Pericardiotomy by Transdiaphragmatic Thoracoscopy Singleport in Horses.

Thoracoscopy pericardiotomy consists of endoscopic access to the thoracic cavity to perform the opening of the pericardial sac, described in the equine species only through the intercostal access, and there are no studies addressing the singleport transdiaphragmatic access, so the objective was to develop the pericardiotomy technique by transdiaphragmatic thoracoscopy using a single port. The technique was performed using six cadavers of adult horses, positioned in dorsal decubitus, making it possible to initiate access with an incision in the region proximal to the xiphoid process, for the introduction of an 11 mm endotip trocar, which through the diaphragm reached the thoracic cavity. After accessing the thorax, a rigid endoscope with a working portal was entered, proceeding with the introduction of endoscopic scissors, used to open the pericardium. Pericardiotomy was initiated through the phrenic-pericardial ligament. After the procedure, the corpses were sent for necropsy for evaluation of inadvertent injuries and examination of the diaphragm and pericardium. The access allowed the visualization of the structures of the caudal portion of the thorax, in addition to the visualization and manipulation of the pericardium. The mean surgical time was 24.16 ± 7.03, allowing extensive pericardiotomy. It was concluded that transdiaphragmatic thoracoscopy is an adequate procedure for the visualization and access of the pericardium, as well as the structures present in the caudal region of both hemithoraxes. Therefore, the proposed technique, pericardiotomy by thoracoscopy using a singleport transdiaphragmatic approach, was promising, proving to be a viable alternative for pericardial procedures in the equine species.

Molecular detection of equid herpesvirus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from asymptomatic horses in Southern Brazil.

Background and Aim: Molecular approaches to diagnose respiratory viruses have provided an opportunity for early and subclinical pathogen detection, particularly in samples from the upper respiratory tract. This study aimed to investigate the presence of herpesviruses, particularly equid herpesvirus (EHV)-2 and EHV-5, in samples from the lower respiratory tract of healthy racehorses from Southern Brazil. Materials and Methods: Samples from the lower respiratory tract (i.e., bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF]) were assessed by video endoscopy, cytological evaluation of BALF, and tracheal aspirates (TA), along with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), to detect equine herpesvirus infection in the lower respiratory tract samples and compare corresponding cytological and endoscopic findings. Results: At least one abnormality per horse during endoscopy examination was observed, including, but not limited to, mucous secretion in the airways and pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia. The presence of EHV-2 and/or EHV-5 was detected by qPCR in 3/10 animals. One horse was positive for EHV-2 alone, one for EHV-5 alone, and one for both. Conclusion: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in Brazilian thoroughbred horses. These findings may provide new insights into the epidemiology of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in Brazilian horses, evidencing the importance of the molecular investigation, early detection, and prevention of respiratory diseases.

Intraocular pressure measurements using the TONOVET® rebound tonometer: Influence of the probe-cornea distance.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the effect of different probe-cornea distances during intraocular pressure (IOP) data acquisition in dogs and rats. ANIMALS STUDIED: Twenty-four conscious dogs and 15 anesthetized Wistar rats. METHODS: Three interchangeable three-dimensional printed polylactide plastic spacer collars were used in place of the original Icare TonoVet® collar piece, which provided different distances (4, 6, and 8 mm) between the instrument's probe and the corneal surface. IOP values were obtained in sequence by a single observer, with the tonometer probe at a 4-, 6-, and 8-mm distance from the corneal surface. The dogs were gently restrained, and the rats were anesthetized with isoflurane. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure values obtained at 4, 6, and 8 mm from the TonoVet® probe to corneal surface distance in both dogs and rats were significantly different (P < .01). There was a small positive correlation between IOP (mm Hg) and probe-cornea distance (mm) (rs  = 0.39 for dogs and rs  = 0.51 for rats). In dogs, the mean IOP (± SD mm Hg) obtained at different distances were 16.2 ± 3.0 at 4 mm; 17.6 ± 3.4 at 6 mm; and 19.8 ± 3.8 at 8 mm. In rats, IOP values were 8.2 ± 1.5 at 4-mm; 9.4 ± 1.8 at 6-mm; and 10.5 ± 1.5 mm Hg at 8-mm distance. CONCLUSIONS: Probe-cornea distance of the Icare TonoVet® significantly affects IOP readings, even within the 4- to 8-mm range recommended by the manufacturer.

Correlation of maternal concentrations of plasma testosterone with fetal sex in horses / Correlação das concentrações plasmáticas de testosterona materna com o sexo fetal em equinos

ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the correlation of fetal sex and plasma testosterone concentrations between the 5th and 8th months of pregnancy in mares and to verify the applicability of this test to predict fetal sex. Blood samples were collected from 21 mares at 30-day intervals of between 150 and 240 days of pregnancy. Plasma testosterone was determined by radioimmunoassay and the sex of the foals confirmed at birth. The levels of maternal testosterone were higher in mares carrying female fetuses at months 5 and 8 (P < 0.05). Limit values were determined by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) estimates: 35.5 pg/mL and 40 pg/mL for the 5th and 8th month, respectively. For the mares with plasma testosterone values equal to or above the threshold, gestation of female foals was predicted, and for those with plasma testosterone below the threshold values pregnancy of male foals was predicted. In the 5th month, the predictive values for male and female fetuses were 70% and 88.9%, respectively; the detection rates were 87.5% and 72.7%, and the total accuracy of the examination was 78.9%. In the 8th month, the predictive values for male and female fetuses were 80% and 90%, respectively; the detection rates were 88.9% and 81.8%, and the total accuracy of the examination was 85%. It was concluded that there was a correlation between fetal sex and plasma testosterone concentrations in pregnant mares. Prediction of fetal sex based on plasma concentrations of maternal testosterone can be performed in months 5 and 8 with 78.9% and 85% accuracy, respectively.

RESUMO: Os objetivos do estudo foram avaliar a correlação do sexo fetal com as concentrações plasmáticas de testosterona entre o 5° e o 8º mês de gestação na égua e verificar a aplicabilidade deste exame para a predição do sexo fetal. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 21 éguas, com intervalos de 30 dias, entre 150 e 240 dias de gestação. A testosterona plasmática foi determinada por radioimunoensaio e o sexo dos potros foi confirmado ao nascimento. Os valores de testosterona materna foram superiores nas éguas gestando fetos fêmeas aos cinco e oito meses (P< 0.05). Através da análise da curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic) foram determinados valores limites de 35,5 pg/mL e 40 pg/mL para o 5º e o 8° mês, respectivamente. Éguas com testosterona plasmática igual ou acima dos valores limites foram preditas como gestando fêmeas e éguas com testosterona plasmática abaixo dos valores limites foram preditas como gestando machos. Aos cinco meses, os valores preditivos para fetos machos e fêmeas foram 70% e 88,9%, respectivamente; as taxas de detecção foram 87,5% e 72,7% e a acurácia total do exame foi de 78,9%. Aos oito meses, os valores preditivos para fetos machos e fêmeas foram 80% e 90%, respectivamente; as taxas de detecção foram 88,9% e 81,8% e a acurácia total do exame foi de 85%. Conclui-se que houve correlação entre o sexo fetal e as concentrações de testosterona plasmática em éguas prenhes. A predição do sexo fetal baseada nas concentrações plasmáticas de testosterona materna pode ser realizada aos cinco e oito meses de gestação com 78,9% e 85% de acurácia, respectivamente.

Resorbable Self-Locking Implant for Lung Lobectomy Through Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: First Live Animal Application.

The aim of this pilot test was to test a new self-locking resorbable implant for hilum occlusion during a video-assisted thoracoscopic lung lobectomy in a surviving pig model. Once the thoracic cavity was assessed and structures identified, the right middle lobe and its respective hilum were exposed. The implant was introduced with a semiclosed loop through a working channel and positioned around the pulmonary lobe. Occlusion was performed with a conventional Crile forceps and a laparoscopic Kelly forceps. Lobe section was done with laparoscopic Metzenbaum scissors and tissue removal through the dorsal access. No signs of pneumothorax or bleeding were observed during a 60-day follow-up. Necropsy findings showed minimal pleuritis in caudal access and in the lobar stump. A granulomatous formation was found around a dense, amorphous material, which was identified as remains of a small part of the implant. Histopathological findings showed signs of a chronic healing process without other alterations. The resorbable implant LigaTie appears to exhibit similar handling and application characteristics during surgery as nonsurgical tie wraps. The resorbable implant avoids the uncontrolled substances not suitable for implants of conventional ties. The results of this pilot test suggested the resorbable implant's mechanical properties provided effective tissue support to complete the healing of the pulmonary hilum.

Thermographic images from healthy knees between dogs with long and short hair / Comparação termográfica entre joelhos saudáveis de cães de pelo longo e pelo curto

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fur length in the evaluation of knees temperature in healthy dogs, using infrared thermography. This is a non-invasive diagnosis that is able to assess the microcirculation of the internal skin. Changes in temperature reflect from inflammatory reactions and vascular infarction to neurological disorders. Knees of 30 healthy dogs were analyzed, with up to 11 pounds of weight, screened by clinical examination and radiographic examination. Group A, consisting of 13 dogs with short fur, with 26 knees evaluated in total. Group B included animals with long fur, consisting of 17 animals, with 29 knees evaluated in total. The average temperatures of the cranial, lateral, caudal and medial sides of knees were analyzed. A significant difference between the groups was observed, with group A temperature being greater than the group B in all four analyzed faces. Comparing the temperatures of the faces in the contralateral limb, in both groups, the statistical analysis revealed no significant difference. In group A it was observed that temperatures in the cranial and lateral sides were similar, but different from the others. In group B, the statistical analysis showed the cranial lateral and caudal faces was similar, but differed from the medial side. The thermographic examination proved to be sensitive in the evaluation of temperature of small dogs' knees;however, the length of the fur influenced the result.

RESUMO: O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a influência do comprimento do pelo na avaliação da temperatura de joelhos de cães saudáveis, por meio do uso da termografia infravermelha. Trata-se de um exame de diagnóstico por imagem, não invasivo, capaz de avaliar a microcirculação da pele. Foram analisados os joelhos de 30 cães saudáveis, com até 11 quilos de peso, triados por meio de exame clínico e exame radiográfico. O grupo A, formado por 13 cães de pelo curto, totalizou 26 joelhos avaliados. O grupo B foi formado por animais de pelo longo, totalizando 17 animais, contando com 29 joelhos avaliados. Foram analisadas as temperaturas médias nas faces cranial, lateral, caudal e medial dos joelhos. Observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos, a temperatura do grupo A foi maior que a de B nas quatro faces analisadas. Comparando as temperaturas das faces no membro contralateral, nos dois grupos, não foi observado diferença significativa. No grupo A observou-se que as temperaturas nas faces cranial e lateral foram semelhantes, mas diferiram das demais, sendo a medial mais quente e a caudal mais fria. No grupo B a análise estatística mostrou as faces cranial, lateral e caudal semelhantes, entretanto diferiram da face medial, que apresentou a temperatura mais elevada. O exame termográfico mostrou ser sensível na avaliação da temperatura do joelho de cães de pequeno porte, entretanto o comprimento dos pelos influi no resultado da avaliação.

Evaluation of electrosurgery and titanium clips for ovarian pedicle haemostasis in video-assisted ovariohysterectomy with two portals in bitches / Eletrocirurgia bipolar e clipes de titânio para hemostasia em pedículos ovarianos durante ovariohisterectomia videoassistida com dois portais em cadelas

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the use of bipolar electrosurgery and laparoscopic clipping, and their effects on blood loss and the inflammatory response, during a two portal video-assisted ovariohysterectomy technique (two groups with 10 animals each). Surgical time and blood loss volume were significantly lower in the electrosurgery group. There were no significant changes in haematocrit between groups; however, haematocrit did differ between evaluated times, and decreased 10% from the initial measurement to four hours after the procedure. The inflammatory response was significantly higher throughout the post-surgical period, but without any different clinical signs between the two groups. Both techniques had good application for the two portal video-assisted procedure; however, the bipolar electrosurgery allowed for shorter surgical times, reduced blood loss and a minimal learning curve for the surgeon.

RESUMO: Este estudo avaliou a utilização da eletrocirurgia bipolar e do clipador laparoscópico em relação à perda sanguínea e resposta inflamatória durante a ovariohisterectomia videoassistida com dois portais (dois grupos com 10 animais). O tempo cirúrgico, assim como o volume de sangue perdido foram significativamente menores no Grupo Bipolar. Não houve mudanças significativas no hematócrito entre os grupos, mas entre os tempos avaliados houve redução de 10% do valor inicial até quatro horas após o procedimento. A resposta inflamatória foi significativamente maior durante todo o período de avaliação após a cirurgia, mas sem manifestações clínicas diferentes daquelas apresentadas pelo Grupo Clipador. Ambas as técnicas têm boa execução pelo procedimento videoassistido, contudo, o uso da eletrocirurgia bipolar permite tempos cirúrgicos menores, perda de sangue mínima e menor curva de aprendizado para o cirurgião.

Comparison between three techniques for videosinuscopy in cattle / Comparação entre três técnicas para videosinuscopia em bovinos

ABSTRACT: Cattle have extensive paranasal sinuses that are susceptible to disease, most commonly sinusitis. The sinuscopy can be used to evaluate these structures, although there are no descriptions of this region for endoscopic anatomy, especially regarding the trocar position and the most appropriate type of endoscope. This study aimed to standardize the surgical approaches to sinuscopy in cattle by comparing the use of three endoscopes. Four accesses by trephination (one hole for each of the maxillary and frontal sinuses) were made in eight heads of slaughtered cattle. Each hole was inspected with three endoscopes: a 10mm flexible colonoscope with up to 180º of angulation, a 10mm 0° laparoscope and a 4mm 30º arthroscope. It was observed that all regions of the maxillary sinus were better visualized with the 4mm endoscope, and the structures of this sinus were less well visualized with the 10mm laparoscope. The frontal sinus was difficult to evaluate due to the tortuosity of its bony projections, and the cranial portion was not observed by the proposed accesses. The caudal regions of the frontal sinus such as the nuchal diverticulum and the back of the orbit had the greatest number of structures visualized by the 4mm endoscope, followed by the colonoscope. The comparative analysis showed that the 4mm endoscope was most efficient and could be adapted to sinuscopy in cattle.

RESUMO: Os bovinos apresentam seios paranasais extensos e passíveis de afecções, como a sinusite. A sinuscopia, técnica já utilizada em outras espécies, avalia os seios paranasais de modo pouco invasivo e não é descrita em bovinos. O presente estudo objetivou padronizar os acessos cirúrgicos para sinuscopia em bovinos, testando três técnicas de videoendoscopia. Foram selecionadas oito cabeças de bovinos provenientes de abatedouro comercial, sendo realizada a trepanação dos seios maxilares e frontais de ambos os lados (um orifício por seio). Cada seio foi inspecionado com três óticas: um colonoscópio flexível com 10mm de diâmetro e até 180º de angulação, um laparoscópio rígido de 10mm e 0º e um artroscópio rígido de 4mm e 30º. Na região caudal do seio maxilar, os alvéolos e abertura maxilopalatina foram visualizadas com todas as óticas. A região caudodorsomedial e rostral do seio maxilar foram observadas com a ótica flexível e a rígida de 4mm, sendo que apenas esta adentrou no seio palatino. O seio frontal é de difícil visualização, devido à tortuosidade de suas projeções ósseas e sua porção cranial não foi observada pelo acesso proposto. A região caudal do seio frontal, o divertículo nucal e a área caudal à órbita tiveram o maior número de estruturas visualizadas com a ótica rígida de 4mm, seguida da flexível. A análise comparativa demonstra que a técnica utilizando a ótica rígida de 4mm permite a visualização de um maior número de estruturas com maior detalhamento e é a que mais se adapta à sinuscopia em bovinos.

Infrared thermography evaluation from the back region of healthy horses in controlled temperature room / Avaliação termográfica da região de coluna de cavalos saudáveis em sala com temperatura controlada

The infrared thermography is a diagnostic imaging tool, which measures the surface temperature of an object through its heat emission. It is a non-invasive method, painless, with no involvement of radiation. Horses have elevated incidence of back injuries which causes decrease in their performance. A rapid and accurate diagnostic is essential to start the treatment. The aim of this paper was to establish the ideal time to the animal stay e inside a controlled room to balance their temperature and in the second time verify the thermographic temperature of specific back regions. It was studied fifteen healthy horses, being performed thermography of thoracic, lumbar and pelvic regions in four different times. There was a significant difference between the thermography performed outside and inside of the controlled temperature room. It was concluded that the ideal time to the horse stay into the controlled temperature room was thirty minutes and the mean thermographic temperatures of back regions, were obtained and can be used as parameters to identify injuries in other horses.

A termografia infravermelha é uma ferramenta de diagnóstico por imagem que afere a temperatura da superfície de um objeto por meio da emissão de calor por ele mesmo. É um método não invasivo, indolor, sem envolvimento de radiação. Cavalos têm alta incidência de lesões na região de coluna, causando diminuição em seu desempenho. Um diagnóstico rápido e preciso é essencial para iniciar o tratamento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer o tempo de permanência ideal dos animais dentro de uma sala com temperatura controlada para o equilíbrio de sua temperatura e, num segundo momento, verificar a temperatura termográfica de regiões específicas. Foram estudados quinze cavalos saudáveis, sendo realizada a termografia torácica, lombar e pélvica em quatro tempos diferentes. Houve uma diferença significativa entre a termografia realizada fora e dentro da sala de temperatura controlada. Concluiu-se que o tempo ideal de permanência do cavalo na sala de temperatura controlada foi de trinta minutos e foram obtidas as temperaturas termográficas médias de cada região, que podem ser utilizados como parâmetros para identificar lesões em outros cavalos.

Placas ósseas confeccionadas a partir de diáfise cortical equina na osteossíntese femoral em coelhos / Bone plates produced from equine cortical bone in rabbits femoral osteosynthesis

A evolução tecnológica tem possibilitado o desenvolvimento e o aperfeiçoamento de novos materiais para implantes. Apesar dos fundamentais benefícios providos pelos dispositivos ortopédicos, complicações decorrentes de corrosão, degradação, infecção, além de outras podem ocorrer. O entendimento das características dos biomateriais é fundamental para a previsibilidade do seu comportamento in vivo, fornecendo subsídios para que o composto mais adequado seja escolhido na reconstrução do defeito ósseo. As placas de origem metálica são as mais utilizadas para o reparo de fraturas de ossos longos, sendo mecanicamente resistentes e biocompatíveis. No entanto, a necessidade de remoção e o enfraquecimento do osso são suas principais desvantagens. Neste trabalho, placas produzidas a partir de osso cortical equino foram empregadas experimentalmente em fêmur osteotomizado de coelhos (Grupo osso-GO), num estudo comparativo com placas de metal (Grupo metal-GM). A avaliação radiográfica foi realizada a cada 30 dias, durante 120 dias, momento em que foi então realizada análise histológica do material em estudo. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos com relação à morfometria do calo ósseo e consolidação óssea em todos os momentos avaliados, sendo que ambas as placas permitiram a consolidação em todos os animais. Entretanto, observou-se que o calo ósseo foi menor no GO, em relação ao GM, em todos os momentos do estudo. Por outro lado, a maior parte dos animais do GO apresentou consolidação completa da fratura aos 90 dias, enquanto que no GM isto ocorreu aos 60 dias. Não foram evidenciadas células do tipo corpo estranho na histopatologia dos animais do GO, mas maior quantidade de tecido fibroso foi identificada, envolvendo este biomaterial. A placa confeccionada com osso equino representa uma alternativa de baixo custo e muito viável, uma vez que permitiu estabilização adequada para consolidação óssea de fratura de fêmur em ...

Actually, technological advances have contributed to the development and improvement of new materials for implants. Despite the fundamental benefits provided by orthopedic materials, complications resulting from corrosion, degradation, infection, and others may occur. The knowledge of characteristics of the biomaterials is important to predict their behavior in vivo, supporting that the most suitable compound is chosen to reconstruct the bone defect. Metallic plates are the most common material used for repair of long bone fractures, and they are mechanically stable and biocompatible. However, the need of removal and bone weakening are their disadvantages. In this paper, plates made from equine cortical bone were used experimentally in osteotomized rabbit femur (bone-GO Group), in a comparative study with metal plates (metal GM Group). Radiographic evaluation was performed every 30 days during 120 days, at which time was then performed femur histological analysis. During all evaluated moments of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in callus morphometry, and complete consolidation was observed in all animals. However, it was observed that the callus was lower in GO compared to GM, all times during the study. Moreover, most of the GO animals showed complete consolidation fracture at 90 days only, whereas this occurred in GM at 60 days. There were no foreign-body cells in the histopathology exam of the GO animals, but larger amount of fibrous tissue was identified, involving this biomaterial. The plate made from horse bone represents a low cost alternative and it is very feasible, it allowed adequate stabilization of femur fracture in rabbits. In this study, the lower periosteal callus associated with a longer time for consolidation in GO suggest greater fracture stability when the bone plate was used.

Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii, the agent for toxoplasmosis, has worldwide distribution. Horses normally play a secondary role in its life cycle, but movement around urban areas, feeding on grass and the increasing use of carthorses for gathering recyclable material in some urban areas of Brazil may increase their exposure to T. gondii infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, PR. IgG antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) (titers ≥ 64). Seventeen (17.0%) of the 100 horses sampled were seropositive. There were no statistical differences in relation to sex (p = 0.28) or age (p = 0.15). Our findings suggest that carthorses are exposed to T. gondii infections and that no associations with age or sex exist.

Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil / Detecção de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em cavalos carroceiros da região metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil

Toxoplasma gondii, the agent for toxoplasmosis, has worldwide distribution. Horses normally play a secondary role in its life cycle, but movement around urban areas, feeding on grass and the increasing use of carthorses for gathering recyclable material in some urban areas of Brazil may increase their exposure to T. gondii infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, PR. IgG antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) (titers ≥ 64). Seventeen (17.0%) of the 100 horses sampled were seropositive. There were no statistical differences in relation to sex (p = 0.28) or age (p = 0.15). Our findings suggest that carthorses are exposed to T. gondii infections and that no associations with age or sex exist.

Toxoplasma gondii, agente da toxoplasmose, tem distribuição mundial. Geralmente cavalos desempenham papel secundário no ciclo de vida do T. gondii. Entretanto, a circulação em meio urbano, a alimentação com gramíneas e o aumento no uso de cavalos carroceiros para recolhimento de material reciclável em algumas áreas urbanas do Brasil podem aumentar a exposição desses cavalos ao T. gondii. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a frequência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em cavalos carroceiros da região metropolitana de Curitiba, PR. Os anticorpos da classe IgG contra T. gondii foram detectados pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) (títulos ≥ 64). Dezessete (17%) dos 100 cavalos avaliados foram positivos e não houve diferença entre sexos (p = 0,28) ou idade (p = 0,15). Esses achados sugerem que cavalos carroceiros estão expostos a infecções por T. gondii, não existindo associação com a idade ou o sexo dos animais.

Detection of Neospora sp. antibodies in cart horses from urban areas of Curitiba, Southern Brazil.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite which affects dogs as definitive hosts and several mammalian species as intermediate hosts mainly causing abortions and central nervous system disorders. The reemerging population of cart horses for carrying recycling material in urban areas of major cities in Brazil may have an impact on disease spreading, and these animals may be used as sentinels for environmental surveillance. Thus, the present study investigated the frequency of Neospora sp. antibodies in cart horses from Curitiba and surrounding areas, Paraná State, Southern Brazil. IgG antibodies against Neospora sp. were detected using indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), and titers equal to or higher than 1:50 were considered reactive. Of all samples, 14/97 (14.4%) were positive: 2/29 (6.9%) were younger than 5; 5/26 (19.2%) between 6 and 9; and 6/31 (19.4%) older than 10 years of age. One of the 11 animals with unknown age was positive (9.1%). Cart horses are likely to be more exposed to dog feces and to Neospora sp. oocyst contamination in urban settings and a lower frequency of disease in dogs may have a negative impact on horse infection risk in these areas.

Detection of Neospora sp. antibodies in cart horses from urban areas of Curitiba, Southern Brazil / Detecção de anticorpos anti-Neospora sp. em cavalos de carroceiros de áreas urbanas de Curitiba, Sul do Brasil

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite which affects dogs as definitive hosts and several mammalian species as intermediate hosts mainly causing abortions and central nervous system disorders. The reemerging population of cart horses for carrying recycling material in urban areas of major cities in Brazil may have an impact on disease spreading, and these animals may be used as sentinels for environmental surveillance. Thus, the present study investigated the frequency of Neospora sp. antibodies in cart horses from Curitiba and surrounding areas, Paraná State, Southern Brazil. IgG antibodies against Neospora sp. were detected using indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), and titers equal to or higher than 1:50 were considered reactive. Of all samples, 14/97 (14.4%) were positive: 2/29 (6.9%) were younger than 5; 5/26 (19.2%) between 6 and 9; and 6/31 (19.4%) older than 10 years of age. One of the 11 animals with unknown age was positive (9.1%). Cart horses are likely to be more exposed to dog feces and to Neospora sp. oocyst contamination in urban settings and a lower frequency of disease in dogs may have a negative impact on horse infection risk in these areas.

Neospora caninum é um protozoário parasita que afeta cães como hospedeiros definitivos e diversos mamíferos como hospedeiros intermediários, envolvido em abortos e distúrbios do sistema nervoso central. A população reemergente de cavalos de carroceiros utilizados para transportar material reciclável em áreas urbanas de grandes cidades brasileiras na disseminação de doenças, e estes animais podem ser utilizados como sentinelas para vigilância ambiental. Deste modo, no presente estudo foi investigada a frequência de anticorpos anti-Neospora sp. em cavalos de carroceiros da Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, Estado do Paraná, Sul do Brasil. Anticorpos da classe IgG anti-Neospora sp. foram detectados utilizando a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), e títulos maiores ou iguais a 1:50 foram considerados reagentes. Do total de amostras testadas, 14/97 (14,4%) foram positivas: 2/29 (6,9%) tinham menos do que 5,5/26 (19,2%) entre 6 and 9, e 6/31 (19,4%) mais de 10 anos de idade. Um dos 11 animais positivos não tinha a idade conhecida (9,1%). Como cavalos de carroceiros possivelmente estejam mais expostos a oocistos de Neospora sp. em ambientes urbanos, uma baixa freqüência da doença em cães pode ter impacto negativo no risco de infecção de cavalos nestas áreas.