Pasteurella multocida polyserositis in growing-finishing pigs.

Pasteurella multocida is the main secondary bacterium isolated from cases of swine pneumonia. Although highly pathogenic strains of P. multocida have been associated with primary septic lesions and polyserositis in pigs, studies on this pathological presentation in naturally occurring cases are limited. The aim of this work was to characterize the clinical, pathological and molecular findings in cases of P. multocida polyserositis in growing-finishing pigs in a commercial farm in Brazil. The mean age of 17 investigated pigs was 120 days. Clinically, the disease was acute (11/17), with clinical signs of dyspnoea and apathy. Sudden death occurred in some animals (6/17). The main gross findings included fibrinous serositis affecting the abdominal and thoracic cavities (17/17), fibrinous pericarditis (15/17), marked cranioventral pulmonary consolidation (17/17) and splenic infarcts (3/17). P. multocida was isolated in all cases from systemic sites, including the pericardial sac and abdominal exudate. Molecular typing of genus and species was performed on four isolates, and all were characterized as P. multocida type A. Another five isolates were positive for the pathogenicity marker gene pfhA by polymerase chain reaction. This study reinforces the role of P. multocida as a cause of polyserositis in growing-finishing pigs.

Nutritional chondrodysplasia in cattle in Brazil.

In this work, we investigated cases of birth of calves with congenital defects in a farm in Southern Brazil. Only calves born from heifers were affected, and the disease occurred in both crossbred and purebred calves. Three necropsies were performed, tissues were collected for histopathology, and samples of liver of calves, blood serum, and food provided for cows and heifers were collected to quantify the levels of the minerals: manganese, copper, and zinc. The calves were born weak, with disproportionate dwarfism, limb deformities, and enlarged joints. Heads were shortened and domed. Long bones had a shortened diaphysis and a normal-sized epiphysis, when compared to the control. In one of the cases, there were white-yellowish lines on the metaphyseal surface of the epiphyseal plate. Histopathology of growth plates revealed premature closure, disarrangement of chondrocyte columns, and collapse of primary spongiosa. These findings supported a diagnosis of chondrodysplasia. Liver manganese levels were under the reference values in the three calves. Food analysis revealed insufficient levels of manganese in the diet of heifers, especially in sorghum silage, which was provided as the main source of food for the category in some periods. Approximately 6 months after the diet was changed, the problem ceased and only normal calves continued to be born. Our findings allowed to conclude the diagnosis of chondrodysplasia of nutritional origin and reinforce the thesis that manganese is the mineral deficient in these cases.

Eosinophilic Granulomatous Myocarditis in Two Pigs.

Eosinophilic myocarditis is a human condition that has been rarely documented in animals. We now report two unrelated porcine cases of idiopathic eosinophilic granulomatous myocarditis that resembled the human disease and which were associated with sudden death. The most relevant gross finding in both cases was marked cardiomegaly, accompanied by raised, multifocal to coalescent small white nodules (1-2 mm) and poorly demarcated multifocal pale areas in the epicardium. Histologically, there were multifocal to coalescent areas of cardiomyocyte loss with replacement by an intense inflammatory infiltrate of eosinophils and epithelioid macrophages, and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue. Immunohistochemistry for porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Toxoplasma gondii, in-situ hybridization and quantitative polymerase chain reaction tests for PCV2 and porcine circovirus type 3 and aerobic bacterial culture on myocardium samples were negative.

Non-ambulatory pigs in two Brazilian growing-finishing farms: a clinic, etiological and pathological perspective on 76 cases.

BACKGROUND: Non-ambulatory pigs, colloquially known as downers or downed pigs, are animals presented with limited to no mobility, usually as a result of pre-existing neurologic or musculoskeletal conditions. Impaired ambulation is a major cause of euthanasia in pigs, leading to economic losses and animal welfare concerns. Additionally, reaching the underlying diagnosis of impaired ambulation in pigs is commonly a challenging task for swine practitioners. The aim of this necropsy-based study was to report the clinical, etiological, and pathological findings of 76 non-ambulatory grower-finisher pigs, and to correlate tail-biting lesions with the causes of death/reason for euthanasia in non-ambulatory pigs. Necropsies of downed pigs were performed during on-site visits to two pig farms in southern Brazil. RESULTS: The diagnosis of the conditions was based on the clinical, macroscopic, histopathological, bacteriological, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings. The diseases diagnosed in non-ambulatory pigs in this study were suppurative arthritis (29/76), suppurative spondylitis (10/76), PVC-2 associated diseases (8/76), bone fracture (7/76), non-suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis (4/76), suppurative meningoencephalitis (6/76), fibrocartilaginous thromboembolism (3/76), epiphysiolysis (3/76), ascending bacterial myelitis (3/76), and other conditions (3/76). The frequency of suppurative arthritis, suppurative spondylitis, and ascending bacterial myelitis/meningitis was higher in pigs with tail biting lesions than controls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Non-ambulatory pigs were observed during the entire rearing period, however, the occurrence of non-ambulatory pigs increased in animals aged ≥ 150 days. Infectious diseases were the most common cause of downed pigs, mainly associated with chronic bacterial infections. Tail biting lesions were an important predisposing factor to suppurative arthritis, suppurative spondylitis, and ascending bacterial myelitis/meningitis.

The genetic diversity of "papillomavirome" in bovine teat papilloma lesions.

BACKGROUND: Papillomaviruses are small nonenveloped, circular double-stranded DNA viruses that belong to the Papillomaviridae family. To date, 29 Bos taurus papillomavirus (BPV) types have been described. Studies involving mixed BPV infections have rarely been reported in contrast to human papillomavirus (HPV), which is commonly described in numerous studies showing coinfections. Moreover, previous studies had shown that HPV coinfections increase the risk of carcinogenesis. In the present study, we used rolling-circle amplification followed by a high-throughput sequencing (RCA-HTS) approach in 23 teat papillomas from southern Brazil. RESULTS: Eleven well-characterized BPV types and 14 putative new BPV types were genetically characterized into the Xi, Epsilon and Dyoxipapillomavirus genera according to phylogenetic analysis of the L1 gene, which expands the previous 29 BPV types to 43. Moreover, BPV coinfections were detected in the majority (56.3%) of the papilloma lesions analyzed, suggesting a genetic diverse "papillomavirome" in bovine teat warts. CONCLUSIONS: The data generated in this study support the possibility that a wide range of BPV is probably underdetected by conventional molecular detection tools, and that BPV coinfections are underestimated and probably genetic diverse. Additionally, 14 new BPV types were characterized, increasing the knowledge regarding BPV genetic diversity.

Feline giant-cell pleomorphic sarcoma: cytologic, histologic and immunohistochemical characterization.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize the cytologic, pathologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) aspects of feline giant-cell sarcoma. METHODS: Biopsy and necropsy reports from the Department of Veterinary Pathology were retrieved, and 13 cases of pleomorphic sarcoma (PS) were selected according to the established epidemiologic, pathologic and IHC criteria. All samples were fixed in 10% formalin, routinely processed for histology, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Samples also underwent IHC testing for vimentin, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), desmin, actin and S-100. RESULTS: The mean age of the affected cats was 9.5 years, and females were over-represented. Most neoplasms were observed in the flank, lateral thorax, limbs and interscapular region, and were >2 cm in diameter. Cytology analysis revealed highly cellular preparations with three distinct populations (spindle cells, small round cells and multinucleated giant cells) in a dense eosinophilic stroma. Histologically, PS was composed of a combination of these three populations. IHC labeling for vimentin and Iba-1 was strongly positive for spindle cells and multinucleated giant cells, respectively. Desmin/actin showed variable labeling among the samples. S-100 was negative in all samples. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: PS is a neoplasm of mesenchymal origin, also known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The predominant subtype in this study that affected the cats was the giant-cell type, characterized by the presence of multinucleated giant cells among spindle-shaped cells. These findings are similar to those described in human patients; thus, a comparison between the neoplasms seen in these species might be useful, and the knowledge of biologic behavior and overall treatment approach for humans could be extrapolated to cats.

Causes of death of sows in three Brazilian pig farms / Causas de morte de matrizes suínas em três granjas brasileiras

Sow mortality is directly related to financial losses and productive efficiency in pig farms. Despite this, diseases associated with the death of sows are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the main causes of death of sows in Brazilian pig farms. To perform this research, three Brazilian pig farms were visited, and necropsies were performed on all sows that had died spontaneously or were subjected to euthanasia. Tissue fragments were collected for histopathological and bacteriological examination. In addition, the clinical signs, productive stage, parity, and type of death (spontaneous or euthanasia) were recorded. A total of 138 necropsies were performed, and 132 had a conclusive diagnosis. The most frequent productive stages were gestation and lactation (33.3 and 31.9%, respectively), followed by parturient sows (17.4%), cull sows (9.4%), weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) (4.3%), and unmated gilts (3.6%). The most affected organ systems were reproductive (28%), digestive (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9.1%), and hematopoietic (6.1%). The most frequently diagnosed conditions were uterine prolapse (16/132; 12.1%), gastric ulcer (13/132; 9.8%), suppurative arthritis (11/132; 8.3%), liver lobe torsion (11/132; 8.3%), heart failure (9/132; 6.8%), vaginal or vaginal and rectal prolapse (9/132; 6.8%), and pododermatitis (8/132; 6.1%). Although 58.2% of the deaths were due to one of these seven diseases, there was a great variability in diagnoses.(AU)

A mortalidade de porcas está diretamente relacionada a perdas financeiras e à eficiência produtiva das granjas. Apesar disso, as doenças associadas à morte de porcas são pouco conhecidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as principais causas de morte de porcas em granjas suinícolas brasileiras. Para a realização desta pesquisa, três granjas brasileiras foram visitadas e necropsias foram realizadas em todas as porcas que morreram espontaneamente ou foram submetidas à eutanásia. Fragmentos de tecidos foram coletados para exame histopatológico e bacteriológico. Além disso, foram registrados os sinais clínicos, estágio reprodutivo, ordem de parto e tipo de morte (espontânea ou eutanásia). Um total de 138 necropsias foram realizadas e 132 tiveram um diagnóstico conclusivo. Os estágios produtivos mais frequentes foram gestação e lactação (33,3 e 31,9%, respectivamente), seguidos por porcas parturientes (17,4%), porcas de descarte (9,4%), intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) (4,3%) e leitoas vazias (3,6%). Os sistemas orgânicos mais afetados foram reprodutor (28%), digestivo (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9,1%) e hematopoiético (6,1%). As condições mais frequentemente diagnosticadas foram prolapso uterino (16/132; 12,1%), úlcera gástrica (13/132; 9,8%), artrite supurativa (11/132; 8,3%), torção do lobo hepático (11/132; 8,3%), insuficiência cardíaca (9/132; 6,8%), prolapso vaginal ou prolapso vaginal e retal (9/132; 6,8%) e pododermatite (8/132; 6,1%). Embora 58,2% dos óbitos tenham ocorrido por uma dessas sete doenças, houve grande variabilidade de diagnósticos.(AU)

Agents of pneumonia in slaughtered pigs in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: A high prevalence of pneumonic lesions has been reported to affect slaughtered pigs in southern Brazil. In order to identify which microorganisms have been causing those lesions, 30 pig lungs presenting pneumonic gross lesions were collected from five different slaughterhouses, totaling 150 lungs. Samples for bacterial isolation, molecular, histopathologic and immunohistochemistry (IHC) evaluation were taken from each lung. The pneumonic lesion scoring ranged from 1.53 to 2.83. The most frequent histopathological lesions found was the concomitant Influenza A virus (IAV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection, corresponding to 55.3% (83/150), and Pasteurella multocida type A was isolated in 54.2% (45/83) of these cases. In 102 samples (68%), there was histopathologic suggestion of involvement of more than one infectious agent. M. hyopneumoniae was the most frequent agent associated with pneumonic lesions, being present in 92.1% (94/102) of the lungs with coinfections, followed by IAV in 89.2% (91/102). Besides the coinfections, IAV lesions were observed also in six samples without another pathogenic microorganism detected. A total of 46 samples with acute and subacute IAV suspected lesions in histopathological examination were assessed for IHC and real time RT-PCR for IAV. A total of 35% (16/46) of them were positive by IHC and 13% (6/46) by real time RT-PCR. Regarding M. hyopneumoniae, 79.3% (119/150) of samples were positive by qPCR and 84.9% (101/119) of them also presented M. hyopneumoniae suspected lesions in the histopathological examination. The results of this study suggest the importance of IAV in respiratory diseases in finishing pigs, even though this virus is more frequently reported in the nursery phase. In addition, our results emphasize the importance of lung coinfections in finishing pigs.

RESUMO: Lesões sugestivas de pneumonia são frequentemente encontradas em altas prevalências em suínos abatidos no sul do Brasil. Para identificar quais microrganismos causam essas lesões, foram coletados 30 pulmões de suínos com lesão macroscópica sugestiva de pneumonia em cinco frigoríficos diferentes, totalizando 150 pulmões. Amostras para isolamento bacteriano, avaliação molecular, histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica (IHC) foram coletadas de cada pulmão. O escore de lesão pulmonar variou entre 1,53 a 2,83. O achado histopatológico mais observado foi a lesão sugestiva de infecção concomitante pelo vírus Influenza A (IAV) e Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae, correspondendo a 55,3% (83/150), e em 54,2% (45/83) desses casos Pasteurella (P.) multocida tipo A foi isolado. Em 102 amostras (68%), houve lesão histopatológica sugestiva do envolvimento de mais de um agente infeccioso. M. hyopneumoniae foi o microrganismo mais frequente associado a lesões de pneumonia, estando presente em 92,1% (94/102) dos pulmões com coinfecções, seguido de IAV, que foi encontrado em 89,2% (91/102). Além das coinfecções, lesões de IAV foram observadas em mais seis amostras que não aparentavam envolvimento de outro agente infeccioso. Um total de 46 amostras com suspeita de lesão aguda e subaguda de IAV no exame histopatológico foram avaliadas para IHC e RT-PCR em tempo real para IAV e 35% (16/46) delas foram positivas por IHC e 13% (6/46) foram positivas por RT-PCR em tempo real. Com relação a M. hyopneumoniae, 79,3% (119/150) das amostras foram positivas por qPCR e 84,9% (101/119) delas também apresentaram lesões suspeitas de M. hyopneumoniae no exame histopatológico. Os resultados deste trabalho sugerem a importância do IAV como agente causador de pneumonias em suínos de terminação, embora esse vírus seja mais frequentemente relatado na fase de creche. Além disso, os achados deste trabalho demonstram a presença frequente de coinfecções pulmonares em suínos de terminação.

Spontaneous poisoning by Cestrum intermedium in dairy cattle

ABSTRACT: Acute hepatotoxicity caused by plants poisoning is responsible for economic losses in farm animals in Brazil. Reports of Cestrum intermedium natural poisoning in cattle are not commonly described in Rio Grande do Sul (RS). This study aimed to document an outbreak of spontaneous C. intermedium poisoning in dairy cattle in the Central-Eastern Mesoregion of RS. Three nine-month-old Holstein and Jersey heifers were affected after they were placed in a small paddock with shortage forage. In this area, specimens of C. intermedium Sendtn with signs of consumption were observed. Morbidity and lethality rates were 100% and clinical courses ranged from 9 to 12 hours. At post mortem examination of the three heifers, there was predominance of acute liver lesions. The liver was moderately enlarged and on the cut surface there was a marked accentuation of the lobular pattern and hemorrhage. Inside the rumen, partially digested C. intermedium Sendtn leaves were observed. The histological aspects of the liver were mostly centrilobular coagulative necrosis and hemorrhage, frequently extended to the midzonal region. The immunohistochemistry technique was performed, in which the polyclonal antibody caspase 3 was used in liver fragments. Moderate to marked immunolabeling was observed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of hepatocytes, predominantly on the periphery of areas of hepatic necrosis indicating cell apoptosis. The diagnosis of C. intermedium Sendtn poisoning in dairy cattle in this study was based on epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological findings. Since the C. intermedium poisoning is uncommon in dairy cattle, we are describing it for the first time in the Central-Eastern Mesoregion of RS, and represents a differential diagnosis of other acute toxic liver diseases in cattle.

RESUMO: Intoxicações por plantas que causam hepatotoxicidade aguda são responsáveis por prejuízos econômicos em animais de produção no Brasil. Relatos de intoxicações naturais por Cestrum intermedium em bovinos não são comumente descritos no Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Este trabalho teve como objetivo documentar um surto de intoxicação espontânea por C. intermedium em bovinos leiteiros ocorrido na região Centro-Oriental do RS. Três bovinos com nove meses de idade, das raças Holandês e Jersey, foram acometidos depois de serem introduzidos em um pequeno piquete com escassez de forragem. Nessa área foram observados exemplares de Cestrum intermedium Sendtn com sinais de consumo. As taxas de morbidade e letalidade foram de 100% e os cursos clínicos variaram de 9 a 12 horas. Na necropsia dos três bovinos, observou-se predomínio de lesões hepáticas agudas. O fígado dos animais acometidos estava moderadamente aumentado de tamanho e na superfície de corte havia marcada acentuação do padrão lobular e hemorragia. Na abertura do rúmen, foram observadas folhas de Cestrum intermedium Sendtn parcialmente digeridas. Histologicamente, o fígado apresentava necrose coagulativa centrolobular e hemorragia. Frequentemente, essas alterações se estendiam para a região mediozonal. Foi realizada a técnica de imuno-histoquímica, na qual utilizou-se o anticorpo policlonal caspase 3 em fragmentos de fígado. Notou-se marcação moderada a acentuada em citoplasma e núcleo de hepatócitos, predominantemente na periferia das áreas de necrose hepática indicando apoptose celular. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por Cestrum intermedium Sendtn nos bovinos leiteiros desse estudo, foi realizado com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos. A intoxicação por C. intermedium é incomum em bovinos leiteiros, sendo descrita pela primeira vez na região centro oriental do RS e representa um diagnóstico diferencial de outras hepatopatias tóxicas agudas.

Agents of pneumonia in slaughtered pigs in southern Brazil / Agentes patogênicos de pneumonia em suínos abatidos no sul do Brasil

A high prevalence of pneumonic lesions has been reported to affect slaughtered pigs in southern Brazil. In order to identify which microorganisms have been causing those lesions, 30 pig lungs presenting pneumonic gross lesions were collected from five different slaughterhouses, totaling 150 lungs. Samples for bacterial isolation, molecular, histopathologic and immunohistochemistry (IHC) evaluation were taken from each lung. The pneumonic lesion scoring ranged from 1.53 to 2.83. The most frequent histopathological lesions found was the concomitant Influenza A virus (IAV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection, corresponding to 55.3% (83/150), and Pasteurella multocida type A was isolated in 54.2% (45/83) of these cases. In 102 samples (68%), there was histopathologic suggestion of involvement of more than one infectious agent. M. hyopneumoniae was the most frequent agent associated with pneumonic lesions, being present in 92.1% (94/102) of the lungs with coinfections, followed by IAV in 89.2% (91/102). Besides the coinfections, IAV lesions were observed also in six samples without another pathogenic microorganism detected. A total of 46 samples with acute and subacute IAV suspected lesions in histopathological examination were assessed for IHC and real time RT-PCR for IAV. A total of 35% (16/46) of them were positive by IHC and 13% (6/46) by real time RT-PCR. Regarding M. hyopneumoniae, 79.3% (119/150) of samples were positive by qPCR and 84.9% (101/119) of them also presented M. hyopneumoniae suspected lesions in the histopathological examination. The results of this study suggest the importance of IAV in respiratory diseases in finishing pigs, even though this virus is more frequently reported in the nursery phase. In addition, our results emphasize the importance of lung coinfections in finishing pigs.(AU)

Lesões sugestivas de pneumonia são frequentemente encontradas em altas prevalências em suínos abatidos no sul do Brasil. Para identificar quais microrganismos causam essas lesões, foram coletados 30 pulmões de suínos com lesão macroscópica sugestiva de pneumonia em cinco frigoríficos diferentes, totalizando 150 pulmões. Amostras para isolamento bacteriano, avaliação molecular, histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica (IHC) foram coletadas de cada pulmão. O escore de lesão pulmonar variou entre 1,53 a 2,83. O achado histopatológico mais observado foi a lesão sugestiva de infecção concomitante pelo vírus Influenza A (IAV) e Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae, correspondendo a 55,3% (83/150), e em 54,2% (45/83) desses casos Pasteurella (P.) multocida tipo A foi isolado. Em 102 amostras (68%), houve lesão histopatológica sugestiva do envolvimento de mais de um agente infeccioso. M. hyopneumoniae foi o microrganismo mais frequente associado a lesões de pneumonia, estando presente em 92,1% (94/102) dos pulmões com coinfecções, seguido de IAV, que foi encontrado em 89,2% (91/102). Além das coinfecções, lesões de IAV foram observadas em mais seis amostras que não aparentavam envolvimento de outro agente infeccioso. Um total de 46 amostras com suspeita de lesão aguda e subaguda de IAV no exame histopatológico foram avaliadas para IHC e RT-PCR em tempo real para IAV e 35% (16/46) delas foram positivas por IHC e 13% (6/46) foram positivas por RT-PCR em tempo real. Com relação a M. hyopneumoniae, 79,3% (119/150) das amostras foram positivas por qPCR e 84,9% (101/119) delas também apresentaram lesões suspeitas de M. hyopneumoniae no exame histopatológico. Os resultados deste trabalho sugerem a importância do IAV como agente causador de pneumonias em suínos de terminação, embora esse vírus seja mais frequentemente relatado na fase de creche. Além disso, os achados deste trabalho demonstram a presença frequente de coinfecções pulmonares em suínos de terminação.(AU)

Spontaneous poisoning by Cestrum intermedium in dairy cattle / Intoxicação espontânea por Cestrum intermedium em bovinos de leite

Acute hepatotoxicity caused by plants poisoning is responsible for economic losses in farm animals in Brazil. Reports of Cestrum intermedium natural poisoning in cattle are not commonly described in Rio Grande do Sul (RS). This study aimed to document an outbreak of spontaneous C. intermedium poisoning in dairy cattle in the Central-Eastern Mesoregion of RS. Three nine-month-old Holstein and Jersey heifers were affected after they were placed in a small paddock with shortage forage. In this area, specimens of C. intermedium Sendtn with signs of consumption were observed. Morbidity and lethality rates were 100% and clinical courses ranged from 9 to 12 hours. At post mortem examination of the three heifers, there was predominance of acute liver lesions. The liver was moderately enlarged and on the cut surface there was a marked accentuation of the lobular pattern and hemorrhage. Inside the rumen, partially digested C. intermedium Sendtn leaves were observed. The histological aspects of the liver were mostly centrilobular coagulative necrosis and hemorrhage, frequently extended to the midzonal region. The immunohistochemistry technique was performed, in which the polyclonal antibody caspase 3 was used in liver fragments. Moderate to marked immunolabeling was observed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of hepatocytes, predominantly on the periphery of areas of hepatic necrosis indicating cell apoptosis. The diagnosis of C. intermedium Sendtn poisoning in dairy cattle in this study was based on epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological findings. Since the C. intermedium poisoning is uncommon in dairy cattle, we are describing it for the first time in the Central-Eastern Mesoregion of RS, and represents a differential diagnosis of other acute toxic liver diseases in cattle.(AU)

Intoxicações por plantas que causam hepatotoxicidade aguda são responsáveis por prejuízos econômicos em animais de produção no Brasil. Relatos de intoxicações naturais por Cestrum intermedium em bovinos não são comumente descritos no Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Este trabalho teve como objetivo documentar um surto de intoxicação espontânea por C. intermedium em bovinos leiteiros ocorrido na região Centro-Oriental do RS. Três bovinos com nove meses de idade, das raças Holandês e Jersey, foram acometidos depois de serem introduzidos em um pequeno piquete com escassez de forragem. Nessa área foram observados exemplares de Cestrum intermedium Sendtn com sinais de consumo. As taxas de morbidade e letalidade foram de 100% e os cursos clínicos variaram de 9 a 12 horas. Na necropsia dos três bovinos, observou-se predomínio de lesões hepáticas agudas. O fígado dos animais acometidos estava moderadamente aumentado de tamanho e na superfície de corte havia marcada acentuação do padrão lobular e hemorragia. Na abertura do rúmen, foram observadas folhas de Cestrum intermedium Sendtn parcialmente digeridas. Histologicamente, o fígado apresentava necrose coagulativa centrolobular e hemorragia. Frequentemente, essas alterações se estendiam para a região mediozonal. Foi realizada a técnica de imuno-histoquímica, na qual utilizou-se o anticorpo policlonal caspase 3 em fragmentos de fígado. Notou-se marcação moderada a acentuada em citoplasma e núcleo de hepatócitos, predominantemente na periferia das áreas de necrose hepática indicando apoptose celular. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por Cestrum intermedium Sendtn nos bovinos leiteiros desse estudo, foi realizado com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos. A intoxicação por C. intermedium é incomum em bovinos leiteiros, sendo descrita pela primeira vez na região centro oriental do RS e representa um diagnóstico diferencial de outras hepatopatias tóxicas agudas.(AU)

Penile Tuberculosis in a Bull.

We describe a case of penile tuberculosis in a bull. The prepuce was thickened, firm and pale with multifocal to coalescent caseous nodules, and the inguinal and mesenteric lymph nodes were moderately enlarged. Lesions in the prepuce, penis and lymph nodes were characterized by multifocal to coalescent areas of caseous necrosis and marked granulomatous inflammation. Acid-fast bacilli were seen within necrotic foci and Langhans giant cells. Mycobacteriumtuberculosis var. bovis was identified in inguinal lymph nodes by the polymerase chain reaction technique and by bacterial isolation. Although rare, tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of granulomatous lesions in the genital tract of bulls.

Causes of death in growing-finishing pigs in two technified farms in southern Brazil / Causas de morte em suínos de crescimento e terminação em duas granjas tecnificadas no Sul do Brasil

The aim of this study was to investigate the main causes of death in growing-finishing pigs in southern Brazil. During a one-year period (from 2018 to 2019), two industrial pig herds (18 and 20 thousand pigs each farm) in southern Brazil were monitored along the four seasons of the year (12 days per season on each farm), in order to perform necropsies of all pigs that died in that period. The two farms had an average monthly mortality rate ranging from 0.94 to 3.93% in the evaluated months. At necropsy, tissues were collected, fixed in 10% formalin solution and processed routinely for histopathological examination. When necessary, samples were sent for bacterial culture and PCR to identify etiologic agents. A total of 601 necropsies were performed, with 94.9% of conclusive diagnoses. Infectious diseases corresponded to 64.4% of conclusive diagnosis and non-infectious diseases to 35.6%. The most prevalent causes of death were: pneumonia (33%), gastric ulcers (15.4%), circovirosis (9.9%), systemic bacterial embolism (5.4%), polyserositis (4.4%), dilated cardiomyopathy and torsion of abdominal organs (4.3% each), and bacterial pericarditis (3.4%). Regarding pneumonias (199/601), the main agents identified in these cases were Pasteurella multocida, Influenza A virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, mainly in associations.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar as principais causas de morte de suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação no Sul do Brasil. Durante o período de um ano (entre 2018 e 2019), duas granjas tecnificadas de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram acompanhadas nas quatro estações (12 dias por estação em cada granja), para realização de necropsias dos suínos que morreram nesse período. As duas propriedades apresentavam mortalidade mensal média entre 0,94 e 3,93% nos meses avaliados. Na necropsia, amostras de órgãos foram colhidas, fixadas em formol 10% e processadas rotineiramente para o exame histopatológico. Quando necessário, amostras foram enviadas para o cultivo bacteriano e PCR para identificação de agentes etiológicos. Foram realizadas um total de 601 necropsias, com 94,9% de diagnósticos conclusivos. As doenças infecciosas corresponderam a 64,4% dos diagnósticos conclusivos e as não infecciosas a 35,6%. As principais causas de morte foram: pneumonias (33%), úlcera gástrica (15,4%), circovirose (9,9%), embolia bacteriana sistêmica (5,4%), polisserosite (4,4%), cardiomiopatia dilatada e torção de órgãos abdominais (4,3% cada) e pericardite bacteriana (3,4%). Com relação às pneumonias (199/601), os principais agentes associadas as lesões foram Pasteurella multocida, vírus da Influenza A e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, principalmente associados entre si.(AU)

Primary skin diseases and cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases in swine / Doenças primárias da pele e manifestações cutâneas de doenças sistêmicas em suínos

Skin diseases in pigs can negatively impact the production. They cause losses related to the death of the affected pigs, to the cost with the treatment, growth retardation and condemnations in the slaughterhouses. This study was developed to determine the frequency and describe the histopathological findings of skin diseases in pigs in different age groups through a retrospective study from 2006 to 2018. A total of 154 conclusive cases were analyzed, including skin restricted diseases (allergic dermatitis, exudative epidermitis, vesicular dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, swinepox, follicular cyst, papilloma and scrotal hemangioma) or skin lesions secondary to systemic diseases (erysipelas, porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), bacterial septicemia and multiple hemorrhages without definite cause). The skin lesions were classified as bacterial (46.1%), viral (26.6%), allergic (12.3%), neoplastic (1.3%) and others (13.6%). Swine erysipelas was the most frequent diagnosis (47/154), followed by PDNS (23/154), allergic dermatitis (19/154) and exudative epidermitis (15/154). Vesicular dermatitis (9/154), pityriasis rosea (9/154), septicemia with cutaneous manifestations (9/154), swinepox (9/154) and multiple hemorrhages without definite cause (7/154) were also observed. Follicular cyst (3/154), hyperkeratosis without definite cause (2/154), papilloma (1/154), and scrotal hemangioma (1/154) were less frequently described. Of the conclusive diagnosis, age was reported in 138 cases, with the highest frequency of skin lesions observed at the inspection process during slaughter (56/138).(AU)

As doenças de pele em suínos podem impactar negativamente a produção. Estas causam perdas relacionadas à morte dos acometidos, a custo com tratamentos, atraso no crescimento e condenações nos frigoríficos. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido para determinar a frequência e descrever os achados histopatológicos das doenças de pele em suínos nas diferentes faixas etárias, através de um estudo retrospectivo no período de 2006 a 2018. Foram analisados 154 casos conclusivos incluindo as doenças restritas a pele (dermatites alérgicas, epidermite exsudativa, dermatite vesicular, pitiríase rósea, varíola suína, cisto folicular, papiloma e hemangioma escrotal) e as secundárias a doenças sistêmicas (erisipela, síndrome dermatite nefropatia suína (SDNS), septicemia bacteriana e hemorragias múltiplas de causa não determinada). Estas foram classificadas em bacterianas (46,1%), virais (26,6%), alérgicas (12,3%), neoplásicas (1,3%) e outras (13,6%). A erisipela suína foi a enfermidade mais diagnosticada (47/154), seguida por SDNS (23/154), dermatite alérgica (19/154) e epidermite exsudativa (15/154). Observamos ainda dermatite vesicular (9/154), pitiríase rósea (9/154), septicemia bacteriana com manifestações cutâneas (9/154), varíola suína (9/154) e hemorragias múltiplas de causa não determinada (7/154). Em menor número, cisto folicular (3/154), hiperqueratose sem causa definida (2/154), papiloma (1/154) e hemangioma escrotal (1/154). Dos casos conclusivos, a idade foi informada em 138 casos, sendo a maior frequência das lesões de pele observadas na linha de inspeção, durante o abate (56/138).(AU)

Atypical parasitic lesions in slaughtered cattle in Southern Brazil.

In this study, we described the morphological features and unusual presentations of hydatidosis, fasciolosis, and eosinophilic myositis caused by Sarcocystis species diagnosed at the slaughterhouse lines. Twenty-seven samples of atypical parasitic lesions from distinct cattle were evaluated, of which 12 corresponded to hydatidosis, 11 to fasciolosis, and 4 to eosinophilic sarcocystosis. Hydatid cysts were observed mainly in the heart, with all cases involving the left ventricle. Fasciolosis lesions involved mainly the lungs, and were characterized by a focal nodular elevated area involving the edges of the lobes. Intralesional trematodes were observed in three cases. Sarcocystosis lesions were observed in four cases, and lesions were primarily located in the skeletal and cardiac muscles. Grossly, they presented as focal or focally extensive streaks, patches, or numerous nodules that were greenish to mildly yellowish. Histologically, all the cases had intralesional ruptured cysts of Sarcocystis that were associated with severe eosinophilic myositis and myocarditis. Parasitic lesions in atypical locations and/or with aberrant responses should be promptly identified because it may mistakenly diagnosed as other potentially zoonotic diseases, such as cysticercosis and tuberculosis.

Canine papillomavirus type 16 associated to squamous cell carcinoma in a dog: virological and pathological findings.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are circular double-stranded DNA virus belonging to Papillomaviridae family. During the infection cycle, PVs translate proteins that can influence cell growth and differentiation, leading to epidermal hyperplasia and papillomas (warts) or malignant neoplasms. Canis familiaris papillomaviruses (CPVs) have been associated with different lesions, such as oral and cutaneous papillomatosis, pigmented plaques, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Here, we report a clinical case of a mixed bred female dog with pigmented plaques induced by CPV16 (Chipapillomavirus 2) that progressed to in situ and invasive SCCs. Gross and histological findings were characterized, and the lesions were mainly observed in ventral abdominal region and medial face of the limbs. In situ hybridization (ISH) revealed strong nuclear hybridization signals in the neoplastic epithelial cells, as well as in the keratinocytes and koilocytes of the pigmented viral plaques. The full genome of the CPV16 recovered directly from the lesions was characterized, and the phylogenetic relationships were determined. The identification of oncoprotein genes (E5, E6, and E7) by high throughput sequencing (HTS) and their expected domains are suggestive of the malignant transformation by CPV16.

Molecular and pathological characterization of teat papillomatosis in dairy cows in southern Brazil.

Teat papillomatosis is caused by different bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types and is especially important for dairy cows, because it results in severe damage to the health and structure of the mammary gland. This work describes the molecular and pathological aspects of teat papillomatosis in dairy cows in southern Brazil. Samples of teat papillomas were collect from 73 slaughtered dairy cows. Fragments of the lesions were collected in individual pools per animal and subjected to PCR using the FAP primer pair and sequencing of the amplification products. Teats with the remaining lesions were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, routinely processed for histopathology, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Papillomatous lesions were characterized by three macroscopic patterns, namely exophytic (5 [6.9%]), flat (29 [39.7%]), and mixed (39 [53.4%]). Histologically, all samples were identified as squamous papillomas. Partial sequencing of the L1 gene resulted in the detection of 8 classical BPV types (BPVs 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12) in 27 samples, 6 previously reported putative BPV types in 17 samples, and 10 putative new BPV types in 15 samples. Four sequences could not be classified, and 10 were negative in the PCR. There was no correlation between the gross pattern and the BPV type identified, and all the samples were characterized by squamous papillomas under histological examination. However, 24 different BPV types were identified, demonstrating high genetic diversity among BPVs associated with teat papillomatosis in dairy cows in southern Brazil.

Quantification of ovine herpesvirus 2 by digital PCR in an outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever.

Infection with ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) is generally asymptomatic in sheep; however, when it crosses the species barrier, it causes malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in cattle. In the present study, we developed a real-time PCR assay and a droplet digital PCR assay and use both methods to study an outbreak caused by OvHV-2. Both PCR methods showed high sensitivity and specificity and were able to detect low copy numbers of OvHV-2 in sheep and cattle. The present study describes the first digital PCR quantification of OvHV-2 genome copies in samples collected from sheep and cattle.

Pathological and microbiological characterization of mastitis in dairy cows.

Mastitis may be caused by a wide range of microorganisms able to induce distinct lesions in mammary tissues. This study aims to characterize the gross and microscopic features of mastitis in dairy cows and to correlate them with the pathogens involved. The udders of slaughtered dairy cows were inspected and milk samples from each mammary quarter or fragments of the parenchyma were sent for microbiological analysis, and tissue collected for histopathological evaluation. A total of 148 cows and 592 mammary quarters were collected. From these, 432 quarters (73%) had mastitis and in 160 (27%), no changes were observed. Mastitis was classified into seven patterns based on the histopathological findings, of which mixed, lymphoplasmacytic, and suppurative mastitides were the most prevalent with 35.9% (155/432), 27.1% (117/432), and 14.3% (62/432) of the cases, respectively. These patterns were associated with the same set of pathogens: Streptococcus spp., coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, and Corynebacterium bovis. The pyogranulomatous pattern represented 7.2% (31/432) of the cases with distinct distribution based on the agent involved, mostly S. aureus and Nocardia sp. Abscedative mastitis accounted for 6.0% (26/432) of the cases; it was characterized by multiple abscesses in the parenchyma and was mainly caused by Trueperella pyogenes. Necrosuppurative mastitis represented 5.8% (25/432) of the cases which were characterized by severe parenchyma necrosis and were caused by bacteria such as CNS and Escherichia coli. The granulomatous pattern represented 3.7% (16/432) of the cases and was occasionally associated with Mycobacterium sp.

Outbreak of toxoplasmosis in a flock of domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris).

Toxoplasmosis is a disease with a worldwide distribution that affects a wide variety of animal species, though with rare descriptions in chickens. We describe the clinical, epidemiological, pathological, and molecular aspects of a toxoplasmosis outbreak in domestic chickens and guinea fowl in southern Brazil. The flock was composed of 47 domestic chickens and 29 guinea fowl. Of these, 22 birds showed clinical signs of lethargy, anorexia, and neurological signs over a clinical course of 24-72 h, and 15 died. Epidemiological data were obtained through fieldwork performed at the chicken farm and necropsies of six birds. Gross lesions were absent at necropsy, and histopathological findings included inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells and necrosis in several tissues associated with intralesional Toxoplasma gondii. Immunohistochemistry for T. gondii was positive. Additionally, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with 11 markers (SAG1, SAG2 (5'3'SAG2 and alt. SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3) and microsatellite (MS) analysis with 15 markers (TUB2, W35, TgMA, B18, B17, M33, IV.1, XI.1, N60, N82, AA, N61, N83, M48, and M102) were performed. PCR-RFLP revealed T. gondii genotype ToxoDB-PCR-RFLP #280, and MS analysis also showed a unique genotype. This is the first description of this genotype in chickens and adds to the evidence suggesting considerable genotypic diversity of T. gondii in Brazil.