Presence of infectious agents and co-infections in diarrheic dogs determined with a real-time polymerase chain reaction-based panel.

BACKGROUND: Infectious diarrhea can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or protozoan organisms, or a combination of these. The identification of co-infections in dogs is important to determine the prognosis and to plan strategies for their treatment and prophylaxis. Although many pathogens have been individually detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a comprehensive panel of agents that cause diarrhea in privately owned dogs has not yet been established. The objective of this study was to use a real-time PCR diarrhea panel to survey the frequencies of pathogens and co-infections in owned dogs attended in a veterinary hospital with and without diarrhea, as well the frequency in different countries. Feces samples were tested for canine distemper virus, canine coronavirus, canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin (CPA), Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Salmonella spp. using molecular techniques. RESULTS: In total, 104 diarrheic and 43 control dogs that were presented consecutively at a major private veterinary hospital were included in the study. Overall, 71/104 (68.3%) dogs with diarrhea were positive for at least one pathogen: a single infection in 39/71 dogs (54.9%) and co-infections in 32/71 dogs (45.1%), including 21/32 dogs (65.6%) with dual, 5/32 (15.6%) with triple, and 6/32 (18.8%) with quadruple infections. In the control group, 13/43 (30.2%) dogs were positive, all with single infections only. The most prevalent pathogens in the diarrheic dogs were CPA (40/104 dogs, 38.5%), CPV-2 (36/104 dogs, 34.6%), and Giardia spp. (14/104 dogs, 13.5%). CPV-2 was the most prevalent pathogen in the dual co-infections, associated with CPA, Cryptosporidium spp., or Giardia spp. No statistical difference (P = 0.8374) was observed in the duration of diarrhea or the number of deaths (P = 0.5722) in the presence or absence of single or co-infections. CONCLUSIONS: Diarrheic dogs showed a higher prevalence of pathogen infections than the controls. Whereas the healthy dogs had only single infections, about half the diarrheic dogs had co-infections. Therefore, multiple pathogens should be investigated in dogs presenting with diarrhea. The effects of multiple pathogens on the disease outcomes remain unclear because the rate of death and the duration of diarrhea did not seem to be affected by these factors.

Hemoplasma infection in HIV-positive patient, Brazil.

Hemotrophic mycoplasmas infect a variety of mammals. Although infection in humans is rarely reported, an association with an immunocompromised state has been suggested. We report a case of a Mycoplasma haemofelis-like infection in an HIV-positive patient co-infected with Bartonella henselae.

Impact of a 3-year pet management program on pet population and owner's perception.

Although pet population management programs have been established worldwide, few reports on program evaluation have been carried out to date. Accordingly, a 3-year longitudinal study has been carried out in a 4000 household neighborhood located within the metropolitan area of Curitiba, the eighth most populated city of Brazil. Visits were conducted and questionnaires completed to estimate and characterize the local pet population (animal sex, reproductive and vaccination status, street access). Care provided by owners, community perception on stray dog management and the possible changes were compared in these variables over time (2010 and 2013) were evaluated, after the establishment of a city pet population management program. In addition, associations between having children, owning dogs and cats, responsible pet ownership education and owner's perception on stray dogs were statistically tested. A total of 354/4000 (8.9%) household families were interviewed in 2010 and 70/354 (19.8%) of the same families again in 2013. No significant changes were found in overall number of dogs and cats and average pet age, animal care and owner's perception on stray dogs following the 3-year population management program. In 2010, an average of 1.6 dogs and 0.3 cats were found per family, with slightly more females (51.3% dogs and 51.1% cats), adults (4.0±3.5years for dogs and 2.1±2.4 for cats), intact (not neutered; 94.2% dogs and 84.0% cats) and lacking regular visit to veterinarian (71.6%). Although more families (53.1%) had children under 12 years old, no association was found between having children and having dogs and cats. Questionnaires revealed that owners perceived neutering/spaying to be the best pet population control method (42.4%), with "society" (50%) and "government" (49.4%) as responsible for pet population management. A significant positive association has been found between education level and the best way to control stray dogs (p=0.03), between having dogs and in favor of neutering/spaying (p=0.04) and considering neutering/spaying as the best control method (p=0.02). The chances of thinking the best way to control stray dogs by neutering/spaying and adoption were almost 2.0 fold higher than other methods. In conclusion, the present study has provided indicators (education level, having dogs) for pet population control program assessment and effectiveness evaluation. Moreover, this study may serve as a warning on the real long-term effect of such programs, which should be periodically evaluated to identify necessary adjustments and/or improvements.

Development of a quantitative PCR for the detection of Rangelia vitalii.

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a SYBR Green qPCR assay to detect and quantify a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of Rangelia vitalii in canine blood. Repeatability of the qPCR was determined by the intra- and inter-assay variations. The qPCR showed efficiency of E=101.30 (r(2)=0.996), detecting as few as one copy of plasmid containing the target DNA. Specificity of the assay was performed using DNA samples of Babesia canis, B. gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis, E. ewingii and Leishmania sp. No cross-reactivity was observed. Field samples consisting of blood from 265 dogs from Porto Alegre, Brazil were also tested. A total of 24 (9.05%) samples were positive for R. vitalii. Amplicons of 50% of positive samples were confirmed to be R. vitalii by Sanger sequencing. The positive samples had an average of 3.5×10(5) organisms/mL of blood (range: 1.27×10(3)-1.88×10(6)) based on the plasmid-generated standard curve. In conclusion, the SYBR Green qPCR assay developed herein is sensitive and specific and can be used as a diagnostic tool for detection and quantification of R. vitalii in canine blood samples.

Aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais e tratamento da leucemia mieloide crônica em cão: relato de caso / Clinical aspects, hematological changes and treatments of chronic myeloid leukemia in dog: case report

O objetivo deste relato é apresentar o caso clínico de uma cadela, sem raça definida, com cinco anos de idade, diagnosticada com leucemia mieloide crônica (LMC). As leucemias são neoplasias malignas que se originam de células precursoras da medula óssea e as consequências podem ser trombocitopenia, anemia, leucocitose persistente e presença de células neoplásicas no sangue. O tratamento de escolha envolve o uso de inibidores de tirosina quinase, porém este não pode ser usado neste caso. Dessa forma a cadela recebeu diferentes protocolos quimioterápicos que incluíram inicialmente hidroxiureia, citarabina, doxorrubicina e prednisona. Devido a remissão parcial dos sinais clínicos e a resposta terapêutica pouco duradoura a essas medicações o protocolo foi alterado para quimioterapia metronômica com clorambucil. O uso desses quimioterápicos não foram eficazes em reduzir a leucocitose e controlar a anemia e trombocitopenia da paciente, devido a ocorrência do surgimento de células imaturas no sangue e resistência aos quimioterápicos. Na ausência da crise e da possibilidade do uso dos inibidores de tirosina quinase, a hidroxiureia permanece sendo o quimioterápico de eleição. O animal apresentou sobrevida de 210 dias, devido a leucocitose e anemia severas pouco responsivas ao protocolo terapêutico utilizado e o surgimento no hemograma de precursores neutrofilicos que ocorreu 46 dias após ao início do tratamento com hidroxiureia.

The aim of this report is to present the clinical case of a five-year-old mixed breed female dog diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Leukemias are malignant neoplasms that originate from bone marrow precursor cells and the consequences can be thrombocytopenia, anemia, persistent leukocytosis and the presence of neoplastic cells in the blood. The treatment of choice involves the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but it cannot be used in this case. Thus, the dog received different chemotherapy protocols that initially included hydroxyurea, cytarabine, doxorubicin and prednisone. Due to the partial remission of clinical signs and the short-term therapeutic response to these medications, the protocol was changed to metronomic chemotherapy with chlorambucil. The use of these chemotherapeutic agents was not effective in reducing leukocytosis and controlling the patient's anemia and thrombocytopenia, due to the occurrence of immature cells in the blood and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. In the absence of the crisis and the possibility of using tyrosine kinase inhibitors, hydroxyurea remains the chemotherapy of choice. The animal had a 210-day survival, due to severe leukocytosis and anemia, which were not responsive to the therapeutic protocol used and the appearance in the blood count of neutrophilic precursors that occurred 46 days after the beginning of hydroxyurea treatment.

Hemoplasma prevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with infection in three different cat populations from Southern Brazil.

Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', but not with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.

P wave dispersion in obese dogs with and without mitral valve disease / Dispersão da onda P em cães obesos apresentando ou não doença valvar mitral

ABSTRACT: Pwave dispersion (Pd) is an electrocardiographic index defined as the difference between the minimum and maximum Pwave duration in multiple leads. The augmentation of Pd reflects the discontinuous and inhomogeneous atrial depolarization resulting from cardiac and non-cardiac conditions. In humans, an increased Pd is associated with the development of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. To investigate Pd in obese dogs, we enrolled 76 dogs, which were classified in four distinct categories according to body condition and the existance of valve insufficiency: obese dogs (O), dogs with both obesity and cardiac disease (O+CD), lean dogs with cardiac disease (CD) and healthy controls (H). To be included in the study, all dogs underwent an electrocardiographic and echocardiographic assessment. We reported significantly higher Pd in the animals included in categories O, O+CD and CD (18.0±7.6ms, 16.1±4.4ms, 12.1±4.3ms, respectively) as compared to the healthy subjects (7.3±2.2ms). Also, significant correlations between Pd and both the body mass index and body fat percentage were documented for the obese dogs. However, no association between Pd and LA/Ao could be identified in patients belonging to the O, O+CD and H categories. Thus, we have demonstrated that obese dogs, regardless of their valvular competency status, present high Pd values, suggesting an impaired propagation of atrial electrical impulse.

RESUMO: A dispersão da onda P (Pd) é um índice eletrocardiográfico definido como a diferença entre as durações máxima e mínima da onda P em múltiplas derivações. O aumento da Pd reflete a despolarização discontínua e não homogênea resultante de condições cardíacas e não cardíacas. Em seres humanos, uma Pdaumentada está associada com o desenvolvimento de arritmias cardíacas, particularmente fibrilação atrial. Com o intuito de investigar a Pd em cães obesos, foram selecionados 76 cães, os quais foram classificados em quatro categorias distintas, de acordo com sua condição corporal e a existência de insuficiência valvar: cães obesos (O), cães com obesidade e doença cardíaca (O+CD), cães magros com doença cardíaca (CD) e cães saudáveis usados como controle (H). Uma vez selecionados para o estudo, todos os cães foram submetidos às avaliações eletrocardiográfica e ecocardiográfica. Os resultados mostraram maior Pd nos animais pertencentes aos grupos O, O+CD e CD (18.0±7.6ms, 16,1±4,4ms, 12,1±4,3ms, respectivamente) quando comparados aos cães saudáveis (7.3±2.2ms). Além disso, foram verificadas correlações significativas entre Pde tanto o índice de massa corporal quanto o percentual de gordura corporal nos cães obesos. Entretanto, não se identificou associação entre Pd e a relação AE/Ao nos pacientes das categorias O, O+CD e H. Dessa forma, foi possível demonstrar que cães obesos, independentemente do estado de competência valvar, apresentam Pd elevada, fato que sugere comprometimento da propagação do impulso elétrico atrial.

Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in dogs in Southern Brazil.

The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil; and to investigate their association with hematological abnormalities. Serum samples from 196 dogs were first tested using dot-ELISA for antibodies against Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia canis. Peripheral blood samples from 199 dogs were subjected to 16S rRNA nested PCR (nPCR) for A. platys and E. canis, followed by DNA sequencing to ensure pathogen identity. A total of 19/196 samples (9.69%) were positive for Anaplasma spp. using ELISA and 28/199 (14.07%) samples were positive for A. platys by nested PCR. All the dog samples were negative for E. canis, both in anti-E. canis antibody tests and in nested PCR. There were no significant differences in hematological parameters between A. platys-PCR positive and negative dogs and Anaplasma spp. serologically positive dogs, except for basophil counts, which were higher in nPCR-positive dogs. This is the first report showing A. platys presence in dogs in Southern Brazil. In conclusion, hematological parameters may not be sufficient to diagnose A. platys infection in dogs in Southern Brazil, probably due either to low pathogenicity or to chronic infection. On the other hand, E. canis may either have very low occurrence or be absent in dogs in Porto Alegre.

Hemoplasma prevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with infection in three different cat populations from Southern Brazil / Prevalência da infecção por hemoplasmas e alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção em três diferentes populações de gatos do sul do Brasil

Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’, 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, but not with ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.

Três espécies de hemoplasmas são reconhecidas em gatos domésticos: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. A prevalência e alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção por hemoplasmas foi estudada, em 369 gatos domésticos de três populações distintas (doadores de sangue, hospitais e gatos de abrigo) do Sul do Brasil. Foram realizados hemogramas completos no momento da coleta de sangue e as amostras tiveram seu DNA extraído e testado por PCR convencional para cada espécie de hemoplasmas. Setenta e nove amostras (21,40%) foram positivas para pelo menos uma espécie. O mais prevalente foi ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ com 50/369 (13,55%) gatos positivos, seguidos por ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ com 10/369 (2,71%) e Mycoplasma haemofelis com 8/369 (2,16%). Coinfecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ foi observada em 4/369 (1,08%), enquanto ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ coinfectaram 5/369 (1,35%) gatos. Três (0,81%) gatos apresentaram infecção pelos três hemoplasmas. Não houve associação entre a infecção e as diferentes populações. Anemia foi associada com a infecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, mas não com ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Gatos machos e com acesso à rua apresentaram maior probabilidade de serem infectados. Embora se acredite que ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ possa causar alterações hematológicas mínimas ou ausentes, gatos infectados encontrados neste estudo foram mais propensos à anemia.

Remoção de pino de Steinmann intra-abdominal por videolaparoscopia em um cão / Laparoscopic removal of a Steinmann pin from the peritoneal cavity in a dog

Durante a avaliação radiográfica aos 60 dias de pós-operatório de estabilização vertebral em um cão, foi observada a presença de um pino de Steinmann intra-abdominal. Foi realizada cirurgia laparoscópica para inspeção cavitária e remoção do objeto. O implante estava envolvido pelo omento, não sendo observados sinais de infecção. O procedimento foi executado em 15 minutos e permitiu mínimo trauma. Os autores não encontraram relatos da migração desse tipo de implante para a cavidade peritoneal em cães com sucessiva remoção videocirúrgica.

An intra-abdominal Steinmann pin was detected during a radiographic assessment of the 60th post- operative day of a vertebral stabilization in a dog. Laparoscopic inspection and retrieval of the foreign body were performed. The implant was surrounded by omentum with no noticeable signs of infection. The procedure was performed within 15 minutes with minimal trauma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of this kind of implant migration to the peritoneal cavity followed by laparoscopic removal in dogs.

Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in dogs in southern Brazil / Detecção molecular de Ehrlichia canis e Anaplasma platys em cães do sul do Brasil

The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil; and to investigate their association with hematological abnormalities. Serum samples from 196 dogs were first tested using dot-ELISA for antibodies against Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia canis. Peripheral blood samples from 199 dogs were subjected to 16S rRNA nested PCR (nPCR) for A. platys and E. canis, followed by DNA sequencing to ensure pathogen identity. A total of 19/196 samples (9.69%) were positive for Anaplasma spp. using ELISA and 28/199 (14.07%) samples were positive for A. platys by nested PCR. All the dog samples were negative for E. canis, both in anti-E. canis antibody tests and in nested PCR. There were no significant differences in hematological parameters between A. platys-PCR positive and negative dogs and Anaplasma spp. serologically positive dogs, except for basophil counts, which were higher in nPCR-positive dogs. This is the first report showing A. platys presence in dogs in Southern Brazil. In conclusion, hematological parameters may not be sufficient to diagnose A. platys infection in dogs in Southern Brazil, probably due either to low pathogenicity or to chronic infection. On the other hand, E. canis may either have very low occurrence or be absent in dogs in Porto Alegre.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a ocorrência de Anaplasma platys e Ehrlichia canis em cães de Porto Alegre, sul do Brasil, sua detecção molecular e associação com anormalidades hematológicas. Amostras séricas de 196 cães foram inicialmente triadas por dot-ELISA para a presença de anticorpos contra Anaplasma spp. e Ehrlichia canis. Amostras de sangue periférico de 199 cães foram submetidas à nested PCR (16S rRNA) para A. platys e E. canis, seguido de sequenciamento do DNA para confirmar a identidade do agente. Do total, 19/196 (9,69%) amostras foram positivas para Anaplasma spp. por dot-ELISA e 28/199 (14,07%) por nPCR. Todas as amostras dos cães foram negativas para E. canis no teste sorológico anti-E. canis e também na nPCR. Não houve diferença significativa nos parâmetros hematológicos, exceto a contagem de basófilos, que apresentou valores mais altos em cães positivos na nPCR para A. platys. Este é o primeiro relato da presença de A. platys no Rio Grande do Sul, e a primeira detecção molecular do agente no sul do Brasil. Em conclusão, parâmetros hematológicos não são suficientes para diagnosticar a infecção por A. platys em cães, provavelmente devido sua baixa patogenicidade ou infecção crônica. Por outro lado, E. canis parece ter ocorrência baixa ou mesmo nula em cães de Porto Alegre.

Etiologia e terapia das endocardites bacterianas em cães - revisão / Etiología y terapia de endocarditis bacterianas en perros - revisón / Etiology and therapy of bacterial endocarditis in dogs - review

A endocardite bacteriana é uma doença caracterizada pela infecção do endocárdio valvular ou mural. Os sinais clínicos inespecíficos, somados a grande variedade de agentes que podem estar implicados na etiologia da doença e as diferenças em relação à suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos fazem do diagnóstico e tratamento um desafio para o clínico. O objetivo desta revisão é abordar os principais micro-organismos envolvidos e possibilidades terapêuticas da endocardite em cães.

Bacterial endocarditis is a disease characterized by the infection of the valvular or mural endocardium. The unspecific clinical signs, the wide variety of agents that may be implicated in the etiology and the differences in antimicrobial susceptibility make the diagnosis and treatment a challenge to clinicians. The purpose of this review is to discuss the main microorganisms involved in canine endocarditis and its therapeutic possibilities.

Endocarditis bacteriana es una enfermedad caracterizada por la infección del endocardio valvular o mural. Los señales clínicos inespecíficos, sumados a una gran variedad de agentes que pueden estar implicados en la etiología de la enfermedad y las diferencias en relación a la susceptibilidad a los antimicrobianos, hacen del diagnóstico y tratamiento un reto para el clínico. El objetivo de esta revisión es abordar los principales microorganismos implicados y posibilidades terapéuticas de endocarditis en perros.

Prevalência dos tipos sangüíneos A, B e AB em gatos domésticos mestiços da cidade de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Prevalence of blood types A, B and AB in mixed breed domestic cats of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência dos tipos sangüíneos em felinos domésticos, mestiços, da cidade de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 100 gatos, clinicamente saudáveis, mestiços e sem parentesco entre si. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas da veia jugular e a tipagem sangüínea foi realizada através do teste Rapid Vet H Feline (DMS Laboratories, Flemington, USA) e do teste hemaglutinação em tubo de ensaio. A tipagem reversa foi realizada para confirmar o tipo e a presença de aloanticorpos naturais. No presente estudo encontrou-seprevalência de 97% e 3% de gatos do tipo A e B, respectivamente. Não foram encontrados gatos do tipo AB. Os resultados indicam que no sul do Brasil há uma alta prevalência de gatos domésticos mestiços do tipo A, entretanto a prevalência de gatos do tipo B encontrada no trabalho é mais alta do que aquelas relatadas em alguns países. O conhecimento da prevalência dos tipos sangüíneos da população de gatos de uma região pode auxiliar na determinação dos riscos de reações transfusionais e de ocorrência de isoeritrólise neonatal, e estes podem ser prevenidos através de tipagem sangüínea e teste de compatibilidade sangüínea.

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of the blood types in mixed breed domestic cats of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A hundred of clinically healthy mixed breed and non related cats were selected. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and the blood typing was performed by Rapid Vet H Feline test(DMS Laboratories, Flemington, USA) and by hemagglutination tube test. Reverse blood typing was done to confirm the blood types and the presence of alloantibodies. In the present study the prevalence of blood type A and B in cats were 97% and 3%, respectively. No AB blood type cats were found. These results indicate that there is a high prevalence of blood type A mixed breed domestic cats in the south of Brazil, although the prevalence o B cats found is higher than reported in some countries. The knowledge of feline blood types prevalence in cat population can help to determine the risks of transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis, and these can beavoid by blood typing and cross-matching test.

Biometria ultra-sonográfica bidimensional em tempo real do globo ocular de cäes / Two-dimensional real-time ultrasonic biometry of ocular globe of dogs

Para realizar a biometria ultra-sonográfica em tempo real, foram utilizados 60 globos oculares de 30 cäes oftalmologicamente sadios, com o objetivo de se obter medidas das distâncias no interior do globo ocular. Essas foram tomadas de imagens de cortes sagitais obtidas com os animais posicionados em decúbio esternal, contidos manualmente, e com a aplicaçäo de colírio anestésico. Empregou-se transdutor setorial mecânico de 7,5 MHz sem almofada de recuo. As médias das medidas obtidas foram; para D1- distância entre a córnea e a cápsula anterior da lente 3,9 ñ0,7mm, D2- espessura da lente 6,1 ñ1,2mm, D3 diâmetro da lente 10.5 ñ 1,0mm, D4- profundidade da câmara vítrea 9,1 ñ0,4mm e D5 distância córnea/retina 18,8 ñ0,9mm. Foi observada diferença significativa entre os olhos direito e esquerdo somente em D1.

Ceratoplastia lamelar homóloga em cão com conservação em solução supersaturada de açúcar ou glicerina - aspectos macroscópicos / Lamellar homograft keratoplasty in dog with preservation in glycerin or supersaturated sugar solution - macroscopic aspect

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar os resultados clínicos da utilização de córneas previamente conservadas em solução supersaturada de açúcar a 300 por cento e glicerina PA 98 por cento em ceratoplastias lamelares homólogas. Foram utilizados 36 olhos de 18 cães, sem raça definida, saudáveis, com massa corpórea entre 4 e 12 kg. As córneas foram conservadas em solução supersaturada de açúcar 300 por cento ou glicerina 98 por cento. Os animais foram anestesiados e submetidos a ceratectomia profunda, seguida por ceratoplastia lamelar bilateral, com a aplicação do enxerto conservado em açúcar no olho direito e o conservado em glicerina no olho esquerdo. Pelas observações clínicas, a fotofobia e o blefaroespasmo foram uma constante até os 25 dias de pós-operatório (PO), a secreção ocular esteve presente em todos os olhos até o 21o dia, a neovascularização começou discreta e evoluiu até os 21 dias e iniciou o seu declínio até os 50 dias de PO, quando já era mínima. Todos os enxertos, no momento de sua aplicação, apresentavam-se opacos, evoluindo para a transparência até o período final de observações. Não foram registradas diferenças marcantes entre o aspecto macroscópico das córneas direitas ou esquerdas durante o PO. Desta forma é possível concluir que a solução supersaturada de açúcar 300 por cento assim como a glicerina se prestam à conservação de córneas de cães, para o uso em ceratoplastia lamelares homólogas, com resultados clínicos semelhantes e satisfatórios.

Reparação do ligamento cruzado cranial de cães por tendão homólogo conservado em glicerina e associado a fio de náilon / Cranial cruciate ligament replacement by homologous tendon glycerol preserved and associated to mononylon in dogs

A ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial (LCC) é uma das patologias de maior prevalência no joelho de cäes e sua correçäo é um problema atual. Após a ruptura experimental do LCC, em cäes, implantou-se o tendäo do músculo extensor longo dos dedos, homólogo, conservado em glicerina a 98 por cento, associado ao fio de mononáilon, utilizando-se técnica intra-articular. Foram utilizados 18 cäes com peso médio de 16,5kg, adultos, separados em três grupos (A, B e C) e avaliados por 45, 80 e 120 dias de pós-operatório, respectivamente. Foi realizada avaliaçäo clínica, radiográfica, macroscópica e histológica. A técnica demonstrou-se eficiente para o retorno funcional do membro promovendo estabilidade articular, apesar de o implante biológico ter sido reabsorvido na maioria dos animais, e do fio de náilon ter perdido sua tensäo inicial

Implante em aorta abdominal de suíno de artéria pulmonar heteróloga conservada em glicerina / Replacement of porcine abdominal aorta using pulmonary artery heterograft

A correção cirúrgica de várias doenças vasculares requer a implantação de próteses. Neste estudo, foi avaliado o comportamento da artéria pulmonar de cão conservada em glicerina a 98 por cento implantada na aorta abdominal de dois suínos, acompanhados por cinco meses de pós-operatório. Ao exame macroscópico, um dos implantes apresentou dilatação e o outro estenose, em relação à aorta adjacente. Microscopicamente, o tecido hospedeiro e o implante estavam íntegros e a cicatrização se apresentou adequada. Apesar das diferenças de diâmetro encontradas (estenose e dilatação), ambos os animais tiveram desenvolvimento normal e não demonstraram problemas clínicos.