Forelimb amputation and long-term follow-up in a female donkey

Background: Limb amputation may be a life-saving procedure for animals and minimally impact their comfort and quality of life, as previously reported in pets. This procedure is an appropriate alternative to euthanasia when catastrophic injury to a limb prevents its successful restoration. In horses, limb amputation has been performed for the past 40 years. Although in the reviewed literature there are no scientific reports of limb amputation in donkeys. This paper aimed to report a successful forelimb amputation and long-term follow-up in a female donkey. Case: A 10-month-old and 95 kg female Nordestino donkey was evaluated for a wound with bone exposition on the left forelimb. Physical examination revealed that the donkey was alert with moderate body condition score, tachycardia, tachypnea, and a medial wound revealing the necrotic aspect of the left radius. Radiographic examination presented Salter-Harris type 1 exposed radius fracture. Hematology revealed normocytic and normochromic anemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. Due to the catastrophic injury and no forecast for building a prosthesis, the donkey underwent general anesthesia for left forelimb amputation through the midhumerus diaphysis. A fish-mouth skin incision was performed on the midhumerus, the underlying musculature was dissected and the vessels ligated until the bone could be accessed. Then, a sterile saw wire was used to transect it, and bone edges were rounded. Muscle and fascia were harvested with the skin to provide additional padding at the end of the stump. Postoperatively, the donkey was submitted to broad spectrum antibiotic, antiinflammatory and analgesic therapy, and tetanus prophylaxis. Preventative treatment for overload laminitis included frog support pads and resting leagues on all three legs. No short-term complications were observed and the donkey made a full recovery. Long-term complications included fistula formation on the stump, and distal interphalangeal joint hyperflexion, probably by weight overload causing acquired deep digital tendon contracture on the right forelimb. Currently, eight years (96-months) past surgery, the donkey is still well adapted and has a good quality of life even without a limb prosthesis. Discussion: Traditionally, catastrophic leg injury in equids often requires euthanasia. Currently, limb amputation is becoming more accepted by owners and a viable life salvage option. In horses, limb amputation by disarticulation using a caudal flap technique is the most usual surgical technique, but presents some chronic complications, such as osteomyelitis of the stump, pressure sores from the prosthesis and contralateral limb failure. Although not commonly performed in equids, limb amputation through the midhumerus diaphysis was well accepted by the donkey. In horses, survival rate reached 50% and 32.5% at 18 and 24 months after amputation with prosthetic fitting, respectively. The donkey herein reported is still alive and presenting a good life quality at 96-months post-surgery, even without a forelimb prosthesis. This kind of feature has been only reported in a Samba deer followed-up for 10-months, showing good corporal condition, walking and even running at slow speed, using three legs. To the authors knowledge this is the first scientific report of limb amputation in a donkey. We emphasize that documenting more limb amputation in equids is essential to obtain conclusions about the prognosis, life expectancy and expected quality of life

Primary abomasal impaction in 14 cattle from Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil

Apesar de forragens grosseiras e secas serem empregadas comumente na alimentação de vacas em várias regiões, especialmente durante o período seco, a compactação primária do abomaso tem sido pouco relatada no Brasil, provavelmente pela dificuldade de diagnóstico dos veterinários de campo. Este trabalho objetivou realizar um estudo retrospectivo sobre a compactação primária do abomaso em 14 bovinos no Estado de Pernambuco. Oito casos considerados moderados, sem grave distensão abdominal e sem compactação do rúmen, foram tratados conservativamente e quatro casos graves, com severa distensão abdominal e compactação do rúmen, foram tratados cirurgicamente. Um touro foi encaminhado para abate e uma vaca morreu antes de receber qualquer tratamento. O maior número de casos de compactação do abomaso ocorreu em bovinos da raça Holandesa com seis casos (42,9%), seguido por animais mestiços com cinco casos (35,8%) e as raças Pardo-Suiça, Nelore e Marchigiana com um caso cada (21,3%). A composição da alimentação oferecida caracterizou-se por conter fibra de baixa qualidade e variou bastante dentre os casos. Os sinais clínicos mais frequentes foram comportamento apático, desidratação, timpanismo ruminal associado à hipomotilidade, distensão abdominal, hipomotilidade intestinal e fezes escassas ou ausentes com presença de muco. Os achados hematológicos revelaram, na maioria dos casos, leucocitose por neutrofilia e hiperfibrinogenemia. Na análise do fluido ruminal havia comprometimento da dinâmica da flora e fauna microbiana, e elevação no teor de cloreto. O índice de recuperação clínica (4/8) e cirúrgica (2/4) observado neste estudo foi de 50%. As condutas clínica e cirúrgica permanecem como opções viáveis para o tratamento das compactações leves e severas, entretanto o prognóstico é considerado reservado, principalmente quando associado à gestação avançada.Despite the frequent use of dry and fibrous roughage for feeding cows in many regions, especially during the dry season, impaction of the abomasum has been poorly reported in Brazil, probably because the condition is misdiagnosed by practitioners. The present paper aimed to accomplish a retrospective study on primary abomasal impaction in 14 cattle from Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil. Eight moderate cases, without severe abdominal distention and with no rumen compaction, were treated conservatively, and four severe cases, with severe abdominal distention and rumen compaction, were treated surgically. One bull was slaughtered and one cow died without treatment. The greater number of abomasal impaction cases was in Holstein cows with six cases (42.9%), followed by crossbred cattle with five cases (35.8%), and the breeds Brown-Swiss, Nelore and Marchigiana, each with one case (21.3%). The food composition was characterized by low quality fibers and varied greatly among cases. Most frequent clinical signs were apathy, dehydration, hypomotility and ruminal bloat, intestinal hypomotility and scanty or absent feces with mucus. The hematological findings revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and hyperfibrinogenemia in most cases. Ruminal fluid analysis showed compromised flora and fauna dynamics and increased chlorine ion concentration. Clinical (4/8) and chirurgical (2/4) recovery rate achieved 50%. The clinical and chirurgical methods remain as viable options for the treatment of light and severe impaction, but the prognosis is always reserved especially when associated to late pregnancy

Spontaneous poisoning in cattle by mesquite beans, Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) in Pernambuco

Descrevem-se três surtos de intoxicação por vagens de Prosopis juliflora no Sertão e Agreste de Pernambuco, na região semi-árida, em animais pastejando áreas invadidas pela planta ou que ingeriram as vagens como alimento concentrado. Em duas fazendas nas que a doença ocorria esporadicamente foram observados casos individuais. Em outra, o surto afetou um rebanho de 1206 bovinos, dos quais adoeceram 112 (9,28%) e morreram 84 (6,96%), enquanto os demais 28 (2,32%) recuperaram-se e ganharam peso após a retirada das vagens da alimentação. Clinicamente observou-se, principalmente, perda de peso progressiva, atrofia da musculatura da face e masseter, mandíbula pendulosa, protrusão de língua, dificuldade de apreensão e mastigação dos alimentos, torção da cabeça para mastigar ou ruminar, salivação excessiva, disfagia e hipotonia lingual. Nos exames laboratoriais constatou-se anemia e hipoproteinemia. Na necropsia havia caquexia e diminuição de volume e coloração acinzentada dos músculos masseteres. Na histologia observou-se degeneração de neurônios do núcleo motor do trigêmeo, degeneração Walleriana do nervo trigêmeo e atrofia muscular por denervação do músculo masseter com substituição por tecido fibroso. Recomendam-se medidas para a profilaxia da intoxicação e discute-se a necessidade de desenvolver pesquisas para determinar a viabilidade econômica e sustentabilidade da utilização da algaroba como alimento animal ou humano e para produção de carvão, lenha ou madeira.Three outbreaks of poisoning by Prosopis juliflora pods are reported in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, in cattle grazing in fields invaded by the plant or ingesting mesquite beans as a concentrate food. In two farms the disease occurred sporadically. In another, 112 (9.28%) cattle out of 1206 were affected, 84 (6.96%) died due to emaciation, and 28 (2.32%) gained weight after the pods had been withdrawn from the feed. Main clinical signs were progressive weight loss, atrophy of the masseter muscles, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion, difficulties in prehending food, tilting the head during mastigation or rumination, salivation, impaired swallowing, and decreased tone of the tongue. The hematology reveals hypoproteinemia and anemia. Gross lesions were emaciation and reduction in size of the masseter muscles, which appear thinner than normal and grayish due muscular atrophy. Degeneration of neurons of the trigeminal motor nuclei, Wallerian degeneration of the trigeminal nerve roots, and muscular atrophy of the masseter muscles with substitution by fibrous tissue were observed on histologic examination. For the prevention of the poisoning is necessary to limit the amount of mesquite beans in animal nutrition. It is also necessary to develop research to determine the economic and sustainability of the use of Prosopis juliflora for animal food, human food or other uses such as charcoal, wood and fuel wood

Accumulative Copper Poisoning in Sheep in Northeastern Brazil

Background: Despite the proven copper deficiency in several parts of Brazil, reports of acute and accumulative copper poisoning are increasing in ruminants. Sheep are known to be far more sensible to copper toxicity than cattle, but the sensibility of goats is not quite known. The present paper aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial and pathological findings of two outbreaks of accumulative copper poisoning in sheep fed poultry litter in Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, and to compare these findings with national outbreaks.Cases: Two outbreaks of copper poisoning occurred in the municipalities of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte [outbreak 1], and Icapuí, Ceará [outbreak 2], Brazil. A total of 35 sheep [outbreak 1] and 190 small ruminants (175 sheep and 15 goats) [outbreak 2] were fed poultry litter. First clinical signs of poisoning started after two months of litter consumption. Main clinical signs were apathy, jaundice, hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark urine. Clinical evolution varied between one and eight days. Laboratorial findings in ill animals consisted of anemia, highly increased serum AST and GGT activities and urea and creatinine levels; whilst in the non symptomatic sheep and one goat revealed high and light GGT increase, respectively. Poultry litter analysis revealed levels of 449, 2610, 414 and 333 mg/kg of copper, iron, manganese and zinc, respectively. Analysis of copper levels by atomic absorption spectrometry in two sheep showed 730.1 and 1526.5 mg/kg in liver and 485.1 and 519.4 mg/kg in the kidneys. Treatment consisted of oral administration of 100 mg ammonium molibdate and 1 g sodium sulphate for five days. A total of 32 sheep died and necropsy of five animals showed deep jaundice, livers presenting a yellow to orange coloration, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, blackish kidneys and dark urine. The microscopic examination of liver and kidneys showed degenerative and necrotic lesions.Discussion: This is the first report of copper poisoning in sheep from Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, Northeastern Brazil. Even though it is not allowed in Brazil, the use of poultry litter for animal feeding still occurs and represents a great risk for copper poisoning in ruminants, especially sheep. The use of poultry litter should be discouraged to producers for feeding ruminants and requires more awareness of them that the use of this product is prohibited for this purpose. Clinical signs were typical of accumulative copper poisoning and the most evident changes in the serum biochemistry analyses were anemia and increased serum AST and GGT activities and urea and creatinine levels. Serum activity of GGT in a non symptomatic goat was slight increased, which is suggestive of an initial liver damage promoted by copper accumulation. Main pathological changes are associated to liver and kidney damage. Measurement of copper levels in liver and kidney fragments by atomic absorption spectrometry confirmed the diagnosis of poisoning by this element. Oral administration of ammonium molibdate associated to sodium sulphate was efficient for the treatment of poisoned sheep because both compounds reduce digestive absorption and increase excretion of copper. The absence of poisoning in goats fed the same poultry litter confirms that this species is more resistant than sheep to copper toxicity. Nevertheless further research must be carried out to test this sensibility. The use of poultry litter should be discouraged to producers for feeding ruminants and requires more awareness of them that the use of this product is prohibited for this purpose.Keywords: jaundice, hemoglobinuric nephrosis, poultry litter, small ruminants

Congenital Cutaneous Hemangioma in a Newborn Lamb

Background: Hemangioma is a benign dermal or subcutaneous endothelial cell tumor composed of vascular spaces of varying sizes filled with erythrocytes and lined with a single layer of uniform endothelial cells. Although the pathogenesis is not well defined, these tumors are considered to result from an imbalance in angiogenesis, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of vascular elements. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of congenital cutaneous hemangioma in sheep. This report describes the clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings of a case of congenital hemangioma affecting a newborn lamb. Case: A 5-day-old crossbred (Dorper x Santa Inês) lamb presenting with an ear nodule that expanded in the right ear was necropsied. An expansive subcutaneous nodule was observed macroscopically; it occupied approximately 90% of the right ear and had a crusty, irregular surface. The cut surface had multiple cavitations delimited by firm fibrous tissue and a light yellow-to-translucent content. Microscopically, it showed focally extensive subcutaneous neoplastic proliferation and moderate cellularity; it was formed of vascular beds of varied sizes and supported by moderate fibrocollagenous stroma. Suppurative inflammation was observed in the neoplastic vascular beds with large amounts of free basophilic coccoid bacteria inside macrophages. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Strong cytoplasmic labeling was observed in neoplastic endothelial cells for CD31 and factor VIII. The Ki67 proliferation marker was positive in approximately 5% of neoplastic cells. The cells did not express smooth muscle actin (1A4) or pan-cytokeratin (AE1AE3). Histological characteristics and immunohistochemistry findings were consistent with those of congenital cutaneous hemangioma, a rare neoplasm in sheep. Discussion: The association of clinical, anatomopathological, and immunohistochemical data enabled the diagnosis of congenital cutaneous hemangioma in the 5-day-old lamb. Reports of vascular tumors in sheep are not frequent in literature and usually involve adult animals with no anatomical site predilection. In sheep, the occurrence of nasotracheal hemangioma in a 2-year-old ewe and gingival hemangioma in a 5-year-old sheep have already been described. A cutaneous extra-neural hemangioblastoma was diagnosed in the ear of a 1-month-old lamb. IHC was also used to confirm the diagnosis of hemangioblastoma. Macroscopically, hemangiomas can present as well-delimited and encapsulated masses that when cut, show a reticulated pattern similar to honeycombs that separate the blood-filled cavities. The present case showed a similar conformation but without enough erythrocytes to result in a bloody appearance. Tumor drainage and the predominance of blood serum in the content possibly made it macroscopically translucent. Microscopically, the hemangioma was classified as cavernous. This morphological variation forms large channels separated by fibrous connective tissue stroma, which may contain inflammatory cells. IHC confirmed the endothelial lining of the cystic cavities and was crucial in excluding differential diagnoses. Thus, factor VIII-related antigen was used as a marker for normal and neoplastic cells, as well as for tumoral and reactive neovascularization, in which neoplastic cells were immuno-expressed for CD31 and Factor VIII. In domestic animals, the association between CD31 and Factor VIII is considered more specific for vascular endothelial cells, differentiating them from cells of lymphatic origin. Congenital cutaneous hemangioma occurs in sheep, and its diagnosis and differentiation can be based on histopathology associated with conventional immunohistochemical panels for vascular neoformation. Keywords: sheep, mesenchymal neoplasm, vascular tumour, small ruminant, histopathology, immunohistochemistry

Surto de dermatofilose em bezerros Nelore criados extensivamente em Goiás

Background: Dermatophilosis is an infectious-contagious disease of acute, subacute or chronic evolution caused by the etiologic agent Dermatophilus congolensis, and presents as hyperplastic or exudative dermatitis with crusty and scaly skin eruptions. Although it is a disease with important economic impact on Brazilian beef cattle, the reports of outbreaks in zebu cattle are restricted to the states of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul. The present paper aimed to report the epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial and pathological findings of a dermatophilosis outbreak in Nelore calves raised extensively in Goiás, Midwestern Brazil.Case: An outbreak of skin lesions in Nelore calves occurred on a farm located in Cocalzinho de Goiás, Goiás, Midwestern Brazil. Fifty one (25.5%) of the 200 calves from 3-11-months-old presented cutaneous lesions. Forty nine of the calves were still suckling and two were weaned recently, and the most affected calves were offspring’s of cows with the lowest body condition score. Three severely affected calves were clinically examined presenting regular body condition score, pale pink ocular mucosa, fever (39.2-40.3°C), tachycardia (80-100 beats per minute), tachypnea (48-56 breaths per minute) and moderate presence of ticks. Skin inspection revealed crusty, elevated, non-pruritic lesions of grayish color that easily detached from the skin exposing a humid and hemorrhagic superficial lesion with pus. Lesions were widespread on the body with predominance on the face, ears, neck and dorsal region. Hematological findings of these calves presented leukocytosis (16,083 ± 1,910/µL) by netrophilia (11,121 ± 2,349/µL) and hyperfibrinogenemia (966.6 ± 208.16 mg/dL). Biochemical alterations consisted of hypoproteinemia (6.5 ± 0.5 g/dL) and a slight increase in GGT activity in two calves (28 and 19 U/L, respectively). Skin lesions samples were stained by Giemsa and demonstrated filaments presenting characteristic “train tracks” pattern, formed by parallel chains of cocci. Microscopic findings consisted of suppurative superficial dermatitis associated with intralesional bacteria. Histological sections stained by Gram revealed typical branched filamentous structures formed by multiple rows of Gram positive spherical cocci. Initially, treatment consisted in improve the herd body condition score and ticks control. Calves were treated for dermatophilosis with streptomycin (25 mg.kg-1, s.i.d., intramuscularly [IM], four days) and chlorhexidine diglylate 2% baths with manual crusts removal. Due to relapse in most calves caused by sub dosages by the owner, long-acting oxytetracycline (20 mg.kg-1, q48 h, IM, three doses) and stable disinfection was recommended. One year after this outbreak, the owner stated that there were no new cases on the farm.Discussion: Definitive diagnosis of dermatophilosis in the calves of this report was conducted by the association of epidemiological, clinical, cytological and histological findings. In the present report, predisposing factors such as low body condition score due to food shortage, micro injuries on the skin caused by ticks infestation and mechanical trauma by Brachiaria brizantha, and high temperatures, possibly acted synergistically causing this outbreak. Dermatophilosis treatment with long-acting oxytetracycline associated with topical treatment and environment disinfection allowed clinical cure and prevention of new cases in this farm. Long-acting oxytetracycline presents good results in the treatment of natural cases of dermatophilosis, reaching cure rates varying from 71.4 to 100%. Outbreaks of dermatophilosis in Nelore calves in Goiás may cause significant losses in beef cattle productivity and measures of control and prophylaxis should be considered for prevention

SURTO DE SARNA CORIÓPTICA EM CAPRINOS NA CIDADE DE GRAVATÁ, REGIÃO AGRESTE DO ESTADO DE PERNAMBUCO

A sarna corióptica é de rara ocorrência em caprinos, no entanto trata-se de uma enfermidade cutânea importante, resultando em perdas econômicas decorrentes do retardo no desenvolvimento dos animais, da perda de peso e do prejuízo à indústria de couro. Desse modo, o objetivo do presente artigo é relatar a ocorrência de um surto de sarna corióptica em um rebanho caprino criado no município de Gravatá (Lat. 08° 12’ 04’’ S e Long. 35° 33’ 53’’ O), região Agreste do estado de Pernambuco. Os animais apresentavam extensas áreas de alopecia, eritema, crostas e espessamento da pele na região das axilas, peito, ventre e as faces caudal e craniomedial dos membros posteriores, além de intenso prurido. Foi realizado raspado cutâneo e identificado o ácaro Chorioptes bovis spp. PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Caprinos, Chorioptes spp, sarna

Natural Poisoning by Tephrosia cinerea in Sheep from Western Region of Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeastern Brazil

Background: Tephrosia cinerea is a toxic plant responsible for liver fibrosis, which results in ascites and weight loss in sheep and probably goats. Although T. cinerea is widespread in Brazil, reports of poisoning are described in a few regions, named Eastern “Seridó” region of Rio Grande do Norte state, Central “Sertão” region of Ceará state, and “Sertão” of Paraíba state. Thus, this paper aimed to report the clinical-epidemiological, laboratorial, pathological and ultrasonographic findings of sheep spontaneously poisoned by T. cinerea in the Western region of Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeastern Brazil.Cases: The evaluated cases occurred in sheep raised on properties located in the municipalities of Areia Branca and Tibau, Western region of Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeastern Brazil. In all visited farms, the pasture had a marked predominance of the T. cinerea. Clinical signs included progressive weight loss, dehydration, bilateral abdominal distension, and respiratory dyspnea probably due to diaphragmatic compression. Other less frequent clinical signs were hyporexia, pale mucosae, rough hair coat and polyuria. Hematology revealed leukocytosis by neutrophilia, while serum biochemical analysis revealed increased activities of GGT (mean 96.3 U/L, reference: 20-52 U/L) and ALT (mean 55.0 U/L, reference: 22-38 U/L) and reduced levels of total proteins (mean 5.3 g/dL, reference 6.0-7.9 g/dL), albumin (mean 2.0 g/dL, reference 2.4-3.0 g/dL), and globulins (mean 3.2 g/dL, reference 3.5-7.0 g/dL). Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in one sheep, revealing a large amount of anechoic peritoneal effusion without floating echogenic debris or spots, and distention of hepatic vessels and portal veins. On the other hand, the ultrasonographic examination did not reveal changes in gallbladder, in right kidney and in the size of the liver. Gross pathological findings included severe ascites, moderate hydrothorax and hydropericardium, and liver showing irregular nodular surface, whitish areas and hardened consistency. The ascetic fluid was clear and is volume ranged from 8 to 13.5 liters. Microscopic evaluation of liver revealed hepatocyte necrosis, diffuse deposition of collagen fibers, and ductular proliferation.Discussion: Definitive diagnosis of poisoning by T. cinerea was made by the association of epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and pathological findings. It is known that the plant is part of the botanical composition of the diet of sheep all year long, but the poisoning becomes important mainly during the dry season. Affected sheep showed a typical ascitic condition due to diffuse liver fibrosis. Main ultrasonographic findings corresponded to hyperechoic diffuse diseases patterns, such as lipidoses and toxic liver diseases. The alterations observed in the biochemical panel are consistent with hepatic damage caused by the plant. The hematological findings are suggestive of immune system interference of poisoned sheep, but it is not possible to infer if it were the direct action of some component(s) of the plant or if it would be secondary to the severe nutritional deficiency induced by the poisoning. The toxic principle of T. cinerea remains undetermined, but it is already known that it is not pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The probable pathophysiological mechanism of ascites is the increased blood pressure on the portal vein walls due to the greater resistance of the liver parenchyma, but there should also be some contribution of hypoalbuminemia, which reduces plasmatic colloid osmotic pressure