Iron metabolism and oxidative profile of dogs naturally infected by Ehrlichia canis: Acute and subclinical disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidant profile and iron metabolism in serum of dogs infected by Ehrlichia canis. Banked sera samples of dogs were divided into two groups: negative control (n = 17) and infected by E. canis on acute (n = 24), and subclinical (n = 18) phases of the disease. The eritrogram, leucogram, and platelet counts were evaluate as well as iron, ferritin, and transferrin levels, latent iron binding capacity (LIBC), and transferrin saturation index (TSI) concentration. In addition, the advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in sera were also analyzed. Blood samples were examined for the presence of E. canis by PCR techniques. History and clinical signals were recorded for each dog. During the acute phase of the disease, infected animals showed thrombocytopenia and anemia when compared to healthy animals (P < 0.05) as a consequence of lower iron levels. Ferritin and transferrin levels were higher in both phases (acute and subclinical) of the disease. The AOPP and FRAP levels increased in infected animals on the acute phase; however, the opposite occurred in the subclinical phase. We concluded that dogs naturally infected by E. canis showed changes in the iron metabolism and developed an oxidant status in consequence of disease pathophysiology.

False positivity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase measurement in urine.

Although enzymuria tends to be associated to renal injury, there are no studies that have evaluated the presence of the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) spectrophotometry in the urine using a non-nephrotoxic agent (Nerium oleander) in order to evaluate the possibility of false positive results. The urinary GGT/urinary creatinine concentration ratio (uGGT/uCr) of 10 healthy dogs was calculated and posteriorly confronted with data from clinical evaluation, hematological and serum biochemical profiles, creatinine clearance (CrC), urinalysis, urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPC), electrocardiogram, systemic blood pressure (SBP) and light and electron microscopy. The results for kidney histology, SBP, UPC and CrC were not significantly different in any of the time-points analyzed. However, uGGT/uCr was significantly higher when measured 4 hours and 24 hours after administration of N. oleander. The measurement of the urinary GGT enzyme, as performed in many studies, yielded false positive results in dogs poisoned by a non-nephrotoxic agent.

Association between post-ACTH cortisol and trilostane dosage in dogs with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism.

Trilostane is the current treatment of choice for managing pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) in dogs. While prescribing higher initial doses may elevate the risk of iatrogenic hypocortisolism, opting for more conservative approach could result in delayed disease control, since most individuals end up requiring dosage increases. The adrenocorticotrophin stimulation test (ACTHst), a widely recognized hormonal test for assessing adrenal function, is an essential tool for monitoring the pharmacological treatment of canine hypercortisolism (CH) that can also be used for diagnostic purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between post-ACTH cortisol (cpACTH) at PDH diagnosis and the required trilostane dose for sign control and endogenous cortisol regulation in dogs, considering a hypothesis that higher serum cpACTH concentration would necessitate a higher trilostane dosage for disease management. Data for 43 dogs with PDH had their diagnostic cpACTH recorded and correlated to the trilostane dosage necessary to control clinical signs and achieve satisfactory cortisol levels (ideally 2-7 µg/dL). The odds ratio (p=0.042) suggests that dogs with cpACTH ≥ 27 µg/dL at diagnosis are 96% more likely to need a higher trilostane dosage for achieving satisfactory control of PDH. Thus, cpACTH was found to be associated with the final trilostane dose for controlling PDH in dogs.

Anemia in canine chronic kidney disease is multifactorial and associated with decreased erythroid precursor cells, gastrointestinal bleeding, and systemic inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Compare erythropoiesis-related factors between different stages of canine chronic kidney disease (CKD). ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult dogs (controls), and 24 dogs with CKD, equally divided into 3 groups based on International Renal Interest Society-CKD Guidelines (stage 2, 3, and 4) were recruited between December 2012 and December 2014. METHODS: The following were assessed in all dogs and then compared between groups: bone marrow cytology, CBC, reticulocyte count, urinalysis, serum biochemistry, blood pressure, occult gastrointestinal bleeding, and serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH), erythropoietin, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interferon-γ. RESULTS: Erythropoiesis inducing and suppressing factors and the results of the bone marrow cytology of dogs in stage 2 CKD did not differ from the control group. The presence of reticulocytosis in CKD stage 2 suggests that blood loss or erythrocyte destruction might be contributing to developing anemia. Anemia in dogs with progressive CKD was associated with increasing PTH and TNFα and with elevation of the ratio of myeloid to erythroid precursor cells caused by hypoplasia of the erythroid series. The latter was represented mainly by a decrease in the population of polychromatophilic rubricytes and metarubricytes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased PTH and TNFα seem to contribute to the reduced percentage of polychromatophilic rubricytes and erythroid population, thereby aggravating the anemia of dogs with advanced CKD. Gastrointestinal blood loss contributes to anemia in all canine CKD stages.

Renal Magnesium Handling: A Comparison Between Dogs With Chronic Kidney Disease and Healthy Elderly Dogs.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and aging are known to possibly cause a progressive reduction in glomerular filtration rate, which may be associated with an increase in fractional excretion of electrolytes due to an adaptive response of the remaining functioning nephrons. However, the behavior of magnesium excretion has not been studied in CKD and healthy elderly dogs. The objective was to evaluate the fractional excretion of magnesium (FEMg) in dogs with (CKD) compared to healthy elderly dogs. Sixteen healthy elderly dogs and 43 dogs with CKD were divided into 3 groups (CKD 2 [n = 14], CKD 3 [n = 17], CKD 4 [n = 12]), in accordance with the current International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) criteria that were used in this study. Blood samples were obtained by jugular venipuncture and urine samples were obtained by cystocentesis. The FEMg was evaluated at a single time point in both urine and blood samples. FEMg was significantly higher in dogs with CKD compared to healthy elderly dogs, especially in advanced stages. This preliminary study demonstrates that FEMg may be altered in dogs with CKD. Further research is warranted to elucidate magnesium's potential role in cardiovascular and arterial calcification in dogs with CKD as observed in humans with CKD.

Renal Abnormalities Caused by Canine Distemper Virus Infection in Terminal Patients.

The aim of this study was to analyze the glomerular and tubular alterations in dogs with terminal distemper through light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. Thirteen animals with a molecular diagnosis of distemper and neurological signs were selected. As a control group, 10 clinically healthy animals with no manifestations or signs of disease and with negative tests for Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp., and Babesia sp. were included in this study. Renal tissue was evaluated by light microscopy, topochemistry for DNA/chromatin, and video image analysis to detect the nuclear phenotypes of the renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that dogs with distemper exhibited anemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and proteinuria. Creatinine in the distemper group was lower compared to the control group (p = 0.0026), but there was no significant difference in relation to urea (p = 0.9876). Although this alteration may be due to the smaller muscle mass observed in animals with distemper, it probably is not of clinical importance. Glomerular and tubular lesions were confirmed by light microscopy in 84.6% of these animals. Additional findings in the animals with distemper included deposition of different classes of immunoglobulins, particularly IgM in 92.3% of the cases, fibrinogen deposition in 69.2% of the cases as assessed by immunofluorescence, alterations in the nuclear phenotypes of the RTEC characterized by condensation of chromatin, loss of DNA and reduction in the nuclear shape, and the presence of subendothelial and mesangial electron-dense deposits. These findings confirm the existence of renal alterations related to terminal distemper.

Glomerulotubular pathology in dogs with subclinical ehrlichiosis.

Subclinical stage of ehrlichiosis is characterized by absence of clinical or laboratory alterations; however, it could lead to silent glomerular/tubular changes and contribute significantly to renal failure in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate glomerular and tubular alterations in dogs with subclinical ehrlichiosis. We evaluated renal biopsies of 14 bitches with subclinical ehrlichiosis and 11 control dogs. Samples were obtained from the left kidney, and the tissue obtained was divided for light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Abnormalities were identified by light microscopy in 92.9% of dogs with ehrlichiosis, but not in any of the dogs of the control group. Mesangial cell proliferation and synechiae (46.1%) were the most common findings, but focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and ischemic glomeruli (38.4%), focal glomerular mesangial matrix expansion (30.7%), mild to moderate interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (23%), and glomerular basement membrane spikes (23%) were also frequent in dogs with ehrlichiosis. All animals with ehrlichiosis exhibited positive immunofluorescence staining for immunoglobulins. Transmission electron microscopy from dogs with ehrlichiosis revealed slight changes such as sparse surface projections and basement membrane double contour. The subclinical phase of ehrlichiosis poses a higher risk of development of kidney damage due to the deposition of immune complexes.

Effect of phytosterols on reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in dogs.

Hyperlipidemia is described as an increase in serum and/or plasma levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, or both. This disturbance can be primary in some cases, or combined with other comorbidities such as endocrinopathies, liver diseases, or specific drug use. Among the various ways to control dyslipidemia are specific diets, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, or hypolipemiant treatment. Herbal medicine has been used in the human clinical routine to reduce cholesterol circulation. With an aim to expand its application in veterinary medicine, we analyzed the use of phytosterols in dogs as a potential alternative to control hypercholesterolemia. We performed lipidogram analysis in healthy dogs to examine the possible adverse effects during the treatment. Eight Beagle dogs received orally two 650 mg capsules of phytosterols (Collestra, Aché), for 15 consecutive d, along with the 2 usual meals. All animals remained clinically stable during the trial. There were significant alterations in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels during the trial. LDL was reduced (86.8 ± 29.89 mg/dL [D0], 74.45 ± 31.58 mg/dL [D8], and 58.91 ± 18.65 mg/dL [D15]; P = 0.0442) and HDL was elevated (83.40 ± 12.05 mg/dL [D0], 86.46 ± 13.05 mg/dL [D8], and 101.5 ± 10.52 [D15]; P = 0.0141), while total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations remained constant and within the normal range for canine species. Thus, a 1300 mg dose of phytosterols, administrated orally and fractionated along with the 2 usual meals, was capable of reducing LDL and increasing HDL concentration in healthy nondyslipidemic dogs, which makes them candidates to be included on the list of hypolipemiant drugs for clinical use in dogs with hypercholesterolemia.

Acromegaly in dogs and cats.

Acromegaly is an endocrine disease that leads to elevated production and secretion of growth hormone (GH). It can occur in adult and aged cats and is usually associated with neoplasms, such as functional pituitary macroadenoma of somatotropic cells. In dogs it is usually related to an increase in serum progesterone that induces production of GH by the mammary glands. The main clinical signs are related to insulin resistance and the anabolic effect induced by GH: polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, increased tissue growth, weight gain, prognathism, and other changes. The condition can be diagnosed from clinical signals and imaging associated to measurement of serum concentrations of GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1, also known as somatomedin C). The main therapeutic modalities are radiotherapy, hypophysectomy, and several drugs such as somatostatin analogs, dopaminergic agonists and GH receptor antagonists. The present review aims to provide a relevant animal model of acromegaly with an update on the therapeutic approach that may help clinicians to consider the GH axis-IGF-1 system, its pathogenesis and the clinical signs induced by this hormonal disorder.

Learning curve for the laparoscopy-guided kidney biopsy procedure in small corpses of dogs and pigs.

The use of renal biopsy through laparoscopy is increasingly present both in human and veterinary medicine. However, both techniques require skill and training to make the operator capable to do it. The learning curve allows the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the number of attempts and minimum time for the surgical procedure. The objective included establish the learning curve for laparoscopy-guided kidney biopsy procedures in dog and pig corpses. Six dogs and six pigs corpses weighing less than 10 kg were used for this study. All corpses underwent kidney biopsy performed through laparoscopy. Twenty-four operators, two per animal, performed 20 renal biopsies each (10 for each kidney), with 480 collection-procedures in total. Duration and difficulty of the procedure and the biopsy sample quality were evaluated and statistical analysis was performed using a mixed regression model with a random effect of individuals and multivariate analysis of data. There were 91.5% of the samples that were adequate for evaluation. There was no significant difference in the number of glomeruli or cortex percentage considering the attempts in either species, demonstrating the operator's ability since first collection. Swine samples showed higher amounts of renal cortex than canine samples. The procedure duration was shorter as more attempts were performed in dogs and pigs. From the fourth repetition, the professional reached a plateau for the variable related to 'collection', and from the second, the professional presented uniform duration for 'sample storage'. Operators of the swine model acquired more agility than the dog ones. The variable 'difficulty' decreased as more repetitions were performed, reaching a plateau in the sixth attempt. Seven renal biopsies laparoscopy-guided are required for an operator to be considered 'capable' to perform the procedure in the referred species included. The learning curve for image-guided kidney biopsy procedures improves the implementation of this technique and benefits patients that undergo this procedure.

Use of a combination of routine hematologic and biochemical test results in a logistic regression model as a diagnostic aid for the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To assess the discriminatory value for corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase (CiALP) activity and other variables that can be measured routinely on a CBC and biochemical analysis for the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. SAMPLE Medical records of 57 dogs with confirmed hypoadrenocorticism and 57 control dogs in which hypoadrenocorticism was suspected but ruled out. PROCEDURES A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Dogs were included if a CBC and complete biochemical analysis had been performed. Dogs with iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism and dogs treated previously with glucocorticoids were excluded. Cortisol concentration for dogs with hypoadrenocorticism was ≤ 2 µg/dL both before and after ACTH administration. Cortisol concentration for control dogs was > 4 µg/dL before or after ACTH administration. RESULTS Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for CiALP activity was low (0.646; 95% confidence interval, 0.494 to 0.798). Area under the ROC curve for a model that combined the CiALP activity, Na-to-K ratio, eosinophil count, activity of creatine kinase, and concentrations of SUN and albumin was high (0.994; 95% confidence interval, 0.982 to 1.000). Results for this model could be used to correctly classify all dogs, except for 1 dog with hypoadrenocorticism and no electrolyte abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CiALP activity alone cannot be used as a reliable diagnostic test for hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. Combined results for CiALP activity, Na-to-K ratio, eosinophil count, creatine kinase activity, and concentrations of SUN and albumin provided an excellent means to discriminate between hypoadrenocorticism and diseases that mimic hypoadrenocorticism.

Occult gastrointestinal bleeding is a common finding in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: The risk of occult gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is known to be increased among human dialysis patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. However, there are no studies to date that investigate the incidence of OGIB in either dogs or people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), irrespective of dialysis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine whether the incidence of OGIB is greater in dogs with CKD as compared to a control population, and if this pathology is associated with changes in serum variables related to iron metabolism. METHODS: Fecal occult bleeding was evaluated in 10 healthy dogs and 30 CKD dogs. Test results were compared to indicators of blood loss and/or iron metabolism. RESULTS: Dogs with CKD had a significantly higher incidence of OGIB than the control group (P < .0001). While 80% of dogs with stage 2 CKD did not exhibit anemia, 90% tested positive for OGIB. Similarly, subjects with stage 4 CKD had more significant blood loss than either stage 2 (P = .0071) or stage 3 CKD (P = .0385). Serum hemoglobin, transferrin, and iron concentrations in the CKD group were statistically lower than in the control group (P < .0001) and correlated with fecal occult bleeding (r = -.61; r = -.40; r = -.44, respectively), as well as serum creatinine concentrations (P < .0001, r = .64). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that OGIB is a common clinical finding among dogs with CKD, even in the early stages of the disease process. Therefore, fecal occult blood tests may be useful as an indication for gastroprotective agents in the treatment plan.

Pheochromocytoma in dogs and cats

Pheochromocytoma is a functional neoplasm that produces catecholamines, located in the medullary region of the adrenal glands. As it presents nonspeciÀ c signs, scarcity of diagnostic tools and is still associated with concomitant diseases, it may not be easily considered as a differential condition among veterinarians. This is an uncommon neoplasm that usually affects dogs, with medium to advanced age and without racial predilection, being very rare in cats. Clinical manifestations vary according to the effects of catecholamines and/or circulatory impairment due to the local invasion of the tumor into adjacent structures. In this way, systemic arterial hypertension and consequences in target organs such as the central nervous system and kidneys can be observed, in addition to ocular changes. The deÀ nitive diagnosis is given by the histopathological analysis of the excised adrenal gland. However, the increase in the serum concentration of catecholamine metabolites may contribute to the conÀ rmation of the disease. Adrenalectomy is the therapy of choice, but if this is not feasible, α and ß adrenergic blocking drugs should be used. The prognosis varies from reserved to favorable, based on surgical success and the presence of metastases.(AU)

Canine cystitis - biofilm formation by bacterial isolates

Background: Biofilms have been reported as important virulent markers associated with drug resistance in urinary tractinfections (UTIs) in humans and dogs. However, in veterinary medicine, researches involving biofilm formation, treatments and preventions have been limited; yet, it is still possible to find few studies demonstrating biofilm-forming bacteriaassociated with different comorbidities such as otitis, wound infections, UTIs, and endometritis. These studies generallyselect dogs with chronic and recurrent infections, which could be an important factor in antibiotic resistance. We aimed toevaluate biofilms in sporadic cystitis regarding prevalence and drug resistance.Materials, Methods & Results: Urine samples were collected by cystocentesis from 36 client-owned dogs under clinicaland laboratory suspicion of non-recurrent urinary bladder infection (cystitis). Urine was aseptically plated onto bloodagar, MacConkey, and CLED, followed by incubation for 24 to 48 h. Definitive identification of a potential pathogen wasmade by subculture collected from an isolated colony to obtain a pure culture. The gram staining method and specificbiochemical tests (phenol red fermentation, lysine, phenylalanine, citrate, sulfide-indole-motility, and urease) were usedto distinguish and classify the bacteria. After identification, the bacteria were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by astandard disk diffusion method, using the following antimicrobials: amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, ampicillin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, cefazolin, cephalothin, erythromycin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, and sulfamethoxazoletrimethoprim. The biofilm-forming ability was determined based on a culture...

Juvenile panhypopituitarism in a dog - what are the therapeutic challenges?

Background: Juvenile panhypopituitarism is an endocrinopathy that affects young dogs and must be differentiated from other causes of height disorders, as one could have a deficiency of one or more adenohypophysis hormones, besides growth hormone. Diagnosis consists of excluding endocrine and non-endocrine causes. Treatment requires administration of heterologous porcine growth hormone or progestins, as well as supplementing other hormones that are deficient in the circulation. The prognosis for these patients tends to be unfavorable and they have a shorter life expectancy. The present case aimed to report the therapeutic challenges in a dog diagnosed with juvenile panhypopituitarism. Case: This study presents the case of a 6-month-old crossbred Labrador/Brazilian Fila dog, not neutered, 6.7 kg of body weight (body condition score 5/9), with a growth disorder and persistence of the puppy coat, when compared to other members of the same litter. During inspection, it was possible to observe an undersized dog and soft puppy coat, besides no bone irregularities or joint tenderness was noted. The other physical examination parameters were within the normal range for the species. No changes in complete blood count and only increases in urea, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase activity were observed. Thyroid and abdominal ultrasound (US) examination did not reveal any remarkable changes. After serum dosage of insulin-like growth factor, thyroxine, thyrostimulating hormone, and cortisol, the patient was diagnosed with juvenile panhypopituitarism and underwent therapy with medroxyprogesterone and thyroid hormone supplementation. Monitoring was instituted at intervals of 3, 6, and 12 weeks, and currently every 3 or 4 months and the IGF-1 values normalized after 6 months with. After 8 months of therapy, the patient had good body growth and bone mineralization compared to the time of diagnosis. However, skeletal development was completed only 12 months after hormone replacement, accompanied by the presence of vertebral osteophytes and coxofemoral osteoarticular alterations. Considering chronic use of progestins, ovariosalpingohysterectomy (OSH) was recommended, but for personal reasons, the owners chose to do not submit her to surgery. After 18 months of treatment, the dog starts to exhibit prostration, selective appetite, and increased abdominal volume. After imaging exam, she was forwarded for OSH, due to consistent findings of pyometra. Subsequently, even the supervision of possible comorbidities involved in the chronic use of progestins was maintained at half-yearly intervals, the bitch returned to the service with skin thickening, increased limb volume, and macroglossia after 60 months of therapy. At this point IGF-1 values were higher when compared to the previous measurements and the application of medroxyprogesterone was suspended. Its supplementation was reintroduced only after 8 months when IGF-1 was significantly reduced. To date, the patient is close to 6 years of age and with a good quality of life. Discussion: The greatest therapeutic challenge for these patients involves dealing with the adverse effects of progestins, mainly related to reproductive disorders and alopecia at the application site, as well as maintaining adequate hormone replacement in order to avoid hypersomatotropism. Although longevity is lower in these individuals, the patient in this report has achieved 6 years of age and has had an excellent quality of life so far.

Prevalence of Glomerulopathies in Canine Mammary Carcinoma.

The incidence and prevalence of paraneoplastic glomerulopathy, especially associated with carcinoma, are a matter of debate and the causal link between cancer and glomerular diseases remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate renal biopsies of selected bitches with spontaneous mammary gland carcinoma. We hypothesized that dogs with mammary carcinomas would show histologic evidence of glomerular pathology. A prospective study was performed in dogs with naturally occurring mammary carcinoma that were undergoing tumor resection and ovariohysterectomy. We evaluated renal biopsies of 32 bitches with spontaneous mammary gland carcinoma and 11 control dogs without mammary gland neoplasia. Samples were obtained from the left kidney and the biopsy material was divided for light microscopy (LM), immunofluorescence (IF) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Light microscopy abnormalities were identified in 78.1% of dogs with mammary carcinoma (n = 25) and in none of the dogs in the control group. Focal glomerular mesangial matrix expansion was the most common alteration (n = 15, 60.0%), but mesangial cell proliferation (n = 9, 36.0%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 9, 36.0%), synechiae (n = 7, 28.0%), and globally sclerotic glomeruli (n = 6, 24.0%) were also frequent in dogs with malignancy. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed strong IgM staining was demonstrated in 64.3% (n = 18) of carcinoma dogs. Transmission electron microscopy from dogs with carcinoma revealed slight changes, the most frequent of which was faint sub-endothelial and mesangial deposits of electron-dense material (78%). Mesangial cell interpositioning and segmental effacement of podocyte foot processes were identified in some specimens (45%). Changes in the glomerulus and proteinuria are common in dogs with naturally occurring mammary carcinoma and this condition appears to provide an excellent large animal model for cancer-associated glomerulopathy in humans.

Lymphoplasmacytic hemorrhagic cystitis in dog: case report / Cistite hemorrágica linfoplasmocitária em cão: relato de caso

Hematuria is a relatively common manifestation in dogs and cats when secondary with urinary tract disorders, such as bacterial cystitis and urolithiasis, your treatment is limited to treatment of the primary cause. However, when the hematuria is persistent or capable of causing significant haematological disorders, other causes less common should to be investigated. A 12-year-old, male pit bull dog, was admitted presenting intense hematuria for the last 10 days. Laboratory tests showed intense normocytic and normochromic anemia, hypoalbuminemia and albuminuria associated with intense hematuria. The ultrasound images reveled presence of structures compatible with blood clots and increased wall thickness and irregularity of urinary bladder. The bladder wash cytology suggested chronic cystitis. Due to results of de laboratory tests and bladder US images, started treatment which antibiotic therapy associated with blood transfusions were maintained until histopathology results. During the biopsy surgery it was observed The bladder wall was thicker and richly vascularized, with normal elasticity and absence of masses or polyps on the inner and outer wall. Histopathological examination revealed thickening of the muscular layer, hemorrhage and diffuse hyperemia between muscle fibers and lamina propria, intact and ruptured capillaries filled with red blood cells, and a discrete multifoc

A hematúria é uma manifestação relativamente comum em cães e gatos quando secundária a distúrbios do trato urinário, tais como cistite bacteriana e urolitíase, sendo seu tratamento limitado à eliminação da causa primária. Entretanto, quando a hematúria é persistente ou capaz de causar distúrbios hematológicos significativos, outras causas menos comuns devem ser investigadas. Um cão, pit bull, macho de 12 anos de idade deu entrada no Hospital Veterinário da xxx com queixa principal de acentuado sangramento urinário há 10 dias. Os exames laboratoriais mostraram anemia normocítica e normo-crômica e hipoalbuminemia, associadas à proteinúria e hematúria intensa. As imagens ultrassonográficas revelaram à presença de estruturas compatíveis com coágulos sanguíneos e aumento da espessura e irregularidade da parede da bexiga, e a citologia do lavado vesical sugeriu cistite crônica. Com os resultados dos exames laboratoriais e de imagem, iniciaram-se os tratamentos com antibioticoterapia associados às transfusões sanguíneas, e o animal foi encaminhado para a biopsia de bexiga. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, observou-se que a parede vesical apresentava-se espessa e ricamente vascularizada, com elasticidade normal e ausência de massas ou pólipos nas faces interna e externa. O exame histopatológico revelou tratar-se de cistite hemor-rágica linfoplasmocitária, uma doença rara e muito agressiva, a qual apresenta descrições semelhantes em seres humanos, mas ainda não descrita em cães.

Lymphoplasmacytic hemorrhagic cystitis in dog: case report / Cistite hemorrágica linfoplasmocitária em cão: relato de caso

Hematuria is a relatively common manifestation in dogs and cats when secondary with urinary tract disorders, such as bacterial cystitis and urolithiasis, your treatment is limited to treatment of the primary cause. However, when the hematuria is persistent or capable of causing significant haematological disorders, other causes less common should to be investigated. A 12-year-old, male pit bull dog, was admitted presenting intense hematuria for the last 10 days. Laboratory tests showed intense normocytic and normochromic anemia, hypoalbuminemia and albuminuria associated with intense hematuria. The ultrasound images reveled presence of structures compatible with blood clots and increased wall thickness and irregularity of urinary bladder. The bladder wash cytology suggested chronic cystitis. Due to results of de laboratory tests and bladder US images, started treatment which antibiotic therapy associated with blood transfusions were maintained until histopathology results. During the biopsy surgery it was observed The bladder wall was thicker and richly vascularized, with normal elasticity and absence of masses or polyps on the inner and outer wall. Histopathological examination revealed thickening of the muscular layer, hemorrhage and diffuse hyperemia between muscle fibers and lamina propria, intact and ruptured capillaries filled with red blood cells, and a discrete multifoc

A hematúria é uma manifestação relativamente comum em cães e gatos quando secundária a distúrbios do trato urinário, tais como cistite bacteriana e urolitíase, sendo seu tratamento limitado à eliminação da causa primária. Entretanto, quando a hematúria é persistente ou capaz de causar distúrbios hematológicos significativos, outras causas menos comuns devem ser investigadas. Um cão, pit bull, macho de 12 anos de idade deu entrada no Hospital Veterinário da xxx com queixa principal de acentuado sangramento urinário há 10 dias. Os exames laboratoriais mostraram anemia normocítica e normo-crômica e hipoalbuminemia, associadas à proteinúria e hematúria intensa. As imagens ultrassonográficas revelaram à presença de estruturas compatíveis com coágulos sanguíneos e aumento da espessura e irregularidade da parede da bexiga, e a citologia do lavado vesical sugeriu cistite crônica. Com os resultados dos exames laboratoriais e de imagem, iniciaram-se os tratamentos com antibioticoterapia associados às transfusões sanguíneas, e o animal foi encaminhado para a biopsia de bexiga. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, observou-se que a parede vesical apresentava-se espessa e ricamente vascularizada, com elasticidade normal e ausência de massas ou pólipos nas faces interna e externa. O exame histopatológico revelou tratar-se de cistite hemor-rágica linfoplasmocitária, uma doença rara e muito agressiva, a qual apresenta descrições semelhantes em seres humanos, mas ainda não descrita em cães.(AU)

Butyrylcholinesterase as a marker of inflammation and liver injury in the acute and subclinical phases of canine ehrlichiosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) as a marker of inflammation and liver injury in the acute and subclinical phases of canine ehrlichiosis. Forty-two serum samples of dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis were used, of which 24 were from animals with the acute phase of the disease and 18 with subclinical disease. In addition, sera from 17 healthy dogs were used as negative controls. The hematocrit, BChE activity, hepatic injury (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), nitric oxide, and cytokines levels were evaluated. The BChE activity was significantly elevated (P<0.05) in dogs with the acute phase of the disease when compared to healthy animals. However, there was a reduction on BChE activity on dogs with subclinical disease compared to the other two groups. AST and ALT levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the acute phase, as well as the inflammatory mediators (NOx, TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-4, IL-6) when compared to the control group. On the other hand, IL-10 levels were lower in the acute phase. Based on these results, we are able to conclude that the acute infection caused by E. canis in dogs leads to an increase on seric BChE activity and some inflammatory mediators. Therefore, this enzyme might be used as a marker of acute inflammatory response in dogs naturally infected by this bacterium.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory response biomarkers in dogs with mammary carcinoma.

Mammary carcinoma is the most common cancer that affects dogs, and in many cases it leads to death. Thus, given the importance of this disease, to clarify its pathogenesis is an important measure. In this sense, the aim of this study was to investigate the levels of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), oxidative and antioxidant status, as well as the activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in dogs diagnosed with mammary carcinoma. With this purpose, thirty-three (33) serum samples from female dogs with histopathological diagnosis of mammary carcinoma, without evidence of metastasis, were used (group B). The material was classified based on the degree of malignancy, as follows: subgroup B1 (low-grade malignancy; n=26) and subgroup B2 (high grade of malignancy; n=7). Serum samples from healthy females (group A; n=10) were used as negative control. Our results showed that levels of cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-1, and IL-6), NOx (nitrite/nitrate), AOPP (protein oxidation), and FRAP (antioxidant power) were significantly (P<0.05) increased in dogs with mammary carcinoma (group B), when compared with group A. On the other hand, ADA activity was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in both subgroups B1 and B2, when compared with group A. BChE activity, however, was reduced (P<0.05) only in subgroup B2 when compared with group A and subgroup B1. Unlike other variables, NO, AOPP, and IFN-γ were influenced by the degree of tumor malignancy, i.e., their levels were even higher in subgroup B2. Therefore, based on these results, we can conclude that all variables investigated are related to the pathogenesis of this disease, since they were altered in dogs with mammary tumor. Additionally, we suggest that ADA activity had an anti-inflammatory effect on these tumor samples, probably in order to modulate the inflammatory response.