Observações clínicas e bioquímicas em ovinos e bovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Myoporum laetum

Myoporum laetum  (transparente) é planta hepatotóxica contendo óleos essenciais furanosesquiterpenóides (FSTs), dentre os quais cita-se o ngaione. A intoxicação causa marcada elevação dos níveis séricos de AST, GGT e bilirrubina total. Doses únicas de 20 e 30g/kg de Myoporum laetum foram administradas a sete ovinos e 6 bovinos. Amostras de sangue e biopsias hepáticas foram obtidas destes animais e de 4 ovinos e 3 bovinos controles, antes e 1, 3 e 7 dias após a administração da planta. A partir das amostras de sangue analisaram-se os níveis séricos de GGT, AST e bilirrubina total. As biopsias foram processadas e coradas conforme rotina para histologia. Nos ovinos, os níveis enzimáticos de AST, GGT e bilirrubina total elevaram-se 24 horas após a administração da planta, praticamente em todos os animais experimentais, mas não nos controles. Os principais achados histológicos, em ovinos, incluíram vacuolização de hepatócitos, fibrose portal, proliferação de ductos biliares e necrose de hepatócitos periportais. Em bovinos, tanto as alterações na bioquímica sérica como os achados histológicos foram menos evidentes. Os achados referentes à evolução da doença, avaliando-se os sinais clínicos, atividade enzimática e alterações histopatológicas foram compatíveis

Carcinoma de células escamosas em bovinos, ovinos e eqüinos: estudo de 50 casos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumour of keratinocytes. There are several factors associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma, including prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, lack of a pigmented skin, lack of hair or a very sparse hair coat at the affected sites. A retrospective study of squamous cell carcinoma from 1978 to 2002 in farm animals was made. The samples were obtained at the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Veterinary School in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. The distribution of the neoplasm among the species was as follows: 30 in cattle, 7 in sheep and 13 in horses. Epidemiological data as breed, sex, age, and anatomical location of the tumors were statistically analyzed. The histological classification of the tumors graded from well differentiated to poorly differentiated. A multifactorial etiology of squamous cell carcinoma in farm animals is suggested although more retrospective and prospective studies are needed, to determine the role of each factor in the pathogenesis of the neoplasm.O carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) é um tumor maligno dos queratinócitos. O desenvolvimento desse tipo de tumor está associado a muitos fatores, incluindo a exposição prolongada à luz ultravioleta, falta de pigmento na epiderme, perda de pêlos ou cobertura de pêlos muito esparsa nos locais afetados. Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo dos casos de carcinoma de células escamosas em animais de produção (bovinos, ovinos e eqüinos) de 1978 a 2002. O material foi obtido nos arquivos do Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. Os 50 tumores do tipo carcinoma de células escamosas estavam distribuídos nas diferentes espécies (bovina: 30; ovina: sete e eqüina: 13). Dados como raça, sexo, idade e localização corpórea, dentro de cada espécie, foram tabulados. Classificaram-se os tumores segundo seu grau de malignidade em bem diferenciados a pobremente diferenciados, através de avaliação histológica. A etiologia multifatorial dos cce em animais de produção requer mais estudos retrospectivos e prospectivos, para determinar o papel de cada fator na patogênese desse neoplasma

Comparação entre os sistemas histomorfológico e de graduação histológica para classificação prognóstica de tumores mamários em cadelas

Este consiste da avaliação comparativa de dois métodos comumente empregados para a classificação de tumores de mama. Compara-se o sistema de classificação histológico-descritivo da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OSM) e o método de graduação histológica proposto por Elston & Ellis (1991). Carcinomas simples e complexos foram incluídos neste estudo. Todos os carcinomas complexos foram definidos como de grau I (75%; 24/32) ou II (25%; 8/32). Os carcinomas simples foram graduados em I (36,4%; 20/55), II (32,7%; 18/55) e III (30,9%; 17/55). Os subtipos também foram avaliados e os carcinomas tubulopapilares distribuíram-se nos graus I (54,1%; 20/37), II (37,8%; 14/32) e III (8,1%; 3/37). Os carcinomas sólidos foram graduados em grau II (33,3%; 3/9) e III (66,7%; 6/9). Nos carcinomas anaplásicos foram encontrados os graus II (11,1%; 1/9) e III (88,9%; 8/9). Conclui-se que o método de graduação de Elston & Ellis foi mais preciso para determinar o comportamento biológico do que o sistema histológico-descritivo

Brain Neoplasms in Elderly Dogs

Background: The prevalence of intracranial neoplasms in dogs represents 2.1 to 4.0% of the cases. Brain tumors may be primary or metastatic. The objective of this study was to describe two cases of intra encephalic neoplasia in elderly dogs received for necropsy by the Veterinary Oncology Service in the Federal University of Pelotas.Cases: Case 1: A 12-year-old female canine, without breed and medium size, was received for necropsy. The animal has had behavioral changes. Macroscopic examination of the encephalus revealed asymmetry and congestion. The organs were collected and fixed in 10% formalin. In the brain cleavage we noticed an extensive brown-gray mass with reddish areas, expansive, moderately demarcated, soft to cut and discrete hydrocephalus. Serial fragments of the brain and fragments of the organs were sent for processing. The slides were stained with the hematoxylin and eosin technique for histopathological analysis. At the microscopic examination, cuboidal cells were observed in the encephalus sometimes in acinar arrangements, of extensive and very limited pattern, diagnosed as ependymoma. Case 2: It is a 15-year-old, female poodle dog, with several tumors. During necropsy multiple subcutaneous nodules, mesentery, intestinal serosa, stomach and liver were noticed. At the cut these were firm and whitish. No macroscopic changes were observed in the other organs. Fragments of organs and brain were collected and a serial section of the encephalus was performed for further processing and histological analysis. In the histopathological analysis the masses were constituted by proliferation of sometimes rounded cells, elongated, with rounded nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm, allowing the diagnosis of mesothelioma. The same cell pattern was observed in other organs. In the frontal cortex of the encephalus there were small foci of cells similar to those observed in the mesentery, as well as metastatic emboli in the meningeal and encephalic vessels, characterizing the diagnosis of metastatic mesothelioma.Discussion: Neoplasms of the central nervous system may be primary or metastatic. The ependymoma observed in case 1 was only diagnosed after visualization of the encephalic mass during necropsy, pointing to the importance of postmortem examination. Brain neoplasms in dogs occur with a frequency and variety similar to that of humans. Most of these are found in older dogs, and 95% of those affected are over five years of age. One situation that may occur in ependymomas is the development of obstructive hydrocephalus by the expansion of the neoplasm into the ventricular system. The animal studied in case 1 presented behavioral changes for weeks before death, and at necropsy ventricular dilation was evidenced, suggesting that hydrocephalus had occurred and the behavioral changes due to tumor localization. Metastatic brain neoplasms occur due to the hematogenous spread of many tumors. The species in which the metastatic neoplasms are most commonly described is the canine. Metastases of mesotheliomas in the central nervous system are rare, which reinforces the need for a thorough postmortem examination, as evidenced in the second case of this study, since the animal did not manifest clinically signs of neurological involvement and the metastasis was only identified microscopically by serial cuts of the encephalon. It can be concluded that detailed, systematic and serial post-mortem examination of the central nervous system should be part of the diagnostic routine even if no clinical neurological signs are evident. The reports presented here are of importance since they are considered rare diagnoses of primary and metastatic brain tumors

Development of experimental sporothrichosis in a murine model with yeast and mycelial forms of Sporothrix schenkii

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous disease that affects both men and a variety of animals caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The aims of this study were to observe differences in virulence between inocula containing the yeast (Y) or mycelial (M) forms, to compare the reactions induced by the two inocula injected in different anatomical sites, and to verify the possibility of horizontal transmission of the disease by contact between infected and healthy animals. All animals were observed during a period of nine weeks. Mice were inoculated subcutaneously in the paw pads and in the regions of the hip and shoulder joints. Another group of non-inoculated healthy mice was kept in direct contact with mice developing the subcutaneous lesions. Animals of groups Y and M developed lesions due to infections and clinical symptoms very characteristic of sporothrichosis. Lesions were more prominent and with longer duration when occurring in the pads than in any other site of inoculation. Non-inoculated mice remained healthy as it occurred to animals in the control group. The development of typical clinical symptoms for sporothrichosis in all inoculated groups suggests that no difference exists in virulence between the yeast and mycelial forms of the same isolated of S. schenckii. Moreover, the paw pads appear to be the site of choice for the inoculation for experimental sporotrichosis in the murine model. In addition, this study also showed that the contact with sick animals and contaminated materials is insufficient to transmit the infection to immune competent animals with intact skin

Meroanencephaly in an English Pointer Neonate

Background: Malformations are structural or functional abnormalities in the organs and structures present at birth. These conditions are rarely described in the newborns of dogs and can lead to their death. Meroanencephaly is a defect of the neural tube closure malformation. This study aims to characterize the clinical-pathological aspects of neonatal meroanencephaly since brain malformations are rare in newborn dogs.Case: A two-day-old English Pointer canine was sent for a necropsy. The newborn belonged to a litter of eight puppies, and only this one had macroscopic cranial alterations. Another puppy that died as a consequence of being trampled by the bitch was also necropsied. The newborn was alive for 48 h until death and presented apathy, crying, sucking reflex and opisthotonus. Macroscopic examination of the baby revealed flattening of the skull, with a slit at the site of bone symphysis fusion, and a slit in the skin of the parietal region, covered by thin, translucent meningeal tissue. The heads of the two animals were examined by radiography to identify the features of anencephaly in one of the animals by visualizing skull bone flattening. Upon removing the skin and exposing the cranial cavity, an irregular reddish mass was revealed, that corresponded microscopically to area cerebrovasculosa, composed of neurons, rudimentary glial tissue, vascular neoformations, as well as hemorrhagic areas.Discussion: Meroanencephaly is a type of anencephaly, a congenital malformation originating from abnormal neurulation, which results from the absence of neural fold fusion during neural tube formation. Live-born anencephalics have some brainstem-driven functions such as spontaneous breathing and some reflex responses, for instance, suction. Several genetic or teratogenic factors, such as viruses, radiation, drugs administered during pregnancy and other pathologies transmitted from bitch to fetus, can lead to this defect. The reports on anatomopathological findings and the presence of area cerebrovasculosa are rare

Pacientes com carcinoma de células escamosas - relação do tratamento com o prognóstico

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant cutaneous neoplasm which occurs frequently in small animals. Histopathology or fine needle aspiration cytology is necessary to confirm diagnosis; macroscopic diagnosis is not possible since the lesions are very similar to others of distinct etiologies. Owing to the fact that it is a neoplasm, diagnosis and treatment are usually not well accepted by owners, especially since it can cause esthetic changes to the animal and adjunct treatments can cause unwanted side effects. The objective of this study was to report clinical cases of SCC with distinct tumor subtypes and relate the recommended treatment with prognosis of patients.Case: Two dogs and one cat with SCC that were subjected to physical and dermatological examination, and tested negative for sporotrichosis, cryptococcosis, and manges. Dog 1 (male, 9-year-old, yellow Labrador retriever) exhibited inspiratory dyspnea for three weeks owing to an ulcerative hemorrhagic lesion on the nose. In view of the site of the lesion, a radiographic exam was requested, and the bony portion of the septum was found to be compromised. Cat 2 (female, 10-year-old, bicolor, mixed-breed cat) exhibited a focal, punctate, ulcerated, hemorrhagic lesion on the nose. Dog 3 (female, 10-year-old, white Dogo Argentino) exhibited several ulcerative lesions, and papulae, plaques and comedones on the ventral region of the abdomen.Treatment for deep pyoderma and comedone syndrome were initially instituted; on follow-up, more ulcerative lesions were present, which prompted the inclusion of neoplasm as a differential diagnosis. In cases 1 and 3, histopathology was performed with diagnosis of undifferentiated and differentiated SCC, respectively. In both cases, surgical margins were compromised after resection of the lesion. In case 2, high malignancy SCC was diagnosed with cytology. Use of sunscreen was recommended in all cases, as well as avoidance of sun exposure during the hours not recommended by the National Cancer Institute. In case 1, a nosectomy with partial resection of the nasal septum was recommended as well as chemotherapy with intra-tumoral administration of carboplatin (1.5 mg/cm3 of lesion) and vincristine sulfate (0.05 mg/ kg/IV/week) every 15 days.However, the owner opted for the nosectomy alone with one month of chemotherapy with vincristine sulfate. In case 2, polychemotherapy was instituted using daunorubicin (4 mg/kg/IV/week) and vincristine sulfate (0.05 mg/kg/IV/week) every 15 days for four weeks, with maintenance for six weeks, with total remission of the lesion at the end of treatment. In case 3, eight intralesional chemotherapy sessions were performed (carboplatin – 1.5 mg/cm3 of lesion) every 15 days; maintenance was kept for two months with biweekly administration. The patient exhibited actinic lesions on the third month after the protocol was suspended, which was treated with isotretinoin (3 mg/kg/day PO) until remission; reduction of solar exposure was recommended. The animal in case 1 exhibited intense dyspnea three months after the end of treatment and the lesion was incompatible with preservation of quality of life and euthanasia was performed. In the other two cases, patients were followed-up annually and remained in remission throughout life.Discussion: Adherence to proposed treatment by the owner is directly related to a better prognosis. On the punctate and focal lesion in the cat, administrations of daunorubicin (4 mg/kg/IV/week) and vincristine sulfate (0.05 mg/kg/IV/week) in a total of 10 cycles resulted in an excellent prognosis. On the dog with multifocal lesions, partial resection and intralesional administration of carboplatin (1.5 mg/lesion/cm3) in a total of eight biweekly applications following maintenance for two months resulted in a good prognosis

Anatomopathologic Study of Kidneys parasitized by Dioctophyme renale in Dogs

Background: Dioctophymiasis is a disease caused by the nematode Dioctophyme renale and is a relatively common condition in dogs. The parasite affects the kidney, especially the right, enters the kidney capsule and causes destruction and atrophy of the parenchyma. The lesion severity depends on the amount of parasites affecting the kidney, the duration of the infection, number of kidneys involved and concurrent occurrence of kidney disease. The disease’s clinical presentation may be asymptomatic or with nonspecific clinical signs. The diagnosis is based on ultrasound examination and the detection of eggs in urine, however, diagnosis is often reached only through necropsy or histopathology. This study aimed to analyze the dog kidney anatomical and pathological changes when parasitized by Dioctophyme renale.Materials, Methods & Results: The kidneys of 21 dogs diagnosed with dioctophymiasis were nephrectomized, analyzed by ultrasound and forwarded to macro and microscopic analysis. Macroscopically, the kidney size was measured as well as its renal capsule thicknes. The presences of dilatation of the renal pelvis and ureter, as well as changes of the capsule, were also observed. These fragments were collected and submitted for routine analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological examination was performed blindly by three evaluators. The intensity of fibrosis was evaluated by the presence or absence of infiltration, the absence or presence of parasite eggs and when present whether there was inflammatory tissue response, among other changes. All received organs were right kidneys and showed clear atrophy or absence of the parenchyma. The kidney size ranged from 3,8x2,5x1,3 cm to 8,4x8,2x4,0 cm and the capsule thickness between 0.1 and 3.6cm. In renal capsule were observed whitish, irregular and firm plates (10 out of 21 cases) and papilliform projections (4 out of 21). In two specimens were identified cases of hydroureter and hydronephrosis. Microscopically, all specimens had some degree of fibrosis which replaced the renal parenchyma, six classified as mild, ten were moderate and five intense. In 13 cases there was intense deposition of parasite eggs and 18 cases showed inflammatory infiltrate of which one was pyogranulomatous and one granulomatous. Papilliform projections were observed in six out of 21 cases (composed of connective tissue proliferation and neovascularization), there was also hyperplasia of the pelvis transition epithelial (6 out of 21) and osseous metaplasia of the renal capsule (4 out of 21). The vessels walls were hypertrophic in nine out of 21 cases.Discussion: The diagnosis of dioctophymiasis was performed by ultrasonography. All 21 kidneys analyzed were rights; this is related to the parasite penetration in the duodenal wall, which tends to migrate by anatomic proximity to the right kidneys. Dioctophyme renale feeds through digestion and ingestion of the renal parenchyma by the action of parasite’s oesophageal enzymes causing progressive destruction of the cortical and medullar layers and consequently the proliferation of fibrous tissue. In this study, different intensities of fibrosis were observed. Bone metaplasia characterizes the chronicity of the process and the connective tissue’s attempt to adapt. Animals affected by dioctophymiasis often develop chronic renal failure. Chronic renal failure is characterized by continuous and irreversible morphologic changes in the renal parenchyma with loss of nephron components and the formation of a vicious cycle of replacement by fibrous connective tissue. The hypertrophy of vascular epithelium observed in six cases of this study may be associated with fibrous connective tissue proliferation stimulus. The injuries described here may be related to the parasitosis late diagnosis

Potencial terapéutico de Bixa orellana L. y Triticum aestivum Fármacos activos en el tratamiento de lesiones térmicas

Lesões térmicas configuram um tipo diferenciado de ferida cutânea, necessitando de atenção adequada. Sendo assim, objetivou-se avaliar a ação terapêutica de extratos de Bixa orellana L. e Triticum aestivum como ativos em formulações tópicas frente a lesões térmicas de 2º grau em modelo experimental. Primeiramente, identificou-se os compostos do óleo de urucum. No ensaio, feridas induzidas experimentalmente foram tratadas diariamente com: fórmula contendo óleo de urucum e extrato aquoso de trigo (LCFT 2001), fórmula com óleo de urucum e extrato etanólico de trigo (LCFT 2002), pomada comercial (CP), ausência de tratamento (CN). Aos dois, cinco, oito, 14 e 25 dias, avaliou-se clinicamente a presença de exsudato, edema, necrose, crosta, granulação e epitelização. Também, determinou-se a área de lesão, e amostras de pele foram coletadas para avaliação histológica e tensiométrica. Clinicamente, aos oito dias, as fórmulas apresentaram menor percentual de crosta que os grupos controle e ainda LCFT 2001 demonstrou maior percentual de granulação. Histologicamente, aos cinco dias o LCFT 2002 apresentou angiogênese semelhante ao CP, porém menor inflamação. Aos oito dias, as fórmulas continham angiogênese em arcos, enquanto os grupos controle angiogênese fina e o LCFT 2001 demonstrou inflamação exuberante, enquanto o CP com inflamação moderada. Conclui-se que formulações contendo extratos de trigo e urucum, estimulam a cicatrização de lesões térmicas.Thermal lesions constitute a differentiated type of skin wound, requiring adequate attention. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic action of Bixa orellana L. and Triticum aestivum extracts as active in topical formulations against 2nd degree thermal lesions in an experimental model. First, the annatto oil compounds were identified. In the trial, experimentally induced wounds were treated daily with: formula containing annatto oil and aqueous wheat extract (LCFT 2001), formula containing annatto oil and ethanolic wheat extract (LCFT 2002), commercial ointment (CP), no treatment (CN). At two, five, eight, 14 and 25 days, the presence of exudate, edema, necrosis, crust, granulation and epithelialization was clinically evaluated. Also, the lesion area was determined, and skin samples were collected for histological and tensiometric evaluation. Clinically, at eight days, the formulas presented lower percentage of crust than the control groups and LCFT 2001 showed higher percentage of granulation. Histologically, at five days, LCFT 2002 presented angiogenesis similar to CP, but less inflammation. At eight days, the formulas contained angiogenesis in arches, whereas the control groups fine angiogenesis and the LCFT 2001 showed exuberant inflammation, while the CP with moderate inflammation. It is concluded that formulations containing extracts of wheat and annatto stimulate the healing of thermal lesions.Las lesiones térmicas constituyen un tipo diferenciado de herida en la piel, que requiere atención adecuada. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la acción terapéutica de los extractos de Bixa orellana L. y Triticum aestivum como activos en formulaciones tópicas contra lesiones térmicas de segundo grado en un modelo experimental. Primero, se identificaron los compuestos de aceite de annato. En el ensayo, las heridas inducidas experimentalmente se trataron diariamente con: fórmula que contiene aceite de achiote y extracto acuoso de trigo (LCFT 2001), fórmula que contiene aceite de achiote y extracto de trigo etanólico (LCFT 2002), pomada comercial (CP), sin tratamiento (CN) A los dos, cinco, ocho, 14 y 25 días, se evaluó clínicamente la presencia de exudado, edema, necrosis, corteza, granulación y epitelización. Además, se determinó el área de la lesión y se recogieron muestras de piel para evaluación histológica y tensiométrica. Clínicamente, a los ocho días, las fórmulas presentaron un menor porcentaje de corteza que los grupos de control y LCFT 2001 mostró un mayor porcentaje de granulación. Histológicamente, a los cinco días, LCFT 2002 presentó una angiogénesis similar a la CP, pero menos inflamación. A los ocho días, las fórmulas contenían angiogénesis en arcos, mientras que los grupos de control de angiogénesis fina y el LCFT 2001 mostraron inflamación exuberante, mientras que la CP con inflamación moderada. Se concluye que las formulaciones que contienen extractos de trigo y anato estimulan la curación de las lesiones térmicas

Consensus for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of feline mammary tumors

Mammary neoplasms are described as the third most common type of feline tumor, after haematopoietic and skin tumors, and present a challenge for clinicians because the prognosis for feline mammary tumors ranges from guarded to poor. Thus, it is necessary to define new therapeutic approaches and establish more in-depth knowledge about this disease in felines. The main aspects of the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of feline mammary neoplasia were discussed, aiming to standardize the criteria and to serve as a guide for pathologists and veterinary clinicians.As neoplasias mamárias são descritas como o terceiro tipo mais frequente de tumor em felinos (após as neoplasias hematopoiéticas e cutâneas) e apresentam um desafio para os clínicos devido ao prognóstico, que varia de reservado a ruim. Assim, é necessário conhecer melhor essa doença em felinos e definir novas abordagens terapêuticas. Discutiu-se os principais aspectos de diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento da neoplasia mamária felina, com o objetivo de padronizar os critérios e servir de guia para patologistas e clínicos veterinários