Enfermidades pulmonares e intestinais diagnosticadas em equinos no sul do Brasil

Doenças relacionadas ao sistema alimentar são tidas como a principal causa de morte de equinos, enquanto doenças respiratórias são a quarta a quinta maior causa de morte na espécie. Todavia, os aspectos patológicos de ambas são pobremente descritos na literatura. Dessa forma, nessa tese estão incluídos quatro manuscritos abordando esse tema. O primeiro manuscrito teve o objetivo de descrever os aspectos patológicos e microbiológicos de lesões pulmonares de equinos abatidos em matadouro-frigorífico. Um total de 84 amostras foi analisada, e um diagnóstico final conclusivo foi obtido em 74. Broncopneumonia supurativa foi o principal diagnóstico (50/74), seguido por pneumonia eosinofílica granulomatosa (9/74), obstrução aérea recorrente (7/74), fibrose pulmonar (4/74), hemorragia pulmonar (3/74) e pitiose pulmonar (1/74). As broncopneumonias foram causadas principalmente por Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (21/50). O segundo manuscrito teve o objetivo de descrever os aspectos macroscópicos, microscópicos e etiológicos relacionados a pneumonias e pleurites diagnosticadas em 50 equinos necropsiados de 2005 a 2017 no Sul do Brasil. Pneumonias supurativas foram as principais condições diagnosticadas (17/50), e foram subdivididas em agudas (8/17), subagudas (6/17) e crônicas (3/17) baseadas nos padrões morfológicos das lesões. Streptococcus sp. foi identificado em 11 desses casos através de cultivo bacteriano ou exame imuno-histoquímico. As outras lesões foram classificadas em pneumonias piogranulomatosas por Rhodococcus equi (14/50), pneumonias aspirativas (5/50), pneumonias micóticas por Aspergillus spp. (4/50), pneumonias broncointersticiais por Influenza A (3/50), pleurites (3/50) e pneumonias embólicas (3/50). Pneumonias são causas significativas de morte em equinos no Sul do Brasil, sendo as pneumonias supurativas e piogranulomatosas as principais condições. Os aspectos epidemiológicos, patológicos, bacteriológicos e imuno-histoquímicos são essenciais para a obtenção do diagnóstico final. O terceiro manuscrito teve o objetivo de descrever os achados patológicos de enterites e tiflocolites parasitárias fatais em equinos. Dez cavalos apresentavam enterite e/ou tiflocolite parasitária fatal, e as principais causas foram: tiflocolite por ciatostomíneos (6/10), enterite por Eimeria leuckarti (1/10), enterite por Strongyloides westeri (1/10), colite por Balantidium coli (1/10) e infecção por múltiplos agentes (1/10). A tiflocolite por ciatostomíneos exibia acentuado espessamento de mucosa, com nódulos multifocais elevadas contendo parasitas filiformes. Microscopicamente, a mucosa e submucosa exibiam estruturas parasitárias encistadas envoltas por inflamação eosinofílica e granulomatosa. A enterite por E. leuckarti exibia macrogamontes, microgamontes e oocistos no interior de células do hospedeiro. A enterite por S. westeri exibia atrofia de vilosidades com numerosas estruturas parasitárias encistadas na mucosa. O quarto manuscrito teve o objetivo de descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal de equinos necropsiados entre 2005 e 2017 no Sul do Brasil. Durante esse período, 114 equinos morreram devido a doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal, e as principais causas foram: dilatação gástrica primária (27/114), vólvulos (27/114), enterolitíase (20/114), ruptura (colônica) retal (15/114), compactação gástrica ou cecocolônica (10/114), encarceramentos (6/114), intussuscepções (4/114) e outros (5/114). Doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal, assim como enterites e tiflocolites parasitárias, são importantes causas de morte em equinos. Os aspectos epidemiológicos, macroscópicos e microscópicos das condições devem ser considerados para que um diagnóstico conclusivo da causa da cólica seja obtido.Diseases related to the alimentary system are the main cause of death in horses, while respiratory diseases are fourth to fifth most common causes of death. Yet, the pathological features of both are poorly described. Thus, four manuscripts on this subject are included on this thesis. The first manuscript aimed to describe the pathological and microbiological features of lung lesions in slaughtered horses. A total of 84 samples were analyzed, and a final diagnosis was obtained in 74. Suppurative bronchopneumonia was the main diagnosis (50/74), followed by granulomatous eosinophilic pneumonia (9/74), recurrent airway obstruction (7/74), lung fibrosis (4/74), lung hemorrhage (3/74), and pythiosis (1/74). Bronchopneumonia was caused mainly by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (21/50). The second manuscript aimed to describe the gross, microscopic and etiologic findings related to pneumonia and pleuritis in 50 horses necropsied between 2005 and 2017 in Southern Brazil. Suppurative pneumonia was the main condition diagnosed (17/50), and was further divided into acute (8/17), subacute (6/17), and chronic (3/17) based on the morphological pattern of lesions. Streptococcus sp. was identified through bacterial culture or immunohistochemistry in eleven cases of these cases. The following lesions were pyogranulomatous pneumonia by Rhodococcus equi (14/50), aspiration pneumonia (5/50), mycotic pneumonia by Aspergillus spp. (4/50), bronchointerstitial pneumonia by Influenza A (3/50), pleuritis (3/50), and embolic pneumonia (3/50). Pneumonia is a significant cause of death in horses in Southern Brazil, with suppurative and pyogranulomatous pneumonia as the main conditions. Epidemiological, pathological, bacteriological, and immunohistochemical features are essential to obtain a final diagnosis. The third manuscript aimed to describe the pathological findings of fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis in horses. Ten horses had fatal parasitic enteritis and/or typhlocolitis, and the main causes were: cyathostominae typhlocolitis (6/10), Eimeria leuckarti enteritis (1/10), Strongyloides westeri enteritis (1/10), Balantidium coli colitis related to cyathostominae (1/10), and infection by multiple agents (1/10). Cyathostominae typhlocolitis showed marked mucosal thickening, with multifocal elevated nodules containing tangled filiform parasites. Microscopic examination revealed that the mucosa and submucosa had encysted parasitic structures surrounded by eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammation. E. leuckarti enteritis had macrogamonts, microgamonts, and oocysts inside the host cells. S. westeri enteritis had atrophy of the villi with numerous mucosal encysted parasitic structures. B. coli typhlocolitis showed severe diffuse mucosal reddening, with microscopic superficial mucosal necrosis associated with multiple protozoan trophozoites. The fourth manuscript aimed to to describe the epidemiological and pathological features of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in horses necropsied between 2005 and 2017 in Southern Brazil. During this period, 114 horses died due to noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and the main causes were: primary gastric dilation (27/114), volvulus (27/114), enterolithiasis (20/114), rectal (colonic) perforation (15/114), gastric or cecocolonic impaction (10/114), incarcerations (6/114), intussusception (4/114), and others (5/114). Noninfectious gastrointestinal diseases, as well as parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis, are important causes of death in horses. Epidemiological, gross and microscopical features of the conditions should be accounted to obtain a final diagnosis of the cause of the colic

Aspectos clínicos e patológicos da hiperfosfatasemia progressiva associada à hepatopatia vacuolar e carcinoma hepatocelular em uma cadela da raça Scottish Terrier

Hyperphosphatasemia refers to an increase in alkaline phosphatase serum activity, and Scottish Terriers (STs) are predisposed to develop this condition of uncertain pathogenesis. This study describes a case of progressive hyperphosphatasemia with vacuolar hepatopathy and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a ST bitch. This dog had a five-year clinical follow-up with progressive hyperphosphatasemia (up to 5503 U/L) and with ultrasound findings and histologic diagnosis of vacuolar hepatopathy, in addition to posterior onset of HCC. A steroidogenic adrenal panel revealed an increase of adrenocortical hormones, especially progesterone and androstenedione, consistent with a subdiagnosed hypercortisolism. Euthanasia was elected and at necropsy, multinodular, yellow to red masses were observed in the liver, which were histologically and immunohistochemically defined as HCC. The association of the clinical, imaging, biochemical, adrenal panel and pathologic findings allowed to characterize and confirm a progressive disorder in this ST bitch associated with elevated adrenocortical hormones.Hiperfosfatasemia é o aumento sérico de fosfatase alcalina, sendo que Scorrish Terriers estão predispostos a desenvolverem essa condição de patogênese desconhecida. Este trabalho descreve um caso de hiperfosfatasemia progressiva com hepatopatia vacuolar e carcinoma hepatocelular em um canino da raça Scottish Terrier. Uma cadela Scottish Terrier foi acompanhada clinicamente por cinco anos devido à hiperfosfatasemia persistente (até 5503 U/L), com achados ultrassonográficos e histológicos compatíveis com hepatopatia vacuolar, além de posterior desenvolvimento de carcinoma hepatocelular. O painel esteroidogênico realizado indicou aumento dos hormônios adrenocorticais, principalmente progesterona e androstenediona, consistente com diagnóstico de hipercortisolismo subdiagnosticado “atípico”. Devido ao prognóstico desfavorável, a eutanásia foi realizada e na necropsia, massas amarelas a vermelhas e multinodulares foram observadas no fígado, com diagnóstico de carcinoma hepatocelular pela análise histológica e imuno-histoquímica. A associação dos achados clínicos, de imagem, bioquímicos, do painel androgênico e patológicos permitiram caracterizar e confirmar um distúrbio progressivo no canino da raça Scottish Terrier associado ao aumento dos hormônios adrenocorticais

Insuficiência renal aguda associada à intoxicação por picadas de abelhas em um cavalo

Bee envenomation is frequent in humans and dogs, but uncommon in horses. This study aimed to describe a case of acute renal failure following mass envenomation in a horse. A mare was attacked by a swarm of bees and showed reluctance to move, epistaxis, and dark-brown urine. Biochemical exams revealed increase in urea and creatine serum levels. The mare did not respond to treatment and euthanasia was elected after four days of clinical course. At the necropsy, there were multifocal pinpoint to elevated skin lesions associated with edema and hemorrhage, which extended to the subcutaneous tissue and skeletal muscle, and the kidneys were diffusely dark-brown and friable. Microscopically, renal tubules were distended and filled with an orange-red, hyaline globular material, and had severe epithelial tubular cell necrosis. The diagnosis was established based on clinical and histological analysis, and pathological evaluation was essential to confirm acute renal failure due to bee sting toxicity.Acidentes por picada de abelhas são frequentemente descritos em humanos e cães, entretanto relatos em cavalos são escassos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever um caso de insuficiência renal aguda em um equino após múltiplas picadas de abelhas. Uma égua foi atacada por um enxame de abelhas desenvolvendo quadro clínico de relutância em se movimentar, epistaxe e urina marrom-escura. Exames bioquímicos demonstraram aumento nos níveis séricos de ureia e creatina. O equino não respondeu ao tratamento e a eutanásia foi realizada após quatro dias de curso clínico. Na necropsia havia múltiplas elevações cutâneas, que ao corte exibiam edema e hemorragia, os quais se estendiam ao subcutâneo e musculatura adjacente. Os rins estavam difusamente marrom-escuros e havia friáveis. Microscopicamente, os túbulos renais estavam distendidos e preenchidos por um material hialino, globular, laranja-avermelhado e havia acentuada necrose das células epiteliais tubulares. O diagnóstico foi obtido por meio da análise clínica e histológica, e a avaliação patológica foi essencial para confirmar a insuficiência renal aguda por picada de abelha

Lesões parasitárias atípicas em bovinos de abatedouro no sul do Brasil

In this study, we described the morphological features and unusual presentations of hydatidosis, fasciolosis, and eosinophilic myositis caused by Sarcocystis species diagnosed at the slaughterhouse lines. Twenty-seven samples of atypical parasitic lesions from distinct cattle were evaluated, of which 12 corresponded to hydatidosis, 11 to fasciolosis, and 4 to eosinophilic sarcocystosis. Hydatid cysts were observed mainly in the heart, with all cases involving the left ventricle. Fasciolosis lesions involved mainly the lungs, and were characterized by a focal nodular elevated area involving the edges of the lobes. Intralesional trematodes were observed in three cases. Sarcocystosis lesions were observed in four cases, and lesions were primarily located in the skeletal and cardiac muscles. Grossly, they presented as focal or focally extensive streaks, patches, or numerous nodules that were greenish to mildly yellowish. Histologically, all the cases had intralesional ruptured cysts of Sarcocystis that were associated with severe eosinophilic myositis and myocarditis. Parasitic lesions in atypical locations and/or with aberrant responses should be promptly identified because it may mistakenly diagnosed as other potentially zoonotic diseases, such as cysticercosis and tuberculosis.No presente estudo, são descritas as características morfológicas e as apresentações incomuns das lesões parasitárias de hidatidose, fasciolose e miosite eosinofílica por Sarcocystis spp., diagnosticadas nas linhas de abate. Foram analisadas 27 amostras de diferentes bovinos, das quais 12 correspondiam a casos de hidatidose, 11 de fasciolose e 4 de sarcocistose eosinofílica. Os cistos hidáticos foram observados predominantemente no coração, todos com localização no ventrículo esquerdo. As lesões de fasciolose envolveram principalmente os pulmões e eram caracterizadas por áreas nodulares e elevadas nos bordos dos lobos pulmonares. Trematódeos intralesionais estavam presentes em três casos. Lesões de sarcocistose foram observadas em quatro casos, com localização nos músculos esquelético e cardíaco. Macroscopicamente, observaram-se listras, manchas ou numerosos nódulos de coloração esverdeada a discretamente amarelada. Histologicamente, todos os casos apresentaram cistos intralesionais de Sarcocystis spp. rompidos e degenerados, associados à acentuada miosite e miocardite eosinofílica. A identificação das lesões parasitárias em locais poucos frequentes é de extrema importância, pois podem constituir diagnósticos diferencias de enfermidades zoonóticas, como cisticercose e tuberculose

Colesteatoma e hidrocefalia associados a meningioma em terceiro ventrículo em um gato

Meningiomas are neoplasms that commonly involve the central nervous system of cats, while cholesteatomas are nodular granulomatous chronic lesions within the choroid plexus that are rarely reported in cats. This study described a case of cholesteatoma and non-communicating hydrocephalus associated to a third ventricle meningioma in a cat. Clinically, the cat had a 2-year history of behavioral changes, photophobia and motor incoordination. At the necropsy, a tan-brown mass totally occluded the third ventricle, causing a severe dilation of the lateral ventricles (non-communicating hydrocephalus). Microscopically, the mass was composed by a neoplastic proliferation of spindle cells arranged in bundles, containing in the center psammomatous bodies (meningioma), while in the adjacent areas a cholesteatoma was observed, which was characterized by multiple cholesterol cleft formation, hemosiderosis and associated granulomatous inflammation. At immunohistochemistry (IHC), neoplastic cells had a marked immunostaining for vimentin, while were negative for cytokeratin and S100. The diagnosis of transitional meningioma occurring in association to cholesteatoma and non-communicating hydrocephalus in a cat was obtained mainly by the histological and IHC features. These are important methods to distinguish this condition from other neurological disorders in cats.Meningiomas são neoplasias que comumente envolvem o sistema nervoso central de gatos, enquanto colesteatomas são formações nodulares granulomatosas raramente descritas nessa espécie e que resultam de lesões crônicas em plexo coroide. O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever um caso de meningioma em terceiro ventrículo culminando com a formação de colesteatoma e hidrocefalia não comunicante em um gato. Clinicamente, o gato apresentava alteração de comportamento, fotofobia e incoordenação motora durante dois anos. À necropsia apresentava uma massa acastanhada no terceiro ventrículo que provocava oclusão total do mesmo e acentuada dilatação de ventrículos laterais (hidrocefalia não comunicante). Microscopicamente, havia proliferação neoplásica de células fusiformes arranjadas em feixes com a formação de corpos psamomatosos (meningioma), e em área adjacente havia múltiplas fendas de colesterol e hemossiderose com infiltrado granulomatoso (colesteatoma). À imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), foi observada marcação positiva para vimentina e negativa para citoqueratina e S100 nas células neoplásicas. Os exames histológicos e de IHQ contribuíram para a confirmação do diagnóstico de meningioma transicional associado à formação de colesteatoma e hidrocefalia não comunicante, e são métodos importantes para diferenciar de outras afecções que cursam com quadro clínico neurológico em felinos

Aumento da frequência de pneumonia em cães com meningioma em rombencéfalo ventral

Intracranial tumors occurring in specific brain regions, such as the cerebellopontine angle, may be associated with cranial nerve dysfunction and dysphagia in humans and animals. Although dysphagia is a known risk factor for pneumonia, only postoperative pneumonia has been investigated in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to describe the clinical and pathological features of dogs with untreated intracranial meningiomas and concomitante pneumonia. Data from post-mortem examination registries from 2011 to 2021 were used (n=23). The frequency of pneumonia and other characteristics were compared between dogs with meningiomas in the ventral rhombencephalon region (VR group; n=13) and those with meningiomas in other intracranial sites (OIS group; n=10). The frequency of pneumonia was higher in the VR group than in the OIS group (n=5 vs. n=0; P=0.039). Plaque-like lesions were also more common in the VR group than in the OIS group (P=0.012). Dogs with concomitant pneumonia had cerebellopontine angle (n=3) and basilar meningiomas (n=2), mainly plaque-like lesions extending to or from other brain areas. In dogs with concomitante pneumonia, meningiomas had invasive (n=5) and compressive (n=3) growth behaviors and nerve roots involved in the swallowing process were frequently affected. Microscopically, these meningiomas were classified as atypical (n=4) and meningiomas (n=1). The reported clinical signs included anorexia (n=3), adipsia (n=1), and dysphagia (n=1). Our findings suggest untreated dogs with ventral rhombencephalon meningiomas may develop cranial nerve damage and aspiration pneumonia.Tumores intracranianos que ocorrem em regiões específicas do cérebro, como o ângulo ponto-cerebelar, podem estar associados à disfunção de nervos cranianos e disfagia em humanos e animais. Embora a disfagia seja um conhecido fator de risco para pneumonia, apenas a pneumonia pós-operatória tem sido investigada na medicina veterinária. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever as características clínicas e patológicas de cães com meningiomas intracranianos não tratados e pneumonia concomitante. Foram utilizados dados de registros de necropsias de 2011 a 2021. A frequência de pneumonia e outras características foram comparadas entre cães com meningiomas na região do rombencéfalo ventral (grupo VR; n=13) e aqueles com meningiomas em outros sítios intracranianos (grupo OIS; n=10). A frequência de pneumonia foi maior no grupo VR do que no grupo OIS (n=5 vs. n=0; P=0,039). Lesões tipo placa também foram mais comuns no grupo VR do que no grupo OIS (P=0,012). Cães com pneumonia concomitante apresentaram meningiomas no ângulo pontocerebelar (n=3) e região basilar (n=2), predominantemente lesões em forma de placa que se estendem de ou para outras áreas do cérebro. Em cães com pneumonia concomitante, os meningiomas apresentaram comportamentos de crescimento invasivo (n=5) e compressivo (n=3) e as raízes nervosas envolvidas no processo de deglutição foram frequentemente afetadas. Microscopicamente, esses meningiomas foram classificados como atípicos (n=4) e papilar (n=1). Os sinais clínicos relatados incluíram anorexia (n=3), adipsia (n=1) e disfagia (n=1). Nossos achados sugerem que cães com meningiomas no rombencéfalo ventral, não tratados, podem desenvolver lesão em nervos cranianos e pneumonia aspirativa

Insuficiência cardíaca congestiva em um gato jovem com bandas moderadoras excessivas (falsos tendões) em ventrículo esquerdo

Left ventricular false tendons are fibrous or fibromuscular bands that transverse the ventricular cavity and have no attachment to the mitral valve in many species. In cats it is considered a congenital defect that is rarely related to clinical disease and death in adult cats. A 45 days-old mixed breed cat had a history of inappetence since birth. At the physical exam the patient was lethargic and presented restrictive dyspnoea. At necropsy, there were marked ascites, hydrothorax, hepatomegaly with enhanced lobular pattern (nutmeg liver), and the lungs were markedly diminished (compressive pulmonary atelectasis). The heart was enlarged due to marked dilation of the cardiac chambers. Moreover, multiple slightly whitish and irregular cord-like structures were connecting the posterior papillary muscle to the interventricular septum (excessive moderator bands /left ventricular false tendons) at the left ventricle. Microscopically, these structures were characterized by a marked proliferation of fibrous connective tissue intermixed with Purkinje cells and well-differentiated cardiomyocytes lined by a single layer of endocardium. This study described a case of excessive moderator bands (left ventricular false tendons) in a young cat associated with congestive heart failure and death.Falsos tendões são bandas fibrosas ou fibromusculares que atravessam a cavidade do ventrículo esquerdo, sem ligação com a valva mitral, em várias espécies. Nos gatos, a alteração é considerada um defeito congênito que raramente está relacionada com alterações clínicas e morte em gatos adultos. Um gato de 45 dias de idade, sem raça definida e com histórico de inapetência desde o nascimento foi encaminhado para atendimento veterinário. Ao exame físico apresentou letargia e dispneia restritiva. À necropsia, havia acentuada ascite, hidrotórax, hepatomegalia com evidenciação do padrão lobular (fígado noz-moscada) e os pulmões apresentavam-se acentuadamente diminuídos (atelectasia pulmonar compressiva). O coração apresentava acentuada dilatação das câmaras cardíacas. Em ventrículo esquerdo, havia numerosas estruturas brancacentas semelhantes a cordas conectando o músculo papilar ao septo interventricular (bandas moderadoras excessivas/falsos tendões). Microscopicamente, estas estruturas apresentavam acentuada proliferação de tecido conjuntivo fibroso, além de células de Purkinje e cardiomiócitos bem diferenciadas revestidas por uma única camada de endocárdio. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um caso de bandas moderadoras excessivas (falsos tendões) em ventrículo esquerdo de um gato jovem com insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e morte

Neoplasmas hepáticos primários de bovinos

Primary hepatic neoplasms are mostly detected in cattle as incidental findings in slaughterhouses or diagnosed at the necropsy, wherein it may be related to the cause of death. A proper characterization of primary hepatic neoplasms is essential to provide an accurate diagnosis, especially at the slaughter lines, in order to reduce erroneous condemnations. This work aimed to characterize the gross, histological, and immunohistochemical features of primary liver neoplasms detected in slaughtered cattle in Southern Brazil. Nineteen primary hepatic neoplasms were identified. Grossly, these lesions were classified according to their distribution, as focal, multifocal, or diffuse. Histologically, the shape and arrangement of the cells, as well as possible malignant features were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also performed for biliary epithelium (anti-CK7) and hepatocytes (anti-Hep Par-1) markers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (84.2%) was the most frequently detected hepatic neoplasm, followed by cholangiocarcinoma (15.8%), and these were only identified in adult cows. Hepatocellular carcinomas occurred as solitary masses or multifocal nodules, which on the cut surface were often green. Cholangiocarcinomas occurred as multifocal nodules, occasionally showing an umbilicated appearance. Histologically, hepatocellular carcinomas had mostly trabecular and solid patterns, while cholangiocarcinomas presented mostly a solid arrangement. Upon IHC, all hepatocellular carcinomas were immunolabeled for anti-Hep Par-1, ranging from mild (25%), moderate (31.2%) to marked (43.7%), while immunolabeling for anti-CK7 was detected only in one case of cholangiocarcinoma.Os neoplasmas hepáticos primários são detectados em bovinos principalmente como achados incidentais em matadouros ou diagnosticados na necropsia, quando podem estar relacionados à causa da morte. A caracterização adequada dos tumores hepáticos primários é essencial para obter diagnósticos precisos, especialmente nas linhas de abate, com o propósito de reduzir condenações errôneas. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de determinar as características macroscópicas, histológicas e imuno-histoquímicas dos neoplasmas primários do fígado de bovinos abatidos em um matadouro-frigorífico no Sul do Brasil. Dezenove neoplasias hepáticas primárias foram identificadas. Macroscopicamente, os tumores hepáticos foram classificados de acordo com sua distribuição, como focais, multifocais ou difusos. Histologicamente, a forma e o arranjo das células e possíveis características malignas foram avaliados. Também foi realizada imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) para marcadores de epitélio biliar (anti-CK7) e hepatócitos (anti-Hep Par-1). O carcinoma hepatocelular (84,2%) foi o neoplasma hepático mais frequentemente detectado, seguido pelo colangiocarcinoma (15,8%). Esses tumores foram identificados apenas em vacas adultas. Os carcinomas hepatocelulares eram vistos como massas solitárias ou nódulos multifocais que na superfície de corte geralmente eram esverdeados. Os colangiocarcinomas foram observados como nódulos multifocais, ocasionalmente com aspecto umbilicado. Histologicamente, os padrões mais observados nos carcinomas hepatocelulares foram trabeculares e sólidos, enquanto nos colangiocarcinomas o arranjo sólido foi o mais frequente. Na IHQ, todos os carcinomas hepatocelulares foram marcados por anti-Hep Par-1, com marcação que variou de leve (25%), moderada (31,2%) a acentuada (43,7%); imunomarcação para anti-CK7 foi detectada em apenas um caso de colangiocarcinoma

A Retrospective Evaluation of Equine Cutaneous Lesions Diagnosed in Southern Brazil

Background: Cutaneous lesions in horses are common, accounting for approximately 50% of all neoplasms of this species, and can cause irritability, pruritus and predispose to secondary infections. Studies have provided information of frequency of cutaneous neoplasms in horses, but few included non-neoplastic lesions. The aim of this study is to identify the frequency of cutaneous lesions in horses diagnosed in Southern Brazil, through a retrospective study and identification of the anatomic location of the lesion, the breed, gender and age of the animals affected.Materials, Methods & Results: A retrospective study on skin lesions in horses using the database of the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory located in Southern Brazil was carried out from January 2000 to February 2013. Cases were searched for and selected by diagnosis, considering age, breed, gender, location and time of occurrence. The most common lesions included sarcoid, exuberant granulation tissue, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), pythiosis, habronemiasis, melanoma, papillomatosis and Culicoides hypersensitivity. The most affected age range for sarcoid was animals from 1 to 5 years of age and for SCC was over 15 years of age. There was a positive association between sarcoid occurrence and being female and between SCC and habronemiasis and being male. Sarcoid, exuberant granulation tissue, pythiosis and habronemiasis most frequently involved the limbs, while SCC affected the urogenital and ocular systems and melanoma affected the tail. Pythiosis, habronemiasis, Culicoides hypersensitivity and nodular collagenolytic granuloma had seasonal occurrences. Sarcoid, exuberant granulation tissue and SCC were the most commonly diagnosed lesions. Sarcoid affected mostly younger animals, while SCC commonly affected older animals. Habronemiasis and Culicoides hypersensitivity occurred mostly during the spring and summer, while pythiosis most often presented during autumn and winter.Discussion: The frequency of neoplastic lesions in the present work was similar to other studies. Among horse skin neoplasms, sarcoid is the most common, as was observed in this study. Sarcoid primarily affects young animals and most of these have an age range between one and five years, which was also noted and supported by statistical analysis. EGT is the most common non-neoplastic lesion in the skin of horses, most commonly in the limbs. The high frequency described may be related to a higher genetic predisposition or due to the employment of these horses in intensive work. SCC is the second most common skin neoplasm and often affects older horses, as it was observed. Urogenital tract and males were the most affected location and gender. Due to their ventral location, smegma may be a more likely etiology. It was observed a lower frequency of pythiosis and this may be due to the geographical location of the laboratory, where economy it is not based on livestock or rice farming, which can predispose animals to stay in stagnant water. Cutaneous habronemiasis is often diagnosed during warm months that have high biting insect activity, as observed here, where 75% of the cases occurred during the spring-summer. Differential diagnoses of nodular collagenolytic granuloma and habronemiasis was based not only on the presence of the parasite but also on the morphologic features of the lesion. Culicoides hypersensitivity is the most common and severe allergic condition in horses distributed worldwide because of the favorable weather conditions for the reproduction of the insect. In this study, 75% of the cases occurred during the spring-summer. Lesions are usually multiple, as it was observed in 50% of the cases

Rhizopus microsporus segmental enteritis in a cow

A ten year-old Holstein cow had an intermittent bloody diarrhea, evolving to anorexia and recumbency, followed by death. Mycotic segmental enteritis was diagnosed based on the pathological and immunohistochemical findings. Rhizopus microsporus was identified as the causal agent through fungal culture and PCR analysis. Intestinal mucormycosis is poorly described in cattle and should, therefore, be included as a differential diagnosis in cases of diarrhea and death in ruminants, especially when there is disruption of the normal balance of the alimentary microbiota