Nasal leiomyosarcoma in a Quarter Horse / Leiomiossarcoma nasal em equino Quarto de Milha

We described the clinical and anatomopathological findings observed in a case of nasal leiomyosarcoma in a five-year-old male Quarter Mile horse, whose main complaints were decreased sports performance and bilateral purulent nasal discharge. The nodule was observed in the nasal cavity, obstructing the left nostril and associated with purulent drainage. The nodule was of irregular shape and yellow color, measuring 19.4 cm × 6.9 cm × 4.3 cm in size, with coalescent multifocal areas that were brownish, friable, opaque, and fetid. When cut, the surface was compact, grayish-white, and smooth with yellow, friable, irregular multifocal areas, measuring 1-3.2 cm in diameter. Histopathological examination showed spindle-shaped neoplastic cells, which was negative on Masson's trichromic stain. A diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was established based on the morphotintorial aspects of neoplastic cells and confirmed through immunohistochemistry, with positive immunostaining for antibodies 1A4, HHF35, desmin, and S100. Leiomyosarcoma primarily affects the nasal cavity of horses and should be included in the differential diagnosis of diseases that affect the nasal cavity and cause nasal obstruction associated with dyspnea.

Descreve-se os achados clínicos e anatomopatológicos observados em um caso de leiomiossarcoma nasal em um equino, Quarto de Milha, macho, de cinco anos de idade, com queixa principal de diminuição do rendimento esportivo e secreção nasal purulenta bilateral. Na cavidade nasal, observou-se um nódulo obstruindo a narina esquerda associada à secreção purulenta. O nódulo era de superfície irregular, amarelada, brilhante, fibroelástica, medindo 19,4 x 6,9 x 4,3cm de tamanho, com áreas multifocais a coalescente acastanhadas, friáveis, opacas e fétidas. Ao corte, a superfície era compacta, branco-acinzentada e lisa com áreas multifocais amarelas, friáveis e irregulares, medindo 1-3,2 cm de diâmetro. No exame histopatológico foi observado proliferação de células neoplásicas fusiformes, que foram negativas na coloração de Tricrômico de Masson. O diagnóstico de leiomiossarcoma foi estabelecido com base nos aspectos morfotintoriais das células neoplásicas e confirmado através da imuno-histoquímica, no qual houve imunomarcação positiva para os anticorpos 1A4, HHF35, Desmina e S100. O leiomiossarcoma pode afetar primariamente a cavidade nasal de equinos, devendo ser incluído no diagnóstico diferencial de doenças que afetam a cavidade nasal e que provocam quadros de obstrução nasal associado a dispneia.

Urethral obstruction secondary to Staphylococcus felis chronic urethritis and hepatoid gland adenoma in a captive ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

A male adult ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kept under human care developed anuria, which progressed to death. Grossly, the urinary bladder was markedly dilated and filled with red discolored urine containing blood clots. In addition, the animal had a hepatoid cell adenoma adjacent to the urethra, which likely caused partial urethral occlusion. Microscopically, there was a predominantly neutrophilic, fibrinous and hemorrhagic urethritis, cystitis, and pyelonephritis with intralesional gram-positive cocci. Microbiologic culture followed by MALDI-TOF MS analysis resulted in the identification of isolates from the urine and urethra as Staphylococcus felis.(AU)

Urethral obstruction due to seminal vesiculitis in a sheep: case report / Obstrução uretral por vesiculite seminal em ovino: relato de caso

We report a case of urethral obstruction due to seminal vesiculitis in a Dorper sheep, with symptoms of anuria, rectal prolapse, orchitis/epididymitis, and uroperitoneum and biochemical tests indicating severe azotemia. The animal died due to advanced azotemia, and necropsy revealed kidneys with cortical and medullary necrosis, pyelonephritis of renal calyces, hydronephrosis, ruptured and necrotic bladder, and vesicular, bulbourethral, and ampoule accessory sex glands. There was prostate hyperplasia that revealed a large amount of pus in the cross section, which was also observed bilaterally in the epididymis and right testis. Morphotintorial and biochemical analyses of bacteria obtained from microbiological culture revealed Corynebacterium sp. and Escherichia coli. Infection, hyperplasia, and abscessation of accessory sex glands caused urethral compression, resulting in an obstructive condition, similar to urolithiasis, in addition to bacteremia. Hyperplastic seminal vesiculitis, although rare, must be included among the differential diagnoses of obstructive processes in the urinary tract of sheep.

Relata-se um caso de obstrução uretral decorrente de vesiculite seminal em carneiro da raça Dorper, com quadro de anúria, prolapso retal, orquite/epididimite e uroperitôneo, com exames bioquímicos indicativos de severa azotemia. Devido ao quadro avançado de azotemia, o animal faleceu e, na necropsia, foi observado:: rins com necrose de cortical e medular, pielonefrite dos cálices renais e hidronefrose, bexiga rompida e necrosada, assim como glândulas sexuais acessórias vesiculares, bulbouretrais e ampola. Havia hiperplasia de próstata que, ao corte transversal, revelou grande quantidade de pus, que também foi observado bilateralmente no epidídimo e no testículo direito. As análises morfotintoriais e bioquímicas das bactérias obtidas a partir do cultivo microbiológico foram compatíveis com Corynebacterium sp. e Escherichia coli. A infecção, a hiperplasia e a abscedação das glândulas sexuais acessória, causaram compressão uretral, levando a um quadro obstrutivo, semelhante à urolitíase, somado à bacteremia. A vesiculite seminal hiperplásica, apesar de rara, deve ser incluída entre os diagnósticos diferenciais dos processos obstrutivos do trato urinário de carneiros.

Nasal leiomyosarcoma in a Quarter Horse / Leiomiossarcoma nasal em equino Quarto de Milha

ABSTRACT: We described the clinical and anatomopathological findings observed in a case of nasal leiomyosarcoma in a five-year-old male Quarter Mile horse, whose main complaints were decreased sports performance and bilateral purulent nasal discharge. The nodule was observed in the nasal cavity, obstructing the left nostril and associated with purulent drainage. The nodule was of irregular shape and yellow color, measuring 19.4 cm × 6.9 cm × 4.3 cm in size, with coalescent multifocal areas that were brownish, friable, opaque, and fetid. When cut, the surface was compact, grayish-white, and smooth with yellow, friable, irregular multifocal areas, measuring 1-3.2 cm in diameter. Histopathological examination showed spindle-shaped neoplastic cells, which was negative on Masson's trichromic stain. A diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was established based on the morphotintorial aspects of neoplastic cells and confirmed through immunohistochemistry, with positive immunostaining for antibodies 1A4, HHF35, desmin, and S100. Leiomyosarcoma primarily affects the nasal cavity of horses and should be included in the differential diagnosis of diseases that affect the nasal cavity and cause nasal obstruction associated with dyspnea.

RESUMO: Descreve-se os achados clínicos e anatomopatológicos observados em um caso de leiomiossarcoma nasal em um equino, Quarto de Milha, macho, de cinco anos de idade, com queixa principal de diminuição do rendimento esportivo e secreção nasal purulenta bilateral. Na cavidade nasal, observou-se um nódulo obstruindo a narina esquerda associada à secreção purulenta. O nódulo era de superfície irregular, amarelada, brilhante, fibroelástica, medindo 19,4 x 6,9 x 4,3cm de tamanho, com áreas multifocais a coalescente acastanhadas, friáveis, opacas e fétidas. Ao corte, a superfície era compacta, branco-acinzentada e lisa com áreas multifocais amarelas, friáveis e irregulares, medindo 1-3,2 cm de diâmetro. No exame histopatológico foi observado proliferação de células neoplásicas fusiformes, que foram negativas na coloração de Tricrômico de Masson. O diagnóstico de leiomiossarcoma foi estabelecido com base nos aspectos morfotintoriais das células neoplásicas e confirmado através da imuno-histoquímica, no qual houve imunomarcação positiva para os anticorpos 1A4, HHF35, Desmina e S100. O leiomiossarcoma pode afetar primariamente a cavidade nasal de equinos, devendo ser incluído no diagnóstico diferencial de doenças que afetam a cavidade nasal e que provocam quadros de obstrução nasal associado a dispneia.

Abomasal impaction in a goat - surgical approach

Background: The abomasum is glandular and has a bagpipe shape, with a capacity of 1 to 2 liters. It has a very acidic content with a pH ranging from 1.5 to 3, and although disturbances in this organ are uncommon in small ruminants, abomasal emptying defect is probably the most common abomasal problem in goats. The etiology of an abomasal emptying defect is unknown, however, abomasal impaction is the main cause of this condition. Since this disorder is associated with poor prognosis and information in goats is scarce, the aim of this report is to describe the success of abomasotomy as a treatment for abomasal impaction in goats, as well as to describe the clinical and laboratory aspects of this disease. Case: A 8-month-old male Anglo-Nubian goat, weighing 33 kg, presented with apathy and decreased appetite for 4 days due to digestive disorder. According to history, the diet consisted of crushed hay ad libitum and 300 g of ration bran. Clinical findings were apathy, pale mucous membranes, ruminal hypomotility, decreased fecal output, tense abdomen with distention of the ventral quadrants and loss of rumen stratification. The increase in chloride ion concentration (67 mEq/L) observed in the ruminal fluid analysis was indicative of abomasal-ruminal reflux, compatible with metabolic acidosis, as well as the dense hyperechogenic content in the ventral field of the left and right abdomen corresponding to the location of the entire abomasum on transabdominal ultrasound. Thus, clinical, laboratory and ultrasound findings were indicative of impaction of the abomasum, and the goat underwent exploratory laparotomy through the left flank, which revealed a distended and compacted abomasum. Differently from reports in the literature, due to severe distension of the abomasum, abomasotomy through the right flank was chosen to reverse the condition, followed by constant monitoring and supportive therapy with antimicrobial and analgesic medication. The goat defecated normally on the second postoperative day, however, on auscultation, there was persistence of abomasal emptying failure, suggesting a situation of posterior functional stenosis. With the suspicion of type III vagal indigestion, the atropine test, along with radiographic examination of the chest and abdomen were performed, and did not reveal any changes. In order to restore abomasal motility, intensive therapy with prokinetic drugs (bromopride, metoclopramide and promethazine) was associated, and on the fifth day the animal returned to normal appetite, abomasal motility and fecal production. The goat was discharged after 14 days of intensive care with recommendations to provide good quality food and water. Discussion: Abomasal impaction is rarely reported in goats, commonly resulting in animal death before or even a few days after surgical correction. The diagnosis of abomasal impaction was based on clinical, laboratory and ultrasound findings, and should be differentiated from other diseases that progress with abdominal distention and gradual weight loss, such as functional stenosis; duodenal obstruction; vagal nerve disorder; abomasite; generalized peritonitis, and granuloma associated with Actinobacillus lignieresii. Surgical correction by right paralombar access associated with visceral emptying and supportive therapy of impaction abomasal was performed and considered successful, without relapses and secondary complications long-term.

Rhinitis in goat by Exserohilum rostratum (Setosphaeria rostrata) / Rinite em caprino por Exserohilum rostratum (Setosphaeria rostrata)

ABSTRACT: We described a case of rhinitis case caused by Exserohilum rostratum in a 3-year-old, mixed breed, afemale goat, presenting with decreased appetite, dyspnea, and face deformity, with evolution of approximately 2 months. Necropsy revealed an extensive brownish yellow, irregular, ulcerated, and friable focal lesion in the nasal cavity. Purulent secretion drained from the lesion, affecting the nasal vestibule and extending the caudal portion of the dorsal concha, associated with nasal meatus obstruction, destruction of the nasal septum, and nasal bone palatine and vomer. Histologically, the lesion was characterized as rhinitis and pyogranulomatous and necrotizing osteomyelitis (multifocal to coalescent, sharp, and chronic) and associated with a myriad of fungal structures. Morphologically, the hyphae were characterized by thin, slightly tortuous, and rarely septate walls (2-6 μm diameter), multiple chains of individual conidia or in groups (8-10 μm diameter), and pigmented chlamydoconidia (7.5-15 μm diameter). They showed positive results for the special histochemical techniques such as Fontana Masson, methenamine silver nitrate by Grocott, and periodic acid by Schiff. E. rostratum was identified as the causative agent using microbiological isolation associated with molecular identification. Pyrogranulomatous rhinitis caused by E. rostratum in goats is unprecedented, being the first isolation of the agent in animals in Brazil and the first case of nasal phaeohyphomycosis in the goats.

RESUMO: Descreve-se um caso de rinite por Exserohilum rostratum em um caprino, sem raça definida, fêmea, três anos, com diminuição do apetite, dispneia e deformidade facial, com evolução de aproximadamente dois meses. Durante a necropsia, observou-se que na cavidade nasal havia área focal extensa, amarelo acastanhada, irregular, ulcerada e friável, que drenava secreção purulenta acometendo o vestíbulo nasal e estendendo-se da porção caudal da concha dorsal, associada a obstrução do meato nasal, destruição do septo nasal e osso nasal palatino e vômer. Histologicamente, a lesão foi caracterizada como rinite e osteomielite piogranulomatosa e necrosante, multifocal a coalescente, aguda, crônica, associada a uma miríade de estruturas fúngicas. Morfologicamente, as hifas foram caracterizadas por paredes finas, discretamente tortuosas e septadas medindo 2 a 6 μm de diâmetro. Observamos algumas cadeias de conídios ou grupos com 8 a 10 μm de diâmetro e clamidoconídios pigmentados medindo de 7,5 a 15 μm de diâmetro. Foram positivos na histoquímica especial de Fontana Masson, Nitrato de Metenamina de Prata de Grocott e Ácido Periódico de Schiff. O agente foi determinado por meio de isolamento microbiológico associado à identificação molecular. A rinite piogranulomatosa causada por E. rostratum em caprinos é inédita, sendo o primeiro isolamento do agente em animais no Brasil e o primeiro caso de feo-hifomicose nasal na espécie caprina.

Using peritoneal and blood lactate as predictor of condition type, surgical referral and prognosis in equine colic cases / Uso do lactato peritoneal e sanguíneo como preditor do tipo de afecção, encaminhamento cirúrgico e prognóstico em casos de cólica equina

It is important to investigate fast and accurate equine colic syndrome diagnostic forms. Lactate results from anaerobic glycolysis; high levels of it may indicate intestinal disorders with tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia. The current study aims at investigating whether blood and peritoneal lactate values observed when horses with colic syndrome were hospitalized, were associated with condition type, therapeutic referral, and survival rates. Retrospective analysis was applied to 498 medical records of animals with colic syndrome, at EQUIVET Hospital -SP; 89 cases were herein selected. Based on logistic regression, peritoneal lactate played a more significant part than blood in variables like obstruction type and survival rates. Surgical cases comprised 52.8% of analyzed animals; strangulation changes, 26%; and overall survival, 62.9%. Mean blood and peritoneal lactate level in animals showing strangulation changes reached 5.11 and 7.33mmol/L, whereas non-strangulation cases recorded 3.54 and 3.06mmol/L, respectively. On the other hand, mean blood and peritoneal lactate level recorded for survivors reached 3.43 and 2.42mmol/L, whereas non-survivors recorded 4.84 and 7.13mmol/L, respectively. We concluded that peritoneal lactate measured when horses with colic syndrome were hospitalized was a predictor of condition type, and of animal survival and prognosis. However, blood and peritoneal lactate measurements did not contribute to therapeutic referral.

O estudo de formas diagnósticas rápidas e precisas é importante na síndrome cólica equina. O lactato, produto da glicólise anaeróbica, quando elevado, pode indicar afecções intestinais com hipoperfusão e hipóxia. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se os valores de lactato sanguíneo e peritoneal, na admissão de equinos com síndrome cólica, estão relacionados com o tipo de afecção, com o encaminhamento terapêutico e a sobrevida. Uma análise retrospectiva foi realizada em 498 atendimentos em síndrome cólica, no Hospital EQUIVET-SP, quando 89 casos foram selecionados. A regressão logística indicou que o lactato peritoneal obteve maior significância comparado ao sanguíneo, nas variáveis tipo de obstrução e sobrevida. Casos cirúrgicos foram 52,8%; alterações estrangulativas, 26%; e sobrevivência geral, 62,9%. Em alterações estrangulativas, a média do lactato sanguíneo e peritoneal foi de 5,11 e 7,33mmol/L; em não estrangulativos, 3,54 e 3,06mmol/L. Já os sobreviventes obtiveram 3,43 e 2,42mmol/L, e os não sobreviventes 4,84 e 7,13mmol/L, respectivamente. Conclui-se que a mensuração do lactato peritoneal na admissão de cavalos com cólica foi considerada um preditor do tipo de afecção, bem como da sobrevida e do prognóstico. Porém, as mensurações de lactato sanguíneo e peritoneal não auxiliaram no encaminhamento terapêutico.

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma in the duodenum of a dog

Background: Osteosarcoma is the most observed primary bone tumor in dogs, and may affect the appendicular and axial skeletons. In addition, it may be present in extraskeletal form, accounting for only 1% of cases. As shown by few reports in the literature, the involvement of the intestinal region by is rare. The objective of this study was to report the case of a 13-year-old Yorkshire dog, submitted to an exploratory laparotomy for suspected partial intestinal obstruction, diagnosed with extraskeletal osteosarcoma. Case: A 13-year-old dog, Yorkshire Terrier, male, presented clinical signs of gastrointestinal abnormalities. An ultrasound examination was performed and was found a mass in small intestine region with wall and lumen invasion. Then, was realized exploratory laparotomy and detected intestinal obstruction due to a mass with approximately 5.0 x 6.0 x 4.4 cm localized in duodenum. Surgical removal was performed and the sample sent to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory for histopathological examination. The sample had an irregular surface and firm consistency. In addition, when cut, the mass enveloped the intestinal layers and sometimes obstructed the lumen. Then, the sample were processed routinely for histopathology. After that, in microscopy evaluation was detected cell proliferation, affecting all layers of intestine. In detail, cells were elongated with pleomorphism marked and atypical mitosis. In addition, there was production of cartilage and bone matrix. So, due the absence of others sites, the neoplasm was considered primary of intestine. After that, to evaluate the expression of KI-67 and COX-2 was performed, and the cell proliferation index was 54.0% and the COX-2 expression was moderate in less than 10% of neoplastic cells. After the surgery, the patient was hospitalized for a week and continue the treatment in home. Afterwards, the tutor received the diagnosis, but even though he was instructed on the severity of the case, he chose not to undergo chemotherapy. After three months, the patient presented abdominal fluid and nodules in your liver, suggesting metastasis, but without diagnosis confirmation. The patient died five months after the diagnosis of extraskeletal osteosarcoma. However, no necropsy was realized, impossibility the diagnosis confirm. Discussion: The frequency of extraskeletal osteosarcoma in dogs remains unknown, with the mammary glands being the most affected site. In the present study, osteosarcoma affects the duodenal region and no reports of this neoplasm in the duodenum of dogs have been found in the literature. The clinical sign of dyschezia was important for the tutor to refer the animal to the veterinarian and perform the ultrasound in an attempt to elucidate the case, as the tumor mass is not always palpable. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry were necessary for the differential diagnosis and to establish the prognosis, although after the surgery the tutor chose not to perform chemotherapy. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma are usually highly metastatic, mainly affecting the lymph nodes and liver. In this case, the patient presented a liver nodule three months after the tumor removal surgery, but unfortunately, there was no diagnostic confirmation. Such neoplastic type is rarer and more aggressive than appendicular and axial osteosarcoma, with an average survival of 1 to 3 months. In this case, as a necropsy was not obtained, we cannot attribute the survival time to the disease. The survival rates of osteosarcomas in dogs are few months, but in the present case, although the patient died five months after surgery, the failure to perform a necropsy compromises the attribution of survival time to extraskeletal osteosarcoma.

Metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma in a cat

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

Hypertrophic phenotypic cardiomyopathy in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in domestic cats but is rarely described in wild species. This phenotype is characterized by concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be of familial inheritance or secondary to other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, systemic arterial hypertension, and hyperaldosteronism. HCM can cause diastolic and systolic dysfunction and may cause congestive heart failure in affected animals. The present work aims to describe the first report of cardiomyopathy of the hypertrophic phenotype in a specimen of Leopardus pardalis, kept under human care. Case: A 11-year-old female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kept under human care, during a preventive care visit, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype detected by cardiological evaluation with echocardiogram and a murmur grade III/ VI could be detected on cardiac auscultation. This preventive care occurred under chemical restraint with ketamine [6 mg/kg, i.m] associates with midazolam [0.5 mg/kg, i.m] and other evaluations have been done like complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, albumin:globulin ratio, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and globulin) and tyroid hormones [free tyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Medical management based on clopidogrel, and atenolol was administered for 3 months until the patient showed manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) 80 days later the initial evaluation. In this moment the patient presented with dyspnea, so a cardiological and laboratory evaluation was requested. On pulmonary auscultation crackling was identified, suggesting pulmonary edema and, on echocardiographic examination, some parameters had worsened. The CBC and biochemistry were all within reference ranges. Then, the beta-blocker was discontinued and replaced by pimobendan combined with furosemide as treatment of CHF, and the condition stabilized. After one year, the patient was re-evaluated and showed a slight improvement in the condition but still remained stable. Also, feline proBNP levels was tested (SNAP Feline proBNP® IDEXX) in this moment and it was increased. Discussion: The findings on echocardiography associated with the subjective evaluation associated with progressive worsening and clinical manifestation of CHF, as well as the response to treatment, even though there are no reference values for the species, reinforce the diagnosis. There is no evidence to suggest diseases that may contribute to secondary left ventricular hypertrophy. It is believed that pimobendan plays a key role in maintaining hemodynamic balance, since this has already been observed in other mammalian species. The use of beta blockers is commonly employed in domestic cats with HCM, and they have been prescribed in an attempt to promote greater ventricular relaxation, decrease left ventricular outflow obstruction, thus improving ventricular filling for maintenance of cardiac output. In view of the atrial enlargement and possible risk of thrombus formation, clopidogrel was prescribed, extrapolating what is known from domestic cats. It is reasonable to conclude that in this case, the cardiomyopathy behaved similarly to what is observed in domestic cats, both in its clinical evolution and in the means of diagnosis, and in its response to the therapy instituted.

Rhinitis in goat by Exserohilum rostratum (Setosphaeria rostrata) / Rinite em caprino por Exserohilum rostratum (Setosphaeria rostrata)

We described a case of rhinitis case caused by Exserohilum rostratum in a 3-year-old, mixed breed, afemale goat, presenting with decreased appetite, dyspnea, and face deformity, with evolution of approximately 2 months. Necropsy revealed an extensive brownish yellow, irregular, ulcerated, and friable focal lesion in the nasal cavity. Purulent secretion drained from the lesion, affecting the nasal vestibule and extending the caudal portion of the dorsal concha, associated with nasal meatus obstruction, destruction of the nasal septum, and nasal bone palatine and vomer. Histologically, the lesion was characterized as rhinitis and pyogranulomatous and necrotizing osteomyelitis (multifocal to coalescent, sharp, and chronic) and associated with a myriad of fungal structures. Morphologically, the hyphae were characterized by thin, slightly tortuous, and rarely septate walls (2-6 µm diameter), multiple chains of individual conidia or in groups (8-10 µm diameter), and pigmented chlamydoconidia (7.5-15 µm diameter). They showed positive results for the special histochemical techniques such as Fontana Masson, methenamine silver nitrate by Grocott, and periodic acid by Schiff. E. rostratum was identified as the causative agent using microbiological isolation associated with molecular identification. Pyrogranulomatous rhinitis caused by E. rostratum in goats is unprecedented, being the first isolation of the agent in animals in Brazil and the first case of nasal phaeohyphomycosis in the goats.

Descreve-se um caso de rinite por Exserohilum rostratum em um caprino, sem raça definida, fêmea, três anos, com diminuição do apetite, dispneia e deformidade facial, com evolução de aproximadamente dois meses. Durante a necropsia, observou-se que na cavidade nasal havia área focal extensa, amarelo acastanhada, irregular, ulcerada e friável, que drenava secreção purulenta acometendo o vestíbulo nasal e estendendo-se da porção caudal da concha dorsal, associada a obstrução do meato nasal, destruição do septo nasal e osso nasal palatino e vômer. Histologicamente, a lesão foi caracterizada como rinite e osteomielite piogranulomatosa e necrosante, multifocal a coalescente, aguda, crônica, associada a uma miríade de estruturas fúngicas. Morfologicamente, as hifas foram caracterizadas por paredes finas, discretamente tortuosas e septadas medindo 2 a 6 µm de diâmetro. Observamos algumas cadeias de conídios ou grupos com 8 a 10 µm de diâmetro e clamidoconídios pigmentados medindo de 7,5 a 15 µm de diâmetro. Foram positivos na histoquímica especial de Fontana Masson, Nitrato de Metenamina de Prata de Grocott e Ácido Periódico de Schiff. O agente foi determinado por meio de isolamento microbiológico associado à identificação molecular. A rinite piogranulomatosa causada por E. rostratum em caprinos é inédita, sendo o primeiro isolamento do agente em animais no Brasil e o primeiro caso de feo-hifomicose nasal na espécie caprina.

Remoção endoscópica de corpo estranho ventricular em gallus gallus domesticus da raça brahma: relato de caso / Endoscopic removal of a ventricular foreign body in a brahma gallus domesticus: case report / Extracción endoscópica de un cuerpo extraño ventricular en un brahma gallus domesticus: informe de un caso

Relatos de ingestão de corpos estranhos dos mais diferentes materiais são comuns em aves, especialmente nas mais jovens. Os corpos estranhos podem causar intoxicação (dependendo da composição do material) ou mesmo perfuração do canal alimentar ou obstrução gastrintestinal. Quando há suspeita de ingestão de corpos estranhos, exames de imagem como a radiologia, ultrassonografia e endoscopia são ferramentas valiosas para o diagnóstico. Objetivou-se relatar um caso de uma ave da espécie Gallus gallus domesticus, raça Brahma, sete meses de idade, macho, pesando 4,3 Kg com quadro de sensibilidade na cavidade corporal e histórico de regurgitação, hiporexia e prostração há cinco dias. As radiografias simples indicaram a presença de corpo estranho radiopaco (parafuso) alojado na região do ventrículo (moela). Após tratamento clínico com lavagens gástricas por cinco dias sem êxito, optou-se por realizar uma endoscopia digestiva alta sob anestesia geral com quetamina e isoflurano. O corpo estranho foi satisfatoriamente removido com pinça de alça de polipectomia e a ave apresentou rápida melhora clínica sem complicações. A endoscopia mostrou-se um procedimento pouco invasivo e eficaz para a resolução do presente caso. Os clínicos veterinários de aves devem considerar a possibilidade de usar a endoscopia como ferramenta para diagnóstico e resolução de corpos estranhos no canal alimentar das aves.(AU)

Reports of ingestion of foreign bodies from most different materials are common in birds, especially younger ones. Foreign bodies can cause intoxication (depending on the composition of the material) or even perforation of the alimentary canal and gastrointestinal obstruction. When foreign body ingestion is suspected, imaging tests such as radiology, ultrasound, and endoscopy are valuable diagnostic tools. The objective of this paper was to report a case of an avian of the species Gallus gallus domesticus, Brahma breed, seven months old, male, weighing 4.3 kg, with sensitivity in the body cavity, and a history of regurgitation, hyporexia, and prostration for five days. Plain radiographs indicated the presence of a radiopaque foreign body (screw) lodged in the ventricle region (gizzard). After clinical treatment with gastric lavages for five days without success, it was decided to perform an upper digestive endoscopy under general anesthesia with ketamine and isoflurane. The foreign body was satisfactorily removed with polypectomy loop forceps, and the bird showed rapid clinical improvement without complications. Endoscopy proved to be a minimally invasive and effective procedure for resolving the present case. Avian veterinary practitioners may consider using endoscopy to diagnose and resolve foreign bodies in the alimentary canal of birds.(AU)

Los informes de ingestión de cuerpos extraños de los más diferentes materiales son comunes en las aves, especialmente en las más jóvenes. Los cuerpos extraños pueden causar intoxicación (dependiendo de la composición del material) o incluso perforación del tubo digestivo u obstrucción gastrointestinal. Cuando se sospecha la ingestión de un cuerpo extraño, las pruebas de imagen como la radiología, la ecografía y la endoscopia son valiosas herramientas diagnósticas. El objetivo fue reportar un caso de un ave de la especie Gallus gallus domesticus, raza Brahma, de siete meses de edad, macho, con un peso de 4,3 kg, con sensibilidad en la cavidad corporal y antecedentes de regurgitación, hiporexia y postración de cinco días de evolución. Las radiografías simples indicaron la presencia de un cuerpo extraño radiopaco (tornillo) alojado en la región del ventrículo (molleja). Tras tratamiento clínico con lavados gástricos durante cinco días sin éxito, se decide realizar endoscopia digestiva alta bajo anestesia general con ketamina e isoflurano. El cuerpo extraño se extrajo satisfactoriamente con pinzas de asa de polipectomía y el ave mostró una rápida mejoría clínica sin complicaciones. La endoscopia demostró ser un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo y efectivo para la resolución del presente caso. Los veterinarios aviares deberían considerar la posibilidad de utilizar la endoscopia como herramienta para el diagnóstico y resolución de cuerpos extraños en el tubo digestivo de las aves.(AU)

Extensive emphysematous pyelonephritis in a nondiabetic female cat - treatment with unilateral nephroureterectomy

Background: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute, severe necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma and surrounding tissues that results in gas formation in the kidney, collecting system, or surroundings. EPN is a rare condition in veterinary medicine and occurs most frequently in dogs with diabetes mellitus. Although the prognosis of medical management in animals is poor, the standardized treatment protocol according to EPN severity is unclear. This report describes the first case of a nondiabetic female cat with extensive EPN and good prognosis following direct nephroureterectomy (NU). Case: A 10-year-old spayed female cat presented with the chief complaint of an acute loss of weight within 1 week, vomiting, and disorientation including stumbling, discoordination, circling, wobbling, head tilting, and difficulties in standing. At presentation, the patient had a body condition score of 1/9 and weighed 2.6 kg. Blood examination revealed leukocytosis, anemia, and hypoproteinemia. Abdominal radiography revealed severely decreased serosal details. A massive gas silhouette observed in the peritoneal and retroperitoneal cavities, was diagnosed as abdominal free gas. Abdominal ultrasound showed an accumulation of moderately anechoic fluid mixed with gas and cyst-like capsules around the left kidney. Left partial ureteral obstruction and dilation were also observed. Computed tomography (CT) was performed without sedatives or anesthetic drugs. The findings showed severe inflammatory changes in the peritoneum and a loss of the normal inner structure in the left kidney. A pyelogram of the left kidney was not observed after injection of the contrast material. Diffuse fat stranding and free gas observed in the mesentery of the entire abdominal cavity and around the left kidney were considered septic peritonitis. Urinalysis revealed proteinuria and hematuria. Numerous neutrophils with rod-type bacteria were observed in the ascites. Following diagnostic examinations, the patient was diagnosed with extensive left EPN, including inflammatory ascites and abdominal free gas. Therefore, emergency NU of the nonfunctional left kidney and ruptured ureter and thorough abdominal lavage were conducted. Diffuse inflammation and a nephrolith were observed in the section of the harvested kidney. The nephrolith was composed of 100% calcium oxalate monohydrate. The realtime polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) was negative. Escherichia coli was detected in the ascites, and antibiotic therapy was administered following the antibiotic sensitivity test. The histological findings from the left kidney and ureter included marked chronic inflammation and fibrosis. The patient was discharged 4 days after surgery. During the 8-month follow-up period, the patient's condition improved. Discussion: This was a unique case of EPN in a nondiabetic cat and the first reported case of EPN with a ruptured ureter, including abdominal free gas, inflammatory ascites, and peritonitis. This patient had a bacterial urinary tract infection with E. coli, which is the most frequently isolated pathogen in humans. This gas-forming bacteria produced a massive amount of gas and inflammation that were considered to have ruptured the urinary tract, so that the gas was released into the abdomen. This case corresponded to class 3B, with two risk factors according to the human EPN classification system. Direct NU and abdominal lavage were performed as emergency surgeries. The patient stabilized gradually and showed a good prognosis. Immediate surgical intervention is recommended in animal patients showing the extensive EPN stage.

Thromboembolism in a bitch - diagnosis by infrared thermography

Background: Thermography is a noninvasive, non-contact, painless, and non-ionizing imaging technique that records cutaneous thermal patterns generated by infrared emission of the surface. The surface heat is closely related to dermal microcirculation. Thromboembolism is responsible for important changes in the thermal pattern of the body surface due to physical obstruction of blood flow, being the main complication in immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. The aim of this paper is to report a dog with thrombus in his left forelimb secondary to idiopathic hemolytic anemia, whose diagnostic screening was performed through infrared thermography. Case: A 9-year-old mixed breed bitch was referred to a veterinary hospital with a history of emesis, diarrhea and dark-colored urine for 2 days. The complete blood count showed hypochromic macrocytic anemia (hematocrit [HTC] 28%, reference: 37 to 55%) with the presence of nucleated erythrocyte (14/100 leukocytes, reference: 0 to 5/100 leukocytes), polychromasia and spherocytes. Leukocytosis (28,300 mm³, reference: 6,000 to 17,000 mm³) by neutrophilia with left deviation and toxic granulations was also present, in addition to hemoglobinuria at urine exam. Therefore, treatment for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) was instituted. After 2 days, the animal returned with acute functional impairment of the left forelimb. Physical examination revealed that the limb was cold, without pulse, proprioception, reflexes, and deep pain. New blood analyses revealed decreased hematocrit (HTC 17%, reference: 37 to 55%), and increased total leukocyte number (57,000 mm3, reference: 6,000 to 17,000 mm³). Infrared thermography revealed an important temperature difference between the limbs, with the affected limb temperature considerably lower (31.3ºC) when compared to the contralateral limb (35.0ºC). Thermography showed the site of the thrombus in the medial portion of the limb (cephalic vein), where the catheter had been placed for fluid therapy. Due to the severity of the condition, the bitch was submitted to amputation surgery, which occurred without complications. The patient had a good response to treatment, with decreased signs of hemolysis and hypercoagulability. The medications were slowly withdrawn, and the clinical discharge occurred after 4 weeks. Discussion: In humans, thermography has been widely used in the assessment of thrombotic diseases, contributing to diagnosis, localization, and prognosis. In veterinary medicine, however, the use of this tool in the diagnosis of thromboembolism is still rare. The difference of 3.7°C between the affected and contralateral limb was objectively verified using thermography. A minimum difference of 2.4°C between limbs has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing thromboembolism and occurs due to the reduction in local blood flow. In the present case this tool was essential for the anatomical location of the thrombus, which was in the middle third of the forearm, and allowed an adequate surgical planning. It is known that the main complication of IMHA is thromboembolism. Its predisposing factors include venous stasis, endothelial damage, and hypercoagulability, being exacerbated by cage confinement, decubitus and presence of a peripheral venous catheter. The reported case corroborates at least one of these factors since it had a peripheral venous catheter in the left forelimb, which later showed absence of pulse, spinal reflexes, pain and proprioception. The thermography showed to be an objective, rapid and non-invasive tool to diagnose and precisely locate the thrombus, which allowed for adequate treatment and surgical planning for the case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about use of thermography to diagnose thromboembolism secondary to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in a dog.

Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs

Background: Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) is a critical cause of neurological disorders in dogs, mainly affecting small young individuals. Its symptomatology is varied and depends on the affected neuroanatomic region. The ante mortem diagnosis of this condition is uncertain, being achieved by discarding other conditions and often occurring definitively only by performing a necropsy. Thus, this study aims to report 2 cases of meningoencephalitis, one necrotizing and the other granulomatous in dogs. Cases: Case 1. A 3-year-old, Shih Tzu bitch with a body weight of 4 kg, showing proprioceptive ataxia, behavior of walking in circles, and evolving rapidly to non-ambulatory paresis, was treated. The neurological examination showed a posture of decerebrate stiffness and absence of withdrawal reflex and proprioception, suggesting brainstem injury. Laboratory tests showed mild neutrophilia and lymphopenia, while the rapid test for distemper was non-reactive. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and the PCR tests of the CSF, blood, and urine for the detection of infectious diseases were negative, as well as the culture. With no improvement in clinical condition and exams showing a progressive degenerative condition unresponsive to available treatments, the tutor opted for euthanasia of the patient. The subsequently requested necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalitis. Case 2. This case refers to a 1-year-and-5-month-old male Maltese breed weighing 4.8 kg. This animal presented walking in circles behavior and loss of vision for a week, with signs worsening rapidly. In the neurological evaluation, the patient presented sensitivity in the middle ear, difficulty opening the mouth, hearing deficit in the right ear, blindness in the right eye, a proprioceptive deficit in the right anterior limb, and head pressing. Laboratory tests showed nonregenerative anemia and mild lymphopenia. After 1 day of hospitalization, the patient showed worsening clinical condition, with obstruction, absence of facial and auricular sensitivity, and nasal stimulus. In addition, onset of generalized seizures was observed; therefore, CSF was analyzed, which did not present significant alterations except for detecting reactive lymphocytes. The bacteriological culture of CSF resulted in no bacterial growth. In addition, the same neurological PCR panel performed for the previous patient was negative. After 5 days of intensive care, the patient presented a cardiorespiratory arrest and died. The subsequently requested necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of necrotizing meningoencephalitis. Discussion: The 2 reported cases confirm that MUO should be considered during the differential diagnoses of patients with neurological alterations. It is known that small-breed dogs are predisposed to these diseases. Laboratory tests and medical imaging are crucial for clinical guidance, helping to discard other neurological pathologies, especially those due to bacterial, fungal, and/or viral agents. However, definitive diagnosis of MUO can only be performed through necropsy and histopathological analysis. For the reported cases, CSF analysis, neurological PCR panel for detecting possible infectious agents, and bacterial culture were essential to rule out other possible causes of meningoencephalitis. Unfortunately, MUO includes progressive neurological disorders causing the patient's death.

Adenocarcinoma de saco anal com metástase vertebro-medular em um Cocker Spaniel / Anal sac adenocarcinoma with vertebromedullary metastasis in a Cocker Spaniel

Background: Several neoplasms can affect the perianal region, being the hepatic adenoma and the anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC), which is considered the most frequent. The ASAC is a malignant neoplasm originating from the secretory epithelium of the perianal apocrine glands and is rarely seen in veterinary medicine. The ASAC occurs mainly in adult to elderly canines with high metastasis rates. Patients may be asymptomatic or manifest discomfort and behavioral changes. In the presence of metastasis, the most frequent clinical signs are inappetence, coughing, dyspnea, and colorectal obstruction. Given this scenario, this paper aims to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic examination, and necropsy findings of a Cocker Spaniel with ASAC and metastasis in the vertebral body, spinal cord, and cauda equina. Case: A 8-year-old neutered male Cocker Spaniel (12 kg of body mass) with a clinical history of non-ambulatory paraparesis was evaluated. The patient also presented tenesmus, difficulty to defecate, and the presence of nodules in the anal sac area. On the neurological examination, asymmetrical changes compatible with injury between L4-S3 were found. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and imaging exams such as plain radiography, abdominal ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were requested. Blood count revealed anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis and hypercalcemia. The liver showed increased echogenicity and thickened pancreas in the abdominal US scan. A slightly heterogeneous, vascularized mass with irregular borders was identified in the topographic region of the sublumbar lymph nodes; MRI images demonstrated an expansile formation in the ventral region of the lumbosacral spine, corresponding to the sublumbar lymph nodes and interruption of the cerebrospinal fluid at L5, suggestive of compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina. A presumptive diagnosis of perianal neoplasm with metastasis was made based on the complementary exams. The dog was referred to necropsy, which revealed a 4 cm tumor in the perianal region that invaded the pelvic canal. Multifocal nodules were present on the lung surface, liver, and kidneys, suggesting metastasis. On the cross-section of the spine, one could note the presence of the tumor in the vertebral bodies, spinal cord, and cauda equina from L5 to S3. Even with histopathological evaluation of the tumor, only the immunohistochemical analysis allowed us to confirm the anal sac adenocarcinoma. Discussion: Adenomas and carcinomas are perianal gland neoplasms common in adult and elderly male dogs; the Cocker Spaniel breed is among the most affected. The clinical signs presented by the patient, such as tenesmus and difficulty in adopting the posture of defecation, are common, although neurological changes are rare. As for metastasis, carcinomas of the perianal region present high chances of metastasis to organs including the liver, kidneys, and lungs, both lymphatically and hematogenously, but few studies have related these factors to neurological alterations due to metastasis. We concluded that metastases from carcinomas to the spine must be considered a possible differential diagnosis in cases of patients presenting clinical signs that are compatible with spinal cord compression and a history of previous neoplasm.

Uso do Bypass Ureteral Subcutâneo no manejo das obstruções ureterais em gatos: revisão de literatura / Use of Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass in the management of ureteral obstructions in cats - literature review

A obstrução ureteral em felinos é uma afecção, potencialmente fatal e comum na clínica de pequenos animais por levar à restrição do fluxo normal de urina. As principais causas dessa obstrução são ureterólitos (cálculos) que podem ser classificados como simples, mistos ou compostos. Os sinais clínicos da obstrução ureteral não são muito evidentes até que a obstrução seja completa, bilateral ou que haja disfunção do rim contralateral. O diagnóstico da doença é firmado com base nos sinais clínicos, exames complementares como hemograma, bioquímico, radiografia, ultrassonografia abdominal, urinálise e urocultura, uretropielografia retrógrada, pielografia anterógrada, tomografia computadorizada e estudo da taxa de filtração glomerular ureteral. A obstrução ureteral é uma enfermidade que deve ser tratada com emergência, o tratamento deve ser determinado com base no tipo de cálculo presente, os casos mais severos necessitam de intervenção cirúrgica como a técnica bypass para descompressão. O presente artigo é uma revisão sobre a eficácia do emprego do bypass para o tratamento na obstrução ureteral.(AU)

Ureteral obstruction in felines is a potentially fatal and common condition in small animal clinics, as it leads to restriction of the normal flow of urine. The main causes of this obstruction are urolithiasis (renal calculi) which can be classified as: simple, mixed or compound. Clinical signs are not very evident until the obstruction is complete, bilateral, or when occurs a contralateral edge dysfunction. The diagnosis of the disease was settled with the association of clinical signs and the results of complementary tests such as blood count, biochemistry, radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, urinalysis and urine culture, retrograde urethropielography, antegrade pyelography, computed tomography and study of the ureteral glomerular filtration rate. It is an illness that must be treated with emergency, the treatment must be determined based on the type of calculus present, in the most severe cases it must be performed a of surgical intervention such as a bypass technique for decompression. This article is a review of the avaiable information about the effectiveness of bypass usage for treatment of ureteral obstruction in felines.(AU)

Urethral reconstruction combined with modified urethrostomy in a cat after prepubic urethrostomy

Background: In cats, urethral obstruction is generally caused by various reasons, including feline idiopathic cystitis, urethral crystals, urethral trauma, mucous plug, congenital or acquired anatomical deformity, and urolithiasis, especially in male cats. Depending on the severity and duration of clinical signs, immediate management including conservative or surgical therapy for restoration of urethral patency is required. Repetitive urethral obstruction due to intraluminal plugs, obstruction that cannot be resolved by medical management, and urethral strictures, trauma, or neoplasia should be managed by surgery. When the penile or pelvic urethra is ruptured or not long enough to mobilize the pelvic urethra to the perineal skin by repetitive perineal urethrostomy, prepubic urethrostomy is indicated. Potential complications of prepubic urethrostomy include urinary incontinence, peristomal dermatitis. In such cases, management of the peristomal site or placement of an artificial urethral sphincter have been reported previously. However, to date, urethral reconstruction using pre-existing penis has not been reported after prepubic urethral stricture following prepubic urethrostomy. The objective of this report is to describe surgical procedure of the urethral reconstruction combined with modified perineal urethrostomy in a cat with prepubic urethral stricture after prepubic urethrosotmy. Case: A 3-year-old castrated Scottish straight cat presented with dysuria after prepubic urethrostomy. The owner reported that the patient was diagnosed with urethral rupture, had undergone prepubic urethrostomy 2 months prior to presentation, and had persistent dysuria despite repetitive surgical revision of the prepubic urethral stoma at a local hospital. On physical examination, the preputial orifice and the penis appeared grossly normal. On ultrasonography, pericystic and periurethral fat had an edematous, striated appearance with alternating hyperechoic and anechoic regions. A small amount of free fluid was visible around the urethra. Abdominal radiography revealed a mildly distended bladder and loss of serosal detail around the area of the urinary bladder neck, consistent with inflammation and free fluid observed on ultrasonography. The retrograde urethrogram showed no leakage in either sites of the prepubic urethral orifice or the penis. Hence, complete urethral reconstruction with modified perineal urethrostomy was performed. The patient had normal urination at the 15-month follow-up. Discussion: Prepubic urethrostomy is beneficial for the patients whose penile or pelvic urethra is ruptured or not long enough to mobilize the pelvic urethra to the perineum. Complications of prepubic urethrostomy include skin necrosis around the stoma; urinary incontinence; stricture of the urethral stoma due to several reasons such as surgical-site irritation; poor mucosa-skin apposition; failure to provide tension-free stoma; and failure to expose wider pelvic urethra. In these cases, surgical management of the level of prepubic urethral stoma has been recommended by previous studies. However, no studies have been reported urethral reconstruction using pre-existing penile urethra in a patient with prepubic urethral stricture so far. To the author's knowledge, this case is the first report describing urethral reconstruction in a cat with urethral stricture after prepubic urethrostomy.

Large bowel obstruction by enteroliths and/or foreign bodies in domestic equids: retrospective study of cases seen from January 2003 to March 2020 / [Obstrução do intestino grosso por enterólitos e/ou por corpos estranhos em equídeos domésticos: estudo retrospectivo de casos observados de janeiro de 2003 a março de 2020]

This retrospective study was based on data extracted from medical records of 48 horses with intestinal obstruction caused by enteroliths and/or foreign bodies seen over the course of 17 years. Data analysis was aimed at describing the major features of this type of colic. Obstructions caused by enteroliths, foreign bodies or both accounted for 40 (83.34%), 6 (12.50%) and 2 (4.16%) cases in this sample respectively. Affected horses were aged 1 to 32 years (mean age 9.5 years) and 14 horses were fed alfalfa. Alfalfa is thought to contribute to enterolith formation. Foreign bodies and enteroliths were found in the transverse (12 cases, 25%), the large or the small colon (10 cases, 20.83% respectively). Concurrent obstruction of different intestinal segments was also recorded. These involved the small and the large colon in 10 cases (20.83%), the transverse and the large colon in 4 cases (8.33%), the small and the transverse colon in 1 case (2.08%) and the transition from the large to the transverse colon in one case (2.08%). Short term survival was 77.08% overall and 87.50% when only patients submitted to postoperative treatment were accounted for. Survival data are consistent with survival rates of 91% reported in literature.

Este estudo retrospectivo foi baseado em dados extraídos de prontuários de 48 cavalos com obstrução intestinal causada por enterólitos e / ou corpos estranhos observados ao longo de 17 anos. A análise dos dados teve como objetivo descrever as principais características desse tipo de cólica. Obstruções provocadas por enterólitos, corpos estranhos ou ambos foram responsáveis por 40 (83,34%), seis (12,50%) e dois (4,16%) casos nesta amostra, respectivamente. Os cavalos afetados tinham entre um e 32 anos (idade média de 9,5 anos), e 14 cavalos foram alimentados com alfafa. Acredita-se que a alfafa contribua para a formação de enterólitos. Corpos estranhos e enterólitos foram encontrados no cólon transverso (12 casos, 25%), maior ou menor (10 casos, 20,83%, respectivamente). A obstrução simultânea de diferentes segmentos intestinais também foi registrada. Estes envolveram o cólon menor e o cólon maior em 10 casos (20,83%), o cólon transverso e o cólon maior em quatro casos (8,33%), o cólon menor e o transverso em um caso (2,08%) e a transição do cólon maior para o cólon transverso em um caso (2,08%). A sobrevida em curto prazo foi de 77,08%, em geral, e de 87,50% quando contabilizados apenas os pacientes submetidos ao tratamento pós-operatório. Os dados de sobrevivência são consistentes com as taxas de sobrevivência de 91% relatadas na literatura.

Brachycephalic syndrome in dogs - endoscopic findings in the airways

Background: Brachycephalic dogs have several abnormalities in the airways, which generate clinical manifestations that impair the quality of life of these animals. Primary alterations promote airflow obstruction and increase intraluminal negative pressure, causing secondary alterations due to a cycle of inflammation with consequent obstruction. With the onset of inflammation and other alterations in the airways, clinical manifestations can be observed, such as snoring, reverse sneezing, coughing, dyspnea, cyanosis, syncope, and vomiting. Endoscopic examination of the airways allows visualization and diagnosis of morphological changes in these animals. This study aimed to evaluate the endoscopic findings of the airways and determine the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the severity of clinical manifestations in 14 dogs with brachycephalic syndrome (BS). Materials, Methods & Results: Historical and anamnesis data and clinical, respiratory, and digestive manifestations were collected from the owners' reports. The clinical manifestations were classified as mild, moderate, or severe. All animals were subjected to endoscopy of the airways, and image findings were grouped according to the anatomical site where they were observed, then the abnormalities were correlated with the severity of the clinical manifestations. When comparing the frequency of endoscopic abnormalities with the severity of clinical manifestations, it is interesting to observe that animals with severe disease more frequently presented the following alterations: prolongation and thickening of the soft palate, laryngeal changes, presence of hyperemia, lymphoid hyperplasia and polyps in the nasopharynx, hypoplasia and presence of tracheal secretion and thickening of the dorsal tracheal muscle; bronchial collapse, hypoplasia of the main bronchi and bronchial hyperemia and the presence of aberrant nasal turbinates. Comparison between the means of nonparametric variables was performed using the Mann-Whitney test, with a 5% significance level. Discussion: A higher frequency of French Bulldog dogs included in the study was observed, probably due to their greater popularity, although any brachycephalic dog may be affected by BS. Considering that nostril stenosis is a congenital alteration, which is usually diagnosed early, and since the animals included in the study were dogs referred for the rhinoplasty procedure the higher frequency of young dogs in the study was not surprising. The results revealed a significant difference in the endoscopic findings with the severity of the clinical manifestations in different variables, such as prolongation and thickening of the soft palate, eversion of the laryngeal saccules, presence of laryngeal inflammation and collapse, presence of polyps or lymphoid hyperplasia in the nasopharynx, thickening of the dorsal muscle of the trachea, polyps in the trachea and hypoplasia in addition to bronchial hyperemia. The larynx was the most affected anatomical site, with alterations present in 92.8% of the evaluated dogs. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that airway obstruction caused by primary alterations can cause secondary alterations, with consequent clinical manifestations in brachycephalic dogs it is possible to suggest that dogs with this syndrome may present severe manifestations of the disease, regardless of age. Furthermore, it can be concluded that in this study, dogs with BS had frequent laryngeal alterations and that alterations in the main bronchi were present in all animals with severe manifestations of the disease.