Sepsis due to Yersinia enterocolitica in an aborted equine fetus: case report / Sepse por Yersinia enterocolitica em um feto equino abortado: relato de caso

Yersinia enterocolitica is a bacterium with zoonotic potential and there are no previous records of this bacteria being isolated from aborted foals. This report aims to describe a case of sepsis due to Y. enterocolitica in a seven month old aborted equine. The fequinoetus was submitted to necropsy and samples of all the organs were collected for the histological exam. Samples of liver, lung, placenta, and stomach contents were collected for bacterial culture. Macroscopically, the liver was enlarged with yellowish heterogeneous color, heart with pale myocardial areas; lungs not collapsed, heavy and shiny, thickened umbilical cord covered with fibrin and pus. Histopathologically, there was moderate multifocal necrosuppurative myocarditis and thrombosis, moderate diffuse suppurative bronchopneumonia, mild multifocal fibrinonecrotic hepatitis, and moderate diffuse necrosuppurative omphalitis with intralesional bacterial myriads and thrombosis. Mild multifocal suppurative placentitis, nephritis, myositis, cystitis, and dermatitis were also observed, in addition to mild diffuse lymphoid rarefaction. The microbiological evaluation identified Y. enterocolitica in the liver, lung, and stomach fluid. This is the first report of sepsis due to Y. enterocolitica causing an abortion in a horse. This bacterium has zoonotic importance; therefore, it should be investigated in abortion in this species, serving as a differential diagnosis in reproductive disorders.(AU)

Yersinia enterocolitica é uma bactéria com potencial zoonótico, e não há informações desse agente como causa de abortamento em equinos. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de sepse por Y. enterocolitica em um feto equino abortado aos sete meses. O feto foi submetido à necropsia, e amostras de todos os órgãos foram processadas para histopatologia. Para microbiologia, foram coletadas amostras de fígado, pulmão, placenta e conteúdo estomacal. Macroscopicamente, observou-se fígado aumentado com coloração amarelada heterogênea; coração com áreas pálidas no miocárdio; pulmões não colabados, pesados e brilhantes; e cordão umbilical espessado e recoberto por fibrina e pus. Na análise histopatológica, havia miocardite necrossupurativa multifocal moderada e trombose, broncopneumonia supurativa difusa moderada, hepatite fibrinonecrótica multifocal discreta e onfalite necrossupurativa difusa moderada com miríades bacterianas intralesionais e trombose. Observou-se também placentite, nefrite, miosite, cistite e dermatite supurativa multifocal discreta, além de rarefação linfoide difusa discreta. A avaliação microbiológica identificou Y. enterocolitica no fígado, no pulmão e no líquido estomacal. Este é o primeiro relato de sepse por Y. enterocolitica causando abortamento na espécie equina. Essa bactéria tem importância zoonótica, portanto deve ser investigada em casos de abortamento nessa espécie, servindo como diagnóstico diferencial em tal distúrbio reprodutivo.(AU)

Vitiligo in equine: a four-year case study of a roan horse - case report / [Vitiligo em equinos: um estudo de caso de quatro anos de um cavalo roan - relato de caso]

Vitiligo is a dermatological disease affecting both animals and humans. It is characterized by depigmented macules of varying shape and size, originated from melanocyte destruction. Even though there are some theories tackling causation, disease etiopathology is not yet certain. Moreover, lesion areas can either increase or diminish over time, and therefore, available treatment alternatives tend to prove inconsistencies. No epidemiological data or registered cases were found for equines in Brazil. The horse in this case description displayed depigmentation areas in facial regions, including upper lip, nose and lips. However, the individual did not happen to develop any systemic alteration. Through clinical evaluation, backed by a histopathological exam, a definitive vitiligo diagnosis was obtained. However, no therapeutic plan was stipulated. The animal was accompanied for four years, during which period some affected areas diminished while others increased in size. In addition, emergence of new skin lesions was also observed during the time the animal was studied. Overall, this disease does not display alterations to organism functionality, only aesthetic changes. Therefore, treatment plans may vary from case to case, occasionally being even ruled out.(AU)

O vitiligo é uma doença dermatológica que pode afetar animais e humanos. Caracteriza-se por áreas despigmentadas, de formas e tamanhos variáveis, que surgem devido a destruição dos melanócitos. Existem algumas teorias que tentam explicar a etiopatogenia da doença, entretanto ainda não é totalmente esclarecida. As lesões podem aumentar ou diminuir com o tempo, por isso os tratamentos disponíveis são inconsistentes. Não foram encontrados dados epidemiológicos ou relatos de vitiligo em cavalos no Brasil. O equino deste relato apresentava lesões despigmentadas na região da face, incluindo pálpebras, narina e lábios, sem alterações sistêmicas. Por meio da avaliação clínica em conjunto com o exame histopatológico obteve-se o diagnóstico definitivo de vitiligo. Não foi instituído nenhuma terapia, e o equino foi acompanhado durante quatro anos. Durante esse período algumas lesões diminuíram e outras aumentaram de tamanho sendo também observado o aparecimento de novas lesões. O vitiligo não traz alterações sistêmicas, apenas mudanças estéticas, por isso a escolha pelo tratamento dependerá de cada caso.(AU)

Necrotizing Tracheobronchitis Caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a Cow.

This report describes a case of tracheobronchitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a cow. A 4-year-old Jersey cow was submitted for necropsy examination. Grossly, the mucosa of the trachea and bronchi was diffusely reddened and was covered by a moderate amount of yellow, caseous material, sometimes with small foci of grey 'cotton-like' appearance, suggestive of filamentous fungus. Microscopical analysis of the trachea and bronchi showed marked diffuse mucosal and submucosal necrosis with a large amount of cellular debris, fibrinous exudation and inflammatory infiltration dominated by macrophages and neutrophils. There were large numbers of septate fungal hyphae with acute bifurcation angles and conidia and vesicles typical of Aspergillus spp. that were stained by the Grocott method. A. fumigatus growth in mycological culture from the trachea and bronchi was confirmed by molecular identification. Tracheobronchitis caused by A. fumigatus infection in cattle is poorly described and requires further research to improve the therapeutic management of the disorder.

Trueperella pyogenes como causa de aborto em uma vaca - relato de caso / Trueperella pyogenes as an abortion cause in a cow - case report

Trueperella pyogenes é uma bactéria oportunista que causa mastite, metrite e abortos esporádicos em bovinos. Este trabalho relata um caso incomum de abort em uma vaca por Trueperella pyogenes. Um feto bovino, fêmea, mestiço Brahman, com oito meses de gestação, foi encaminhado para exame anatomopatológico e exames complementares. Na necropsia, evidenciou-se grande quantidade de líquido serossanguinolento e moderada quantidade de fibrina recobrindo a pleura visceral e o saco pericárdico. Os pulmões estavam difusamente avermelhados e consolidados, com áreas firmes esbranquiçadas ao corte de não mais de 1cm. No exame histopatológico, observou-se pneumonia necrossupurativa, pleurite fibrinopurulenta e placentite purulenta. No exame microbiológico, isolou-se T. pyogenes nas amostras de fígado, pulmões, conteúdo abomasal do feto e placenta. O feto foi negativo na PCR para Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii e vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV). Trueperella pyogenes geralmente causa broncopneumonia supurativa com formação de abscessos, porém, no presente feto abortado, observaram-se lesões macro e microscópicas comumente descritas em casos de aborto por Brucella abortus. Este estudo constata, então, a importância dessa bactéria como causa de aborto em bovinos, com lesões semelhantes à brucelose, destacando sua relevância dentro das causas de aborto em bovinos e o potencial zoonótico pouco explorado.(AU)

Trueperella pyogenes is an opportunistic bacterium associated with mastitis, metritis and occasional abortion in bovines. Here we report an uncommon case of abortion by T. pyogenes in a cow. An aborted female Brahman bovine fetus, at 8 months of gestational age was submitted for anatomopathological examination and complementary diagnostic tests. Macroscopic findings at necropsy included large amounts of free serum-blood fluid and moderate fibrin deposition covering both the visceral pleura and pericardial sack. The lungs were diffusely reddened and markedly consolidated, showing widespread smaller than 1cm, hard, white nodules. Necrosuppurative pneumonia, fibrinopurulent pleuritis, and purulent placentitis were the main histopathologic alterations observed. Trueperella pyogenes was isolated from liver, lungs, abomasa contents and placental samples. All tissue samples were PCR-negative for Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Although T. pyogenes is often involved in suppurative bronchopneumonia and abscesses formation, macro and microscopic lesions in the present report were compatible with those commonly attributed to Brucella abortus fetal infections. Trueperella pyogenes is an important bovine pathogen with a neglected zoonotic potential being responsible for infections that can mimic other diseases' typical presentations.(AU)

Stephanofilariasis in beef cattle - case report / Estefanofilariose em bovinos de corte - relato de caso

Stephanofilariasis is an ulcerative dermatitis caused by nematodes that affect cattle in several countries in the world. However, it has not been described in beef cattle in Brazil. The objective of this study is to describe three cases of stephanofilariasis, which occurred in beef cows in the municipality of Ipê, RS, Brazil. The disease was characterized by pruritic, ulcerated and crusty seasonal lesions present in the cranial region of the udder. The diagnosis was confirmed by analyses of secretions stained smears and by direct optical microscopic examination of the sediment and the treatment was effectively carried out with topical trichlorphon. This report indicates that stephanofilariasis should be included as a differential diagnosis for dermatopathies in beef cattle in Brazil.(AU)

A estefanofilariose é uma dermatite ulcerativa causada por nematódeos que acometem bovinos em vários países do mundo, no entanto não tem sido descrita em bovinos de corte no Brasil. O objetivo do trabalho é a descrição de três casos de estefanofilariose em vacas de corte ocorridos no município de Ipê, RS. A enfermidade foi caracterizada por lesões sazonais pruriginosas, ulceradas e crostosas, presentes na região cranial do úbere. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela análise dos esfregaços corados das secreções e por exame direto do sedimento em microscopia óptica, e o tratamento foi realizado de maneira eficaz com triclorfon tópico. Este relato demonstra que a estefanofilariose deve ser incluída como diagnóstico diferencial nas dermatopatias em bovinos de corte no Brasil.(AU)

Feline Leukaemia Virus Associated with Leukaemia in Cats in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Leukaemia is a haemopoietic neoplasm originating from myeloid or lymphoid precursors in the bone marrow and may be either acute or chronic. These tumours are rare, but occur more frequently in cats because of an association with the feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). To the best of our knowledge, no studies conducted in Brazil to date have analysed the association between leukaemia and FeLV and FIV infection in cats. The aim of this study was to perform a histopathological analysis of feline leukaemia and evaluate the association between leukaemia and FeLV and FIV infection in cats. The study evaluated 37 cats with leukaemia diagnosed between 2009 and 2017. The animals underwent necropsy examination, histopathology and immunohistochemistry with anti-FeLV gp70 and anti-FIV p24 gag antibodies. Of the evaluated animals, 54% (20/37) were males and 43.2% (16/37) were females. With respect to the life stage of the animals, 24.3% (9/37) were junior, 32.4% (12/37) were prime, 18.9% (7/37) were mature and 10.8% (4/37) were senior, and five animals were of unknown age. Myeloid leukaemia occurred in 56.8% (21/37) of the cases and lymphocytic leukaemia occurred in 43.2% (16/37) of the cases. Acute leukaemia (73%, 27/37) was more common than chronic leukaemia (27%, 10/37). The positivity for FeLV (78.4%, 29/37) and FIV (16.2%, 6/37) indicated a high association between FeLV infection and tumour development in the study region.

Feline Lymphoma and a High Correlation with Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection in Brazil.

Lymphoma is the most important haemopoietic tumour in cats and has been associated with feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection. In Brazil, no studies have established a correlation between FeLV infection and lymphoma. The aim of this study was to characterize lymphomas arising in cats in Brazil anatomically and microscopically, and to correlate these data with FeLV infection as determined by immunohistochemistry for the FeLV gp70 antigen. Fifty-three cats with lymphoma were evaluated. The mean age of junior, prime, mature, senior and geriatric cats was 1.65 years, 4.34 years, 8 years, 12.14 years and 15.5 years, respectively. The anatomical types of lymphoma were multicentric (43.4%, 23/53), mediastinal (33.96%, 18/53), renal (11.32%, 6/53), hepatic (5.66%, 3/53), nodal (3.77%, 2/53) and alimentary (1.89 %, 1/53). The histological types were small noncleaved-cell (33.96%, 18/53), mixed diffuse (22.64%, 12/53), immunoblastic (15.11%, 8/53), lymphoblastic (11, 32%, 6/53), small lymphocytic (9.43%, 5/53), small cleaved-cell (3.77%, 2/53) and large cell lymphomas (3.77%, 2/3). Immunopositivity for FeLV was observed in 56.6% (30/53) of the samples. FeLV positivity was equally distributed between the genders, but predominated in junior and prime cats. The degree of association between lymphoma and FeLV infection in Brazil was higher than that found in other countries, demonstrating the need to prevent and control the factors associated with infection.

Estenose esofágica em duas cadelas após ovário-histerectomia: relato de caso / Esophageal stricture in two female dogs after ovariohysterectomy: case report

A estenose esofágica benigna é uma afecção rara em pequenos animais, comumente secundária a esofagites ulcerativas. O refluxo gastroesofágico, frequente durante procedimentos anestésicos, é a principal causa de esofagite grave, com consequente formação de cicatriz esofágica. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo descrever dois casos de estenose esofágica ocorrentes após ovário-histerectomia, com destaque para os procedimentos diagnósticos realizados. Em ambos os casos, a combinação dos sinais clínicos sugestivos e os achados de esofagograma e esofagoscopia foram determinantes. No primeiro caso, devido ao tempo avançado de desenvolvimento dos sinais clínicos, o paciente veio a óbito antes mesmo que a intervenção direta da região de estenose fosse realizada. Já no segundo, o procedimento de gastrostomia para melhor manejo alimentar, associado à dilatação esofágica via esofagoscopia e à terapia com medicamentos antiácidos, resultou em melhora clínica.(AU)

Benign esophageal stricture is a rare affection in small animals, usually secondary to ulcerative esophagitis. Gastroesophageal reflux, frequent during anesthetic procedures, is the main cause of severe esophagitis with consequent formation of esophageal cicatrix. The objective of this work is to describe two cases of esophageal stricture occurring after ovariohysterectomy, highlighting the diagnostic procedures performed. In both cases, the combination of the suggestive clinical signs and findings from an esophagram and an esophagoscopy were determinants. In the first case, due to the advanced stage of the clinical signs, the patient died before direct interventions on the stenosis region were performed. But in the second case, the gastrostomy procedures for better feed management associated with esophageal dilatation by esophagoscopy and therapy with antacids resulted in clinical improvement.(AU)

Anaemia, Serum Iron Concentrations and δ-Aminolevulinate Dehydratase Activity in Laying Hens Infected Naturally by Salmonella Gallinarum.

The aim of this study was to evaluate anaemia, serum iron concentrations and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity in laying hens infected naturally by Salmonella Gallinarum and having severe hepatic lesions. Liver and serum samples were collected from 27 laying hens (20 infected and seven uninfected). The δ-ALA-D activity, haematocrit and serum iron concentrations were evaluated. There were significant decreases in δ-ALA-D activity, haematocrit and serum iron concentrations (P <0.01) in birds infected by S. Gallinarum when compared with uninfected birds. There was a positive correlation (P <0.001) between serum iron concentration, haematocrit (r(2) = 0.82) and δ-ALA-D activity (r(2) = 0.75). A positive correlation was also observed between δ-ALA-D activity and haematocrit (r(2) = 0.78; P <0.01). Liver samples showed moderate focal coagulative necrosis associated with infiltration of lymphoplasmacytic cells, macrophages and heterophils. The anaemia in the infected hens may be related to reduction in δ-ALA-D activity and serum iron concentrations, since both are important for haemopoiesis.

Monarch butterfly oviposition on swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum spp.).

As black swallow-wort, Vincetoxicum nigrum L. Moench, and pale swallow-wort, V. rossicum (Kleopow) Barbar., spread throughout the northeastern United States and southern Canada, there is concern about the impact of these invasive plants on populations of the native North American monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus L. Recent laboratory studies in New York and Ontario, Canada, have found little or no oviposition by monarch butterflies on the two Vincetoxicum species. In Rhode Island, we found 10.5-21.7% oviposition on Vincetoxicum species relative to common milkweed Asclepias syriaca L. in choice tests and 11.9-20.3% in no-choice tests in 2 yr of laboratory testing. These results were supported by field cage trials where monarchs given a choice between V. nigrum and A. syriaca laid 24.5% of their eggs on V. nigrum. In surveys of three pasture fields in Rhode Island where relative coverage of A. syriaca exceeded that of V. nigrum by a 0.77:0.23 ratio, 15.4% of monarch eggs were found on V. nigrum plants. In V. nigrum stands with very little A. syriaca (6.25 stems/ha), monarch egg density on V. nigrum was found to be over five times greater than in the three mixed pasture fields. In none of our laboratory or field evaluations was there any survival of monarch larvae on Vincetoxicum species. It seems that in Rhode Island, Vincetoxicum species serve as an oviposition sink for monarch butterflies. These findings suggest that East Coast butterflies may differ in host selection from those in central New York and southern Ontario, Canada.

Effect of trap size, placement, and age on captures of blueberry maggot flies (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Ammonium acetate and protein hydrolysate baited and unbaited green spheres (3.6, 9.0, and 15.6 cm diameter) were evaluated for effectiveness in capturing blueberry maggot flies, Rhagoletis mendax Curran. Early in the season, baited spheres (9.0 cm diameter) captured significantly more R. mendax flies than spheres of 3.6 and 15.6 cm diameter. As the season progressed, the differences in trap captures became less pronounced among the 3.6-, 9.0-, and 15.6-cm-diameter spheres. In other experiments, the effects of trap positions and age on captures of blueberry maggot flies were assessed. Traps were positioned 15 cm above the bush canopy, 15 cm inside the canopy (from top of the bush), and 45 cm from the ground. Traps placed within the canopy captured 2.5 and 1.5 times as many flies compared with traps placed above the canopy and 45 cm from the ground, respectively. When sticky yellow Pherocon AM boards and green sphere traps were allowed to age in field cages, freshly baited (0 d) yellow sticky boards captured significantly more blueberry maggot flies than boards aged for 11, 28, and 40 d, respectively. No significant differences were observed among boards aged for 11, 28, and 40 d. However, when baited 9-cm sticky spheres were aged in field cages, there were no significant differences between freshly baited spheres and spheres aged for 11 and 28 d, respectively. Spheres aged for 40 d differed significantly from freshly baited ones. The study demonstrated that the baited 9-cm-diameter sphere was more effective in capturing blueberry maggot flies than spheres of 3.6 and 15.6 cm diameter. When this trap is deployed in the center of the bush canopy approximately 15 cm from the top of the bush, it is attractive and accessible to R. mendax flies. The data also indicated that a baited 9-cm sphere has a longer effective life span than Pherocon AM boards when deployed under the same field conditions.