Evaluation of peritoneal l-lactate concentration in horses in the early post-partum period.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal fluid lactate concentration is an important diagnostic tool in horses with abdominal pain. Information on peritoneal lactate concentrations is lacking following parturition in the mare. OBJECTIVES: To compare blood and peritoneal lactate concentrations in a population of mares within 36 h post-partum, report a normal reference range and identify any impact of retained foetal membranes (RFMs). METHODS: This is a retrospective study evaluating healthy mares from which blood and peritoneal samples had been obtained within 36 h of parturition. Exclusion criteria included signs of abdominal pain within this period. Data was interrogated for normality using a Shapiro-Wilk test. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bland-Altman analysis were used to compare blood and peritoneal lactate concentrations. Linear regression was used to compare age and breed data with peritoneal lactate concentrations. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: Forty mares met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 12.6 ± 4.1 years, and most mares were multiparous (65%). Peritoneal lactate ((1.2 (IQR = 0.9-1.6) mmol/L) was increased compared to blood lactate concentration (0.7 (IQR = 0-1.1)mmol/L; p < 0.001). Plasma total protein (TP) concentrations were 68 (IQR = 64-74) g/L and peritoneal protein concentrations 8 (IQR = 4-9.7) g/L. Six mares developed RFM. The median fold-increase in peritoneal lactate concentration compared to blood lactate concentration was 0.9 (IQR: 0.01-1.7; range: 0-2.5). The reference range for peritoneal fluid lactate concentration was 0-2.5 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal lactate concentrations in healthy post-partum mares remained within the normal reference range and were not influenced by RFM or parturition. Increased peritoneal lactate in this group warrants further investigation.

Evaluation of substance P as a biomarker for pain in equine colic.

Equine colic is an important condition associated with acute abdominal pain and one of the leading causes of death in horses. As such, objectively evaluating pain is of interest for attending veterinarians. Pain scales for assessment are present, but no single pain-specific biomarker has been reported. The aim of this study was to determine if substance P (SP) could be a reliable biomarker to reflect pain and serve as a parameter to predict outcome in equine colic. The hypothesis was that horses displaying severe colic signs present with higher values of SP in contrast to those with mild colic signs. Thirty warmblood horses, aged between 3 and 20 years were recruited; evenly distributed (10 horses each) in three colic groups (mild, moderate, severe). To classify the colic signs, the horses were graded by the Equine Acute Abdominal Pain Scale (EAAPS). Clinical examination and EAAPS were performed at arrival in the hospital. Blood samples were collected four times in hourly intervals commencing from arrival. For comparison, already established parameters for prognosticating equine colic (heart rate, serum cortisol, and blood lactate concentration) were also measured. The assumption of increasing SP concentrations along with pain could not be confirmed. SP did not show any association with heart rate, cortisol, lactate, or EAAPS. Whereas the established parameters increased according to the EAAPS, SP remained stable in individual horses regardless of clinical signs, treatment, and disease progression. Consequently, SP was not a reliable parameter to reflect painful conditions or to predict outcome in equine colic.

Gastrojejunostomy as a treatment for gastric outflow disorders in four adult horses.

Four adult horses with histories of moderate abdominal pain and inappetence were diagnosed with delayed gastric emptying and gastric impaction attributed to pyloroduodenal obstruction (three cases) or duodenitis (one case). A stapled side-to-side gastrojejunostomy was performed on all horses. Two horses returned to work and survived ≥3 years. One horse was euthanased 6 months post-surgery due to recurrent abdominal pain, and one was found dead 5 months postsurgery after an unattended foaling.

Effects of probiotics administration on lactose intolerance in adulthood: A meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of probiotic administration on adults with lactose intolerance. Twelve studies were identified from databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effect size was estimated using the standardized mean difference (SMD), and Cochrane's Q test was used to evaluate the statistical heterogeneity of the effect size. Moderator analysis, including meta-ANOVA and meta-regression, were performed to determine the cause of heterogeneity in the effect size using a mixed-effect model. Egger's linear regression test was conducted to evaluate publication bias. The results showed that probiotic administration alleviated the symptoms of lactose intolerance, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. Among them, the area under the curve (AUC) showed the greatest decrease following probiotic administration (SMD, -4.96; 95% confidence interval, -6.92 to -3.00). In the meta-ANOVA test, abdominal pain and total symptoms decreased with monostrain probiotic administration. This combination was also effective for flatulence. The dosage of probiotics or lactose was significantly associated with a reduction in the total symptom score, and the linear regression models between the dosage and SMD were found to be Y = 2.3342 × dosage - 25.0400 (R2 = 79.68%) and Y = 0.2345 × dosage - 7.6618 (R2 = 34.03%), respectively. Publication bias was detected for most items. However, even after effect size correction, the probiotic administration effect for all items remained valid. The administration of probiotics was effective at improving adult lactose intolerance, and it is expected that the results of this study could help improve the nutritional status of adults by increasing their consumption of milk and dairy products in the future.

Lymphomatosis as a Cause of Abdominal Pain and Distension in Two Adult Horses.

Two equine patients presented separately with severe abdominal distention, colic, lethargy, and decreased appetite. An ante-mortem diagnosis of lymphoma was reached in each case based on peritoneal fluid cytology. Due to a poor prognosis, the horses were humanely euthanized. Post-mortem examination with histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed both cases as lymphoma: alimentary B-cell lymphoma of the distal jejunum and cecum in one case, and T-cell lymphoma of the cecum in the second case. Both cases exhibited extensive metastasis with peritoneal and pleural serosae covered in small nodules and plaque like masses consistent with lymphomatosis. These cases document a unique presentation of lymphoma in equine patients presenting as peritoneal lymphomatosis with ascites.

A composite scale to recognize abdominal pain and its variation over time in response to analgesia in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To refine a composite scale for pain evaluation in rabbits and evaluate it for pain variations over time. To determine the differences between objective-Centro Animali Non Convenzionali Rabbit Scale (CANCRS) and subjective-Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in assessing abdominal pain. STUDY DESIGN: Observational case-control study. ANIMALS: A total of 86 rabbits, 47 healthy animals and 39 animals with gastrointestinal stasis syndrome (RGIS), participated in the study; of 39 animals with RGIS, 32 animals participated in the second part of the study. METHODS: In part 1, rabbits underwent pain assessments with VAS and CANCRS. In part 2, the animals underwent four pain assessments with three CANCRS. The first assessment was performed prior to pain management, the others after 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Statistics included Mann-Whitney U test for in-between group comparisons and analysis of variance to assess differences over time. Sensitivity and specificity for each variable of CANCRS were calculated to obtain weighting factors. RESULTS: CANCRS showed differences between healthy and diseased rabbits (p = 0.0001), and median scores were 5 [interquartile range (IQR): 4-6) and 9 (IQR: 7-11), respectively. VAS showed differences between healthy and diseased rabbits (p = 0.02), and median scores were 4 (IQR: 2-5.35) and 5.3 (IQR: 2.65-6.45), respectively. The cut-off scores for CANCRS and VAS for differentiation between healthy and diseased rabbits were 7 (specificity 89%, sensitivity 79%) and 4.4 (specificity 59%, sensitivity 69%), respectively. Internal validity testing of CANCRS was significant at each time point. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Some variables should be excluded from CANCRS when assessing abdominal pain. CANCRS performed better than VAS, and it detected variations in pain in response to analgesia.

Long-term follow-up of a juvenile simple renal cyst in a dog treated by laparoscopic deroofing, fulguration, and omentalization.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-month-old male crossbred dog presented with a 4-week history of polyuria and polydipsia and a 6-month history of vomiting. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Clinical examination revealed abdominal pain and right-sided nephromegaly. Biochemistry was within normal limits. Diagnostic imaging showed a well-defined, unilateral renal mass containing anechoic fluid consistent with a simple renal cyst (SRC). TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The cyst was drained under ultrasonographic guidance but recurred 3 months later, concomitant with recurrence of the previously reported clinical signs. The cyst was then deroofed, fulgurated, and omentalized under laparoscopy by use of a 3-port technique. The resected cystic wall was histopathologically consistent with an SRC, presumptively congenital. The dog showed a good recovery with resolution of clinical signs. Renal function was normal at last follow-up, conducted 2 years postoperatively, without evidence of recurrent disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this was the first report of a symptomatic juvenile SRC of presumptively congenital origin in a dog treated successfully by laparoscopic deroofing, fulguration, and omentalization. The polyuria, polydipsia, chronic vomiting, and abdominal pain may all have been related to space-occupying effects of the cyst, as these symptoms resolved post-treatment. Results of long-term follow-up advocate for this durable cure of SRC by use of laparoscopic procedures, especially when compared to simple drainage of the cyst, as the latter initially failed in the present case.

Validation of the Unesp-Botucatu composite scale to assess acute postoperative abdominal pain in sheep (USAPS).

A scale with robust statistical validation is essential to diagnose pain and improve decision making for analgesia. This blind, randomised, prospective and opportunist study aimed to develop an ethogram to evaluate behaviour and validate a scale to assess acute ovine postoperative pain. Elective laparoscopy was performed in 48 healthy sheep, filmed at one preoperative and three postoperative moments, before and after rescue analgesia and 24 hours after. The videos were randomised and assessed twice by four evaluators, with a one-month interval between evaluations. Statistical analysis was performed using R software and differences were considered significant when p <0.05. Based on the multiple association, a unidimensional scale was adopted. The intra- and inter-observer reliability ranged from moderate to very good (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.53). The scale presented Spearman correlations > 0.80 with the numerical, simple descriptive, and visual analogue scales, and a correlation of 0.48 with the facial expression scale. According to the mixed linear model, the scale was responsive, due to the increase and decrease in pain scores of all items after surgery and analgesic intervention, respectively. All items on the scale demonstrated an acceptable Spearman item-total correlation (0.56-0.76), except for appetite (0.25). The internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.81) and all items presented specificity > 0.72 and sensitivity between 0.61-0.90, except for appetite. According to the Youden index, the cut-off point was ≥ 4 out of 12, with a diagnostic uncertainty zone of 4 to 5. The area under the curve > 0.95 demonstrated the excellent discriminatory capacity of the instrument. In conclusion, the Unesp-Botucatu pain scale in sheep submitted to laparoscopy is valid, reliable, specific, sensitive, with excellent internal consistency, accuracy, discriminatory capacity, and a defined cut-off point.

An atypical presentation of a mesenteric Meckel's diverticulum in a 7-year-old warmblood mare: case report.

BACKGROUND: Meckel's diverticula are a rare cause of small intestinal strangulation, diagnosed at laparotomy or necropsy. This congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract originates from a remnant of the vitelline duct. In reported equine cases, they present as a full-thickness diverticulum on the antimesenteric border of the distal jejunum or proximal ileum. CASE PRESENTATION: On laparotomy a Meckel's diverticulum positioned at the mesenteric side was found to be the cause of small intestinal strangulation. This position is very uncommon and to the best knowledge of the authors there is no unambiguous description of another case. CONCLUSIONS: Meckel's diverticula should be on the list of differential diagnoses in cases of small intestinal strangulation. As in humans, equine Meckel's diverticula can have the standard antimesenteric as well as a more exceptional mesenteric location. This case adds to the series of anecdotal reports of anomalies with regard to Meckel's diverticula in the horse.

Indicators of 'critical' outcomes in 941 horses seen 'out-of-hours' for colic.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the presentation and outcomes of horses with signs of colic (abdominal pain) seen 'out-of-hours' in equine practice. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of horses seen 'out-of-hours' with colic by two equine veterinary practices between 2011 and 2013. Case outcomes were categorised as 'critical' or 'not critical'. A critical outcome was defined as requiring medical or surgical hospital treatment, or resulting in euthanasia or death. A non-critical outcome was defined as resolving with simple medical treatment. A hierarchical generalised linear model was used to identify 'red flag' parameters (aspects of signalment, history and presenting clinical signs) associated with critical outcomes. RESULTS: Data were retrieved from 941 cases that presented with colic; 23.9 per cent (n=225/941) were critical. Variables significantly associated with the likelihood of a critical outcome in the final multivariable model were increased heart rate (P<0.001), age of the horse (P=0.013) and abnormal mucous membrane colour (P<0.001). Overall 18 per cent (n=168/941) of cases were euthanased. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the mortality associated with colic. The 'red flag' parameters identified should be considered an essential component of the primary assessment of horses with colic.

Risk factors for acute abdominal pain (colic) in the adult horse: A scoping review of risk factors, and a systematic review of the effect of management-related changes.

Acute abdominal pain (colic) is the most common reason for emergency veterinary treatment in the horse. Consolidation of data through a systematic review is important to inform evidence-based medicine and clinical guidelines, but there are currently no published systematic reviews on colic in the horse. The aim of this study was to identify, categorize and appraise the evidence on factors associated with increased risk of developing abdominal pain (colic) due to gastrointestinal disease in the adult horse. A scoping review was performed to identify and categorize evidence on all risk factors for colic. A systematic review of management-related risk factors was then performed following PRISMA guidelines. Both searches were conducted in Medline, CAB Abstracts and Web of Science databases, and publications were assessed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the scoping review, study and participant characteristics of included publications and key results were extracted and tabulated. For the systematic review, cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies investigating acute abdominal pain in horses within two weeks of management changes were assessed. Study characteristics, participant characteristics and study results of included publications for the systematic review were extracted and tabulated. Included publications were appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools for cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies. The scoping review search identified 3,756 publications. Fifty eight studies met final inclusion criteria, and 22 categories of risk factors were identified. These were grouped into three broad areas: horse-related factors, management-related factors and environment-related factors. The largest body of evidence related to management change. The systematic review of management change identified 410 publications: 14 met inclusion criteria for analysis. These consisted of one cohort, eight case-control and five cross-sectional studies. The studies were conducted between 1990-2008, and the majority of studies were located in the USA (8/14) or UK (3/14). The risk factors related to management change that were assessed were feed, carer, exercise, pasture, water and housing. The largest bodies of evidence for increased risk of colic associated with management change were changes in feed (5/14 publications) and recent change in housing (3/14). Most studies (8/14) did not meet the JBI criterion on confounding factors. There was marked heterogeneity of study methodologies and measures. This is the first study to use a combined scoping and systematic review to analyse evidence for modifiable risk factors for a common condition in the horse. It provides a comprehensive review that will be a key resource for researchers, veterinary practitioners and horse owners. It identified modifiable risk factors associated with an increased risk of colic which should be a key target for preventative health programmes. The findings from the critical appraisal were used to develop recommendations for future research to improve the quality of evidence-based veterinary medicine.

Acute pancreatitis and acute kidney injury in dogs.

Acute pancreatitis and acute kidney injury are well-documented comorbidities in human medicine. Dogs that develop acute kidney injury during hospitalization have significantly higher mortality rates than those that do not. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of acute kidney injury in dogs with acute pancreatitis and the prognostic value of various clinicopathological parameters. Cases of acute pancreatitis presented between January 2012 and June 2016 were identified. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was based on two or more of the following clinical signs: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting or anorexia/hyporexia, no other abdominal extra-pancreatic diseases at abdominal ultrasound, and abnormal SNAP cPL test. Diagnosis of acute kidney injury was based on the guidelines of the International Renal Interest Society. Dogs were classified into survivors and non-survivors. Serum creatinine, urea, amylase, total calcium, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein, WBC and band neutrophils were evaluated at admission. Clinical severity index was calculated at admission. Clinical and clinicopathological data were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Sixty-five dogs with acute pancreatitis were assessed. Clinical severity index≥6.5 were associated with poor outcome (P=0.0011). Serum urea and creatinine concentrations at admission were significantly lower in survivors than non-survivors (P<0.0001 and P=0.0002, respectively). Acute kidney injury was diagnosed in 17/65 dogs (26.2%) and was associated with poor outcome (P<0.0001). Oligo-anuria was associated with poor outcome (P=0.0294). Increased clinical severity index and azotemia in dogs with acute pancreatitis were associated with an increased risk of mortality. Acute kidney injury may be a comorbidity of canine acute pancreatitis. The presence of oligo-anuria is associated with poor outcome.

Renal abscesses in cats: six cases.

Case series summary Six cats were diagnosed with renal abscesses. Common clinical findings were lethargy, dehydration, abdominal pain and nephromegaly. Fever was noted in half of the cases. Diagnosis was established by ultrasonography, cytological examination and bacterial culture of abscess aspirates. At least one possible contributing factor could be identified in all cases. Antibiotics were consistently used and in two cats the abscess was surgically drained. The short-term outcome was fair but the long-term outcome was dependent on the underlying condition. Relevance and novel information The results of this small case series suggest that renal abscess should be considered when nephromegaly and/or abdominal discomfort are noted. Diagnosis of renal abscess is straightforward when ultrasonography and fine-needle aspirate analysis can be performed. Medical treatment is assumed to be preferable but surgical treatment may be warranted on a case-by-case basis. Given that almost every affected cat was diagnosed with at least one comorbidity, a thorough evaluation is recommended for all cats with renal abscesses.

Prospective study of the primary evaluation of 1016 horses with clinical signs of abdominal pain by veterinary practitioners, and the differentiation of critical and non-critical cases.

BACKGROUND: The majority of research on the evaluation of horses with colic is focused on referral hospital populations. Early identification of critical cases is important to optimise outcome and welfare. The aim of this prospective study was to survey the primary evaluation of horses with clinical signs of abdominal pain by veterinary practitioners, and compare the initial presentation of critical and non-critical cases. RESULTS: Data from 1016 primary evaluations of horses presenting with clinical signs of colic were submitted by 167 veterinary practitioners across the United Kingdom over a 13 month period. The mean age of the study population was 13.5 years (median 12.0, range 0-42). Mean heart rate on primary presentation was 47 beats/min (median 44, range 18-125), mean respiratory rate was 20 breaths/min (median 16, range 6-100), and median gastrointestinal auscultation score (0-12, minimum-maximum) was 5 (range 0-12). Clinical signs assessed using a behavioural severity score (0-17, minimum-maximum), were between 0 and 6 in 70.4 % of cases, and 7-12 for 29.6 % of cases. Rectal examination was performed in 73.8 % of cases. Cases that responded positively to simple medical treatment were categorised retrospectively as 'non-critical'; cases that required intensive medical treatment, surgical intervention, died or were euthanased were categorised as 'critical'. Eight-hundred-and-twenty-two cases met these criteria; 76.4 % were 'non-critical' and 23.6 % were 'critical'. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify features of the clinical presentation associated with critical cases. Five variables were retained in the final multivariable model: combined pain score: (OR 1.19, P < 0.001, 95 % CI 1.09-1.30), heart rate (OR 1.06, P < 0.001, 95 % CI 1.04-1.08), capillary refill time >2.5 s (OR 3.21, P = 0.046, 95 % CI 1.023-10.09), weak pulse character (OR 2.90, P = 0.004, 95 % CI 1.39-5.99) and absence of gut sounds in ≥1 quadrant (OR 3.65, P < 0.001, 95 % CI 2.08-6.41). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study comparing the primary presentation of critical and non-critical cases of abdominal pain. Pain, heart rate, gastrointestinal borborygmi and simple indicators of hypovolaemia were significant indicators of critical cases, even at the primary veterinary examination, and should be considered essential components of the initial assessment and triage of horses presenting with colic.

Colonic cyst in a cat presenting recurrent constipation and abdominal pain.

A 5-year-old domestic short-haired spayed female cat was presented for abdominal pain and suspended defecation. Abdominal radiographs confirmed constipation; abdominal ultrasonography showed a cystic oval structure attached to the colon. The structure exhibited a well-defined wall, composed of three layers. Its content was mildly echogenic and inhomogeneous. Laparotomy was performed and complete resection of the structure, and of part of the colon, was required (end-to-end anastomosis). Histopathology confirmed the structure to be a cystic formation of the colon with some areas of mucosal metaplasia. However the question whether the cystic structure was consistent with an intestinal duplication cyst - which is the most likely type of cyst in this particular case - a Meckel's diverticulum remnant, a vitelline duct cyst or a cystic diverticulum of the colon could not be resolved. Postoperatively, no further other episode of constipation occurred.

Presumptive intraperitoneal envenomation resulting in hemoperitoneum and acute abdominal pain in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome of a dog with acute abdominal pain and hemoperitoneum secondary to a presumptive intraperitoneal (IP) snakebite. CASE SUMMARY: A 10-month-old castrated male mixed-breed dog was evaluated for suspected snake envenomation. The dog presented recumbent and tachycardic with signs of severe abdominal pain. Two cutaneous puncture wounds and hemoperitoneum were discovered during evaluation. Ultrasonographic examination revealed communication of the wounds with the peritoneal cavity. The dog was treated with supportive care, parenteral analgesia, packed red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma transfusions, crotalid antivenom, and placement of an IP catheter to provide local analgesia. The dog recovered fully and was discharged 5 days after initial presentation. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: To our knowledge, this is the first report of IP envenomation accompanied by hemorrhage treated with continuous IP analgesia in the veterinary literature.

Outbreaks of canid herpesvirus 1 disease in puppies in southern Brazil / Surtos de doença por herpesvírus canino 1 em filhotes de cães no sul do Brasil

Canid herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1) is a widespread pathogen of dogs and produces infertility, abortions and severe systemic disease in young puppies. Clinical data indicate the circulation of CHV-1 among Brazilian dogs yet definitive diagnosis has rarely been accomplished. This article describes the clinicopathological findings of four independent cases/outbreaks of neonatal disease by CHV-1 in Bulldog puppies followed by virus identification and genetic characterization. Three events occurred in a kennel holding dogs of different breeds at reproductive age (March 2013, October 2013 and April 2014). Puppies from three French or English Bulldog litters, aging 9 to 30 days were affected, presenting dyspnea, agonic breathing, pale mucous, abdominal pain and tension, evolving to death within about 24 hours. At necropsy, the puppies presented necrohemorrhagic hepatitis, multifocal and moderate necrohemorrhagic nephritis and fibrinonecrotic interstitial pneumonia. Virus isolation was positive in clinical specimens from one litter and CHV-1 DNA was detected by PCR in tissues from all four cases. Virus-neutralizing assays with samples of the affected kennel revealed 9/12 adult animals with high antibody titers to CHV-1. Nucleotide sequencing of glycoprotein B, C and D genes revealed 99-100% of identity among the viruses and with CHV-1 sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses of gC sequences showed a segregation of the samples, even among three isolates from the same kennel. These findings support CHV-1 infection as the cause of disease and death in these dog litters, reinforcing the need for correct etiologic diagnosis, prevention and immunization against CHV-1 in dogs from Southern Brazil.

O herpesvírus canino (CHV-1) é um patógeno de cães que possui distribuição mundial e que causa infertilidade, abortos e doença sistêmica severa em filhotes de cães. Achados clínicos tem indicado a circulação do CHV-1 em cães no Brasil, embora o diagnóstico definitivo seja raramente determinado. Este artigo descreve os achados clinicopatológicos de quatro casos/surtos independentes de morte neonatal de filhotes de cães da raça Bulldog causados pelo CHV-1, a identificação e a caracterização genética do vírus. Três eventos ocorreram no mesmo canil que abriga animais de diferentes raças em idade reprodutiva (março de 2013, outubro de 2013 e abril de 2014). Filhotes de três ninhadas de Bulldog Francês e/ou Inglês, com idade de 9 a 30 dias, foram afetados e apresentaram dispneia, respiração agônica, mucosas pálidas, dor e tensão abdominal, que evoluíram para morte dos cães dentro de, aproximadamente, 24 horas. Na necropsia foram observados hepatite necro-hemorrágica, nefrite necro-hemorrágica multifocal e moderada e pneumonia intersticial fibrinonecrótica. O isolamento viral foi positivo em amostras clínicas de um filhote e DNA de CHV-1 foi detectado por PCR em tecidos de filhotes de todos os surtos. Teste de soroneutralização com amostras de soro de cães provenientes do canil afetado revelaram que nove de 12 animais adultos possuíam altos títulos de anticorpos para o CHV-1. Sequenciamento de nucleotídeos do gene das glicoproteínas B, C e D revelaram 99-100% de identidade entre as amostras e com as sequências de CHV-1 disponíveis no GenBank. A análise filogenética baseada na sequência do gene da glicoproteína C mostrou uma segregação das amostras, mesmo entre os três isolados de vírus provenientes do mesmo canil. Esses achados demonstram que o CHV-1 é a causa da doença e da morte dos filhotes, reforçando a necessidade do correto diagnóstico etiológico e a implementação de medidas de prevenção e imunização contra o CHV-1 em cães no sul do Brasil.