Overview of Bone Marrow Aspiration from 120 Cats in Different Hematological Conditions.

Bone marrow (BM) evaluation is highly important for the diagnosis of numerous hematological alterations in animals, especially cats, given their greater propensity for hematopoietic changes associated with retrovirus infections. This study aims to describe the main aspects of the BM of cats with different hematological conditions, comparing with reference intervals established from animals without hematological alterations and also with a previously established reference interval. To do so, we evaluated full blood and BM samples from 120 cats with no abnormalities on physical examination, negative for FeLV and FIV. Hemograms were performed from automated total cell and platelet and leukocyte differential counts in blood smears. BM samples were placed in Petri dishes; medullary spicules were selected to make up to eight cytological slides stained by the May-Grunwald-Giemsa technique, which were subjected to quantitative and cellular morphology evaluations. The cats were predominantly young, 64.2% female and 35.8% male. The average number of medullary spicules in samples was 13.7%, and density was 44%. In the BM quantitative analysis, prorubricytes and rubriblasts had higher quantities than the recommended one for all cats with or without hematological alterations. In all groups, lymphocytes were decreased, and cats with lymphocytosis were closest to the reference range, showing flame cells and Mott cells. The reference interval for the bone marrow cell count obtained from the samples in this work differs from previously established data, leading to different interpretations of the patient's BM condition, according to the cell population observed and the reference interval used. This divergence strongly emphasizes the need to correlate clinical, epidemiological, hematological, and bone marrow data of each patient for a better understanding of the patient's condition. The popularization of BM assessment is essential so that more reliable reference intervals can be established according to the population served by each pathologist and clinical laboratory.

Spontaneous poisoning by Baccharis vulneraria Backer in cattle / Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis vulneraria Backer em bovinos

Baccharis vulneraria Backer is a sub-shrub frequently found in southern Brazil, which leads to gastrointestinal tract intoxication. The objective of this study is to describe epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological aspects of two cases of B. vulneraria poisoning in cattle. Two bovines from two different municipalities in the Itajaí Valley, Santa Catarina, Brazil were necropsied and performed the histopathological evaluation and botanical classification of the plant found in the pasture. Bovine 1 had dehydration, ruminal atony, diarrhea, congested mucous membranes and hypothermia for 20 hours, and died during clinical care. At necropsy, there was moderate multifocal detachment and reddening of the forestomachs mucosa. Bovine 2 presented anorexia, dry feces, ruminal atony, vocalization and muscle tremors for ten days, unresponsive to treatments, evolving to death. At necropsy were seen loosening of the mucosa with marked diffuse reddening and transmural edema. The microscopic exam revealed degeneration, necrosis, vesiculation, and detachment of the forestomachs' mucosa, associated with moderate multifocal neutrophilic infiltrate (Bovine 1); marked diffuse transmural necrosis, edema, hemorrhage, and marked fibrinous exudation (Bovine 2). A large amount of B. vulneraria was found in the pastures, with signs of consumption. In this report, a case of subacute evolution of B. vulneraria poisoning was observed, since the poisoning by this plant is usually acute. More knowledge about poisoning by this plant is necessary for the prevention and control, avoiding new mortality cases.(AU)

Baccharis vulneraria Backer é um subarbusto frequentemente encontrado no sul do Brasil, que leva a um quadro de intoxicação nocivo ao trato gastrointestinal. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos de dois casos de intoxicação por B. vulneraria em bovinos. Foram necropsiados dois bovinos de dois municípios do Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brasil, com avaliação histopatológica dos órgãos e classificação botânica dos exemplares da planta localizada nos piquetes. No exame clínico do Bovino 1 foram constatados desidratação, atonia ruminal, diarreia, mucosas congestas e hipotermia durante 20 horas, com morte durante atendimento clínico. Na necropsia, havia desprendimento e avermelhamento multifocais moderados na mucosa dos proventrículos. Já o Bovino 2 teve manifestações clínicas de anorexia, fezes secas, atonia ruminal, vocalização e tremores musculares por 10 dias, não responsivas a tratamento, evoluindo para óbito. Na necropsia, havia desprendimento da mucosa dos proventrículos, com avermelhamento e edema transmural difusos acentuados. No exame histológico havia degeneração e necrose da mucosa proventricular, vacuolização e desprendimento do epitélio, infiltrado neutrofílico multifocal moderado (Bovino 1), e necrose transmural difusa acentuada, edema, hemorragia e exsudação fibrinosa acentuados (Bovino 2). Grande quantidade de B. vulneraria foi encontrada nas pastagens dos bovinos, com sinais de consumo. É relatado um caso de evolução subaguda de intoxicação por B. vulneraria, visto que a intoxicação por essa planta geralmente tem curso agudo. Conhecimentos acerca desta planta são necessários para prevenção e controle da intoxicação, evitando novos casos de mortalidade.(AU)

Comparison of macroscopy, histopathology and PCR for diagnosing Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens / Comparação da macroscopia, histopatologia e PCR para o diagnóstico de Eimeria spp. em frangos de corte

Coccidiosis is a disease of great importance in industrial poultry. The correct diagnosis directs the poultry industry to its best treatment and control. Thus, a survey of Eimeria spp. was carried out in intestines of 64 broiler flocks, with an average age of 29 days. Eight broilers from each flock were randomly removed from the slaughter line, in a total of 512 samples. Macroscopic and histopathological lesions in the intestine were classified into Scores 0 to 4. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to research the oocysts from the seven species of Eimeria spp. in the intestinal content. The macroscopic evaluations showed that 59.4% (38/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 32.8% (21/64) for E. maxima, 29.7% (19/64) for E. tenella, and 34.4% (22/64) for E. brunetti. The histopathological evaluation showed that 87.5% (56/64) of the flocks had at least one broiler with parasitic structures compatible with Eimeria spp. in the duodenum, 70.3% (45/64) in the jejunum, 18.8% (12/64) in the ileum, 46.9% (30/64) in the cecum, and 4.7% (3/64) in the colon. In PCR, 21.9% (14/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 12.5% (8/64) for E. maxima, 3.1% (2/64) for E. mitis, and 32.8% (21/64) for E. tenella. The Kappa Cohen test between macroscopy, histopathology, and PCR demonstrated concordance ranging from weak to moderate with the exception of histopathology and PCR of the cecum, which was strong. In the comparison between macroscopy and histopathology, there were significative differences between Scores 0 and 1 (apart from the cecum). For Score 3, there were significative differences in duodenum, jejunum and cecum (p<0.05). In conclusion, the macroscopic diagnosis and PCR can generate false-negative results, and the histopathological exam proved to be effective, making it essential to associate different techniques for the correct diagnosis of Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens.(AU)

A coccidiose é uma doença de grande importância na avicultura industrial. O diagnóstico correto direciona a indústria avícola ao seu melhor tratamento e controle. Desta forma, realizou-se a pesquisa de Eimeria spp. em intestinos de 64 lotes de frangos de corte, com idade média de 29 dias. Em cada lote foram retirados aleatoriamente oito frangos da linha de abate, totalizando 512. Os intestinos foram classificados na macroscopia e na histopatologia em Grau de 0 a 4. No conteúdo intestinal pesquisou-se por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) oocistos das sete espécies de Eimeria. As avaliações macroscópicas demonstraram que 59,4% (38/64) dos lotes foram positivos para E. acervulina, 32,8% (21/64) para E. maxima, 29,7% (19/64) para E. tenella e 34,4% (22/64) para E. brunetti. Na avaliação histopatológica, 87,5% (56/64) dos lotes apresentaram pelo menos um frango com estruturas parasitárias compatíveis com Eimeria spp. no duodeno, 70,3% (45/64) no jejuno, 18,8% (12/64) no íleo, 46,9% (30/64) no ceco e 4,7% (3/64) no cólon. Na PCR 21,9% (14/64) dos lotes foram positivos para E. acervulina, 12,5% (8/64) para E. maxima, 3,1% (2/64) para E. mitis e 32,8% (21/64) para E. tenella. O teste de concordância de Kappa Cohen entre macroscopia, histopatologia e PCR demonstrou concordância variando de fraca a moderada com exceção da histopatologia e PCR do ceco que foi forte. Na comparação dos graus de macroscopia e histopatologia, foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre o Grau 0 e 1 (exceto no ceco) e no Grau 3 houve diferença para duodeno, jejuno e cecos (p<0,05). Conclui-se que o diagnóstico macroscópico e a PCR podem gerar resultados falsos negativos e que o exame histopatológico se demostrou eficaz, tornando fundamental a associação de diferentes técnicas para o correto diagnóstico de Eimeria spp. em frangos de corte.(AU)

Spontaneous poisoning by Baccharis vulneraria Backer in cattle / Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis vulneraria Backer em bovinos

Baccharis vulneraria Backer is a sub-shrub frequently found in southern Brazil, which leads to gastrointestinal tract intoxication. The objective of this study is to describe epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological aspects of two cases of B. vulneraria poisoning in cattle. Two bovines from two different municipalities in the Itajaí Valley, Santa Catarina, Brazil were necropsied and performed the histopathological evaluation and botanical classification of the plant found in the pasture. Bovine 1 had dehydration, ruminal atony, diarrhea, congested mucous membranes and hypothermia for 20 hours, and died during clinical care. At necropsy, there was moderate multifocal detachment and reddening of the forestomachs mucosa. Bovine 2 presented anorexia, dry feces, ruminal atony, vocalization and muscle tremors for ten days, unresponsive to treatments, evolving to death. At necropsy were seen loosening of the mucosa with marked diffuse reddening and transmural edema. The microscopic exam revealed degeneration, necrosis, vesiculation, and detachment of the forestomachs' mucosa, associated with moderate multifocal neutrophilic infiltrate (Bovine 1); marked diffuse transmural necrosis, edema, hemorrhage, and marked fibrinous exudation (Bovine 2). A large amount of B. vulneraria was found in the pastures, with signs of consumption. In this report, a case of subacute evolution of B. vulneraria poisoning was observed, since the poisoning by this plant is usually acute. More knowledge about poisoning by this plant is necessary for the prevention and control, avoiding new mortality cases.

Baccharis vulneraria Backer é um subarbusto frequentemente encontrado no sul do Brasil, que leva a um quadro de intoxicação nocivo ao trato gastrointestinal. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos de dois casos de intoxicação por B. vulneraria em bovinos. Foram necropsiados dois bovinos de dois municípios do Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brasil, com avaliação histopatológica dos órgãos e classificação botânica dos exemplares da planta localizada nos piquetes. No exame clínico do Bovino 1 foram constatados desidratação, atonia ruminal, diarreia, mucosas congestas e hipotermia durante 20 horas, com morte durante atendimento clínico. Na necropsia, havia desprendimento e avermelhamento multifocais moderados na mucosa dos proventrículos. Já o Bovino 2 teve manifestações clínicas de anorexia, fezes secas, atonia ruminal, vocalização e tremores musculares por 10 dias, não responsivas a tratamento, evoluindo para óbito. Na necropsia, havia desprendimento da mucosa dos proventrículos, com avermelhamento e edema transmural difusos acentuados. No exame histológico havia degeneração e necrose da mucosa proventricular, vacuolização e desprendimento do epitélio, infiltrado neutrofílico multifocal moderado (Bovino 1), e necrose transmural difusa acentuada, edema, hemorragia e exsudação fibrinosa acentuados (Bovino 2). Grande quantidade de B. vulneraria foi encontrada nas pastagens dos bovinos, com sinais de consumo. É relatado um caso de evolução subaguda de intoxicação por B. vulneraria, visto que a intoxicação por essa planta geralmente tem curso agudo. Conhecimentos acerca desta planta são necessários para prevenção e controle da intoxicação, evitando novos casos de mortalidade.

Comparison of macroscopy, histopathology and PCR for diagnosing Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens / Comparação da macroscopia, histopatologia e PCR para o diagnóstico de Eimeria spp. em frangos de corte

Coccidiosis is a disease of great importance in industrial poultry. The correct diagnosis directs the poultry industry to its best treatment and control. Thus, a survey of Eimeria spp. was carried out in intestines of 64 broiler flocks, with an average age of 29 days. Eight broilers from each flock were randomly removed from the slaughter line, in a total of 512 samples. Macroscopic and histopathological lesions in the intestine were classified into Scores 0 to 4. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to research the oocysts from the seven species of Eimeria spp. in the intestinal content. The macroscopic evaluations showed that 59.4% (38/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 32.8% (21/64) for E. maxima, 29.7% (19/64) for E. tenella, and 34.4% (22/64) for E. brunetti. The histopathological evaluation showed that 87.5% (56/64) of the flocks had at least one broiler with parasitic structures compatible with Eimeria spp. in the duodenum, 70.3% (45/64) in the jejunum, 18.8% (12/64) in the ileum, 46.9% (30/64) in the cecum, and 4.7% (3/64) in the colon. In PCR, 21.9% (14/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 12.5% (8/64) for E. maxima, 3.1% (2/64) for E. mitis, and 32.8% (21/64) for E. tenella. The Kappa Cohen test between macroscopy, histopathology, and PCR demonstrated concordance ranging from weak to moderate with the exception of histopathology and PCR of the cecum, which was strong. In the comparison between macroscopy and histopathology, there were significative differences between Scores 0 and 1 (apart from the cecum). For Score 3, there were significative differences in duodenum, jejunum and cecum (p<0.05). In conclusion, the macroscopic diagnosis and PCR can generate false-negative results, and the histopathological exam proved to be effective, making it essential to associate different techniques for the correct diagnosis of Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens.

A coccidiose é uma doença de grande importância na avicultura industrial. O diagnóstico correto direciona a indústria avícola ao seu melhor tratamento e controle. Desta forma, realizou-se a pesquisa de Eimeria spp. em intestinos de 64 lotes de frangos de corte, com idade média de 29 dias. Em cada lote foram retirados aleatoriamente oito frangos da linha de abate, totalizando 512. Os intestinos foram classificados na macroscopia e na histopatologia em Grau de 0 a 4. No conteúdo intestinal pesquisou-se por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) oocistos das sete espécies de Eimeria. As avaliações macroscópicas demonstraram que 59,4% (38/64) dos lotes foram positivos para E. acervulina, 32,8% (21/64) para E. maxima, 29,7% (19/64) para E. tenella e 34,4% (22/64) para E. brunetti. Na avaliação histopatológica, 87,5% (56/64) dos lotes apresentaram pelo menos um frango com estruturas parasitárias compatíveis com Eimeria spp. no duodeno, 70,3% (45/64) no jejuno, 18,8% (12/64) no íleo, 46,9% (30/64) no ceco e 4,7% (3/64) no cólon. Na PCR 21,9% (14/64) dos lotes foram positivos para E. acervulina, 12,5% (8/64) para E. maxima, 3,1% (2/64) para E. mitis e 32,8% (21/64) para E. tenella. O teste de concordância de Kappa Cohen entre macroscopia, histopatologia e PCR demonstrou concordância variando de fraca a moderada com exceção da histopatologia e PCR do ceco que foi forte. Na comparação dos graus de macroscopia e histopatologia, foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre o Grau 0 e 1 (exceto no ceco) e no Grau 3 houve diferença para duodeno, jejuno e cecos (p<0,05). Conclui-se que o diagnóstico macroscópico e a PCR podem gerar resultados falsos negativos e que o exame histopatológico se demostrou eficaz, tornando fundamental a associação de diferentes técnicas para o correto diagnóstico de Eimeria spp. em frangos de corte.

Spontaneous poisoning by Baccharis vulneraria Backer in cattle

ABSTRACT: Baccharis vulneraria Backer is a sub-shrub frequently found in southern Brazil, which leads to gastrointestinal tract intoxication. The objective of this study is to describe epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological aspects of two cases of B. vulneraria poisoning in cattle. Two bovines from two different municipalities in the Itajaí Valley, Santa Catarina, Brazil were necropsied and performed the histopathological evaluation and botanical classification of the plant found in the pasture. Bovine 1 had dehydration, ruminal atony, diarrhea, congested mucous membranes and hypothermia for 20 hours, and died during clinical care. At necropsy, there was moderate multifocal detachment and reddening of the forestomachs mucosa. Bovine 2 presented anorexia, dry feces, ruminal atony, vocalization and muscle tremors for ten days, unresponsive to treatments, evolving to death. At necropsy were seen loosening of the mucosa with marked diffuse reddening and transmural edema. The microscopic exam revealed degeneration, necrosis, vesiculation, and detachment of the forestomachs mucosa, associated with moderate multifocal neutrophilic infiltrate (Bovine 1); marked diffuse transmural necrosis, edema, hemorrhage, and marked fibrinous exudation (Bovine 2). A large amount of B. vulneraria was found in the pastures, with signs of consumption. In this report, a case of subacute evolution of B. vulneraria poisoning was observed, since the poisoning by this plant is usually acute. More knowledge about poisoning by this plant is necessary for the prevention and control, avoiding new mortality cases.

RESUMO: Baccharis vulneraria Backer é um subarbusto frequentemente encontrado no sul do Brasil, que leva a um quadro de intoxicação nocivo ao trato gastrointestinal. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos de dois casos de intoxicação por B. vulneraria em bovinos. Foram necropsiados dois bovinos de dois municípios do Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brasil, com avaliação histopatológica dos órgãos e classificação botânica dos exemplares da planta localizada nos piquetes. No exame clínico do Bovino 1 foram constatados desidratação, atonia ruminal, diarreia, mucosas congestas e hipotermia durante 20 horas, com morte durante atendimento clínico. Na necropsia, havia desprendimento e avermelhamento multifocais moderados na mucosa dos proventrículos. Já o Bovino 2 teve manifestações clínicas de anorexia, fezes secas, atonia ruminal, vocalização e tremores musculares por 10 dias, não responsivas a tratamento, evoluindo para óbito. Na necropsia, havia desprendimento da mucosa dos proventrículos, com avermelhamento e edema transmural difusos acentuados. No exame histológico havia degeneração e necrose da mucosa proventricular, vacuolização e desprendimento do epitélio, infiltrado neutrofílico multifocal moderado (Bovino 1), e necrose transmural difusa acentuada, edema, hemorragia e exsudação fibrinosa acentuados (Bovino 2). Grande quantidade de B. vulneraria foi encontrada nas pastagens dos bovinos, com sinais de consumo. É relatado um caso de evolução subaguda de intoxicação por B. vulneraria, visto que a intoxicação por essa planta geralmente tem curso agudo. Conhecimentos acerca desta planta são necessários para prevenção e controle da intoxicação, evitando novos casos de mortalidade.

Comparison of macroscopy, histopathology and PCR for diagnosing Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT: Coccidiosis is a disease of great importance in industrial poultry. The correct diagnosis directs the poultry industry to its best treatment and control. Thus, a survey of Eimeria spp. was carried out in intestines of 64 broiler flocks, with an average age of 29 days. Eight broilers from each flock were randomly removed from the slaughter line, in a total of 512 samples. Macroscopic and histopathological lesions in the intestine were classified into Scores 0 to 4. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to research the oocysts from the seven species of Eimeria spp. in the intestinal content. The macroscopic evaluations showed that 59.4% (38/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 32.8% (21/64) for E. maxima, 29.7% (19/64) for E. tenella, and 34.4% (22/64) for E. brunetti. The histopathological evaluation showed that 87.5% (56/64) of the flocks had at least one broiler with parasitic structures compatible with Eimeria spp. in the duodenum, 70.3% (45/64) in the jejunum, 18.8% (12/64) in the ileum, 46.9% (30/64) in the cecum, and 4.7% (3/64) in the colon. In PCR, 21.9% (14/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 12.5% (8/64) for E. maxima, 3.1% (2/64) for E. mitis, and 32.8% (21/64) for E. tenella. The Kappa Cohen test between macroscopy, histopathology, and PCR demonstrated concordance ranging from weak to moderate with the exception of histopathology and PCR of the cecum, which was strong. In the comparison between macroscopy and histopathology, there were significative differences between Scores 0 and 1 (apart from the cecum). For Score 3, there were significative differences in duodenum, jejunum and cecum (p 0.05). In conclusion, the macroscopic diagnosis and PCR can generate false-negative results, and the histopathological exam proved to be effective, making it essential to associate different techniques for the correct diagnosis of Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens.

RESUMO: A coccidiose é uma doença de grande importância na avicultura industrial. O diagnóstico correto direciona a indústria avícola ao seu melhor tratamento e controle. Desta forma, realizou-se a pesquisa de Eimeria spp. em intestinos de 64 lotes de frangos de corte, com idade média de 29 dias. Em cada lote foram retirados aleatoriamente oito frangos da linha de abate, totalizando 512. Os intestinos foram classificados na macroscopia e na histopatologia em Grau de 0 a 4. No conteúdo intestinal pesquisou-se por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) oocistos das sete espécies de Eimeria. As avaliações macroscópicas demonstraram que 59,4% (38/64) dos lotes foram positivos para E. acervulina, 32,8% (21/64) para E. maxima, 29,7% (19/64) para E. tenella e 34,4% (22/64) para E. brunetti. Na avaliação histopatológica, 87,5% (56/64) dos lotes apresentaram pelo menos um frango com estruturas parasitárias compatíveis com Eimeria spp. no duodeno, 70,3% (45/64) no jejuno, 18,8% (12/64) no íleo, 46,9% (30/64) no ceco e 4,7% (3/64) no cólon. Na PCR 21,9% (14/64) dos lotes foram positivos para E. acervulina, 12,5% (8/64) para E. maxima, 3,1% (2/64) para E. mitis e 32,8% (21/64) para E. tenella. O teste de concordância de Kappa Cohen entre macroscopia, histopatologia e PCR demonstrou concordância variando de fraca a moderada com exceção da histopatologia e PCR do ceco que foi forte. Na comparação dos graus de macroscopia e histopatologia, foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre o Grau 0 e 1 (exceto no ceco) e no Grau 3 houve diferença para duodeno, jejuno e cecos (p 0,05). Conclui-se que o diagnóstico macroscópico e a PCR podem gerar resultados falsos negativos e que o exame histopatológico se demostrou eficaz, tornando fundamental a associação de diferentes técnicas para o correto diagnóstico de Eimeria spp. em frangos de corte.

ASPIRATION BRONCHOPNEUMONIA BY ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII IN A WILDLIFE EUROPEAN HARE (LEPUS EUROPAEUS) IN BRAZIL.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of illness in hospitalized patients and the most important and common pathogen in nosocomial outbreaks worldwide. In animals, A. baumannii has been associated with respiratory infections in a group of minks, leading to pneumonia and acute mortality. This report documents a case of aspiration bronchopneumonia in a wild European hare caused by A. baumannii. A free-ranging, adult male European hare was submitted to necropsy after acute trauma due to being hit by a car. Its lungs showed consolidation with abscess in the middle and cranial lobes. Histopathologic evaluation revealed liquefactive necrosis associated with neutrophilic infiltration, cellular debris, plant material, and bacterial myriads surrounded by moderate neutrophils, macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cell inflammation. Acinetobacter baumannii was isolated from lung tissue.

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in calves associated with excess sulfur intake / Polioencefalomalacia em bezerros associada à ingestão de alimento com excesso de enxofre

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is the morphological characterization for softening of brain gray matter, and excess sulfur intake is one of its main causes. This study describes an outbreak of this disease in 1-to-3-month-old calves in a farm located in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The herd consisted of 27 Jersey male calves whose diet was composed of initial feed, ground whole corn, and mineral salt. From this herd, 10 animals became ill, showing signs of apathy, anorexia and blindness, evolving to generalized weakness and death. Necropsy was performed in three of these animals, which showed flattening of the cerebral convolutions in addition to softened, yellowish areas in the cerebral cortex. Histopathological examination revealed deep laminar necrosis associated with perineuronal and perivascular edema, as well as neurons with wrinkled, eosinophilic, or vacuolated cytoplasm. The following sulfur doses were observed: 8,010mg/kg in corn, 6,385mg/kg in initial feed, 1,060mg/kg in mineral salt and 2.3mg/L in water, reaching dose values far above the accepted, totaling a daily intake of approximately 6,533.5mg sulfur/animal/day. As differential diagnosis, lead was dosed in the kidneys and liver of the three calves, with negative results. Also, the calf that sickened last was treated with 20mg/kg thiamin and 0.2mg/kg dexamethasone (IM; QID) for three days and eventually recovered. According to anatomopathological findings, excess sulfur intake and therapeutic diagnosis, sulfur poisoning was suggested as the cause of PEM in these 1-to-3-month-old calves. Occurrence of PEM is rare in calves at such a young age.(AU)

A polioencefalomalacia (PEM) é a caracterização morfológica para o amolecimento da substância cinzenta encefálica, e uma de suas principais etiologias é a ingestão excessiva de enxofre. Este trabalho descreve um surto desta enfermidade em bezerros de um a três meses de idade em uma propriedade de Santa Catarina. O lote era composto por 27 bezerros machos da raça Jersey, com alimentação composta por ração inicial, milho inteiro triturado e sal mineral. Deste lote, 10 animais adoeceram, apresentando sinais de apatia, anorexia e cegueira, com evolução para fraqueza generalizada. Nove bezerros morreram e três foram submetidos a necropsia, que demonstraram achatamento das circunvoluções cerebrais além de áreas de amolecimento e coloração amarelada no córtex cerebral. Realizou-se exame histopatológico que evidenciou necrose laminar profunda associada a edema perineuronal e perivascular, além de neurônios com citoplasma enrugado, eosinofílico ou vacuolizado. A dosagem de enxofre resultou em 8010mg/Kg no milho, 6385mg/Kg na ração, 1060mg/Kg no sal mineral e 2,3mg/L na água, atingindo valores muito acima do tolerado, totalizando a ingestão diária de cerca de 6533,5mg de enxofre/animal/dia. Como diagnóstico diferencial realizou-se dosagem de chumbo de amostras de rim e fígado dos três bezerros com resultado negativo. Ainda, o último bovino a adoecer foi tratado com 20mg/Kg de tiamina e 0,2mg/Kg de dexametasona IM, QID, durante três dias e recuperou-se. De acordo com os achados anatomopatológicos e o excesso de enxofre na dieta, sugere-se que a intoxicação por enxofre seja a causa de PEM nestes bezerros de um a três meses de idade, sendo essa enfermidade rara em bovinos tão jovens.(AU)

Causes of death and euthanasia in domestic cats in the Santa Catarina plateau (1995-2015) / Causas de morte e eutanásia em felinos domésticos no Planalto de Santa Catarina (1995-2015)

Knowledge about the causes of death in felines constitutes important information to owners, veterinarians, and researchers, aiming at reducing the number of deaths in this species. In order to determine the main causes of death or euthanasia in cats in the Santa Catarina plateau, data from 1995 to 2015 available in necropsy files of the Laboratory of Animal Pathology (LAPA) of the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC) were collected and evaluated. In that period, 1,728 cats were necropsied, mainly males (46.12%) and adults (50.11%). The mean ages at death for kittens, adults, and elderly were 5.07 months, 3.9 years, and 13.9 years, respectively. Of the 1,728 necropsy reports assessed, the cause of death was identified in 1,184 (68.52%) cases. The main cause of death was associated with infectious diseases (15.8%), with prevalence of feline infectious peritonitis (29.76%), followed by neoplasms (11.98%) with lymphoma (44.93%) and leukemia (16.91%) as the most common, and traumas (11.81%) mainly caused by motor vehicle accidents. These results show the need for owner awareness, as well as establishment of prophylaxis and vaccination programs, aimed at reducing the number of deaths and thus increasing life expectancy in the feline population.(AU)

O conhecimento a respeito da causa mortis em felinos é importante para que se construa um informativo para proprietários, médicos veterinários e pesquisadores, objetivando a redução no número de mortes na espécie. Com o intuito de determinar as principais causas de morte ou eutanásia em felinos domésticos no planalto catarinense foram avaliados os arquivos de registro das necropsias do período de 1995 a 2015 do Laboratório de Patologia Animal da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina. No período, foram necropsiados 1.728 felinos, principalmente machos (46,12%), adultos (50,11%). A idade média para filhotes foi de 5,07 meses, enquanto para adultos foi 3,9 anos e para idosos 13,9 anos. Das 1.728 necropsias de felinos, a enfermidade que levou o animal a morte foi determinada em 1.184 (68,52%). As doenças infecciosas foram a principal causa de morte (15,8%), dentre as quais a peritonite infecciosa felina (29,76%) foi a mais frequente; seguida das neoplasias (11,98%), sendo o linfoma (44,93%) e a leucemia (16,91%), as mais comuns; e dos traumatismos (11,81%), principalmente atropelamentos por veículos automotivos. Estes resultados refletem a necessidade da conscientização dos proprietários, bem como da instituição de programas de profilaxia e vacinação, visando a redução de mortes e o aumento na expectativa de vida para a população felina.(AU)

Glycerol monolaurate in the diet of broiler chickens replacing conventional antimicrobials: Impact on health, performance and meat quality.

Glycerol monolaurate (GML), known as lauric acid, is a chemical compound formed from lauric acid and glycerol that presents strong antimicrobial activity. Therefore, our hypothesis is that MGL can replace conventional antimicrobials, being a new alternative to poultry farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of GML as a replacement for antibiotics could have positive effects on health and performance of broiler chickens. For this, 240, one-day-old, Cobb 500 broiler chicks were weighed and randomly distributed into four groups with four repetitions each (n = 15). The control group, T0, received a basal diet containing antibiotic (60 ppm of bacitracin), while the T100, T200, and T300 groups received a basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of GML, respectively. The birds were weighed at intervals of seven days, as well as at the end of the experiment (day 42). Blood samples were collected for evaluating animal health, stool for counting bacteria and coccidian, as well as muscle (chest) to measure meat quality, respectively. At the end of the experiment (day 42), body weight, weight gain, and daily weight gain of broiler chickens in the T300 group were higher than the T0 group (P < 0.05). Indeed, feed conversion was lower compared to T0. Animals that received diets containing GML showed lower amounts of Eimeria spp. oocysts on day 42 in comparison to the control group. Low total bacterial counts on day 21 of the experiment were also observed in the treated groups. Conversely, plasma levels of total protein, globulins, uric acid, and glucose were higher in animals that received GML when compared to the control group. It was also observed higher carcass yields in the breast muscle of the T100 group when compared to other groups. Lower water holding capacity was observed in breast meat of animals of the groups T100, T200, and T300 when compared to T0. Histopathological findings were compatible with coccidiosis, and the degree of these lesions did not differ among groups. Based on these results, GML in the diets of broiler chickens, showing potent antimicrobial effect, growth promoter capacity, and lack of toxicity. Therefore, GML is a promising alternative to replace conventional antimicrobials used in the diets of broiler chickens.

Impairment of the phosphotransfer network and performance in broiler chickens experimentally infected by Eimeria spp.: The role of the oxidative stress.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether infection Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens could negatively affect seric enzymes linked to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism and its relationship to oxidative stress. For this, 30 broiler chickens, 27 days-old, were divided into two groups (n = 15): the control group (C) and the group infected by Eimeria spp. (I). On days 1, 7 and 15 of the experiment, the animals were weighed, and fecal and blood samples were collected to evaluate the presence of oocysts and for serum biochemistry and enzymatic parameters, respectively. On day 15, one animal per repetition was submitted to euthanasia and intestinal fragments were collected for histopathological analyses. The body weight was lower in infected animals on day 15 of experiment, while oocyst counts were higher in infected animals on days 7 and 15 of the experiment. Serum levels of globulins were lower in infected animals on days 7 and 15 of experiment, while uric acid levels were higher in the same days, which represent changes on the immune system. Compared to the uninfected animals, on days 7 and 15, levels of serum globulins, triglycerides, creatine kinase and cholesterol were lower. Levels of adenylate kinase and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were higher on both days in infected animals, while levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were elevated on day 15. Lesions and immature forms of the parasite were observed in the intestines of infected birds. The phosphotransfer network elicited by an oxidative stress negatively affected the performance of broiler chickens with coccidiosis.

Laminar lesions in horses with systemic oxidative stress, committed by experimentally induced or naturally occurring gastrointestinal disorders / Lesões laminares em cavalos com estresse oxidativo sistêmico, acometidos por doenças gastrintestinais experimentalmente induzidas ou de ocorrência natural

Laminitis in horses can be associated with lesions in multiple organs secondary to sepsis. Twenty-one horses suffering from gastrointestinal disorders were used in the experiment; 7 horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia and intestinal ischaemia, and 14 horses suffering from naturally occurring colic syndrome. Tissue samples of lungs, liver, heart, brain, cerebellum and hoof laminar tissue were collected for histopathological and oxidative stress evaluation using nitrotyrosine and superoxide dismutase (SOD2) immunostaining. The horses were divided into two groups: the non-oxidative lesions group (NOLG), with 7 horses showing weak immunostaining in lungs, liver and kidney, and the oxidative lesions group (OLG), with 14 horses showing immunostaining indicating systemic oxidative stress in multiple organs. The horses from OLG showed increase of laminar lesions and SOD2 immunostaining in multiple organs when compared to the horses from the NOLG. No differences were found ln regard to laminar immunostaining by nitrotyrosine and SOD2 between experimental groups. It was concluded that systemic oxidative stress can be associated with the development of laminar lesions, and that the laminar tissue does not respond to oxidative stress with increase of SOD as occurs in other organs.(AU)

A laminite em equinos pode estar associada à lesão em múltiplos órgãos secundária a sepse. Foram utilizados 21 cavalos com afecções gastrintestinais, sendo sete com endotoxemia e isquemia intestinal induzidos experimentalmente, e 14 cavalos com síndrome cólica de origem natural. Amostras teciduais de pulmão, rim, fígado, coração, cérebro e cerebelo e de tecido laminar do casco foram coletadas para avaliação de lesão histopatológica e estresse oxidativo, pela imunomarcação de nitrotirosina e superóxido dismutase (SOD2). Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo sem lesão oxidativa (NOLG), com sete cavalos com fraca imunomarcação em pulmão, fígado e rim, e grupo lesão oxidativa (OLG), contendo 14 cavalos com imunomarcação indicando estresse oxidativo em múltiplos órgãos. Os cavalos do grupo OLG apresentaram aumento de lesões laminares e imunomarcação para SOD2 em múltiplos órgãos, quando comparados ao NOLG. Não houve diferença sobre a imunomarcação laminar para nitrotirosina e SOD2 entre os grupos experimentais. Conclui-se que o estresse oxidativo sistêmico está associado ao desenvolvimento de lesões laminares, e que o tecido laminar não responde ao estresse oxidativo com aumento de SOD como ocorre nos outros órgãos.(AU)