Reference intervals for bone marrow cells in juvenile and young adult cats bone marrow cytology.

BACKGROUND: The current bone marrow (BM) reference intervals (RI) are based on a limited number of cats. Age-related changes in BM variables might be important, possibly affecting the interpretation of the results. OBJECTIVES: Establish BM cytologic reference intervals (RIs) and association of age and sex on these findings, in healthy juvenile and young adult cats. METHODS: BM aspirates of cats deemed healthy based on history and clinical, CBC, serum chemistry findings, and negative retrovirus serology were obtained and examined cytologically. The examination included a 1000-nucleated differential cell count and cell morphologic assessment. RIs were calculated using parametric, robust, and nonparametric methods. The cytologic findings were examined for associations with sex and age. RESULTS: The study included 40 cats (females, 22 [55%]; males, 18 [45%]) with a median age of 1.5 years (range 0.5-5). Most calculated RIs were similar to those previously reported. BM plasma cell and monocyte counts were weakly and positively correlated with age (rs, .312 and .373, respectively; P < .05). Metarubricytes were higher in females (mean, 25.1%; SD, 6.0%) than males (mean, 21.2%; SD, 6.0%; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The BM differential cell counts determined in this study can serve as RIs for cats aged 0.5-5 years.

Pathological findings and patterns of feline infectious peritonitis in the respiratory tract of cats.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an important cause of death in cats. Thoracic manifestations are less common than abdominal manifestations, and FIP-associated respiratory disease is poorly documented. This study aimed to investigate pathological findings in the respiratory tract of cats with FIP and the occurrence and distribution of feline coronavirus antigen in the respiratory tract using immunohistochemistry. A retrospective study was carried out on 112 cats with FIP, of which 66 had inflammatory histological lesions in the respiratory tract (58.9%) and were included in this study. Three major gross patterns were defined: marked fibrin deposition in the thoracic cavity with lung atelectasis; marked fibrin deposition in the thoracic cavity with lung pyogranulomas; and lung pyogranulomas without thoracic effusion. Histological analysis revealed primary lesions in the visceral pleura and lung parenchyma at a similar frequency, with multifocal to diffuse presentations. Marked lesions were commonly observed. Five major histological patterns were defined: pleuritis; pleuritis and vasculitis/perivascular injury in the lung parenchyma; pleuritis and pneumonia; perivascular injury in the parenchyma without pleuritis; and pneumonia without pleuritis. In the pleura and pulmonary parenchyma, FIP virus antigen was detected in perivascular and peribronchial macrophages and in macrophages within bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue and foci of necrosis and inflammation in the pleura and lung parenchyma. Co-infections with retroviruses were detected in 47 cats (71.2%), mainly with feline leukemia virus (62.2%). Although FIP is a systemic disease, some cats developed significant lesions in the thoracic cavity, including involvement of the upper respiratory tract and presenting respiratory signs, without other classic signs of FIP. This work advances our knowledge of FIP in the respiratory system, helping veterinarians to recognize the various presentations of this disease.

Septicemic salmonellosis in suckling piglets resulting from improper intramuscular administration of an oral vaccine.

We describe an unusual outbreak of mortality in suckling piglets following the misadministration of an oral vaccine against Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Choleraesuis. Within 3-48 h of vaccination of a batch of ~700 piglets, ~300 developed marked swelling in the dorsal neck region, respiratory distress, fever, recumbency, and apathy. In total, ~100 died, and 4 were submitted for autopsy. Gross and microscopic lesions consisted of focally extensive areas of purple discoloration in the skin of the cervical region, associated with edema and hemorrhage in the subcutis and muscles. Additionally, there was interstitial pneumonia with marked interlobular edema and mild fibrinous pleuritis. Aerobic bacterial culture identified Salmonella Typhimurium (3 cases) and Salmonella Choleraesuis (1 case) in samples of skeletal muscle and lung and from pleural swab samples. Marked immunostaining against Salmonella spp. was observed in the skeletal muscle of the cervical region, as well as in blood vessels and macrophages from the lung, liver, spleen, and kidney. We concluded that inappropriate intramuscular administration of an oral vaccine against Salmonella resulted in septicemia and death in a batch of piglets.

Characterization of cutaneous lesions caused by natural tick infestation in cattle.

Although tick infestation is a significant health problem in livestock, there are limited studies on the dermatopathological aspects of natural tick infestation in cattle. This study aimed to describe the gross and histologic aspects of cutaneous lesions caused by tick infestation in cattle. Thirteen cases were selected based on necropsy data from a 10-year retrospective study. Predispositions were observed in beef cattle (P = .049) and the Angus breed (P = .012), and lesions occurred mainly in the fall (P = .007). Gross lesions included hypotrichosis (13/13; 100%), scales (12/13; 92%), alopecia (11/13; 85%), ulcers (7/13; 54%), crusts (7/13; 54%), and erosions (2/13; 15%). These gross lesions were mainly located in the thorax (12/13; 92%), head (11/13; 85%), abdomen (10/13; 77%), neck (9/13; 69%), limbs (9/13; 69%), and perineum (9/13; 69%). Histologically, all cases had ticks adhered to the epidermis with erosions (13/13; 100%), ulcers (11/13; 85%), orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis (13/13; 100%), irregular acanthosis (13/13; 100%), intraepidermal pustules (13/13; 100%), crusts (10/13; 77%), and ballooning degeneration (4/13; 31%). In the dermis, just below the tick insertion site, there was coagulation necrosis, fibrin deposition, and inflammatory infiltrate composed of mixed cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and few eosinophils) (9/13; 69%), neutrophils (3/13; 23%), or eosinophils (1/13; 8%). This study reinforces the different patterns of cutaneous lesions caused by tick infestation in cattle, which should be considered as a potential cause of dermatitis in this species.

Anatomopathological characterization of branchial cysts in slaughtered pigs.

Branchial cysts are a congenital anomaly in humans and other animal species. In this study, twenty commercially bred slaughtered pigs ranging from 120 to 150 days of age, sourced from different farms and lots, were found to have cysts in the oropharyngeal region at meat inspection despite the absence of clinical signs. Two cysts were selected for histopathological examination. The first cyst was surrounded by fibrous connective tissue and lined by a simple single cell layer of epithelium. The second cyst comprised a squamous pseudostratified to simple stratified epithelium, accompanied by a mild inflammatory infiltrate. This cyst was also surrounded by fibrous connective tissue and glands. The pathological diagnosis of branchial cysts in slaughtered pigs was established on the basis of their anatomical location and gross and microscopic findings.

Feline pulmonary carcinoma: Gross, histological, metastatic, and immunohistochemical aspects.

Feline pulmonary carcinoma (FPC) is an uncommon neoplasm with unique morphological features. We describe the gross, histological, metastatic, and immunohistochemical aspects of FPC, based on postmortem examinations from an 11-year retrospective study. Thirty-nine cases were selected. Predispositions were observed in senior (P < .001) and Persian (P = .039) cats. There were three gross patterns of the pulmonary tumors: (a) a large nodule and additional smaller nodules, (b) a solitary nodule, and (c) small, multifocal to coalescent nodules. Extrapulmonary metastases were present in 22/39 cases (56.4%), mainly in the regional lymph nodes (17/39, 43.5%), skeletal muscles (9/39, 23%), kidneys (6/39, 15.3%), and parietal pleura (4/39, 10.2%). The primary tumor size was correlated with the occurrence of extrapulmonary metastases (P = .002). Histologically, the tumors were classified as papillary adenocarcinoma (19/39, 48.7%), adenosquamous carcinoma (ADS) (8/39, 20.5%), acinar adenocarcinoma (6/39, 15.3%), solid adenocarcinoma (3/39, 7.6%), lepidic adenocarcinoma (2/39, 5.1%), and micropapillary adenocarcinoma (1/39, 2.5%). By immunohistochemistry, 39/39 cases (100%) were positive for pancytokeratin, 34/39 (87.1%) for thyroid transcription factor-1, and 8/39 (20.5%) for vimentin. Immunoreactivity for p40 was detected in the squamous component of all ADSs (8/8, 100%) and occasionally in the glandular component of adenocarcinomas (10/31, 32.2%). Napsin A expression was absent in all feline tissue tested. The results indicate that a modified and simplified histological classification based on current human and domestic animal systems is appropriate for cats. Additionally, this study highlights the utility of p40 as an immunohistochemical marker for the diagnosis of FPC with squamous differentiation.

Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals and blood cell morphology in South American pit vipers (Bothrops pubescens).

BACKGROUND: The maintenance of snakes in captivity for venom extraction and antivenom production is essential due to the high incidence of snake envenomation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Hematology and biochemistry are valuable in the laboratory evaluation of these animals, which indirectly improves their health and welfare. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the reference intervals for hematologic and plasma biochemistry variables in Bothrops pubescens snakes kept in captivity and to examine sex variation. METHODS: Blood samples from 20 healthy B pubescens snakes were collected for hematologic and biochemistry evaluations and compared between sexes. The sample analysis consisted of a complete blood count using manual methods previously described, and blood cell morphology evaluation. Plasma biochemistry consisted of albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and total plasma protein measurements. RESULTS: Hematologic and biochemical variables were demonstrated to be different when compared with previously published values. A difference between the sexes was not observed for B pubescens. CONCLUSIONS: Given that many illnesses can lead to laboratory alterations, knowledge about the reference intervals of healthy captive animals is essential to evaluate the health status and correct management of these snakes.

Wischnewski Spots and Black Oesophagus in Suspected Fatal Hypothermia in a Brown Howler Monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) and a Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Fatal hypothermia represents a diagnostic challenge in veterinary pathology. Wischnewski spots (WS) and black oesophagus (BO) have been described in human cases of fatal hypothermia but rarely in animals. We now describe WS and BO in suspected fatal hypothermia in a free-ranging brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) and a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Both animals had dark spots resembling WS on the gastric mucosa and the monkey also had BO with haematin deposition. In both cases, stress factors and relatively cold environmental conditions were present prior to death.

Diseases of the central nervous system in swine in Southern Brazil / Doenças do sistema nervoso central de suínos no Sul do Brasil

Brazil is the fourth largest exporter of pork worldwide, with its production concentrated in the Southern region of the country. To reduce the economic impacts and increase herd health, an efficient diagnosis of diseases is necessary. The frequency, seasonal, and annual distribution of diseases that affecting the swine nervous system in Southern Brazil were determined through a retrospective study conducted from 2008 to 2018. A total of 231 pigs were evaluated, and distributed in the following phases: suckling piglets, nursery, growing, finishing, and adults. Piglets in the nursery phase were the most affected with 58.01%. Infectious diseases accounted for 87.01% (201/231) of lesions in the nervous system. Bacterial meningitis was observed in 58.87% of cases, presenting an endemic distribution, and a propensity to occur in the months of autumn/winter. The highest number of cases of porcine circovirus-2 were observed in 2008 and 2009, with a subsequent decline. Porcine circovirus, salt poisoning, and brain abscesses exhibited no association between the seasonal occurrence and annual distribution. Salt poisoning was observed more frequently in the last years of this study. Both, non-suppurative encephalomyelitis and selenium toxicosis exhibited an association between their occurrence and seasonal distribution in, the months of winter, and summer, respectively.(AU)

Brasil é o quarto maior exportador de carne suína do mundo, com sua produção concentrada na região Sul do país. Para reduzir os impactos econômicos e aumentar a saúde do rebanho, é necessário o diagnóstico eficiente das doenças. A frequência, distribuição sazonal e anual das doenças que afetam o sistema nervoso de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram determinadas através de um estudo retrospectivo no período de 2008 a 2018. Foram avaliados 231 suínos, distribuídos nas seguintes fases: maternidade, creche, crescimento, terminação e adultos. Leitões da fase de creche foram os mais afetados com 58,01%. As doenças de origem infecciosa foram responsáveis por 87,01% (201/231) das causas de lesões no sistema nervoso. Meningite bacteriana foi observada em 58,87% dos casos, apresentando distribuição endêmica, e uma tendência a ocorrer nos meses de outono/inverno. O maior número de casos de circovírus suíno foram observados em 2008 e 2009, com declínio posterior. Circovírus suíno, intoxicação por sal e os abscessos encefálicos não apresentaram associação entre a ocorrência sazonal e distribuição anual. A intoxicação por sal foi observada com maior frequência nos últimos anos deste estudo. A encefalomielite não supurativa e a intoxicação por selênio exibiram associação entre a sua ocorrência e distribuição sazonal, nos meses de inverno e verão, respectivamente.(AU)

Hematological and biochemical indicators of maturity in foals and their relation to the placental features / Indicadores hematológicos e bioquímicos de maturidade em potros e relação com suas características placentárias

Newborn's health is directly related to gestational conditions and placental efficiency. The aims of this study were: (1) To evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters of foals born from mares with placentitis at birth and at 24h of age, (2) to verify if placental pathology had any influence on neonatal maturity degree through hematological and biochemical response of those foals. According to placental findings (control and placentitis) and neonatal maturity degree (mature and immature), foals were divided into three groups: (1) Control group (n=22), foals born from mares with placentitis and classified as (2) Mature (n=26), and (3) Immature (n=10). The hematocrit and plasma concentration of fibrinogen, total plasma protein, white blood cells count, lactate, glucose, creatinine, urea, albumin, bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured. Placental features were significantly different between neonatal maturity degree (P=0.001). Mares that had acute placentitis foaled more immature neonates (n=8/10; 80%). Concentrations of fibrinogen (P=0.003), creatinine (P=0.021), total cholesterol (P=0.014), AST (P=0.001), GGT (P=0.002), total (P=0.001) and unconjugated bilirubin (P=0.010) were higher at birth in the Immature group, whereas albumin levels were lower (P=0.002). Foals born from mares with placentitis presented hyperlactatemia at 24h of age (P=0.002). Acute placentitis had an influence on the neonatal maturity, allowing an accelerated but incomplete fetal maturation. The monitoring of lactate, fibrinogen, creatinine, bilirubin, cholesterol, albumin, AST, and GGT levels, associated with clinical, physical, and behavior evaluation may contribute as indicators of neonatal maturity.(AU)

A saúde do neonato está diretamente relacionada às condições gestacionais e eficiência placentária. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: (1) avaliar parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de potros nascidos de éguas com placentite ao nascimento e com 24h de vida e (2) verificar se a patologia placentária exerceu influência no grau de maturidade através da resposta hemato-bioquímica destes neonatos. De acordo com os resultados histopatológicos placentários (controle e placentite) e grau de maturidade neonatal (maturo e imaturo), os potros foram divididos em três grupos: grupo controle (n=22); e potros nascidos de éguas com placentite classificados como (2) maturos (n=26) e (3) imaturos (n=10). Foi avaliado hematócrito e concentrações sanguíneas de fibrinogênio, proteína plasmática total, leucócitos totais, lactato, glicose, creatinina, uréia, albumina, bilirrubinas, triglicerídeos, colesterol, cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatina quinase (CK), fosfatase alcalina (FA) e gama glutamiltranferase (GGT). As características placentárias foram significativamente diferentes entre os graus de maturidade neonatal (P=0.001). Éguas com placentite aguda produziram mais potros imaturos (n=8/10; 80%). No nascimento, os potros imaturos apresentaram maiores concentrações de fibrinogênio (P=0,003), creatinina (P=0,021), colesterol total (P=0,0014), AST (P=0,001), GGT (P=0,002), bilirrubina indireta (P=0,010) e total (P=0,001) e menor concentração de albumina (P=0,002). Os potros nascidos de éguas com placentite apresentaram hiperlactatemia com 24h de vida (P=0,002). A placentite aguda exerceu influência na maturidade neonatal, permitindo uma maturação fetal acelerada, porém, incompleta. Mensurações dos níveis sanguíneos de lactato, fibrinogênio, creatinina, colesterol total, AST, GGT, bilirrubinas e albumina, associado à avaliação clínica, física e comportamental, podem contribuir como indicadores de maturidade neonatal.(AU)