Feline leishmaniosis: hematological and biochemical analysis.

One hundred and sixty-six cats from two animal shelters were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR) and parasitological tests (PA) for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. Among them, 15% (25/166), 53.6% (89/166), 3.6% (06/166) and 1.8% (03/166) were positive by ELISA, IFAT, both PCRs and PA, respectively. The sequencing of ITS-1 PCR amplicons revealed a 100% match with Leishmania infantum. After the Leishmania spp. survey, 12 cats were selected and divided into two groups for clinical, hematological, and biochemical analysis: six L. infantum positive cats (G1) and six Leishmania spp. negative cats (G2). All the cats were negative for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). A statistical analysis indicated significantly low platelet counts and significant hyperproteinemia associated with hypoalbuminemia in positive cats (p<0.05). Our results suggest that in endemic areas, cats with clinical signs of feline leishmaniosis (such as skin lesions, weight loss and/or enlarged lymph nodes) and that exhibit hematological and biochemical changes, such as low platelet counts and hyperproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia, should be tested for Leishmania spp. infection.

Hematological and biochemical changes in a cow with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma

We describe here hematological and biochemical findings in a cow with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. On physical examination, apathy with congested mucous membranes, tachycardia and enlarged abdomen; hypoperistalsis in rumen, abomasum and intestines. In hematological examination, icteric plasma with leukocytosis by neutrophilia with regenerative left shift and inversion of the proportion between lymphocytes and segmented neutrophils, and hypofibrinemia. In serum biochemistry: hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, low albumin/globulin ratio and high levels of aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase. The cow died and in necropsy was observed a severe and diffuse increase in volume predominantly on the hepatic right lobe and moderate increase of volume in mesenteric lymph nodes. Which was diagnosed microscopically as a cholangiocarcinoma, characterized by arrangements in irregular and coalescent ducts. In conclusion, cholangiocarcinoma may cause important hematological and biochemical changes in cattle.(AU)

Systemic oxidative stress in Suffolk and Santa Ines sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus.

The mechanisms responsible for the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus are not well established. This study aimed to prove the hypothesis that oxidative stress occurring during infection by H. contortus varies according to breed, and that the parasite burden correlates with hypoalbuminaemia and anaemia. Thus, after deworming and confirming the absence of infection, two different sheep breeds, Suffolk (n = 15) and Santa Ines (n = 22), were orally inoculated with a single dose of 5,000 L3 of H. contortus. The egg counts per gram of faeces (EPG), packed cell volume (PCV) and concentrations of several plasma markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, albumin, uric acid, total bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity [TAC], total oxidant concentration [TOC] and the oxidative stress index [OSI]) were quantified before (control group) and during the experimental infection (28, 34 and 42 days post-inoculation). In both breeds, TOC increased at 28 days and TAC increased at 42 days. In Suffolk sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with oxidant components (28 days) and a negative correlation of EPG with PCV (42 days). In Santa Ines sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with bilirubin (r = 0.492; p = 0.020). H. contortus infection caused oxidative stress, which varied according to the breed. Parasite burden was not associated with hypoalbuminaemia, whereas there was a negative correlation with PCV. This research provides the first evidence that the antioxidant status contributes more to the resilience to H. contortus in Santa Ines sheep compared to Suffolk sheep.

Histopathologic Characteristics of Intestinal Biopsy Samples from Dogs With Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy With and Without Hypoalbuminemia.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified hypoalbuminemia as a risk factor for negative outcome in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE), but it has not been determined whether histopathology differs between CE dogs with and without hypoalbuminemia. OBJECTIVE: To compare histopathologic findings in dogs with biopsy-diagnosed inflammatory CE with and without hypoalbuminemia. ANIMALS: 83 dogs that had intestinal biopsy performed between January 2010-July 2015. Dogs had signs compatible with CE of at least 3-weeks' duration and no evidence of clinically relevant extra-gastrointestinal (GI) disease or potential non-GI causes of hypoalbuminemia. Dogs had primary diagnosis of inflammatory enteritis based on histopathology. METHODS: Dogs were grouped into CE with normoalbuminemia (CEN; serum albumin concentration ≥3.0 g/dL, N = 46) or chronic enteropathy with hypoalbuminemia (CEH; serum albumin concentration <3.0 g/dL, N = 37). A pathologist (SLP) blinded to the groups reviewed biopsy samples and applied the World Small Animal Veterinary Association scoring system to all samples. RESULTS: Intestinal biopsy samples from dogs in the CEH group were significantly more likely to display villous stunting, epithelial injury, crypt distension, and lacteal dilatation, and were more likely to have intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria neutrophils than biopsy samples from dogs in the CEN group. Additionally, higher scores for each of the above listed histopathologic criteria were associated with a lower serum albumin concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Histopathologic features of chronic inflammatory enteropathy differ between dogs that are hypo- versus normoalbuminemic. Additional work is needed to elucidate the clinical relevance of these differences.

Neutrofilia e hipoalbuminemia em sangue periférico de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania infantum / Neutrophilia and hypoalbuminemia in peripheral blood of dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o perfil leucocitário e proteico de cães, naturalmente infectados por Leishmania infantum. Para tanto, foram realizados exame parasitológico de punção de medula e PCR em amostras de pele para identificação de Leishmania spp. e avaliação de sinais clínicos e dermatológicos, para categorizar e distribuir cães em três grupos: grupo controle (GC); Grupo positivo assintomático (GA) e grupo positivo sintomático (GS). Amostras De sangue foram coletadas para avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos. As principais manifestações clínicas observadas no GS foram alopecia, onicogrifose, ceratoconjuntivite e dermatites eritematosas, esfoliativas e ulcerativas. Os animais com a forma visceral (LVC) apresentaram alterações hematológicas significativas, compatíveis com descrições da literatura, com leucocitose significativa (p<0,05) do GS e do GA quando comparados ao GC, além de anemia no GS e GA, em relação ao GC. Também foram observadas hiperproteinemia, hipergamablobulinemia e hipoalbuminemia significativas em GS, quando comparadas aos demais grupos (p<0,05). A contagem diferencial leucocitária apontou para uma neutrofilia e linfopenia significativas do GS, quando comparadas aos demais grupos (p<0,05), Estando este resultado confirmado pela razão neutrófilo: linfócito aumentada (p<0,05). Ressalta-se um aumento de neutrófilos segmentados maduros no Leucograma, mas sem alterações significativas nos neutrófilos imaturos. Animais naturalmente infectados por L. infantum apresentaram leucocitose com neutrofilia e hipoalbuminemia características de alterações sistêmicas associadas a um processo inflamatório. Contudo, faz-se necessária uma investigação mais aprofundada, com um maior número de animais e com acompanhamento da LVC para avaliar a participação dos neutrófilos imaturos neste processo.(AU)

The Objective of this study was to evaluate the leukocyte and protein profile of dogs naturally infected by Leishmania Infantum. For that, a bone marrow parasitological test and PCR were performed to identify Leishmania spp. Evaluation of clinical and dermatological signs was used to categorize and distribute dogs in three groups: control group (CG); asymptomatic group (AG) and symptomatic group (SG). Blood samples were collected for evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters.The Main clinical manifestations observed in SG were alopecia, onychogryphosis, keratoconjunctivitis and dermatitis. Leukocytosis and anemia were observed in SG and AG (p<0.05) when compared to CG. In SG were detected hyperproteinemia with hyperglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia when compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The differential leukocytes count indicated neutrophilia and lymphopenia in SG when compared to AG and CG (p<0.05), and this result was confirmed bya neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio which was increased (p<0.05). We Highlight an increase of mature segmented neutrophils in GS, but there is no change in immature neutrophils. Thus, animals naturally infected by L. infantum presented leukocytosis with neutrophilia and hypoalbuminemia characteristic of systemic changes associated to inflammatory process. However, a more in-depth investigation with a larger number of animals and earlier follow-Up of CanL Animals is necessary to evaluate the participation of immature neutrophils in this process.(AU)

Neutrofilia e hipoalbuminemia em sangue periférico de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania infantum / Neutrophilia and hypoalbuminemia in peripheral blood of dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o perfil leucocitário e proteico de cães, naturalmente infectados por Leishmania infantum. Para tanto, foram realizados exame parasitológico de punção de medula e PCR em amostras de pele para identificação de Leishmania spp. e avaliação de sinais clínicos e dermatológicos, para categorizar e distribuir cães em três grupos: grupo controle (GC); Grupo positivo assintomático (GA) e grupo positivo sintomático (GS). Amostras De sangue foram coletadas para avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos. As principais manifestações clínicas observadas no GS foram alopecia, onicogrifose, ceratoconjuntivite e dermatites eritematosas, esfoliativas e ulcerativas. Os animais com a forma visceral (LVC) apresentaram alterações hematológicas significativas, compatíveis com descrições da literatura, com leucocitose significativa (p<0,05) do GS e do GA quando comparados ao GC, além de anemia no GS e GA, em relação ao GC. Também foram observadas hiperproteinemia, hipergamablobulinemia e hipoalbuminemia significativas em GS, quando comparadas aos demais grupos (p<0,05). A contagem diferencial leucocitária apontou para uma neutrofilia e linfopenia significativas do GS, quando comparadas aos demais grupos (p<0,05), Estando este resultado confirmado pela razão neutrófilo: linfócito aumentada (p<0,05). Ressalta-se um aumento de neutrófilos segmentados maduros no Leucograma, mas sem alterações significativas nos neutrófilos imaturos. Animais naturalmente infectados por L. infantum apresentaram leucocitose com neutrofilia e hipoalbuminemia características de alterações sistêmicas associadas a um processo inflamatório. Contudo, faz-se necessária uma investigação mais aprofundada, com um maior número de animais e com acompanhamento da LVC para avaliar a participação dos neutrófilos imaturos neste processo.

The Objective of this study was to evaluate the leukocyte and protein profile of dogs naturally infected by Leishmania Infantum. For that, a bone marrow parasitological test and PCR were performed to identify Leishmania spp. Evaluation of clinical and dermatological signs was used to categorize and distribute dogs in three groups: control group (CG); asymptomatic group (AG) and symptomatic group (SG). Blood samples were collected for evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters.The Main clinical manifestations observed in SG were alopecia, onychogryphosis, keratoconjunctivitis and dermatitis. Leukocytosis and anemia were observed in SG and AG (p<0.05) when compared to CG. In SG were detected hyperproteinemia with hyperglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia when compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The differential leukocytes count indicated neutrophilia and lymphopenia in SG when compared to AG and CG (p<0.05), and this result was confirmed bya neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio which was increased (p<0.05). We Highlight an increase of mature segmented neutrophils in GS, but there is no change in immature neutrophils. Thus, animals naturally infected by L. infantum presented leukocytosis with neutrophilia and hypoalbuminemia characteristic of systemic changes associated to inflammatory process. However, a more in-depth investigation with a larger number of animals and earlier follow-Up of CanL Animals is necessary to evaluate the participation of immature neutrophils in this process.

Linfangiectasia intestinal em cão - relato de caso / Intestinal lymphangiectasia in a dog - case report / Linfangiectasia intestinal en perro - relato de caso

Linfangiectasia é um distúrbio obstrutivo do sistema linfático que, no caso do sistema gastrintestinal, pode resultar em enteropatia com perda de proteína, o que pode levar a edema, ascite ou efusão pleural. Pode ser um distúrbio primário ou congênito, secundário ou adquirido. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar o caso de um macho da espécie canina, yorkshire terrier, de sete anos de idade, com histórico de diarreia havia trinta dias e ascite. Os exames laboratoriais apontaram hipoproteinemia e hipoalbuminemia. O diagnóstico definitivo foi obtido por meio de biópsia, realizada por endoscopia. Depois de sete dias de tratamento, o tutor referiu melhora significativa do quadro. Depois do tratamento, o animal permaneceu apenas com dieta com restrição de gordura e ausência de sinais clínicos.

Lymphangiectasia is an obstructive disorder of the lymphatic system. In the gastrointestinal system, it may result in protein loss and enteropathy, which can lead to edema, ascites or pleural effusion. It can be either a primary (congenital) or secondary(acquired) disorder. The goal of this study is to report the case of a seven-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier that had a 30-day history of diarrhea and ascites. Laboratory tests disclosed hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Definitive diagnosis was achieved through endoscopic biopsy. The tutor reported significant improvement seven days after treatment onset. The animal was kept on a diet with fat restriction and remained free of clinical signs post-treatment.

La linfangiectasia es una alteración obstructiva del sistema linfático, que cuando afecta al sistema gastrointestinal, puede llevar a una enteropatía con pérdida de proteínas, o a cuadros de edema, ascitis o efusión pleural. Puede ser una alteración primaria o congénita, secundaria o adquirida. El objetivo de este trabajo es relatar el caso de un perro Yorkshire terrier de siete años, con un histórico de diarrea de treinta días y ascitis. Los exámenes laboratoriales mostraron una hipoproteinemia con hipoalbuminemia. El diagnóstico definitivo se obtuvo mediante una biopsia que fue realizada por endoscopia. Después de siete días de tratamiento, el tutor relató una mejoría significativa del cuadro. Después del tratamiento, el animal permaneció sólo con una dieta restricta en grasa, sin que se repitieran los signos clínicos.

Linfangiectasia intestinal em cão - relato de caso / Intestinal lymphangiectasia in a dog - case report / Linfangiectasia intestinal en perro - relato de caso

Linfangiectasia é um distúrbio obstrutivo do sistema linfático que, no caso do sistema gastrintestinal, pode resultar em enteropatia com perda de proteína, o que pode levar a edema, ascite ou efusão pleural. Pode ser um distúrbio primário ou congênito, secundário ou adquirido. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar o caso de um macho da espécie canina, yorkshire terrier, de sete anos de idade, com histórico de diarreia havia trinta dias e ascite. Os exames laboratoriais apontaram hipoproteinemia e hipoalbuminemia. O diagnóstico definitivo foi obtido por meio de biópsia, realizada por endoscopia. Depois de sete dias de tratamento, o tutor referiu melhora significativa do quadro. Depois do tratamento, o animal permaneceu apenas com dieta com restrição de gordura e ausência de sinais clínicos.(AU)

Lymphangiectasia is an obstructive disorder of the lymphatic system. In the gastrointestinal system, it may result in protein loss and enteropathy, which can lead to edema, ascites or pleural effusion. It can be either a primary (congenital) or secondary(acquired) disorder. The goal of this study is to report the case of a seven-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier that had a 30-day history of diarrhea and ascites. Laboratory tests disclosed hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Definitive diagnosis was achieved through endoscopic biopsy. The tutor reported significant improvement seven days after treatment onset. The animal was kept on a diet with fat restriction and remained free of clinical signs post-treatment.(AU)

La linfangiectasia es una alteración obstructiva del sistema linfático, que cuando afecta al sistema gastrointestinal, puede llevar a una enteropatía con pérdida de proteínas, o a cuadros de edema, ascitis o efusión pleural. Puede ser una alteración primaria o congénita, secundaria o adquirida. El objetivo de este trabajo es relatar el caso de un perro Yorkshire terrier de siete años, con un histórico de diarrea de treinta días y ascitis. Los exámenes laboratoriales mostraron una hipoproteinemia con hipoalbuminemia. El diagnóstico definitivo se obtuvo mediante una biopsia que fue realizada por endoscopia. Después de siete días de tratamiento, el tutor relató una mejoría significativa del cuadro. Después del tratamiento, el animal permaneció sólo con una dieta restricta en grasa, sin que se repitieran los signos clínicos.(AU)

Sporotrichosis: the main differential diagnosis with tegumentary leishmaniosis in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Seventy-four dogs from the State of Rio de Janeiro with ulcerated cutaneous lesions were submitted to clinical, dermatological, parasitological, mycological, histopathological and cytopathological exams, a leishmanin skin test, an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test for leishmaniosis, and nonspecific laboratory tests such as blood count and serum biochemistry. Sporothrix schenckii was isolated from 41 dogs and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis was isolated from 33 animals. Most dogs with sporotrichosis were from the municipality of Rio de Janeiro (53.7%) and presented ulcerated cutaneous lesions on the head (68.3%). Laboratory alterations in these animals included anemia (58.5%), hypoalbuminemia (83%) and hyperglobulinemia (75.6%). Histopathology revealed the predominance of a chronic granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate (70.7%), and yeast-like structures were detected in 17% of the histopathological exams and in 32% of the cytological exams. Three of 41 dogs with sporotrichosis were seropositive by IIF for leishmaniosis and 2 of 20 animals tested within this group had a positive leishmanin skin test. Similarly, most of the 33 dogs with leishmaniosis were from the municipality of Rio de Janeiro (69.7%) and had ulcerated cutaneous lesions on the head (84.8%). Laboratory alterations in these animals included anemia (66.7%), hypoalbuminemia (100%) and hyperglobulinemia (91%). Histopathology showed the predominance of a chronic granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate (63.6%) and amastigote forms were detected in 30.3% of the histopathological exams and in 31.8% of the 22 cytological exams performed. About 72.7% of the dogs were seropositive by IIF and five of seven animals had a positive skin test. Due to the clinical similarities, histopathological and nonspecific laboratory results similarities, the serological and skin tests for leishmaniosis positive in dogs with sporotrichosis, and the overlapping endemic areas in Rio de Janeiro, the differential diagnosis between the two diseases requires the demonstration of their respective etiological agents.

Canine sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis and therapeutic response in 44 cases (1998-2003).

A sporotichosis epidemic involving forty-four dogs in the Metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro is described. Solitary skin lesions were noted in 18 dogs (40.9%), 2-4 such lesions were observed in 17 animals (38.6%), and nine (20.5%) animals had five or more lesions. Twenty-five (56.8%) animals had single ulcerated skin lesions on the nose and nine (20.5%) showed nasal mucosal involvement (three of which also has a skin lesion). Respiratory symptoms were observed in 17 (38.6%) dogs and were found to be the most common extracutaneous signs of infection. Anemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia were the most frequent hematological abnormalities. Histopathological analysis of skin biopsies in most cases revealed granulomatous reactions characterized by histiocytic hyperplasia and neutrophil infiltration. Yeast-like cells were observed in seven (16.7%) of 42 dogs examined histologically. During the study, eight (18.2%) animals were lost to follow-up and three (6.8%) were submitted to euthanasia. Of the remaining 33 dogs, five (15.2%) presented spontaneous regression of the lesions, 26 (78.8%) were cured after treatment, and two (6%) continue to be treated. The present cases indicate that many dogs with sporotrichosis respond well to treatment and in a few dogs, the disease may be self-limiting.

Clinical and serological aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in northeast Brazilian dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi.

Human visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in the northeast of Brazil, where the domestic dog is an important parasite reservoir in the infectious cycle of Leishmania chagasi. In this study, we evaluated the clinical signs of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), serum protein profile and the antileishmanial IgG antibody production in 86 dogs living in northeast endemic areas of leishmaniasis. Thirty dogs from a leishmaniasis-free area were used as a control group. The major clinical signs of CVL seen were emaciation and skin ulcers (80%), followed by onychogryphosis and conjunctivitis (73%). Depilation was observed in 60% of animals while lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, liver enlargement or kidney involvement was less frequent (< or =20%). VL seropositive dogs presented with serum hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypergammaglobulinemia and decreased albumin/globulin ratio. A lower sensitivity and higher specificity was observed for promastigote indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) (83 and 100%, respectively) compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (94 and 90%), which uses a crude extract of Leishmania. There was a positive correlation between IFAT and ELISA titers of antileishmanial IgG antibodies (Spearman test, P < 0.05), which was augmented in CVL dogs. This study found that the determination of serum protein, A/G ratio and the use of two different leishmanial serological tests like IFAT and ELISA are essential in CVL screening.