Botulismo em cão sem raça definida - relato de caso

O botulismo é uma intoxicação causada pela toxina do bacilo Clostridium botulinum, encontrado frequentemente no solo. Há oito tipos de toxinas (A até H), onde a toxina do tipo C é a que mais acomete os caninos. A intoxicação é causada pela ingestão de alimentos deteriorados ou carcaças em decomposição. Sua ocorrência é rara em carnívoros. O seu diagnóstico se dá por alterações clínicas e histórico de ingestão de alimento deteriorado. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo, relatar um caso de botulismo em um cão, sem raça definida, atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco apresentando paralisia flácida com evolução de 24h, vindo a óbito no dia seguinte com histórico de ingestão de carcaça de um bovino em estado avançado de putrefação. O botulismo mesmo sendo considerado raro em cães é uma enfermidade a ser considerada na clínica médica de pequenos. O destino adequado dos resíduos, lixo e de carcaças deterioradas é um ótimo modo de profilaxia para esta doença

Clonality Test by PCR - PARR in Real Time of Canine Lymphomas

Background: Lymphoma is a neoplasm of hematopoietic origin that affects canines. The proper establishment of prognosis and rapid institution of treatment are essential for a better quality of life, and immunophenotyping is one of the tools used for this purpose. The objective of this study was to perform a clonality test for immunophenotypic characterization of canine lymphomas using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for antigen receptor rearrangements (PARR) technique in real-time from samples fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin.Materials, Methods & Results: The 23 analyzed samples were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin canine lymphoma from the Collection Laboratory of Histopathology of the Animal Pathology Area of the Departament of Veterinary Medicine - Federal Rural University of Pernambuco UFRPE. Samples were processed, their DNA was extracted, quantified, diluted, and standardized at a concentration of 50 ng/µL. After extraction, all samples were subjected to conventional PCR for endogenous control (detection of the IgM target region), in which the extracted DNA was amplified in a final volume of 25 µL. The 128 bp amplified product was detected by 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Of the 23 samples analyzed for the detection of the conserved region referring to the endogenous gene, 91.30% (21/23) amplified the conserved region Cµ by conventional PCR, and two samples 8.70% (2/23) were negative. Endogenous control positive samples were subjected to real-time PCR-PARR for detection of IgH Major (LB), IgH Minor (LB), and TCRγ (LT) target regions. All reactions were performed in duplicate to reduce the risk of false-positive or false-negative results due to technical errors. Samples previously confirmed by immunohistochemistry were used as positive controls for T cell and B cell lymphoma, and MilliQ water was used as a negative control. After amplification, the melting curve gradually increased the temperature by 1C/5 s to 95C during continuous fluorescence monitoring. Of the 21 samples analyzed, 100.00% (21/21) demonstrated clonal amplification. Of these, 57.15% (12/21) were positive for phenotype B, and 42.85% (9/21) were positive for phenotype T.Discussion: Due to the importance of researching and confirming samples from files fixed and embedded in paraffin samples in laboratories, PCR-PARR is a good tool for this purpose. In the present study, real-time PCR analysis demonstrated greater sensitivity in the characterization of the immunophenotype of lymphomas from old samples fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. The temperature of melting curve analysismay vary depending on the amount of DNA and its quality. In the present study, it was found that the average melting temperature in the samples varied between ± 3C when compared to that in the control sample for LB and LT, 83.5C and 80C, respectively: in the literature, there is a relative difference in this temperature, which may vary up to 4C. Real-time PCR-PARR was satisfactory in the characterization of the immunophenotype of canine lymphomas from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples; therefore, its use is recommended for both retrospective studies. The use of PCR-PARR associated with histopathological and/or cytopathological examination in cases of canine lymphomas strongly helps pathologists, provide a safe establishment of the immunophenotype, minimize errors, and optimize the diagnosis, thus directly contributing to the establishment of the prognosis.Keywords: immunophenotyping, lymphoproliferative disease, real-time PCR, TCRγ, IgH

First Report of Equine Leishmaniosis in the State of Sergipe, Brazil

Background: Leishmaniasis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan of the genus Leishmania. In Brazil, the species Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is reported as an etiological agent of leishmaniasis. Transmission of the disease occurs through bite of the sand fly mosquitoes Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia cruzi, present in several regions of Brazil, including the state of Sergipe, where they are considered endemic. Although few cases have been reported in other states of Brazil, no case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in horses has been reported in Sergipe. The objective of this study was to report a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a horse in the municipality of Itaporanga d'Ajuda, Sergipe, Brazil.Case: A 2-year-old female quarter-horse was examined by a private veterinarian due to the presence of a nodular lesion on the mucocutaneous region of the lips. Macroscopically, the nodule was alopecic with depigmented areas, measuring approximately 1.0 cm in diameter, and there was a focal ulcer in the region of the labial commissure. Excisional biopsy was performed as follows; the material obtained was fixed in 10% buffered formalin and sent for histopathological examination. Further, it was subjected to routine histological processing by embedment in paraffin and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Microscopically, there were intense multifocal to coalescent lymphohistioplasmocytic infiltrates with epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells, both containing amastigote forms comparable with Leishmania spp. Morphological diagnosis was defined as extensive multifocal to coalescent chronic granulomatous dermatitis with intracytoplasmic amastigote forms. Furthermore, for positive controls, immunohistochemical examination was performed using serum from dogs naturally infected with L. (L.) infantum, which resulted in a strongly positive immunostaining of innumerable intracytoplasmic amastigote structures, confirming infection by Leishmania infantum.Discussion: Leishmaniasis is a public health problem and is frequently studied. In the biological cycle of the parasite, canids are considered as reservoirs, and humans are considered as accidental hosts. However, in endemic rural areas, several species of mammals can be infected. Microscopic lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis are compatible with granulomatous dermatitis, characterized by lymphohistioplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrates with epithelioid macrophages containing amastigote forms. Age, breed, and sex are not considered predisposing factors for this disease and their transmission depends on the existence of the vector in the environment. The diagnosis is based on serological, molecular, and immunohistochemical techniques; in the present study, immunohistochemistry was performed for diagnostic confirmation using serum from dogs naturally infected with L. (L.) infantum. It was found that this antibody can be successfully applied in the immunohistochemical diagnosis of leishmaniasis in tissues of horses. Histopathological examination including immunohistochemical analysis was essential to confirm the diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Leishmania infantum infection in a horse in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. It is essential to carry out epidemiological studies to define control measures to be implemented in the state since it is important for public health.

Análise dos acidentes de trânsito ocasionados por animais nas rodovias federais do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Objetivou-se analisar durante o triênio 2012-2014 as ocorrências de acidentes de trânsito ocasionados por animais nas rodovias federais do estado de Pernambuco, com base em informações obtidas no banco de dados do sistema operacional da Polícia Rodoviária Federal, o Siger2. Foram analisadas as variáveis: quantitativo de acidentes por ano, tipo de veículo, rodovia de ocorrência, tipo de pista, traçado da via, condições meteorológicas, fase do dia, tipo do solo (perímetro da via), sexo, idade dos condutores e estado físico das vítimas. No triênio de 2012 a 2014 foram registrados 1.013 acidentes do tipo atropelamento animal. Constatouse maior ocorrência de acidentes no ano de 2012 (40,1%), ocasionados por automóveis (46,9%), na BR 232 (37,5%), em pista simples (72,8%) com trechos em linha reta (92,8%), em céu claro (67,4%), fase de plena noite (65,7%), e no perímetro rural (72,2%). Predominaram os condutores do sexo masculino (86,3%), com idade entre 18 a 40 anos (54,5%) e 63,3% das vítimas foram classificadas como ilesas. Considera-se fundamental a implementação de políticas públicas e medidas mitigatórias que forneçam subsídios para melhorias na conservação e sinalização das rodovias, bem como a elaboração de programas destinados a minimizarem o acesso dos animais as rodovias e campanhas educativas direcionadas aos tutores de animais e condutores, sendo a participação do médico veterinário essencial na elaboração e implementação dessas medidas

Simultaneous Occurrence of Hemangiosarcoma and Grade II Mast Cell Tumor in a Pit Bull Terrier

Background: The incidence of cutaneous neoplasms in dogs is high and quite variable. Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and mast cell tumor (MCT) are commonly diagnosed neoplasms in isolation; however, reports of concomitant occurrence in a single patient are rare. HSA is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of endothelial origin; the spleen is the most commonly affected organ. MCT is a common neoplasm that may affect any region of the body, without predilection for sex, although some breeds have shown higher incidence. This report describes a case of HSA and MCT in a Pit bull terrier.Case: A 5-year-old white male Pit bull was presented to the Small Animal Clinic of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco with nodules in preputial region measuring 5,4 x 3,7 cm and an ulcerated nodule in the right lateral thoracic region measuring 23,0 x 19,0 x 5,5 cm. The owner reported surgical excision of two previous nodules one year before the consultation, but neither were submitted for cytopathological or post-surgical histopathological examination. Two months after the procedure, the nodules recurred. Cytopathological examinations of preputial and lateral thoracic nodules were performed, with a suggestive diagnosis for HSA and MCT, respectively. Due to the unfavorable prognosis and the weakness of the animal, euthanasia was elected. Necroscopic examination revealed an ideal body condition score (4/9), hypertrophy of right pre-scapular and axillary lymph nodes, red hepatization in the apical lobe of the right lung, with multiple, soft and pigmented nodules in the spleen, liver, pancreas and testis. Several tissue samples were collected, conditioned in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution, routinely processed for histology, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue. Microscopically, the lateral thoracic nodule consisted of round cells in cordonal arrangement, with sparse basophilic and discretely granular cytoplasm, and a round, central nucleus with a single evident nucleolus. Some cells were positively marked by toluidine blue, and the neoplasm was classified as grade II MCT. The preputial and digital nodules were confirmed as well-differentiated HSA, with fusiform cells forming vascular structures containing large numbers of erythrocytes and irregular fibrovascular stroma. Metastases of HSA were observed in the lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, and testis. Invasion of mast cells was observed in lymph node.Discussion: Although the etiology of HSA has not yet been clarified, its occurrence in dogs with poorly pigmented skin exposed to ultraviolet light is well established, consistent with observations in this case. MCTs often occur on the pelvic and thoracic limbs, abdomen, and chest. Primary site of HSA may be in any tissue, but it is commonly seen in highly vascular organs such as the spleen. When it occurs on the skin, HSA has more frequently been reported in the preputial and scrotal regions in dogs. For both neoplasms, the locations in this Pit bull corresponded to those commonly reported. MCTs with ulceration, edema, pruritus, and flushing are associated with worse prognosis. Metastasis is a major concern when evaluating oncologic patients. While it is difficult to determine the primary site of HSAs, metastasis often occurs in the lungs and liver. In this case, metastatic lesions were identified in the lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, and testis by necropsy and histopathology. Fine needle aspiration of neoplasm-suggestive lesions should be performed prior to surgical procedures, especially because of its high sensitivity for MCTs. MCT and HSA are tumors of great significance, due to their high occurrence and variable prognosis. Multidisciplinary diagnostics involving clinical and pathological aspects are essential to guide the prognosis and treatment of these tumors.Mariana Lumack do Monte Barretto, Rômulo Freitas Francelino Dias, Saulo Romero Felix Gonçalves, Órion Pedro da Silva, Roseane Oliveira Feitosa, Stephanie Caroline Gueiros Silva, Valdemiro Amaro da Silva Junior & Andrea Alice da Fonseca Oliveir

Gastroesophageal Intussusception in Canine

Background: Gastroesophageal intussusception is characterized by the invagination of the stomach into the esophagus, with or without the involvementof adjacent organs such as the spleen, pancreas, and omentum. In dogs, this condition has no breed or sex predisposition. As it is an infrequent disease in routine veterinary medical practice, this study reports a case of gastroesophageal intussusception in a dog necropsied at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (HOVET - UFRPE), Recife, Brazil.Case: The body of a 12-year-old black mixed breed male dog was sent to the Pathology Department (Necropsy Sector of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE) for a necropsy. The animal had a previous 4-year history of recurrent emesis and limb weakness, primarily in the anterior limbs, that worsened in the previous months and progressed to death. No previous treatments were reported by the owner. On external examination, the animal had a low body score (cachectic), forelimb joints with great flexibility, congested oral and ocular mucous membranes, enophthalmos, and increased volume in the perianal region. At the opening of the thoracic cavity, the final third of the esophagus was dilated and gastroesophageal intussusception, edema, and pulmonary congestion were noted. In the abdominal cavity, there was hepatic and renal congestion and large intestine and rectal ampoule dilation, with a large amount of solid and retained feces (fecaloma), perianal hernia, and testicular neoformation. These findings were consistent with those observed in death caused by cardiorespiratory failure secondary to gastroesophageal intussusception.Discussion: The pathophysiology of gastroesophageal intussusception is still not elucidated and is probably multifactorial. This condition causes reverse gastric peristalsis associated with a sudden and sustained increase in abdominal pressure. Some probable predisposing factors for this pathological condition are esophageal motility disorders, lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction, and hiatal enlargement. In dogs, gastroesophageal intussusception is associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure owing to emesis or blunt trauma, negative intrathoracic pressure caused by respiratory, and previous esophageal diseases, especially megaesophagus. Partial or total obstruction caused by intussusception leads to circulatory disorders in the organs, especially decreased venous return. Persistence of this condition can lead to gastric necrosis and rupture followed by endotoxic (or septic) shock and release of inflammatory mediators that can cause cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction and rapid death. Impaired circulation is macroscopically evident in several organs, characterized by mucosal, lung, liver, and kidney congestion, in addition to cardiac dilation and mitral valve endocardiosis. The occurrence of stomach invagination into the esophagus dilated in the final portion is characteristic of gastroesophageal intussusception. Moreover, death owing to cardiorespiratory failure is related to cardiac (dilatation and endocardiosis) and pulmonary (edema and congestion) involvement secondary to gastroesophageal intussusception. Since thispotentially fatal condition has a low incidence in small animals and often goes unnoticed by professionals, early and correct diagnosis along with surgical treatment are essential for a good prognosis and favorable progression

Amitraz: pharmacological and toxicological aspects in animals

Infestations by ectoparasites are one of the greatest problems in the veterinary practice, due to a large drop in performance in cattle herds and other farm animals, generating great economical losses; for pets, besides the low quality of life and disruption of homeostasis, ectoparasites represent a risk for transmission of zoonotic diseases. The formamidines emerge as a very large group of ectoparasiticides, which its main representative, amitraz, is the only one approved for animal use. Amitraz is indicated for animal use against mites, lice, and ticks for cattle, swine, and sheep. For dogs, it is used against ticks and mites. However, due to a lack of proper orientation and information, reports of accidental intoxications by amitraz, in both animals and humans, are not unusual in the literature. Amitraz intoxication has been reported in dogs, and the clinical signs are evidenced in the nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, and urinary systems and include sedation, bradycardia, bradyarrhythmias, hypotension, bradypnea, transitory hyperglycemia, mydryasis, and hypothermia, cats being more sensitive than dogs regarding these last signs. To detect amitraz and its main metabolites, there are many standardized methodologies. This review describes the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodinamics, indications, toxicological and pathological effects of amitraz, as well as the intoxication treatment and the aspects related to its detection in biological matrices

Systemic Cryptococcosis in a Miniature Schnauzer Dog

Background: Cryptococcosis is an important zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide. The disease is caused by a soilborne opportunistic fungus of the genus Cryptococcus, which can also be found in the feces of birds, especially pigeons. In Brazil, the geographical distribution of the agent is fairly defined, with the species C. gattii predominantly found in thenorth-eastern states. Diagnosis is based on the clinical history, physical examination findings, and results of complementary testing, such as cytopathological and histopathological examinations. This report aims to describe the clinical and anatomopathological findings in a case of systemic cryptococcosis in a dog.Case: A 4-year-old female Miniature Schnauzer was referred for necropsy. For 3 months prior to death, the dog had displayed generalized alopecia, pruritus, and severe weight loss, Initially, a private veterinarian had suspected leishmaniasis. Gross examination was performed and samples for cytopathology, histopathology, and fungal culture were obtained. Themacroscopic examination revealed generalized alopecia, congested mucosa, cachexia, hyperemia of the brain, and multiple white nodules measuring 0.5 cm to 4 cm in the lungs and the kidneys. None of the other organs showed significant lesions. Cytopathological examination of the nodules revealed a highly cellular sample, with a severe chronic inflammatory response, characterized by multinucleated giant cells and round-to-elliptical, yeast-shaped structures (5-10 μm), suggestive ofCryptococcus organisms. Histopathological examination of the lungs, kidneys, and brain revealed a severe diffuse chronic inflammatory process, with lymphocytic infiltration and multinucleated giant cells; countless yeast-shaped, round-to-ovoid structures (similar in appearance to “soap bubbles”) that were negative in hematoxylin-eosin stain were also present.Grocott’s methenamine silver stain was then applied, which positively stained the organism capsules black, confirming Cryptococcus. For mycological diagnosis, samples from the lungs nodules were cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol 0.4% and incubated for 7 days at 25-30ºC. Abundant small, smooth, irregular-sized,cream-colored colonies were obtained, and a mycological smear, stained by India ink, was performed.Discussion: Considered an uncommon disease, canine cryptococcosis can be misdiagnosed. Clinical findings, such as alopecia, lymphadenopathy, and cutaneous nodules that may be ulcerated, are commonly seen in these patients due to the hematogenous spread of the organism. In the case described, the dog’s owner was contacted and asked to provide epidemiological information. The owner reported that the dog had lived in an apartment, with little access to the street; however, pigeons were frequently observed on the balcony, along with pigeon feces in the dog feeder. The presence of pigeon feces is a risk factor for the development and spread of the fungus, which may be problematic to public health. Cytopathological examination is a simple, quick diagnostic tool with good sensitivity for some infectious agents. Mycological culture can provide results due to the characteristic of the Cryptococcus sp., since the encapsulated yeast produces a mucous-like colony. Cryptococcosis has a relevant role in public health, so a precise diagnosis is imperative. Its diagnosis is based upon culture, cytology and serological tools. When the animal does not survive to the ilness, the association between necropsyfindings and histopathological examinations is essencial.Keywords: canine, diagnostic, yeast, anatomopathology

Breast Carcinoma with Pulmonary Metastasis in Armadillo (Eupharactus sexcinctus)

Background: Breast neoplasms are among the most common neoplastic conditions affecting domestic animals and are considered the most common type of cancer affecting women, bitches, and cats. However, there are few reports on breast neoplasms in wild animals, and there is no record of their occurrence in armadillos worldwide. Breast neoplasms are hormone-dependent neoplasms that often cause lymph node and pulmonary metastases. The diagnosis is based on the patient’s history, complete physical examination, and complementary tests. Here we report a case of mammary neoplasia with pulmonary metastasis in an armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus).Case: A senile female armadillo was referred to us for treatment with a history of hyporexia and nodules in both breasts. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a hypoechogenic nodular lesion with a cross-section of approximately 1.3 × 1.4 cm and well-defined borders. The lesion had a circumscribed aspect in the left mammary gland. In the right mammary gland, there was a heterogeneous lesion with cystic formations and anechoic content. Cytopathological examination of the nodules was performed by fine needle aspiration cytology and revealed the presence of epithelial cells with ovoid and aberrant nuclei, anisocariasis, binucleation, coarse chromatin, and a high nucleus to cytoplasm ratio suggestive of carcinoma. The animal had a lean body score due to hyporexia that had evolved to anorexia and was undergoing supportive treatment. Nevertheless, the animal died two months after the cytologic diagnosis. A necropsy was performed. Cutting of the breast nodules revealed a hardened pale yellow material. The animal had pronounced pleural effusion, hemorrhage, and numerous pale yellow nodules of various sizes with firm consistency throughout the lung parenchyma. It also had hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Fragments of various organs were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, routinely processed, embedded in paraffin, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Upon microscopic examination, the mammary nodes demonstrated a proliferation of epithelial cells organized into tubular structures with intraluminal papillary projections. The cells had a polyhedral profile and a high nucleus to cytoplasm ratio, moderately pleomorphic evident nuclei. Some cells had coarse chromatin. We observed moderate anisocytosis and anisocariasis, as well as mitotic figures. In the lungs, nodules with the same microscopic characteristics of the mammary nodes were observed in addition to intense congestion and multifocal hemorrhages.Discussion: This type of mammary carcinoma is considered an invasive neoplasm of ductal origin, and is morphologically characterized by rounded, ovoid, or angulated tubule formations with intraluminal projections. The patient’s prognosis is directly related to the occurrence of vascular invasion and metastasis. If present, these conditions may lead to reduced patient survival. Since the lungs are the most common sites of metastasis, pleural effusion caused by vessel erosion due to the presence of tumors is common and can in most cases lead to respiratory failure and eventually death. In this case, the association between the necropsy findings and the results of the histopathological examination enabled us to classify the carcinoma as one of mammary origin and of the tubulopapillary type with pulmonary metastasis. This is the first report of mammary carcinoma in an armadillo in captivity in the world

Linfoma imunoblástico em cão

Objetivou-se com este trabalho relatar um caso de linfoma imunoblástico em uma cadela diagnosticado pelo exame citopatológico. Analisou-se um animal da espécie canina, fêmea, sem raça definida, cinco anos de idade, procedente do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. De acordo com o histórico, o animal apresentou há aproximadamente três meses edema submandibular e em membros pélvicos que persistiam, com posterior aparecimento de nodulações nestas regiões, além de emagrecimento progressivo. Ao exame clínico foi constatado o aumento generalizado dos linfonodos superficiais e severa hipertrofia dos linfonodos submandibulares. Realizou-se a coleta de amostras dos linfonodos superficiais pela técnica de Citologia Aspirativa por Agulha Fina (CAAF), para diagnóstico citopatológico. A análise microscópica da amostra obtida pela CAAF revelou alta celularidade, presença de população de células de perfil linfocitário, compatíveis com imunoblastos, apresentando diâmetro nuclear variando entre uma e meia a duas hemácias, cromatina vesicular e nucléolo proeminente e central, citoplasma de basofilia leve a moderada. Foram observados também mitoses atípicas, acentuado pleomorfismo celular, anisocitose e anisocariose. Neste relato o linfoma foi anatomicamente classificado em multicêntrico. As alterações descritas ao exame citopatológico associadas ao histórico clínico do animal são compatíveis com linfoma imunoblástico de alto grau, sendo este o primeiro registro em um cão no estado de Pernambuco. A classificação citomorfológica associada a outros parâmetros pode propiciar ao médico veterinário um adequado direcionamento terapêutico, bem como auxiliar no estabelecimento do prognóstico