Sheep naturally infected with Anaplasma ovis - evaluation of cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers

Background: Anaplasmosis, also called gall sickness or tropical bovine ehrlichiosis, is an infectious disease caused by species belonging to the genus Anaplasma in domestic and wild animals in tropical and subtropical regions. Anaplasma ovis and A. phagocytophilum are important pathogens of sheep. A. ovis is considered the most common species affecting sheep. The infection is usually subclinical and progresses with high fever, anaemia, icterus, weight loss and abortions. This study aimed to investigate changes in cardiac damage markers, oxidative stress and antioxidant status, cytokines, and acute phase proteins in sheep naturally infected with A. ovis. Materials, Methods & Results: For this purpose, a total of 40 animals, including 20 healthy sheep and 20 sheep infected with anaplasmosis, were used. A. ovis was diagnosed based on clinical findings and peripheral blood smear. Blood smears were prepared from the ear vein. The smears were stained with Giemsa and examined for the presence of Anaplasma spp. Infection was also confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The genomic DNA was isolated from blood, and the MSP-4 gene region was amplified as A. ovis specific target gene. Twenty clinically healthy sheep of the same age group, reared under the same conditions and testing negative in the molecular assessment were used as controls. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein and and centrifuged to obtain serum. The serum stored at -20°C until the analysis stage. Serum samples were used for the analysis of cardiac damage markers [troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate transaminase (AST)], oxidative stress parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], cytokines [interleukins IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-10, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)] and acute phase proteins [C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp)]. cTnI and CK-MB levels were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. MDA, TAS, SOD, CAT, GPx, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, SAA and Hp levels were measured by an ELISA reader. LDH, AST and CRP levels were measured in an autoanalyzer. cTnI and LDH levels were significantly increased in the infected animals compared to the healthy ones (P < 0.05). The concentration of AST was decreased in infected animals. MDA, TAS, SOD, CAT and GPx levels were significantly increased in the infected animals compared to the healthy ones (P < 0.05). The levels of the inflammatory parameters such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10 and IFN-γ were significantly increased in the infected animals compared to the healthy ones (P < 0.05). Hp level were significantly increased in the infected group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in CK-MB, SAA and CRP concentrations in the infected animals (P > 0.05). Discussion: Ovine anaplasmosis is an obligate intracellular arthropod disease that causes widespread changes in haematobiochemical, immune response and oxidative stress parameters. Cardiac damage is often overlooked in field conditions due to the lack of adequate knowledge about the pathophysiology of the disease. Our results showed that A. ovis infection leads to significant changes in cardiac biomarkers and that the parasite can cause cardiac dysfunction. This is the first report on cardiac damage markers in Anaplasma-infected sheep. Additionally, the levels of proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers that may cause functional disorders were also found to be increased. Thus, measuring markers of cardiac function, oxidative stress and inflammation can be a useful tool in the early diagnosis of ovine anaplasmosis.

Icterícia: da manifestação ao manejo clínico-terapêutico / Icterus: from manifestation to clinical-therapeutic management / Ictericia: de la manifestación al manejo clínico-terapéutico

A icterícia é considerada como a pigmentação amarelada de regiões corpóreas como esclera, pele e mucosas. É uma manifestação presente em variadas doenças e pode ser classificada em icterícia pré-hepática, hepática ou pós-hepática. A categorização dos tipos de icterícia e suas identificações são fundamentais para que haja um maior conhecimento acerca do seu local de ocorrência, da sua gravidade e progressão. A condição pode ser observada em cães e gatos, e cada tipo pode estar associado a doenças distintas como processos hemolíticos, doenças hepatocelulares, obstruções de fluxo biliar, dentre outros. O diagnóstico da manifestação pode ser determinado por meio dos dados coletados na anamnese, exame clínico e/ou complementar, este último mediante necessidade. O tratamento varia e depende da causa base que esteja associada como terapias medicamentosas a intervenções cirúrgicas.

Jaundice is considered the yellowish pigmentation of body regions such as the sclera, skin and mucous membranes. It is a manifestation present in several diseases and can be classified as pre-hepatic, hepatic or post-hepatic jaundice. The categorization of types of jaundice and their identification are essential for greater knowledge about its place of occurrence, its severity and progression. The condition can be observed in dogs and cats, and each type can be associated with different diseases such as hemolytic processes, hepatocellular diseases, bile flow obstructions, among others. The diagnosis of the manifestation can be determined through data collected through anamnesis, clinical and/or complementary examination, the latter as needed. Treatment varies and depends on the underlying cause that is associated with drug therapies and surgical interventions.

La ictericia se considera la pigmentación amarillenta de regiones del cuerpo como la esclerótica, la piel y las membranas mucosas. Es una manifestación presente en varias enfermedades y puede clasificarse en ictericia prehepática, hepática o poshepática. La categorización de los tipos de ictericia y su identificación son fundamentales para un mayor conocimiento sobre su lugar de aparición, su gravedad y progresión. La afección se puede observar en perros y gatos, y cada tipo puede asociarse con diferentes enfermedades como procesos hemolíticos, enfermedades hepatocelulares, obstrucciones del flujo biliar, entre otras. El diagnóstico de la manifestación se puede determinar mediante la recogida de datos mediante anamnesis, exploración clínica y / o complementaria, esta última según sea necesario. El tratamiento varía y depende de la causa subyacente asociada con las terapias farmacológicas y las intervenciones quirúrgicas.

Liver cysts in a kitten with Platynosomum sp

Background: Hepatic cysts are rarely described in association with infections by Platynosomum sp. Infected animals are most often asymptomatic, and the severity of symptoms is associated with the number of biliary tract parasites, which may lead to cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis. Although platinosomiasis is often associated with cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis, it rarely is with polycystic disease. For the parasite's life cycle to occur, the infected cat must eliminate the eggs in the feces and three intermediate hosts are needed: snails, terrestrial isopods and vertebrates like the frog or the gecko. The eggs are ingested by the snails, then the miracids are released and matured into the mother sporocyst form, which originates child sporocysts containing the cercariae, that leave the mollusks for the soil and are ingested by the terrestrial isopod in which the cercariae matures until metacercariae. Vertebrates ingest terrestrial isopods and are ingested by felines. The present study aimed to report an unusual case of platinosomiasis with the development of multiple hepatic cysts. Case: A mixed breed male kitten was admitted with a history of apathy, hyporexia, increased abdominal volume and jaundice. In the ultrasound examination, we could see hepatomegaly and several hypoecogenic rounded structures, similar to cysts. There was an increase of serum concentration of the hepatic enzymes alanine transaminase and gamma glutamyl transferase enzyme. The parasite's eggs were investigated in the patient's feces using the simple sedimentation method, with a negative result. The animal was submitted to celiotomy and it was possible to observe several cystic structures in the liver. The cysts content was sent to cytology and culture. Cytology result was compatible with liver cyst and there was no bacterial growth in the culture. Bile fluid was collected and sent for Platynosomum sp. research using the centrifugal sedimentation test in formalin-ether solution, which allowed the parasite's eggs to be observed. The cat was treated with praziquantel,silymarin, S-Adenosyl methionine, and ursodeoxycholic acid. The patient gradually improved from jaundice and there was a reduction in abdominal volume. Discussion: This report describes a case of platinossomiasis associated with polycystic liver disease in a domestic cat, which seems to be an uncommon presentation. Most infected cats are asymptomatic, but some animals may exhibit anorexia, apathy, increased abdominal volume due to hepatomegaly and/or ascitis and jaundice. Although infestation in domestic cats is relatively common, its association with liver cysts is rare or poorly reported in the literature, representing a diagnostic challenge, which makes mandatory the inclusion of this differential diagnosis in polycystic liver diseases in cats. The diagnosis of this parasitosis can be made based on the association among clinical signs, laboratory tests and ultrasound examination, but the definitive diagnosis is usually made by visualizing the parasite's eggs. In the case described, it was not possible to observe parasite's eggs in the patient's feces, but in the bile. Platynosomum sp. infection should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of polycystic liver disease in cats, especially in countries with tropical or subtropical climate. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment were fundamental for the improvement of the patient's clinical condition.

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.(AU)

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.(AU)

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.

Cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis with secondary necrotizing hepatitis and cholangiohepatitis in a dairy cow

Biliary calculi are rare in cattle and occur usually in the gallbladder, without clinical signs. In humans, cholelithiasis is a common cause of hepatic abscess due calculi microbiota. Here is described a case of cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis in a 10-year-old female mixed breed dairy cow. The animal died during physical examination with signs as cachexia, icterus, and fever. At necropsy, a large number of green calculi were observed in the gallbladder, common duct lumen and in markedly distended biliary ducts. The liver was firm and decreased in volume with multiple abscess and multiple red foci measuring 0.5 cm in diameter in the hepatic parenchyma. Microscopically in the liver, marked ductal proliferation and abscedative cholangiohepatitis with abundant fibrosis and multiple foci of hepatocytes necrosis. In conclusion, choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis may occur in cattle and cause significant clinical signs and pathological alterations.(AU)

Cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis with secondary necrotizing hepatitis and cholangiohepatitis in a dairy cow

Biliary calculi are rare in cattle and occur usually in the gallbladder, without clinical signs. In humans, cholelithiasis is a common cause of hepatic abscess due calculi microbiota. Here is described a case of cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis in a 10-year-old female mixed breed dairy cow. The animal died during physical examination with signs as cachexia, icterus, and fever. At necropsy, a large number of green calculi were observed in the gallbladder, common duct lumen and in markedly distended biliary ducts. The liver was firm and decreased in volume with multiple abscess and multiple red foci measuring 0.5 cm in diameter in the hepatic parenchyma. Microscopically in the liver, marked ductal proliferation and abscedative cholangiohepatitis with abundant fibrosis and multiple foci of hepatocytes necrosis. In conclusion, choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis may occur in cattle and cause significant clinical signs and pathological alterations.

Infecção verdadeira por Capillaria hepatica em cão / True infection by Capillaria hepatica in a dog

Background: Capillaria hepatica is a nematode, zoonotic, with worldwide distribution. The main hosts are rodents, nevertheless other mammals can be affected. Although the parasite has high affinity for the liver, it rarely causes a hepaticdisease in domestic animals and humans. The diagnosis is difficult and usually a biopsy is required. The treatment is difficult and is based in anti-helminthic and corticoid, but prevention is the best strategy against the disease. The aim of thepresent report is to describe a case of hepatic capillariosis in a dog approaching the clinical signs, diagnosis and therapeutic.Case: A 12-year-old Brazilian Terrier bitch, with a history of visit to the farm and regular hunting of rats, frogs, birds andother wild animals, was attended with hyporexia and apathy. At the physical exam the dog presented elevation of rectaltemperature, intense jaundice and abdominal pain. In the biochemical exams was noticed a slight increase in globulins anda sharp increase in alkaline phosphatase (AP), total, direct and indirect bilirubin, suggesting a liver injury. In the ultrasonographic exam, hepatomegaly with dispersed hyperechoic areas were observed, suggesting hepatic steatosis. The patientwas treated with ursodesoxicolic acid and S-adenosil metionin for 30 consecutive days, showing a clinic improvement.Two months after the end of the treatment the animal worsened, showing jaundice, ascites, motor incoordination, weakness, difficulty in food and water ingestion and changes in the mental state. In the complete blood count was observed amacrocytic hypochromic regenerative anemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis and thrombocytopenia.In biochemical exams was detected decrease in creatinine and albumin and increase in alanine aminotransferase and AP,suggesting hepatopathy by biliary obstruction. There were performed exams for leishmania and ehrlichiosis that testednegative. In the ultrasonographic exam it...

Infecção verdadeira por Capillaria hepatica em cão / True infection by Capillaria hepatica in a dog

Background: Capillaria hepatica is a nematode, zoonotic, with worldwide distribution. The main hosts are rodents, nevertheless other mammals can be affected. Although the parasite has high affinity for the liver, it rarely causes a hepaticdisease in domestic animals and humans. The diagnosis is difficult and usually a biopsy is required. The treatment is difficult and is based in anti-helminthic and corticoid, but prevention is the best strategy against the disease. The aim of thepresent report is to describe a case of hepatic capillariosis in a dog approaching the clinical signs, diagnosis and therapeutic.Case: A 12-year-old Brazilian Terrier bitch, with a history of visit to the farm and regular hunting of rats, frogs, birds andother wild animals, was attended with hyporexia and apathy. At the physical exam the dog presented elevation of rectaltemperature, intense jaundice and abdominal pain. In the biochemical exams was noticed a slight increase in globulins anda sharp increase in alkaline phosphatase (AP), total, direct and indirect bilirubin, suggesting a liver injury. In the ultrasonographic exam, hepatomegaly with dispersed hyperechoic areas were observed, suggesting hepatic steatosis. The patientwas treated with ursodesoxicolic acid and S-adenosil metionin for 30 consecutive days, showing a clinic improvement.Two months after the end of the treatment the animal worsened, showing jaundice, ascites, motor incoordination, weakness, difficulty in food and water ingestion and changes in the mental state. In the complete blood count was observed amacrocytic hypochromic regenerative anemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis and thrombocytopenia.In biochemical exams was detected decrease in creatinine and albumin and increase in alanine aminotransferase and AP,suggesting hepatopathy by biliary obstruction. There were performed exams for leishmania and ehrlichiosis that testednegative. In the ultrasonographic exam it...(AU)

Differential diagnoses in 83 dogs with icterus / Diagnósticos diferenciais em 83 cães com icterícia

Icterus (jaundice) is a yellowish pigmentation resulting from the depositing of bilirubin in tissues due to its high plasmatic concentration. The pathogenesis of icterus includes metabolic changes or obstructed bilirubin excretion and it is classified as pre-hepatic, hepatic and post-hepatic. This study aimed to evaluate and classify different causes of icterus in dogs during post mortem examination. These dogs were examined from 2014 to 2017, using macroscopic and histologic exams as well as ancillary tests. Eighty-three dogs were examined macroscopically and microscopically. They were separated into groups of icterus types: 24 (28.9%) dogs had pre-hepatic icterus, 45 (54.2%) had hepatic, 13 (15.7%) pre-hepatic and hepatic and one (1.2%) had post-hepatic icterus. Many factors were identified as a cause of icterus, including infectious agents (51/83), neoplasms (13/83), hepatic degeneration (11/83), chronic hepatic diseases (6/83), and obstructive causes (1/87). Among the infectious causes, leptospirosis, ehrlichiosis and disorders suggestive of septicemia were diagnosed. Neoplasms associated with icterus were cholangiocarcinoma, hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Other causes of icterus included degenerative diseases, such as lipidosis and glycogen degeneration. Hepatic fibrosis (cirrhosis) as a chronic disease and cholelithiasis also produced icterus. PCR was performed to confirm leptospirosis and ehrlichiosis. Samples of total DNA were used to amplify a fragment of a gene from Leptospira interrogans and Ehrlichia canis. In some dogs, co-infection of these agents was detected. The classification and identification of icterus etiologies in dogs is very important due to the number of diseases with this alteration, where ante mortem diagnosis is not always easily performed when some of these conditions are present.(AU)

Icterícia é a pigmentação amarelada decorrente da deposição de bilirrubina em tecidos devido à elevada concentração plasmática. A patogênese da icterícia inclui alterações no metabolismo ou na excreção de bilirrubina, sendo classificada em pré-hepática, hepática ou pós-hepática. O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar, avaliar e classificar as causas de icterícia em cães necropsiados de 2014 a 2017, associando as lesões macroscópicas, histológicas e exames complementares. Foram avaliados macro- e microscopicamente 83 cães com diferentes intensidades de icterícia. Os cães foram separados em grupos de acordo com o tipo de icterícia: 24 (28,9%) cães com icterícia pré-hepática, 45 (54,2%) cães com icterícia hepática, 13 (15,7%) com icterícia pré-hepática e hepática e um (1,2%) com icterícia pós-hepática. Foram identificadas várias etiologias associadas à icterícia, dentre elas pode-se destacar, agentes infecciosos (51/83), neoplasmas (13/83), processos degenerativos (11/83), crônicos (6/83) e obstrutivos (1/83). Dentre as causas infecciosas, destacam-se a leptospirose, a erliquiose e as lesões sugestivas de septicemia. Entre os neoplasmas associados com icterícia destacaram-se o colangiocarcinoma, hemangiossarcoma e linfoma. Outras causas de icterícia incluiriam os processos degenerativos como as degenerações gordurosa e glicogênica. Fibrose hepática (cirrose) e colelitíase foram também diagnosticados como causa de icterícia. A PCR foi utilizada para o diagnóstico confirmatório de leptospirose e erliquiose. Amostras de DNA total foram utilizadas para amplificar um fragmento dos genes de Leptospira interrogans e de Ehrlichia canis. Em alguns cães foi detectada co-infecção por estes agentes. A classificação e a identificação das causas de icterícia em cães são relevantes devido ao grande número de doenças que apresentam essa alteração, muitas vezes sem diagnóstico ante mortem.(AU)

Differential diagnoses in 83 dogs with icterus / Diagnósticos diferenciais em 83 cães com icterícia

Icterus (jaundice) is a yellowish pigmentation resulting from the depositing of bilirubin in tissues due to its high plasmatic concentration. The pathogenesis of icterus includes metabolic changes or obstructed bilirubin excretion and it is classified as pre-hepatic, hepatic and post-hepatic. This study aimed to evaluate and classify different causes of icterus in dogs during post mortem examination. These dogs were examined from 2014 to 2017, using macroscopic and histologic exams as well as ancillary tests. Eighty-three dogs were examined macroscopically and microscopically. They were separated into groups of icterus types: 24 (28.9%) dogs had pre-hepatic icterus, 45 (54.2%) had hepatic, 13 (15.7%) pre-hepatic and hepatic and one (1.2%) had post-hepatic icterus. Many factors were identified as a cause of icterus, including infectious agents (51/83), neoplasms (13/83), hepatic degeneration (11/83), chronic hepatic diseases (6/83), and obstructive causes (1/87). Among the infectious causes, leptospirosis, ehrlichiosis and disorders suggestive of septicemia were diagnosed. Neoplasms associated with icterus were cholangiocarcinoma, hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Other causes of icterus included degenerative diseases, such as lipidosis and glycogen degeneration. Hepatic fibrosis (cirrhosis) as a chronic disease and cholelithiasis also produced icterus. PCR was performed to confirm leptospirosis and ehrlichiosis. Samples of total DNA were used to amplify a fragment of a gene from Leptospira interrogans and Ehrlichia canis. In some dogs, co-infection of these agents was detected. The classification and identification of icterus etiologies in dogs is very important due to the number of diseases with this alteration, where ante mortem diagnosis is not always easily performed when some of these conditions are present.(AU)

Icterícia é a pigmentação amarelada decorrente da deposição de bilirrubina em tecidos devido à elevada concentração plasmática. A patogênese da icterícia inclui alterações no metabolismo ou na excreção de bilirrubina, sendo classificada em pré-hepática, hepática ou pós-hepática. O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar, avaliar e classificar as causas de icterícia em cães necropsiados de 2014 a 2017, associando as lesões macroscópicas, histológicas e exames complementares. Foram avaliados macro- e microscopicamente 83 cães com diferentes intensidades de icterícia. Os cães foram separados em grupos de acordo com o tipo de icterícia: 24 (28,9%) cães com icterícia pré-hepática, 45 (54,2%) cães com icterícia hepática, 13 (15,7%) com icterícia pré-hepática e hepática e um (1,2%) com icterícia pós-hepática. Foram identificadas várias etiologias associadas à icterícia, dentre elas pode-se destacar, agentes infecciosos (51/83), neoplasmas (13/83), processos degenerativos (11/83), crônicos (6/83) e obstrutivos (1/83). Dentre as causas infecciosas, destacam-se a leptospirose, a erliquiose e as lesões sugestivas de septicemia. Entre os neoplasmas associados com icterícia destacaram-se o colangiocarcinoma, hemangiossarcoma e linfoma. Outras causas de icterícia incluiriam os processos degenerativos como as degenerações gordurosa e glicogênica. Fibrose hepática (cirrose) e colelitíase foram também diagnosticados como causa de icterícia. A PCR foi utilizada para o diagnóstico confirmatório de leptospirose e erliquiose. Amostras de DNA total foram utilizadas para amplificar um fragmento dos genes de Leptospira interrogans e de Ehrlichia canis. Em alguns cães foi detectada co-infecção por estes agentes. A classificação e a identificação das causas de icterícia em cães são relevantes devido ao grande número de doenças que apresentam essa alteração, muitas vezes sem diagnóstico ante mortem.(AU)

Traditional knowledge and perception of birds in the Parnaíba Delta environmental protection area, Northeast Brazil

Local inhabitants retain a vast knowledge about the bird richness surrounding them, as well as many of their ethological and ecological aspects, and can identify the importance of those birds to the maintenance of ecosystem integrity. The present study sought to document the traditional knowledge retained by members of the Labino community concerning the avifauna of the Delta do Rio Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area (APA), Piauí State, Brazil. We interviewed 76 male (51% of the sample) and 74 female (49%) residents. The interviewees indicated the occurrence of 97 bird species belonging to 21 orders and 40 families. Men could identify more bird species than women. Older individuals recognize more bird species than younger members of the community. Individuals with less schooling demonstrated greater knowledge of species richness than those with more formal educations. A very significant percentage (45%, n = 68) of the interviewees reported consuming native birds, principally Aramides cajaneus, Columbina squammata, and Zenaida auriculata. A total of 48 species were perceived as having their populations reduced in recent years, principally Mimus gilvus, Icterus jamacaii, Aramides cajaneus, Turdus rufiventris, and Cacicus cela. The residents of the Labino community were therefore found to have a detailed knowledge of the local avifauna and perceived impacts caused mainly by hu

Traditional knowledge and perception of birds in the Parnaíba Delta environmental protection area, Northeast Brazil

Local inhabitants retain a vast knowledge about the bird richness surrounding them, as well as many of their ethological and ecological aspects, and can identify the importance of those birds to the maintenance of ecosystem integrity. The present study sought to document the traditional knowledge retained by members of the Labino community concerning the avifauna of the Delta do Rio Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area (APA), Piauí State, Brazil. We interviewed 76 male (51% of the sample) and 74 female (49%) residents. The interviewees indicated the occurrence of 97 bird species belonging to 21 orders and 40 families. Men could identify more bird species than women. Older individuals recognize more bird species than younger members of the community. Individuals with less schooling demonstrated greater knowledge of species richness than those with more formal educations. A very significant percentage (45%, n = 68) of the interviewees reported consuming native birds, principally Aramides cajaneus, Columbina squammata, and Zenaida auriculata. A total of 48 species were perceived as having their populations reduced in recent years, principally Mimus gilvus, Icterus jamacaii, Aramides cajaneus, Turdus rufiventris, and Cacicus cela. The residents of the Labino community were therefore found to have a detailed knowledge of the local avifauna and perceived impacts caused mainly by hunting in the Parnaiba River Delta region.

Babesiose encefálica em cães: aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos / Encephalic babesiosis in dogs: clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects

Background: Babesiosis is a hemolytic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia spp. responsible for causinganemia, fever and splenomegaly in several animal species. The cerebral involvement of babesiosis in dogs manifests itselfin a hyperacute manner with neurological disorders such as motor incoordination, nystagmus, anisocoria and convulsions.In Brazil there still are no studies which describe the pathological aspects of cerebral babesiosis in dogs together withinformation relating to its clinical aspects and epidemiology. Therefore, this work had as an objective to describe sevencases of canine cerebral babesiosis, emphasizing its epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects.Materials, Methods & Results: All the records of the necropsies performed in dogs at Animal Pathology Laboratory (LPA/HV) of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos Campus, Paraíba, Northeast of Brazil were identified. In Theperiod from January 2003 to December 2017. Later, were selected all the cases of cerebral babesiosis. Were included in thestudy the cases in which was possible to detect structures that were morphologically compatible with Babesia spp. trophozoites,intra-erythrocyte in vessels, associated to the presence of lesions in the CNS. For the microscopical description all the histological slides of the cases were revised, in addition to new slides were made with the fragments stored in parafin blocks or withthe material fixed in a 10% formalin solution. The clinical course of the animals studied was hyperacute. In 4 cases, there wassudden death within 24 h, from the appearance of the first symptoms and case 7 presented an evolution of approximately 12 h.The main clinical symptoms described were vocalization, anorexia/hyporexia, jaundice and decubitus. Additionally, the mostconsistente macroscopical findings observed...

Traditional knowledge and perception of birds in the Parnaíba Delta environmental protection area, Northeast Brazil

Local inhabitants retain a vast knowledge about the bird richness surrounding them, as well as many of their ethological and ecological aspects, and can identify the importance of those birds to the maintenance of ecosystem integrity. The present study sought to document the traditional knowledge retained by members of the Labino community concerning the avifauna of the Delta do Rio Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area (APA), Piauí State, Brazil. We interviewed 76 male (51% of the sample) and 74 female (49%) residents. The interviewees indicated the occurrence of 97 bird species belonging to 21 orders and 40 families. Men could identify more bird species than women. Older individuals recognize more bird species than younger members of the community. Individuals with less schooling demonstrated greater knowledge of species richness than those with more formal educations. A very significant percentage (45%, n = 68) of the interviewees reported consuming native birds, principally Aramides cajaneus, Columbina squammata, and Zenaida auriculata. A total of 48 species were perceived as having their populations reduced in recent years, principally Mimus gilvus, Icterus jamacaii, Aramides cajaneus, Turdus rufiventris, and Cacicus cela. The residents of the Labino community were therefore found to have a detailed knowledge of the local avifauna and perceived impacts caused mainly by hunting in the Parnaiba River Delta region.(AU)

Babesiose encefálica em cães: aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos / Encephalic babesiosis in dogs: clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects

Background: Babesiosis is a hemolytic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia spp. responsible for causinganemia, fever and splenomegaly in several animal species. The cerebral involvement of babesiosis in dogs manifests itselfin a hyperacute manner with neurological disorders such as motor incoordination, nystagmus, anisocoria and convulsions.In Brazil there still are no studies which describe the pathological aspects of cerebral babesiosis in dogs together withinformation relating to its clinical aspects and epidemiology. Therefore, this work had as an objective to describe sevencases of canine cerebral babesiosis, emphasizing its epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects.Materials, Methods & Results: All the records of the necropsies performed in dogs at Animal Pathology Laboratory (LPA/HV) of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos Campus, Paraíba, Northeast of Brazil were identified. In Theperiod from January 2003 to December 2017. Later, were selected all the cases of cerebral babesiosis. Were included in thestudy the cases in which was possible to detect structures that were morphologically compatible with Babesia spp. trophozoites,intra-erythrocyte in vessels, associated to the presence of lesions in the CNS. For the microscopical description all the histological slides of the cases were revised, in addition to new slides were made with the fragments stored in parafin blocks or withthe material fixed in a 10% formalin solution. The clinical course of the animals studied was hyperacute. In 4 cases, there wassudden death within 24 h, from the appearance of the first symptoms and case 7 presented an evolution of approximately 12 h.The main clinical symptoms described were vocalization, anorexia/hyporexia, jaundice and decubitus. Additionally, the mostconsistente macroscopical findings observed...(AU)

Clinical, laboratorial and image aspects of a perforated pyloric ulcer secondary to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use in a cat

Background: Inappropriate use of drugs for veterinary patients represents a common problem at clinical practice. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories are one of these misused drugs and may lead to clinical status of challenging diagnosis. Adverseeffects for patients submitted to its incorrect use may include simple cases such as pharmacological gastroenteritis to severeacute renal failure or perforated gastroenteric ulcers with no pathognomonic clinical signs. The objective of this reportwas to describe a case of a perforated pyloric ulcer secondary to prolonged use of meloxicam in a cat with its clinical,laboratorial and image aspects from the moment of suspicion until the diagnosis.Case: An 8-year-old female feline was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Dom Bosco Catholic University, withmain complaint being a mammary nodule with recent ulceration. Tumor staging and pre-surgical blood analysis wereperformed previous to total unilateral mastectomy. Eleven days post-surgery the patient was brought for suture removal,but it was observed stupor, moderate dehydration (estimated 10%), 36.7ºC rectal temperature, heart rate at 100 beats/min,respiratory rate at 60 breaths/min, 40 mg/dL blood glucose, icterus and abdominal distension with tympany at percussion(fluid wave test was negative). Anamnesis revealed the possible use of meloxicam for 10 days. The first suspicion wassepsis, with enteric gas secondary to infection. Due to no classical signs of peritoneum effusion and possible severe entericdistension, abdominocentesis was not immediate performed. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry revealed amarked band leukocytosis associated with renal injury, supporting the first sepsis suspicion. Abdominal radiography revealedradiodensity of diffuse aspect at ventral topography but no evidence of marked...

Cirrose hepática associada à ingestão de Cycas revoluta em canino / Hepatic cirrhosis associated with ingestion of Cycas revoluta in canine

Background: Cycas revoluta (“sago palm”) is a toxic ornamental plant which, when ingested, can cause hepatotoxic effects, gastrointestinal signs, and neurological alterations. Albeit rarely, C. revoluta ingestion can culminate with chronic severe hepatitis associated with hepatic fibrosis. The objective of this work is to report a case of hepatic cirrhosis consequent to ingestion of C. revoluta in a dog and describe the clinical and pathological aspects that accompany the development of chronic hepatopathy, as a way to provide information that may help diagnosis of this condition. Case: A 9-month-old male mongrel dog was presented for examination with a history of increased abdominal volume and anorexia 20 days after ingesting the seeds of Cycas revoluta. Laboratory exams revealed hypochromic microcytic anemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, monocytosis, thrombocytopenia, decreased albumin, and elevation of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Ultrasound scanning showed presence of hepatomegaly, a heterogeneous hepatic parenchyma, and free fluid in the peritoneum. The animal was treated and was discharged from the hospital. Twenty days later, the patient returned to the hospital exhibiting prostration, vomiting, ascites, and pale mucous membranes. The alterations observed in the previous laboratory exams persisted except for thrombocytopenia, which was absent. A new treatment was administered, and the animal was discharged three days later. However, the patient returned once again exhibiting hyporexia, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and slight prostration that progressed to severe prostration, lateral decubitus and death approximately two months after ingesting the plant. Necropsy revealed a markedly poor body condition, slight icterus, limb edema, ascites and hydrothorax, and an atrophied liver with a yellowish color and an irregular, but firm, capsule surface. Additional alterations included...

Clinical, laboratorial and image aspects of a perforated pyloric ulcer secondary to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use in a cat

Background: Inappropriate use of drugs for veterinary patients represents a common problem at clinical practice. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories are one of these misused drugs and may lead to clinical status of challenging diagnosis. Adverseeffects for patients submitted to its incorrect use may include simple cases such as pharmacological gastroenteritis to severeacute renal failure or perforated gastroenteric ulcers with no pathognomonic clinical signs. The objective of this reportwas to describe a case of a perforated pyloric ulcer secondary to prolonged use of meloxicam in a cat with its clinical,laboratorial and image aspects from the moment of suspicion until the diagnosis.Case: An 8-year-old female feline was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Dom Bosco Catholic University, withmain complaint being a mammary nodule with recent ulceration. Tumor staging and pre-surgical blood analysis wereperformed previous to total unilateral mastectomy. Eleven days post-surgery the patient was brought for suture removal,but it was observed stupor, moderate dehydration (estimated 10%), 36.7ºC rectal temperature, heart rate at 100 beats/min,respiratory rate at 60 breaths/min, 40 mg/dL blood glucose, icterus and abdominal distension with tympany at percussion(fluid wave test was negative). Anamnesis revealed the possible use of meloxicam for 10 days. The first suspicion wassepsis, with enteric gas secondary to infection. Due to no classical signs of peritoneum effusion and possible severe entericdistension, abdominocentesis was not immediate performed. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry revealed amarked band leukocytosis associated with renal injury, supporting the first sepsis suspicion. Abdominal radiography revealedradiodensity of diffuse aspect at ventral topography but no evidence of marked...(AU)

Cirrose hepática associada à ingestão de Cycas revoluta em canino / Hepatic cirrhosis associated with ingestion of Cycas revoluta in canine

Background: Cycas revoluta (“sago palm”) is a toxic ornamental plant which, when ingested, can cause hepatotoxic effects, gastrointestinal signs, and neurological alterations. Albeit rarely, C. revoluta ingestion can culminate with chronic severe hepatitis associated with hepatic fibrosis. The objective of this work is to report a case of hepatic cirrhosis consequent to ingestion of C. revoluta in a dog and describe the clinical and pathological aspects that accompany the development of chronic hepatopathy, as a way to provide information that may help diagnosis of this condition. Case: A 9-month-old male mongrel dog was presented for examination with a history of increased abdominal volume and anorexia 20 days after ingesting the seeds of Cycas revoluta. Laboratory exams revealed hypochromic microcytic anemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, monocytosis, thrombocytopenia, decreased albumin, and elevation of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Ultrasound scanning showed presence of hepatomegaly, a heterogeneous hepatic parenchyma, and free fluid in the peritoneum. The animal was treated and was discharged from the hospital. Twenty days later, the patient returned to the hospital exhibiting prostration, vomiting, ascites, and pale mucous membranes. The alterations observed in the previous laboratory exams persisted except for thrombocytopenia, which was absent. A new treatment was administered, and the animal was discharged three days later. However, the patient returned once again exhibiting hyporexia, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and slight prostration that progressed to severe prostration, lateral decubitus and death approximately two months after ingesting the plant. Necropsy revealed a markedly poor body condition, slight icterus, limb edema, ascites and hydrothorax, and an atrophied liver with a yellowish color and an irregular, but firm, capsule surface. Additional alterations included...(AU)