Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in horses, cattle, and sheep diagnosed with rabies: A retrospective study of 62 cases.

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the findings in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) analysis of horses, cattle, and sheep diagnosed with rabies. Animals: The study included 62 animals (horses, cattle, and sheep) diagnosed with rabies at a referral hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study using medical records from large animals with neurological signs and confirmed positive direct immunofluorescence test for rabies from 2003 to 2020. The results of CSF analysis are presented descriptively. Results: Cerebral spinal fluid samples (N = 67) from 62 animals (31 horses, 24 cattle, and 7 sheep) were retrospectively evaluated. Of these 3 species, 28% (19/67) showed increased protein concentration, whereas 58% (39/67) presented mononuclear pleocytosis. In total, 37% of the samples (25/67) had protein concentration and total nucleated cell count within the reference range. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Cerebral spinal fluid from animals diagnosed with rabies was either normal or characterized by mild mononuclear pleocytosis and hyperproteinorrachia.

Analyse du liquide céphalo-rachidien chez des chevaux, bovins et moutons diagnostiqués avec la rage: une étude rétrospective de 62 cas. Objectifs: Cette étude visait à caractériser les résultats de l'analyse du liquide céphalo-rachidien (LCR) de chevaux, bovins et moutons diagnostiqués avec la rage. Animaux: L'étude a inclus 62 animaux (chevaux, bovins et moutons) diagnostiqués avec la rage dans un hôpital de référence. Méthodes: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective utilisant les dossiers médicaux de grands animaux présentant des signes neurologiques et un test d'immunofluorescence directe confirmé positif pour la rage de 2003 à 2020. Les résultats de l'analyse du LCR sont présentés de manière descriptive. Résultats: Des échantillons de liquide céphalo-rachidien (N = 67) de 62 animaux (31 chevaux, 24 bovins et 7 moutons) ont été évalués rétrospectivement. Parmi ces 3 espèces, 28 % (19/67) présentaient une concentration accrue de protéines, tandis que 58 % (39/67) présentaient une pléocytose mononucléaire. Au total, 37 % des échantillons (25/67) avaient une concentration en protéines et un nombre total de cellules nucléées dans la plage de référence. Conclusions et pertinence clinique: Le liquide céphalo-rachidien des animaux diagnostiqués avec la rage était soit normal soit caractérisé par une légère pléocytose mononucléaire et une hyperprotéinorrachie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Prevalence of the E321G MYH1 variant in Brazilian Quarter Horses.

BACKGROUND: In the Quarter Horse (QH), myosin heavy chain myopathy (MYHM), which is characterised by nonexertional rhabdomyolysis or immune-mediated myositis (IMM) with acute muscle atrophy, is strongly associated with the missense E321G MYH1 mutation. OBJECTIVES: To document the existence of MYHM in the Brazilian QH population, this study includes a case report of two related QH foals with the E321G MYH1 mutation that had clinical signs of MYHM, with histological confirmation of IMM in one of the foals. This prompted an investigation the aim of which was to determine the allele frequency of the E321G MYH1 variant across QHs using a DNA archive in Brazil. Study design Cross sectional. METHODS: To estimate the allele frequency of the E321G MYH1 variant in Brazilian QHs, 299 DNA samples from QHs used in different disciplines (reining, barrel racing, halter, cutting and racing) were analysed. DNA fragments containing the region with the mutation were amplified by PCR and used for direct genomic sequencing. RESULTS: Of the 299 genotyped QHs, 44 animals (14.7%) were heterozygous (My/N) for the E321G MYH1 variant, and 255 (85.3%) were homozygous for the wild-type allele (N/N), implying an allele frequency of 0.074. Reining horses had a significantly higher prevalence of heterozygosity than horses in other disciplines (P = .008). MAIN LIMITATIONS: The DNA samples were collected from 2010 to 2014. As only registered QHs were evaluated, the results may not reflect the actual incidence in the general population of Brazilian QHs. CONCLUSIONS: The reported cases of MYHM and the high prevalence of the MYH1 mutation found in the assessed Brazilian QH population, particularly in reining QHs, suggests that MYHM should be included in genetic screening. Reasonable control measures are important to prevent an increase in the incidence of MYHM in QHs in Brazil.

Aggrecan, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α profiles in the Articular Cartilage of Miniature Horses with Chondrodysplastic Dwarfism.

Dwarfism is a skeletal disorder that causes abnormal growth. In Miniature horses, dwarfism can occur as chondrodysplastic dwarfism, an autosomal recessive disorder associated with five mutations (D1, D2, D3*, D4 and c.6465A > T variant) in the aggrecan (ACAN) gene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of aggrecan (at the gene and protein level) and specific cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the articular cartilage of Miniature horses with chondrodysplastic dwarfism (D4/c.6465A > T genotype). Metatarsal bone samples from eight dwarf Miniature horses were collected for histopathological analysis, and articular cartilage was collected to detect and quantify aggrecan levels through Western blotting and determine the relative expression levels of ACAN, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α through qPCR. All affected animals presented chondrodysplasia-like lesions with disorganization of the chondrocyte layers and reduced the amount of an extracellular matrix. No significant difference in aggrecan expression levels in uncleaved samples from the dwarf and control groups (composed of phenotypically normal animals of similar age and breed (P = .7143)) was found using Western blotting. qPCR revealed that ACAN gene expression was higher in the affected animals than in normal animals (P = .0119). No significant difference in cytokine levels was detected between the groups. Mutant aggrecan may interfere with normal cellular function, leading to chondrodysplasia and the observed phenotypic findings.

Description of the D4/D4 genotype in Miniature horses with dwarfism.

Four causative mutations (D1, D2, D3*, and D4) of chondrodysplastic dwarfism have been described in the equine aggrecan (ACAN) gene. Homozygotes for one of these mutations and heterozygotes for any combination of these mutations exhibit the disproportionate dwarfism phenotype. However, no case description of homozygotes for D4 (D4/D4) has been reported in the literature, to our knowledge. We report 2 Miniature horses with the genotype D4/D4 in the ACAN gene. Clinically, the 2 dwarfs had a domed head that was large compared to the rest of the body, mandibular prognathism, and short and bowed limbs, mainly in the proximal region of the metatarsal bones. Radiographic examination revealed contour irregularities of the subchondral bone in the long bones and confirmed mandibular prognathism; histopathology revealed irregular chondrocyte organization. To determine the genotypes of the horses, we performed DNA extraction from white blood cells, PCR, and Sanger sequencing. Genotyping demonstrated that these 2 animals had the D4/D4 genotype in the ACAN gene. The D4/D4 dwarfs were clinically similar to animals with the other ACAN genotypes reported for this disease. Identification of heterozygous animals makes mating selection possible and is the most important control measure to minimize economic losses and casualties.

Allele Frequency of the C.5G>A Mutation in the PRCD Gene Responsible for Progressive Retinal Atrophy in English Cocker Spaniel Dogs.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) due to the c.5G>A mutation in the progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD) gene is an important genetic disease in English cocker spaniel (ECS) dogs. Because the prevalence of this disease has not been verified in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the allele frequency of the c.5G>A mutation in the PRCD gene. Purified DNA from 220 ECS dogs was used for genotyping, of which 131 were registered from 18 different kennels and 89 were unregistered. A clinical eye examination was performed in 28 of the genotyped animals; 10 were homozygous mutants. DNA fragments containing the mutation region were amplified by PCR and subjected to direct genomic sequencing. The prcd-PRA allele frequency was 25.5%. Among the registered dogs, the allele frequency was 14.9%; among the dogs with no history of registration, the allele frequency was 41%. Visual impairment was observed in 80% (8/10) of the homozygous mutant animals that underwent clinical eye examination. The high mutation frequency found in this study emphasizes the importance of genotyping ECSs as an early diagnostic test, especially as part of an informed breeding program, to avoid clinical cases of PRA.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography in the assessment of the common carotid arteries of equines and mules and the relation with body mass, age and neck circumference / Estudo de ultrassonografia modo-B e Doppler na avaliação das artérias carótidas comuns de equinos e muares e a relação com o peso, idade e a circunferência do pescoço

As age increases, changes in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology occur, even in the absence of disease. Thus, studies of vessel hemodynamics are considered primordial to detect any cardiovascular changes. The objective of this study has been to describe the parameters of B-mode and spectral Doppler ultrasonography in the evaluation of the common carotid arteries of 11 equine and 11 mules, and correlate with age, body mass and neck circumferences. The diameters, intima - media thickness (IMT), resistivity index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), systolic velocity (SV), diastolic velocity (DV), maximum velocity (MV), vascular flow index (VFI), body mass, age, circumference and neck length. Ultrasonographic variables were evaluated in three different region called cranial, middle and caudal. Equine females presented higher values regarding the body mass, age and neck length, as compared to the neck circumferences of the animals, those of the mules were superior. The age of the mules had a positive correlation with the body mass, diameter and neck circumferences, it has a negative correlation between age and vessel diameters. The body mass of the mules had a positive correlation with age and vessel diameters, and with vessel diameters and neck circumferences in equine females. The RI and PI variables had a positive correlation with body mass for mules, and with age for equine females. The DV had a negative correlation with body mass for both equine and mule females. Regarding the variables MV and VFI, age correlated negatively for mules, while it was not significant for equine females. It found a difference between equine females and mules in the correlations performed, with body mass, age, neck circumferences and between B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography variables.(AU)

Com o aumento da idade ocorrem alterações na anatomia e fisiologia cardiovascular, mesmo na ausência de doenças. Assim, os estudos da hemodinâmica dos vasos são considerados primordiais para detectar quaisquer alterações cardiovasculares. Esse trabalho tem como objetivo descrever as variáveis de ultrassonografia modo-B e Doppler espectral na avaliação das artérias carótidas comuns de 11 fêmeas equinas e 11 muares, e correlacionar com idade, massa corpórea e circunferências dos pescoços. Para tais procedimentos foram avaliados os diâmetros, espessura da camada íntima média (EIM), índice de resistividade (IR), índice de pulsatilidade (IP), velocidade sistólica (VS), velocidade diastólica (VD), velocidade máxima (VM), índice de vascularização de fluxo (IVF), massa corpórea, idade, circunferências e comprimentos dos pescoços. As variáveis ultrassonográficas foram avaliadas em três regiões diferentes denominados de crania médio e caudal. As fêmeas equinas apresentaram valores maiores referente ao massa corpórea, idade e comprimento dos pescoços, já em relação às circunferências dos pescoços dos animais, as dos muares foram superiores. A idade dos muares possuiu correlação positiva com a massa corpórea, diâmetro e com as circunferências dos pescoços, com as fêmeas equinas, possui correlação negativa entre idade e os diâmetros dos vasos. A massa corpórea dos muares teve correlação positiva com idade e diâmetros dos vasos, já às fêmeas equinas com diâmetros dos vasos e as circunferências dos pescoços. As variáveis IR e IP tiveram correlação positiva com a massa corpórea para os muares, e com idade para fêmeas equinas. O VD teve correlação negativa com a massa corpórea tanto para as fêmeas equinas quanto nos muares. Já as variáveis VM e IVF, a idade correlacionou negativamente para os muares, enquanto não foi significativo para as fêmeas equinas. Averiguou diferença entre fêmeas equinas e muares nas correlações realizadas, com a massa corpórea, idade, circunferências dos pescoços e entre as variáveis da ultrassonografia modo-B e Doppler.(AU)

Prevalence of mutations responsible for glycogen storage disease type-II and congenital myasthenic syndrome in Brazilian Brahman cattle / Prevalência de mutações responsáveis pela estocagem de glicogênio tipo II e síndrome miastênica congênita em bovinos brasileiros da raça Brahman

Glycogen storage disease type II (GSD-II) and congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) are important autosomal recessive disorders in Brahman cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of mutations responsible for GSD II (E7, c.1057_1058delTA; and E13, c.1783C>T) and CMS (c.470del20) in purebred Brazilian Brahman cattle and in purebred Brahman bulls that were routinely used in breeding programs in Brazil. A total of 276 purebred Brahman cattle (167 females and 109 males, with ages ranging from 12-24 months) and 35 frozen semen samples taken from purebred Brahman bulls (22 bulls from the USA, 11 Brazilian bulls, one Argentine bull and one Australian bull) were used in this study. Genomic DNA was purified from hair root samples and from semen samples. Purified DNA was used in PCR genotyping to mutations c.1057_1058delTA (E7) and c.1783C>T (E13) in the GAA gene and c.470del20 in the CHRNE gene. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. The genotypic frequencies per polymorphism were estimated separately. Of the 276 Brahman cattle tested, 7.3% were identified as heterozygous for E7. All Brahman cattle studied were homozygous for the wild-type E13 allele. The E7 mutations was identified as heterozygous in 8.6% (3/35) of the commercial semen samples, whereas the E13 mutations was not identified. The c.470del20 mutation was identified as heterozygous in 0.73% of the hair root samples, but this mutation was not present in any semen sample assessed. No study had previously evaluated the prevalence of mutations responsible for GSD II or CMS in Brazilian Brahman cattle. In summary, the E7 and c.470del20 mutations are present in the Brazilian Brahman herd, and control measures should be adopted to prevent an increase in the incidence of GSD-II and CMS in Brahman cattle in Brazil.(AU)

A doença de armazenamento de glicogênio tipo II (DAG-II) e a síndrome miastênica congênita (SMC) são importantes doenças autossômicas recessivas no gado Brahman. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença das mutações responsáveis pela DAG-II (E7, c.1057_1058delTA; e E13, c.1783C>T) e pela SMC (c.470del20) em bovinos da raça Brahman e em touros Brahman que são rotineiramente utilizados em programas de reprodução no Brasil. Um total de 276 amostras de bulbo piloso de bovinos Brahman (167 fêmeas e 109 machos, com idade variando de 12 a 24 meses) e 35 amostras de sêmen congeladas de touros Brahman (22 touros americanos, 11 touros brasileiros, um touro argentino e um touro australiano) foram usados neste estudo. O DNA genômico foi purificado, das amostras de bulbo piloso e de sêmen, e utilizado na genotipagem por PCR das mutações c.1057_1058delTA (E7) e c.1783C>T (E13) no gene GAA e c.470del20 no gene CHRNE. Os produtos de PCR foram purificados e sequenciados. A frequência genotípica para cada polimorfismo foi estimada separadamente. Dos 276 Brahman testados, 7,3% foram identificados como heterozigotos para E7. Todos os Brahman foram homozigotos wild-type para o alelo E13. A mutação E7 foi identificada em homozigose em 8,6% (3/35) das amostras de sêmen comerciais, enquanto que a mutação E13 não foi identificada. A mutação c.470del20 foi identificada em heterozigose em 0,73% das amostras de bulbo piloso, mas esta mutação não estava presente nas amostras de sêmen avaliadas. Nenhum estudo prévio avaliou a prevalência das mutações responsáveis pela DAG-II ou SMC em bovinos Brahman brasileiro. Em suma, as mutações E7 e c.470del20 estão presentes no rebanho Brahman brasileiro, e medidas de controle devem ser adotadas para prevenir o aumento da incidência da DAG-II e SMC em bovinos da raça Brahman no Brasil.(AU)

Prevalence study of SNP c.421G>T in the ADAMTS2 gene responsible for dermatosparaxis in white dorper sheep in Brazil / Prevalência do SNP c.421G>T no gene ADAMTS2 responsável pela dermatosparaxia em ovinos white dorper no Brasil

Dermatosparaxis is an autosomal recessive disorder of connective tissue; the disorder is clinically characterized by skin fragility and hyperextensibility. Dermatosparaxis in White Dorper sheep is caused by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (c.421G>T) in the ADAM metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 2 (ADAMTS2) gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of this SNP in a White Dorper herd in São Paulo state, Brazil. In this study, we collected blood DNA samples from 303 White Dorper sheep and performed polymerase chain reaction to amplify the SNP region. The samples were sequenced to determine the presence of the SNP in the ADAMTS2 gene. The SNP prevalence in the studied population was 15.5%; this finding indicates that more effective control measures should be used to prevent the inheritance of SNP c.421G>T in the ADAMTS2 gene in Brazilian White Dorper herds.

A dermatosparaxia é uma doença autossômica recessiva do tecido conjuntivo, clinicamente caracaterizada pela fragilidade e hiperextensibilidade da pele. A dermatosparaxia em ovinos White Dorper é causada pelo polimorfismo de base única (SNP) c.421G>T no gene ADAM metalopeptidase com trombospondina tipo 1 motif, 2 (ADAMTS2). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência deste SNP em ovinos White Dorper no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 303 ovinos White Dorper. O DNA foi purificado destas amostras sanguíneas e utilizado em uma reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para amplificação da região do gene contendo SNP c.421G>T. Os produtos das PCR foram sequenciados para determinar o genótipo dos animais. A prevalência do SNP na população estudada foi de 15,5%, estes achados indicam que medidas de controle efetivas devem ser utilizadas para prevenir a disseminação deste SNP no rebanho brasileiro de White Dorper.