Pectus excavatum ­ Correção cirúrgica utilizando tala externa de poliuretano fabricada com tecnologia de impressão 3D / Pectus excavatum ­ Surgical correction, using polyurethane external splint made with 3D printing technology

Objetivou-se relatar o emprego de uma tala externa confeccionada com material de poliuretano e cobertura interna de neopreme na reparação cirúrgica do pectus excavatum em um felino jovem. O felino apresentava deformidade anatômica congênita na região do externo e sinais clínicos respiratórios. Imagens avançadas de tomografia foram utilizadas para moldar a tala impressa com tecnologia tridimensional. Esta alternativa possibilitou melhor planejamento cirúrgico e, com isso, conforto para o paciente, além da qualidade própria do material de poliuretano que é levemente maleável, o que permitiu melhor moldagem e expansão torácica durante a respiração. A tala se provou resistente o suficiente para suportar a tração ocasionada pelos fios de sutura e possibilitou o reposicionamento adequado do osso esterno ao mesmo tempo que se mostrou confortável e acarretou mínimas lesões ao paciente.

The aim of this paper was to report the use of an external splint made of polyurethane material and internal neopreme covering in the surgical repair of a pectus excavatum in a young feline. The feline exhibited a congenital anatomical deformity in the external region and clinical respiratory signs. Advanced CT images were used to shape the 3D-printed splint. This alternative allowed better surgical planning and, therefore, comfort for the patient, this because to the quality of the polyurethane material, which is slightly malleable, and allowed for better molding and chest expansion during breathing. The splint proved to be strong enough to withstand the traction caused by the suture threads and allowed the proper repositioning of the sternum, at the same time it was comfortable and caused minimal injuries to the patient.

Epidemiological study of congenital malformations of the vertebral column in French bulldogs, English bulldogs and pugs.

BACKGROUND: Congenital vertebral body malformations (CVBMs) have retrospectively been investigated in British and American canine populations. This study prospectively evaluates occurrence, localization, type and characteristic of CVBM along the entire vertebral column in a cohort of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Pug dogs from Germany. METHODS: Prospective clinical and radiological screenings for CVBM were performed in brachycephalic dogs presented for reasons unrelated to neurological problems. Neurological and orthopaedic examinations as well as radiographs in two orthogonal planes of the entire vertebral column including the tail were performed in all dogs. Cobb angle and vertebral step were determined. Associations between CVBM, tail malformation, neurological deficits and occurrence of concurrent orthopaedic diseases were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 707 VBMs were identified in the whole vertebral column of 169 of 265 brachycephalic dogs. The most common types of CVBMs were ventral wedge shape (48%), dorsal wedge shape (14%) and shortened vertebral body (14%). A new type of malformation was investigated: dorsal wedge shape vertebrae. There was significant association between severe tail malformations with CVBM. Neurological deficits were significantly associated with ventrolateral wedge shape, dorso lateral hemivertebrae, Cobb angle > 30% and vertebral step ≥1.75 mm. Orthopaedic conditions were not significantly associated with CVBM. CONCLUSION: Kyphotic Cobb angle and vertebral step are radiological findings associated with neurological deficits. We propose severe tail malformation as an easy and accurate selection factor for determining breeding dogs.

Deradelphous Cephalothoracoomphalopagus in kittens: case report / Cefalotoraconfalopago derafelfo em gatos: relato de caso

The present report describes a case of conjoined twins of the cephalo-thoraco-omphalopagus deradelphous type in cats. A feline female was transferred to our veterinary hospital as an emergency for dystocic labor. The stillborn was subjected to radiographic evaluation, and a single skull and two complete distinct vertebral columns were found. Anatomopathological examination revealed that the twins presented the head, chest, and umbilicus as the main points of union and were classified as the cephalo-thoraco-omphalopagus type. In addition, the twins had unique and well-developed faces, which allowed them to be classified as deradelphous. This malformation is rare in domestic animals, and to the best of our knowledge, this type has not been reported in felines. Further studies are warranted on this embryonic alteration, primarily because its etiology remains unknown.(AU)

O presente relato descreve um caso de gêmeos siameses do tipo cefalotoraconfalopago deradelfo em gatos. Uma fêmea felina foi atendida na emergência do hospital veterinário em trabalho de parto distócico. Os natimortos foram encaminhados para avaliação radiográfica e constatou-se que apresentavam um único crânio e duas colunas vertebrais completas e distintas. O exame anatomopatológico evidenciou que os gêmeos possuíam cabeça, tórax e umbigo como principais pontos de união, sendo classificados como cefalotoraconfalopago. Além disso, os gêmeos apresentaram face única e bem desenvolvida, o que permitiu classificá-los como deradelfos. Esse tipo de malformação é raro em animais domésticos, e não foi encontrado nenhum trabalho em felino com a mesma classificação do presente relato. Há necessidade de mais estudos sobre essa alteração embrionária, pois a etiologia do processo ainda não foi esclarecida.(AU)

First occurrence of Arnold Chiari type II malformation and associated abnormalities in a Gir calf produced in vitro from Brazil - case report / [Primeira ocorrência de malformação de Arnold Chiari tipo II e anormalidades associadas em uma bezerra Gir de produção in vitro no Brasil - relato de caso]

This study characterized the clinical, radiological, ultrasound, and necroscopic findings of a case of Arnold-Chiari type II malformation in a Gir breed calf from Brazil. The animal was hospitalized at sixty days of age, in permanent sternal recumbency, cutaneous appendix at the 4th lumbar vertebra and kyphoscoliosis of the caudal and lumbosacral thoracic spine. Radiographic examination of the spine and skull revealed spina bifida and suspected occipital hypoplasia. Upon examination of myelography with an injection of lumbar and atlantooccipital contrast, it was possible to visualize the meningocele at the 4th lumbar vertebra region and findings at the rhombencephalon level of increased regional pressure with failure to fill the contrast in the posterior fossa, in the presence of clear demarcation of the circumvolutions of the cerebral cortex and the subarachnoid space of the cervical spinal cord. Ultrasonographic examination of the cerebellum showed an insinuation of the cerebellar worm through the foramen magnum. The animal did not show changes in complete blood count, biochemical series, and cerebrospinal fluid and was negative for Pestivirus. There was a worsening of the clinical conditions and the animal died. This malformation of unknown etiology must be studied as a differential diagnosis of the nervous system disorders.(AU)

Este estudo caracterizou os achados clínicos, radiológicos, ultrassonográficos e necroscópicos de um caso de malformação de Arnold-Chiari tipo II em uma bezerra Gir no Brasil. O animal foi hospilatizado aos 60 dias de idade, apresentando decúbito esternal permanente, apêndice cutâneo na altura da quarta vértebra lombar e cifoescoliose da coluna vertebral torácica caudal e lombossacra. Ao exame radiográfico da coluna e do crânio, foram observadas espinha bífida e suspeita de hipoplasia occipital. Ao exame de mielografia com injeção de contraste lombar e atlanto-occipital, foi possivel visualizar a meningocele na altura da quarta vértebra lombar e achados em nível rombencefálico de aumento da pressão regional com falha de preenchimento do contraste na fossa posterior, na presença de nítida demarcação das circunvoluções do córtex cerebral e do espaço subaracnoide da medula espinhal cervical. Ao exame ultrassonográfico do cerebelo, foi observada insinuação do verme cerebelar através do forame magno. O animal não apresentou alterações em hemograma completo, série bioquímica e fluido cérebro-espinhal e foi negativo para Pestivirus. Houve uma piora do quadro clínico e o animal morreu. Essa malformação de etiologia desconhecida deve ser estudada como um diagnóstico diferencial.(AU)

Vasoactive intestinal peptide in canine portosystemic shunt in the absence of portal hypertension.

Background: The congenital portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a common vascular anomaly in dogs. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is produced in various organs (including the small intestine, large intestine, and pancreas), leading to abdominal vasodilation, increased blood flow, increased pancreatic blood flow, and promotion of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine secretions. However, there have been no reports on the concentration of VIP in the portal and peripheral veins in canine PSS. Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether dogs with PSS have a different VIP concentration in their portal system in general. Methods: Six dogs with an extrahepatic portosplenic shunt were included in the study. Blood samples were taken from the saphenous and portal veins during PSS ligation surgery with an amerid constrictor, to evaluate and compare the VIP concentration in both samples. VIP was measured using a commercial canine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The breeds included Mongrels (n = 2), Norfolk Terriers (n = 1), Miniature Dachshunds (n = 1), and Maltese (n = 2), and their ages were 9.3 ± 6.5 months; the bodyweight was 3.3 ± 0.8 kg. The concentration of VIP in the saphenous vein was 17.75 ± 13.88 pg/ml; on the contrary, the concentration of VIP in the portal vein was 29.7 ± 20.29 pg/ml. There was no significant difference in the VIP concentration between veins. Conclusion: There was no difference in the VIP concentration between the portal and saphenous veins, suggesting a non-association between VIP and the PSS, in the absence of portal hypertension.

Clinical and anatomopathological descriptions of dog with arterious Hemitruncus: case report / [Descrições clínicas e anatomopatológicas de cão com hemitruncus arterioso: relato de caso

The anomalous origin of the pulmonary trunk in the ascending aorta, defined as arterious hemitruncus, is a rare congenital malformation in dogs, caused by a defect in the spiral septum. Thus, given the unusual occurrence in the canine species, the systemic severity and the high lethality, the aim of this study was to describe this heart disease in a three-month-old male German Spitz puppy, emphasizing clinical changes of the necropsy and microscopics. The animal had cyanosis, dyspnea and weakness and was forwarded for necropsy after sudden death. Numerous changes were detected in the post-mortem examination, including in the heart, as cardiomegaly and absence of the arterial ligament, which was replaced by the complete fusion between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary trunk, after leaving both the left and right ventricles, respectively and, among the microscopic findings, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy stood out. The association of these findings with the history indicated the diagnosis of arterious hemitruncus followed by cardiorespiratory failure, emphasizing the importance of out complementary cardiological exams in young symptomatic patients for the survival of those affected. Arterious hemitruncus, although rare, must be added in the differential diagnosis of other heart diseases that cause similar clinical signs.(AU)

A origem anômala do tronco pulmonar em aorta ascendente, definida como hemitruncus arterioso, é uma malformação congênita rara em cães, causada por defeito no septo espiral. Assim, diante da ocorrência incomum na espécie canina, da gravidade sistêmica e da alta letalidade, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever essa doença cardíaca em um filhote de três meses de idade, macho, Spitz Alemão, enfatizando as alterações clínicas, de necropsia e microscópicas. O animal apresentava cianose, dispneia e fraqueza e foi encaminhado para necropsia após morte súbita. Inúmeras alterações foram detectadas no exame post-mortem, inclusive no coração, como cardiomegalia e ausência do ligamento arterioso, o qual foi substituído pela fusão completa entre aorta ascendente e tronco pulmonar, após a saída de ambas dos ventrículos esquerdo e direito, respectivamente, e, dentre os achados microscópicos, destacou-se a hipertrofia de cardiomiócitos. A associação desses achados com o histórico indicou o diagnóstico de hemitruncus arterioso seguido de insuficiência cardiorrespiratória, ressaltando-se a importância de exames complementares cardiológicos em pacientes jovens sintomáticos na sobrevida dos acometidos. O hemitruncus arterioso, apesar de raro, deve ser acrescido no diagnóstico diferencial de outras cardiopatias que causam sinais clínicos similares.(AU)

An outbreak of abortions, stillbirths and malformations in a Spanish sheep flock associated with a bovine viral diarrhoea virus 2-contaminated orf vaccine.

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus that affects both cattle and sheep, causing an array of clinical signs, which include abortions and malformations in the offspring. Manufacturing of modified live virus (MLV) vaccines often includes the use of bovine-derived products, which implies a risk of contamination with viable BVDV. Recently, the circulation of a specific strain of BVDV 2b among Spanish sheep flocks, associated with outbreaks of abortions and malformations, and whose origin was not determined, has been observed. On February 2018, a MLV orf vaccine was applied to a 1,600 highly prolific sheep flock in the Northeast of Spain that included 550 pregnant ewes. In May 2018, during the lambing season, an unusual high rate (72.7%) of abortions, stillbirths, congenital malformations and neurological signs in the offspring was observed. It was estimated that about 1,000 lambs were lost. Three 1- to 3-day-old affected lambs and a sealed vial of the applied vaccine were studied. Lambs showed variable degrees of central nervous system malformations and presence of pestiviral antigen in the brain. Molecular studies demonstrated the presence of exactly the same BVDV 2b in the tissues of the three lambs and in the orf vaccine, thus pointing to a pestivirus contamination in the applied vaccine as the cause of the outbreak. Interestingly, sequencing at the 5'-untranslated region-(UTR) of the contaminating virus showed a complete match with the virus described in the previously reported outbreaks in Spain, thus indicating that the same contaminated vaccine could have also played a role in those cases. This communication provides a clear example of the effects of the application of this contaminated product in a sheep flock. The information presented here can be of interest in putative future cases of suspected circulation of this or other BVDV strains in ruminants.

Aberrant right subclavian artery in a dog - case report / [Ectopia de artéria subclávia direita em cão - relato de caso]

The brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery originate from the aortic arch, and both supply blood to the head, neck, and thoracic limbs. Anatomical variations, such as an aberrant right subclavian artery, are congenital conditions rarely observed in dogs, Thus, the objective of the present report was to describe a case of aberrant right subclavian artery in a 9-year-old Dalmatian. However, this anomaly was a finding in which the patient was asymptomatic during its 9 years of life and only at this age did he exhibit signs including sialorrhea, vomiting, hyporexia, and noisy deglutition. Blood count, biochemical profile, and thoracic radiography led to a diagnosis of megaesophagus and aspiration pneumonia. Despite the recommended treatment, the patient did not respond well; as such, the owner elected to euthanize the animal. On necropsy, the right subclavian artery originated directly from the aortic arch, followed a route from left to right dorsally to the esophagus, and then formed an impression of the vascular path over the muscular wall of the esophagus. The esophagus, in turn, exhibited a flaccid wall and dilation in the caudal portion to the vascular path made by the ectopic position of the right subclavian artery.(AU)

O tronco braquiocefálico e a artéria subclávia esquerda emergem do arco aórtico e são responsáveis por fazerem o suprimento sanguíneo para cabeça, pescoço e membros torácicos. Variações anatômicas, como a ectopia da artéria subclávia direita, são alterações congênitas raramente encontradas em cães, cujas alterações do sistema digestivo acontecem em pacientes recém-desmamados e não em adultos. Assim, o objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de ectopia da artéria subclávia direita em uma cadela, Dálmata, de nove anos de idade. No entanto, essa anomalia foi um achado do qual o paciente foi assintomático durante os nove anos de vida e somente com essa idade apresentou sinais como sialorreia, vômito, hiporexia e deglutição ruidosa. O hemograma e os perfis bioquímicos, associados à radiografia torácica, levaram a um diagnóstico de megaesôfago e pneumonia aspirativa. Mesmo seguindo o tratamento recomendado, houve piora clínica do quadro e o animal foi submetido à eutanásia. À macroscopia, a artéria subclávia direita originava-se direto do arco aórtico, fazia um percurso da esquerda para a direita dorsalmente ao esôfago e, então, formava uma impressão do trajeto vascular sobre a parede muscular do esôfago. O esôfago, por sua vez, apresentava parede flácida e dilatação na porção caudal ao trajeto vascular feito pela posição ectópica da artéria subclávia direita.(AU)

Phenotype characterization of crossed beaks in Beijing-You chickens based on morphological observation.

The prevalence of crossed beaks ranging from 0.2 to 7.4% was documented in at least 12 chicken strains. Previous studies focused largely on candidate molecules, whereas the morphological observation was missing. This study reported a detailed phenotype and prevalence of crossed beaks based on morphological observation in nine thousand nine hundred 1-day-old female Beijing-You chicks. Affected chicks were classified into 2 categories based on the direction of the mandibular deformation: left and right. Each category was selected to sacrifice for the measurement of length, width, and thickness of the bilateral mandibular ramus (MR). The normal chicks were used as controls. Paraffin section was made for the bilateral MR of a crossed beak and a normal control for histology analysis. A total of 97 out of 9,900 chickens showed beak deformity including 71 crossed beaks (0.72%) and 26 side beaks (0.26%) for which the upper and lower beak were both bent in the same direction. There was no difference in the direction of the bend of the lower beak in crossed beaks (P > 0.05). The incidence of crossed beaks increased quickly from 0 to 56 d and no new incidence after 56 d. The angle of the crossed beaks was below 5° in the first week and had grown more severe with age until 56 d. The mandible structure showed that condyle served as a growth center for the MR extension. The short-side MR of crossed beaks was thicker than normal ones (P < 0.05) and caused the mandible deviated to the same direction. Meanwhile, the short-side MR prevented the occlusion, leading the jugal arch deformity, which in turn resulted in a bent maxillary horizontally. Similarly, chicks with side beaks also had asymmetry in MR length and the deformities of the jugal arch after dissection. In summary, asymmetric growth of bilateral MR induced crossed beaks and side beaks; the mandibular condyle could be an ideal sample for the related molecular mechanism studies underlying this trait.

Plant-Induced Reproductive Disease, Abortion, and Teratology in Livestock.

Whether poisoned by grazing toxic plants or by eating feeds that are contaminated by toxic plants, affected livestock often have compromised reproductive function including infertility, abortion, and fetal deformities. Certainly all diagnostic tools-field studies, clinical signs, gross and microscopic pathology as well as chemical identification of plant and plant toxins in animal samples-are essential to make an accurate diagnosis, to develop intervening management strategies and to improve the reproductive performance. The objectives of this review are to briefly introduce toxic plants that are reproductive toxins, abortifacients, or teratogens.

Body wall defects and amniotic band syndrome in pig (Sus scrofa domesticus).

The amniotic band syndrome is a congenital condition. It is characterized by the presence of fibrous amniotic bands that may entangle or entrap different foetal parts in utero, resulting in deformation, malformation or disruption. We report on a female piglet presenting amniotic band adherences in the right abdominal flank, several body wall defects (gastroschisis, abdominoschisis with omphalocele), severe scoliosis, anomalous umbilical cord with single umbilical artery, anal atresia, anomalous liver and absent gall bladder, hypoplastic genitalia, ankylosis and arthrogryposis in pelvic limbs, and bilateral patellar agenesia. The ethiopatogenia is discussed, as well as the comparative and embryological implications.

Response of triploid Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to commercial vaccines.

While triploid Atlantic salmon represent a practical and affordable solution to the issues associated with sexual maturation in the salmonid aquaculture industry, empirical evidence suggests triploids are more susceptible to disease and vaccine side-effects than diploids. With vaccination now part of routine husbandry, it is essential their response be studied to confirm their suitability for commercial production. This study tested the response of triploid and diploid Atlantic salmon to vaccination with commercially available vaccines. Triploid and diploid Atlantic salmon siblings were injected with one of three commercial vaccines (or sham-vaccinated) and monitored for performance throughout a commercial production cycle. Sampling at smolt and harvest was undertaken along with individual weight and length assessments through the cycle. Antibody response to Aeromonas salmonicida vaccination was similar in both ploidy, with a positive response in vaccine-injected fish. For both adhesions and melanin, analysis found that higher scores were more likely to occur as the anticipated severity of the vaccine increased. In addition, for adhesion scores at smolt and melanin scores at smolt and harvest, triploids were statistically more likely to exhibit high scores than diploids. Triploids maintained a significantly higher body weight during freshwater and until 11 months post-seawater transfer, with diploids weighing significantly more at harvest. Growth, represented by thermal growth coefficient (TGC), decreased in both ploidy as the severity of adhesions increased, and regression patterns did not differ significantly between ploidy. Vertebral deformity prevalence was consistently higher in triploids (smolt 12.3 ± 4.5%; harvest 34.9 ± 5.9%) than diploids (smolt 0.8 ± 0.5%; harvest 15.9 ± 1.9%), with no significant difference between vaccine groups in each ploidy. This study demonstrates that triploids respond as well to vaccination as diploids and provides further supporting evidence of triploid robustness for commercial aquaculture.

Cranial cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid in an otter (Lontra longicaudis) - case report / Cavitação craniana preenchida por fluido cerebroespinhal em lontra (Lontra longicaudis) - relato de caso

Computed tomography of the head of an otter with a history of incoordination, visual deficits, and seizures was performed. Intracranial images revealed a large non-enhancing fluid attenuating cystic lesion in the left frontoparietal region communicating with the left lateral ventricle and subarachnoid space. These findings are consistent with a congenital brain cavity filled by cerebrospinal fluid, with porencephaly being the most probable diagnosis based on the clinical and tomographic findings. The authors highlight the rarity of such a cystic lesion in wild animals, with this being the first report in otters.(AU)

Realizou-se o exame tomográfico do crânio de uma lontra com histórico de incoordenação, déficit visual e convulsões. Imagens intracranianas revelaram grande lesão cística não captante de contraste em região frontoparietal esquerda, apresentando comunicação com o ventrículo lateral esquerdo e espaço subaracnoidea. Esses achados foram consistentes com cavitação cerebral congênita preenchida por fluido cerebroespinhal, sendo porencefalia o diagnóstico de maior probabilidade com base nos achados clínicos e tomográficos. Destaca-se a raridade dessa condição em animais silvestres, sendo este o primeiro relato em lontras.(AU)

Congenital Segmental Absence of Tracheal Rings in a Kitten.

Congenital anomalies of the trachea are rare in cats. This article reports segmental absence of tracheal cartilage rings in a kitten. An 8-month-old female kitten was presented with a history of weight loss and respiratory distress for 2 months. Radiographs of the thorax demonstrated a large air-filled sac suggestive of pneumomediastinum. No cartilaginous structures were evident radiographically over the caudal portion of the trachea. At necropsy examination, approximately 2 cm from the carina, a 3 cm segment of the trachea lacked cartilaginous rings. The clinical and morphological features of this lesion were similar to those described in human and canine cases of congenital segmental absence of tracheal rings.

Gallbladder Agenesis in a Dog: Clinicopathological, Histopathology, and Computed Tomography Findings.

Three cases of gallbladder agenesis (GA) have been previously reported in the English-speaking veterinary literature. Affected dogs can be either asymptomatic or symptomatic with vomiting, retching, and anorexia previously reported. The previously reported cases and the dog in this report had marked elevations in alanine aminotransferase concentrations, and liver histopathology consistently showed bridging fibrosis and biliary hyperplasia. The condition is most often diagnosed in humans during exploratory surgery, which was also the case in the previous three dogs reported with GA. Computed tomography (CT) or MRI is now recommended for diagnosis of the condition in humans, and this is the first report of CT findings in an affected dog diagnosed without surgery. Bile stasis and cholangiohepatits have been proposed as secondary pathologies in both humans and dogs with GA, and histopathology and CT findings in this case support those theories.

Bilateral hind limb deformities and subsequent medially luxating patellas in a kitten.

A 9-week-old domestic long-haired kitten was presented for evaluation of bilateral hind limb deformities. Bilateral hyperextension of the tarsi was diagnosed on physical examination and was treated with physical therapy and splinting. At 4 months of age, the patient was presented with bilateral, medially luxating patellas, which were successfully treated with bilateral chondroplasty and joint capsule imbrication.

Difformité bilatérale des pattes postérieures et luxation médiale subséquente des rotules chez un chaton. Un chaton domestique à poils longs âgé de 9 semaines a été présenté pour une évaluation d'une difformité bilatérale des pattes postérieures. Une hyperextension bilatérale du tarse fut diagnostiquée lors de l'examen physique et fut traitée avec de la physiothérapie et des attelles. À 4 mois d'âge, le patient a été présenté avec des luxations médiales bilatérales des rotules qui furent traitées avec succès par chondroplastie bilatérale et imbrication de la capsule articulaire.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Incidence of congenital malformations and impact on the mortality of neonatal canines.

Canine congenital malformations are structural or functional abnormalities of organs present at birth that possibly interfere with the viability of newborns, thus contributing to neonatal mortality. This study evaluated and described the incidence of congenital malformations in neonatal dogs and determined the mortality rates among those affected. Of the 178 litters and 803 newborns included in the study, 24.7% (44/178) of the litters presented neonates with congenital malformations. The total rate of neonates that presented malformations was 6.7% (64/803). The total mortality rate in newborns with congenital defects was 5.4% (44/803), representing 68.7% (44/64) of the deaths observed among those affected. The early (0-2 days old) and late (3-30 days old) mortality rates among the affected neonates were 61.4% (27/44) and 38.6% (17/44), respectively. In total, 27 malformations were recorded, and the most common congenital defects were cleft palate 2.8% (23/803) and hydrocephaly 1.5% (12/803), either alone or associated with other malformations. The malformations were recorded in 15 breeds: Pug, Miniature Pinscher, Rottweiler, Pitbull, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, German Spitz, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih-tzu, Brazilian Terrier and mixed breed. One case of exposure to a teratogenic agent was reported, but no maternal exposure to teratogens during gestation was reported with the other litters. The occurrence of congenital defects may be related to genetic factors since the highest incidence of malformations (84.4%) was observed in purebred dogs.

Experimental reproduction of congenital anomalies in the progeny of cows fed apple pomace during pregnancy / Reprodução experimental de anomalias congênitas na progênie de vacas alimentadas com bagaço de maçã durante a gestação

This study aimed to describe and discuss the results of an experiment carried out in two stages with pregnant cows fed 25kg/apple pomace/day. The first stage involved 16 pregnant Holstein Friesian cows divided into four groups: Group 0 - Control (5 cows); Group I - 1 month-gestation (4 cows); Group II - 3 month-gestation (4 cows); Group III - 6 month-gestation (3 cows) and was performed from September to December 2015. The second stage comprised 12 pregnant Holstein Friesian cows divided into three groups: Group 0 - Control (6 cows), Group I - 1 month-gestation (3 cows), and Group II - 3 month-gestation (3 cows) and was conducted from April 2016 to February 2017. All study animals received apple pomace at a dose of 25kg/day. As for the first experiment stage, a cow in Group III bred a calf with complete absence of the coccygeal vertebrae and tail, slight bending of the hind limbs, scoliosis in the thoracic spine, and limited mobility. At 30 days, it presented with diarrhea and underdevelopment, and was euthanized for necropsy. At gross examination, malformations were observed in the thoracic spine, coxofemural joint, and genitourinary tract. Regarding the second experiment stage, a cow in Group I gave birth to a calf with curved pelvic and thoracic limbs with thick joints and flattening hooves. Microscopic examination of the femur showed disorganized, irregular hypertrophic zone and scarce growth zone, in addition to primary spongy zone with short, slightly mineralized trabeculae. Samples of the apple pomace used in this study were frozen and sent for laboratory evaluation of pesticide residues, which showed a positive result for the fungicide carbendazim.(AU)

O presente trabalho tem por finalidade descrever e discutir os resultados do experimento realizado em vacas prenhes que foram alimentadas com 25kg/dia de bagaço de maçã. Experimentos foram conduzidos em duas etapas, a primeira no ano de 2015, de setembro a dezembro onde foram utilizadas 16 vacas prenhes da raça holandês. Estas foram divididas em quatro grupos: Grupo 0, Controle (5 vacas); Grupo I, 1 mês gestação (4 vacas); Grupo II, 3 meses gestação (4 vacas); Grupo III, 6 meses gestação (3 vacas). A segunda etapa foi realizada em abril de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017. Foram utilizadas 12 vacas prenhes da raça holandês, divididas em três grupos: Grupo 0, Controle (6 vacas); Grupo I, 1 mês gestação (3 vacas); Grupo II, 3 meses gestação (3 vacas). Todas as vacas receberam bagaço de maçã na dose de 25kg/dia/vaca. Para o primeiro experimento, uma vaca do Grupo III pariu uma bezerra, com ausência completa das vértebras coccígeas e cauda, encurvamento leve dos membros posteriores, escoliose na coluna torácica e dificuldade de locomoção. Decorridos 30 dias do nascimento, manifestou diarreia e pouco desenvolvimento, sendo eutanasiada para necropsia. Na macroscopia, havia malformações na coluna torácica, articulação coxofemoral e no aparelho urogenital. Em relação ao segundo experimento uma vaca do Grupo I pariu uma bezerra com membros pélvicos e torácicos, curvos e com articulações consideravelmente grossas e "achinelamento" de cascos. Na microscopia do fêmur foi observado na placa epifisária, zona hipertrófica desorganizada, irregular e zona de crescimento escassa. Na zona esponjosa primária observou-se trabéculas curtas e pouco mineralizadas. Amostras do bagaço de maçã utilizado na experimentação foram congeladas e enviadas para avaliação de resíduos agrotóxicos, onde foi encontrado resultado positivo para o fungicida carbendazim.(AU)

Delayed elimination of paternal mtDNA in the interspecific hybrid of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco and Pelteobagrus vachelli during early embryogenesis.

Mitochondrial homoplasmy is essential for normal development, as its heteroplasmy usually leads to abnormal or diseased phenotypes in mammals. So far, diverse mechanisms have been proposed to play roles in ensuring uniparental inheritance of mitochondria in many organisms. In recent years, hybrid yellow catfish from mating female yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) with male darkbarbel catfish (Pelteobagrus vachelli) has been widely cultured in China due to its fast-growing. However, a high rate of abnormal and defective embryos was observed in the offsprings of hybrid yellow catfish. In this study, we systematically investigated the elimination process of paternal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in yellow catfish and hybrid yellow catfish. The mtDNA contents significantly decreased in the isolated mature sperm compared with the semen. Different from the elimination of paternal mtDNA after fertilization in yellow catfish, paternal mtDNA was retained in the developmental embryos of hybrid yellow catfish as later as gastrula stage, indicating a delay of elimination for paternal mtDNA and mitochondrial heteroplasmy during embryogenesis in hybrid yellow catfish. Altogether, the present study suggests that mitochondrial heteroplasmy may affect embryonic development of hybrid progeny between catfish species.