Episcleroceratite nodular granulomatosa em cães / Nodular episclerokeratitis in dogs

Background: Episcleral inflammation may be assumed to be primary immune-mediated, secondary to intra- or extraocular diseases, or systemic abnormalities. We aimed to report a confirmed and another suspect case of nodular episclerokeratites (NEK) due to its rarity in the clinical setting and the paucity of case reports in Brazilian literature. Cases: Case 1. Refers to a 7-year-old castrated male, Collie-mixed breed, presenting with epiphora and an irregular ocular surface shape in the left eye (LE). Ophthalmic evaluation of this eye revealed mucoid discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, episcleral injection, and a gelatinous mass in the temporal limbic region. Biomicroscopic evaluation of the anterior chamber, lens, and vitreous was impaired in the LE because of corneal vessels and a mild flare in the aqueous humor. Histopathology of a scleral biopsy revealed the presence of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and some plasma cells. Positive CD3-lymphocytes were observed by immunohistochemistry, confirming the diagnosis of NEK. Case 2. Refers to a 8-year-old, spayed female Border Collie with a history of exophthalmos, conjunctival hyperemia, and inability to close the eyelid of the LE. During ophthalmic examination, an irregular espicleral nodule of approximately 9 mm was also found in the temporal limbic region, along with enlargement of episcleral vessels and scleral thinning at the equatorial region. The cornea showed mild and diffuse edema, and white crystal-like deposits were distributed in a band-like fashion at the dorsal aspect. Ultrasonography revealed scleral thinning without evidence of a mass effect arising from the iris, ciliary body, or retrobulbar space. Based on these findings, NEK was suspected. In both cases, the clinical signs reduced significantly after seven days of topical treatment with corticosteroids and cyclosporine. Discussion: It is assumed that scleral disorders are primarily immune mediated. However, such conditions may develop secondary to ocular trauma (surgery and foreign bodies), Ehrlichia canis, and Onchocerca spp. Infections and situations were ruled out in both cases. In case 1, additional histological and immunohistochemical findings supported a primary and immune-mediated scleral disease. Although the definitive diagnosis was not confirmed by histology in case 2, one can assume that the episcleral inflammation may have arisen due to an immune-mediated disorder once the eye responded positively to corticosteroid therapy. Additionally, secondary glaucoma was excluded as a possible diagnosis in case 2, because the intraocular pressure of the affected eye was below the reference range for dogs, coupled with the irregular appearance of the episclera, which is not characteristic of canine glaucoma. Moreover, in case 2, because remission of the masses of neoplastic origin after corticotherapy was not expected, the tumor was discarded. NEK has a characteristic ploriferative behavior and resistance to topical immunosuppression; clinical recurrence was not observed in the LE of either patient who remained on treatment after 60 days of follow-up. Regarding prognosis, one study showed a correlation between cellular contingent and therapeutic responses. The percentage of positive CD79a cells (B-lymphocytes) was significantly higher in cases of epicleritis and NEK, in which a poor response was achieved after topical immunosuppressive treatment. As shown by the veterinary literature and the cases described here, the complete remission of NEK is more common in unilateral cases, as confirmed after a 12-month follow-up. The 2 reported cases are useful for clarifying the common findings, diagnosis, and long-term management of NEK. Scleral abnormalities, such as NEK, must be included in the list of differential diagnoses of glaucoma, neoplasia, and endophthalmitis during ophtalmic examination.

Infecção por Anaplasma platys em um canino da raça poodle: relato de caso / Anaplasma platys infection in a poodle canine: case report / Infección por Anaplasma platys en un canino de raza caniche: reporte de caso

Um canino da raça Poodle, 15 anos, macho, inteiro, foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Luterana do Brasil apresentando: hiporexia há cinco dias e anorexia nos dois últimos dias, hipodipsia, prostração, hipertermia, uveíte e um episódio de vômito. Ao exame físico, constatou-se 8% de desidratação, mucosas secas e hipocoradas, tempo de preenchimento capilar maior que dois segundos e presença de carrapatos (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Devido à presença dos carrapatos, foi administrado afoxolaner. Realizou-se o exame parasitológico de sangue (EPS), colhido da ponta da orelha e o teste rápido (4Dx® IDEXX). Com o resultado positivo do teste rápido e visualização de mórula no interior das plaquetas compatíveis com Anaplasma platys, definiu-se o diagnóstico de anaplasmose trombocítica canina. A partir do diagnóstico, instituiu-se o tratamento com doxiciclina a cada 12 horas por via oral e, após 48 horas de tratamento, o cão recebeu alta e seguiu com tratamento em domicílio. Após 21 dias de antibioticoterapia, o paciente apresentou melhora clínica satisfatória. Realizou-se nova coleta para EPS, que apresentou resultado negativo.

A 15-year-old male Poodle canine was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Lutheran University of Brazil presenting: hyporexia of five days and anorexia for the last two days, hypodipsia, prostration, hyperthermia, uveitis and one episode of vomiting. Physical examination revealed 8% dehydration, dry and pale mucous membranes, capillary refill time greater than two seconds and the presence of ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Due to the presence of ticks, afoxolaner was administered. The parasitological blood test (EPS) was performed, collected from the ear vein, and a snap test (4Dx® - IDEXX). The positive result of the snap test and visualization of the morulae inside the platelets compatible with Anaplasma platys, the diagnosis of canine thrombocytic anaplasmosis was reached. The treatment with doxycycline was instituted every 12 hours orally and after 48 hours the dog was discharged and continued with treatment at home. After 21 days of antibiotic therapy, the patient showed satisfactory clinical improvement. A new collection for EPS was performed, which showed a negative result.

Un canino macho de 15 años, entero, fue atendido en el Hospital Veterinario de la Universidade Luterana do Brasil por presentar: hiporexia durante cinco días y anorexia durante los dos últimos días, hipodipsia, postración, hipertermia, uveitis y un episodio de vómitos. Al examen físico se encontró un 8% de deshidratación, mucosas secas y pálidas, tiempo de llenado capilar superior a dos segundos y presencia de garrapatas (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Debido a la presencia de garrapatas, se administró afoxolaner. Se realizó el examen parasitológico de sangre (EPS), recogida de la punta de la oreja y la prueba rápida (4DX - IDEXX). Con el resultado positivo de la prueba rápida y visualización de mórula en el interior de las plaquetas compatible con Anaplasma platys, se definió el diagnóstico de anaplasmosis trombocítica canina. Tras el diagnóstico, se instauró tratamiento con doxiciclina cada 12 horas por vía oral y, a las 48 horas de tratamiento, se dio de alta al perro y se continuó con el tratamiento en casa. Después de 21 días de antibioticoterapia, la paciente mostró una mejoría clínica satisfactoria. Se realizó un nuevo cobro de EPS, que arrojó un resultado negativo.

Abscesso estromal em córnea de cão / Corneal stromal abscess in a dog

Background: The eye is an important sense organ responsible for sight. The cornea is the outermost of many eye layers,being predisposed to several lesions, some of them being frequent in small animal clinics meanwhile others are unusualand seldom reported in specialized literature. The stroma abscess is a common condition in horses, but atypical in dogs,it’s a condition in which a microperforation in the corneal epithelium allows microorganisms or a foreign body to penetratethe corneal stroma, and those become inside the cornea after a re-epithelialization, producing an intense inflammatoryresponse. Therefore, this case reports a case of deep stromal abscess in a Shih Tzu dog.Case: A 4-year-old female Shih Tzu, weighing 4.6 kg, was submitted to ophthalmic examination in which the left eyepresented an opaque yellowish-white protruding structure located on the right side, in the center of the cornea (3 o´clockposition), bulbar and palpebral conjunctival hyperemia and congestion, chemosis, blepharospasm, and a moderate amountof mucous discharge. The clinical diagnosis was stromal abscess with reflex uveitis. A differential diagnosis should includeconditions affecting the anterior part of the cornea, such as an epithelial inclusion cyst and a corneal ulcer. The inclusioncyst, contrarily to the corneal abscess, doesn’t cause pain, meanwhile, the corneal ulcer was ruled out by the FluoresceinStaining Test. The recommended treatment was surgical, through lamellar keratectomy, followed by overlapping pedicledconjunctival graft and third eyelid flap. In association with the surgical treatment, oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory,and opioids, plus topical antibiotics and autologous serum eye drop. Seventy days post-surgery, the previously observedinflammatory signs were no longer present. In the conjunctival graft insertion site perpetuated a scar leucoma with few...

Prótese intraescleral em um cão - evisceração e implantação / Intrascleral prosthesis in a dog - evisceration and implantation

Background: There is no hope of preserving vision at the terminal stage of glaucoma, and surgical treatment is indicated in thesecases. Among the various surgical techniques used, eye evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral prosthesis provide thebest cosmetic results. Even though eye evisceration with prosthesis implantation represents an excellent treatment option forterminal glaucoma, reports on the use of this technique in dogs are scarce in the current literature. The aim of this work is to reporta case of a dog with end-stage glaucoma subjected to eye evisceration surgery and implantation of an intrascleral prosthesis.Case: A 7-year-old bitch mixed breed with a history of glaucoma secondary to uveitis with no response to medical therapy wasreferred to the Ophthalmology service of the University Veterinary Hospital of Coimbra (HVUC), Portugal At the ophthalmicexamination, the glaucomatous left eye was buphthalmic, with congested episcleral blood vessels, mydriasis, and posterior luxation of the lens; there was no response to threat or obfuscation, no direct and consensual pupillary reflex, nor pupillary reflexesto chromatic light. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 55 mmHg, and the Schirmer’s tear test (STT-1) result was 19 mm/min.Ophthalmoscopy revealed attenuated retinal blood vessels and a pale optic papilla with mild excavation. The right eye wasfunctional, with all parameters assessed on examination and by tests within the normal ranges for the species. An ultrasoundexamination of the left eye confirmed the presence of posterior luxation of the lens and buphthalmia in the absence of intraocularneoplasm. In view of the patient’s history and results of the clinical examinations, a surgical approach was indicated to treat theglaucomatous eye. The patient’s tutor requested a surgical procedure that...

Abscesso estromal em córnea de cão / Corneal stromal abscess in a dog

Background: The eye is an important sense organ responsible for sight. The cornea is the outermost of many eye layers,being predisposed to several lesions, some of them being frequent in small animal clinics meanwhile others are unusualand seldom reported in specialized literature. The stroma abscess is a common condition in horses, but atypical in dogs,its a condition in which a microperforation in the corneal epithelium allows microorganisms or a foreign body to penetratethe corneal stroma, and those become inside the cornea after a re-epithelialization, producing an intense inflammatoryresponse. Therefore, this case reports a case of deep stromal abscess in a Shih Tzu dog.Case: A 4-year-old female Shih Tzu, weighing 4.6 kg, was submitted to ophthalmic examination in which the left eyepresented an opaque yellowish-white protruding structure located on the right side, in the center of the cornea (3 o´clockposition), bulbar and palpebral conjunctival hyperemia and congestion, chemosis, blepharospasm, and a moderate amountof mucous discharge. The clinical diagnosis was stromal abscess with reflex uveitis. A differential diagnosis should includeconditions affecting the anterior part of the cornea, such as an epithelial inclusion cyst and a corneal ulcer. The inclusioncyst, contrarily to the corneal abscess, doesnt cause pain, meanwhile, the corneal ulcer was ruled out by the FluoresceinStaining Test. The recommended treatment was surgical, through lamellar keratectomy, followed by overlapping pedicledconjunctival graft and third eyelid flap. In association with the surgical treatment, oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory,and opioids, plus topical antibiotics and autologous serum eye drop. Seventy days post-surgery, the previously observedinflammatory signs were no longer present. In the conjunctival graft insertion site perpetuated a scar leucoma with few...(AU)

Prótese intraescleral em um cão - evisceração e implantação / Intrascleral prosthesis in a dog - evisceration and implantation

Background: There is no hope of preserving vision at the terminal stage of glaucoma, and surgical treatment is indicated in thesecases. Among the various surgical techniques used, eye evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral prosthesis provide thebest cosmetic results. Even though eye evisceration with prosthesis implantation represents an excellent treatment option forterminal glaucoma, reports on the use of this technique in dogs are scarce in the current literature. The aim of this work is to reporta case of a dog with end-stage glaucoma subjected to eye evisceration surgery and implantation of an intrascleral prosthesis.Case: A 7-year-old bitch mixed breed with a history of glaucoma secondary to uveitis with no response to medical therapy wasreferred to the Ophthalmology service of the University Veterinary Hospital of Coimbra (HVUC), Portugal At the ophthalmicexamination, the glaucomatous left eye was buphthalmic, with congested episcleral blood vessels, mydriasis, and posterior luxation of the lens; there was no response to threat or obfuscation, no direct and consensual pupillary reflex, nor pupillary reflexesto chromatic light. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 55 mmHg, and the Schirmers tear test (STT-1) result was 19 mm/min.Ophthalmoscopy revealed attenuated retinal blood vessels and a pale optic papilla with mild excavation. The right eye wasfunctional, with all parameters assessed on examination and by tests within the normal ranges for the species. An ultrasoundexamination of the left eye confirmed the presence of posterior luxation of the lens and buphthalmia in the absence of intraocularneoplasm. In view of the patients history and results of the clinical examinations, a surgical approach was indicated to treat theglaucomatous eye. The patients tutor requested a surgical procedure that...(AU)

Neoplasia de ducto nasolacrimal em uma cadela / Nasolacrimal duct neoplasm in a bitch

Background: Nasolacrimal duct tumors are divided into primary and secondary, with primary tumors being rare in all species. Secondary involvement of the lacrimal sac and duct can occur from any skin lesion involving the eyelid and/or conjunctiva and from any neoplastic process involving the paranasal sinuses. Lacrimal sac metastatic lesions may originate from any distant site and include carcinomas or melanomas, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type. The objectives of the present report were to describe a case of squamous cell carcinoma in the nasolacrimal duct and to emphasize the importance of a good ophthalmic evaluation. Case: A 16-year-old spayed bitch white poodle was presented to the veterinary clinic. The owner complained that the animal had epiphora and mucoid secretion in the right eye, eyelid hyperemia in both eyes, and sporadic sneezing with blood. On ophthalmic examination, the animal was initially diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and right eye (OD) blepharitis and OU uveitis. Fourteen days after the first evaluation, the nasolacrimal duct region increased, with the presence of bloody secretion. Biomicroscopy showed nodules inside the lacrimal duct, in the punctum region. The animal was sedated to obtain a fragment of the nodule for histopathological analysis, and a subsequent oral cavity evaluation identified a nodule in the transition region between the 4th premolar and 1st molar, which was sent for cytology. Cytology of the medial corner region of the RE showed epithelial and mesenchymal cells with malignancy characteristics, and the biopsy was suggestive of malignant epithelial neoplasia (carcinoma). A surgical procedure for nodule resection was ruled out because bone involvement was extensive, and chemotherapy was selected. The patient died 2 months after the 1st consultation. The diagnosis was confirmed through necropsy via immunohistochemical tests, demonstrating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) both in the mouth and the nasal and ocular sinuses. Discussion: The most common conditions affecting the nasolacrimal drainage system in dogs are those causing obstructions. These may be congenital, arising from a developmental defect of micropunctum or agenesis of the punctum, they may be acquired, arising from infection and inflammation. SCC is a malignant neoplasm originating in the stratified squamous epithelium. The predisposing factors in cats and dogs include lack of adnexal pigmentation and, possibly, chronic irritation of the ocular surface. A light coat is considered a relevant factor, especially in regions with little hair coverage. In addition to a mass lesion, other clinical signs of eyelid or ocular surface tumors may include epiphora, conjunctival vascular injection, mucopurulent ocular discharge, 3rd eyelid protrusion, conjunctival/corneal roughness or ulceration, and corneal neovascularization or pigmentation. Clinical presentations are nonspecific. Neoplasms, whether nasal and/or in the maxillary sinus, can invade the nasolacrimal duct and spread to the nasal cavity, and neoplasms in the nasal cavity can invade the nasolacrimal duct. Ophthalmic evaluation along with good inspection of the oral cavity is a useful tool in the diagnosis of eye neoplasms that may have effects on the oral cavity or vice versa due to the strong association between them. Early diagnosis is crucial for the clinical or surgical management of each case of ophthalmic neoplasia and for therapeutic success.

Comparison between the rebound (TD - 8000 portable) and applanation tonometer (Tono-Pen AviaTM) managed by different evaluators for intraocular pressure measurements in rabbits / Comparação entre o tonômetro de rebote (TD - 8000 portable) e aplanação (Tono-Pen AviaTM) manuseados por diferentes avaliadores para mensurações da pressão intraocular em coelhos

This study aimed to compare values of intraocular pressure (IOP) by different tonometers and evaluators (veterinary ophthalmologist specialist and veterinary not a specialist). For this, 30 rabbits were used, and in all (n = 60 eyes), the IOP was initially measured with a rebound tonometer (model TD - 8000 portable, Apramed Indústria e Comércio de Equipamentos Médicos Ltda) and, subsequently, with an applanation tonometer (portable model Tono-Pen AviaTM®, Reichert Technologies®, USA). With the two devices, the measurements in mmHg were performed in the central region of the corneas, always performed in the same period, by a professional veterinary ophthalmologist (specialist) and a professional veterinary (not a specialist). Data were statistically compared using the simple analysis of variance test. With the rebound tonometer, IOP ranged from 7 to 14 mmHg when measured by both evaluators; while with the applanation tonometer, from 9 to 15 mmHg by the specialist and from 8 to 16 mmHg by the non-specialist. In the right eyes, the IOP measured by the applanation tonometer by the non-experienced evaluator was statistically lower than the specialist's values; yet, the results of the two evaluators were higher in these same eyes when compared with those of the rebound tonometer. In the left eyes, the IOP measured by the applanation tonometer by the non-experienced evaluator was statistically higher than the specialist's values with the rebound tonometer. Thus, it was possible to infer that, regardless of experience in the area, the applanation tonometer indicated higher mean values of IOP in both eyes and, about the evaluators, the means of the measurements performed by the specialist were higher compared to the non-professional specialist.

Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar os valores da pressão intraocular (PIO) por diferentes tonômetros e avaliadores (veterinário oftalmologista especialista e veterinário não especialista). Para isso, foram utilizados 30 coelhos, em todos (n = 60 olhos), a PIO foi medida inicialmente com um tonômetro de rebote (model TD - 8000 portable, Apramed Indústria e Comércio de Equipamentos Médicos Ltda) e, posteriormente, com um tonômetro de aplanação (portable model Tono-Pen AviaTM®, Reichert Technologies®, USA). Com os dois aparelhos, as medidas em mmHg foram realizadas na região central das córneas, sempre no mesmo período, por um profissional oftalmologista veterinário (especialista) e um profissional veterinário (não especialista). Os dados foram comparados estatisticamente por meio do teste de análise de variância simples. Com o tonômetro de rebote, a PIO variou de 7 a 14 mmHg quando medida por ambos os avaliadores; enquanto com o tonômetro de aplanação, de 9 a 15 mmHg pelo especilista e de 8 a 16 mmHg pelo não especialista. Nos olhos direitos, a PIO medida pelo tonômetro de aplanação pelo avaliador não experiente foi estatisticamente inferior aos valores do especialista; ainda, os resultados dos dois avaliadores foram maiores nestes mesmos olhos quando comparados com os do tonômetro de rebote. Nos olhos esquerdos, a PIO medida pelo tonômetro de aplanação pelo avaliador não experiente foi estatisticamente superior aos valores do especialista com o tonômetro de rebote. Assim, foi possível inferir que, independente da experiência na área, o tonômetro de aplanação indicou maiores valores médios de PIO em ambos os olhos e, em relação aos avaliadores, as médias das medidas realizadas pelos especialistas foram maiores em relação ao não especialista.

Relationship between ocular abnormalities and hematologic alterations in patients infected naturally by Ehrlichia canis / Alterações hematológicas e sua relação com anormalidades oculares em pacientes infectados naturalmente com Ehrlichia canis

To determine the association between ocular abnormalities and hematologic findings in Ehrlichia canis-infected dogs, 120 dogs suspected of canine ehrlichiosis were studied. All patients were subjected to rapid serologic diagnostic test for Ehrlichia canis, and the diagnosis was confirmed by quantitative PCR. PCR-positive patients underwent ophthalmologic examination and a hemogram and were grouped into patients with thrombocytopenia and anemia (G1), patients with thrombocytopenia (G2), and patients without hematologic disorders (G3). For ophthalmic evaluation, the patients were grouped into those having mild, severe, both mild and severe, and no ocular alterations. All patients presented with uveitis (100%). Severe ocular disorders predominated in G1 and G2 patients. Dogs with anemia and leukopenia showed severe ocular disorders. In dogs with a greater number of leukocytes and copies/µl of the TRAG gene, the intraocular pressure (IOP) tends to decrease and vice versa (r = −0.23, r = −0.26). In conclusion, uveitis is the earliest ocular alteration of canine ehrlichiosis. The severity of ocular abnormalities in patients with ehrlichiosis is associated with thrombocytopenia and may be aggravated by anemia and leukopenia. The hemogram and IOP are useful tools for predicting eye involvement in Ehrlichia canis-infected patients. In regions where Ehrlichia canis is endemic, the use of the tonometer should be routinely in dog general consultation.

Para determinar a associação entre anormalidades oculares e achados hematológicos em cães infectados com Ehrlichia canis, foram estudados 120 cães com suspeita de erliquiose canina. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um teste diagnóstico sorológico rápido para Ehrlichia canis, e o diagnóstico foi confirmado por PCR quantitativa. Os pacientes com PCR positivo foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico e hemograma completo e foram agrupados em pacientes com trombocitopenia e anemia (G1), pacientes com trombocitopenia (G2) e pacientes sem distúrbios hematológicos (G3). Para avaliação oftalmológica, os pacientes foram agrupados em pacientes com alterações leves ou graves, leves e graves e sem anormalidades oculares. Todos os pacientes apresentaram uveíte (100%). Os distúrbios oculares graves predominaram nos pacientes do G1 e G2. Cães com anemia e leucopenia apresentaram distúrbios oculares graves. Em cães com maior número de leucócitos e cópias/µl do gene TRAG, a pressão intra-ocular tendeu a diminuir e vice-versa (r = -0.23, r = -0.26). Em conclusão, a uveíte é o primeiro distúrbio ocular da erliquiose canina. A gravidade das anormalidades oculares em pacientes com erliquiose está associada à trombocitopenia e pode ser agravada por anemia e leucopenia. Hemograma e PIO são ferramentas úteis para prever o envolvimento ocular em pacientes infectados com Ehrlichia canis. Nas regiões em que o Ehrlichia canis é endêmico, o uso do tonômetro deve ser rotineiro nas consultas gerais de cães.

Relationship between ocular abnormalities and hematologic alterations in patients infected naturally by Ehrlichia canis / Alterações hematológicas e sua relação com anormalidades oculares em pacientes infectados naturalmente com Ehrlichia canis

To determine the association between ocular abnormalities and hematologic findings in Ehrlichia canis-infected dogs, 120 dogs suspected of canine ehrlichiosis were studied. All patients were subjected to rapid serologic diagnostic test for Ehrlichia canis, and the diagnosis was confirmed by quantitative PCR. PCR-positive patients underwent ophthalmologic examination and a hemogram and were grouped into patients with thrombocytopenia and anemia (G1), patients with thrombocytopenia (G2), and patients without hematologic disorders (G3). For ophthalmic evaluation, the patients were grouped into those having mild, severe, both mild and severe, and no ocular alterations. All patients presented with uveitis (100%). Severe ocular disorders predominated in G1 and G2 patients. Dogs with anemia and leukopenia showed severe ocular disorders. In dogs with a greater number of leukocytes and copies/µl of the TRAG gene, the intraocular pressure (IOP) tends to decrease and vice versa (r = −0.23, r = −0.26). In conclusion, uveitis is the earliest ocular alteration of canine ehrlichiosis. The severity of ocular abnormalities in patients with ehrlichiosis is associated with thrombocytopenia and may be aggravated by anemia and leukopenia. The hemogram and IOP are useful tools for predicting eye involvement in Ehrlichia canis-infected patients. In regions where Ehrlichia canis is endemic, the use of the tonometer should be routinely in dog general consultation.(AU)

Para determinar a associação entre anormalidades oculares e achados hematológicos em cães infectados com Ehrlichia canis, foram estudados 120 cães com suspeita de erliquiose canina. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um teste diagnóstico sorológico rápido para Ehrlichia canis, e o diagnóstico foi confirmado por PCR quantitativa. Os pacientes com PCR positivo foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico e hemograma completo e foram agrupados em pacientes com trombocitopenia e anemia (G1), pacientes com trombocitopenia (G2) e pacientes sem distúrbios hematológicos (G3). Para avaliação oftalmológica, os pacientes foram agrupados em pacientes com alterações leves ou graves, leves e graves e sem anormalidades oculares. Todos os pacientes apresentaram uveíte (100%). Os distúrbios oculares graves predominaram nos pacientes do G1 e G2. Cães com anemia e leucopenia apresentaram distúrbios oculares graves. Em cães com maior número de leucócitos e cópias/µl do gene TRAG, a pressão intra-ocular tendeu a diminuir e vice-versa (r = -0.23, r = -0.26). Em conclusão, a uveíte é o primeiro distúrbio ocular da erliquiose canina. A gravidade das anormalidades oculares em pacientes com erliquiose está associada à trombocitopenia e pode ser agravada por anemia e leucopenia. Hemograma e PIO são ferramentas úteis para prever o envolvimento ocular em pacientes infectados com Ehrlichia canis. Nas regiões em que o Ehrlichia canis é endêmico, o uso do tonômetro deve ser rotineiro nas consultas gerais de cães.(AU)

Ophthalmological and neurological manifestations of a dog with intracranial anaplastic ependymoma. Case report / Manifestações oftalmológicas e neurológicas em um cão com ependimoma anaplásico intracranial: relato de caso

The objective is to report ependymoma associated with uveitis in a four-month-old male boxer crossbreed. The dog initially presented in both eyes conjunctival hyperemia, blepharospasm, projection of the nictitating membrane, and photophobia, characteristic of uveitis.Traumatic uveitis was rejected. Six days after onset of ophthalmic symptoms, vomiting, incoordination, and behavior changes occurred. Neurological symptoms and eyebrow contraction suggesting head pain and brain injury were investigated by computed tomography (CT) nine days after, when the dog showed spasms of the limbs and neck followed by respiratory arrest with reversal and stabilization. The scans revealed extensive amorphic neoformation in the diencephalon, midbrain, and within the right lateral ventricle, along with sinistral displacement of the cerebral sickle. The animal was euthanized, and necropsy of the head revealed hydrocephalus and an intracerebral tumor mass consistent with the CT imaging. Histopathological evaluation by hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed tissue alterations in several CNS segments, showing several pseudorosettes in the neuropil, mitosis, and a high degree of cell atypia, indicating ependymoma. Inflammatory, hemorrhagic, and necrotic tissue lesions were observed in the brainstem and cerebellum due to compression by tumor tissue and hydrocephalus. The neoplasia was phenotyped by Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and tested positive for the tumoral markers vimentin and glial fibrillary acid protein, confirming intracranial anaplastic ependymoma. Behavior changes and neurological signs resulted from vascular, inflammatory, and degenerative processes in the neuropil caused by neoplasm compression and invasion of brain tissue. Although dogs with ependymoma often present with neurological disease, in the present case, blepharospasm was the first symptom noticed by the owner, and it persisted until euthanasia. According to the literature, and confirmed in the evolution of the current case, the symptoms are related to tumor location and extent and to secondary lesions due to tumor expansion. Clinical symptomatology and complementary laboratory testing, CT, necropsy, histology, and IHC characterized ependymoma, a rare condition in young dogs.

Objetiva-se relatar um caso de ependimoma anaplásico associado a uveíte em cão macho de quatro meses de idade, mestiço Boxer. O cão apresentou, inicialmente, hiperemia conjuntival, blefaroespasmo, projeção da membrana nictitante e fotofobia bilaterais, sinais característicos de uveíte. Uveíte por causa traumática foi descartada. Seis dias após o início dos sintomas oftálmicos ocorreram vômito, incoordenação motora e alterações de comportamento. Sinais neurológicos e contração das sobrancelhas sugeriram algia na região cefálica. Injúria cerebral foi investigada por tomografia computadorizada (TC) nove dias após o início dos sintomas, quando o cão demonstrou espasmos dos membros e pescoço, seguido por parada respiratória com reversão e estabilização. A TC revelou extensa e amórfica neoformação no diencéfalo, mesencéfalo, e dentro do ventrículo lateral direito, com deslocamento à esquerda da foice cerebral. O animal foi eutanasiado e a necropsia revelou hidrocefalia e uma massa tumoral intracerebral condizente com a imagem da TC. A avaliação histopatológica por coloração hematoxilina e eosina, revelou alterações teciduais em várias áreas do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC), mostrando várias pseudorosetas no neurópilo, mitose, e um elevado grau de atipia celular, indicando ependimoma.Lesões teciduais inflamatórias, hemorrágicas e necróticas foram observadas no tronco encefálico e cerebelo, devido à compressão do tumor e à hidrocefalia. Amostras da neoplasia foram submetidas à análise imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), sendo positiva a expressão dos marcadores tumorais vimentina e proteína glial fibrilar ácida, confirmando ependimoma anaplásico intracranial. As mudanças comportamentais e sinais neurológicos resultaram do processo vascular, inflamatório e degenerativo no neurópilo, causados pela compressão e invasão do tecido cerebral pela neoplasia. Embora cães com ependimoma frequentemente apresentem manifestações neurológicas, no presente caso, blefaroespasmo foi o primeiro sinal clínico observado pelo proprietário, e persistiu até a eutanásia do paciente. Os sinais neurológicos estão relacionados à localização do tumor e extensão das lesões secundárias devidas à sua expansão. Sintomatologia clínica e testes laboratoriais complementares, TC, necropsia, histologia e IHQ caracterizaram ependimoma, que é raro em animais jovens.

Ophthalmological and neurological manifestations of a dog with intracranial anaplastic ependymoma. Case report / Manifestações oftalmológicas e neurológicas em um cão com ependimoma anaplásico intracranial: relato de caso

The objective is to report ependymoma associated with uveitis in a four-month-old male boxer crossbreed. The dog initially presented in both eyes conjunctival hyperemia, blepharospasm, projection of the nictitating membrane, and photophobia, characteristic of uveitis.Traumatic uveitis was rejected. Six days after onset of ophthalmic symptoms, vomiting, incoordination, and behavior changes occurred. Neurological symptoms and eyebrow contraction suggesting head pain and brain injury were investigated by computed tomography (CT) nine days after, when the dog showed spasms of the limbs and neck followed by respiratory arrest with reversal and stabilization. The scans revealed extensive amorphic neoformation in the diencephalon, midbrain, and within the right lateral ventricle, along with sinistral displacement of the cerebral sickle. The animal was euthanized, and necropsy of the head revealed hydrocephalus and an intracerebral tumor mass consistent with the CT imaging. Histopathological evaluation by hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed tissue alterations in several CNS segments, showing several pseudorosettes in the neuropil, mitosis, and a high degree of cell atypia, indicating ependymoma. Inflammatory, hemorrhagic, and necrotic tissue lesions were observed in the brainstem and cerebellum due to compression by tumor tissue and hydrocephalus. The neoplasia was phenotyped by Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and tested positive for the tumoral markers vimentin and glial fibrillary acid protein, confirming intracranial anaplastic ependymoma. Behavior changes and neurological signs resulted from vascular, inflammatory, and degenerative processes in the neuropil caused by neoplasm compression and invasion of brain tissue. Although dogs with ependymoma often present with neurological disease, in the present case, blepharospasm was the first symptom noticed by the owner, and it persisted until euthanasia. According to the literature, and confirmed in the evolution of the current case, the symptoms are related to tumor location and extent and to secondary lesions due to tumor expansion. Clinical symptomatology and complementary laboratory testing, CT, necropsy, histology, and IHC characterized ependymoma, a rare condition in young dogs.(AU)

Objetiva-se relatar um caso de ependimoma anaplásico associado a uveíte em cão macho de quatro meses de idade, mestiço Boxer. O cão apresentou, inicialmente, hiperemia conjuntival, blefaroespasmo, projeção da membrana nictitante e fotofobia bilaterais, sinais característicos de uveíte. Uveíte por causa traumática foi descartada. Seis dias após o início dos sintomas oftálmicos ocorreram vômito, incoordenação motora e alterações de comportamento. Sinais neurológicos e contração das sobrancelhas sugeriram algia na região cefálica. Injúria cerebral foi investigada por tomografia computadorizada (TC) nove dias após o início dos sintomas, quando o cão demonstrou espasmos dos membros e pescoço, seguido por parada respiratória com reversão e estabilização. A TC revelou extensa e amórfica neoformação no diencéfalo, mesencéfalo, e dentro do ventrículo lateral direito, com deslocamento à esquerda da foice cerebral. O animal foi eutanasiado e a necropsia revelou hidrocefalia e uma massa tumoral intracerebral condizente com a imagem da TC. A avaliação histopatológica por coloração hematoxilina e eosina, revelou alterações teciduais em várias áreas do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC), mostrando várias pseudorosetas no neurópilo, mitose, e um elevado grau de atipia celular, indicando ependimoma.Lesões teciduais inflamatórias, hemorrágicas e necróticas foram observadas no tronco encefálico e cerebelo, devido à compressão do tumor e à hidrocefalia. Amostras da neoplasia foram submetidas à análise imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), sendo positiva a expressão dos marcadores tumorais vimentina e proteína glial fibrilar ácida, confirmando ependimoma anaplásico intracranial. As mudanças comportamentais e sinais neurológicos resultaram do processo vascular, inflamatório e degenerativo no neurópilo, causados pela compressão e invasão do tecido cerebral pela neoplasia. Embora cães com ependimoma frequentemente apresentem manifestações neurológicas, no presente caso, blefaroespasmo foi o primeiro sinal clínico observado pelo proprietário, e persistiu até a eutanásia do paciente. Os sinais neurológicos estão relacionados à localização do tumor e extensão das lesões secundárias devidas à sua expansão. Sintomatologia clínica e testes laboratoriais complementares, TC, necropsia, histologia e IHQ caracterizaram ependimoma, que é raro em animais jovens.(AU)

Leishmaniose visceral em cães / Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonosis of variable clinical presentation, either in systemic orcutaneous form. Clinical signs include anorexia, ophthalmopathies, and chronic kidney disease. In the state of Santa Catarina, the foci are concentrated in the capital and its adjacencies, in the east side of the state. The objective of this studyis to outline the first three reported cases of CVL in the municipality of Curitibanos, since there are no reports to date inthe region of the mountainous plateau, in the middle west of Santa Catarina.Cases: All dogs were treated at the Veterinary Clinic School of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Curitibanos. The animals, two males and one female, belonged to the same tutor, resided in Curitibanos, and were attendedbetween 2016 and 2020. In the first case, attended in 2016, the complaint was of eye and skin changes about three monthsago. The animal lived in an urban environment and came from Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul. On physical examination,the animal presented skin peeling, wet and crusty lesions, bloody discharge in the ears and nasal hyperkeratosis, as wellas signs suggestive of uveitis. In this case, euthanasia was carried out. The second case had complaints of respiratory, eyechanges, hyporexia, and polydipsia. The dog was prostrate, dehydrated, with lymphadenomegaly and respiratory disorders, compatible with bacterial pneumonia. Bilateral corneal edema confirmed uveitis. Upon return, the animal remaineddehydrated with enlarged lymph nodes. In the aspiration of the lymph nodes, suggestive forms of Leishmania sp. wereobserved. The recommended confirmatory tests were performed, leading to a definitive diagnosis of CVL. The patientwas treated with miltefosine, but later died. The third case was attended for general evaluation after a positive diagnosisfor CVL during an epidemiological survey of the second case. The animal was alert, tachycardic, and tachypneic with...(AU)

Leishmaniose visceral em cães / Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonosis of variable clinical presentation, either in systemic orcutaneous form. Clinical signs include anorexia, ophthalmopathies, and chronic kidney disease. In the state of Santa Catarina, the foci are concentrated in the capital and its adjacencies, in the east side of the state. The objective of this studyis to outline the first three reported cases of CVL in the municipality of Curitibanos, since there are no reports to date inthe region of the mountainous plateau, in the middle west of Santa Catarina.Cases: All dogs were treated at the Veterinary Clinic School of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Curitibanos. The animals, two males and one female, belonged to the same tutor, resided in Curitibanos, and were attendedbetween 2016 and 2020. In the first case, attended in 2016, the complaint was of eye and skin changes about three monthsago. The animal lived in an urban environment and came from Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul. On physical examination,the animal presented skin peeling, wet and crusty lesions, bloody discharge in the ears and nasal hyperkeratosis, as wellas signs suggestive of uveitis. In this case, euthanasia was carried out. The second case had complaints of respiratory, eyechanges, hyporexia, and polydipsia. The dog was prostrate, dehydrated, with lymphadenomegaly and respiratory disorders, compatible with bacterial pneumonia. Bilateral corneal edema confirmed uveitis. Upon return, the animal remaineddehydrated with enlarged lymph nodes. In the aspiration of the lymph nodes, suggestive forms of Leishmania sp. wereobserved. The recommended confirmatory tests were performed, leading to a definitive diagnosis of CVL. The patientwas treated with miltefosine, but later died. The third case was attended for general evaluation after a positive diagnosisfor CVL during an epidemiological survey of the second case. The animal was alert, tachycardic, and tachypneic with...

Encefalitozoonose em coelho (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Encephalitozoonosis in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Background: Encephalitozoonosis is caused by the protozoan Encephalitozoon cuniculi, in rabbits, and can affect humans. The disease can be fatal and difficult to diagnose. It can be asymptomatic or cause vestibular neurological disease, paralysis, uveitis in addition to chronic kidney disease in rabbits. The transmission of the microorganism's spores occurs by ingestion, inhalation, or by the transplacental route. The aim of this work is to report a case of encephalitozoonosis in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Case: An Oryctolagus cuniculus with a history of paraparesis of the thoracic and pelvic limbs was referred for necropsy, the evolution of the clinical picture happened in one day. After death, a necropsy was performed. Organ fragments were collected, fixed, and processed routinely for histology. Macroscopically, there was evidence of hepatic lobes, without injury to the other organs. Microscopically it was observed in the white and gray substance of the telencephalon multiple circumscribed granulomas composed of a necrotic center surrounded by macrophages, giant multinucleated cells in addition to lymphocytes and plasmocytes in the periphery, delimited by fibrous connective tissue. Around the vessels, perivascular cuffs with 2 to 4 layers of lymphocytic infiltrate were observed. Besides, special staining of Schiff's Periodic Acid (PAS) and Ziehl-Neelsen was performed, in which numerous cylindrical, eosinophilic structures of approximately 2.5 x 1.0 µm were observed, compatible with E. cuniculi spores. Besides, histiocytic lymphoblasts pericoronitis was noted in the liver. There were no relevant changes in the kidney. Discussion: The diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits was based on clinical and anatomopathological findings. Tetraparesis was the predominant sign in the present case and was justified by telencephalic lesions. This clinical sign is included in the literature but is less common than the syndrome such as head tilt and paralysis. The diagnosis of the disease is usually made by post mortem examination when it is possible to identify the spores in the lesions. Multifocal granulomatous encephalitis was the most significant finding in this case, which is also consistent with other studies. The pathogenesis of granulomatous lesions is still controversial. It is known that spores allow phagocytosis by macrophages, which induce the production of interleukins and other cytokines by TCD4 + lymphocytes, thereby activating the action of TCD8 + (cytotoxic) lymphocytes. Natural killer cells, granulocytes, other macrophages, and B lymphocytes are also recruited. Although there is such an inflammatory response, the antibodies produced are not efficient to eliminate the agent from the host organism, however, they contribute to the process of opsonization and consequent phagocytosis, facilitating the destruction of the microsporidium by macrophages. The neurological form was predominant in this case, with no chronic or ocular renal forms, possibly due to the rapid clinical evolution. Special stains were useful for visualizing intralesional spores. Although PAS staining is considered to be of little use, it was relevant in this case. The visualization of the agent made it possible to distinguish differential diagnoses, among them vestibular syndrome secondary to otitis due to pasteurellosis, toxoplasmosis, neoplasms, traumas, or diseases of the spine. Thus, a diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis was made in a rabbit through clinical and anatomopathological correlation using Ziehl-Neelsen and PAS stains.

Edema de córnea severo em cão naturalmente infectado por Leishmania spp / Severe corneal edema in a dog naturally infected by Leishmania spp

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum that istransmitted to dogs and humans by sandflies. The incidence of eye injuries in VL is high. They occur in 20 to 81% ofinfected dogs and include blepharitis, granulomatous conjunctivitis, scleritis, keratitis, anterior uveitis, keratoconjunctivitissicca, and secondary glaucoma. However, some dogs present only the clinical signs of eye damage. The main objective ofthis manuscript is to report a case of anterior uveitis with severe corneal edema in a dog with VL that underwent clinicaland surgical ophthalmic treatments after miltefosine therapy.Case: An 8-month-old, intact male Labrador Retriever with brown fur presented with pruritus, diffuse desquamation,and conjunctival hyperemia on physical evaluation. On the basis of an ophthalmic examination, nodular conjunctivitisand uveitis were diagnosed in both eyes. Moreover, laboratory examination results showed hyperproteinemia, increasedserum alkaline phosphatase activity, and positive reactions to immunochromatographic tests for VL. Clinical treatmentwas instituted from the moment of diagnosis, when miltefosine and allopurinol were prescribed. at the end of treatment,based on laboratory examination results, only clinical support treatment based on remaining clinical-pathological changeswas prescribed. Topical medications (prednisolone eye drops and sodium hyaluronate) were recommended for the ophthalmic changes. One week after the start of topical treatment, the dog showed...

Edema de córnea severo em cão naturalmente infectado por Leishmania spp / Severe corneal edema in a dog naturally infected by Leishmania spp

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum that istransmitted to dogs and humans by sandflies. The incidence of eye injuries in VL is high. They occur in 20 to 81% ofinfected dogs and include blepharitis, granulomatous conjunctivitis, scleritis, keratitis, anterior uveitis, keratoconjunctivitissicca, and secondary glaucoma. However, some dogs present only the clinical signs of eye damage. The main objective ofthis manuscript is to report a case of anterior uveitis with severe corneal edema in a dog with VL that underwent clinicaland surgical ophthalmic treatments after miltefosine therapy.Case: An 8-month-old, intact male Labrador Retriever with brown fur presented with pruritus, diffuse desquamation,and conjunctival hyperemia on physical evaluation. On the basis of an ophthalmic examination, nodular conjunctivitisand uveitis were diagnosed in both eyes. Moreover, laboratory examination results showed hyperproteinemia, increasedserum alkaline phosphatase activity, and positive reactions to immunochromatographic tests for VL. Clinical treatmentwas instituted from the moment of diagnosis, when miltefosine and allopurinol were prescribed. at the end of treatment,based on laboratory examination results, only clinical support treatment based on remaining clinical-pathological changeswas prescribed. Topical medications (prednisolone eye drops and sodium hyaluronate) were recommended for the ophthalmic changes. One week after the start of topical treatment, the dog showed...(AU)

Concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and interleukin-1 beta in the aqueous humor of dogs with normal and cataractous eyes / Concentração de metaloprotease-2 e de interleucina-1 beta no humor aquoso de cães com olhos normais e cataratosos

We aimed to determine the concentration of MMP-2 and IL-1ß in the aqueous humor of dogs with healthy eyes (n=8) and in those with mature (n=8) and hyper mature cataracts (n=8). Correlations between cytokines, cytokines, and intraocular pressure (IOP), as well as cytokines with ages of patients of each group, were also assessed. In patients with cataract, aqueous humor was collected at the end of the electroretinographic procedure. In healthy dogs, aqueous humor was collected before elective surgeries. Cytokine levels were determined using ELISA. IOP was assessed by applanation tonometry. IOP of patients with mature and hyper mature cataracts were lower than the ones measured in normal eyes (P=0.158). MMP-2 aqueous humor concentration was higher in patients with hyper mature cataracts, in comparisons with healthy patients (P=0.04). Average IL-1 ß aqueous concentration was higher in patients with cataracts (P<0.0001). Significant higher values of IL-1 ß were observed in patients with hyper mature, than in the ones with mature cataracts (P=0.0085). Correlations between MMP-2 and IL-1 ß (r=-0.38, P=0.06), MMP-2 and IOP (r=-0.149, P=0.484), and IL-1 ß and the ages of patients were not observed (P>0.05). IL-1 ß and IOP correlated negatively (r=-0.42, P=0.04). MMP-2 and the ages of patients correlated only in dogs with mature cataracts (r=0.772, P=0.02). It can be concluded that the increment in the aqueous humor concentration of IL-1 ß found in dogs with mature and hyper mature cataracts, in addition to the negative relationship of this cytokine with IOP, suggests that IL-1 ß is involved in the pathogenesis of LIU. Despite dogs with hypermature cataracts presented significant higher concentrations of MMP-2 in the aqueous humor, such cytokine did not correlate with IL-1 ß and IOP. In our study, a relationship between aqueous humor cytokines and the ages of patients was only confirmed between MMP-2 and the ages of dogs with mature cataracts.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar as concentrações da metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) e de interleucina-1 ß (IL-1 ß) em cães com olhos saudáveis (n=8) e naqueles com catarata madura (n=8) e hipermatura (n=8). Correlações entre ambas as citocinas, entre as citocinas e a pressão intraocular (PIO), assim como entre as citocinas e a idade dos pacientes dentro de cada grupo foram averiguadas. Nos pacientes com catarata, o humor aquoso foi colhido ao final da eletrorretinografia. Nos cães saudáveis, o humor aquoso foi colhido antes do início de cirurgias eletivas. Os níveis das citocinas foram determinados por ELISA e a PIO por tonometria de aplanação. A PIO dos pacientes com catarata madura e hipermadura foram mais baixas que aquelas dos pacientes controle (P=0.158). A concentração de MMP-2 no humor aquoso foi maior nos pacientes com catarata hipermtura, comparativamente aos pacientes saudáveis (P=0.04). A concentração de IL-1 ß no humor aquoso foi mais elevada nos cães com catarata (P<0.0001). Nos pacientes com catarata hipermatura, os valores de IL-1 ß foram significativamente mais altos que aqueles dosados nos pacientes com catarata madura (P=0.0085). Correlações entre MMP-2 e IL-1 ß (r=-0.38, P=0.06), MMP-2 e PIO (r=-0.149, P=0.484) e IL-1 ß e as idades dos pacientes não foram observadas (P>0.05). A IL-1 ß se correlacionou negativamente com a PIO (r=-0.42, P=0.04). Correlação entre MMP-2 e a idades dos pacientes foi observada apenas nos cães com catarata madura (r=0.772, P=0.02). Conclui-se que o aumento na concentração de IL-1 ß no humor aquoso de cães com catarata madura e hipermatura, associado à correlação negativa entre essa citocina e a PIO, sugerem que a mesma está envolvida na patogênese da uveíte induzida pela lente. Apesar dos cães com catarata hipermadura apresentarem concentrações significativamente maiores de MMP-2 no humor aquoso, essa citocina não se correlacionou com a IL-1 ß e a PIO. Em nosso estudo, correlação entre as citocinas dosadas no humor aquoso e a idade dos pacientes foi confirmada apenas entre MMP-2 e a idade dos cães com catarata madura.(AU)

Concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and interleukin-1 beta in the aqueous humor of dogs with normal and cataractous eyes / Concentração de metaloprotease-2 e de interleucina-1 beta no humor aquoso de cães com olhos normais e cataratosos

We aimed to determine the concentration of MMP-2 and IL-1ß in the aqueous humor of dogs with healthy eyes (n=8) and in those with mature (n=8) and hyper mature cataracts (n=8). Correlations between cytokines, cytokines, and intraocular pressure (IOP), as well as cytokines with ages of patients of each group, were also assessed. In patients with cataract, aqueous humor was collected at the end of the electroretinographic procedure. In healthy dogs, aqueous humor was collected before elective surgeries. Cytokine levels were determined using ELISA. IOP was assessed by applanation tonometry. IOP of patients with mature and hyper mature cataracts were lower than the ones measured in normal eyes (P=0.158). MMP-2 aqueous humor concentration was higher in patients with hyper mature cataracts, in comparisons with healthy patients (P=0.04). Average IL-1 ß aqueous concentration was higher in patients with cataracts (P<0.0001). Significant higher values of IL-1 ß were observed in patients with hyper mature, than in the ones with mature cataracts (P=0.0085). Correlations between MMP-2 and IL-1 ß (r=-0.38, P=0.06), MMP-2 and IOP (r=-0.149, P=0.484), and IL-1 ß and the ages of patients were not observed (P>0.05). IL-1 ß and IOP correlated negatively (r=-0.42, P=0.04). MMP-2 and the ages of patients correlated only in dogs with mature cataracts (r=0.772, P=0.02). It can be concluded that the increment in the aqueous humor concentration of IL-1 ß found in dogs with mature and hyper mature cataracts, in addition to the negative relationship of this cytokine with IOP, suggests that IL-1 ß is involved in the pathogenesis of LIU. Despite dogs with hypermature cataracts presented significant higher concentrations of MMP-2 in the aqueous humor, such cytokine did not correlate with IL-1 ß and IOP. In our study, a relationship between aqueous humor cytokines and the ages of patients was only confirmed between MMP-2 and the ages of dogs with mature cataracts.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar as concentrações da metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) e de interleucina-1 ß (IL-1 ß) em cães com olhos saudáveis (n=8) e naqueles com catarata madura (n=8) e hipermatura (n=8). Correlações entre ambas as citocinas, entre as citocinas e a pressão intraocular (PIO), assim como entre as citocinas e a idade dos pacientes dentro de cada grupo foram averiguadas. Nos pacientes com catarata, o humor aquoso foi colhido ao final da eletrorretinografia. Nos cães saudáveis, o humor aquoso foi colhido antes do início de cirurgias eletivas. Os níveis das citocinas foram determinados por ELISA e a PIO por tonometria de aplanação. A PIO dos pacientes com catarata madura e hipermadura foram mais baixas que aquelas dos pacientes controle (P=0.158). A concentração de MMP-2 no humor aquoso foi maior nos pacientes com catarata hipermtura, comparativamente aos pacientes saudáveis (P=0.04). A concentração de IL-1 ß no humor aquoso foi mais elevada nos cães com catarata (P<0.0001). Nos pacientes com catarata hipermatura, os valores de IL-1 ß foram significativamente mais altos que aqueles dosados nos pacientes com catarata madura (P=0.0085). Correlações entre MMP-2 e IL-1 ß (r=-0.38, P=0.06), MMP-2 e PIO (r=-0.149, P=0.484) e IL-1 ß e as idades dos pacientes não foram observadas (P>0.05). A IL-1 ß se correlacionou negativamente com a PIO (r=-0.42, P=0.04). Correlação entre MMP-2 e a idades dos pacientes foi observada apenas nos cães com catarata madura (r=0.772, P=0.02). Conclui-se que o aumento na concentração de IL-1 ß no humor aquoso de cães com catarata madura e hipermatura, associado à correlação negativa entre essa citocina e a PIO, sugerem que a mesma está envolvida na patogênese da uveíte induzida pela lente. Apesar dos cães com catarata hipermadura apresentarem concentrações significativamente maiores de MMP-2 no humor aquoso, essa citocina não se correlacionou com a IL-1 ß e a PIO. Em nosso estudo, correlação entre as citocinas dosadas no humor aquoso e a idade dos pacientes foi confirmada apenas entre MMP-2 e a idade dos cães com catarata madura.(AU)

Concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and interleukin-1 in the aqueous humor of dogs with normal and cataractous eyes

ABSTRACT: We aimed to determine the concentration of MMP-2 and IL-1 in the aqueous humor of dogs with healthy eyes (n=8) and in those with mature (n=8) and hyper mature cataracts (n=8). Correlations between cytokines, cytokines, and intraocular pressure (IOP), as well as cytokines with ages of patients of each group, were also assessed. In patients with cataract, aqueous humor was collected at the end of the electroretinographic procedure. In healthy dogs, aqueous humor was collected before elective surgeries. Cytokine levels were determined using ELISA. IOP was assessed by applanation tonometry. IOP of patients with mature and hyper mature cataracts were lower than the ones measured in normal eyes (P=0.158). MMP-2 aqueous humor concentration was higher in patients with hyper mature cataracts, in comparisons with healthy patients (P=0.04). Average IL-1 aqueous concentration was higher in patients with cataracts (P 0.0001). Significant higher values of IL-1 were observed in patients with hyper mature, than in the ones with mature cataracts (P=0.0085). Correlations between MMP-2 and IL-1 (r=-0.38, P=0.06), MMP-2 and IOP (r=-0.149, P=0.484), and IL-1 and the ages of patients were not observed (P>0.05). IL-1 and IOP correlated negatively (r=-0.42, P=0.04). MMP-2 and the ages of patients correlated only in dogs with mature cataracts (r=0.772, P=0.02). It can be concluded that the increment in the aqueous humor concentration of IL-1 found in dogs with mature and hyper mature cataracts, in addition to the negative relationship of this cytokine with IOP, suggests that IL-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of LIU. Despite dogs with hypermature cataracts presented significant higher concentrations of MMP-2 in the aqueous humor, such cytokine did not correlate with IL-1 and IOP. In our study, a relationship between aqueous humor cytokines and the ages of patients was only confirmed between MMP-2 and the ages of dogs with mature cataracts.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se determinar as concentrações da metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) e de interleucina-1 (IL-1 ) em cães com olhos saudáveis (n=8) e naqueles com catarata madura (n=8) e hipermatura (n=8). Correlações entre ambas as citocinas, entre as citocinas e a pressão intraocular (PIO), assim como entre as citocinas e a idade dos pacientes dentro de cada grupo foram averiguadas. Nos pacientes com catarata, o humor aquoso foi colhido ao final da eletrorretinografia. Nos cães saudáveis, o humor aquoso foi colhido antes do início de cirurgias eletivas. Os níveis das citocinas foram determinados por ELISA e a PIO por tonometria de aplanação. A PIO dos pacientes com catarata madura e hipermadura foram mais baixas que aquelas dos pacientes controle (P=0.158). A concentração de MMP-2 no humor aquoso foi maior nos pacientes com catarata hipermtura, comparativamente aos pacientes saudáveis (P=0.04). A concentração de IL-1 no humor aquoso foi mais elevada nos cães com catarata (P 0.0001). Nos pacientes com catarata hipermatura, os valores de IL-1 foram significativamente mais altos que aqueles dosados nos pacientes com catarata madura (P=0.0085). Correlações entre MMP-2 e IL-1 (r=-0.38, P=0.06), MMP-2 e PIO (r=-0.149, P=0.484) e IL-1 e as idades dos pacientes não foram observadas (P>0.05). A IL-1 se correlacionou negativamente com a PIO (r=-0.42, P=0.04). Correlação entre MMP-2 e a idades dos pacientes foi observada apenas nos cães com catarata madura (r=0.772, P=0.02). Conclui-se que o aumento na concentração de IL-1 no humor aquoso de cães com catarata madura e hipermatura, associado à correlação negativa entre essa citocina e a PIO, sugerem que a mesma está envolvida na patogênese da uveíte induzida pela lente. Apesar dos cães com catarata hipermadura apresentarem concentrações significativamente maiores de MMP-2 no humor aquoso, essa citocina não se correlacionou com a IL-1 e a PIO. Em nosso estudo, correlação entre as citocinas dosadas no humor aquoso e a idade dos pacientes foi confirmada apenas entre MMP-2 e a idade dos cães com catarata madura.