Relationship of Parasitic Index and Cytokine Profile in Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Leishmania infantum (L. chagasi) that infects cells of the monocyte-phagocyte system. This work aims to describe the bone marrow parasitism in dogs naturally infected by L. chagasi, and to correlate with serum concentrations of cytokines and antibody level. It evaluated 42 dogs, 21 uninfected and 21 infected by L. infantum, of both sexes and of different ages; dogs were classified into three clinical stages: stage I, mild disease; stage II, moderate disease; and stage III, severe disease. Parasitic index was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cytokine serum concentration by flow cytometry. The average parasitic index of infected dogs was 4.59 × 1010 copies/μl. IL-4 and TNF-α concentrations were higher in infected dogs than in the control group. Antibody levels were positively correlated with IL-4 expression. There was a significant positive correlation of IL-6 cytokine levels with the evolution of stages I and III. Antibody levels were positively correlated with IL-4 expression. There was a significant positive correlation of IL-6 cytokine levels with the evolution of stages I and III. However, this cytokine can be used as a marker to distinguish between different clinical stages

CHARACTERIZATION OF CANINE LEISHMANIASIS BY PCR-RFLP IN CUIABA, MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL

Leishmaniases are neglected zoonoses that are increasing in Brazil. The dog is considered the main reservoir of the visceral form in urban areas of Brazil and also important in maintaining the cycle of transmission of the cutaneous form in endemic areas. We used PCR-RFLP to identify the species of Leishmania involved in canine infection in Cuiaba City, Mato Grosso. Samples of bone marrow and lymph were collected from 181 dogs, of which 7.2% tested positive with indirect immunofluorescence and 24.9% using PCR-RFLP; a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05), had been possible to characterize the species Leishmania (L.) chagasi. This will aid in developing prevention measures and in the control of disease in Cuiaba and the surrounding area

Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery in a Dog - Clinical and Imaging Aspects

Background: Aberrant right subclavian artery is only rarely observed in veterinary medicine. Some animals may present postprandial regurgitation and progressive weight loss, which is considered an incidental finding unrelated to clinical alterations. Advanced imaging techniques such as thoracic CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast angiography are used for the accurate detection of lesions, anatomical changes and specific information about vascular rings. This paper describes the clinical changes, imaging exams and therapeutic approach in a female dog with megaesophagus induced by an aberrant right subclavian artery.   Case: A 2-month-old female bull terrier, weighing 1.6 kg, with a history of regurgitation immediately or a few minutes after a meal, diarrhea, polyphagia, progressive emaciation and apathy for 45 days, was treated at a University Veterinary Hospital. The dog’s physical examination revealed 7% dehydration and body condition score 1 (scale 1 to 5), but no cardiac or pulmonary alterations upon auscultation. The hematological analysis and renal and hepatic serum enzymes were within the normal range for the species. In view of the presumptive clinical diagnosis of vascular anomaly, suggested by the contrast X-ray examination, a chest tomography was performed, which revealed altered aortic arch shape and contours, and a posterior aneurysm in the area of ​​abnormal connection of the right subclavian artery. The patient was released with a prescription for conservative dietary management for megaesophagus. Within two weeks, the patient returned with a report of a good response to the prescribed therapy, absence of vomiting and diarrhea, and an increase in body weight. Surgical correction was recommended, but has not been performed so far, but conservative treatment for megaesophagus was continued. No further episodes of regurgitation were identified during the nine-month follow-up period. Discussion: In the case reported here, the right subclavian artery is considered anatomically atypical because it arises directly from the aortic arch.  This vascular anomaly passes on to the right pectoral limb, dorsal to the esophagus, contracting it in its dorsal aspect. It tends to affect purebred dogs, occurring more frequently in Irish setters, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers, although it has been described in other breeds such as the bull terrier documented here and mixed breed dogs. Vascular ring anomalies may not cause clinical changes in animals and represent only incidental findings, or they may lead to gastrointestinal changes resulting from esophageal stricture, contributing to megaesophagus and clinical signs of esophageal obstruction, especially in recently weaned puppies. Such alterations were observed in this case, with the dog presenting regurgitation, immediately or a few minutes after a meal, megaesophagus, diarrhea and progressive weight loss. A CT scan was performed to confirm the type and location of the vascular anomaly and diagnostic accuracy, as recommended in the literature. Dietary therapy is one of the approaches adopted for patients presenting with regurgitation resulting from megaesophagus secondary to vascular anomalies. The dog in this report responded well to the medical therapy; nevertheless, the treatment of choice to correct the esophageal obstruction caused by this anomaly is surgical sectioning of the aberrant vessel by right intercostal thoracotomy, given that the degree of esophageal dilation and dysfunction tends to increase over time. However, at this time, the animal’s owner decided to suspend the recommended surgical procedure. Keywords: aberrant right subclavian artery, female dog, megaesophagus. Título: Artéria Subclávia Direita Aberrante em cão - aspectos clínicos e de imagem. Descritores: artéria subclávia direita aberrante, cão fêmea, megaesôfago

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Area of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic and severe disease of great interest to global public health. In Brazil, the main species causing visceral leishmaniasis is Leishmania chagasi [syn. Leishmania infantum], which is transmitted by sandflies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. cruzi. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs residing in endemic areas of the municipality of Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso.Material, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in the Várzea Grande neighbourhoods Jardim Eldorado, Parque Sabiá and São Mateus, which are located in the Brazilian Cerrado region and are endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. The Várzea Grande is a mostly commercial and industrial municipality and relies on subsistence farming. To describe the general characteristics of the dog population and housing environment, an interview was carried out with the dog owners in each household. This interview addressed local demographics and the identification of dogs to establish epidemiological aspects of canine illness and risk factors for infection. The dogs were examined and physically restrained for blood collection by jugular venipuncture. For serological testing, a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. A Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to identify associations between independent variables and the seroprevalence of dogs with anti-Leishmania antibodies. It were collected blood from 521 animals, including 160 belonging to Jardim Eldorado, 129 to Parque Sabiá and 232 to São Mateus. Of these animals, 120 were reactive by ELISA, with a prevalence of 23.0%. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) according to gender, age, racial definition, origin, time with family, presence of ectoparasites, or the presence of people with skin wounds at home or on other pets. The major risk factor for canine infection was fur length; dogs with short fur were 2.2 times more likely to be infected than dogs with long fur.Discussion: The prevalence of canine leishmaniasis in endemic areas was found to be similar to studies in Cuiaba, a city in Várzea Grande, which also included neighbourhoods endemic for visceral leishmaniasis as study areas. Other studies have shown prevalence rates that differ from those found in this study. This difference may either be because the neighbourhoods in this study had already experienced outbreaks of the disease or because serum samples were cross-reactive with other trypanosomatids. While infection was more readily detected in dogs with clinical signs, asymptomatic dogs with anti-Leishmania antibodies were found in greater numbers, which is consistent with the literature. Hair length was the only factor associated with canine leishmaniasis in this study; short-haired animals were most at risk of contracting the disease because they had more skin exposure to sandflies during blood feeding. In conclusion, endemic districts of Várzea Grande had high prevalence rates of canine visceral leishmaniasis, and a short length coat was associated with infection

Microbiota conjuntival de cães hígidos e com afecções oftálmicas

A conjuntiva é considerada a membrana mais exposta do organismo, possui grande importância na dinâmica ocular, mantém relação direta com o meio externo e atua na proteção mecânica do bulbo ocular. Existem micro-organismos que ajudam na sua defesa e, juntamente com fatores humorais, inibem o estabelecimento de agentes patogênicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a microbiota conjuntival de cães hígidos e com afecções oculares. Foram avaliados 100 cães (50 com afecção ocular e 50 hígidos), com ou sem raça definida, oriundos do atendimento clínico-médico do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. Após a contenção adequada dos animais, foi realizada limpeza ocular e colheita de material do saco conjuntival inferior, com auxílio de suabes estéreis, para isolamento e identificação de bactérias e fungos. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a bactéria de maior ocorrência, dentre os animais hígidos, foi Bacillus spp., enquanto o Staphylococcus intermedius foi mais observado nas afecções oculares. O fungo de maior ocorrência foi Candida spp. O estudo apontou que houve variação da microbiota conjuntival devido às afecções oculares, sendo observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os animais hígidos e oftalmopatas quanto à presença de Bacillus sp. e Escherichia coli

Clinical, Hematological, Blood Gasometric and Electrolytic Changes in Dogs Receiving Whole Blood Transfusions

Background: Blood transfusion is a tool capable of saving lives. Patients undergoing blood transfusion usually present several alterations in the acid-base and electrolyte balance, aggravating the condition of critically ill patients. Some studies have demonstrated haematological alterations in certain species that received whole blood transfusions, however, few studies have evaluated acid base and electrolyte changes in dogs undergoing whole blood haemotherapy. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical, hematological, blood gas and electrolyte changes in anemic dogs after whole blood transfusion.Materials, Methods & Results:Twenty nine dogs transfused due to anemia were enrolled in the study. Donors blood was collected in a transfusion bag containing citrate phosphate adenine dextrose and stored up to 24 h. Blood collections and evaluations were made before and 24 h after the transfusion. Data distribution normality was tested by the Shapiro Wilk Test. The means of the variables were compared by paired t-test. It was observed an increase in diastolic blood pressure and a reduction in heart rate (P 0.05) and ionized calcium (P > 0.05) and an increase in the mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) (P 0.05) and sodium (P < 0.05). The probable cause of anemia was monocytic ehrlichiosis (14/29), visceral leishmaniasis (1/29), babesiosis (1/29), co-infection of Ehrlichia canis and Leishmaniainfantum (2/19), co-infection of E. canis and Babesia vogeli (1/19). It was not possible to determine the etiology of the anemia in ten dogs. Discussion:Heart rate significantly reduced after transfusion, probably because of the increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin and erythrocyte values. It may be justified by the displacement of extravascular fluid to the intravascular space. Mean values of systolic blood pressure were slightly elevated before transfusion and remained elevated afterwards, while diastolic and mean arterial pressure increased significantly after transfusion. These changes may be due to the morbid condition and may be influenced by many other factors. Haematocrit, haemoglobin and erythrocyte values increased significantly after transfusion, according to what was observed in other studies. The significant reduction in pH and increase in pCO2 reflects the compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis to increase ventilation, leading to pCO2 reduction and changes in pH. The reduction in pH due to the contact of the collected blood with conservative solutions is one of the main changes thar occurs during blood storage. It was described significantly lower pH in dogs’ whole blood samples stored for more than 24h in vacutainer plastic containing CPDA-1. We may assume there was no intense pH reduction in the present study because the bags were stored for up to 24 h. Although not statistically significant, the increase of pO2 mean reflects the improvement of tissue oxygen perfusion. It was observed a significant increase in sodium ions. The mean sodium ionconcentration before transfusion was very close to the maximum reference value. Hyperkalaemia was not observed, nor was there significant reduction of potassium ions after transfusion. Several studies report hyperkalaemia and transfusion-associated cardiac arrests in humans, associated with infusion of large volumes of blood. Whole blood transfusion increased erythrogram values and did not negatively affect the electrolyte or acid-base status, representing a safe and useful tool in the intensive care of small animals.

Natural hemoplasma infection of cats in Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil

The aim of this research was to investigate natural hemoplasma infection in cats treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, and the factors associated with infection. Blood samples from 151 cats of different sexes, breeds, and ages were analyzed by PCR and blood count. The overall occurrence of hemoplasma was 25.8%. Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm)’, and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ (CMt) were observed in 15.2%, 14.6% and 2.6% of cats, respectively. In 6.6 % of cases, co-infection was observed. Male felines or mixed breed cats were associated with infection by CMhm (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). The data obtained demonstrated an occurrence of 25.8% for hemoplasma infection in felines coming from clinical care in the city of Cuiabá, where males were at higher risk of acquiring the infection by these agents, in addition to a higher risk for CMhm in felines with no specific breed

Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum in dogs

Background: Deformities of the anterior thoracic wall are called pectus: pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. Pectus excavatum is characterised by dorsal deviation of the caudal region of the sternum while pectus carinatum consists of protrusion of the sternum and/or adjacent cartilage. Both defects may remain symptom-free, but respiratory and cardiac abnormalities have been reported. Another deformity observed in dogs is the swimming dog syndrome, which consists of the lateral opening of the thoracic and pelvic limbs, associated with the pedalling movement. These disorders are frequently reported in medical practice, are considered rare among canines. This report aims to describe a case of pectus excavatum associated with the swimming dog syndrome (Case 1) and another case of pectus carinatum (Case 2).Case: In Case 1, an approximately 45-day-old male American Pitbull canine had difficulty standing. Physical examination revealed hyperextension of the thoracic and pelvic limb joints and flattening of the thorax. After radiographic examination, pectus excavatum and the swimming dog syndrome were confirmed. The conservative treatment with splinting and hydrotherapy was chosen. At the 3-month follow-up, slight improvement in the limbs and irregular and unsatisfactory growth of the thorax leading to episodes of dyspnoea were observed. In Case 2, a female Pug, approximately 2 months old, had a thorax deformity. Physical examination revealed thorax protrusion, confirmed on radiography as pectus carinatum. Conservative therapy was provided using compressive bandage. One month later, the tutor reported improvement in the condition and absence of respiratory changes.Discussion: Pectus deformities has low incidence, and cases to pectus carinatum, there is a sexual predisposition, that is, males are more predisposed, differing from Case 2, a female dog. In the cases of pectus excavatum, no genetic alteration was directly related to its occurrence, although familial occurrence is reported in humans, as in Case 1, in which the patient was the only one of this litter to present this deformity. Though the possibility is lower, the acquired aetiology has been described in other cases. In pectus carinatum, there is the possibility of an acquired aetiology, which corroborates Case 2, considering that the canine had no history of inbreeding, nor family history. However, it is important consider racial predisposition, where there is an increasing number of cases of pectus carinatum in brachycephalic canines. Respiratory symptoms are frequently reported in cases of pectus excavatum, which the evolution of the condition occurred in Case 1, that can be explained by the displacement of organs or the restriction to ventilation. Humans have shown that pectus excavatum reduces static lung function. Case 2 showed no clinical signs, despite this presented dextrocardia, which in the future may confer cardiac dysfunctions. The diagnosis for pectus is considered simple. Performed only by radiography, it can be complemented by echocardiography. In both cases, conservative treatment was the choice. However, in Case 1 there was no success due to the degree of patient involvement, unlike Case 2, which had a better development of the thoracic wall, ensuring better quality of life for the patient. Thus, it is possible to conclude that some differences were found in these two reported cases when compared to others described in the literature.  The radiographic diagnosis is confirmatory, and the therapy must be adequate to the degree of thoracic wall deformity. In addition, the prognosis is more reserved for pectus excavatum than pectus carinatum

Coinfecção por Anaplasma platys e Ehrlichia canis em cães diagnosticada pela PCR

O Anaplasma platys é o agente de uma doença branda conhecida como trombocitopenia cíclica canina, que cursa frequentemente com trombocitopenia e parasitemia das plaquetas, a cada quatorze dias. Alguns recentes relatos têm descrito uma doença severa principalmente associada à infecção por Ehrlichia canis. Este relato descreve os principais achados clínicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos da coinfecção por A. platys e E. canis diagnosticada através da PCR e nested PCR, usando oligonucleotídeos específicos. Os cães apresentavam sinais inespecíficos, sem distúrbios hemostáticos como trombocitopenia, considerado principal achado da infecção por A. platys e comum na E. canis. Anemia foi observada nos dois casos, e em nenhum houve alteração nos níveis séricos de ureia, creatinina, alanino aminotransferase e fosfatase alcalina. Em um cão, observou-se hiperglobulinemia, decorrente da resposta imune, concordando com a literatura que cita exacerbação clínica associada a este tipo de coinfecção

Molecular prevalence and factors associated with Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs from the North Pantanal wetland, Brazil

Background and Aim: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the obligatory intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis, which is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Its prevalence within dog populations is high in municipalities located across the Pantanal biome, but it remains unknown in Barão de Melgaço, Mato Grosso, Brazil. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence and factors associated with E. canis infection in dogs domiciled in Barão de Melgaço. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of E. canis infection in 369 dogs from urban and rural areas in Barão de Melgaço, North Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Initially, the dogs were examined, and, through a questionnaire, the risk factors were investigated. Blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR was performed to estimate the prevalence of E. canis infection. Results: The molecular prevalence of E. canis infection in dogs was 42.5% and none of the studied variables were significantly associated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The high molecular prevalence demonstrates an increased transmission of the agent across the city. This also indicates that attention needs to be paid to E. canis infection and control measures should be introduced to prevent its transmission. The demographic and clinical risk factors commonly associated with E. canis infection in this study were not associated with PCR positivity