Splenic myelolipoma in a dog / Mielolipoma esplênico em um cão

Myelolipoma is a benign neoplasm composed of mature adipocytes and hematopoietic elements. This tumor is rare in dogs and cats and can develop in several organs and tissues. This report describes a case of splenic myelolipoma in a dog characterizing its clinical-pathological and ultrasonography aspects. A 9-year-old, female, mixed-breed, castrated dog was referred to the veterinary hospital with increased abdominal circumference. Ultrasonography revealed splenomegaly with masses of not measurable dimensions along the entire length of the parenchyma. The spleen was removed, and a fragment was sent for histopathological analysis. Macroscopically, the spleen was enlarged, with irregularly nodular growths that project above the surface of the organ. Nodules were red with small yellow areas. Microscopically, the spleen was effaced by a well-demarcated and not encapsulated mass composed of histologically well-differentiated neoplastic adipose tissue with islands and nests of varying proportions of hematopoietic elements. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of myelolipoma. Myelolipomas are observed on ultrasound images as hyperechoic masses or nodules with homogeneous echo texture. Here, ultrasound appearance involved mixed echogenicity and heterogeneous echotexture, due to the mixture of fat and non-fatty material components of the tumor.(AU)

Mielolipoma é uma neoplasia composta por adipócitos maduros e elementos hematopoiéticos. Este tumor é raro em cães e gatos e pode se desenvolver em diversos órgãos e tecidos. Descreve-se um caso de mielolipoma esplênico em um cão caracterizando seu aspecto clínico-patológico e ultrassonográfico. Um canino, fêmea, castrada, SRD, de 9 anos de idade foi encaminhada para o Hospital Veterinário com um aumento na circunferência abdominal. A ultrassonografia abdominal revelou esplenomegalia com massas de dimensões imensuráveis em toda a extensão do parênquima. Foi realizada esplenectomia total e um fragmento do baço foi encaminhado para análise histopatológica. Macroscopicamente o baço estava aumentado de tamanho, com crescimentos nodulares irregulares que se projetam acima da superfície do órgão. Os nódulos eram vermelhos com pequenas áreas amarelas. Microscopicamente foi observada uma massa bem demarcada e encapsulada composta por tecido adiposo neoplásico bem diferenciado, com ilhas e ninhos de elementos hematopoiéticos de proporção variada. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelo exame histopatológico. Mielolipomas são observados nas imagens ultrassonográficas como massas hiperecóicas ou nódulos com ecotextura homogênea. Neste caso, o achado ultrassonográfico mostrou ecogenicidade mista e ecotextura heterogênea, provavelmente devido à mistura dos componentes do tumor com material gorduroso e não gorduroso.(AU)

Causes of death of sows in three Brazilian pig farms / Causas de morte de matrizes suínas em três granjas brasileiras

Sow mortality is directly related to financial losses and productive efficiency in pig farms. Despite this, diseases associated with the death of sows are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the main causes of death of sows in Brazilian pig farms. To perform this research, three Brazilian pig farms were visited, and necropsies were performed on all sows that had died spontaneously or were subjected to euthanasia. Tissue fragments were collected for histopathological and bacteriological examination. In addition, the clinical signs, productive stage, parity, and type of death (spontaneous or euthanasia) were recorded. A total of 138 necropsies were performed, and 132 had a conclusive diagnosis. The most frequent productive stages were gestation and lactation (33.3 and 31.9%, respectively), followed by parturient sows (17.4%), cull sows (9.4%), weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) (4.3%), and unmated gilts (3.6%). The most affected organ systems were reproductive (28%), digestive (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9.1%), and hematopoietic (6.1%). The most frequently diagnosed conditions were uterine prolapse (16/132; 12.1%), gastric ulcer (13/132; 9.8%), suppurative arthritis (11/132; 8.3%), liver lobe torsion (11/132; 8.3%), heart failure (9/132; 6.8%), vaginal or vaginal and rectal prolapse (9/132; 6.8%), and pododermatitis (8/132; 6.1%). Although 58.2% of the deaths were due to one of these seven diseases, there was a great variability in diagnoses.(AU)

A mortalidade de porcas está diretamente relacionada a perdas financeiras e à eficiência produtiva das granjas. Apesar disso, as doenças associadas à morte de porcas são pouco conhecidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as principais causas de morte de porcas em granjas suinícolas brasileiras. Para a realização desta pesquisa, três granjas brasileiras foram visitadas e necropsias foram realizadas em todas as porcas que morreram espontaneamente ou foram submetidas à eutanásia. Fragmentos de tecidos foram coletados para exame histopatológico e bacteriológico. Além disso, foram registrados os sinais clínicos, estágio reprodutivo, ordem de parto e tipo de morte (espontânea ou eutanásia). Um total de 138 necropsias foram realizadas e 132 tiveram um diagnóstico conclusivo. Os estágios produtivos mais frequentes foram gestação e lactação (33,3 e 31,9%, respectivamente), seguidos por porcas parturientes (17,4%), porcas de descarte (9,4%), intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) (4,3%) e leitoas vazias (3,6%). Os sistemas orgânicos mais afetados foram reprodutor (28%), digestivo (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9,1%) e hematopoiético (6,1%). As condições mais frequentemente diagnosticadas foram prolapso uterino (16/132; 12,1%), úlcera gástrica (13/132; 9,8%), artrite supurativa (11/132; 8,3%), torção do lobo hepático (11/132; 8,3%), insuficiência cardíaca (9/132; 6,8%), prolapso vaginal ou prolapso vaginal e retal (9/132; 6,8%) e pododermatite (8/132; 6,1%). Embora 58,2% dos óbitos tenham ocorrido por uma dessas sete doenças, houve grande variabilidade de diagnósticos.(AU)

Causes of death of sows in three Brazilian pig farms / Causas de morte de matrizes suínas em três granjas brasileiras

Sow mortality is directly related to financial losses and productive efficiency in pig farms. Despite this, diseases associated with the death of sows are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the main causes of death of sows in Brazilian pig farms. To perform this research, three Brazilian pig farms were visited, and necropsies were performed on all sows that had died spontaneously or were subjected to euthanasia. Tissue fragments were collected for histopathological and bacteriological examination. In addition, the clinical signs, productive stage, parity, and type of death (spontaneous or euthanasia) were recorded. A total of 138 necropsies were performed, and 132 had a conclusive diagnosis. The most frequent productive stages were gestation and lactation (33.3 and 31.9%, respectively), followed by parturient sows (17.4%), cull sows (9.4%), weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) (4.3%), and unmated gilts (3.6%). The most affected organ systems were reproductive (28%), digestive (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9.1%), and hematopoietic (6.1%). The most frequently diagnosed conditions were uterine prolapse (16/132; 12.1%), gastric ulcer (13/132; 9.8%), suppurative arthritis (11/132; 8.3%), liver lobe torsion (11/132; 8.3%), heart failure (9/132; 6.8%), vaginal or vaginal and rectal prolapse (9/132; 6.8%), and pododermatitis (8/132; 6.1%). Although 58.2% of the deaths were due to one of these seven diseases, there was a great variability in diagnoses.(AU)

A mortalidade de porcas está diretamente relacionada a perdas financeiras e à eficiência produtiva das granjas. Apesar disso, as doenças associadas à morte de porcas são pouco conhecidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as principais causas de morte de porcas em granjas suinícolas brasileiras. Para a realização desta pesquisa, três granjas brasileiras foram visitadas e necropsias foram realizadas em todas as porcas que morreram espontaneamente ou foram submetidas à eutanásia. Fragmentos de tecidos foram coletados para exame histopatológico e bacteriológico. Além disso, foram registrados os sinais clínicos, estágio reprodutivo, ordem de parto e tipo de morte (espontânea ou eutanásia). Um total de 138 necropsias foram realizadas e 132 tiveram um diagnóstico conclusivo. Os estágios produtivos mais frequentes foram gestação e lactação (33,3 e 31,9%, respectivamente), seguidos por porcas parturientes (17,4%), porcas de descarte (9,4%), intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) (4,3%) e leitoas vazias (3,6%). Os sistemas orgânicos mais afetados foram reprodutor (28%), digestivo (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9,1%) e hematopoiético (6,1%). As condições mais frequentemente diagnosticadas foram prolapso uterino (16/132; 12,1%), úlcera gástrica (13/132; 9,8%), artrite supurativa (11/132; 8,3%), torção do lobo hepático (11/132; 8,3%), insuficiência cardíaca (9/132; 6,8%), prolapso vaginal ou prolapso vaginal e retal (9/132; 6,8%) e pododermatite (8/132; 6,1%). Embora 58,2% dos óbitos tenham ocorrido por uma dessas sete doenças, houve grande variabilidade de diagnósticos.(AU)

Mieloma múltiplo em felino / Multiple myeloma in a feline

Background: Multiple myelomas (MM) are malignant neoplasms originating in the bone marrow plasmacytes, and are characterized by the presence of persistent hyperglobulinemia. Although they are rarely found in domestic animals, the canine species is most affected. In felines, they represent less than 1% of hematopoietic neoplasms, and mainly occur in older animals aged 10-12 years. The aim of the present study was to report a case of multiple myeloma, with extramedullary plasmocytosis in a feline. Case: A 3-year-old feline, female, mixed breed, with a history of apathy, anorexia, halitosis, and vomiting was referred to the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel). Oral examination revealed a cyanotic oral mucosa and ulcerative lesions on the gingiva. The necropsy showed generalized lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, and hemorrhagic diathesis. Organ fragments were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. After 48 h, the samples were cleaved, embedded in paraffin, and stained using the routine hematoxylin and eosin technique. Selected sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the streptavidin-biotin method. The CD79a, CD138, CD3, and MUM1 antibodies were used. Histopathological evaluation of the bone marrow revealed hypercellularity with predominant round pleomorphic cells (90%), which presented an eccentric basophilic nucleus and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. The same neoplastic cells infiltrated the gingival mucosa, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. The IHC showed positive immunostaining for MUM1 and CD138 antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis of MM in the present study was based on histopathology and by IHC. According to the literature, the presence of neoplastic plasmocytes in the bone marrow (>20%)...

Mieloma múltiplo em felino / Multiple myeloma in a feline

Background: Multiple myelomas (MM) are malignant neoplasms originating in the bone marrow plasmacytes, and are characterized by the presence of persistent hyperglobulinemia. Although they are rarely found in domestic animals, the canine species is most affected. In felines, they represent less than 1% of hematopoietic neoplasms, and mainly occur in older animals aged 10-12 years. The aim of the present study was to report a case of multiple myeloma, with extramedullary plasmocytosis in a feline. Case: A 3-year-old feline, female, mixed breed, with a history of apathy, anorexia, halitosis, and vomiting was referred to the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel). Oral examination revealed a cyanotic oral mucosa and ulcerative lesions on the gingiva. The necropsy showed generalized lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, and hemorrhagic diathesis. Organ fragments were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. After 48 h, the samples were cleaved, embedded in paraffin, and stained using the routine hematoxylin and eosin technique. Selected sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the streptavidin-biotin method. The CD79a, CD138, CD3, and MUM1 antibodies were used. Histopathological evaluation of the bone marrow revealed hypercellularity with predominant round pleomorphic cells (90%), which presented an eccentric basophilic nucleus and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. The same neoplastic cells infiltrated the gingival mucosa, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. The IHC showed positive immunostaining for MUM1 and CD138 antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis of MM in the present study was based on histopathology and by IHC. According to the literature, the presence of neoplastic plasmocytes in the bone marrow (>20%)...(AU)

Hepatic myelolipomas in Callimico goeldii (Thomas, 1904) kept in captivity

Myelolipoma is an unusual benign neoplasm in veterinary medicine. This work intended to report the occurrence of hepatic myelolipomas in Neotropical primates of the Callimico goeldii species kept in captivity. These cases were diagnosed during necropsy in a survey on liver neoplasms in the period of 2004 to 2008. Two cases were found in adult male, and two in adult female animals. The diagnoses were obtained through data analysis of necropsy records, pathological examination of the cases, and histological confirmation. Three (75%) of the animals showed clinical signs of progressive weight loss, and two (50%) of them exhibited regional abdominal bloating. The livers had protrusions of pale yellow color on the surface of all lobes. Histologically, the tumors were formed by mature myeloid tissue with high hematopoietic cellularity, represented by the megakaryocytes and meroblastic cells and immature erythroblasts. We conclude that non-human primates of the Callimico goeldii species might have predisposition for liver myelolipoma, which are neoplasms that can lead to the failure and destruction of this organ.

Hepatic myelolipomas in Callimico goeldii (Thomas, 1904) kept in captivity

Myelolipoma is an unusual benign neoplasm in veterinary medicine. This work intended to report the occurrence of hepatic myelolipomas in Neotropical primates of the Callimico goeldii species kept in captivity. These cases were diagnosed during necropsy in a survey on liver neoplasms in the period of 2004 to 2008. Two cases were found in adult male, and two in adult female animals. The diagnoses were obtained through data analysis of necropsy records, pathological examination of the cases, and histological confirmation. Three (75%) of the animals showed clinical signs of progressive weight loss, and two (50%) of them exhibited regional abdominal bloating. The livers had protrusions of pale yellow color on the surface of all lobes. Histologically, the tumors were formed by mature myeloid tissue with high hematopoietic cellularity, represented by the megakaryocytes and meroblastic cells and immature erythroblasts. We conclude that non-human primates of the Callimico goeldii species might have predisposition for liver myelolipoma, which are neoplasms that can lead to the failure and destruction of this organ.(AU)

Linfoma multicêntrico em cão, uma abordagem clinica e laboratorial / Multicenter lymphoma in dogs, a clinical and laboratory approach: a case report

O linfoma é uma forma de apresentação do distúrbio linfoproliferativo, em que o tumor se origina em um órgão hematopoiético sólido, como o linfonodo. É considerada uma neoplasia de maior incidência em cães e gatos. O trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar um relato de caso sobre um linfoma multicêntrico, com abordagem clínica e laboratorial. Um cão sem raça definida, foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual do CEARÁ (UHV-UECE), apresentando hematúria e uma discreta linfadenomegalia no exame físico. Foram solicitados hemograma completo (HC), análise de bioquímica sérica, sumário de urina e exame ultrassonográfico (US). As alterações no hemograma foram anemia normocítica normocrômica e trombocitopenia. A análise dos exames de bioquímica sérica revelou um aumento na enzima aspartato amino-transferase (AST). No sumário de urina (SU), observaram-se alterações das características físicas e da sedimentoscopia. O exame ultrassonográfico mostrou alterações de ecogenicidade na bexiga, próstata, testículo e baço. Houve piora do quadro clínico do animal, com perda de peso e aumento evidente dos linfonodos. Um exame citológico foi realizado com aspirado de linfonodos, que apresentou configuração celular compatível com linfoma; sendo também encontradas células neoplásicas no esfregaço de sangue periférico, no hemograma. Diante dos achados e do agravamento do quadro clínico, o animal veio a óbito.

Lymphoma is a form of presentation of the lymphoproliferative disorder which the tumor originates from a solid hematopoietic organ such as the lymph node. It is considered one of the neoplasia of higher incidence in dogs and cats. This paper aims to present a case report on a multicenter lymphoma with a clinical and laboratory approach. A dog without defined breed, at the Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual do CEARÁ (UHV-UECE) presenting hematuria and a discrete lymphadenomegaly on physical examination. Complete blood counts (HC), serum biochemical analyzes, urine summary and ultrasound examination were requested. Changes in the hemogram were normocyclic normocytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Biochemical analysis revealed an increase in asparate amino transferase (AST). The urine summary (SU) showed changes in physical characteristics and sedimentation. Ultrasound examination (US) showed changes in the bladder, prostate, testis echogenicity and the spleen’s size. There was worsening of the animal's size over time with progression of weight loss and evident enlargement of the lymph nodes. A cytology was performed through a lymph node aspirate which had a lymphoma compatible cell configuration and neoplastic cells were also found in the hemogram peripheral blood smear. The animal died with deterioration of the clinical picture.

Linfoma multicêntrico em cão, uma abordagem clinica e laboratorial / Multicenter lymphoma in dogs, a clinical and laboratory approach: a case report

O linfoma é uma forma de apresentação do distúrbio linfoproliferativo, em que o tumor se origina em um órgão hematopoiético sólido, como o linfonodo. É considerada uma neoplasia de maior incidência em cães e gatos. O trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar um relato de caso sobre um linfoma multicêntrico, com abordagem clínica e laboratorial. Um cão sem raça definida, foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual do CEARÁ (UHV-UECE), apresentando hematúria e uma discreta linfadenomegalia no exame físico. Foram solicitados hemograma completo (HC), análise de bioquímica sérica, sumário de urina e exame ultrassonográfico (US). As alterações no hemograma foram anemia normocítica normocrômica e trombocitopenia. A análise dos exames de bioquímica sérica revelou um aumento na enzima aspartato amino-transferase (AST). No sumário de urina (SU), observaram-se alterações das características físicas e da sedimentoscopia. O exame ultrassonográfico mostrou alterações de ecogenicidade na bexiga, próstata, testículo e baço. Houve piora do quadro clínico do animal, com perda de peso e aumento evidente dos linfonodos. Um exame citológico foi realizado com aspirado de linfonodos, que apresentou configuração celular compatível com linfoma; sendo também encontradas células neoplásicas no esfregaço de sangue periférico, no hemograma. Diante dos achados e do agravamento do quadro clínico, o animal veio a óbito.(AU)

Lymphoma is a form of presentation of the lymphoproliferative disorder which the tumor originates from a solid hematopoietic organ such as the lymph node. It is considered one of the neoplasia of higher incidence in dogs and cats. This paper aims to present a case report on a multicenter lymphoma with a clinical and laboratory approach. A dog without defined breed, at the Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual do CEARÁ (UHV-UECE) presenting hematuria and a discrete lymphadenomegaly on physical examination. Complete blood counts (HC), serum biochemical analyzes, urine summary and ultrasound examination were requested. Changes in the hemogram were normocyclic normocytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Biochemical analysis revealed an increase in asparate amino transferase (AST). The urine summary (SU) showed changes in physical characteristics and sedimentation. Ultrasound examination (US) showed changes in the bladder, prostate, testis echogenicity and the spleens size. There was worsening of the animal's size over time with progression of weight loss and evident enlargement of the lymph nodes. A cytology was performed through a lymph node aspirate which had a lymphoma compatible cell configuration and neoplastic cells were also found in the hemogram peripheral blood smear. The animal died with deterioration of the clinical picture.(AU)

PIROPLASMÍDEOS EM CANÍDEOS E PROCIONÍDEOS

Parasitos da ordem Piroplasmorida causam doenças em animais silvestres e de companhia. Devido a isso, nessa tese estão incluídos três artigos científicos acerca do tema, com destaque para a espécie Rangelia vitalii e para espécies do gênero Babesia. O primeiro trabalho teve por objetivo relatar detecção molecular de parasitismo por R. vitalii em uma população uruguaia de Cerdocyon thous. Amostras de sangue e/ou baço de C. thous e Lycalopex gymnocercus encontrados atropelados nas principais vias do Uruguai foram submetidos à Reação em Cadeir de Polimerase (PCR) amplificando um gragmento de 551 pb do gene rRNA 18S para R. vitalii. Foram analisados 62 canídeos, sendo 38 C. thous e 24 L. gymnocercus. Cinco C. thous (13,16%) foram positivos para R. vitalii, com 99,5% a 100% de similaridade entre cada sequência, e nenhum dos L. gymnocercus amostrados foram positivos. Quando comparadas às amostras de R.vitalii disponíveis no GenBank, uma similaridade de 98,9% a 100% foi revelada. Os resultados da análise molecular sugerem que R. vitalii está circulando na população de raposas comedoras de caranguejo no Uruguai; no entanto, sua relevância veterinária para essas raposas permanece desconhecida. O segundo estudo objetivou detectar e quantificar a carga parasitária de R. vitalii em diferentes orgãos de canídeos domésticos e silvestres a fim de elucidar as distintas apresentações da infecção nestas espécies. Fragmentos de 22 órgãos coletados de cães domésticos (n=7) e silvestres (n=8) foram utilizados para quantificação histológica e molecular, através de PCR em tempo real do gene hsp70. Na histologia os vacúolos parasitóforos foram detectados nos tecidos de todos os cães que morreram com rangeliose, e em somente dois C. thous. A carga parasitária foi significativamente maior em cães domésticos nos tecidos do sistema digestivo, cardiorrespiratório, endócrino, genitourinário e músculo esquelético. No sistema hematopoiético, C. thous apresentou carga parasitária significativamente menor em linfonodos e tonsilas do que cães, enquanto no baço, medula óssea e sangue as detecções foram similares. No sistema nervoso central a detecção foi semelhante. Tanto em cães como em C. thous, o agente possivelmente se mantém de forma assexuada (merogonia). No entanto, C. thous provavelmente desenvolva uma fase esquizogônica limitada e/ou de curta duração, o que conferiria ao mesmo o possível caráter de reservatório do agente, em contrapartida com o cão, um provável hospedeiro acidental. O terceiro artigo é sobre espécies do gênero Babesia em procionídeos, e tem como objetivo de detectar e caracterizar filogeneticamente o parasitismo por piroplasmídeos em P. cancrivorus de vida-livre do Sul do Brasil. Amostras de baço e/ou pool de órgãos de quatro P. cancrivorus atropelados em estradas do sul do Brasil (#1 a #4), além de uma amostra de sangue de P. cancrivorus de vida livre (#5), foram submetidas a PCR para os genes 18S rRNA, hsp70 e cox1. Paralelamente à coleta de sangue, foi realizado esfregaço sanguíneo de ponta de orelha e cauda para análise citológica em busca de hemoparasitos. Duas amostras de P. cancrivorus foram positivas para o gene 18S rRNA, e uma dessas amostras foi positiva, também, para os genes hsp70 e cox1. À análise filogenética, uma dessas apresentou alta similariadade (99,75%) com Babesia sp. obtida em P. cancrivorus do Uruguai, pertencente ao clado das Babesia sensu stricto, enquanto a outra amostra se enquadrou no clado I, do grupo de Babesia microti-like, agrupando-se monofileticamente com as sequências de B. microti isoladas de Procyon lotor. Pelo conhecimento dos autores, essa é a primeira detecção de parasitismo por Babesia sp. em P. cancrivorus no Brasil; no entanto, análises filogenética mais amplas são necessárias em relação a B.microti- like a fim de elucidado se a espécie pertence a um genótipo zoonótico.

Piroplasmida parasites cause a wide range of diseases in wild and domestic animals. The thesis presented herein includes three scientific papers regarding this subject, with an emphasis on Rangelia vitalii and Babesia sp. The first manuscripts aimed to detect R. vitalii parasitism in the Uruguayan wild fox population. DNA extracted from the blood and/or spleen samples of road-killed C. thous and L. gymnocercus found in northern Uruguay were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a 551-bp fragment of the Rangelia 18S rRNA gene. A total of 62 wild canids, including 38 C. thous and 24 L. gymnocercus, were analyzed. Five crab-eating fox samples (13.2%) were positive for R. vitalii, with 99.5100% identity between the sequences. All samples from pampas fox tested negative for R. vitalii. When compared with the R. vitalii sequences available in GenBank, a similarity of 98.9100% was revealed. Molecular analysis results suggest that R. vitalii is circulating in the crab-eating fox population in Uruguay; however, its veterinary relevance for these foxes remains unknown.The second study aimed to detect and quantify the parasitic load of R. vitalii in different organs of domestic and wild canids in order to elucidate differences in clinical and pathological presentations of rangeliosis in these species. Fragments of 22 organs were collected from domestic (n = 7) and wild (n = 8) canids and later used for histological and molecular quantification, which was performed through real-time hsp70 PCR. Histologically, parasitophorous vacuoles were detected in tissues of all dogs that died due to rangeliosis, and only in two Cerdocyon thous. The parasitic load was significantly higher in domestic dogs in tissues of the digestive, cardiorespiratory, endocrine, genitourinary systems, and skeletal muscle. Regarding the hematopoietic system, C. thous had a significantly lower parasitic load in the lymph nodes and tonsils compared to dogs, while in the spleen, bone marrow, and blood the parasitic load was similar, as in the central nervous system. In domestic and wild canids (C. thous), the agent possibly maintains a prolonged asexual phase (merogony), but it probably develops a limited and/or short schizogonic phase in the C. thous, which would characterize the host as a reservoir, in contrast to the dog, a probable accidental host. In the third investigation, aimed to detect and phylogenetically characterize the parasitism by piroplasmids in free-living P. cancrivorus from Southern Brazil. Samples of spleen and/or organ pool of four P. cancrivorus killed by motor vehicle collision on highways of Rio Grande do Sul state, Southern Brazil (# 1 to # 4), in addition to a blood sample of free-living P. cancrivorus (# 5), were subjected to PCR for the 18S rRNA, hsp70 and cox1 genes. During clinical evaluation of P. cancrivorus #5, a sample of peripheral blood (tip of the ear and tail) was collected and a blood smear was made for cytological analysis in search of hemoparasites. Two samples of P. cancrivorus were positive for the 18S rRNA gene, and one of these samples was also positive for the hsp70 and cox1 genes. On phylogenetic analysis, one of these showed high similarity (99.75%) with Babesia sp. obtained previously from P. cancrivorus in Uruguay, belonging to the Babesia sensu stricto clade, while the other sample fell into clade I, Babesia microti like group, grouping monophyletically with the B. microti sequences isolated from Procyon lotor. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first detection of parasitism by Babesia sp. in P. cancrivorus in Brazil; however, more wide phylogenetic analyses are necessary for B. microti-like, in order to elucidate whether the species belongs to a zoonotic genotype.