Ocular lesions in a domestic feline: : a closer look at the fungal pathogen Sporothrix brasiliensis

A esporotricose é uma dermatozoonose causada por fungos patogênicos dimórficos do gênero Sporothrix. Embora o Sporothrix brasiliensis seja a espécie mais patogênica e prevalente na hiperendemia brasileira de esporotricose, segundo nosso conhecimento este é o primeiro relato de um gato com lesões oculares causadas por esta espécie, via diagnóstico molecular. Um felino doméstico com três meses de idade apresentou manifestação ocular com granuloma em conjuntiva palpebral inferior esquerda, além de lesões mucocutâneas em diferentes áreas do corpo. Amostras foram coletadas para posterior citopatologia, cultura de fungos, sorologia e genotipagem molecular. O itraconazol foi prescrito para o tratamento da esporotricose e o animal foi considerado clinicamente curado ao final de cinco meses de tratamento, recebendo alta. As interações do S. brasiliensis com o gato podem se manifestar com uma infinidade de formas clínicas que se assemelham a doenças infecciosas ou não. A necessidade de avaliação física meticulosa desses animais por um médico veterinário, seguida do diagnóstico laboratorial preciso, são medidas essenciais em saúde pública na área hiperendêmica para a esporotricose no Brasil.Sporotrichosis is a dermatozoonosis, caused by dimorphic pathogenic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. Although Sporothrix brasiliensis is the most frequent and pathogenic species identified from the Brazilian sporotrichosis hyperendemic, to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of its molecular diagnosis from a cat with ocular lesions. A 3-month old female, domestic feline presented an ocular manifestation with granuloma in the lower-left palpebral conjunctiva, in addition to mucocutaneous lesions in varied locations throughout the body. Samples were collected for subsequent cytopathology, fungal culture, serology, and molecular genotyping. Itraconazole was prescribed for the treatment of sporotrichosis and the animal was considered clinically cured at the end of 5 months of treatment and discharged. S. brasiliensis cat interactions can manifest with a multitude of clinical forms that resemble either infectious or noninfectious diseases. Both the need for meticulous cat physical evaluation by a veterinarian followed by accurate laboratory diagnosis are key Public Health measures in the Brazilian sporotrichosis hyperendemic area

Dosagens de NT-proBNP, troponina cardíaca I, creatinogosfoquinase MB e proteína C reativa em cães braquicefálicos portadores de estenose de narinas antes e após a rinoplastia

Os cães braquicefálicos podem desenvolver lesões miocárdicas secundárias ao processo obstrutivo das vias aéreas anteriores, razão pela qual se recomenda a realização de avaliação cardiovascular periódicas nesses animais. Os biomarcadores de função cardíaca como o Peptídeo natriurético do tipo B (NT-proBNP), lesão cardíaca Troponina I (cTnI), Creatinofosfoquinase-MB (CK-MB), assim como biomarcadores inflamatórios, como a Proteína C reativa (PCR), apresentam importante valor preditivo na detecção de alterações cardíacas. O uso do laser cirúrgico de diodo evidencia inúmeras vantagens, em comparação com os procedimentos cirúrgicos convencionais, com melhores resultados estéticos e funcionais. Objetivou-se, assim, avaliar as concentrações plasmáticas de NT-proBNP e cTnI, CKMB e PCR antes e 30 dias depois da realização da rinoplastia com laser de diodo, em 30 cães braquicefálicos portadores de estenose de narinas. A rinoplastia com o uso do laser de diodo promoveu redução significativa nos níveis plasmáticos de NT-proBNP, CK-MB e PCR, 30 dias após sua realização. Todos os animais apresentaram resultado qualitativo de cTnI dentro dos valores de normalidade. Os cães com graus mais acentuados de estenose de narinas e mais velhos apresentaram níveis mais altos de NT-proBNP e PCR. Os cães da raça Pug apresentaram concentrações mais elevadas em todos os biomarcadores quantitativos. Não foi constatada associação entre a concentração plasmática pré-cirúrgica de NT-proBNP, CK-MB e PCR e o grau de estenose de narinas, raça, idade, sexo e peso dos animais. Foi observada diminuição significativa dos níveis de NT-proBNP depois da rinoplastia em animais com estenose grave de narinas e acima de três anos de idade. A rinoplastia também reduziu significativamente os níveis do biomarcador tanto em cães da raça Pug quanto em Buldogues franceses, tanto em machos como em fêmeas. Uma redução significativa de CK-MB foi observada em cães com estenose grave, da raça Buldogue Francês, de um ano e acima de quatro anos de idade, machos e entre 10 e 20kg. Animais com estenose grave, da raça Pug, com menos de 10kg e três anos de idade exibiram decréscimo significativo nos valores séricos de PCR pós-cirurgia. A rinoplastia com laser de diodo mostrou-se efetiva na redução da concentração plasmática dos biomarcadores NT-proBNP, CK-MB e PCR em cães portadores da síndrome obstrutiva respiratória, mostrando que o procedimento exerce efeito protetivo na função cardiovascular desses animais. A dosagem qualitativa da cTnI, não foi significativa para avaliar lesões cardiovasculares em cães braquicefálicosBrachycephalic dogs can develop myocardial lesions secondary to the obstructive process of the anterior airways. Therefore, periodic cardiovascular evaluation is recommended in these animals. The biomarkers of function B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac injury Troponin I, (cTnI), Creatinephosphokinase-MB (CK-MB), as well as inflationary biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) have an important predictive value in detecting changes in this organ. The use of the diode surgical laser shows advantages in comparison to conventional surgical procedures with best aesthetic and adequate results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the plasma rules of NT-proBNP and cTnI, CKMB and PCR before and 30 days after performing rhinoplasty with diode laser. Thirty brachycephalic dogs with stenosis of the nostrils were included, and biomarkers were measured before and 30 days after the surgical procedure. Rhinoplasty using the diode laser reduced significantly the plasma levels of NT-proBNP, CK-MB and PCR 30 days after the procedure. All animals showed qualitative result of cTnI within normal values. Older dogs with higher degrees of stenosis of the nostrils exhibited high levels of BNP and CRP. Pug dogs exhibited higher concentrations in all quantitative biomarkers. No association was found between the pre-surgical plasma concentration of NT-proBNP, CK-MB and PCR and the degree of stenosis of the nostrils, race, age, sex and weight of the animals. Significant decrease in NT-proBNP levels before and after rhinoplasty was observed in animals with severe stenosis of the nostrils and above three years of age. Rhinoplasty also reduced the levels of the biomarker in both Pug and French Bulldog dogs, in males as well as in females. Significant CK-MB reduction was observed in dogs with severe stenosis, of the Bulldog breed, one and above four years old, male and between 10 and 20 kg. Stenosis in Pugs less than 10 kg and three years old exhibited a significant decrease in serum CRP values after surgery. Reduction in plasma concentration of the natriuretic peptide NT-proBNP, CK-MB and PCR in dogs with respiratory obstructive syndrome shows that the procedure has a protective effect on the cardiovascular function of these animals. Qualitative measurement of cTnI was not conclusive to assess cardiovascular injuries in brachycephalic dogs87 f

Prevalência e fatores de risco da obesidade felina em Alegre-ES, Brasil

Obesity is a condition characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat. In humans, this condition has shown fast and worrying growth, like in pets. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of obese cats living in Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil and its association with risk factors. Spearman correlation and chi-square test were used, considering a significance level of 5%. The prevalence of overweight or obesity was 14% in the studied population of 50 cats. Neutered and male cats were considered a risk factor for the development of obesity, unlike physical activity, considered as a protective factor. No correlation was found between the frequency or type of food provided and obesity.O acúmulo excessivo de gordura corpórea é a condição que caracteriza a obesidade. Esta condição na espécie humana vem mostrando um crescimento acelerado e preocupante, se fazendo da mesma forma em animais de companhia. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se estabelecer a prevalência de gatos obesos domiciliados no município de Alegre – Espírito Santo e sua associação com fatores de risco. Utilizou-se o método de correlação de Spearman e o teste do Qui-quadrado, considerando um nível de significância de 5%. A prevalência de obesidade ou sobrepeso foi de 14% na população estudada de 50 gatos domiciliados. Gatos machos e castrados foram considerados como fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da obesidade, ao contrário da prática de atividade física, considerada como um fator protetor. Não houve correlação entre a frequência ou o tipo de alimento fornecido e o desenvolvimento da obesidade

Comparison of different methods of body assessing in cats

ABSTRACT. Aptekmann K.P., Mendes-Junior A.F., Passos C.B., Secchin M.C. & Galeas M.A.V. [Comparison of different methods of body assessing in cats.] Comparação dos diferentes métodos de avaliação corporal em felinos. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 36(2):215-218, 2014. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Alto Universitário, s/n, Caixa Postal 16, Guararema, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brasil. E-mail: [email protected] Obesity or overweight are usually not difficult to recognize in cats, but the correct diagnosis is necessary, requiring some methods of quantification. There is no ideal method for determination of obesity in cats. This study aimed to compare different methods of assessing body condition. A total of 50 domiciled cats were used and body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (%BF) and waist circumference (WC) were determined for each cat. Through the Spearman correlation test, considering a level of significance of 5%, it was found all methods of body assessing correlate to each other. However, morphometric measurements were not considered useful for the diagnosis of obesity in cats. Feline BMI was adapted from human and can be used as an easy and less subjective method than ECC. It is proposed that further studies are conducted in an attempt to use WC measurement as a parameter indicative of metabolic syndrome in cats

Prevalence of Ehrlichia canis using the nested-PCR, correlation with the presence of morulae and thrombocytopenia in dogs treated in Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Espirito Santo

ABSTRACT. Sales M.R.R.P., Ignacchiti M.D.C., Mendes Junior A.F., Suhett W.G., Porfírio L.C., Marins M., Aptekmann K.P. & Pereira Júnior O.S. [Prevalence of Ehrlichia canis using the nested-PCR, correlation with the presence of morulae and thrombocytopenia in dogs treated in Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Espirito Santo.] Prevalência de Ehrlichia canis pela Nested- -PCR, correlação com a presença de mórula e trombocitopenia em cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 37(1):47-51, 2015. Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Rua Projetada s/nº, Caixa Postal 25, Pontal, Marataízes, ES 29349-000, Brasil. E-mail: [email protected] Ehrlichia canis, is the primary etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. The disease is mainly transmitted by the brown dog ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus in different endemic regions of Brazil. The purpose of this study was determinated using the Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested-PCR) the prevalence of Ehrlichia canis in 85 dogs, regardless of race, age, sex or health status, treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Federal University of Espirito Santo, in Alegre-ES and evaluate its correlation with the presence of morulae and thrombocytopenia. It was observed that 1.17% of the samples were positive by blood smear, for the presence of morulae. However, the nested-PCR showed 5.88% positivity of samples. And 17.64% samples showed thrombocytopenia. By analyzing all the techniques, it was concluded that the introduction of diagnostic techniques such as nested-PCR is an important method for aid in early diagnosis of pathologies

Evaluation of the right ventricular function in dogs with brachycephalic syndrome before and after rhinoplasty

Brachycephalic dogs are usually affected by primary and secondary anatomical changes in the airways that contribute to the brachycephalic syndrome. Chronically, these changes contribute to an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and right cardiac overload (cor pulmonale). The right cardiac function in 17 dogs with brachycephalic syndrome was assessed using echocardiography before, and at 30 and 60 days after rhinoplasty. The maximum pulmonary systolic flow velocity, the pressure gradient between the AP and RV (GrFP), the right ventricular systolic function (tricuspid ring systolic excursion (TAPSE), the variation of the right ventricular area (FAC), the velocity of the systolic displacement of the right ventricular myocardium (S’) by tissue Doppler) and right ventricular diastolic function (transtricuspid flow and the relationship between the E and A waves, evaluation of the E’ and A’ waves using tissue Doppler of the free wall of the right ventricle) were evaluated. The right ventricular fractional area, velocity, and pressure gradient of pulmonary arterial flow showed the best sensitivity in these analyses. The present study reinforces the concept that obstructions in the anterior airways contribute to pulmonary hypoxia. However, the correction of these obstructions proved to be beneficial in the reduction of right heart overload

Study of the heart rate variability in dogs with brachycephalic syndrome submitted to rhinoplasty surgery

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the HRV in the brachycephalic races, before and after surgical correction of the stenosis of the nostrils, by means of prolonged electrocardiography, observing the excess of the parasympathetic stimulation regarding the occurrence of bradyarrhythmias and their clinical consequences, and possibility of improvement of the autonomic balancing after the treatment, increasing the quality and life expectancy of these patients. Sixteen dogs with nostril stenosis were included, where the analysis and progression of the HRC findings at different moments before the surgical procedure (day 0) and after the procedure were performed in two moments, 30 and 60 days. The technique of alavestibulplasty was performed and HRV analysis was recorded by means of prolonged electrocardiography. For this examination, the indexes were analyzed in the time domain. Regarding the clinical findings, there was an improvement in the evaluation of the heart and respiratory rate, as well as a reduction in parasympathetic activity, as shown in the bradyarrhythmias. Regarding the HRV indexes in the time domain, rMSSD and SDNN associated with mean heart rate findings, have brought strong indications that the reduction of parasympathetic stimulation is related to the reduction of HRV in these animals. The rMSSD is the HRV index in the domain of the time that early changed can be used as indicator of the increase of the parasympathetic activity caused by the Brachycephalic Syndrom