Neurological diseases of viral origin in cattle in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: clinical and anatomopathological study / Enfermidades neurológicas de origem viral em bovinos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil: estudo clínico e anatomopatológico

Studies related to neurological diseases are of great importance in Veterinary Medicine, particularly those involving production animals, such as cattle, due to their wide sanitary and public health significance. Therefore, the current study aims to describe the frequency of occurrence of the main clinical, laboratory, and anatomopathological findings of cattle diagnosed with neurological diseases of viral origin. Screening was performed in the general register of patients diagnosed through anatomopathological and/or complementary examination with illnesses of viral origin, admitted (live or dead) to the Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns-UFRPE from January 2009 to December 2019. The information recovered was entered in a database created in the computer program Microsoft Excel 2010®, distributed into clinical, laboratory, and anatomopathological data. The clinical findings on neurological diseases of viral etiology were very varied and non-specific, and the anatomopathological findings, together with laboratory methods, were of fundamental importance for the establishment of the diagnosis. The high frequency of rabies cases in this study demonstrates the importance of this disease for cattle rearing, as well as for Public Health. We emphasize the importance of including malignant catarrhal fever and herpes meningoencephalitis in the differential diagnosis of neurological diseases in the region, as well as the adoption of sanitary measures.

Os estudos relacionados as doenças neurológicas assumem grande importância na Medicina Veterinária, particularmente os que envolvem animais de produção como os bovinos, em virtude da grande importância sanitária e de saúde pública. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever a frequência de ocorrência dos principais achados clínicos, laboratoriais e anatomopatológicos dos bovinos diagnosticados com doenças neurológicas de origem viral. Realizou-se a triagem no livro de registro geral dos pacientes com enfermidades que cursaram com sintomatologia neurológica e que foram diagnosticados através de exame anatomopatológico e/ou complementares com enfermidades de origem viral, os quais deram entrada (vivos ou mortos) na Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns-UFRPE no período de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2019. As informações obtidas foram inseridas em um banco de dados elaborado no programa de computador Microsoft Excel 2010® distribuídas em dados clínicos, laboratoriais e anatomopatológicos. Os achados clínicos das enfermidades neurológicas de etiologia viral foram muito variados e inespecíficos, sendo os achados anatomopatológicos, aliados aos métodos laboratoriais, de importância fundamental para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico. A elevada frequência dos casos de raiva neste estudo demonstra a importância sanitária desta enfermidade para a pecuária bovina, como também para a saúde pública. Ressalta-se a importância da inclusão da febre catarral maligna e da meningoencefalite herpética no diagnóstico diferencial das doenças neurológicas na região, assim como a adoção de medidas sanitárias.

Lafora's disease in a free-ranging toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) with neurologic disease

Lafora's disease is a genetic disease associated to mutations in genes that encodes laforin and malin, which results in intracellular polyglucan storage. The present report describes a case of Lafora's disease in a toco toucan with episodes of incoordination and myoclonus that resulted in traumatic lesions and fracture of the left hindlimb. The bird was euthanized and submitted to necropsy. Microscopically there were abundant PAS-positive and diastasis-resistant Lafora's inclusion bodies in neurons in the cerebellum, supporting the diagnosis of Lafora's disease.(AU)

Polineuropatia motora em cão adulto / Motor polyneuropathy in an adult dog

Background: Nonambulatory flaccid tetraparesis can be the result of diseases of the peripheral nervous system and it is characterized by generalized lower motor neuron (LMN) signs, as weakness, tetraparesis/tetraplegia, decreased muscle tone and reflexes. The term polyneuropathy is used for dysfunction of multiple peripheral nerves. In Brazil, there are several etiologies for polyneuropathy in dogs, such as acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis, botulism and myasthenia gravis. Toxoplasma gondii is an uncommon cause of LMN diseases in dogs. The aim of this report was to describe a case of flaccid tetraplegia toxoplasmosis in an adult dog with a Toxoplasma gondii serology with a markedly elevated IgG titer of 1:4096. Case: A 4-year-old intact mongrel male dog, weighing 19.6 kg, was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) with a 5-day history of weakness that progressed to tetraparesis. Physical examination revealed no significant changes other than the dull and unkempt coat. Neurologic examination revealed severe tetraparesis that was worse in the pelvic limbs, with decreased muscle tone in all four limbs. Postural reactions and the interdigital reflex were absent in all four limbs, as was the patellar reflex, but pain perception was present. There were no clinical signs of dysfunction on examination of the cranial nerves. Laboratory tests were performed, and creatine kinase was elevated (819 U/L). Blood was drawn to look for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum class IgG using the indirect immunofluorescence technique. The antibody titer for Toxoplasma gondii (IgG) was 1:4096. A chest radiograph was performed to look for megaesophagus, and a pulmonary pattern suggestive of mild diffuse pneumonia was observed. Treatment was performed with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, and the dog's condition improved slightly. Discussion: Based on lower motor neuron findings, the neurologic lesion was localized in the nerve roots, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junctions, or muscles. The most important diseases in the list of differential diagnoses were immune-mediated or infectious polyradiculoneuritis (toxoplasmosis, neosporosis), myasthenia gravis, toxic polyneuropathy (botulism, chronic organophosphate poisoning), and paraneoplastic polyneuropathy. Among these differential diagnoses, polyradiculoneuritis is one of the most common. It is an idiopathic inflammatory disease. Exposure to raccoon saliva (in the U.S.), vaccination, or infection have been proposed as precipitating causes, but the triggers of this disease remain unknown. Serology for neosporosis was negative, while IgG titers for toxoplasmosis were 1:4096. In a previous study, dogs with acute polyradiculoneuritis were more likely to have T. gondii IgG serum antibody titers than dogs without neurologic signs. Infection with the protozoa T. gondii and N. caninum can cause intense polyradiculoneuritis in dogs accompanied by myositis, especially in puppies. One treatment trial was based on the administration of sulfonamide-trimethoprim with pyrimethamine, whose efficacy in the treatment of toxoplasmosis in dogs has also been reported in the literature. Neurologic deficits improved slightly, and there is a possibility that certain signs may not disappear completely because of the permanent damage caused by inflammation of the nervous system, as observed in the present case. The case had the limitation that it was not possible to perform other laboratory tests to demonstrate histopathologically the presence of Toxoplasma gondii organisms in muscles or nerves. Recovery of normal function is less likely in protozoan polyradiculoneuritis than in noninfectious polyradiculoneuritis. Thus, in the present case, the main suspicion was polyradiculoneuritis secondary to toxoplasmosis. Although it is a rare condition, it is important to consider toxoplasmosis in dogs with LMN-type tetraparesis or tetraplegia.

Potential of marine compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: a review / Potencial de compostos marinhos no tratamento de doenças neurodegenerativas: uma revisão

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are characterized, especially, by the progressive loss of neurons, resulting in neuropsychomotor dysfunctions. Even with a high prevalence, NDs are treated with drugs that alleviate the symptoms of patients, but which develop adverse events and still do not inhibit the progression of the disease. Thus, within a new pharmacological perspective, this review aimed to verify the therapeutic potential of natural compounds of marine origin against ND. For this, an integrative review was carried out, according to the PRISMA methodology, which included steps such as: search, pre-selection and inclusion of articles. The results described revealed species such as Acaudina malpodioides, Holothuria scabra and Xylaria sp., which presented important evidence in relation to Alzheimer's, reducing the generation of ROS, presenting neuroprotective effects and reducing the concentration of Aß peptide. Regarding Parkinson's disease (PD), another example of ND, the bioactive compounds from Holothuria scabra and Xylaria sp., showed to be able to reduce the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, reduce the deposition of alpha synuclein and reduce the formation of Mutant Huntingtin protein (Mhtt). The other marine compounds and bioactive substances are also described in this review. In conclusion, the evaluated studies indicate that compounds of marine origin emerge as a promising source of bioactive compounds, revealing an important therapeutic potential for the treatment of ND.

As doenças neurodegenerativas (ND) são caracterizadas, especialmente, pela perda progressiva de neurônios, resultando em disfunções neuropsicomotoras. Mesmo apresentando uma alta prevalência, as DN são tratadas com medicamentos que aliviam os sintomas dos pacientes, mas que desenvolvem eventos adversos e ainda não inibem a progressão da doença. Assim, dentro de uma nova perspectiva farmacológica, esta revisão teve como objetivo verificar o potencial terapêutico de compostos naturais de origem marinha frente às DN. Para tal, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa, segundo a metodologia PRISMA que compreendeu etapas como: busca, pré-seleção e inclusão dos artigos. Os resultados descritos revelaram espécies como, Acaudina malpodioides, Holothuria scabra e Xylaria sp., que apresentaram importantes evidências em relação ao Alzheimer, reduzindo a geração de ROS, apresentando efeitos neuroprotetores e reduzindo a concentração de peptídeo Aß. Sobre a doença de Parkinson (PD), outro exemplo de ND, os compostos bioativos da Holothuria scabra e da Xylaria sp., mostraram ser capazes de diminuir a degeneração de neurônios dopaminérgicos, reduzir a deposição de alfa sinucleína e reduzir a formação de agregados da proteína Huntingtina mutante (Mhtt). Os outros compostos marinhos e substâncias bioativas também são descritos nesta revisão. Em conclusão, os estudos avaliados indicam que os compostos de origem marinha despontam como uma promissora fonte de compostos bioativos, revelando um importante potencial terapêutico para o tratamento das ND.

Vacuolização neuronal e degeneração espinocerebelar em filhote de Rottweiler / Neuronal vacuolation and spinocerebellar degeneration in a Rottweiller puppy

Background: Spinocerebellar degenerations and neuronal vacuolations are alterations characterized by the formation of vacuoles in the nervous tissue, commonly called status spongiosus. This condition occurs in young Rottweiler dogs causing a disease called Neuronal Vacuolation and Spinocerebellar Degeneration. Clinically, it presents with ataxia of the pelvic limbs, which evolves to generalized ataxia, tetraparesis, and laryngeal paralysis. Histologically, spongiform and vacuolar alterations of the neuropil and neurons are highlighted. This reports a case of neuronal vacuolation and spinocerebellar degeneration in a Rottweiler puppy. Case: Necropsy was performed on the cadaver of a 5-month-old Rottweiler bitch that had been presenting with ataxia for approximately 1 month, in addition to dyspnea, pulmonary crepitations, and microphthalmia. Macroscopic evaluation revealed pale ocular and oral mucosae; marked gastric dilatation and abdominal distension; pulmonary hemorrhage and edema; hepatosplenomegaly; fatty degeneration of the liver; and congestion of meningeal blood vessels. Microscopically, histological evaluation of the spinal cord showed an increase in gray matter cellularity with marked presence of oligodendrocytes and microglia cells; moderate to severe multifocal intracytoplasmic micro- and macrovacuoles with displacement of the neurons' nuclei to the periphery of the cell; central chromatolysis of the neurons adjacent to neurons affected by vacuolation; and mild multifocal necrosis associated with mild multifocal neuronophagia. The white matter exhibited discrete digestion chambers, in addition to marked diffuse congestion of the leptomeninges. In the cerebellum, neurons in the nerve nuclei (emboliform, globose, and fastigial) showed moderate multifocal vacuoles in the cytoplasm, whereas adjacent neurons showed central chromatolysis, necrosis, and mild neuronophagia. Additional histological findings included lymphoid hyperplasia, fatty degeneration of the liver, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary hemorrhage. Discussion: Spongiform and degenerative encephalopathies are diseases recognized worldwide, mainly in cattle and sheep. However, the identification of these changes in new species has led to the need for further investigations. In dogs, the first reports occurred in 1995 and 1997 in Rottweiler animals. This disease affects young dogs, and although its pathogenesis is not completely known, it is believed to be associated with a genetic mutation in the RAB3GAP1 gene. Clinically, it is associated with clinical neurological manifestations, including progressive ataxia of the pelvic limbs, changes in spinal reflex, disordered proprioceptive reactions, laryngeal paralysis, as well as behavioral and gait alterations. In the clinical evaluation, leukoencephalomyelopathy and neuroaxonal dystrophy should be diseases considered as possible differential diagnoses, as they present with similar alterations. However, in histological evaluation, the exclusion of both is basically due to the absence of neuronal vacuolization. Unfortunately, the definitive diagnosis is only made post mortem, through a histopathological evaluation of the nervous tissue. Because it is a disease whose pathogenesis is little known and which shows signs of having a genetic character, histopathological examination for diagnostic purposes in young animals with neurological signs is of great importance.

Physiological gait test: an effective method for analyzing balance, locomotion, and neuromuscular disorders in rats and a comparison to the elevated beam test / Teste de marcha fisiológica: um método eficaz para analisar distúrbios de equilíbrio, locomoção e neuromusculares em roedores

The evaluation of animal locomotor activity is a behavioral tool widely used to measure the mechanisms underlying a particular disease, disorder, or injury, as well as the effects of exposure to a xenobiotic. The elevated beam test is one of the most used tests in rodents to assess balance and motor coordination. Despite being inexpensive and utilizing a simple apparatus, the high beam test requires a long period of animal training and habituation. The development and characterization of an alternative test, namely the gait test, has the potential to circumvent the time and effort required for animal training, deeming it an effective, inexpensive, and fast method for the analysis of behaviors that are comparably assessed by the high beam test. Therefore, the present study focused on determining the effectiveness and feasibility of the gait test for assessing rodent locomotion and balance as a replacement for the elevated beam test. For this purpose, male rats were divided into three groups: one control group exposed to a saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) and two experimental groups exposed to a single dose of either 0.2 or 1.0 mg/kg of ivermectin intraperitoneally for induction of locomotor disturbance. The high beam and gait tests were performed 15 min and 24 h after drug administration. Results show that the experimental groups had difficulty performing the tasks of either test at both time points analyzed compared to the control groups. At the high beam, experimental animals had trouble maintaining balance and walking. At the gait test, experimental animals showed alterations in gait, which were quantitated by: (a) shortening of step length, (b) decrease of stride, (c) altered step symmetry, and (d) altered stride area. Such results are indicative of compensatory efforts and were comparable between both tests. Altogether, the data indicate that the gait test meets all requirements for assessing motor coordination in rodents. The gait test is therefore validated as a complement to the elevated beam test for the study and analysis of neurodegenerative impairment and other disorders involving neuromuscular disturbances.(AU)

A avaliação da atividade locomotora animal é uma ferramenta comportamental bastante utilizada para mensurar os mecanismos subjacentes a uma determinada doença, distúrbio ou lesão e efeitos da exposição a um xenobiótico. Um dos testes mais utilizados em roedores para avaliar o equilíbrio e coordenação motora é o teste da trave elevada que, apesar de ser um teste barato e que exige um aparato simples, é necessário um longo período de treino e habituação dos animais. O desenvolvimento e caracterização de um teste alternativo, chamado de teste da marcha, tem o potencial de contornar o tempo e o esforço necessários ao treino dos animais, considerando-o um método eficaz, barato e rápido para a análise de comportamentos avaliados comparativamente pelo alto teste de feixe. Portanto, o presente estudo concentrou-se em determinar a eficácia e viabilidade do teste de marcha para avaliação da locomoção e equilíbrio de roedores em substituição ao teste da trave elevada. Para isso, ratos machos foram divididos em 3 grupos, sendo 1 grupo controle exposto à solução salina (NaCl 0,9%) e 2 grupos experimentais expostos à dose única de 0,2 e 1,0 mg/kg de ivermectina por via intraperitoneal para indução da alteração locomotora. Os testes de trave elevada e marcha foram realizados 15 min e 24 h após a administração da droga. Os resultados mostram que os grupos experimentais tiveram dificuldade em realizar as tarefas de qualquer teste em ambos os momentos analisados em comparação com os grupos de controle. Na trave elevada, os animais experimentais tiveram dificuldade em manter o equilíbrio e andar. No teste de marcha, os animais experimentais apresentaram alterações na marcha, que foram quantificadas por: (a) encurtamento do comprimento da passada, (b) diminuição da passada, (c) alteração da simetria da passada e (d) alteração da área da passada. Tais resultados são indicativos de esforços compensatórios e foram comparáveis entre os dois testes. Em conjunto, os dados indicam que o teste de marcha atende a todos os requisitos para avaliação da coordenação motora em roedores. O teste de marcha é, portanto, validado como um complementar para o teste da trave elevada e para o estudo e análise de comprometimento neurodegenerativo e outros distúrbios envolvendo distúrbios neuromusculares.(AU)

Meningoencephalitis secondary to rhinitis caused by Pythium insidiosum in sheep / Meningoencefalite secundária a rinite por Pythium insidiosum em um ovino

A case of meningoencephalitis caused by Pythium insidiosum secondary to rhinitis is reported in a three-year-old crossbred sheep from a herd of 15 animals, raised extensively and with free access to a weir. The animal presented mild dyspnea, blindness, mydriasis, opisthotonos, nystagmus, incoordination, decreased mandibular tone, and spasticity of the pelvic limbs. Macroscopic examination of the nasal cavity showed a blackish-red, irregular, friable mass that bilaterally compromised the nasal septum and the rostral portion of the nasal turbinates. In the brain, there was diffuse thickening of the leptomeninges of the cerebellum and ventral portion of the brainstem characterized by yellowish, granular material associated with vessel hyperemia. On the floor of the fourth ventricle, there was deposition of yellowish, irregular, slightly granular material that protruded towards the obex and displaced the cerebellum dorsolaterally. Microscopically, there were pyogranulomatous, eosinophilic, necrotizing rhinitis and fibrinosuppurative, eosinophilic, necrotizing meningoencephalitis, both associated with thrombosis, vasculitis, and intralesional hyphae. The hyphae were impregnated with silver and presented thin, parallel walls, rarely septate and branched. At immunohistochemistry, the hyphae were immunostained with polyclonal anti-P. insidiosum antibody in fragments of the cerebellum and nasal cavity. The findings showed that P. insidiosum rhinitis can secondarily affect the nervous system of sheep, causing nonspecific neurological clinical signs.

Relata-se um caso de meningoencefalite por Pythium insidiosum secundária a rinite em uma ovelha mestiça, três anos de idade, proveniente de um rebanho de 15 animais, criados extensivamente e com acesso livre a açude. O animal apresentava dispneia leve, cegueira, midríase, opistótono, nistagmo, incoordenação, diminuição do tônus mandibular e espasticidade dos membros pélvicos. O exame macroscópico da cavidade nasal evidenciou uma massa vermelho-escura, irregular, friável, que comprometia bilateralmente o septo nasal e a porção rostral dos cornetos nasais. No encéfalo, havia espessamento difuso das leptomeninges do cerebelo e porção ventral do tronco encefálico caracterizado por material granular amarelado associado à hiperemia dos vasos. No assoalho do quarto ventrículo, havia deposição de material amarelado, irregular, levemente granuloso, que se projetava em direção ao óbex e deslocava o cerebelo dorsolateralmente. Microscopicamente, havia rinite piogranulomatosa, eosinofílica, necrosante e meningoencefalite fibrinossupurativa, eosinofílica, necrosante, ambas associadas à trombose, vasculite e hifas intralesionais. Pela utilização da técnica de GMS as hifas foram impregnadas pela prata e apresentavam paredes finas e paralelas, raramente septadas e ramificadas. Na imuno-histoquímica, houve imunomarcação com o anticorpo policlonal anti-P. insidiosum em fragmentos do cerebelo e cavidade nasal. Os achados evidenciaram que rinite por P. insidiosum pode afetar secundariamente o sistema nervoso de ovinos, causando sinais clínicos neurológicos inespecíficos.

Listeria innocua and serotypes of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from clinical cases in small ruminants in the northwest of Uruguay / Listeria innocua e serotipos do Listeria monocytogenes isoladas dos casos clínicos em pequenos ruminantes no noroeste do Uruguai

Listeriosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Listeria, the neurological form being more common in ruminants. There are many reports of listeriosis in small ruminants in the region that includes Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. However, these diagnoses were mainly based on histological lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) without the isolation and characterization of the involved Listeria strains. The aim of this study was to report sheep and goats listeriosis cases from 2016 to 2021 in northwestern Uruguay. The diagnosis was made according to lesions observed at histopathology, plus Listeria isolation in CNS, identifying it at specie and serotype level. Nine animals (n=9) of three outbreaks and five sporadic cases of listeriosis were studied. Sheep was the species with more cases in relation to goats, and adults were the category most affected. Cases occurred in spring and less frequently in winter. All presented neurological clinical signs and the lesions in the CNS were consistent with suppurative meningoencephalitis and micro-abscesses in the brainstem. In eight of nine CNS samples, Listeria strains were isolated (seven L. monocytogenes and one L. innocua). All the L. monocytogenes isolates carried the inlA gene; serotyping showed that four strains belonged to serotype 1/2b, two isolates belonged to serotype 4b, and one to serotype 1/2a. Considering that listeriosis is a common disease in this region and the fact that isolates are scarcely recovered from small ruminants, it would be important to emphasize the need for Listeria isolation to better characterize the strains that affect animals. Not only to improve knowledge about the epidemiology of disease but also with the objective of developing serotype specific vaccines for animal use.

Listeriose uma doença bacteriana causada pelo gênero Listeria, a forma nervosa é a mais comum em ruminantes. No Brasil, Argentina e Uruguai há vários relatos de listeriose em pequenos ruminantes com diagnóstico baseado na histopatologia do sistema nervoso central (SNC), sem o isolamento e a caracterização do agente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar uma série de casos diagnosticados em ovinos e caprinos no período 2016-2021 no noroeste do Uruguai. O diagnóstico foi feito basado nas lesões observadas na histopatologia, e caracterização das cepas de Listeria recuperadas do SNC quanto à espécie e sorotipo. Nove animais (n=9) do três surtos e cinco casos isolados de listeriose foram estudados. Os ovinos foram a espécie com o maior número de casos em relação aos caprinos, sendo os animais adultos a categoria mais afetada em ambas espécies. A doença ocorreu principalmente na primavera com alguns casos observados no inverno. Todos os casos apresentavam sinais clínicos nervosos e as lesões no SNC caracterizavam-se por meningoencefalite supurativa com presença de microabscessos no tronco encefálico. Em oito de nove amostras do SNC foram isoladas cepas de Listeria (sete L. monocytogenes e uma L. innocua). Todos os isolados de L. monocytogenes continham o gene inlA; a sorotipagem apresentou quatro cepas do serotipo 1/2b, duas cepas serotipo 4b e uma cepa 1/2a. Levando em consideração que nesta região a listeriose é uma doença frequente e que existem poucos isolados recuperados de casos clínicos em pequeño ruminantes, torna-se relevante o isolamento deste agente para caracterização das cepas que afetam os animais. Não só para melhorar o conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia da doença, mas também com o objetivo de desenvolver vacinas sorotipo-especificas para uso animal.

Antiparkinsoniano para tratamento de sequelas neurológicas causadas pela cinomose / Antiparkinsonian for treatment of neurological sequels caused by canine distemper

Background: Canine distemper (CD) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV). In dogs, CDV infection is characterized by the presentation of systemic and/or neurological signs with viral persistence in some organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). Neurological damages resulting from CD are a defiance for veterinarians, due to occasioned clinical sequels that influence the patient quality of life. The treatment of sequelae should seek to promote the resolution or decrease of the deleterious effects that impede the patient independence. Thus, the present report aims to describe the action of antiparkinsonian medication (levodopa associated with carbidopa) administered to 3 dogs who presented neurological sequels resulting from the canine distemper. Cases: Dog 1. A 9-month-old male mixed breed; Dog 2. A 6-month-old male Shih Tzu. Dog 3. A 8-years-old bitch mixed breed. All animals were referred for neurological care because presented neurological damages after distemper involvement. Only the Dog 2 was vaccinated to CD. Dog 1 (mixed male) had severe myoclonus, lack of proprioception, decreased of muscle tonus and paralysis in both pelvic limbs, associated with a marked thoracolumbar kyphosis. Dog 2 (a puppy Shih Tzu male) presented myoclonus in PL, proprioceptive loss in thoracic and pelvic limbs, absence of withdrawal reflex in thoracic and pelvic limbs, decrease in muscle tonus in pelvic limb and increase in thoracic limb. Dog 3 (adult unneutered bitch) presented intense myoclonus, absence of proprioception, decrease in muscle tonus and paresis of pelvic limb. All patients were treated with antiparkinsonian medication (levodopa 250 mg associated with carbidopa 25 mg) with following dosages: Dog 1 received a commercially available tablet, orally once a day for 30 days, while Dogs 2 and 3 had doses calculated by extrapolation allometric. For the Dog 2 it was prescribed 0.25 mg of levodopa and 0.025 mg of carbidopa daily for 30 days. Dog 3 was treated with 1 mg of levodopa and 0.1 mg of carbidopa patient day for the same period. Thirty days after starting the treatment, the 3 patients were evaluated again, and showed improvement of the motor signs, and the treatment was maintained. At the next return (30 days): Dog 1 showed significant improvement, however, Dog 2 started to present epileptic seizures and nystagmus that were treated with levetiracetam, while the Dog 3 not returned. As Dog 1 had a better prognosis, treatment was maintained for 1 year, with the frequency being changed from 24 h x 24 h to 48 h x 48 h after 30 days and 72x72 h after another 30 days. Unfortunately, Dog 2 had a worsening of epileptic condition and died, while Dog 3 died by road-kill. Discussion: The cases reported are uncommon, because not exist information about the use of antiparksonian to treatment of neurological damages occasioned by canine distemper. Although there are emerging therapies, such as the use of mesenchymal stem cells, that can reduce these sequels, the access is still restricted to a few professionals. Thus, the use of medications for demyelinating diseases, as antiparkinsonian, may be an alternative. In fact, the three reported patients showed recovery of the motor and sensorial damages observed, which corroborates with the possibility of a new treatment using antiparkinsonian or other drugs to demyelinating diseases.

Vitamin A deficiency as a cause of blindness in feedlot calves / Deficiência de vitamina A como causa de cegueira em bezerros confinados

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient to reproduction, development, normal growth, and function of the nervous system and vision, especially in growing animals. Hypovitaminosis A can affect any of these functions. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical signs, pathological aspects, and diagnostic approach in an outbreak of blindness in feedlot calves fed only grain. Five of 57 ten-month-old calves became blind after eight months at the feedlot. Clinical signs were mydriasis, absent pupillary and menace reflexes, bilaterally. Hypovitaminosis A was suspected and subsequently confirmed by low serum levels of vitamin A. One calf was euthanized and necropsied, and no gross findings were present. Histopathological lesions were restricted to the retina and characterized by degeneration and atrophy of the photoreceptor layer and some retinal scars. The calves were treated with intramuscular vitamin A injection at a dose of 5,000 international units (IU) per kilogram of body weight (kg BW) every 60 days until slaughter. Affected calves did not recover visual capacity, but no other cases occurred.

Vitamina A é um micronutriente essencial para reprodução, desenvolvimento, crescimento normal, além de participar do funcionamento do sistema nervoso central e visão, especialmente em animais em crescimento. Hipovitaminose A pode afetar qualquer uma dessas funções. O objetivo desse artigo é descrever a epidemiologia, sinais clínicos, aspectos patológicos e abordagem diagnóstica em um surto de cegueira em bezerros confinados alimentados apenas com grãos. De 57 bezerros de dez meses de idade, cinco ficaram cegos após oito meses no confinamento. Os sinais clínicos eram midríase, ausência de reflexo pupilar a luz e de ameaça, bilateralmente. Suspeitou-se de hipovitaminose A, que foi subsequentemente confirmada pelos baixos níveis séricos de vitamina A. Um bezerro foi eutanasiado e necropsiado, e alterações macroscópicas não foram encontradas. Lesões histopatológicas estavam restritas a retina e caracterizavam-se por degeneração e atrofia da camada de fotorreceptores, além de cicatrizes na retina. Os bezerros foram tratados com injeção intramuscular de vitamina A, na dose de 5.000 unidades internacionais (UI) por quilograma de peso vivo (Kg PV) a cada 60 dias, até o dia do abate. Os bezerros afetados não recuperaram a capacidade visual, mas novos casos não ocorreram.

Astragaloside IV alleviates stroke-triggered early brain injury by modulating neuroinflammation and ferroptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Purpose: Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an active ingredient extracted from Astragalus membranaceus with an established therapeutic effect on central nervous system diseases. This study examined the neuroprotective properties and possible mechanisms of AS-IV in stroke-triggered early brain injury (EBI) in a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Methods: The neurological scores and brain water content were analyzed. 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was utilized to determine the infarct volume, neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, and ferroptosis-related genes and proteins, and neuronal damage and molecular mechanisms were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nickend labeling (TUNEL) staining, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: AS-IV administration decreased the infarct volume, brain edema, neurological deficits, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and NF-κB, increased the levels of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), decreased lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and prevented neuronal ferroptosis. Meanwhile, AS-IV triggered the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and alleviated ferroptosis due to the induction of stroke. Conclusion: Hence, the findings of this research illustrate that AS-IV administration can improve delayed ischemic neurological deficits and decrease neuronal death by modulating nuroinflammation and ferroptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Prevalence and clinical features of neurological disorders in dogs attended at Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (2017-2018) / Caracterização clínica dos distúrbios neurológicos observados em cães atendidos na Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (2017-2018)

Neurological disorders are frequent in small animal veterinary clinics and studies giving regional justification for such disorders are essential so that veterinarians can be better prepared. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological aspects of dogs with neurological disorders treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, between August 2017 and April 2018. The study describes the location of the lesions and their etiology according to the acronym VITAMIN-D, as well as the distribution of cases according to sex, breed and age. One hundred and twenty-two (122) dogs were included, of which 58% (n=71) were males and 42% (n=51) females. The age distribution ranged from two months to 18 years old; 16% were less than two years old, 50% between two and seven years old and 34% were more than seven years old. The most affected breeds were Mixed Breed dogs (43%), Poodles (9%) and Dachshunds (7%). The diagnoses were confirmed in 54 animals (44%) and in 68 (56%) remained presumptive. The most common location was the spinal cord (61%), where the T3-L3 region was the most affected (35%), followed by multifocal (20%) and forebrain (10%). The most frequent categories were degenerative (24%), inflammatory/infectious (23%) and traumatic (20%) diseases. Intervertebral disc disease was the most observed, corresponding to 21.3% of all cases. The results showed that the neurological diseases in this Veterinary Hospital were more prevalent in young male adults with spinal cord diseases of degenerative nature.(AU)

Desordens neurológicas são frequentes na clínica de pequenos animais. Estudos caracterizando a casuística regio-nal são fundamentais para melhor instrução e preparo técnico do médico veterinário. O objetivo deste trabalho retrospectivo foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos de cães com distúrbios neurológicos atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, entre agosto de 2017 e abril de 2018, caracterizando a localização da lesão e etiologia de acordo com o acrônimo VITAMINA-D, bem como a distribuição dos casos em relação ao sexo, raça e faixa etária. Foram incluídos 122 cães, com 58% (n=71) dos casos em machos e 42% (n=51) em fêmeas. A distribuição etária variou de dois meses a 18 anos, sendo 16% dos animais menores de dois anos, 50% entre dois e sete anos e 34% maiores de sete anos. As raças mais observadas foram SRD (43%), Poodle (9%) e Dachshund (7%). O diagnóstico etiológico foi confirmado em 54 animais (44%) e em 68 (56%) permaneceu como presuntivo. A localização mais comum foi na medula espinhal (61%), sendo a região entre T3-L3 a mais acometida (35%), seguida por multifocal (20%) e prosencéfalo (10%). As categorias mais frequentes foram de doenças degenerativas (24%), inflamatórias/infecciosas (23%) e traumáticas (20%). Dos cães com doenças degenerativas, a doença do disco intervertebral foi mais observada (21,3% do total dos casos). Com base nos resultados obti-dos, pode-se concluir que, na casuística regional deste Hospital, as doenças neurológicas foram mais prevalentes em machos, adultos jovens e com localização medular de origem degenerativa.(AU)

Compressive lesions in the central nervous system of buffaloes / Lesões compressivas no sistema nervoso central de bubalinos

This study describes, through a retrospective study, the epidemiological and clinical-pathological findings of compression in the central nervous system (CNS) of buffaloes. The study includes observations made in 15 animals from 1998 to 2021 by reviewing the clinical records of animals with compressive injuries of the CNS treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary Medicine Institute of the Federal University of Pará. The animals treated with clinical signs compatible with CNS compressive lesions were subjected to general and specific clinical examinations of the nervous system. Blood samples were collected from four animals for complete blood counts, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from three animals for physical evaluation. Thirteen animals were necropsied. The age range of the affected animals ranged from four months to 11 years of age, with a greater frequency over age 12 months (80%, 13/15). The most affected vertebral segment was between T3 and L3 (60%, 9/15), followed by brain injury (20%, 3/15), the L4-S2 segment (13.3%, 2/15) and the C1-C5 segment (6.7%, 1/15). The clinical findings varied according to the location of the lesion. The necropsy findings revealed paraypophyseal abscess in the brainstem and vertebral body, subarachnoid hematoma, lymphoma and vertebral fractures. The performance of a thorough clinical examination of the CNS combined with the necropsy findings was important to characterize the clinical picture and to locate the cause and the affected CNS segments in the buffaloes studied. It is important to include CNS compressive lesions among the neurological diseases of buffaloes.

Esse trabalho descreve, através de estudo retrospectivo, os achados epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos de compressão no sistema nervoso central (SNC) de bubalinos. O estudo compreendeu as observações realizadas em 15 animais, durante os anos de 1998 a 2021, por meio da revisão dos arquivos de fichas clínicas de animais com lesões compressivas no SNC atendidos pelo Hospital Veterinário do Instituto de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Pará. Os animais atendidos com sinais clínicos compatíveis com lesões compressivas no SNC foram submetidos a exames clínicos geral e específico do sistema nervoso. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de quatro animais para realização de hemograma e amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) de três animais para avaliação física. Foram necropsiados 13 animais. A faixa etária dos animais acometidos variou de quatro meses a 11 anos de idade, com maior frequência na faixa acima de 12 meses (80%, 13/15). O segmento vertebral mais acometido foi entre T3-L3 (60%, 9/15), seguida por lesão no encéfalo (20%, 3/15), pelo segmento L4-S2 (13,3%, 2/15) e pelo segmento C1-C5 (6,7%, 1/15). Os achados clínicos variaram de acordo com a localização da lesão. Os achados de necropsia revelaram abscesso parahipofisário, no tronco encefálico e no corpo da vértebra, hematoma subaracnoidea, linfoma e fraturas vertebrais. A realização de um minucioso exame clínico do SNC associado aos achados de necropsia foram importantes para caracterizar o quadro clínico e localizar a causa e os seguimentos acometidos do SNC nos búfalos estudados. Torna-se importante incluir as lesões compressivas do SNC entre as enfermidades neurológicas dos bubalinos.

Compressive lesions in the central nervous system of cattle: a retrospective study of 50 cases in the Amazon biome / Lesões compressivas no sistema nervoso central de bovinos: um estudo retrospectivo de 50 casos no bioma amazônico

The present study gathered epidemiological and clinical-pathological information about cattle with compressive lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). The retrospective study included observations made in 50 cattle from 1998 to 2021 by reviewing the clinical records of animals with compressive lesions in the CNS treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary Medicine Institute of the Federal University of Pará. The animals had clinical signs and were subjected to general and specific clinical examination of the nervous system. Blood samples were collected from 13 animals for complete blood counts, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from four animals for physical evaluation. Twenty-nine cattle underwent necropsy. The most affected sites were the T3-L3 (46%, 23/50), C1-C5 (22%, 11/50), C6-T2 (14%, 7/50), sacrococcygeal vertebrae, (4%, 2/50), L4-S2 (2%, 1/50), brain (8%, 4/50) and cerebellum (4%, 2/50). The age of the affected cattle ranged from 20 days to 16 years, with a higher occurrence in animals younger than 12 months (56%, 28/50). More Females were affected (58%, 29/50) than males (42%, 21/50). The clinical signs varied according to the location of the lesion and were mainly represented by ataxia, paresis or paralysis of the limbs, inability to stand and walk, postural changes, hyperesthesia in the extremities, and loss of skin sensitivity at the location of the lesion. The necropsy findings revealed changes such as abscesses in the vertebral body; intervertebral space in the medullary canal, pituitary and cerebellum; granuloma in the arch of the vertebra; fractures of the body of the vertebrae; subarachnoid haematoma; congenital bone alteration causing spinal cord compression; and spondylitis. Detailed anamnesis and clinical examination of the CNS, associated with necropsy findings, were important to determine the cause of the disease, correlate with the clinical picture and locate the affected segments of the CNS in the cattle. It is important to include these diseases in the list of differential diagnoses in cattle with nervous symptoms.

O presente trabalho reúne informações epidemiológicas e clínicopatológicas de bovinos com lesões compressivas no sistema nervoso central (SNC). O estudo retrospectivo compreendeu as observações realizadas em 50 bovinos durante os anos de 1998 a 2021, por meio da revisão dos arquivos de fichas clínicas de animais com lesões compressivas no SNC atendidos pelo Hospital Veterinário do Instituto de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Pará. Os animais atendidos com sinais clínicos foram submetidos a exame clínico geral e específico do sistema nervoso. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 13 animais para realização de hemograma e amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano de quatro animais para avaliação física. Foram submetidos à necropsia 29 bovinos. Os locais mais acometidos foram as vértebras T3-L3 (46%, 23/50), C1-C5 (22%, 11/50), C6-T2 (14%, 7/50), sacrococcígea (4%, 2/50) e L4-S2 (2%, 1/50); cérebro (8%, 4/50) e cerebelo (4%, 2/50). A idade dos bovinos afetados variou de 20 dias a 16 anos, com maior ocorrência em animais com menos de 12 meses (56%, 28/50). As fêmeas foram mais acometidas (58%, 29/50) do que os machos (42%, 21/50). Os sinais clínicos variaram de acordo com a localização da lesão e foram representados principalmente por ataxia, paresia ou paralisia dos membros, incapacidade de se levantar e de ficar em estação, alterações posturais, hiperestesia nas extremidades, além de perda da sensibilidade cutânea relacionada com a localização da lesão. Os achados de necropsia revelaram alterações como abscessos no corpo vertebral, no espaço intervertebral, no canal medular, para-hipofisário e no cerebelo; granuloma no arco da vértebra, fraturas do corpo das vértebras; hematoma subaracnoide; alteração óssea congênita causando compressão medular e espondilite. Anamnese detalhada e exame clínico do SNC, associados aos achados de necropsia foram importantes para determinar a causa da doença, correlacionar com o quadro clínico e localizar os segmentos acometidos do SNC dos bovinos. Torna-se importante incluir estas enfermidades na lista de diagnósticos diferenciais em bovinos que apresentem sintomatologia nervosa.

Chemodectoma in a bitch

Background: Chemodectomas, better known as tumors of the base of the heart, arise from aortic bodies, respiratory chemoreceptors located near or inside the aortic arch or originate from receptors located in the carotid arteries. Relatively rare, they affect dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. They gain great importance when they influence the function of the cardiovascular system, with animals showing clinical signs related to congestive heart failure. Clinical diagnosis is based on symptomatology and complementary tests such as radiography, electrocardiography and echocardiography, while the definitive diagnosis is obtained by cytological and histopathological exams. This study aims to reports a case of malignant chemodectoma in a bitch, whose main symptomatology was neurological and not cardiovascular. Case: A 1-year-old Rottweiler bitch was attended with neurological alterations compatible with vestibular syndrome, hyporexia, dysphagia, apathy, melena, emesis, and purulent nasal discharge on the right nostril. On physical examination, the animal showed depressed level of consciousness, poor body condition, bilateral quemosis, paralysis of the right eye, inspiratory dyspnea and muffling of cardiac auscultation, besides a subcutaneous nodule between the scapulae. On neurological evaluation, horizontal nystagmus, head tilt to the right side, ventromedial strabismus and facial nerve paralysis on the right side were observed so that the localization of the lesion was set in peripheral vestibular system. During anesthesia for esophageal tube placement, a mass from the hard palate to the oropharynx was noted, making endotracheal intubation impossible to perform. Biopsy of this nodule was performed, and tracheostomy was indicated, but the owner opted for euthanasia before the procedure. Necropsy revealed white soft masses in the bilateral retromandibular region, on the subcutaneous tissue near the scapulae, in the right ear and since nasopharynx to the soft palate, in addition to sparse white nodules in the heart, lung, carotid artery, kidneys, right ovary, mesentery near to the spleen, and axillary lymph node. Histologically, the nodules were characterized by neoplastic cells population organized in short bundles or cords, arranged around small blood vessels surrounded by delicate connective tissue. Neoplastic cells infiltrated muscles and blood and lymphatic vessels were filled by multiple neoplastic emboli. The histological pattern of the cells allowed the diagnosis of chemodectoma. Discussion: The bitch from this case had 1-year-old when diagnosed with chemodectoma, differently from most cases from literature, that are between 7 to 15 years old. Furthermore, primarily cardiac tumors are considered rare, being chemodectoma the most common, often reported in Boxer and Boston Terrier dogs, but unusual in Rottweilers. Despites some articles mentioning seizure and Horner's Syndrome secondary to a carotid body chemodectoma, neurological signs are not commonly observed in these cases. The presence of the tumor in the middle ear region of the right side supports the occurrence of peripheral vestibular syndrome and facial nerve paralysis on the same side. Because it is a neoplasm that is usually detected late during the course of the disorder, most patients either cannot obtain diagnosis in vivo, as in this reported animal, which was in such a critical condition that underwent euthanasia, or there are no more possible therapeutic choices. In the patient described, there were numerous metastatic masses and nodules spread throughout the body. Although the typical clinical signs in animals with chemodectomas are often related to heart disease, neurological signs may also be present. This report emphasizes the importance of chemodectoma being included as a differential diagnosis in young dogs and even in breeds such as Rottweiler.

Polioencephalomalacia in sheep - clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Background: Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is a neurological disease in ruminants, which is characterized by malacia of brain gray matter. Thiamine deficiency and sulfur intoxication are the most common causes of PEM in sheep. Affected animals present signs of cerebrocortical syndrome, including amaurosis, ataxia, head pressing, mental depression, seizures, and opisthotonus. The neurological examination aims to determine the neurolocalization of the lesions and advanced imaging techniques are useful for confirming the affected area(s) in the central nervous system. The aim of this study is to describe clinical features and ante-mortem diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a sheep with PEM. Case: A 18-month-old male Dorper sheep from a flock started receiving concentrate 7 days before. According to the owner, no clinical signs of abnormality were observed on the previous morning. However, in the afternoon, the animal became selfisolated and did not follow the flock to the sheepfold. The following day, he was found in recumbency. Physical examination revealed lateral recumbency, rectal temperature 39.5ºC, 52 bpm, 120 bpm, congested mucous membranes, capillary refill time 1 s, ruminal (4/5 min) and intestinal hypomotility. The assessment of the central nervous system revealed a decreased level of consciousness, focal seizures, opisthotonus, and absence of menace response. The following differential diagnoses were listed: PEM, head trauma, focal symmetrical encephalomalacia, bacterial encephalitis, and rabies. Treatment was composed of dexamethasone [0.2 mg/kg - i.v., SID (1st-3rd day), 0.1 mg/kg, i.v., SID (4th-6th day), and 0.05 mg/kg, i.v., SID (7th-9th day)]; mannitol [1 g/kg - i.v. and diazepam 0.4 mg/kg, i.v. single dose at admission]; vitamin B1 [10 mg/kg - i.m., SID], furosemide [1 mg/kg - i.v., SID for 3 days] and sulfadoxine/trimethoprim [30 mg/kg - i.m., SID for 10 days]. After the initial treatment, the patient showed mild clinical improvement; however, the amaurosis was still present. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed on the 2nd day of hospitalization, showing a symmetrical hypersignal in the parietal and occipital cortices, in the axial and sagittal sequences weighted in T2 and FLAIR. Discussion: This study aimed to describe the clinical signs and MRI findings in a sheep with PEM. In this case, the sudden change to the feed composition probably led to ruminal dysbiosis, inhibition of thiamine-producing microorganisms and proliferation of bacteria that synthesize thiaminase. Thiamine therapy proved to be effective and capable of reverting the clinical signs. The decrease in the level of consciousness, cortical blindness, and opisthotonus are due to alterations in the parietal cortex, in the occipital cortex, and in the cerebellum, respectively, which were demonstrated by hypersignal areas in the MRI. Therefore, the neurolocalization of the lesion based on neurologic examination and the MRI findings were related. The physicochemical and cytological evaluations of the cerebrospinal fluid, and dosage of thiamine and the concentration of hydrogen sulphide in the rumen were not performed. However, the response to thiamine treatment associated with the neurologic examination and MRI findings helped in determining the diagnosis. Additionally, MRI can be used as a useful tool for the ante mortem diagnosis of PEM.

Canine hypothyroidism with neurological disorders

Background: Hypothyroidism is characterized by hypofunction of the thyroid gland. It results in deficient production of thyroid hormones. Neurological disorders resulting from hypothyroidism are rare, which highlights the importance of this study. This study reports a case of hypothyroidism in a dog with neurological clinical signs, that was treated at the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz's Veterinary Hospital (HV-UESC). Case: A 4-year-old male intact Dogo Argentino breed dog, weighing 64 kg, presenting obesity, anorexia, prostration, walking in circles, and chronic dermatopathy was presented at HV-UESC. Upon physical examination, the animal presented a deficit of proprioception in the 4 limbs, with preserved superficial and deep pain. No alteration was observed in the ears, that could explained the clinical signs. In terms of dermatopathy, the animal presented symmetrical alopecia in the lateral region of the thighs and tail. Blood samples were collected for a complete blood count and biochemical tests of urea, creatinine, ALT, AST and cholesterol. Imaging radiography and ultrasonography were performed, which ruled out thoracic and abdominal changes that could be related to the case. Prior to receiving the blood test results, idiopathic encephalitis was suspected and enrofloxacin and prednisone were prescribed for 7 days. During the medication period, previous exams were provided, which indicated only increased cholesterol (500 mg/dL). The animal showed no improvement with the prescribed medication. In view of the clinical signs presented by the patient and the results of the additional tests, hormonal disease was suspected, compatible with hypothyroidism. Thus, hormonal tests of total T4, free T4, and TSH were requested, leading to verification of reduced total T4 (0.3 ng/dL) and free T4 (0.15 ng/dL) levels, and confirming the dysfunction of the thyroid gland. The previous treatment was suspended and thyroid hormone replacement was initiated. After 3 days of treatment, the neurological signs regressed and the animal became more active; after 30 days, the areas of alopecia decreased. Although the patient did not receive the recommended clinical follow-up for such cases, it was possible to establish the ideal levothyroxine dosage for the dog after appropriate adjustments, which permitted thyroid hormone levels to return to normal. Discussion: This report refers to a case of hypothyroidism in a giant dog breed. The dog in the report showed clinical signs of a dermatological, metabolic, and neurological nature, which is consistent with a lack of thyroid hormone. The main signs presented by the animal were neurological, such as walking in circles and a deficit of proprioception in the four limbs. These clinical signs are rarely mentioned in the literature associated with hypothyroidism. Laboratory abnormalities are correlated with the severity and chronicity of the disease. The animal showed a decrease in total T4 and free T4, which is to be expected in a hypothyroid animal. As a result, levothyroxine replacement treatment was initiated. The dose used for the dog, which is the recommended dose in the literature, greatly increased its total T4 levels. As a result, the dose was readjusted after a new clinical evaluation. The rate of metabolism and absorption of levothyroxine varies widely and is independent of weight. The patient showed quickly improvement in neurological signs, activity level, and serum cholesterol rate. Regarding dermatological signs and body condition, there was a more gradual improvement. This corroborates what is mentioned in the literature, which indicates that improvements can take many months

Síndrome da asfixia perinatal em potros / Perinatal asphyxia syndrome in foals

A neonatologia equina é um ramo crescente nos mercados veterinário brasileiro e mundial. Dentre as afecções que acometem o potro neonato, destaca-se a síndrome da asfixia perinatal, a qual é caracterizada por alterações neurológicas e comportamentais. Essa síndrome acomete o neonato desde o terço final da gestação até os 30 primeiros dias de vida. Apesar de ser descrita há décadas na literatura, esta síndrome ainda se caracteriza como um problema atual com relevante prevalência de óbitos. Tal ocorrência é, muitas vezes, devido à demora do diagnóstico e a falta de conhecimento agregado acerca de novos tratamentos mais efetivos, assim como tratamentos tradicionais de suporte. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo entender como ocorre à síndrome da asfixia perinatal em potros, identificar os sinais clínicos característicos, abordar tratamentos e divulgar informações que auxiliem na redução das taxas de óbito e de eutanásia dos potros acometidos. Para tal, o trabalho foi desenvolvido com base na revisão bibliográfica integrativa de literatura. O levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado por meio de consulta em base de dados, como Scielo, Google Acadêmico, Portal de Periódicos CAPES e PUBVET, tomando como referência, principalmente, a consulta à Biblioteca Virtual em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (BVS Vet). O trabalho ainda focou na importância de agregar os tratamentos convencionais de suporte ao método alternativo de compressão, na intenção de elevar os índices de sucesso clínico dos potros neonatos acometidos e diminuir as ocorrências de eutanásias, comumente associadas ao alto custo médico aplicado ao animal acometido pela síndrome da asfixia perinatal.

Equine neonatology is an increasing segment in the Brazilian and global veterinary market. Among the disorders that affect the newborn foal, the perinatal asphyxia syndrome, which is characterized by neurological and behavioral changes, stands out. This syndrome affects the newborn from the last third of pregnancy until the first 30 days of life. Despite being described in the literature for decades, the syndrome is still characterized as a current problem with a relevant prevalence of deaths. This occurrence is, often, due to diagnostic delay and lack of aggregated knowledge about new and more effective treatments, as well as traditional supportive treatments. Thus, this study aimed to understand how perinatal asphyxia syndrome occurs in foals, identify the characteristical clinical signs, discuss treatments, and disseminate information that helps reduce the death and euthanasia rates of affected foals. For this purpose, this study was developed based on an integrative literature review. The bibliographic survey was carried out by consulting a database such as Scielo, Google Academic, Periodical's portal CAPES, and PUBVET, referring mainly to the consultation of the Virtual Library in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (BVS Vet). The work also focused on the importance of adding the supporting conventional treatments to the alternative squeeze method, intending to increase the clinical success rates of affected newborn foals and reduce the occurrence of euthanasia, commonly associated with the high medical care cost applied to the animal affected by perinatal asphyxia syndrome.

Objective lameness assessment in horses used for equine-assisted therapy in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil / Avaliação objetiva da claudicação em cavalos de equoterapia no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Equine-assisted therapy is a method used since ancient times to rehabilitate individuals. The biomechanics provided by horses and the friction between their back and the riders' saddle generate impulses that are transmitted to riders' central nervous system; thus, these horses must be healthy enough to enable the desired therapeutic effect. The aim of the current study is to investigate lameness prevalence and intensity in equine-assisted therapy horses in Rio Grande do Sul State. The adopted methodology consisted of the objective evaluation of lameness based on Lameness Locator® wireless inertial sensors, which were placed in the 21 horses assessed in six equestrian centers in Rio Grande do Sul State. Results have shown that 90.1% of the assessed horses presented lameness in the hind (54.2%) and forelimbs (45.8%), as well as that 72% of them with presented mild lameness degree. This outcome has evidenced the need, and significance, of assessing these horses' locomotor system. To support effective therapy and protect equine welfare, it is essential that veterinarians should regularly monitor these animals in order to treat and prevent disease. Even subtle lameness can influence the generated stimuli; thus, it is an important factor to be taken into consideration when selecting equine-assisted therapy.

A equoterapia é um método de terapia, utilizada para reabilitação do praticante desde a antiguidade. A biomecânica proporcionada pelo cavalo e o atrito entre o dorso do cavalo e a sela do praticante geram impulsos que são transmitidos ao sistema nervoso central do mesmo, por isso a importância desse cavalo estar em condições aptas para promover o efeito terapêutico desejado. Nosso objetivo foi identificar a prevalência e intensidade da claudicação em equinos de equoterapia no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A metodologia utilizada foi a avaliação objetiva da claudicação com base na utilização de sensores inerciais sem fio Lameness Locator® em seis centros equestres do Rio Grande do Sul, totalizando 21 equinos avaliados. Foi constatado que 90,1% dos equinos avaliados apresentavam claudicação, 54,2% do membro pélvico e 45,8% do membro torácico, quanto a intensidade 72% foram leves. A partir desse resultado, verifica-se a necessidade e a importância da avaliação no sistema locomotor destes animais. Para uma terapia eficaz e proteger o bem-estar dos equinos, é essencial o acompanhamento periódico por um médico veterinário para tratamento e prevenção de afecções. Claudicações, mesmo sutis, podem interferir nos estímulos gerados, sendo um importante fator de escolha do cavalo apto para a equoterapia.

Pheochromocytoma in dogs and cats

Pheochromocytoma is a functional neoplasm that produces catecholamines, located in the medullary region of the adrenal glands. As it presents nonspeciÀ c signs, scarcity of diagnostic tools and is still associated with concomitant diseases, it may not be easily considered as a differential condition among veterinarians. This is an uncommon neoplasm that usually affects dogs, with medium to advanced age and without racial predilection, being very rare in cats. Clinical manifestations vary according to the effects of catecholamines and/or circulatory impairment due to the local invasion of the tumor into adjacent structures. In this way, systemic arterial hypertension and consequences in target organs such as the central nervous system and kidneys can be observed, in addition to ocular changes. The deÀ nitive diagnosis is given by the histopathological analysis of the excised adrenal gland. However, the increase in the serum concentration of catecholamine metabolites may contribute to the conÀ rmation of the disease. Adrenalectomy is the therapy of choice, but if this is not feasible, α and ß adrenergic blocking drugs should be used. The prognosis varies from reserved to favorable, based on surgical success and the presence of metastases.(AU)