443 (8.1%) samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. In contrast, one-tube nested real-time PCR showed 90/443 (20.3%) positive samples for Cryptosporidium spp. The analytical sensitivity test showed that one-tube nested real-time PCR detects approximately 0.5 oocyst (2 sporozoites) per reaction. Analytical specificity evaluation did not reveal amplification of microorganisms that commonly present nonspecific amplification with primers used for the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. The repeatability calculation showed the same result in 27 out of 30 samples (90%). Regarding the reproducibility of nPCR-TR-1T, the same result was observed in 24 of the 30 samples examined (80%). It was possible to perform sequencing on all 90 samples amplified by one-tube real-time nested PCR. The following species were identified: C. baileyi, C. galli, C. meleagridis, C. proventriculi, and Cryptosporidium genotype I in birds. Genetic sequencing of conventional nested PCR amplicons was possible in 10/36 (27.8%) of positive samples, with identificationof the same species identified by one-tube real-time nested PCR. Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence in broiler flocks was 0.2% (1/64), with identification of C. baileyi in one sample. The results of this study demonstrated that one-tube nested real-time PCR, in comparison with conventional nested PCR, presents faster results, less possibility of contamination with amplicons, and lower consumption of reagents, since it is performed in only one step and the results are obtained in real time, without the need for agarose gel electrophoresis.

Cholangiocellular carcinoma in a cat / Carcinoma colangiocelular em gato

Background: Primary hepatobiliary tumors are rare in dogs and cats. Studies suggest a prevalence of 0.6% in dogs and 2.9% in cats from all occurring tumors. Neoplasia in these tissues can have hepatocellular and bile ducts origin or even be sarcomas or neuroendocrine tumors. Its clinical signs are nonspecific and the diagnosis is most often tardy or even done during necropsy. A case of cholangiocellular carcinoma and glomerulonephritis in a cat is reported, addressing its clinical aspects and emphasizing the importance of an early diagnosis. Case: A mixed breed, 12-year-old neutered cat was admitted in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul treated previously without obvious improvement. Jaundice, severe dehydration, excessive salivation, low body condition (score three out of nine), abdominal discomfort, and lethargy were evident on physical examination. Blood tests showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and increased serum levels of both alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a large single mass of three centimeters of diameter, approximately, compressing the bile ducts. Because of the severity of the patients condition, it was hospitalized to receive supportive care. During hospitalization, the animal received feeding through an esophageal tube, intravenous fluid...(AU)

Cholangiocellular carcinoma in a cat / Carcinoma colangiocelular em gato

Background: Primary hepatobiliary tumors are rare in dogs and cats. Studies suggest a prevalence of 0.6% in dogs and 2.9% in cats from all occurring tumors. Neoplasia in these tissues can have hepatocellular and bile ducts origin or even be sarcomas or neuroendocrine tumors. Its clinical signs are nonspecific and the diagnosis is most often tardy or even done during necropsy. A case of cholangiocellular carcinoma and glomerulonephritis in a cat is reported, addressing its clinical aspects and emphasizing the importance of an early diagnosis. Case: A mixed breed, 12-year-old neutered cat was admitted in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul treated previously without obvious improvement. Jaundice, severe dehydration, excessive salivation, low body condition (score three out of nine), abdominal discomfort, and lethargy were evident on physical examination. Blood tests showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and increased serum levels of both alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a large single mass of three centimeters of diameter, approximately, compressing the bile ducts. Because of the severity of the patients condition, it was hospitalized to receive supportive care. During hospitalization, the animal received feeding through an esophageal tube, intravenous fluid...

ANÁLISE MORFOLÓGICA DAS GLÂNDULAS ANEXAS DO SISTEMA DIGESTÓRIO DO Tamandua tetradactyla (LINNAEUS, 1758).

Devido ao crescente número de espécimes de Tamandua tetradactyla que passam por tratamento em centros de triagem de animais silvestres em todo o Brasil, conhecer a morfologia destes animais tornou-se indispensável para entender suas necessidades, seja em cativeiro ou em vida livre. Sabe-se que a espécie costuma ter uma dieta rica em proteínas provenientes de insetos como cupins e abelhas e, para promover a quebra das moléculas e garantir a absorção de nutrientes, as glândulas anexas do sistema digestório são fundamentais neste processo. Por isso, o presente trabalho buscou analisar morfologicamente as glândulas salivares, pâncreas e fígado, bem como a vesícula biliar de seis Tamandua tetradactyla pertencentes ao acervo do Laboratório de Pesquisa Morfológica Animal (LaPMA) do Instituto da Saúde e Produção Animal (ISPA), da Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA). O Tamandua tetradactyla apresenta glândula salivar com anatomia e topografia peculiar, sendo uma junção das glândulas parótidas, sublinguais e mandibulares, além de ser constituída por regiões distintas e padrões de ácinos serosos, mucosos e mistos, diferindo dos demais animais domésticos e selvagens. O pâncreas ocorre com anatomia e topografia comuns, possui ácinos serosos e ilhotas pancreáticas como ocorre no Myrmecophaga tridactyla. O fígado aparece completo, formado por 6 lobos e a vesícula biliar está presente, diferindo dos outros xenarthros já descritos. A análise histológica demonstra que o fígado apresenta sistema porta e cordões de hepatócitos bem estruturados e organizados e a vesícula biliar constituída pelas camadas mucosa, muscular e adventícia como ocorre nos carnívoros domésticos.

Due to the increasing number of Tamandua tetradactyla specimens that undergo treatment in wild animal sorting centers in all of the Brazilian regions, knowledge of the morphology of these animals has become indispensable to understand their needs, whether in captivity or in free life. It is known that the species usually has a protein-rich diet, mainly from insects such as bees and termites, and, in order to break down molecules and ensure the absorption of nutrients, the digestive system annex glands perform fundamental roles. Therefore, the present work aimed to morphologically analyze the salivary glands, pancreas and liver, as well as the biliary vesicle from six Tamandua tetradactyla specimens provided by the Laboratório de Pesquisa Morfológica Animal (LaPMA), Instituto de Saúde e Produção Animal (ISPA), Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA). The Tamandua tetradactyla has the salivary gland with peculiar anatomy and topography, being a fusion of the parotid, sublingual and mandibular glands, in addition to being constituted by distinct regions and patterns of serous, mucous and mixed acini, in contrast to other wild and domestic animals. The pancreas occurs with ordinary anatomy and topography, and has serous acini and pancreatic islets similar to those found in Myrmecophaga tridactyla specimens. The liver appears complete, formed by 6 lobes and the biliary gland is present, differing from other already described Xenarthrans. The histological analysis shows that the liver has well-structured and organized portal venous system and hepatocyte plates, and biliary vesicle similar to those found in domestic carnivores, constituted by the mucous, muscular and adventitious layers.

Cholangiocarcinoma in backyard chicken

Tumors arising from intrahepatic bile ducts and gall bladder have been described in several species of domestic animals. Cholangiocarcinoma is a neoplastic proliferation of the intrahepatic biliary system commonly reported in dogs, cats, sheep, cattle, horses, goat, birds kept in captivity, and occasionaly in wildlife animals. A few cases have been described in broiler chicken. This is the first report of cholangiocarcinoma in poultry, species Gallus gallus domesticus, in Brazil. The diagnosis was based in histology lesions and immunohistochemistry findings.

Cholangiocarcinoma in backyard chicken

Tumors arising from intrahepatic bile ducts and gall bladder have been described in several species of domestic animals. Cholangiocarcinoma is a neoplastic proliferation of the intrahepatic biliary system commonly reported in dogs, cats, sheep, cattle, horses, goat, birds kept in captivity, and occasionaly in wildlife animals. A few cases have been described in broiler chicken. This is the first report of cholangiocarcinoma in poultry, species Gallus gallus domesticus, in Brazil. The diagnosis was based in histology lesions and immunohistochemistry findings.(AU)