Lack of serological and molecular evidences of Zika virus circulation in non-human primates in three states from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in 1947 with the virus isolation from Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) in Uganda forest, Africa. Old World Primates are involved in a sylvatic cycle of maintenance of this arbovirus, however a limited knowledge about the role of New World primates in ZIKV transmission cycles has been established. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to investigate the presence of enzootic circulation of ZIKV in New World Primates from three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraíba, and Paraná. METHODS: We analyzed 100 non-human primate samples collected in 2018 and 2020 from free-ranging and captive environments from São Paulo (six municipalities belonging to Sorocaba region), Paraíba (João Pessoa municipality), and Paraná (Foz do Iguaçu municipality) using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase reaction (RT-qPCR) assays, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). FINDINGS: All samples (n = 141) tested negative for the presence of ZIKV genome from tissue and blood samples. In addition, all sera (n = 58) from Foz do Iguaçu' non-human primates (NHPs) were negative in serological assays. MAIN CONCLUSION: No evidence of ZIKV circulation (molecular and serological) was found in neotropical primates. In addition, the absence of antibodies against ZIKV suggests the absence of previous viral exposure of NHPs from Foz do Iguaçu-PR.

Determination of baseline values for routine ophthalmic tests in bearded capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus).

BACKGROUND: Establish baseline values for ophthalmic diagnostic tests in Sapajus libidinosus. METHODS: Ophthalmic diagnostic tests, namely Schirmer tear test 1 (STT-1), intraocular pressure (IOP), B-mode ultrasound, culture of the bacterial conjunctival microbiota, and conjunctival exfoliative cytology, were performed in 15 S. libidinosus. RESULTS: Mean values found were as follows: 2.50 ± 2.94 mm/min for the STT-1; 13.3 ± 3.32 mm Hg for the IOP; 2.47 ± 0.41 mm for the depth of the anterior chamber; 2.86 ± 0.96 mm for the axial length of the lens; 10.97 ± 0.48 mm for the depth of the vitreous chamber; and 16.32 ± 1.24 mm for the axial length of the eyeball. The bacterial genus most frequently found was Staphylococcus spp. Conjunctival cytology showed intermediate epithelial, squamous superficial epithelial, and keratinized cells. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of baseline values for eye measurements and ophthalmic tests will assist in the diagnosis of eye diseases in S. libidinosus monkeys.

Poisonings in ruminants by Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) Gagnon & G.P.Lewis (Fabaceae): A mini-review of teratogenic potential and phytochemical evidence.

Teratogenic plants can be found in pastures in different parts of the world and represent a threat to the reproduction of ruminants. In the northeast region of Brazil, several studies have indicated that Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) Gagnon & G.P.Lewis is one of the main poisonous plants that causes reproductive problems in sheep and goats. In this context, the present study reviewed spontaneous and experimental poisonings reports by C. pyramidale in sheep and goats, as well as analyzing the phytochemical evidence related to this species. The scientific documents were retrieved from different databases and, after applying the selection criteria, a total of 16 articles published between 2000 and 2024 were included in this review. Cenostigma pyramidale causes embryonic loss, abortion, and congenital malformations in pregnant sheep and goats in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The main malformations observed in newborn animals are arthrogryposis, scoliosis, micrognathia, multiple skull deformities, cleft palate, and brachygnathism. Many secondary metabolites have already been isolated from C. pyramidale, however, to date, no evidence has been found regarding the possible teratogenic compounds that occur in this plant. From this perspective, new phytochemical studies are necessary to help unravel the mechanisms of action of embryotoxic agents from C. pyramidale.

Overview of T-2 Toxin Enterotoxicity: From Toxic Mechanisms and Detoxification to Future Perspectives.

Fusarium species produce a secondary metabolite known as T-2 toxin, which is the primary and most harmful toxin found in type A trichothecenes. T-2 toxin is widely found in food and grain-based animal feed and endangers the health of both humans and animals. T-2 toxin exposure in humans and animals occurs primarily through food administration; therefore, the first organ that T-2 toxin targets is the gut. In this overview, the research progress, toxicity mechanism, and detoxification of the toxin T-2 were reviewed, and future research directions were proposed. T-2 toxin damages the intestinal mucosa and destroys intestinal structure and intestinal barrier function; furthermore, T-2 toxin disrupts the intestinal microbiota, causes intestinal flora disorders, affects normal intestinal metabolic function, and kills intestinal epidermal cells by inducing oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis. The primary harmful mechanism of T-2 toxin in the intestine is oxidative stress. Currently, selenium and plant extracts are mainly used to exert antioxidant effects to alleviate the enterotoxicity of T-2 toxin. In future studies, the use of genomic techniques to find upstream signaling molecules associated with T-2 enterotoxin toxicity will provide new ideas for the prevention of this toxicity. The purpose of this paper is to review the progress of research on the intestinal toxicity of T-2 toxin and propose new research directions for the prevention and treatment of T-2 toxin toxicity.

Canine Leishmaniosis Associated with Acute Pleural Effusion and Sudden Death in a Dog.

A two-year-old female crossbreed dog, previously a stray with no known owner, was adopted and subsequently spayed. The dog exhibited weight loss over a period of two months and died suddenly during a leashed walk. Upon necropsy, enlargement of the submandibular, prescapular, and popliteal lymph nodes was noted. The intrathoracic cavity contained a substantial volume of yellowish-white fluid. Lymph nodes in the mediastinal and ventral thoracic centers were also enlarged, hemorrhagic, and friable. Microscopic examination revealed significant architectural changes in the lymph nodes, characterized by a pronounced cellular infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes and histiocytes, along with macrophages containing intracytoplasmic Leishmania amastigotes. Immunohistochemical analysis of the lymph nodes confirmed positive staining for Leishmania amastigotes. This case represents the first report of canine leishmaniasis associated with acute pleural effusion and sudden death.

Mineral profile and histopathological findings in the liver of white-lipped frog (Leptodactylidae) from the morphoclimatic domain of the Caatingas, Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate the mineral profile and histopathological findings in the liver of Leptodactylus macrosternum (white-lipped frog) and to assess the association between melanomacrophage areas and hepatic fungal granuloma with several factors such as weight, snout-cloacal length, sex, hepatosomatic index, season (dry and rainy), and condition factor K. A total of 135 frogs of different ages were collected from three areas in the city of Petrolina, Pernambuco, with varying land use (conventional agriculture, organic agriculture, and Caatinga stricto sensu). The liver of all specimens exhibited changes such as granulomatous lesions, inflammatory cell infiltrate, blood vessel congestion, and sinusoid dilation. The melanomacrophage areas were influenced by weight, snout-cloacal length, and hepatosomatic index. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between body size (weight and snout-cloacal length) and melanomacrophage/hepatic granuloma, while the hepatosomatic index showed a negative relationship. For the condition factor K, only age presents relationship. Eleven elements were quantified for the mineral profile, with aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) being the most abundant in both liver and muscle. Although the histopathological findings and mineral profile of the liver and muscle in this study indicate an effect on the health of L. macrosternum in different collection areas, confirming the relationship between environmental characteristics and these findings requires future studies. Furthermore, long-term studies would be necessary to allow the monitoring of all stages of development of these populations, from tadpoles to adults, for a better evaluation of these effects in L. macrosternum.

Poisoning in ruminants caused by species of the genus Cestrum L. (Solanaceae) in Brazil: A review of toxicological and phytochemical evidence.

Some plant species of the genus Cestrum L. (Solanaceae family) are known to cause poisoning in farming animals in Brazil, negatively affecting the livestock sector. In this context, this study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the Cestrum species that cause poisoning in ruminants in Brazil and to list the main phytochemicals involved in these toxic activities that have already been identified. Scientific documents were retrieved in Google Scholar, PubMed®, ScienceDirect®, and SciELO databases. After applying the inclusion criteria, a total of 38 articles published between 1920 and 2023 were included in the present study. Cestrum axillare Vell. [Syn. Cestrum laevigatum Schltdl.], Cestrum corymbosum Schltdl., Cestrum intermedium Sendtn., and Cestrum parqui L'Hér. were found to have reported cases of poisoning in the Northeast, Southeast, and South of Brazil. Natural poisonings in ruminants caused by these species have been recorded in ten Brazilian states, mostly in Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Pernambuco. In general, Cestrum species cause liver damage and a clinical-pathological state characterized by acute liver failure of the poisoned animals. Cattle are more susceptible to poisoning by these plants, but there are reports of poisoning by C. axillare in goats and buffaloes as well. Several chemical constituents were identified in C. axillare and C. parqui, including some saponins and terpenoids that may be associated with the cases of poisoning. However, only one chemical compound has been identified in C. intermedium, and no phytochemical investigation has been carried out regarding toxic compounds in C. corymbosum. It is expected that future studies fill the gap in determining the toxic principles present in these species.

Effect of diets containing commercial bioactive compounds on Salmonella Heidelberg infection in broiler chicks.

Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) is responsible for economic losses in poultry farming and food infections in humans and is a serious public health problem. Recently, there has been an increase in the frequency of isolation of this serotype in batches of broilers raised in Brazil. It is necessary to find new ways to help control this pathogen. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets containing the compound Original XPC, which is a prebiotic-like fermented compound (PFC), and/or Sangrovit, which is a sanguinarine-based phytobiotic (SAN), on SH infection in broiler chicks. For this purpose, SH colonization in the cecum and its invasion into the spleen and liver were evaluated, as were the histopathological changes caused in these organs. The lowest cecal SH counts were observed in birds that ingested SAN, followed by those fed PFC (P < 0.05), with no added effect when the two bioproducts were used together (SAN + PFC). The mean SH and liver spleen counts did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). In general, birds from all groups challenged with SH showed similar macroscopic changes, such as hemorrhagic areas, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly, such changes being more intense in the infected control group. The microscopic changes observed in the liver included hepatocyte congestion, heterophil infiltration in the sinusoid capillaries, areas of necrosis, and mononuclear inflammation. In the cecum, heterophilic infiltrate and thickening of the lamina propria were observed. In the ileum, the most common changes were congestion and thickening of the lamina propria and atrophy of the villi and crypts. The microscopic changes were less intense in the supplemented birds than the infected control group, and those supplemented with SAN developed the least changes. As ideal conditions for histomorphometric parameters of the ileum, the villus:crypt ratio in birds should be high, the villi should be long, and the crypts should be shallow. In the present study, higher mean heights and villus areas were observed in uninfected control and SAN group birds, and the crypt depth was lower in birds in the negative control group. The lowest villus:crypt ratio was observed in the birds of the infected control group. Although additional studies are needed, the preliminary results of the current investigation indicated that the addition of bioproducts, especially SAN, to the diet of birds helped to control SH infection, reducing its count in the cecum and improving overall and intestinal health.

Inorganic nitrate and nitrite ameliorate kidney fibrosis by restoring lipid metabolism via dual regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase and the AKT-PGC1α pathway.

BACKGROUND: Renal fibrosis, associated with oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, contributes to the development of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. As major energy source in maintaining renal physiological functions, tubular epithelial cells with decreased fatty acid oxidation play a key role in renal fibrosis development. Inorganic nitrate, found in high levels in certain vegetables, can increase the formation and signaling by bioactive nitrogen species, including NO, and dampen oxidative stress. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic value of inorganic nitrate treatment on development of kidney fibrosis and investigated underlying mechanisms including regulation of lipid metabolism in tubular epithelial cells. METHODS: Inorganic nitrate was supplemented in a mouse model of complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced fibrosis. Inorganic nitrite was applied in transforming growth factor ß-induced pro-fibrotic cells in vitro. Metformin was administrated as a positive control. Fibrosis, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism were evaluated. RESULTS: Nitrate treatment boosted the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, which ameliorated UUO-induced renal dysfunction and fibrosis in mice, represented by improved glomerular filtration and morphological structure and decreased renal collagen deposition, pro-fibrotic marker expression, and inflammation. In human proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK-2), inorganic nitrite treatment prevented transforming growth factor ß-induced pro-fibrotic changes. Mechanistically, boosting the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway promoted AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, improved AKT-mediated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α (PGC1α) activity and restored mitochondrial function. Accordingly, treatment with nitrate (in vivo) or nitrite (in vitro) decreased lipid accumulation, which was associated with dampened NADPH oxidase activity and mitochondria-derived oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that inorganic nitrate and nitrite treatment attenuates the development of kidney fibrosis by targeting oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Underlying mechanisms include modulation of AMPK and AKT-PGC1α pathways.

Phytochemistry and poisoning in ruminants by Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae): A systematic review.

Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae) is a plant widely distributed in several regions of Brazil, occurring in the phytogeographic domains of Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga. Cases of serious poisoning in cattle, goats, and sheep in the country caused by the ingestion of beans of this species have been reported by several studies. The present work aimed to carry out a systematic review of cases of poisoning by E. contortisiliquum in ruminants and list the main chemical compounds isolated from this plant. For this, searches were performed in the Google Academic, PubMed®, ScienceDirect®, and SciELO databases. A total of 26 articles published in the last 20 years (2001-2021) were included. Studies on cases of natural and experimental poisoning indicate that this species mainly causes photosensitization, abortions, digestive problems, and acute ruminal lactic acidosis in animals that ingest the pods of the plant. The main chemical compounds that occur in the species belong to the triterpene saponins, monoterpene, phenylpropene, and triterpene classes. It is likely that triterpene saponins isolated from E. contortisiliquum are associated with reported cases of photosensitization in cattle. New studies must be conducted to assess the mechanisms of action of chemical compounds isolated from this species in in vivo systems.

Renovascular effects of inorganic nitrate following ischemia-reperfusion of the kidney.

BACKGROUND: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is associated with oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity and increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). New strategies that restore redox balance may have therapeutic implications during AKI and associated complications. AIM: To investigate the therapeutic value of boosting the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway during development of IR-induced renal and cardiovascular dysfunction. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 J mice were given sodium nitrate (10 mg/kg, i. p) or vehicle 2 h prior to warm ischemia of the left kidney (45 min) followed by sodium nitrate supplementation in the drinking water (1 mmol/kg/day) for the following 2 weeks. Blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate were measured and blood and kidneys were collected and used for biochemical and histological analyses as well as renal vessel reactivity studies. Glomerular endothelial cells exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation, with or without angiotensin II, were used for mechanistic studies. RESULTS: IR was associated with reduced renal function and slightly elevated blood pressure, in combination with renal injuries, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, increased Ang II levels and Ang II-mediated vasoreactivity, which were all ameliorated by nitrate. Moreover, treatment with nitrate (in vivo) and nitrite (in vitro) restored NO bioactivity and reduced mitochondrial oxidative stress and injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Acute treatment with inorganic nitrate prior to renal ischemia may serve as a novel therapeutic approach to prevent AKI and CKD and associated risk of developing cardiovascular dysfunction.

Diffuse Alopecia and Thyroid Atrophy in Sheep.

Thyroid dysfunction substantially affects the quality of life due to its association with various disorders in different organs. A low intake of selenium and zinc can predispose to thyroid alterations, resulting in hypothyroidism. A deficiency of selenium and zinc causes direct and indirect skin lesions, both by the action of free radicals on the skin and by thyroid dysfunction. The aim of this study was to describe natural cases of diffuse alopecia and thyroid abnormalities in sheep with selenium and zinc deficiency. Five adult sheep presented marked and diffuse alopecia, and the residual hairs were dry and brittle. The skin was thick and crusty, with marked peeling. The triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) serum concentrations were below reference values for the species. Zinc and Se concentrations were low in both the serum and liver. During necropsy, cachexia associated with serous fat atrophy was observed, and the thyroid glands showed marked atrophy. Microscopically, the thyroid presented multifocal to coalescent atrophy, with atrophied and dilated follicles, macrophage infiltration, and the presence of fibrous connective tissue. The skin revealed hyperkeratosis and edema. It is concluded that thyroid atrophy, alopecia, and hyperkeratosis are associated with low serum and liver concentrations of zinc and selenium in sheep.

Effects of chronic dietary nitrate supplementation on longevity, vascular function and cancer incidence in rats.

RATIONALE: Dietary nitrate and nitrite have a notoriously bad reputation because of their proposed association with disease, in particular cancer. However, more recent lines of research have challenged this dogma suggesting that intake of these anions also possess beneficial effects after in vivo conversion to the vital signaling molecule nitric oxide. Such effects include improvement in cardiovascular, renal and metabolic function, which is partly mediated via reduction of oxidative stress. A recent study even indicates that low dose of dietary nitrite extends life span in fruit flies. METHODS: In this study, 200 middle-aged Wistar rats of both sexes were supplemented with nitrate or placebo in the drinking water throughout their remaining life and we studied longevity, biochemical markers of disease, vascular reactivity along with careful determination of the cause of death. RESULTS: Dietary nitrate did not affect life span or the age-dependent changes in markers of oxidative stress, kidney and liver function, or lipid profile. Ex vivo examination of vascular function, however, showed improvements in endothelial function in rats treated with nitrate. Neoplasms were not more common in the nitrate group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that chronic treatment with dietary nitrate does not affect life span in rats nor does it increase the incidence of cancer. In contrast, vascular function was improved by nitrate, possibly suggesting an increase in health span.

Leptospira interrogans infection of southern tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla, Linnaeus, 1758) in Brazil.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance caused by an obligate aerobic spirochaete that infects a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. Natural hosts are asymptomatic or show moderate signs of the disease. Accidental hosts develop a severe, often lethal, form of the disease. All young southern tamanduas died suddenly at the zoo in the city of João Pessoa, Brazil. The animals were found dead without any noticeable clinical signs. Necropsy revealed extensive haemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissues, kidneys, lungs in addition to the presence of red fluid in the thoracic, abdominal and pericardial cavities. Histopathology of kidneys exhibited acute interstitial nephritis and tubular necrosis. Immunohistochemical staining revealed typical leptospiral wavy forms and aggregates in the lumen of several kidney tubules and lungs. Pathological and molecular investigations confirmed Leptospira interrogans infection. The adult tamanduas did not present with clinical alterations. To our knowledge, this investigation is the first study to report that leptospirosis should be considered as a possible cause of death in tamanduas. This article warns of the risks of anthropization with respect to Leptospira transmission to tamanduas, other animals and humans.

Primary photosensitization and contact dermatitis caused by Malachra fasciata Jacq. N.V. (Malvaceae) in sheep.

Farmers from Paraiba state, Northeast Brazil, claim that Malachra fasciata causes cutaneous lesions in sheep. To test its toxicity the plant was harvested daily and fed ad libitum for 21 days to 3 sheep as the sole food source (# 1-3). An additional sheep (# 4) was maintained as a control. Cutaneous lesions of photosensitization initiated after 7 days and increased continuously over the next 21 days. The dose ingested varied between 129 g/kg to 175 g/kg. Alopecia, hyperemia and crusting were observed in the animals. On day 22, sheep 3 was euthanized. At necropsy, no gross or microscopic alterations were observed in the liver. Skin biopsies were performed in the remaining animals Histopathology of skin of the three sheep included acanthosis, orthokeratosis, and multifocal infiltration by lymphocytes, eosinophils and plasma cells around blood vessels and appendages in the dermis. The Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon was observed in the dermis of sheep 2, due probably by contact dermatitis. After the end of administration Sheep 1 and 2 were protected from sunlight and the lesions regressed within two weeks. This experiment indicates that M. fasciata causes primary photosensitization and contact dermatitis in sheep.

Poisoning in goats by the monofluoracetate-containing plant Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae).

The epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of a spontaneous outbreak of Palicourea aeneofusca poisoning in goats are reported. The main clinical signs were motor incoordination, generalized muscle tremors, broad-based posture, tachypnea, tachycardia, vocalization and respiratory distress. Two goats died 5 and 20 min after the observation of the first clinical signs. Another that was found recumbent died 80 h later. One goat with mild clinical signs recovered. Congestion and hemorrhages were observed macroscopically and histologically in most organs. Pulmonary edema was also observed. The main microscopic findings consisted of cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis of the renal tubular epithelium. The average concentration of monofluoroacetate obtained in sixteen samples of P. aeneofusca was 0.29 ± 0.17%. It is concluded that P. aeneofusca is toxic to goats under natural conditions.

Lack of serological and molecular evidences of Zika virus circulation in non-human primates in three states from Brazil

BACKGROUND Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in 1947 with the virus isolation from Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) in Uganda forest, Africa. Old World Primates are involved in a sylvatic cycle of maintenance of this arbovirus, however a limited knowledge about the role of New World primates in ZIKV transmission cycles has been established. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to investigate the presence of enzootic circulation of ZIKV in New World Primates from three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraíba, and Paraná. METHODS We analyzed 100 non-human primate samples collected in 2018 and 2020 from free-ranging and captive environments from São Paulo (six municipalities belonging to Sorocaba region), Paraíba (João Pessoa municipality), and Paraná (Foz do Iguaçu municipality) using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase reaction (RT-qPCR) assays, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). FINDINGS All samples (n = 141) tested negative for the presence of ZIKV genome from tissue and blood samples. In addition, all sera (n = 58) from Foz do Iguaçu' non-human primates (NHPs) were negative in serological assays. MAIN CONCLUSION No evidence of ZIKV circulation (molecular and serological) was found in neotropical primates. In addition, the absence of antibodies against ZIKV suggests the absence of previous viral exposure of NHPs from Foz do Iguaçu-PR.

Clinical, sonographic and anatomopathological aspects of ovarian teratoma in a heifer / Aspectos clínicos, ultrassonográficos e anatomopatológicos do teratoma ovariano em uma novilha

Teratomas rarely occur in domestic species, especially in cattle. These tumors originate in fetal life and are characterized by rapid growth, which justifies their frequent detection in young animals. This study reported a case of ovarian teratoma in a heifer. On physical examination, the main signs identified were apathy, abdominal distention and tension, empty rumen, and mushy diarrhea. During rectal palpation, a mass was identified in the pelvic region, which was suggestive of cysts on ultrasound examination. The animal underwent laparotomy, followed by euthanasia due to a poor prognosis. At necropsy, a 54 x 43 x 52 cm (length x width x thickness) tumor was observed in the right ovary with multiple cystic areas, in addition to masses associated with multiple adhesions of the intestinal loops and peritonitis. On histopathology, muscle, cartilage, bone, nervous and epithelial tissue, glands, hair with follicles, were identified in the affected ovary. There was mixed inflammation and foci of necrosis observed with a complete absence of ovarian architecture in both the ovaries. Infiltrations were identified in the lymph nodes and mesenteric vessels. Glandular ducts were seen from the serosa to the intestinal mucosa. A locally infiltrative and expansile ovarian teratoma was diagnosed accordingly. It is considered that this kind of tumor can induce abdominal distension and absence of estrus in previously healthy, non-pregnant heifers.

Os teratomas são tumores raros nas espécies domésticas, sobretudo em bovinos. Esses tumores são caracterizados por crescimento rápido e origem durante a vida fetal, o que justifica seu diagnóstico frequente em animais jovens. O presente trabalho relata um caso de teratoma ovariano em uma novilha. No exame físico, os principais sinais identificados foram apatia, distensão e tensão abdominal, rúmen vazio e diarreia pastosa. Durante a palpação retal, uma massa foi identificada na região pélvica. Ao exame ultrassonográfico, a massa era sugestiva de cistos. O animal foi submetido a laparotomia, seguido de eutanásia devido ao mau prognóstico. Na necropsia foi observado um tumor de 54 x 43 x 52 cm (comprimento x largura x espessura) no ovário direito com múltiplas áreas císticas, além de massas associadas à múltiplas aderências das alças intestinais e peritonite. Na histopatologia foram identificados no ovário acometido a presença de tecidos muscular, cartilaginoso, ósseo, nervoso e epitelial, com glândulas, pelos e folículos. Havia inflamação mista e focos de necrose com ausência completa de arquitetura ovariana em ambos os ovários. Infiltrações foram identificadas em linfonodos e vasos mesentéricos. Ductos glandulares foram vistos desde a serosa até mucosa intestinal. Diagnosticou-se um teratoma ovariano localmente infiltrativo e expansivo. Considera-se que este tumor pode induzir distensão abdominal e ausência de estro em novilhas previamente sadias e não gestantes.

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervical oesophagus in a dog / Carcinoma adenoescamoso do esôfago cervical em um cão

ABSTRACT: A 9-year-old male Shih Tzu dog presented with a mass on the ventral region of the neck and developed ptyalism. Radiographs revealed a radiodense nodule located in the mid-third of the oesophagus compressing the trachea. Preoperative cytology showed large neoplastic cells with abundant vacuolated cytoplasm arranged in clusters. The nodule was removed by oesophagectomy and submitted for histopathology. Microscopically, the oesophageal mass was multilobulated and unencapsulated. It had a mixed cellular growth pattern with areas showing squamous and glandular differentiation. The squamous component of the tumor was formed by solid strands of neoplastic epithelial cells; many neoplastic cells had undergone central keratinization and sometimes formed keratin pearls. The deeper adenocarcinomatous portion of the tumor consisted of tubules filled with slightly basophilic mucinous material. Histological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of primary adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the esophagus. This is the first report of primary ASC of the cervical oesophagus in a dog.

RESUMO: Um cão Shih Tzu de nove anos de idade apresentou uma massa na região ventral do pescoço e desenvolveu ptialismo. As radiografias revelaram um nódulo radiodenso localizado no terço médio do esôfago que comprimia a traqueia. A citologia pré-operatória mostrou células neoplásicas grandes com citoplasma vacuolizado abundante, dispostas em aglomerados. O nódulo foi removido por esofagectomia e submetido à histopatologia. Microscopicamente, a massa esofágica era multilobulada e não encapsulada. Apresentava um padrão de crescimento celular misto, com áreas mostrando diferenciação escamosa e áreas de diferenciação glandular. O componente escamoso do tumor era formado por filamentos sólidos de células epiteliais neoplásicas; muitas células neoplásicas demonstravam queratinização central e, por vezes, formavam pérolas de queratina. A porção adenocarcinomatosa mais profunda do tumor consistia em túbulos preenchidos com material mucinoso levemente basofílico. O exame histológico e imunohistoquímico confirmaram o diagnóstico de carcinoma adenoescamoso primário do esôfago. No conhecimento dos autores, este é o primeiro relato de carcinoma adenoescamoso primário do esôfago cervical em um cão.

Congenital hepatic fibrosis associated with ascites in a nellore calf / Fibrose hepática congênita associada à ascite em um bezerro nelore

ABSTRACT: Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is an autosomal recessive malformation characterized by a variable degree of fibrosis and bile duct proliferation, mainly described in people and rarely reported in bovine European breeds. In addition to liver fibrosis, this syndrome has been associated with ascites and subcutaneous edema in calves. This paper described the pathological findings of the first report of CHF in a Nelore bovine fetus. A stillborn calf was removed by cesarean section because of dystocia. At necropsy, characteristic changes of CHF were observed, such as a large increase in abdominal volume associated with hepatic fibrosis and marked subcutaneous edema. Histological examination of liver revealed periportal and port-portal islands of fibrosis separating the parenchyma into nodules of variable sizes and containing numerous abnormally shaped bile ducts. The CHF should be considered in the differential diagnosis in young calves that present with ascites.

RESUMO: A fibrose hepática congênita (FHC) é uma malformação autossômica recessiva, caracterizada por um variável grau de fibrose e proliferação de ductos biliares, descrita principalmente em pessoas, e raramente relatada em bovinos de raças europeias. Além da fibrose hepática em bezerros, esta síndrome tem sido associada à ascite e edema subcutâneo. O presente trabalho apresenta os achados anatomopatológicos do primeiro relato de FHC em um feto bovino da raça nelore. O bezerro natimorto foi retirado por meio de cesariana devido à distocia. Na necropsia foram verificadas alterações características da FHC, como grande aumento de volume abdominal associado à fibrose hepática e marcado edema subcutâneo. O exame histológico do fígado revelou ilhas de fibrose periportal e porto-portal, separando o parênquima em nódulos de tamanhos variáveis e contendo numerosos ductos biliares irregulares de tamanhos anormais.