Doenças de felinos domésticos diagnosticadas no sul do Rio Grande do Sul: estudo de 40 anos / Domestic feline diseases diagnosed in southern Rio Grande do Sul: a 40-year study

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as principais doenças de felinos na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram revisados os protocolos de necropsia e das amostras biológicas de felinos encaminhados ao Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD/UFPel), no período de 1978 a 2018. Nesse período foram recebidas 1633 amostras de felinos, sendo 363 (22%) entre os anos de 1978 e 1999 e 1270 (78%) entre os anos de 2000 e 2018. Com relação aos diagnósticos, 457 felinos (28%) apresentaram tumores benignos ou malignos, sendo os tegumentares e os mamários os mais frequentes. As doenças bacterianas, fúngicas, virais, parasitárias, sem agente definido e as intoxicações totalizaram 554 casos (33,9%), destacando-se a esporotricose, com 12,8% dos diagnósticos. Concluiu-se que, na região sul do RS, o encaminhamento de felinos para diagnóstico aumentou significativamente após o ano 2000, comprovando que a espécie passou a ter maior importância como animal de companhia. Concluiu-se, também, que as neoplasias têm papel relevante entre as doenças de felinos e que a esporotricose é uma das mais importantes zoonoses na região.(AU)

The goal of this paper was to identify the main disease affecting felines in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul. The necropsy protocols and feline biological materials submitted to the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Veterinary College of the Federal University of Pelotas (LRD / UFPel) were reviewed, from 1978 to 2018. During this period 1633 feline samples were received, 363 (22%) between 1978 and 1999 and 1270 (78%) between 2000 and 2018. 59% of felines did not present a defined breed. As for diagnoses, 457 felines (28%) presented benign or malignant tumors, the most common being the integumentary and mammary tumors. Bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic or undefined agent infections and intoxications were observed in 554 cases (33.9%), especially sporotrichosis with 12.8 % of the diagnoses. It was concluded that in southern RS the referral of cats for diagnosis increased significantly after the year 2000, proving that they became more significant as companion animals. It was also concluded that neoplasia play a relevant role among feline diseases, and that sporotrichosis is one of the most important zoonoses in the region.(AU)

New host and geographical records for Parafilaroides normani (Nematoda: Filaroididae) Dailey, 2009 in South American fur seal, Arctocephalus australis, from southern Brazil.

Lungworms are a common finding in seals and fur seals around the world. However, from existing records, the biogeographical distribution of filaroid helminths appears to be restricted, and these parasites are endemic in only certain areas and species, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. The occurrence of infection in pinniped species in the Southern Hemisphere is scarce. The objective of this work is to verify the prevalence of lungworms in Arctocephalus australis in waters off the southern coast of Brazil. Twenty subadult specimens of A. australis found recently dead on the southern coast of Brazil were necropsied and their lungs were examined. Parasitic cysts were found in only one specimen (prevalence of 5%). The helminths were morphologically identified as Parafilaroides normani (Metastrongyloidea: Filaroididae). This helminth species has been reported in pinnipeds from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. This is the first record of P. normani in A. australis and for the western South Atlantic, providing additional data regarding the biogeographic distribution of the parasite.

Identification of equine herpesvirus type 1 as cause of abortion in mares in Southern Brazil / Identificação do herpesvirus equino tipo 1 como causa de abortos em éguas no sul do Brasil

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos casos suspeitos de aborto por herpesvírus equino observados na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul entre 1978 e 2016. Foram revisados os protocolos de necropsia do Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas resgatando-se os dados epidemiológicos, lesões macroscópicas e histológicas de cada caso. Foram observados dois surtos da enfermidade com prevalência entre 5,7% e 50% nos diferentes estabelecimentos, e dois casos individuais. Em todos os casos foram enviados fragmentos de órgãos fetais formolizados. Histologicamente, em todos os casos foram observados focos de necrose no fígado, pulmão e baço e presença de corpúsculos de inclusão acidofílico em hepatócitos, células epiteliais pulmonares e leucócitos. A imuno-histoquímica utilizando anticorpo policlonal comercial para herpesvirus equino-1 (EHV-1) revelou marcação positiva em todos os casos. Além disso, foi extraído DNA dos tecidos emblocados em parafina dos casos e submetidos à técnica de nested-PCR seguida de sequenciamento genômico dos amplicons em duas amostras. Estes achados indicam, que EHV-1 deve ser considerado como diagnóstico diferencial em casos de aborto em equinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul.(AU)

Effect of porcine somatotropin on metabolism, testicular size and sperm characteristics in young boars / Efeito da somatotrofina suína sobre o metabolismo, o tamanho testicular e a qualidade espermática de cachaços jovens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pST injections on metabolism, testicular size, and sperm characteristics in young boars. Sixty 22-day old piglets were divided into two groups: pST (n=30) and Control (n=30). The pST group was submitted to pST injections (90µg/kg body weight) every three days up to 330 days of age. Blood collections were performed weekly. Testicular weight was measures at 22, 82, 142, 202 and 365 days of age. Libido and fresh semen characteristics were evaluated between 150 and 210 days of age. Semen characteristics were also evaluated during a 72h storage period (15ºC). Testosterone, albumin, and phosphorus blood concentrations were higher in the pST group (P<0.05). The pST group had a higher IGF-I concentration in seminal plasma (P=0.05) and higher testicular weight (P<0.001) compared to the Control group. The pST group had higher ejaculate volume (P<0.001), total sperm count (P=0.047) and number of inseminating doses/ejaculate (P=0.047). During the 72h storage period, the pST group had a lower number of morphological alterations (P<0.001) compared to the Control group. In sum, pST injection in young boars increased testosterone concentration, testicular size, and sperm quality.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da administração de pST sobre o metabolismo, o tamanho testicular e a qualidade espermática de cachaços jovens. Foram usados leitões com 22 dias de idade, divididos em dois grupos: pST (n=30) e controle (n=30). O grupo pST foi submetido a injeções de pST (90µg/kg de peso vivo) a cada três dias até 330 dias de idade. Peso testicular foi avaliado aos 22, 82, 142, 202 e 365 dias de idade. Libido e qualidade do sêmen fresco foram avaliados entre 150 e 210 dias de idade. Qualidade espermática foi avaliada durante refrigeração (15ºC) por um período de 72 horas. Concentrações sanguíneas de testosterona, albumina e fósforo foram maiores no grupo pST (P<0,05). O grupo pST apresentou maior concentração de IGF-I no plasma seminal (P=0,05) e maior peso testicular, quando comparado ao grupo controle (P<0,001). O grupo pST apresentou maior volume espermático (P<0,001), concentração espermática (P=0,047) e número de doses espermáticas por ejaculado (P=0,047). Durante o período de 72 horas de refrigeração, o grupo pST teve menor número de patologias espermáticas (P<0,001). Assim, conclui-se que a administração de pST aumenta a concentração sanguínea de testosterona, o tamanho testicular e a qualidade espermática de cachaços jovens.(AU)

A comparative study of the histopathology and immunohistochemistry of pythiosis in horses, dogs and cattle.

Twenty-one cases of pythiosis in horses (n = 10), dogs (n = 9) and cattle (n = 2) were investigated. The aetiology in all cases was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Data related to the clinical course and outcome and localization of the lesions were obtained from pathology reports. The equine lesions consisted of fibrotic tissue with multiple, often coalescing, areas of immature granulation tissue encircling eosinophilic cores. Affected dogs had gastrointestinal and/or cutaneous lesions with either or both of a granulomatous/pyogranulomatous or necrotizing eosinophilic inflammatory reaction. In cattle, cutaneous lesions were characterized by multifocal to coalescing granulomas with surrounding fibrosis. The number of intralesional hyphae, the distribution of hyphae, the presence of angioinvasion and the nature of the local inflammatory reactions were associated with the different types of lesions observed.

Seneciose crônica em ovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Chronic seneciosis in sheep in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Descrevem-se dois surtos de intoxicação por Senecio spp. em ovinos a campo no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. A enfermidade ocorreu no ano 2006 em duas propriedades que estavam severamente invadidas pela planta e com acentuada escassez de forragem. A morbidade nos dois surtos variou de 10 por cento a 9,5 por cento nas duas propriedades, respectivamente. Na primeira propriedade os animais eram nascidos e criados na área e na outra os ovinos haviam sido adquiridos alguns meses antes do surto. Os sinais clínicos caracterizaram-se por emagrecimento progressivo, apatia, fraqueza, icterícia e fotossensibilização. Macroscopicamente, o fígado dos ovinos necropsiados estava aumentado de tamanho, amarelado, com superfície capsular irregular e vesícula biliar aumentada de tamanho e com edema da parede. Ao corte no fígado havia nódulos bem delimitados, esbranquiçados com 1-3mm de diâmetro. Havia, ainda, ascite e discreto edema de mesentério. Microscopicamente, as lesões hepáticas eram semelhantes em todos os fígados e caracterizadas por megalocitose, fibrose periportal, presença de hepatócitos tumefeitos, vacuolizados e de hepatócitos necróticos distribuídos aleatoriamente pelo parênquima hepático, hiperplasia das células dos ductos biliares e presença de pseudo-inclusões nos núcleos de hepatócitos. Encefalopatia hepática (status spongiosus) foi observada em todos os ovinos necropsiados. O diagnóstico foi baseado na epidemiologia, sinais clínicos, lesões macroscópicas e histológicas observadas. Concluiu-se que, apesar de a intoxicação por Senecio spp. ser pouco frequente em ovinos e essa espécie animal controlar eficientemente a planta, isso, aparentemente, depende da lotação utilizada e surtos da intoxicação podem ocorrer quando esta lotação é menor que 0,2 ovinos por hectare e há carência de forragem acentuada.

Two outbreaks of Senecio spp. poisoning in grazing sheep in southern Rio Grande do Sul are described. The disease occurred in 2006 on two farms that were heavily infested with Senecio spp. and had shortage of forage. The morbidity in both outbreaks was 10 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively. In one case the sheep were born and had grown up on the farm. On the other, the sheep flock was introduced into the farm some months before the outbreak. Clinical signs included progressive emaciation, apathy, weakness, jaundice and photodermatitis. At necropsy, the sheep had an augmented yellowish and firm liver with irregular capsular surface, and an extended and edematous gallbladder. There was distension and edema of the gallbladder. The cut surface the liver showed well-circumscribed whitish nodules measuring 1-3mm in diameter, which were randomly scattered throughout the hepatic parenchyma. There was also edema of mesentery and ascitis. Histopathological findings of the liver included hepatomegalocytosis, bile duct hyperplasia and periportal fibrosis. There were also swollen hepatocytes, randomly scattered necrotic hepatocytes and nuclear pseudo inclusions. Hepatic encephalopathy (status spongiosus) was observed in the brain in all necropsied sheep. The diagnosis of Senecio poisoning was based on epidemiological data, clinical signs, necropsy findings and histological lesions. It was concluded that despite infrequent, Senecio spp. poisoning in sheep may occur when animals are placed in areas heavily invaded by the plants. Although sheep can efficiently control Senecio spp. in paddocks, this apparently depends on the stocking rate, and outbreaks may occur when stocking rate is less than 0.2 sheep per hectare and when there is severe shortage of forage.

Raiva em bovinos na Região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia e diagnóstico imuno-histoquímico / Rabies in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiology and immunohistochemistry diagnosis

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de casos de raiva paralítica em bovinos na área de influência do Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) da Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), ocorridos em 1978-2007. Foram estudados também 11 surtos de raiva observados em 2008-2010, na mesma região. Neste período morreram 42 animais de um total de 686 sob risco. A idade dos animais foi de 1-6 anos e o curso clínico de 4-14 dias. No estudo retrospectivo de 1978-2007 foram identificados 77 surtos ou casos isolados de raiva paralítica em bovinos. A morbidade em todos os surtos diagnosticados em 1978-2010 variou de 0,37 por cento a 20 por cento. Vinte e quatro casos ocorreram no outono, sete na primavera, 14 no verão e 16 no inverno. O diagnóstico foi realizado pela epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e lesões histológicas observadas. No estudo dos casos de raiva paralítica em bovinos ocorridos a partir de 2008, o diagnóstico foi confirmado pela técnica de imuno-histoquímica utilizando anticorpo policlonal anti-virus rábico. Em dois destes casos não foi observada meningoencefalite não-supurativa, porém a imuno-histoquímica demonstrou a presença do antígeno viral. Esta técnica é uma importante ferramenta para o diagnóstico de raiva, devendo ser utilizada em todos os casos suspeitos nos quais não se evidenciam lesões de encefalite.

A retrospective study of paralytic rabies in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, diagnosed from 1978 to 2007 by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) of the Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), with 77 outbreaks or isolated cases of paralytic rabies in cattle, is reported. A study of 11 outbreaks of rabies, observed from 2008 to 2010 in the same region, where 42 cattle aged 1-6 years died from a total of 686 at risk, with a clinical course of 4 to 14 days, was also made. The morbidity of all outbreaks diagnosed from 1978-2010 ranged from 0.37 percent to 20 percent; 24 cases occurred in autumn, 7 in spring, 14 in summer, and 16 in winter. The diagnosis was achieved by epidemiology, clinical signs and histological lesions. Immunohistochemistry using rabies virus polyclonal antibody was positive in all cases. In two cases non-suppurative meningoencephalitis was not observed, and the diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. This technique is an important tool for the diagnosis of rabies and should be used in all suspected cases in which no evidence of encephalitis is observed.

Abortion and neonatal mortality in sheep poisoned with Tetrapterys multiglandulosa.

Tetrapterys spp. have been reported as a cause of cardiac fibrosis, status spongiosus of the nervous system, and abortion. To study the intoxication by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa, 24 sheep were divided into 4 experimental groups of 4 sheep each and 1 control group. Groups 1 to 3, respectively, received 1, 1.5, and 3 g/kg body weight of the dry plant daily, starting on the 90th day of pregnancy. Group 4 received 1.5 g/kg from the 120th day of pregnancy to the end of gestation. All sheep from groups 2 and 3, except 1 that was submitted to cesarean delivery, aborted between 110 and 134 days of pregnancy. Seven fetuses had anasarca. Seven lambs from groups 1 and 4 were weak and died or were euthanatized. The other 2 were born weak with mild nervous signs but recovered. Cardiac fibrosis and status spongiosus of the nervous system were observed in newborn lambs and fetuses.

Neuropathology of naturally occurring Trypanosoma evansi infection of horses.

The clinical signs and pathology of the central nervous system in 9 horses with naturally occurring neurologic disease due to Trypanosoma evansi are described. The clinical course was 2 to 20 days; clinical signs included marked ataxia, blindness, head tilt and circling, hyperexcitability, obtundity, proprioceptive deficits, head pressing, and paddling movements. Grossly, asymmetric leukoencephalomalacia with yellowish discoloration of white matter and flattening of the gyri were observed in the brain of 7 of 9 horses. Histologically, all 9 horses had necrotizing encephalitis that was most severe in the white matter, with edema, demyelination, and lymphoplasmacytic perivascular cuffs. Mild to moderate meningitis or meningomyelitis was observed in the spinal cord of 5 of 7 horses. T. evansi was detected immunohistochemically in the perivascular spaces and neuropil of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded brain tissue in 8 of 9 horses.

Outbreaks of tetanus in beef cattle and sheep in Brazil associated with disophenol injection.

Outbreaks of tetanus, in which 297 beef cattle and 50 sheep were affected and died, were associated with the injection of a Clostridium tetani-contaminated anthelmintic (disophenol). The disease was observed on five farms in Rio Grande Sul, Brazil.

Seasonal allergic dermatitis in sheep in southern Brazil caused by Culicoides insignis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae).

The incidence of seasonal dermatitis was studied in a Hampshire Down flock on a farm in southern Brazil. Epidemiological data, clinical signs and macroscopic pathology were obtained by visiting the farm. Histological lesions were studied in skin biopsies of affected sheep. Biting insects were collected from January to April 2005 in an attempt to identify the etiological agent of the disease. Disease prevalence was 40%; the age of the affected animals was variable. Disease occurred from December to March, some animals had lesions for the entire year. Clinical signs include pruritus on the ears, around the eyes and ventral abdomen. Initially erythema and small red papules were seen, followed by alopecia and crust formation. Histologically the lesions were characterized by perivascular eosinophilic dermatitis. Hyperkeratosis and acanthosis were observed in the chronic lesions. Both Anopheles albitarsis and Culicoides insignis were captured during the study. C. insignis bites caused pruritus in sheep. Both types of insects were caught when they approached the sheep baits approximately 30min after sunset. Results suggested that the disease occurred as a result of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to C. insignis.

Lectin histochemical study of lipopigments present in the cerebellum of Solanum fastigiatum var. fastigiatum intoxicated cattle.

This study was carried out to investigate the pattern of lectin binding in the cerebellum of calves poisoned with Solanum fastigiatum var. fastigiatum. For the experimental reproduction of the illness, S. fastigiatum var. fastigiatum was collected from farms where the intoxication occurs. The dried ground plant was administered to two 1-year-old cattle by a ruminal cannula. The animals received 5 g/kg b.w. daily, 5 days a week, during periods of 107 and 140 days. After these periods the animals were bled to death. For the histological study, transverse sections of the cerebellum were used. Paraffin-embedded sections were incubated with the following biotinylated lectins with different specificity: Concanavalia ensiformis (Con-A). Glycine max (SBA). Dolichos hiflorus (DBA), Ulex europeus-I (UEA-I). Triticum vulgaris (WGA), succynyl-WGA (sWGA). Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Ricinus communis-I (RCA-I) and Bandeirea simplicifolia-I (BS-I). Avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex was applied as a detection system. Purkinje cells showed vacuolation in the pericaryon. The stored material present in the cells reacted strongly with the following lectins: Con-A. sWGA, WGA and RCA-I. An irregular affinity was observed with PNA and DBA. The lectin-binding pattern was compatible with a glycolipid storage disease.

Congenital cerebellar cortical degeneration in Holstein cattle in Southern Brazil.

A congenital progressive cerebellar disorder is described in Holstein calves. The clinical signs were progressive and were characterized by ataxia, hypermetria, a wide stance and fine head tremors. When the affected cattle were forced to run, the signs were exacerbated, leading to epileptiform attacks. Histological lesions consisted of a very selective cerebellar cortical degeneration, almost exclusively affecting the Purkinje cells. The disease affected 6 out of 200 Holstein calves from the same bull. However, results of mating tests of the bull with his daughters and granddaughters suggested that it was not hereditary (p = 0.0062) although an environmental-genetic interaction could not be ruled out.

Bovine focal proliferative fibrogranulomatous panniculitis (Lechiguana) associated with Pasteurella granulomatis.

In southern Brazil, cattle are affected by a disease known locally as Lechiguana and characterized by large subcutaneous swellings. Eighteen cases were examined clinically; 17 of the cattle had a single swelling, and one had two swellings. In 14 of the 18 cases, the swellings were located over the scapula and adjacent regions. The subcutaneous masses reached maximum dimensions of 45 x 50 cm, with heights above the skin surface of 5-25 cm. Growth was rapid, often taking place in 15 to 60 days. Histologically, all lesions were focal proliferative fibrogranulomatous panniculitis and consisted of focal proliferation of fibrous tissue that was infiltrated by plasma cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and sometimes neutrophils. An eosinophilic lymphangitis was also present, which sometimes resulted in the destruction of the lymphatics and the formation of eosinophilic microabscesses. Small granulomas, sometimes containing radiating clubs, and Splendore-Hoeppli material were present in the regional lymph node. Pasteurella granulomatis was isolated from the subcutaneous masses of 14 of the 18 natural cases. All 11 of these cases recovered following treatment with 3 g of chloramphenicol daily for 5 days. Untreated animals died. Because the area of anatomic distribution is similar to that infested by Dermatobia hominis, we postulate that this insect may transmit the causative agent. In one steer, a subcutaneous injection of P. granulomatis caused a large subcutaneous swelling consisting of interlacing bundles of collagen infiltrated by neutrophils, eosinophils, and some lymphocytes. Microabscesses, but not lymphangitis and granulomas, were detected. In all 11 cattle inoculated either intramuscularly or subcutaneously with P. granulomatis, purulent abscesses were produced at the sites of the injection, and P. granulomatis was recovered from all lesions.

Hereditary lymphedema in Hereford cattle.

Congenital lymphedema is described in Hereford cattle. The disease was characterized by edema of the hind limbs, sometimes forelimbs, tail, and prepuce. Lymphatic system lesions were hypoplasia and aplasia of lymph vessels and prescapular, iliofemoral, and popliteal lymph nodes. Test matings demonstrated the transmission of the disease by an autosomal dominant trait with variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance.

Intoxication by Solanum fastigiatum var. fastigiatum as a cause of cerebellar degeneration in cattle.

A bovine cerebellar disorder of recurrent seizures characterized by loss of equilibrium, extension of the head and thoracic limbs, opisthotonus, nystagmus and falling to the side or backwards is described from 16 farms in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The main pathologic features were vacuolation, degeneration and loss of Purkinje cells with axonal spheroids in the cerebellar granular layer and white matter. Electron microscopic study of Purkinje cells showed cytoplasmic membranous bodies, similar to those observed in human and animal gangliosidoses. Feeding trials in calves demonstrated that the disease is an intoxication caused by ingestion of Solanum fastigiatum var. fastigiatum. A hypothesis is proposed that the intoxication is an induced lysosomal storage disease, probably a gangliosidosis.