Platynosomum (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) infection in barn owls (Tyto alba) in Northeastern Brazil.

Platynosomum spp. are parasites that inhabit the gallbladder and bile ducts of various mammals and birds worldwide. Most studies of Platynosomum spp. in birds focus on the observation and morphological characterization of the parasite through parasitological or molecular examinations, with scarce literature describing anatomopathological alterations, mainly histopathological. We report the case of a male barn owl infected with Platynosomum spp.. At necropsy, the barn owl showed dilation with parasites and fibrosis of the intrahepatic bile ducts and gallbladder. Microscopically, it was possible to identify trematodes in the bile ducts associated with a lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate. The morphological structures of the worms were described on histopathology and direct examination. The presence of parasitism that is usually cosmopolitan in wild animals represents a risk to the biodiversity of fauna in the region, as well as a warning about the spread and maintenance of the biological cycle of the worm in humans and domestic animals.

Leucaena leucocephala toxicity in Brazilian horses.

Leucaena leucocephala poisoning is reported in horses in different Brazilian regions. The poisoning occurred one month after the horses were introduced into paddocks invaded by the plant or after 10 days of consuming cut Leucaena administered as the only food. Affected horses showed moderate to severe hair loss on the mane and tail, orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis with marked follicular telogenization, and hyperplasia of thyroid follicular cells. Mimosin concentration in leaves (5.5 mg/g) was determined by a new HLPC-UV method which is also reported.

Osteosarcoma in a free-living yellow armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus).

An adult male free-living yellow armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) was found by hunters and referred for clinical evaluation because of a tumour-like lesion on the carapace. The animal was lethargic and weak with severe dehydration, enophthalmos and cachexia, and was euthanized because of its very poor clinical condition. Necropsy revealed a whitish, exophytic, irregular and moist mass (7 × 6.5 × 1.5 cm) in the caudal third of the carapace. On cut section, the mass was hard, compact, irregular and whitish. Histopathology revealed a densely cellular, expansive, poorly delimited neoplasm composed of malignant mesenchymal cells arranged in islands and cords, interspersed by numerous areas of irregularly mineralized osteoid matrix. Neoplastic cells were intensely immunolabelled for vimentin. The diagnosis of a high-grade osteosarcoma of osteoblastic subtype was based on the clinical, gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This first report of an osteosarcoma in an armadillo expands the list of armadillo diseases and will assist the management of these animals by veterinarians.

Hepatic arteriovenous malformation in a calf.

A case of hepatic arteriovenous malformation is described in a calf that presented with a marked increase in abdominal volume and died 12 h after birth. At necropsy, the calf had marked abdominal distension and haemoperitoneum. The left hepatic lobe was reduced in size and covered by slightly whitish and intensely vascularized membranous tissue. At the edge of the left lobe there were cystic structures filled with translucent fluid. On cut surface, there were multiple cavitations well delimited by whitish walls and multiple dilated blood vessels that communicated with the cavitations. Histopathology revealed an increase in the number of vascular structures of variable calibre within loose fibrous connective tissue. The diagnosis of hepatic arteriovenous malformation was based on the lesions and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Hepatic arteriovenous malformations are rare in all species, have not been described in cattle and should be included as a cause of mortality in neonates with post-partum haemoperitoneum.

A Retrospective Study of Pythiosis in Domestic Animals in Northeastern Brazil.

Pythiosis is an endemic disease in northeastern Brazil and we now report the epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings in a retrospective study of naturally occurring cases in domestic animals. From January 1985 to December 2020, the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of the Federal University of Campina Grande examined 13,542 tissue samples from necropsies and biopsies. Among these samples, 306 were diagnosed as pythiosis: 195 cases in horses, 75 in sheep, 19 in dogs, six in mules, four in cattle, three in cats, two in goats, one in a donkey and one in an ostrich. Affected equids had lesions in the skin, mammary glands and nasal cavities. Affected sheep had cutaneous, nasal and digestive lesions while cattle and goats had cutaneous lesions. Carnivores developed lesions, mainly in the alimentary tract, of sufficient severity to cause death or result in euthanasia. The single affected bird had lesions in the alimentary tract and surgical excision resulted in remission. The disease had a long and life-threatening clinical course in most affected species but resolved spontaneously in cattle. Clinical signs were directly related to the location of the lesions, which were invariably characterized by chronic inflammation associated with intralesional hyphae. Veterinary clinicians and pathologists should be familiar with the clinicopathological features of pythiosis and the wide range of susceptible animal species.

Parasitological, serological and molecular diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Northeastern Brazil.

Dirofilaria immitis is a zoonotic filarid that mainly affects the domestic dog, causing a generally fatal chronic disease, known as heart worm disease. In addition to dogs, the parasite can affect wild canids, cats, and humans. Due to its importance to One Health, detection of parasitism by D. immitis in dogs can help the adoption of control measures that aim to reduce the occurrence of parasitosis in animals and humans. The detection of D. immitis is based on the use of parasitological, serological, and molecular methods, which vary in sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate and compare the efficiency and performance of parasitological, serological, and molecular tests in the detection of D. immitis in dogs in Northeastern Brazil. Whole blood and serum from 140 dogs from the municipality of Sousa were used, varying between males and females; aged one to 17 years; pure and mixed breeds; domiciled and stray. Three microscopic parasitological techniques (MPT) were used: capillary blood smear (CBS), peripheral (PBS) and modified Knott test (MK) associated with the morphometric diagnosis of the microfilariae. For the detection of D. immitis antigens, a rapid immunochromatographic test (RIT) (ALERE Dirofilariose AG Teste kit®, Seogu-dong, Korea) was used, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a molecular method. To evaluate the tests, PCR was considered the gold standard, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) values were calculated. To verify the agreement of the tests, the Kappa test was performed (p ≤ 0.05). From the 140 analyzed samples, 33.6% (48/140) presented microfilariae, antigen and/or parasitic DNA. 23.6% (33/140) were positive in the CBS; 25.7% (36/140) in the PBS; 29.3% (41/140) in the MK; 30% (42/140) in the RIT and 28.6% (40/140) in the PCR. All methods showed almost perfect agreement with PCR, high sensitivity (0.8-0.95), specificity (0.94-0.99), and values established with VPP (0.8571-0.9722) and VPN (0.9519-0.9797). The CBS and PBS showed less sensitivity and greater specificity. MK presented the highest sensitivity and RIT was the choice for hidden infections. Considering the occurrence of D. immitis in dogs in a non-coastal region of Northeastern Brazil, an epidemiological approach is recommended to identify risk factors for this zoonotic parasitosis.

Clinical and toxicological findings in nitrate and nitrite poisoning in cattle in Northeastern Brazil / Achados clínicos e toxicológicos na intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito em bovinos no Nordeste do Brasil

We report two outbreaks of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The first, due to Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), and the second, due to P. purpureum and Brachiaria spp. (brachiaria grass), both occurred during a prolonged drought. In the first outbreak, the irrigation of the pastures with wastewater and sewage contributed to nitrate accumulation. The second outbreak occurred in pastures cultivated in the border of a dam, that had been submerged for long time accumulating large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Other probably risk factors for nitrate accumulation included the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and burning of the vegetation. In the first outbreak, four calves out of a total of 42 cattle died, and in the second outbreak 49 out of 243 cattle, including adults, yearlings, and a 2-day-old calf died. The clinical signs included dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and falls, leading to death. The presence of nitrates was detected in both outbreaks using the diphenylamine test. Quantitative tests were performed in the second outbreak using a portable nitrate meter, and high nitrate concentrations were found. The characteristic macroscopic findings and absence of microscopic lesions and response to treatment with methylene blue were key to the diagnosis of poisoning by nitrates and nitrites. We conclude that poisoning by nitrates and nitrites in ruminants in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil is frequent due to the cultivation of grasses in the border of dams that had been covered by water for long periods or in areas irrigated by wastewater and/or sewage. In addition, the use of a portable measuring device is an effective alternative for the quantification of nitrates in pastures.(AU)

Relatamos dois surtos de intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante), e o segundo por P. purpureum e Brachiaria spp. (capim braquiária); ambos ocorreram durante uma estiagem prolongada. No primeiro surto, a irrigação das pastagens com água poluída e esgoto contribuiu para o acúmulo de nitrato. O segundo surto ocorreu em pastagens cultivadas na borda de uma barragem, que há muito tempo ficavam submersas, acumulando grande quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Outros prováveis fatores de risco para o acúmulo de nitrato incluíram o uso de fertilizantes químicos e herbicidas e a queima da vegetação. No primeiro surto, quatro bezerros de um total de 42 bovinos morreram, e no segundo surto 49 de 243 bovinos, incluindo adultos, jovens de um ano e um bezerro de 2 dias de idade morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dispneia, cianose, ataxia e quedas, levando à morte. A presença de nitratos foi detectada em ambos os surtos pelo teste de difenilamina. Testes quantitativos foram realizados no segundo surto usando um medidor portátil de nitrato, e altas concentrações de nitrato foram encontradas. Os achados macroscópicos característicos e a ausência de lesões microscópicas e a resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno foram fundamentais para o diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos. Concluímos que a intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ruminantes na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil é frequente devido ao cultivo de gramíneas nas bordas de barragens que estiveram cobertas por água por longos períodos ou em áreas irrigadas por água poluída e/ou esgoto. Além disso, o uso de medidor portátil é uma alternativa eficaz para a quantificação de nitratos em pastagens.(AU)

Clinical and toxicological findings in nitrate and nitrite poisoning in cattle in Northeastern Brazil / Achados clínicos e toxicológicos na intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito em bovinos no Nordeste do Brasil

We report two outbreaks of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The first, due to Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), and the second, due to P. purpureum and Brachiaria spp. (brachiaria grass), both occurred during a prolonged drought. In the first outbreak, the irrigation of the pastures with wastewater and sewage contributed to nitrate accumulation. The second outbreak occurred in pastures cultivated in the border of a dam, that had been submerged for long time accumulating large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Other probably risk factors for nitrate accumulation included the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and burning of the vegetation. In the first outbreak, four calves out of a total of 42 cattle died, and in the second outbreak 49 out of 243 cattle, including adults, yearlings, and a 2-day-old calf died. The clinical signs included dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and falls, leading to death. The presence of nitrates was detected in both outbreaks using the diphenylamine test. Quantitative tests were performed in the second outbreak using a portable nitrate meter, and high nitrate concentrations were found. The characteristic macroscopic findings and absence of microscopic lesions and response to treatment with methylene blue were key to the diagnosis of poisoning by nitrates and nitrites. We conclude that poisoning by nitrates and nitrites in ruminants in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil is frequent due to the cultivation of grasses in the border of dams that had been covered by water for long periods or in areas irrigated by wastewater and/or sewage. In addition, the use of a portable measuring device is an effective alternative for the quantification of nitrates in pastures.

Relatamos dois surtos de intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante), e o segundo por P. purpureum e Brachiaria spp. (capim braquiária); ambos ocorreram durante uma estiagem prolongada. No primeiro surto, a irrigação das pastagens com água poluída e esgoto contribuiu para o acúmulo de nitrato. O segundo surto ocorreu em pastagens cultivadas na borda de uma barragem, que há muito tempo ficavam submersas, acumulando grande quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Outros prováveis fatores de risco para o acúmulo de nitrato incluíram o uso de fertilizantes químicos e herbicidas e a queima da vegetação. No primeiro surto, quatro bezerros de um total de 42 bovinos morreram, e no segundo surto 49 de 243 bovinos, incluindo adultos, jovens de um ano e um bezerro de 2 dias de idade morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dispneia, cianose, ataxia e quedas, levando à morte. A presença de nitratos foi detectada em ambos os surtos pelo teste de difenilamina. Testes quantitativos foram realizados no segundo surto usando um medidor portátil de nitrato, e altas concentrações de nitrato foram encontradas. Os achados macroscópicos característicos e a ausência de lesões microscópicas e a resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno foram fundamentais para o diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos. Concluímos que a intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ruminantes na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil é frequente devido ao cultivo de gramíneas nas bordas de barragens que estiveram cobertas por água por longos períodos ou em áreas irrigadas por água poluída e/ou esgoto. Além disso, o uso de medidor portátil é uma alternativa eficaz para a quantificação de nitratos em pastagens.

Pythiosis in Equidae in Northeastern Brazil: 1985-2020.

The epidemiologic, clinical, pathologic, microbiological and immunohistochemical findings of pythiosis in equidae in northeastern Brazil are described. From January 1985 to December 2020 the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of the Federal University of Campina Grande received 1,331 tissue samples of equidae, 202 (15.17%) of which were diagnosed as pythiosis. Equidae of both sexes with ages varying from 4 months to 25 years were affected. Most animals were mixed breed (79.7%) and reared in an extensive system (73.26%). The disease occurred throughout the year but the highest incidence (70.29%) was noted after the rainy season. The clinical course was always chronic. The lesions were preferentially located on the limbs and ventral thoracoabdominal wall and characterized by nodules or tumor-like masses with ulcerations and serosanguineous discharge. The cut surface showed fistulous tracts containing kunkers. The direct examination of the kunkers and microbiological culture revealed sparsely septate and branched hyaline hyphae. Histopathology revealed a marked inflammatory infiltrate of eosinophils with multifocal well-defined areas of eosinophil necrosis and collagenolysis and intralesional negatively-stained hyphal profiles; in the donkey, a pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate was noted surrounding these areas. Immunohistochemistry for Pythium insidiosum revealed strong immunolabelling of the hyphae. Pythiosis occurs endemically in equidae in northeastern Brazil, with seasonal variation in the incidence. The intralesional kunkers establishes an accurate presumptive diagnosis, but confirmation should preferably be performed through histopathology associated with immunohistochemistry, culture-based or molecular methods.

Spontaneous and experimental poisoning by nitroxinil at 34% in goats

ABSTRACT: This study describes the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects of spontaneous and experimental poisoning by nitroxinil at 34% concentration in goats. The outbreak occurred on a farm in the municipality of Prata, Paraíba state. Nitroxinil was administered to a herd of 120 goats, of which 18 presented with anorexia, vocalization, abdominal distension, weakness, staggering, and falls. Necropsy of three goats revealed that the main lesion was acute liver injury. Histologically the liver showed centrilobular necrosis associated with hemorrhage and hepatocyte degeneration. In the kidneys, tubular nephrosis with granular cylinder formations was observed. The lungs showed multifocal to coalescent areas of moderate interalveolar edema and vascular congestion. Experimental poisoning was carried out in two goats, with the same medication and doses administered on the farm. The experimental goats showed clinical signs and macroscopic and histological changes similar to the spontaneously poisoned goats. The diagnosis of nitroxinil poisoning was made based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data, and confirmed by experimental poisoning. The administration of nitroxinil in high doses, associated with high ambient temperature and physical exercises, can cause poisoning with high lethality in goats.

RESUMO: Este estudo descreve os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos da intoxicação espontânea e experimental por nitroxinil na concentração de 34% em caprinos. O surto ocorreu em uma fazenda no município de Prata, Paraíba. Nitroxinil foi administrado a um rebanho de 120 cabras, das quais 18 apresentavam anorexia, vocalização, distensão abdominal, fraqueza, cambaleando e quedas. A necropsia de três cabras revelou que a lesão principal era uma lesão hepática aguda. Histologicamente, o fígado apresentava necrose centrolobular associada a hemorragia e degeneração de hepatócitos. Nos rins, nefrose tubular com formações de cilindro granular foi observada. Os pulmões apresentavam áreas multifocais a coalescentes de edema interalveolar moderado e congestão vascular. A intoxicação experimental foi realizada em duas cabras, com a mesma medicação e doses administradas na fazenda. As cabras experimentais apresentaram sinais clínicos e alterações macroscópicas e histológicas semelhantes às cabras intoxicadas espontaneamente. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitroxinil foi feito com base em dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos, e confirmado por intoxicação experimental. A administração de nitroxinil em altas doses, associada à alta temperatura ambiente e exercícios físicos, pode causar intoxicação com alta letalidade em caprinos.

Spontaneous and experimental poisoning by nitroxinil at 34% in goats / Intoxicação espontânea e experimental por nitroxinil na concentração de 34% em caprinos

This study describes the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects of spontaneous and experimental poisoning by nitroxinil at 34% concentration in goats. The outbreak occurred on a farm in the municipality of Prata, Paraíba state. Nitroxinil was administered to a herd of 120 goats, of which 18 presented with anorexia, vocalization, abdominal distension, weakness, staggering, and falls. Necropsy of three goats revealed that the main lesion was acute liver injury. Histologically the liver showed centrilobular necrosis associated with hemorrhage and hepatocyte degeneration. In the kidneys, tubular nephrosis with granular cylinder formations was observed. The lungs showed multifocal to coalescent areas of moderate interalveolar edema and vascular congestion. Experimental poisoning was carried out in two goats, with the same medication and doses administered on the farm. The experimental goats showed clinical signs and macroscopic and histological changes similar to the spontaneously poisoned goats. The diagnosis of nitroxinil poisoning was made based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data, and confirmed by experimental poisoning. The administration of nitroxinil in high doses, associated with high ambient temperature and physical exercises, can cause poisoning with high lethality in goats.(AU)

Este estudo descreve os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos da intoxicação espontânea e experimental por nitroxinil na concentração de 34% em caprinos. O surto ocorreu em uma fazenda no município de Prata, Paraíba. Nitroxinil foi administrado a um rebanho de 120 cabras, das quais 18 apresentavam anorexia, vocalização, distensão abdominal, fraqueza, cambaleando e quedas. A necropsia de três cabras revelou que a lesão principal era uma lesão hepática aguda. Histologicamente, o fígado apresentava necrose centrolobular associada a hemorragia e degeneração de hepatócitos. Nos rins, nefrose tubular com formações de cilindro granular foi observada. Os pulmões apresentavam áreas multifocais a coalescentes de edema interalveolar moderado e congestão vascular. A intoxicação experimental foi realizada em duas cabras, com a mesma medicação e doses administradas na fazenda. As cabras experimentais apresentaram sinais clínicos e alterações macroscópicas e histológicas semelhantes às cabras intoxicadas espontaneamente. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitroxinil foi feito com base em dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos, e confirmado por intoxicação experimental. A administração de nitroxinil em altas doses, associada à alta temperatura ambiente e exercícios físicos, pode causar intoxicação com alta letalidade em caprinos.(AU)

Bócio em bovinos / Goiter in cattle

Bócio é o aumento não inflamatório e não neoplásico da glândula tireoide em animais adultos e recém-nascidos. Uma das principais causas envolvidas é a deficiência nutricional de iodo. Relata-se neste trabalho, a ocorrência de três surtos de bócio em bovinos. Na primeira propriedade (Propriedade A), 60 bezerros foram afetados, sendo que 20 morreram logo após o nascimento, 30 recuperaram-se e 10 permaneceram doentes e tiveram remissão dos sinais apenas após tratamento parenteral com iodo. Na segunda propriedade (Propriedade B) uma vaca e seu feto foram acometidos e na terceira (Propriedade C) dois bezerros foram afetados. Os principais sinais clínicos observados nos bezerros foram aumento de volume bilateral na região cervical ventral, emagrecimento, dificuldade respiratória, hipotricose e desenvolvimento corpóreo retardado. Na propriedade A foi relatada ainda a ocorrência de abortamentos. Macroscopicamente, os bezerros e o feto apresentavam tireoide aumentada, vermelho-escura, com vascularização evidente e edema subcutâneo cervical. No surto dois também foi observado, à necropsia, aumento de volume da glândula tireoide da vaca. Microscopicamente, a tiroide dos bezerros e do feto apresentava folículos tireoidianos hiperplásicos, heterogêneos, destituídos de coloide e com interstício acentuadamente vascularizado. A tireoide da vaca era semelhante à dos bezerros, no entanto, possuía quantidade maior de coloide. Em todos os casos a suplementação mineral era realizada por meio da mistura de sal mineral com sal branco. Na Propriedade A o sal branco era não iodado e misturado em partes iguais com o sal mineral. Na Propriedade B o sal também era misturado a um sal branco não iodado na proporção e 1:2, respectivamente. Na Propriedade C o sal mineral e o sal branco não iodado eram ofertados em cochos separados no campo e, segundo relato do proprietário, os animais priorizavam o consumo do sal branco. Em todas as propriedades acompanhadas foi recomendada a interrupção da adição de sal branco na mistura mineral e a administração de iodo aos bezerros acometidos. Após essas medidas não foram observados novos casos nas propriedades. Apesar de ser uma enfermidade bem conhecida, ainda são poucos os relatados de casos de bócios em bovinos no Brasil. Além disso, pouco se sabe sobre as reais deficiências minerais de cada região, e que simples orientações de manejo nutricional ainda são necessárias.(AU)

Goiter is a non-inflammatory and non-neoplastic enlargement of the thyroid gland in adults and neonates. One of the main causes involved is the nutritional deficiency of iodine. In this study three outbreaks of goiter in cattle are reported. In the first outbreak (Farm A) 60 calves were affected, of which 20 died soon after birth, 30 recovered and 10 remained sick. In the second outbreak (Farm B) a cow and its fetus were affected and in the third outbreak (Farm C) two calves were affected. The main clinical signs observed were bilaterally enlarged thyroid glands, weight loss, respiratory distress, hypotrichosis and myxedema. Additionally in the Farm A abortions were reported. Macroscopically the thyroid of the calves and fetus was enlarged, dark red with evident vascularization and cervical subcutaneous edema. In the Farm B the cow showed enlarged thyroid gland as well. Microscopically the calves and the fetus had hyperplastic and heterogeneous thyroid follicles with absence of colloid and vascularized interstitium. The thyroid of the cow was also hyperplastic, but had higher amount of colloid. In all outbreaks the mineral supplementation was performed by mixing non-iodized white salt with the mineral mixture. On the property A the white salt was non-iodized and mixed in equal parts with the mineral salt. At property B the salt was also mixed to a non-iodized white salt in ratio and 1:2, respectively. In the property C, mineral salt and non-iodized white salt were offered in separate troughs in the field, and according to the owner's report the animals prioritized the consumption of white salt. In all the monitored properties it was recommended to stop the addition of white salt in the mineral mixture and the administration of iodine to the affected calves. After these measurements no new cases were observed in the properties. Despite being a well-known disease, there are still few reported cases of goiter in cattle in Brazil. Moreover, little is known about the actual mineral deficiencies of each region, and that simple nutritional management guidelines are still needed.(AU)

Pythiosis in dogs in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil / Pitiose em cães na região semiárida do Nordeste, Brasil

We describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological features of five cases of pythiosis in dogs in northeast semiarid. The disease occurred in dogs with age between one and three years, females and males of different breeds. The dogs were created in urban areas, but were occasionally taken to the countryside and then had contact with wetlands. The main clinical signs were weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea and tenesmus. Macroscopically there were intestinal wall thickening with irregular firm masses with yellowish granular areas interspersed with a whitish tissue, involving the duodenum, colon and rectum, extending to the lymph nodes and pancreas, and the vagina and liver. In the skin there were areas of alopecia and irregular ulcerations, some containing small cavitations with serosanguineous secretion. Microscopically there were pyogranulomatous inflammation and in one case also there were eosinophilic necrosis associated with negative images tubuliformes by hematoxylin and eosin, strongly stained by GMS and weakly by PAS. Hyphae were strongly marked by immunohistochemistry with polyclonal anti-Pythium insidiosum. The disease occurs sporadically in dogs in the semiarid Northeast, however should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic diseases and proliferative aspect of the gastrointestinal system, and front skin lesions of difficult treatment.(AU)

Descrevem-se os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos de cinco casos de pitiose em cães na região semiárida do Nordeste. A doença ocorreu em cães com idade entre um e três anos, fêmeas e machos, de diferentes raças. Os cães eram criados em zona urbana, mas ocasionalmente eram levados para zona rural e tinham contato com áreas alagadas. Em um caso não havia informações no histórico sobre acesso à zona rural. Os principais sinais clínicos observados foram perda de peso, vômito, diarreia e tenesmo. Macroscopicamente havia espessamento da parede do intestino com massas firmes, irregulares, com áreas granulares amareladas entremeadas por tecido esbranquiçado, no duodeno, cólon e reto, que se estendia ao pâncreas e linfonodos, além de fígado e vagina. Na pele havia área de alopecia e ulcerações irregulares, algumas contendo pequenas cavitações com secreção serosanguinolenta. Microscopicamente havia inflamação piogranulomatosa e em um caso também havia necrose eosinofílica associada a imagens negativas tubuliformes pela hematoxilina e eosina, fortemente impregnadas pelo GMS e fracamente coradas pelo PAS. As hifas foram fortemente imunomarcadas pela imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo policlonal anti-Pythium insidiosum. A doença ocorre esporadicamente em cães no semiárido nordestino, entretanto deve ser incluída no diagnostico diferencial das doenças em cães com evolução crônica e proliferativa que acometem o sistema gastrintestinal, e frente a lesões cutâneas de difícil tratamento.(AU)

Classificação de 86 casos de linfoma em bovinos de acordo com a Working Formulation (WF) of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas for Clinical Usage e a Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms (REAL) / Classification of 86 bovine lymphomas cases according to the Working Formulation (WF) of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas for Clinical Usage and The Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms (REAL)

Por meio de um estudo retrospectivo, realizou-se avaliação fenotípica (histologia) e imunofenotípica (imuno-histoquímica [IHQ]) de 86 casos de linfoma bovino. Quanto ao padrão de distribuição, todos os linfomas foram incluídos como difusos. Em relação à dimensão dos linfócitos neoplásicos, 83,8% dos linfomas foram considerados como de grandes células e 11,6% como de pequenas células. Linfomas mistos, ou seja, constituídos por grandes e pequenas células, representaram apenas 4,6% dos casos. Quanto ao número de mitoses, 84,9% dos linfomas foram incluídos como de grau intermediário, 10,5% como de baixo grau e 4,6% como de alto grau. No que se refere à morfologia do núcleo, linfomas em que predominavam linfócitos não clivados (58,2%) ou linfócitos clivados (37,2%) foram mais frequentes do que aqueles em que havia uma mistura igualmente proporcional de linfócitos clivados e não clivados (4,6%). Com base nestes resultados, os 86 linfomas foram assim distribuídos utilizando-se a classificação proposta pela Working Formulation (WF) of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas for Clinical Usage: difuso de grandes células não clivadas (46,5%), difuso de grandes células clivadas (33,7%), difuso de pequenas e grandes células (4,6%), difuso de pequenas células - tipo plasmocitoide (7%), imunoblástico (3,5%), difuso de pequenas células - tipo intermediário (2,3%), difuso de pequenas células não clivadas (1,2%) e difuso de pequenas células não clivadas - tipo Burkitt (1,2%). Na imuno-histoquímica, 27 dos 86 (31,4%) linfomas foram positivos para o anticorpo monoclonal CD79αcy, utilizado para detecção de linfócitos B, e nenhum caso foi positivo para o anticorpo policlonal CD3, utilizado para detecção de linfócitos T. Com base nestes resultados, os 27 linfomas B foram assim distribuídos utilizando-se a Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms (REAL): linfoma difuso de grandes células B (81,5%), linfomas imunoblásticos de grandes células (11,1%) e linfomas...

A retrospective study of 86 cases of bovine lymphoma classified as with diffuse pattern of distribution and verified by phenotypic (histology) and immunophenotypic (immunohistochemistry [IHC]) is presented. Regarding the size of the neoplastic lymphocytes, 83.8% was classified as large cells lymphoma and 11.6% as small cells lymphoma. Mixed lymphomas, i.e., formed by large and small cells simultaneously represented only 4.6% of all cases. Regarding their mitotic index, 84.9% of lymphomas was included in the intermediate-grade, 10.5% as low-grade and 4.6% as high-grade. Regarding the nucleus morphology, lymphomas with mostly non-cleaved cells (58.2%) or cleaved cells (37.2%) were the more frequent than those with a balanced mixed proportion of cleaved and non-cleaved cells (4.6%). Based on these results, the 86 lymphoma cases were classified by the Working Formulation (WF) of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas for Clinical Usage as: diffuse large non-cleaved cell (46.5%), diffuse large cleaved cell (33.7%), diffuse mixed small and large cell (4.6%), diffuse small cell - plasmacytoid (7%), immunoblastic (3.5%), diffuse small cell - intermediate (2.3%), diffuse small non-cleaved cell (1.2%), and diffuse small non-cleaved cell Burkitt's (1.2%). According to the IHC, 27 out of 86 (31.4%) lymphomas were positive to monoclonal antibody CD79αcy, used to detect B cells, and none were positive for polyclonal antibody CD3, used to detect T cells. Based on this, the 27 B-cell type lymphomas were distributed as follows: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (81.5%), large cell immunoblastic lymphoma (11.1%), and lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma...

Cistos epidermais em ovinos / Epidermal cysts in sheep

São descritos os aspectos clínico-patológicos de cistos epidermais em quatro ovinos, com idade entre dois e 12 anos, oriundos da região central do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Três desses ovinos apresentavam múltiplos nódulos cutâneos, distribuídos aleatoriamente pelo corpo, e um ovino apresentava nódulo cutâneo solitário na região cervical. O período entre o aparecimento do primeiro nódulo e o surgimento de múltiplos nódulos foi de oito meses, em um caso, e um ano, em dois casos. Os quatro ovinos eram os únicos animais afetados em seus respectivos rebanhos. Os nódulos cutâneos eram redondos ou ovais, salientes, flutuantes, não pruriginosos e recobertos por pele parcialmente alopécica. Esses nódulos variavam de 1,0 a 7,0cm de diâmetro e, ocasionalmente, apresentavam um pequeno orifício central, com 1-2mm de diâmetro, na superfície externa. Ao corte eram císticos, delimitados por uma parede fina e branca, com 0,5-0,8cm de espessura, e preenchidos por material branco ou amarelado e friável. Histologicamente, os cistos eram revestidos por epitélio, contendo todos os estratos de um epitélio escamosos estratificado, sobre uma fina cápsula de tecido conjuntivo fibroso denso. Os cistos eram preenchidos por agregados homogêneos e feixes de ceratina, arranjados de forma concêntrica. Baseado na localização e características macroscópicas e histológicas esses cistos foram diagnosticados como cistos epidermais infundibulares.(AU)

The clinic and pathological aspects of four cases of epidermal cysts in sheep are described. The affected two to 12-year-old sheep were from farms in the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Three sheep showed multiple nodules, scattered randomly throughout the body, while one sheep had a single nodule on the cervical region. The period between the emergence of the first nodule to appearance of multiple nodules was approximately eight months in a case, one year in two cases, and unknown in the remaining case. These four were the only affected sheep in their respective flocks. The cutaneous nodules were round to oval, raised, fluctuant, non-pruritic and covered by wooless skin. These nodules had 1-7cm in diameter and, occasionally, revealed a small 1-2mm central pore communicating the interior of the nodule with external surface. On cut surface, the nodules were cystic, demarcated by 0.5-0.8cm in thickness white wall, and filled by abundant white to yellow, friable material. Histologically, the cyst wall was lined by a rim of tissue containing all layers of a stratified squamous epithelium. This epithelium was anchored on and supported by a thin capsule of fibrous connective tissue. The cysts were filled with homogenous aggregates or concentrically arranged streams of keratin. Based on the location and on the gross and histological findings these nodules were diagnosed as infundibular epidermal cysts.(AU)

Clinical and pathological aspects of chronic Senecio spp. poisoning in sheep / Aspectos clínico-patológicos da intoxicação crônica por Senecio spp. em ovinos

This paper describes an outbreak of chronic Senecio spp. poisoning in grazing sheep in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, causing the death of 10 out of 860 adult sheep. Eight sick ewes were euthanized and necropsied. Cattle from this farm were also affected. Clinical signs included progressive weight loss, apathy and photosensitization. Four out of seven tested sheep had increased gamma-glutamyl transferase serum activity and two of them presented serum elevation of alkaline phosphatase. At necropsy, three out of eight ewes presented slightly irregular toughened livers with multifocal nodules, two out of eight ewes had a whitish liver with thickened fibrotic Glisson's capsule partially adhered to the diaphragm, and three out of eight ewes had smooth and grossly normal livers. Necropsy findings attributed to liver failure included hydropericardium (7/8), ascites (5/8), icterus (2/8), hydrothorax (1/8), and edema of mesentery (1/8). The main hepatic histological findings that allowed the establishment of the diagnosis were megalocytosis, proliferation of bile ducts and fibrosis. Spongy degeneration was observed in the brains of all eight necropsied sheep and was more severe at the cerebellar peduncles, mesencephalon, thalamus, and pons. These are suggested as the portions of election to investigate microscopic lesions of hepatic encephalopathy in sheep with chronic seneciosis. The diagnosis of Senecio spp. poisoning was based on epidemiology, clinical signs, laboratory data, necropsy and histological findings.

Neste trabalho, relata-se um surto de intoxicação crônica por Senecio spp. em ovinos no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Dez ovelhas adultas de um rebanho de 860 ovinos morreram com sinais da doença e oito que estavam doentes foram eutanasiadas e necropsiadas. Na propriedade, a doença também foi observada em bovinos. Os sinais clínicos nas ovelhas incluíam emagrecimento, apatia e fotossensibilização. Quatro ovelhas, de um total de sete que foram testadas, apresentaram aumento da atividade sérica da gama glutamil transferase e duas apresentaram fosfatase alcalina sérica elevada. Na necropsia, em três dos oito ovinos necropsiados, o fígado estava levemente mais firme, com superfície capsular ligeiramente irregular e com nódulos pálidos na superfície de corte. Em outros três ovinos o fígado era macroscopicamente normal. Em dois dos oito ovinos necropsiados a cápsula de Glisson era brancacenta devido à fibrose e parcialmente aderida ao diafragma. Adicionalmente, foram observadas alterações macroscópicas atribuíveis à insuficiência hepática como hidropericárdio (7/8), ascite (5/8), icterícia (2/8), hidrotórax (1/8) e edema no mesentério (1/8). Histologicamente, as principais alterações observadas, que contribuíram para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico de intoxicação crônica por alcaloides pirrolizidínicos nas ovelhas deste surto foram hepatomegalocitose, proliferação de ductos biliares e fibrose. Todas as ovelhas apresentavam degeneração esponjosa grave no cerebelo e pedúnculos cerebelares, ponte, mesencéfalo e tálamo. Sugere-se que esses sejam os sítios anatômicos de eleição no encéfalo para a observação dessa lesão em ovinos com intoxicação por Senecio spp. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por Senecio spp. foi baseado na epidemiologia, achados clínicos, laboratoriais, de necropsia e histopatológicos.

Aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos do linfoma em bovinos: 128 casos (1965-2013) / Epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of lymphoma in cattle: 128 cases (1965-2013)

Por meio de um estudo retrospectivo, os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos de 128 casos de linfoma bovino são descritos. Dos protocolos que informavam o sexo (n=111), 84,7% correspondiam a fêmeas e 15,3% a machos. Dos protocolos em que constava a raça (n=108), a mais prevalente foi a holandesa (63%). Em relação à idade (n=107), houve uma variação entre um e 14 anos. A maioria dos bovinos era adulta (89,7%) e a maior concentração dos casos ocorreu ao redor de 5-8 anos (57,9%). Em relação aos sinais clínicos (n=89), linfadenomegalia foi o achado mais frequentemente observado (74,1%). Outros sinais clínicos, principalmente aqueles relacionados com os sistemas respiratório (dispneia, estertoração pulmonar e taquipneia), cardiovascular (taquicardia, edema subcutâneo e pulso venoso positivo), digestório (atonia ruminal, timpanismo e diarreia) e nervoso (paresia dos membros pélvicos e andar cambaleante), foram pouco prevalentes. Na necropsia (n=125), 71,2% dos bovinos apresentavam aumento de volume dos linfonodos; essa linfadenomegalia foi classificada como localizada em 89,6% dos casos e generalizada em 10,3% dos casos. Dos protocolos que informavam os linfonodos acometidos (n=58), a distribuição foi a seguinte: mesentéricos (51,7%), mediastínicos (37,9%), pré-escapulares (29,3%), ilíacos internos (27,6%), inguinais superficiais (25,8%) e traqueobrônquicos (18,9%). Além dos linfonodos, outros órgãos comumente afetados pelo linfoma neste estudo incluíram: coração (40%), fígado (15,2%), rim (14,4%), abomaso (12,8%), útero (11,2%), intestino (10,4%) e pulmão (7,2%)...

The epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of 128 cases of bovine lymphoma are described in this study. Out of the cases were the gender was informed (n=111), 84.7% of affected animals were females and 15.3% were males. Out of the cases were breed was informed (n=108), 63% of affected animals were Holstein cows. The age of affected cows (n=107) varied from 1 to 14 years (57.9%), with most animals being adults (89.7%) with 5 to 8 years of age (57.9%). The most common clinical sign (n=89) was lymphadenomegaly (74.1%). Other clinical signs associated with the respiratory system (dyspnea, pulmonary stridor, and tachypnea), cardiovascular system (tachycardia, subcutaneous edema, and positive venous pulse), digestive system (ruminal atony, bloat, and diarrhea), and nervous system (pelvic limb paresis and staggering pace) were less prevalent. Gross findings (n=125) included enlargement of lymph nodes in 71.2% of the cases; this finding was classified as localized in 89.6% of the cases and generalized in 10.3% of the cases. Out of the cases where the affected lymph nodes were identified (n=58) the distribution of the lymphadenomegaly was the following: mesenteric (51.7%), mediastinal (37.9%), prescapular (29.3%), internal iliac (27.6%), superficial inguinal (25.8%), and tracheobronchial (18.9%). Other commonly affected organs included heart (40%), liver (15.2%), kidney (14.4%), abomasum (12.8%), uterus (11.2%), intestine (10.4%), and lung (7.2%)...

Utilização de três métodos imuno-histoquímicos na detecção de aspergilose e zigomicose em animais / Usage of three immunohistochemical methods in the detection of aspergillosis and zygomycosis in animals

Visando a otimização do uso da técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) na detecção de Aspergillus spp. e zigomicetos (membros da família Mucoraceae), utilizaram-se dois anticorpos monoclonais fungo-específicos em fragmentos de tecidos de animais (fixados em formol e embebidos em parafina) com diagnóstico histomorfológico prévio de aspergilose e zigomicose, os quais foram submetidos a três sistemas de detecção diferentes (dois biotinilados e um não biotinilado). Os dois anticorpos apresentaram alta especificidade e sensibilidade nos tecidos examinados. Não ocorreram reações cruzadas entre os anticorpos utilizados e os agentes etiológicos avaliados (incluindo casos de aspergilose, zigomicose, candidíase e pitiose). No entanto, reações inespecíficas foram observadas nas hifas em alguns casos, as quais puderam ser eliminadas através de um dos métodos de detecção utilizados. Para a aspergilose, o método da estreptavidina-biotina-fosfatase alcalina não apresentou reações inespecíficas nas hifas. Enquanto que nos casos de zigomicoses, as reações inespecíficas não ocorreram no método por polímero (não biotinilado). A técnica de IHQ mostrou-se uma ferramenta muito útil na detecção e confirmação dos casos de aspergilose e zigomicose neste estudo retrospectivo.

Aiming to optimize the usage of the immunohistochemical technique (IHC) in the detection of Aspergillus spp. and zygomycetes (members of the Mucoraceae family), two fungal-specific monoclonal antibodies were used in tissue fragments (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded), previously diagnosed by histomorphology as aspergillosis and zygomycosis. Tissues were submitted to three different detection systems (two biotinilated and one non biotinilated). Both antibodies showed high specificity and sensitivity in the examined tissues. No cross-reactions were observed between the antibodies used and the agents evaluated (including cases of aspergillosis, zygomycosis, candidiasis and pythiosis). However, nonspecific reactions in hyphae were observed in some cases, but were eliminated by mean of one of the detection systems used. In the aspergillosis cases, with the streptavidin-biotin-alkaline phosphatase method, nonspecific reactions were not observed. In the zygomycosis cases, nonspecific reactions did not occur using a polymer (nonbiotinilated). The IHC technique showed to be a useful tool detecting and confirming aspergillosis and zygomycosis in this retrospective study.

Ocorrência de micoses e pitiose em animais domésticos: 230 casos / Occurrence of mycoses and pythiosis in domestic animals: 230 cases

A retrospective study was performed to determine the main mycoses and oomycosis that affected domestic animals diagnosed in the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). A total of 29,686 exams (9,487 necropsy reports and 20,199 biopsy reports) performed between January 1990 and December 2012 were analyzed. Two hundred and thirty cases (78% of mycoses and 22% of pythiosis) were found. Data about epidemiology, clinical signs, gross and histologic lesions were obtained from the reports. In two cases the fungi observed were not identified. The main diseases observed, in descending order of prevalence, were: pythiosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, zygomycosis, dermatophytosis, mallasseziosis, cryptococcosis, megabacteriosis, and sporothrichosis. Others diseases with only one cases each were histoplasmosis and pneumocystosis. Pythiosis affected mainly horses and the mycosis affected mainly companion animals (dogs and cats).

Para determinar as principais micoses e oomicoses que acometeram animais domésticos na área de abrangência do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo em 9.487 protocolos de necropsias e 20.199 exames histopatológicos (totalizando 29.686 casos), realizados no LPV-UFSM, entre janeiro de 1990 e dezembro de 2012. Do total de protocolos analisados, 230 apresentaram micoses ou pitiose (oomicose), sendo 179 casos (78%) de micoses e 51 casos (22%) de pitiose. Os protocolos foram revisados para determinar os principais achados referentes à epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e às alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas. Em dois casos (0,8%) não foi possível determinar o gênero ou o grupo do fungo observado. As principais doenças diagnosticadas, em ordem decrescente de prevalência, foram: pitiose, candidíase, aspergilose, zigomicose, dermatofitose, malasseziose, criptococose, megabacteriose e esporotricose. Outras doenças diagnosticadas numa única ocorrência cada foram histoplasmose e pneumocistose. Os equinos foram os mais acometidos pela pitiose e os animais de companhia (cães e gatos) foram os mais acometidos pelas micoses.