Contribution of ultrasound examination in diagnosing platynosomiasis and correlation with macro and microscopic findings in callitrichids kept under human care.

BACKGROUND: Platynosomiasis in non-human primates kept under human care causes chronic disease of the bile ducts and liver, which initially presents with nonspecific signs and can culminate in the death of the animal. Diagnosing this disease is a challenge, and an ultrasound examination can be an excellent tool when it is suspected. METHODS: This study describes the ultrasound findings from 57 marmosets with suspected infection by Platynosomum sp., the correlated hepatobiliary changes, and the anatomopathological findings that confirmed the occurrence of platynosomiasis. RESULTS: In six marmosets (one C. aurita, two C. jacchus, and three Callithrix sp.), Platynosomum infection was confirmed macroscopically (presence of adult trematodes in the gallbladder) and microscopically (adults, larvae, and eggs in histological examinations and eggs in bile and feces). These findings were compatible with the hepatobiliary changes and with images suggestive of parasitic structures in ante-mortem assessments. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound examination demonstrated its usefulness within the clinical routine for investigating this parasitosis.

Action of Carduus marianus 6cH on Hepatopathy and Gallstone in Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl): Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Carduus marianus is a Mediterranean plant used for treating liver diseases. One of its properties is that it inhibits fat peroxidation, which can contribute toward the prevention of metabolites that are harmful to the liver. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the treatment of fatty liver disease in an axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). METHODS: An approximately 6-year-old female specimen of A. mexicanum, of length 21 cm and weight 153 g, presented edema in the rostral region and inappetence. Ultrasound showed hepatopathy and a gallbladder stone. A globule of C. marianus 6cH was diluted in 30 mL distilled water and administered in spray form over the animal twice a day. RESULTS: Twenty days after the beginning of the treatment, improvement of the facial edema and return of appetite were observed. Ultrasound showed improvement in the appearance of the liver and reduction in the size of the gallstone. The Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy score was +9 in this case, thus suggesting a causal relationship between the use of homeopathic medicine and the clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: C. marianus 6cH appeared to be effective in treating fatty liver disease and gallstone in this specimen of A. mexicanum.

First report of spontaneous hepatic fibrosarcoma in a white-tufted marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) kept in captivity.

Reports of sarcomas in nonhuman primates are scarce and, specifically, primary hepatic sarcomas are rare, as in humans. This is the first report of an aggressive hepatic fibrosarcoma in a young adult Callithrix jacchus. The final postmortem diagnosis was obtained by means of immunohistochemical analysis, which confirmed the tumor histogenesis.

Dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype in Callithrix penicillata (E. Geoffroy, 1812): Case report.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle diagnosed by alterations resulting from ventricular systolic dysfunction with enlargement of the heart chambers, which is still underdiagnosed in non-human primates. This report is the first case of the DCM phenotype diagnosed by echocardiography and confirmed by necropsy in Callithrix penicillata.

Action of Folliculinum 6cH on Folliculogenesis in the Snake Python Regius (Shaw, 1802) - Two Case Reports.

BACKGROUND: Folliculinum is a homeopathic sarcode medication that is mainly used for regulating the estrous cycle and reproductive function. In snakes, it is common to observe low frequencies of reproduction. Ovulation is related to follicular size and morphology, and follicle homogeneity may indicate the absence of problems such as dystocia (egg retention) or follicular stasis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to report on follicular stage changes in two ball pythons, Python regius (Shaw, 1802), which were treated using Folliculinum 6cH in a zoological park setting. METHODS: Two female pythons - one weighing 2.8 kg, the other weighing 2.5 kg, and neither with a history of reproduction - were examined by ultrasound to enable viewing of ovarian follicles in different phases and sizes. Folliculinum 6cH, two globules diluted in 200 mL of water, was administered, targeted to the eyes and nostril regions. RESULTS: Even given the slow metabolism of reptiles, ultrasound revealed an improvement in follicle homogeneity between 6 and 15 days after the start of homeopathy in both snakes; there was also improved weight gain in both animals. The MOdified NARanjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH) score was +8 in each of the cases, suggesting a causal relationship between the use of homeopathic medicine and clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Folliculinum 6cH may have promoted stabilization of follicle size and enabled folliculogenesis in two ball pythons.

First report on herpesvirus in black-fronted titi (Callicebus nigrifrons) kept under human care.

Keeping Neotropical primates in captivity puts them at great risk of illness because of their susceptibility to human herpesvirus. This is the first report on herpesvirus in Callicebus nigrifrons that developed clinical disease and was confirmed by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR. Diagnosis and prevention are essential for the conservation of species.

Arsenicum albumas a treatment for pneumonia in snakes: three serial cases

two Python bivittatussnakes were received at Project Selva Viva, a zoo in Taubaté, Brazil, both presenting respiratory noises and oro-nasal discharge. A thoracic ultrasonographic examination was performed for evaluation on February 25th,2022, which diagnosed the presence of multiple vertical hyperechoic artifactsemerging from the pleural line, coalescing in some of the examined areas, and the presence a hypoechoic structure located in the subpleural region. Another serpent, from the Boa constrictor species, was apprehended and arrived at the same zoo without medical history, showing a low body score. During a thoracic ultrasonographic evaluation realized on April 1st,2022, B lines emerging from the pleural line were found. These vertical reverberating lines are a result of respiratory illness (SOLDATI et al., 2014).Methodology:The report was authorized by the owner of the zoo. All the patients received homeopathic therapy with 2 globules of Arsenicum album30 cH/ BID into the mouth, after being diagnosed with the respiratory condition by the ultrasonographic examination. The medication was chosen according to the similarity with the symptoms. The snakes had a runny nose and hissing breathing noise. Weekly ultrasound scans were performed on the Python bivittatus snakes to follow up on the respiratory condition. Results: On March 04th, it was observed that both snakes showed a reduction in respiratory noises and were more active. Ars 30 cH was maintained BID. On March 25th, both presented significant improvement in the ultrasound images, which showed only A lines, compatible with a healthy lung, and the treatment was suspended. Boa constrictor snake ́streatment started on April 1st. On April 8th, the ultrasonographic examination performed only presented A lines, which are characterized in ultrasound by parallel horizontal lines in the near field with the loss of image continuity in the far field, indicating improvement of the condition (LICHTENSTEIN et al., 2003). Conclusion:Given these results, the homeopathic treatment is an option to be considered for the treatment of respiratory symptoms in snakes, although the duration of the therapy varies based on the stage and chronicity of the disease.