Causes and Pathology of Equine Pneumonia and Pleuritis in Southern Brazil.

We document the causes and pathological findings in 50 cases of equine pneumonia and pleuritis in Southern Brazil. Suppurative (17/50), pyogranulomatous (14/50), aspiration (5/50), mycotic (4/50), bronchointerstitial (3/50), embolic (3/50) and eosinophilic granulomatous pneumonia (1/50) and pleuritis (3/50) were the main conditions identified. Streptococcus spp. were identified in 11 cases of suppurative pneumonia. Suppurative pneumonia was further divided into acute (8/17), subacute (6/17) and chronic (3/17) based on the morphological pattern of lesions. Rhodococcus equi was identified in all cases of pyogranulomatous pneumonia and exclusively affected young foals.

Virome of crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) from southern Brazil and Uruguay.

Crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and Pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) are wild canids distributed in South America. Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild canids may share viral pathogens, including rabies virus (RABV), canine distemper virus (CDV), and canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2). To characterize the virome of these wild canid species, the present work evaluated the spleen and mesenteric lymph node virome of 17 crab-eating and five Pampas foxes using high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Organ samples were pooled and sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. Additional PCR analyses were performed to identify the frequencies and host origin for each virus detected by HTS. Sequences more closely related to the Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae and Anelloviridae families were detected, as well as circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses. CDV was found only in crab-eating foxes, whereas CPV-2 was found in both canid species; both viruses were closely related to sequences reported in domestic dogs from southern Brazil. Moreover, the present work reported the detection of canine bocavirus (CBoV) strains that were genetically divergent from CBoV-1 and 2 lineages. Finally, we also characterized CRESS DNA viruses and anelloviruses with marked diversity. The results of this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding wild canid viruses that can potentially be shared with domestic canids or other species.

Aloenxertos ósseos e enxerto sintético de hidroxiapatita em falha óssea ulnar em galinhas (Gallus gallus domesticus), aspectos radiográficos e histológicos / Bone allografts and synthetic grafts hydroxyapatite on ulnar bone defect in fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus), radiographic and histological aspects

Dos atendimentos ortopédicos realizados em aves no HCV-UFRGS, 86% são fraturas, sendo aproximadamente 30% delas cominutivas com perda óssea expressiva, justificando a importância da utilização de enxertos em fraturas de aves. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar dois aloenxertos e enxerto sintético de hidroxiapatita em defeito ósseo de galinhas. Utilizaram-se 30 galinhas separadas em três grupos: aloenxerto congelado em ultra-freezer (GUF), aloenxerto congelado em nitrogênio líquido (GNL) e enxerto sintético de hidroxiapatita deficiente em cálcio (GHA). Nos três grupos, os enxertos foram aplicados com placas e parafusos bloqueados de 2mm na ulna direita das aves, avaliando-se a evolução por meio de exames radiográficos até serem completados 90 dias de pós-operatório e o resultado final mediante exame histológico. A média e desvio-padrão relacionando o tempo de consolidação óssea radiográfica foi: GNL 61,67±21,79 dias (90% de consolidação), GUF 47,14±13,50 dias (70% de consolidação) e GHA 70±18,17 dias (60% de consolidação). Houve diferença significativa no tempo de consolidação óssea entre o GUF e o GHA. Histologicamente, os enxertos do GUF foram os que estavam em consolidação mais avançada. Os aloenxertos do GNL foram superiores no preenchimento de falha óssea ulnar de galinhas.(AU)

Of the orthopedic visits performed on birds at HCV-UFRGS, 86% are fractures, and approximately 30% of them are comminuted with expressive bone loss, justifying the importance of the use of grafts in bird fractures. The objective of this work was to test two allografts and a synthetic HADC graft on finishing in Gallus gallus domesticus. 30 laying hens were used, divided in three groups: frozen allograft in ultrafreezer (UFG); frozen allograft in liquid nitrogen (LNG); calcium deficient synthetic hydroxyapatite graft (HAG). The three graft groups were exposed to serial radiographs until the 90 postoperative days, as well as the histological examination at the end of the experiment were: LNG 61.67±21.79 days (90% consolidation), UFG 47.14±13.50 days (70% consolidation) and HAG 70±18.17 days (60% consolidation). There was a significant difference in bone healing time between GUF and GHA. Histologically, GUF grafts were the ones that were in the most advanced consolidation. LNG allografts were superior in filling ulnar bone failure of fowl.(AU)

Epidemiological and Pathological Characterization of Feline Injection Site Sarcomas in Southern Brazil.

Feline injection site sarcoma (FISS) is a mesenchymal neoplasm with highly malignant characteristics. These tumours originate in anatomical sites where there has been previous parenteral administration of medicinal substances or implantation of medical devices. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and pathological features associated with FISS in the southern region of Brazil. The database of the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul was searched for excisional and incisional biopsy samples compatible with FISS submitted between 2007 and 2017. Biopsy reports were reviewed and epidemiological information, including breed, age and sex of affected cats, as well as gross findings including anatomical location and size of the tumour and the presence of tissue invasion, were extracted. Eighty-nine samples were selected based on the established criteria. Most animals were of undefined breed and were female cats with a median age of 10 years. Grossly, 84.8% of the tumours were >2 cm in diameter. Regarding anatomical location, 34.9% of the tumours were located in the subcutaneous tissue of the thoracic wall, 29.2% in the flank, 21.3% in the interscapular region and 14.6% in the limbs. Histologically, the tumours originated in the subcutaneous tissue and were diagnosed as malignant mesenchymal neoplasms. Most were compatible with fibrosarcomas, but variants with features of pleomorphic sarcoma or chondrosarcoma were recognized. All tumours exhibited areas of necrosis and peripheral inflammatory infiltrate, composed predominantly of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. The results of this study suggest the need for dissemination of information on FISS epidemiology and guidelines for management of this tumour to veterinarians in the region.

Mycobacterium branderi Infection in a Horse with Granulomatous Mesenteric Lymphadenitis.

Although relatively uncommon in horses, infections caused by Mycobacterium spp. may affect the gastrointestinal tract. Mycobacterium branderi is a non-tuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) that causes respiratory infections in man. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria may also affect horses; however, infection by M. branderi has not yet been reported in this species. This report describes the clinical, pathological, microbiological and molecular findings of M. branderi infection in a horse, causing granulomatous mesenteric lymphadenitis. A 17-year-old Thoroughbred stallion had a 3-month history of chronic diarrhoea, cachexia and ventral and cervical oedema. Necropsy examination revealed severe mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, together with mesenteric lymphangiectasia and diffuse small intestinal mucosal thickening. Microscopically, the mesenteric lymph node had diffuse granulomatous inflammatory infiltration, replacing most of the nodal parenchyma, with multiple acid-fast bacilli within the cytoplasm of macrophages. There was also diffuse lymphangiectasia. Fresh samples of mesenteric lymph nodes yielded no bacterial growth; however, nested polymerase chain reaction products obtained from the mesenteric lymph node samples were consistent with M. branderi. This infection should be included as a differential diagnosis in cases of chronic diarrhoea in horses, especially when granulomatous enteritis and lymphadenitis are also observed.

Estenose ureteral após cistectomia radical associada à ureterostomia cutânea abdominal: relato de caso / Ureteral stricture after radical cystectomy and cutaneous abdominal ureterostomy: case report

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a realização de cistectomia total associada à ureterostomia abdominal, uma técnica ainda pouco descrita na veterinária, bem como descrever as complicações pós-operatórias observadas. Um canino da raça Akita, macho, 11 anos, castrado, foi atendido com histórico de prostração, hiporexia, disúria, hematúria e incontinência urinária havia aproximadamente 10 dias. No exame clínico, foi observada leve algia abdominal; demais parâmetros estavam dentro da normalidade. Os exames complementares de imagem revelaram presença de massa envolvendo grande parte da vesícula urinária. O paciente foi submetido à cirurgia de cistectomia total associada à implantação cutânea abdominal dos ureteres, e o exame histopatológico chegou ao diagnóstico de carcinoma de células de transicionais (CCT) infiltrativo não papilar. No pós-operatório, o paciente desenvolveu dermatite urêmica leve no local de inserção dos ureteres e estenose ureteral em região distal, de maneira que reintervenções cirúrgicas foram necessárias para a correção. Além disso, observaram-se pielonefrite e hidronefrose secundárias ao quadro obstrutivo. Devido às complicações pós-operatórias, a tutora optou pela eutanásia do cão. Dessa maneira, conclui-se que a estenose ureteral e a pielonefrite são possíveis complicações da técnica de cistectomia associada à implantação abdominal dos ureteres.(AU)

This study aims to report the technique of total cystectomy associated with abdominal ureterostomy, a technique -little described in veterinary medicine, as well as to describe the postoperative complications observed. A male Akita canine, 11 years old, castrated, was attended with a history of prostration, hyporexia, dysuria, hematuria, and urinary incontinence for approximately ten days. The clinical examination revealed mild abdominal pain and other parameters within the normal range. Complementary imaging studies revealed the presence of mass involving a large part of the urinary bladder. The patient underwent total cystectomy surgery associated with abdominal cutaneous implantation of the ureters and histopathological examination led to a diagnosis of non-papillary infiltrative transitional cell carcinoma. In the postoperative period, the patient developed mild uremic dermatitis at the insertion site of the ureters and ureteral stenosis in the distal region, so that surgical reinterventions were necessary for correction. In addition, pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis secondary to the obstructive condition were observed. Due to the postoperative complications, the tutor chose to euthanize the dog. Thus, it is concluded that ureteral stenosis and pyelonephritis are possible complications of the cystectomy technique associated with abdominal implantation of the ureters.(AU)

Chronic Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Two Cats with Diabetes Mellitus.

Human patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of fungal infections. Diabetes mellitus has also been implicated as a predisposing factor in the establishment of fungal lung infections in cats. Two diabetic cats of different origins presented with severe acute respiratory conditions that resulted in their death. At necropsy examination there was friable, black material in the main bronchi that obstructed the bronchial lumina. Microscopical examination of the lungs revealed the presence of pneumonia, calcium oxalate crystals and a large quantity of fungal hyphae and conidial heads. Fungal infection was confirmed with Grocott's methenamine silver stain. The results of the mycology analysis were compatible with Aspergillus section Nigri.

Danish heart patients' participation in and experience with rehabilitation.

AIM: This study investigated the proportion of Danish patients in cardiac therapy for ischaemic heart disease who participated in cardiac rehabilitation. The study examined differences in patients' participation in and experience and satisfaction with cardiac rehabilitation. METHODS: Data were obtained from a postal questionnaire in a representative sample of patients in therapy for an ischaemic heart disease. Response data were tabulated and analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS: 3% of the patients participated in a complete rehabilitation programme according to Danish standards, 47% of the patients participated in a partial rehabilitation programme, and additionally 32% of the patients participated in a very limited rehabilitation programme. The number of patients participating in a complete rehabilitation programme was low due to the fact that only few patients (and their relatives) received psychological support. The factors living alone and low education are associated with low participation and in particular with receiving psychological support. Elderly (≥50 years) and male patients showed higher satisfaction scores. Patients receiving psychosocial elements in their rehabilitation programme reported higher satisfaction with their rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Few Danish patients with ischaemic heart disease participate in a complete rehabilitation programme mainly due to psychosocial elements not yet being an integral part of cardiac rehabilitation in Denmark. There is a need to differentiate and tailor cardiac rehabilitation to different patient segments, e.g. by gender and age.

Achados patológicos e imuno-histoquímicos em bovinos com doença granulomatosa sistêmica pelo consumo de Vicia villosa (Leg. Papilionoideae) no Rio Grande do Sul / Pathological and immunohistochemical findings in cattle affected by systemic granulomatous disease by consumption Vicia villosa (Leg. Papilionoideae) in Rio Grande do Sul

A doença granulomatosa sistêmica associada ao consumo de Vicia villosa (Leg. Papilionoideae) foi diagnosticada em 5 bovinos no período de 2005 a 2008. Os bovinos apresentavam alopecia, lesões crostosas na pele, prurido, febre, queda da produção leiteira, anorexia e emagrecimento. O curso clínico médio da doença foi de 2 semanas. Dos bovinos analisados três morreram e dois foram eutanasiados. As lesões macroscópicas de alopecia e crostas na pele eram localizadas principalmente na face e pescoço. Observava-se nódulos multifocais a coalescentes branco-acinzentados que infiltravam vários órgãos especialmente em linfonodos, rins e coração. As lesões microscópicas consistiam na infiltração de linfócitos, macrófagos, células epitelioides, células gigantes multinucleadas, eosinófilos e plasmócitos. Linfonodos, rins, adrenal, baço e fígado de todos os bovinos apresentaram infiltrado granulomatoso, porém de intensidade variável. Nos testes imuno-histoquímicos dos órgãos com infiltrado inflamatório, as principais células visualizadas foram os linfócitos T, seguidos de macrófagos/células epitelioides/células gigantes multi-nucleadas e os linfócitos B foram raramente detectados nos locais de inflamação granulomatosa. O número reduzido de células marcadas por Ki-67 nas lesões granulomatosas, tende a indicar que a proliferação celular não foi responsável pela hipercelularidade das lesões e que o recrutamento de macrófagos e linfócitos para o local da inflamação provavelmente tenha sido o responsável pelo acúmulo de células no infiltrado inflamatório.

The systemic granulomatous disease associated with consumption of Vicia villosa (Leg. Papilionoideae family) has been diagnosed in 5 cattle from 2005 to 2008. Affected cattle showed alopecia, crusted lesions on the skin, had itching, fever, decreased milk yield, anorexia and wasting. Average clinical course was 2 weeks. Three cattle died and two were euthanized in extremis. The main gross changes are alopecic and crusts in the skin, mainly on the face and neck. There also were multifocal to coalescent whitish nodules that infiltrated several organs, but especially lymph nodes, kidneys and hearth. Microscopic changes consisted of infiltration with lymphocytes, macrophages, epithelioid cells, giant multinucleated cells, eosinophils, and plasmocytes. Lymph nodes, kidneys, adrenal gland, spleen and liver from affected cattle showed varying degrees of granulomatous infiltration. Immunohistochemical procedures on samples from affected organs revealed that T-lymphocytes and macrophages/epithelioid cells/giant multinucleated cells were the main components of the inflammatory infiltrates, B-lymphocytes were only rarely seen within. The reduced numbers of cells marked by Ki-67 in the granulomatous lesions would indicate that cell proliferation was not responsible for the hypercellularity in the lesions and that rather the recruitment of macrophages and lymphocytes to the site inflammation probably accounted for the building up of the local cellular inflammatory infiltrate.

Increased exercise performance in patients with severe COPD following inspiratory resistive training.

Six patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underwent a six-week outpatient program to train their respiratory muscles with an inspiratory resistive device. Exercise performance was measured using a cycle ergometer. Maximum exercise capacity, represented by VO2 max, increased 15 percent. The maximum work rate increased 37 percent, and the minute ventilation attained during exercise increased 17 percent after training. Respiratory muscle endurance increased 56 percent. All patients reported an increased ability to perform the activities of daily living. No changes were reported in three patients who underwent sham training.

Role of thromboxane and prostacyclin in pulmonary vasomotor changes after endotoxin in dogs.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors prevent the pulmonary vasomotor changes in response to low-dose endotoxin. We, therefore, explored the role of two highly vasoactive prostanoids, thromboxane A(2), a vasoconstrictor, and prostacyclin, a vasodilator, in the transient pulmonary vasoconstriction and subsequent loss of alveolar hypoxis vasoconstriction (AHPV) that follows endotoxin. AHPV was tested in the dog with a double-lumened endotracheal tube allowing ventilation of one lung with nitrogen as a hypoxic challenge while the other lung was ventilated with oxygen to maintain systemic oxygenation. Relative distribution of perfusion to the two lungs was assessed with intravenous (133)Xe and external scintillation detectors. The stable metabolites of thromboxane and prostacyclin, i.e., thromboxane B(2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha) were measured in plasma with radioimmunoassay. 15 mug/kg i.v. of endotoxin induced no rise in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), but prevented AHPV so that the initial 33% (+/-2 SEM) decrease in perfusion to the hypoxic lung became only a 2% (+/-1) decrease. Circulating levels of thromboxane and prostacyclin concurrently rose (P < 0.01) from nondetectable levels to 380 pg/ml (+/-40) and 360 pg/ml (+/-130). 150 mug/kg of endotoxin induced a transient rise in PVR from 4.09 to 9.00 mm Hg/liter per min in association (r = 0.89, P < 0.01) with a sharp rise in thromboxane levels to 4,460 pg/ml (+/-1,350) whereas prostacyclin levels were elevated less markedly to 550 pg/ml (+/-400). Prostaglandin F(2alpha), another vasoconstrictor, was not elevated. 30 min after endotoxin when PVR was again base line and AHPV lost, thromboxane fell significantly (P < 0.01) to 2,200 pg/ml (+/-1,100) whereas prostacyclin remained elevated at 360 pg/ml (+/-135), a level similar to that seen when 15 mug/kg of endotoxin induced loss of AHPV. Indomethacin prevented the rise in thromboxane and prostacyclin after endotoxin as well as the changes in pulmonary vasomotor tone. Thus, a complex interaction between thromboxane and prostacyclin is involved in the pulmonary vasomotor response to low-dose endotoxin.

A comparison between bromazepam (Ro 5-3350, Lexotan) and diazepam (Valium) in anxiety neurosis. A controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

The new benzodiazepine bromazepam (Ro 5-3350, Lexotan) was compared with diazepam in a double-blind, crossover trial on 30 patients with prolonged anxiety symptoms. Each drug was given for 3 weeks in a dose of 5 mg t.d.s. Bromazepam proved to be statistically significantly superior to diazepam when evaluated through patients' preferences. Fourteen patients preferred bromazepam to diazepam and four the opposite. Three cases were tied. Nine patients had to be withdrawn from the evaluation, which may create bias. A plea is made for further controlled clinical trials on bromazepam, in particular in obsessive and phobic neurosis.