Domestic dog attacks on livestock referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Losses and the economic impact of dog attacks (DAs) on livestock are often overlooked and include factors such as decreased production, expenses for treatment and handling, and death of injured animals. This study evaluated the epidemiological, therapeutic, and pathological findings of DAs on livestock over an 11-year survey using the records of farm animals referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Livestock attacked by dogs included 31 sheep, 11 horses, 3 cattle, 3 goats, and 2 pigs, totaling 50 animals. Anatomical locations injured by dog bites were identified as head/neck, thoracic/pelvic limbs, abdomen/flank, rump/tail, and multiple affected regions (two or more bite sites). Additionally, the severity of the injuries was classified into four degrees adapted from the classification of dog bite injuries in children. Most livestock presented Grade 1 (26%) and Grade 2 (28%) injuries, while Grade 3 and Grade 4 injuries were observed in 46% of DAs. Furthermore, 35 animals (70%) were discharged, 9 (18%) died, and 6 (12%) were humanely euthanized. DAs may represent a significant cause for referring livestock species to clinical care, severe injuries, and a considerable number of deaths. In this study, we provide information regarding DAs on livestock for the first time in Midwestern Brazil.

Fatal Africanized bee attack in captive non-human primates (Saimiri ustus and Sapajus libidinosus).

Bee stings (BS) are a life-threatening issue and a growing concern for public health and animals in the Americas. We describe the clinical, pathological, and ultrastructural findings of a massive lethal bee attack in two non-human primates (NHPs). Both animals showed BS scattered throughout the skin, surrounded by a local reaction, diffuse pulmonary congestion, edema, hemorrhage, and remarkable degeneration and necrosis of renal epithelial cells from the proximal and distal tubules, characterizing a systemic bee envenomation reaction.

Utero-Cutaneous Fistula in Ruminants: Characterization of the First Cases in Ewes and Cows.

Reports on UCF in animals are still lacking in veterinary literature. Detailed clinical signs, laboratory findings, and follow-up information from the first cases of UCF in two ewes and two cows are provided. The cases occurred over a 12-year period. All ruminants presented a fistulous tract or perforated wound on the right ventral abdomen, emitting a foul-smelling secretion possibly associated with macerated fetal parts or placental remains. Laboratory findings included anemia, leukocytosis by neutrophilia, and hyperfibrinogenemia in one ewe, and hyperfibrinogenemia in one cow. Ovariohysterectomy and fistulectomy were performed in one ewe, while the other three ruminants were submitted for the removal of fetal parts and placental remains through the UCF. Two ewes died within 12-48 h, and the two Nelore cows had an uneventful recovery, achieving secondary intention healing within 30 to 35 days. As a never-reported or unnoticed disease of the reproductive tract, UCF is an unusual consequence of dead fetus retention in an end-stage pregnancy and a potentially life-threatening condition in ruminants, especially ewes. Further broad studies in large herds of cattle and small ruminant flocks must be conducted to estimate the incidence of UCF and ensure improvements in the diagnosis and knowledge of pathogenesis, aiming at prevention.

Traumatic chylothorax in urbanized free-ranging black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata).

After fatal traumatic injuries, three urbanized free-ranging marmosets developed a milky white or pink-white thoracic alkaline effusion with high specific gravity, triglyceride levels, and predominance of small lymphocytes. Chylothorax is an uncommon thoracic fluid accumulation in animals and humans and has not been reported in free-ranging non-human primates.

Therapeutic Effects of Zymomonas mobilis on Experimental DSS-Induced Colitis Mouse Model.

Zymomonas mobilis, a Gram-negative bacteria observed in some popular beverages, is considered safe and has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits. In this study, we explored its effects on the inflammatory process, tissue integrity, differential gene expression, and microbiota composition in an experimental dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in mice. As a result, Z. mobilis alleviated the symptoms caused by DSS administration, as indicated by reduced weight loss, disease activity index, a significant reduction in the colon weight/length ratio, and histopathological improvement. Also, Z. mobilis could restore the mucosal barrier as well as increase the expression of Muc3 and Ocln genes. An analysis of 16S rRNA sequences showed that Z. mobilis alters gut microbiota, increasing Akkermansia muciniphila abundance and decreasing Escherichia coli. Furthermore, Z. mobilis seems to be involved in potentiating a regulatory phenotype by inducing immunomodulatory genes like Tgfb, Il5, Il10, and Foxp3 and reducing the relative mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF, Il6, and Il17. Our data suggest that Z. mobilis could alleviate disease progression and be considered a possible probiotic adjuvant for pathologies of the bowel.

Sanitizing Hatching Eggs with Essential Oils: Avian and Microbiological Safety.

Increased meat and egg production leads to concomitant changes in poultry practices, including the indiscriminate use of formaldehyde to sanitize hatching eggs. Although this sanitizer aids in the increase in poultry production, its toxic potential for man and for avian embryos represents an obstacle to its long-term use. This review assesses whether essential oils fit into the context of hatching egg contamination, reviewing their antimicrobial efficiency, toxicity to poultry embryos and chicks, and their sanitizing effects on poultry production parameters. Studies have indicated that, because they are safer, most of the essential oils studied can be a potential substitute for formaldehyde for minimizing microbial exposure of hatching eggs and embryos. However, complementary studies on the microbiological profile of embryos and chicks hatched from eggs sanitized with essential oils need to be carried out and the economic feasibility of the candidate products should also be considered.

Suppurative Meningoencephalitis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Direct Extension of Chronic Otitis in a Gir Cow.

This paper aims to report clinical, laboratory and pathological features in a case of suppurative meningoencephalitis by P. aeruginosa from the direct extension of chronic otitis in a Gir cow. The cow was recumbent during physical examination, and neurological examination revealed depression, absence of left eyelid and auricular motor reflex, and hypotonic tongue. Hematology revealed hemoconcentration, leukocytosis by neutrophilia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. Cerebrospinal fluid was slightly turbid, and presented polymorphonuclear pleocytosis, and hyperproteinorrachia. Grossly, the skull floor showed a purulent green-yellow exudate that drained from the left inner ear to the cisterna magna. There was diffuse congestion of the telencephalon, and meninges showed severe hyperemia, moderate thickening, and opacity with the deposition of fibrinosuppurative material ventrally, extending to the cerebellum and brainstem. The left cerebellar hemisphere showed an approximately 1.5 cm in diameter liquefaction area surrounded by a hemorrhagic halo. Histologically, cerebellar, mesencephalic, thalamic, and brain base meninges were intensely thickened and showed severe suppurative inflammation and fibrin deposition. Small multifocal suppurative areas were observed in the cerebellum and brainstem, characterized by a necrotic core, a number of neutrophils, and Gram-negative intralesional bacillary myriads. Pure cultures of P. aeruginosa were obtained and identified in the suppurative CNS lesions, meninges, and inner ear samples. This report highlights an uncommon clinical evolution of secondary P. aeruginosa suppurative meningoencephalitis, probably triggered by recurrent parasitic otitis in an adult Gir cow. Veterinarians, practitioners, and farmers must be aware of the risk of CNS infections after unresolved media and inner otitis, especially in cattle breeds more prone to developing parasitic otitis, such as the Gir and Indubrasil breeds.

The inoculation eschar of Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis in Brazil: Importance and cautions.

Two well characterized tick-borne rickettsioses occur in Brazil. Rickettsia rickettsii caused spotted-fever, transmitted by Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma aureolatum, is a severe disease with a high case-fatality rate in the southeastern region of the country. Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest infections transmitted by adult Amblyomma ovale ticks cause a milder non-lethal febrile disease with an eschar (necrosis) at the tick bite site. Clinical diagnosis of rickettsiosis is challenging, particularly during the early stages of the illness when signs and symptoms are non-specific. Since eschar at the tick bite site has emerged as the main clinical feature of mild R. parkeri infections and used to differentiate it from severe R. rickettsii infection, its proper recognition, distinction from other tick bite lesions, and boundaries as a clinical tool must be highlighted. Of importance, eschars induced by Rickettsia must be differentiated from dermatoses caused by other tick-borne skin infections as well from lesions caused by the tick bite itself. We herein highlight information on eschar in rickettsial diseases in Brazil and discuss the need for further research on its clinical relevance and application in the diagnosis of spotted fever caused by R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest. In particular, we draw attention to diagnosis of other febrile diseases in the presence of concomitant tick bites.

Cervical Vertebral Stenotic Myelopathy in a Nelore Calf.

This paper aims to report clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and pathological features in a case of cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM) affecting a 4-month-old Nelore calf for the first time. During physical examination, the calf could stand if assisted when lifting by the tail but fallen to the ground when trying to walk. Attempts to flex and extend the neck to the right side failed. Radiographs findings consisted of reduced intervertebral spaces, and misalignments between the endplates, more evident between the C3 and C4 vertebrae, resulting in narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the spinal cord. Grossly, C4 showed cranial articular surface malformation, abnormal metaphyseal growth plate development, reduced vertebral body size and deformity. Histologically, C4 showed an abnormal vertebral bone development characterized by moderate replacement of trabecular bone by fibrous tissues, multifocal areas of dystrophic hyaline cartilage development, and cartilaginous growth failure along the metaphyseal growth plate. Cervical spinal cord within the stenotic vertebral canal showed swollen neurons with central chromatolysis, areas of Wallerian degeneration, and necrotic debris. In contrast with the well-known Wobbler syndrome in horses, the etiology of CVSM in cattle remains undetermined, and further genetic and pathological studies must be conducted to elucidate it.

Correction: Exploratory comparisons between different anti-mitotics in clinically-used drug combination in triple negative breast cancer.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28068.].

Pancreatic eurytrematosis in small ruminants: A forgotten disease or an untold history?

Trematodiosis are among the most neglected parasitic diseases worldwide. The pancreatic eurytrematosis (PE) is a chronic parasitic infection mostly reported in cattle but has been unnoticed in small ruminants for many decades. Our review showed PE has been recorded as scattered regional reports in goats and sheep, mainly in Asia and Eastern Europe. Eurytrema coelomaticum, Eurytrema cladorchis, and Eurytrema pancreaticum have been the main pathogenic species infecting pancreatic ducts of small ruminants. Climatic, environmental, and regional conditions in both hemispheres may support the survival and feasibility of intermediate hosts and parasitic forms, enabling the emergence and spread of PE in small ruminants. As a primarily asymptomatic condition, PE in goats and sheep flocks may also have a high prevalence, causing severe parasitic pancreatitis, production losses, and death. There is little information on anthelmintic therapeutics for PE in small ruminants, and most used anti-fluke drugs are ineffective. PE is likely more unnoticed than a neglected trematodiosis in goats and sheep, or both from a global perspective.

Insights from the use of erythropoietin in experimental Chagas disease.

In addition to the long-established role in erythropoiesis, erythropoietin (Epo) has protective functions in a variety of tissues, including the heart. This is the most affected organ in chronic Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite seven million people being infected with T. cruzi worldwide, there is no effective treatment preventing the disease progression to the chronic phase when the pathological involvement of the heart is often observed. Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy has a wide variety of manifestations, like left ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Since Epo may help maintain cardiac function by reducing myocardial necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, this study aimed to evaluate whether the Epo has positive effects on experimental Chagas disease. For that, we assessed the earlier (acute phase) and also the later (chronic phase) use of Epo in infected C57BL/6 mice. Blood cell count, biochemical parameters, parasitic load, and echocardiography data were evaluated. In addition, histopathological analysis was carried out. Our data showed that Epo had no trypanocide effect nor did it modify the production of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Epo-treated groups exhibited parasitic burden much lower in the heart compared to blood. No pattern of hematological changes was observed combining infection with treatment with Epo. Chronic Epo administration reduced CK-MB serum activity from d0 to d180, irrespectively of T. cruzi infection. Likewise, echocardiography and histological results indicate that Epo treatment is more effective in the chronic phase of experimental Chagas disease. Since treatment is one of the greatest challenges of Chagas disease, alternative therapies should be investigated, including Epo combined with benznidazole.

Immunophenotypical and pathological changes in dogs experimentally infected with Ehrlichia canis.

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is one of the most important tick-borne diseases worldwide, with multisystemic presentations. Immune dysregulation has been proposed as the primary mechanism involved in its pathogenesis and in tissue injury in dogs with CME. Experimental infection of German Shepherd dogs in the present study demonstrated that CME caused marked pathological changes in their lymph nodes and spleen, and also gave rise to mononuclear infiltration in organs and tissues. Immunophenotyping of cells in lymph nodes, spleen and injured tissues highlighted differences in lymphocyte subsets, local expression of immunoglobulin subclasses and MHCII molecules between infected and control dogs. These findings suggest that the immunophenotypic and immunopathological changes in dogs with acute experimental CME are related to Th1 bias and compartmentalized immune response.

4-hydroxy-2-nonenal as a marker of the oxidative stress in brains of dogs with canine distemper / 4-hidroxi-2-nonenal como marcador de estresse oxidativo no cérebro de cães com cinomose

Canine Distemper is a disease caused by Canine morbillivirus (CM), a pantropic virus that can affect the central nervous system (CNS), causing demyelination. However, the pathogenesis of this lesion remains to be clarified. Brain samples of 14 naturally infected dogs by CM were analyzed to evaluate the presence of oxidative stress and demyelination. RT-PCR assay was performed to confirm a diagnosis of canine distemper in the brain, immunohistochemistry anti-CM was used to localize the viral proteins in the tissue, and anti-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) was a marker of a product of lipid peroxidation. The results showed the presence of viral proteins in the demyelinated area with the presence of 4-HNE. Our results suggest that the CM virus infection causes oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation, which causes tissue damage and demyelination. In conclusion, oxidative stress plays a significant role in canine distemper pathogenesis in the CNS.(AU)

A cinomose canina é uma doença causada pelo Morbilivírus canino (CM), um vírus pantrópico que pode afetar o sistema nervoso central (SNC), causando desmielinização. No entanto, a patogênese dessa lesão não está totalmente esclarecida. RT-PCR e imuno-histoquímica foram realizadas para confirmação do diagnóstico de cinomose em amostras de encéfalo de 14 cães naturalmente infectados. Após confirmação, foi realizada uma avaliação do estresse oxidativo por imuno-histoquímica com uso de anti-4-hidroxi-nonenal (4HNE) como marcador de produtos resultantes da peroxidação lipídica. Os resultados sugerem que a infecção pelo CM causa estresse oxidativo no tecido, levando a peroxidação lipídica, a qual causa danos ao tecido, culminando com desmielinização. Conclui-se que o estresse oxidativo tem papel importante na patogênese da cinomose canina no sistema nervoso central.(AU)

Downer cow syndrome causing rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in a 17-month-old Guzerá heifer / Síndrome da vaca caída causando rabdomiólise e insuficiência renal aguda em uma novilha Guzerá de 17 meses

The downer cow syndrome (DCS) is characterized by an alert cow showing inability or reluctance to stand for 12 hours or more. This paper reported clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings in a Guzerá heifer with rhabdomyolysis, pigmenturia and acute renal failure following DCS. A 17-month-old Guzerá heifer was transported via a 350-km ride in a truck and showed sternal recumbency and severe difficulty in standing and walking. Neurological examination was unremarkable, and the heifer presented normal response to cranial nerves and spinal cord tests. Rectal palpation revealed a 5-month gravid uterus. No other abnormalities were noted in the pelvis or around the coxofemoral joints. Biochemical abnormalities included extremely high muscular enzyme activities (creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase) and high creatinine levels. Urinalysis revealed blackish and cloudy urine, proteinuria, and a positive occult blood test. Spinal cord ultrasonography showed no abnormalities. This report highlighted an uncommon clinical presentation (myoglobinuria) and pathological findings in a heifer with DCS as a consequence of severe compressive muscle damage. Practitioners and producers must be aware of the risk of careless road transportation for long distances of cattle, especially obese cows, avoiding unnecessary suffering and expenses due to DCS.

A síndrome da vaca caída (SVC) é caracterizada por um bovino alerta que mostra incapacidade ou relutância em permanecer em estação por 12 horas ou mais. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar os achados clínicos, laboratoriais e patológicos em uma novilha Guzerá com rabdomiólise, pigmentúria e insuficiência renal aguda após a SVC. Uma novilha da raça Guzerá, de 17 meses de idade, foi transportada de caminhão por 350 km e apresentou decúbito esternal, grande dificuldade para assumir estação e caminhar. O exame neurológico não demonstrou alterações, e a novilha possuía resposta normal aos testes de nervos cranianos e medula espinhal. A palpação retal revelou útero grávido de cinco meses. Nenhuma outra anormalidade foi observada na pelve ou na região das articulações coxofemorais. As anormalidades bioquímicas incluíram atividades de enzimas musculares (creatina fosfoquinase e aspartato aminotransferase) extremamente aumentadas e níveis elevados de creatinina. A urinálise revelou urina enegrecida e turva, proteinúria e teste de sangue oculto positivo. O exame ultrassonográfico da medula espinhal não apresentou anormalidades. Este relato evidencia uma apresentação clínica (mioglobinúria) e achados patológicos incomuns em uma novilha com SVC em consequência de extensa lesão muscular compressiva. Veterinários e produtores devem estar atentos aos riscos do transporte rodoviário descuidado por longas distâncias de bovinos, especialmente vacas obesas, evitando assim sofrimento e despesas desnecessárias decorrentes da SVC.

Exploratory comparisons between different anti-mitotics in clinically-used drug combination in triple negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes a very aggressive type of breast cancer with few options of cytotoxic chemotherapy available for them. A chemotherapy regimen comprising of doxorubicin hydrochloride and cyclophosphamide, followed by paclitaxel, known as AC-T, is approved for usage as an adjuvant treatment for this type of breast cancer. In this study we aimed to elucidate the role of KIF11 in TNBC progression throughout its inhibition by two synthetic small molecules containing the DHPM core (dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones or -thiones), with the hypothesis that these inhibitors could be an interesting option of antimitotic drug used alone or as adjuvant therapy in association with AC. For this purpose, we evaluated the efficacy of DHPMs used as monotherapy or in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, in Balbc-nude mice bearing breast cancer induced by MDA-MB-231, having AC-T as positive control. Our data provide extensive evidence to demonstrate that KIF11 inhibitors showed pronounced antitumor activity, acting in key points of tumorigenesis and cancer progression in in vivo xenograft model of triple negative breast cancer, like down-regulation of KIF11 and ALDH1-A1. Moreover, they didn't show the classic peripheral neuropathy characterized by impaired mobility, as it is common with paclitaxel use. These results suggest that the use of a MAP inhibitor in breast cancer regimen treatment could be a promising strategy to keep antitumoral activity reducing the side effects.

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Ionized Calcium-Binding Adapter Molecule 1 Immunostaining Score for the Central Nervous System of Horses With Non-suppurative Encephalitis and Encephalopathies.

Like humans, horses are susceptible to neurotropic and neuroinvasive pathogens that are not always readily identified in histological sections. Instead, alterations in astrocytes and microglia cells can be used as pathological hallmarks of injured nervous tissue in a variety of infectious and degenerative diseases. On the other hand, equine glial cell alterations are poorly characterized in diseases. Therefore, in this study, we provide a statistically proved score system to classify astrogliosis and microgliosis in the central nervous system (CNS) of horses, based on morphological and quantitative analyses of 35 equine cases of encephalitis and/or encephalopathies and four non-altered CNS as controls. For this system, we used glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) immunohistochemistry, allied to statistical analysis to confirm that the scores were correctly designated. The scores of alterations ranged from 0 (non-altered) to 3 (severely altered) and provided a helpful method for describing astrocytic and microglial alterations in horses suffering from inflammatory and degenerative lesions. This system could be a template for comparative studies in other animal species and could aid algorithms designed for artificial intelligence methods lacking a defined morphological pattern.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) exposure to Rickettsia in the Federal District of Brazil, a non-endemic area for Brazilian spotted fever.

In this study, whole blood samples and ticks were collected from 57 capybaras in recreational areas in the Federal District, Brazil, aiming to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) assays. None of the capybara blood samples yielded rickettsial DNA by PCR. Among 55 capybara serum samples tested by IFAT, 53 (96.3%) reacted to Rickettsia spp. Among these, 21 (39.6%) identified the R. bellii antigen as the probable antigen involved in a homologous reaction (PAIHR), whereas 2 (3.8%) identified the R. parkeri antigen. Ticks collected from capybaras were identified as 173 Amblyomma sculptum and 410 A. dubitatum, in addition to nine Amblyomma spp. larvae. A sample of 231 ticks was subjected to DNA extraction and PCR for Rickettsia species. None of 122 A. sculptum yielded rickettsial DNA. Molecular evidence of R. bellii was found in 25/108 (23.1%) and of Rickettsia sp. strain Cooperi (R. parkeri-like agent) in 2/108 (1.9%) of the A. dubitatum samples. These results suggest a greater exposure to R. bellii in these capybara populations, in addition to a more significant number of A. dubitatum, which might characterize the Federal District region as not endemic for Brazilian spotted fever.

Multiple Simultaneous Proliferative Lesions on the Prepuce and Penis of a Gelding.

Skin lesions are among the leading diseases in equids, and the urogenital region is considered the third most frequently affected body location with tumors and tumor-like skin lesions in horses. Tumor-like skin lesions or multiple tumors of different types in the equine prepuce and penis are a challenging clinical presentation leading to misdiagnosis and subsequent ineffective treatment. An 18-year-old 395-kg male mixed-breed gelding was referred for evaluation of preputial enlargement. Clinical examination revealed a 2.5 × 2.0 × 0.8 cm proliferative ulcerated lesion on the penile mucosa, five ulcerated and circumscribed hardened wounds on the preputial skin fold from 2.0 to 6.0 cm in diameter, and multiple variable-sized raised exophytic lesions ranging from 2.0 mm to 2.3 cm cauliflower-like lesions throughout the prepuce and penis. Pathological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the definitive diagnosis of three distinct proliferative lesions: squamous cell carcinoma, squamous viral papilloma and cutaneous habronemiasis. Additionally, we present features of concurrent habronemiasis and squamous cell carcinoma and highlight the importance of proper diagnostic approach in the prognosis and correct treatment selection.

Case Report: A Possible Case of Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria in a Gir Calf: A Clinical, Pathological, and Molecular Approach.

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) is a rare hereditary autosomal recessive disease which has never been reported in Zebu cattle. A 3-day-old Gir calf showed teeth discoloration, fever, dehydration, and dyspnea. The main gross findings were pink-colored teeth, red-brown periosteum and bone marrow, and a fluorescent bright pink coloration of the bone marrow and articular surfaces under ultraviolet light. Aggregates of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-stained porphyrin pigments were evident in the lungs, kidneys, and the liver. An intron 8 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in both the Gir calf and control animals, along with the absence of the uroporphyrin III synthetase (UROS) gene mutation, was observed. Most SNPs were located in the intron regions of the UROS gene without relevance for CEP. A continuous loss of genetic variability and an increase in inbreeding in some herds may be related to CEP in Gir cattle, one of the most prominent Zebu breeds worldwide. In summary, this study describes a presumptive case of CEP in a Gir calf based on clinical and pathological findings. A definitive diagnosis would require the measurement of porphyrin levels in blood, urine, or tissues or the identification of UROS gene defects.