[Detection of Helicobacter species in humans and their dog] / Detección de especies de Helicobacter en humanos y sus perros.

Helicobacter is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that colonizes the stomach of humans and dogs, among other mammals. The most frequent species found in the gastric mucosa of man is H. pylori, however, there are other species of Helicobacter in the stomach of humans, such as H. suis, H. bizzozeronii, H. felis, H. salomonis and H. heilmannii sensu stricto, named non H. pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) some of which also colonize the dog's stomach. The detection of NHPH in the stomach mucosa of humans with gastric disease, and in a high percentage of dogs, suggests the possibility that these animals play an important role in the pathogenesis and transmission of infection to man, postulating the path of transmission oral-oral or fecal-oral. The aim of this study was to determine whether people with signs of chronic gastritis who have Helicobacter spp. and who own dogs as pets, share the same species with them. The presence of Helicobacter spp. in gastric samples of 30 people with clinical signs of chronic gastritis and histopathological diagnosis of gastric infection with Helicobacter spp. was analyzed by PCR. The presence of Helicobacter spp. was also studied in the dogs of these people. Then, the species of Helicobacter presented was determined in both. In human gastric samples, H. pylori was the only species found, while in dogs, samples were H. bizzozeronii, H. felis, H. salomonis and H. heilmannii. In this work the same species were not found in dogs and their owners.

Helicobacter es un género bacteriano gram negativo que coloniza el estómago de humanos y perros, entre otros mamíferos. En la mucosa gástrica del hombre la especie más frecuentemente hallada es H. pylori, sin embargo, puede albergar otras especies, como H. suis, H. bizzozeronii, H. felis, H. salomonis y H. heilmannii sensu stricto, denominadas Helicobacter no H. pylori (NHPH), algunas de las cuales colonizan también el estómago del perro. La detección de especies NHPH en la mucosa del estómago de seres humanos con enfermedad gástrica y en un alto porcentaje de perros como mascotas, sugiere la posibilidad de que estos animales jueguen un rol importante en la patogenia y transmisión de la infección al hombre, postulándose la vía de transmisión oral-oral o bien fecal-oral. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si individuos con signos de gastritis crónica que tienen Helicobacter spp. y que poseen perros como mascotas, comparten con ellos las mismas especies. Para ello se estudió por PCR la presencia de Helicobacter spp. en muestras gástricas de 30 pacientes con signos clínicos de gastritis crónica y diagnóstico histopatológico de infección gástrica con Helicobacter spp. También se estudió la presencia de estas bacterias en sus perros para determinar si existe correspondencia en las especies presentes en ambos. La única especie encontrada en humanos fue H. pylori, mientras que en los perros se encontraron H. bizzozeronii, H. felis, H. salomonis y H. heilmannii. En este trabajo no se encontraron las mismas especies en los perros y en sus propietarios.

Quantity discrimination by kittens of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus).

Quantitative abilities are well described in many species and in diverse life situations, including in the adult domestic cat. However, such abilities have been much less studied during ontogeny. In the present study we examined spontaneous quantity discrimination by pre-weaning age kittens in two-way food choice experiments. In Experiment 1, 26 kittens performed 12 trials with different ratios between the number of same-size food items. In Experiment 2, 24 other kittens performed eight trials with different ratios between the size of two food items. We found, in general, that the kittens discriminated between the different amounts of food and spontaneously chose the larger one, but that their choice was influenced by the ratio of difference. The kittens in Experiment 1 chose the larger number of same-size food items if the ratio was smaller than 0.4 and in Experiment 2 they chose the larger pieces of food if the ratio between the items was smaller than 0.5. Because the kittens' choice was not influenced by the absolute number of food items or the numerical difference between them in Experiment 1, it suggests that their cognitive performance relied on an analog magnitude system rather than on an object file system during the quantity discrimination tasks. We discuss our results considering the ecological and social background of cats and compare it with the performance of previously studied species.

Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis in fleas and ticks collected from dogs and cats of Puebla, Mexico.

Fleas and ticks represent the two main groups of ectoparasites that infest companion animals. In particular, the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis and several members of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex are the main vectors of a wide range of pathogens on the American continent. They are competent vectors for several members of the genus Rickettsia, which encompass at least 15 pathogenic obligate intracellular bacteria that colonize the endothelial cells of vertebrates. In Mexico, 10 species of Rickettsia belonging to three groups have been detected in six species of ectoparasites from dogs in 9 of the 32 states of the country. However, in some larger regions of the country, active epidemiological surveillance has not been carried out. For this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the presence of members of the genus Rickettsia in fleas and ticks of dogs and cats in the state of Puebla, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was carried out to collect ectoparasites of dogs and cats during August to November 2019. Samples were fixed in 70% ethanol and examined to identify the presence of Rickettsia DNA by the amplification and sequencing of specific fragments of the gltA and ompB genes using conventional PCR. The recovered sequences were compared with those deposited in GenBank, and phylogenetic analyses were carried out to identify the position of the pathogens detected with respect to the valid species previously reported worldwide. Additionally, ecological parameters of the ectoparasite infestations were also calculated. We recovered 196 ectoparasites belonging to two species, 33 C. felis felis and 163 R. sanguineus s.l. (Rhipicephalus linnaei), parasitizing 46 hosts (42 dogs and 4 cats) in 11 localities of the state of Puebla. We detected the presence of Rickettsia felis in three pools of C. felis felis, and five from R. sanguineus s.l. Our work provides the first record of R. felis in hard ticks of Mexico and Central America, with new collection localities for this pathogen in central Mexico.

Piroplasmid infection is not associated with clinicopathological and laboratory abnormalities in cats from Midwestern Brazil.

Feline piroplasmids include the genera Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Theileria spp. In Brazil, there are few reports regarding these hemoprotozoans; however, clinicopathological and molecular data are scarce. This study aimed to characterize the clinical relevance of these parasites through hematological, biochemical, and molecular approaches. For this purpose, 166 cats from Brasilia, Federal District, Midwestern Brazil, were screened using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for piroplasmids based on the LSU4 mitochondrial gene, which resulted in an overall prevalence of 36/166 (21.7%). Twelve of 166 samples (7.2%) were positive for C. felis, while 19/166 (11.4%) were positive for Babesia vogeli. No samples tested positive for Theileria spp. Babesia vogeli and Cytauxzoon spp. LSU4 sequences showed identities of 97-100% and 99.3%, respectively, to US isolates. The hematological and biochemical findings did not differ significantly between the cats that tested positive and negative for piroplasmids. Although the lack of abnormalities in clinical and laboratory parameters does not eliminate the possibility that these cats were sick and recovered, it may suggest that the Brazilian strain of Cytauxzoon spp. is not as pathogenic as that from the USA, despite the high molecular identity with North American isolates.

Using Proteomic Approaches to Unravel the Response of Ctenocephalides felis felis to Blood Feeding and Infection With Bartonella henselae.

Among the Ctenocephalides felis felis-borne pathogens, Bartonella henselae, the main aetiological agent of cat scratch disease (CSD), is of increasing comparative biomedical importance. Despite the importance of B. henselae as an emergent pathogen, prevention of the diseases caused by this agent in cats, dogs and humans mostly relies on the use of ectoparasiticides. A vaccine targeting both flea fitness and pathogen competence is an attractive choice requiring the identification of flea proteins/metabolites with a dual effect. Even though recent developments in vector and pathogen -omics have advanced the understanding of the genetic factors and molecular pathways involved at the tick-pathogen interface, leading to discovery of candidate protective antigens, only a few studies have focused on the interaction between fleas and flea-borne pathogens. Taking into account the period of time needed for B. henselae replication in flea digestive tract, the present study investigated flea-differentially abundant proteins (FDAP) in unfed fleas, fleas fed on uninfected cats, and fleas fed on B. henselae-infected cats at 24 hours and 9 days after the beginning of blood feeding. Proteomics approaches were designed and implemented to interrogate differentially expressed proteins, so as to gain a better understanding of proteomic changes associated with the initial B. henselae transmission period (24 hour timepoint) and a subsequent time point 9 days after blood ingestion and flea infection. As a result, serine proteases, ribosomal proteins, proteasome subunit α-type, juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase 1, vitellogenin C, allantoinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, glycinamide ribotide transformylase, secreted salivary acid phosphatase had high abundance in response of C. felis blood feeding and/or infection by B. henselae. In contrast, high abundance of serpin-1, arginine kinase, ribosomal proteins, peritrophin-like protein, and FS-H/FSI antigen family member 3 was strongly associated with unfed cat fleas. Findings from this study provide insights into proteomic response of cat fleas to B. henselae infected and uninfected blood meal, as well as C. felis response to invading B. henselae over an infection time course, thus helping understand the complex interactions between cat fleas and B. henselae at protein levels.

Ecology of fleas and their hosts in the trifinio of north-east Argentina: first detection of Rickettsia asembonensis in Ctenocephalides felis felis in Argentina.

Fleas are important in public health due to their role as parasites and vectors of pathogens, including Rickettsia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity, abundance and prevalence of fleas and the presence of Rickettsia in the trifinio of north-east Argentina. Fleas from household and synanthropic animals were obtained from urban and periurban areas. They were taxonomically identified and samples of 227 fleas in 86 pools were analysed by polymerase chain reaction targeting the gltA and ompB genes of Rickettsia spp. The study revealed that Ctenocephalides felis felis was dominant on dogs, cats and opossums, with higher prevalence in the periurban area. The Shannon-Wiener and Morisita-Horn indices expressed differences in the diversity and similarity values of the absolute abundances of the species between the areas compared. DNA amplifications revealed 30.8% C. f. felis pools positive for Rickettsia spp. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the haplotype obtained was identical to Rickettsia asembonensis from Peru and Brazil. This is the first detection in Argentina of R. asembonensis that infects C. f. felis, and we emphasize the importance of conducting research from a 'One Health' perspective on the role of opossums and rodents in the integration of the transmission cycles of rickettsial bacteria.

Comparación del neurocráneo entre el gato doméstico (Felis catus Linneas 1758) y el montés (Felis silvestris Schreber, 1777) mediante técnicas de morfometría geométrica / Comparison of neurocranium between domestic cat (fFlis catus Linneas 1758) and wild cat (Felis silvestris Schreber, 1777) by means of geometric morphometric techniques

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar objetivamente las diferencias en la forma total (tamaño y forma pura) del neurocráneo entre un grupo de cráneos de gatos domésticos (Felis catus, n=81), y un grupo de gato montés (Felis silvestris, n=12) mediante técnicas de morfometría geométrica. Para ello se obtuvieron fotografías digitales del lado izquierdo de los cráneos de un modo estandarizado, y en las que se ubicaron 8 landmarks y 9 semilandmarks. Después de una superposición generalizada de Procrustes se procedió a un análisis de componentes principales y a otro de canónico a fin de comparar y detectar las posibles diferencias. Los tamaños neurocraneales no mostraron diferencias entre ambos grupos, pero sí que aparecieron diferencias significativas en la forma. Los cambios de forma afectarían principalmente la sutura escamoso-parietal-alisfenoidal y, en menor medida, puntos caudales del cráneo, lo que sugeriría cambios a nivel de músculos masticatorios. A conocimiento del autor, constituye esta la primera investigación que caracteriza y compara el cráneo de los gatos mediante métodos de morfometría geométrica, recomendándose un mayor uso de esta técnica dada la escasez de publicaciones al respecto en mamíferos domésticos.

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to objectively compare the differences in the total shape (size and pure shape) of the neurocranium between a group of domestic cat skulls (Felis catus, n=81), and wildcats (Felis silvestris, n=12) by means of geometric morphometric techniques. To achieve it, we obtained digital photographs of the left side of the skulls in a standardized form, in which 8 landmarks and 9 semilandmarks were located. After a Generalized Procrustes Superimposition, a Principal Component Analysis and a Canonical Analysis one were performed to compare and detect possible differences. Neurocranial sizes showed no differences between the two groups, however, significant differences in shape did appear. Shape changes would mainly affect the squamosal-coronal suture and, to a lesser extent, caudal skull points, therefore suggesting changes in masticatory muscles. As far as this author´s knowledge, this is the first research that characterizes and compares the skull of cats using geometric morphology methods, recommending greater use of this technique given the scarcity of publications on this subject in domestic mammals.

Reproductive hormones monthly variation in free-ranging European wildcats: Lack of association with faecal marking.

Integrating ecophysiological and behavioural discoveries in conservation and management plans is essential to preserve scarce and elusive species such as the European wildcat (Felis silvestris). The purpose of this study was to characterize the monthly variation in the steroid reproductive hormone metabolite levels (oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone) in this species and to test its possible association with a monthly pattern of faecal marking. By collecting fresh faecal samples in Montes do Invernadeiro Natural Park (Galicia, Northwest Spain) each month, we obtained a total of 110 samples belonging to 25 different individuals. We conducted enzyme immunoassays which allowed us to track the annual variation in reproductive hormone excretion patterns in wildcat scats. Furthermore, we also evaluated the possible relation between the faeces used as marks and the reproductive hormone levels. We found that oestradiol and progesterone metabolite levels exhibited a distinct pattern, both increasing during the breeding months. Oestradiol metabolite larger peaks were found during March and April, whereas the highest concentration of progesterone metabolites appeared in July. On the contrary, testosterone metabolite levels did not significantly change depending on the month. Moreover, we did not find any evidence that the faecal marking behaviour pattern was associated with reproductive hormone metabolite levels. It seems that other factors related to habitat and food resources could be more important in the performance of this behaviour.

Geo-epidemiological study of leptospira spp. infection in cattle, feral cats and rodents of the Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil

Background: Leptospirosis is a re-emergent contagious infectious disease, caused by pathogenic leptospires that are transmitted by the urine of infected animals or bacteria-contaminated water and mud. In tropical and subtropical countries it presents high prevalence due to the temperature and humidity conditions that favor the maintenance of the agent in the environment. This disease can affect several species, in Brazilian cattle is an endemic disease, and studies have shown a high occurrence of Leptospira spp. infection in beef and dairy herds. Domestic cats as well as other species of the Family Felidae seem to be resistant to leptospirosis. However, it has been demonstrated under experimental conditions that cats may become infected by ingestion of infected rodents and contaminated water. The present study investigated the occurrence of Leptospira spp. infection in cattle, feral cats and rodents of the Fernando de Noronha Island.Materials, Methods & Results: Fernando de Noronha Island is located 360 km far from Recife and Natal, capitals of the states of Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, respectively. It has an area of approximately 18.4 km2 and constitutes the submerged part of a volcanic edifice currently inactive, which base rests 4,000 m deep in the Atlantic Ocean. Blood samples were collected from all the cattle raised in the Island (n = 88), 200 feral cats and 150 rodents, and the sera were screened by MAT (Serogroups: Australis; Autumnalis; Ballum; Bataviae; Canicola; Cynopteri; Djasiman; Grippotyphosa; Hebdomadis; Icterohaemorrhagiae; Icterohaemorrhagiae; Panama; Pomona; Pyrogenes; Sejroe e Tarassovi) for detection of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. Initially all sera were screened at 1:100 dilution and those with 50% or more agglutination were titrated at two-fold geometric dilutions. The serum titer was defined as the reciprocal of the highest positive dilution.[...]

Geo-epidemiological study of leptospira spp. infection in cattle, feral cats and rodents of the Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil

Background: Leptospirosis is a re-emergent contagious infectious disease, caused by pathogenic leptospires that are transmitted by the urine of infected animals or bacteria-contaminated water and mud. In tropical and subtropical countries it presents high prevalence due to the temperature and humidity conditions that favor the maintenance of the agent in the environment. This disease can affect several species, in Brazilian cattle is an endemic disease, and studies have shown a high occurrence of Leptospira spp. infection in beef and dairy herds. Domestic cats as well as other species of the Family Felidae seem to be resistant to leptospirosis. However, it has been demonstrated under experimental conditions that cats may become infected by ingestion of infected rodents and contaminated water. The present study investigated the occurrence of Leptospira spp. infection in cattle, feral cats and rodents of the Fernando de Noronha Island.Materials, Methods & Results: Fernando de Noronha Island is located 360 km far from Recife and Natal, capitals of the states of Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, respectively. It has an area of approximately 18.4 km2 and constitutes the submerged part of a volcanic edifice currently inactive, which base rests 4,000 m deep in the Atlantic Ocean. Blood samples were collected from all the cattle raised in the Island (n = 88), 200 feral cats and 150 rodents, and the sera were screened by MAT (Serogroups: Australis; Autumnalis; Ballum; Bataviae; Canicola; Cynopteri; Djasiman; Grippotyphosa; Hebdomadis; Icterohaemorrhagiae; Icterohaemorrhagiae; Panama; Pomona; Pyrogenes; Sejroe e Tarassovi) for detection of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. Initially all sera were screened at 1:100 dilution and those with 50% or more agglutination were titrated at two-fold geometric dilutions. The serum titer was defined as the reciprocal of the highest positive dilution.[...](AU)

Registro atual de Herpailurus yagouaroundi (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) (Carnivora: Felidae) no estado de Tabasco, México / Current record of Herpailurus yagouaroundi (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) (Carnivora: Felidae) in the State of Tabasco, Mexico

Neste trabalho apresentamos um registro reciente de Herpailurus yagouaroundi (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) no estado de Tabasco, sudeste do México. O dia 1 de outubro de 2016 foi observado e fotografado um adulto atropelado por um carro em uma área peri-urbana da cidade Heroica Cárdenas.(AU)

In this work we present a current record of Herpailurus yagouaroundi (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) in the State of Tabasco, southeastern Mexico. On October 1, 2016 an adult killed by a car in a periurban area of the city Heroica Cardenas was observed and photographed.(AU)

Registro atual de Herpailurus yagouaroundi (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) (Carnivora: Felidae) no estado de Tabasco, México / Current record of Herpailurus yagouaroundi (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) (Carnivora: Felidae) in the State of Tabasco, Mexico

Neste trabalho apresentamos um registro reciente de Herpailurus yagouaroundi (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) no estado de Tabasco, sudeste do México. O dia 1 de outubro de 2016 foi observado e fotografado um adulto atropelado por um carro em uma área peri-urbana da cidade Heroica Cárdenas.

In this work we present a current record of Herpailurus yagouaroundi (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) in the State of Tabasco, southeastern Mexico. On October 1, 2016 an adult killed by a car in a periurban area of the city Heroica Cardenas was observed and photographed.

Adaptação de coroa metálica pré-fabricada em dente canino de onça-parda (Puma concolor) – relato de caso / Adaptation of a premade metal crown to the canine tooth of a cougar (Puma concolor) – case report / Adaptación de una corona metálica pre fabricada en un diente canino de un puma (Puma concolor) – relato de caso

Um dos problemas odontológicos mais comuns em carnívoros selvagens são as fraturas dentárias, com ou sem exposições de polpa. Dentre as reconstruções estabelecidas, a restauração metálica fundida (RMF) devolve a forma, a função e previne novas fraturas. Na RMF, diversos metais são utilizados: nobres, como ouro, ou básicos, como cromo-cobalto, níquel-cromo, molibdênio e cobre-alumínio. Uma suçuarana (Puma concolor) resgatada e mantida em cativeiro apresentou fratura dentária com exposição de polpa em canino inferior esquerdo. Na avaliação odontológica, indicou-se a necessidade de tratamento endodôntico. Durante o tratamento, houve a oportunidade de adaptar uma RMF disponível. Para tanto, o remanescente coronal fraturado foi devidamente preparado e adaptado com sucesso. Objetiva-se descrever a técnica utilizada nessa adaptação de uma RMF disponível, de forma a contribuir com os estudos de odontologia veterinária e conservação de animais selvagens.

One of the most common dental problems on carnivores is tooth fracture, with or without pulp exposure. Among the established reconstructions, the metal restoration returns form and function while preventing new fractures. Different alloys are used for metallic crowns: either noble metal-based alloys containing gold or basic alloys such as cobalt-chromium, nickel-chromium, molybdenum and copper-aluminum. A rescued cougar (Puma concolor) kept in captivity had a dental fracture with pulp exposure in the lower left canine. Dental evaluation indicated the need for endodontic treatment. There was the opportunity to adapt an available prosthetic crown during treatment. The tooth was prepared for its insertion, which was successful. The aim of this article is to describe the technique used in the adaptation of a preexisting prosthetic crown to this case, in order to contribute to studies of veterinary dentistry and wildlife conservation.

Uno de los problemas odontológicos más comunes en los carnívoros salvajes son las fracturas dentarias, ya sea aquellas que tengan o no exposición de pulpa. Dentro de las posibles formas de reconstruir el diente, la restauración metálica fundida (RMF) permite devolver la forma y la función del mismo, previniendo nuevas fracturas. En la RMF pueden utilizarse varios tipos de metal, ya sea los nobles como el oro, o los básicos como el cromo-cobalto, niquel-cromo, molibdeno y cobre-aluminio. Una hembra de puma (Puma concolor) que había sido rescatada y mantenida en cautiverio, presentó una fractura dentária con exposición de pulpa en el canino inferior izquierdo. Durante el examen odontológico se constató la necesidad de realizar un tratamiento de endodoncia. Durante el mismo se realizó la adaptación de una RMF que se tenía a disposición. Una vez preparado el diente, se pudo insertar con éxito la restauración. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue describir la técnica utilizada en la adaptación de una RMF, contribuyendo al estudio de la odontología veterinaria y la conservación de animales salvajes.

On the morphological variation and taxonomy of the Geoffroy’s cat Leopardus geoffroyi (d’Orbigny & Gervais, 1844) (Carnivora, Felidae)

The Geoffroy’s cat Leopardus geoffroyi (d’Orbigny & Gervais, 1844) is a small cat found in the Southern Cone of South America and, depending on the author, four or five subspecies have been usually recognized (L. g. geoffroyi, L. g. paraguae, L. g. euxanthus, L. g. salinarum and L. g. leucobaptus), mainly based on external morphological characters, such as color pattern of the pelage. In order to clarify the taxonomy of L. geoffroyi, I analyzed approximately 200 specimens housed in museums. I have examined the external and craniodental morphology in quantitative and qualitative terms in the search for patterns of congruent characters that would indicate the existence of taxonomic units. Twenty craniodental measurements were taken and tested by univariate and multivariate (MANOVA, PCA and DFA) procedures. In this study I detected a great variation in the morphological characters, and thus it was not possible to determine whether any of these were geographically consistent and could be used to determine any taxonomic unit. Based on this, I do not recognize any subspecific division for L. geoffroyi. Along its geographic range, a gradual and subtle change from one color pattern to the next along the latitude was detected, but the morphological characters that were used to define the putative subspecies were also detected in a same population. Furthermore, the present study is congruent with the results obtained by previous molecular data, suggesting that L. geoffroyi has a high level of genetic diversity with no geographic structure. This indicates the existence of a large panmictic population with no significant barriers to gene flow and, as a consequence, no subspecies should be recognized.

On the morphological variation and taxonomy of the Geoffroys cat Leopardus geoffroyi (dOrbigny & Gervais, 1844) (Carnivora, Felidae)

The Geoffroys cat Leopardus geoffroyi (dOrbigny & Gervais, 1844) is a small cat found in the Southern Cone of South America and, depending on the author, four or five subspecies have been usually recognized (L. g. geoffroyi, L. g. paraguae, L. g. euxanthus, L. g. salinarum and L. g. leucobaptus), mainly based on external morphological characters, such as color pattern of the pelage. In order to clarify the taxonomy of L. geoffroyi, I analyzed approximately 200 specimens housed in museums. I have examined the external and craniodental morphology in quantitative and qualitative terms in the search for patterns of congruent characters that would indicate the existence of taxonomic units. Twenty craniodental measurements were taken and tested by univariate and multivariate (MANOVA, PCA and DFA) procedures. In this study I detected a great variation in the morphological characters, and thus it was not possible to determine whether any of these were geographically consistent and could be used to determine any taxonomic unit. Based on this, I do not recognize any subspecific division for L. geoffroyi. Along its geographic range, a gradual and subtle change from one color pattern to the next along the latitude was detected, but the morphological characters that were used to define the putative subspecies were also detected in a same population. Furthermore, the present study is congruent with the results obtained by previous molecular data, suggesting that L. geoffroyi has a high level of genetic diversity with no geographic structure. This indicates the existence of a large panmictic population with no significant barriers to gene flow and, as a consequence, no subspecies should be recognized.(AU)

Adaptação de coroa metálica pré-fabricada em dente canino de onça-parda (Puma concolor) relato de caso / Adaptation of a premade metal crown to the canine tooth of a cougar (Puma concolor) case report / Adaptación de una corona metálica pre fabricada en un diente canino de un puma (Puma concolor) relato de caso

Um dos problemas odontológicos mais comuns em carnívoros selvagens são as fraturas dentárias, com ou sem exposições de polpa. Dentre as reconstruções estabelecidas, a restauração metálica fundida (RMF) devolve a forma, a função e previne novas fraturas. Na RMF, diversos metais são utilizados: nobres, como ouro, ou básicos, como cromo-cobalto, níquel-cromo, molibdênio e cobre-alumínio. Uma suçuarana (Puma concolor) resgatada e mantida em cativeiro apresentou fratura dentária com exposição de polpa em canino inferior esquerdo. Na avaliação odontológica, indicou-se a necessidade de tratamento endodôntico. Durante o tratamento, houve a oportunidade de adaptar uma RMF disponível. Para tanto, o remanescente coronal fraturado foi devidamente preparado e adaptado com sucesso. Objetiva-se descrever a técnica utilizada nessa adaptação de uma RMF disponível, de forma a contribuir com os estudos de odontologia veterinária e conservação de animais selvagens.(AU)

One of the most common dental problems on carnivores is tooth fracture, with or without pulp exposure. Among the established reconstructions, the metal restoration returns form and function while preventing new fractures. Different alloys are used for metallic crowns: either noble metal-based alloys containing gold or basic alloys such as cobalt-chromium, nickel-chromium, molybdenum and copper-aluminum. A rescued cougar (Puma concolor) kept in captivity had a dental fracture with pulp exposure in the lower left canine. Dental evaluation indicated the need for endodontic treatment. There was the opportunity to adapt an available prosthetic crown during treatment. The tooth was prepared for its insertion, which was successful. The aim of this article is to describe the technique used in the adaptation of a preexisting prosthetic crown to this case, in order to contribute to studies of veterinary dentistry and wildlife conservation.(AU)

Uno de los problemas odontológicos más comunes en los carnívoros salvajes son las fracturas dentarias, ya sea aquellas que tengan o no exposición de pulpa. Dentro de las posibles formas de reconstruir el diente, la restauración metálica fundida (RMF) permite devolver la forma y la función del mismo, previniendo nuevas fracturas. En la RMF pueden utilizarse varios tipos de metal, ya sea los nobles como el oro, o los básicos como el cromo-cobalto, niquel-cromo, molibdeno y cobre-aluminio. Una hembra de puma (Puma concolor) que había sido rescatada y mantenida en cautiverio, presentó una fractura dentária con exposición de pulpa en el canino inferior izquierdo. Durante el examen odontológico se constató la necesidad de realizar un tratamiento de endodoncia. Durante el mismo se realizó la adaptación de una RMF que se tenía a disposición. Una vez preparado el diente, se pudo insertar con éxito la restauración. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue describir la técnica utilizada en la adaptación de una RMF, contribuyendo al estudio de la odontología veterinaria y la conservación de animales salvajes.(AU)

Avaliação eletrocardiográfica e da pressão arterial de gatos-do-mato pequenos submetidos à neurolepanalgesia com a associação dexmedetomidina, midazolan e petidina / Electrocardiographic evaluation and blood pressure of smalls oncilla undergoing neurolepanalgesia association with dexmedetomidine, midazolam and pethidine

Desta forma, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a associação de dexmedetomidina, midazolan e petidina sobre os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos e da pressão arterial de gatos-do-mato pequenos. Foram utilizados seis gatos-do-mato pequenos, três machos e três fêmeas, provenientes do CETAS/ IBAMA de JP/ PB. Estatisticamente, observou-se variação no intervalo QT e na PAS. Variações além dos limites referenciais foram observados na FC, Pms, segmento ST e PAS. A associação dexmedetomidina-midazolan-petidina, nas doses empregadas neste experimento, não conduziu alterações de ordem eletrocardiográficas e de PA que elevem o protocolo a contra-indicação em gatos-do-mato pequenos, sendo uma alternativa segura para contenção farmacológica nesta espécie por um período não superior a 40 minutos.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of dexmedetomidine, midazolam and pethidine on electrocardiographic parameters and blood pressure in cats of the woods small. We used six cats of the woods small, three males and three females, from the CETAS/ IBAMA JP/ PB. Statistically, there was variation in the QT interval and PAS. Variations beyond the limits benchmarks were observed in FC, Pms, ST and PAS. The association dexmedetomidine-midazolam-pethidine in doses used in this experiment did not lead electrocardiographic changes in order to elevate PA and the protocol contraindicated in smalls Oncilla, with a safe alternative to chemical restraint in this species by a period not exceeding 40 minutes.

Comparação entre duas concentrações de glicerol para a criopreservação de sêmen de suçuarana (Puma concolor) / Comparison between two glycerol concentrations to cryopreservation of semen of mountain lions (Puma concolor)

O desenvolvimento de biotécnicas de reprodução é uma importante ferramenta para a conservação de animais silvestres ameaçados de extinção. Procedimentos de reprodução assistida em suçuarana, no entanto, são escassos na literatura, em especial aqueles relacionados à criopreservação de sêmen. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a congelabilidade do sêmen de suçuaranas adultas mantidas em cativeiro, por meio da comparação entre duas concentrações de glicerol no meio de congelamento. Foram usados cinco machos adultos de suçuarana, mantidos no Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres do Mato Grosso do Sul (CRAS/MS). As amostras foram coletadas por eletroejaculação e avaliadas quanto ao seu aspecto físico, volume, vigor, motilidade, concentração e índice espermático. De cada ejaculado duas alíquotas foram diluídas em meio Tris-citrato-gema de ovo, em concentrações finais de 5 e 7,5% de glicerol, resfriadas a uma taxa de -0,55ºC/min e congeladas a uma taxa de -5,8ºC/min. Depois de descongeladas, as amostras foram reavaliadas e submetidas aos testes de termorresistência e hiposmótico. O protocolo de criopreservação e descongelamento de sêmen proposto se mostrou eficiente em ambas as concentrações de glicerol testadas, não havendo diferença (p>0,05) entre estas.

The development of biotechnologies of reproduction is an important tool for the conservation of wild animals threatened with extinction. Assisted reproduction procedures in mountain lions, however, are scarce, especially those related to sperm cryopreservation. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the freezing capacity of semen from adult mountain lions in captivity through the comparison of two concentrations of glycerol in the freezing media. Five adult male mountain lions were used, held at the Rehabilitation Center for Wild Animals of Mato Grosso do Sul (CRAS/MS). Samples were collected by electroejaculation and evaluated for physical appearance, volume, sperm progressive status, sperm motility, sperm concentration and sperm motility index. Each ejaculate was spliced into two aliquots and diluted in Tris-citrate-half egg yolk, at final concentrations of 5 and 7.5% glycerol, cooled at a rate of -0.55ºC/min and frozen at a rate of -5.8ºC/min. Once thawed, the samples were re-evaluated and tested for thermoresistance and hypoosmotic swelling. The suggested protocol for cryopreservation and thawing of semen is efficient in both glycerol concentrations tested, with no difference (p>0.05) between them.