Fibrossarcoma em comissura labial em cão: Relato de caso

O fibrossarcoma é um tumor mesenquimal maligno classificado como terceiro tumor oral mais comum em cães. Localmente agressivo e invasivo, possui baixo índice de metástase se identificado precocemente. O tratamento é a ressecção com margem de segurança para evitar recidiva que é comum nessa tumoração. Este relato reporta o caso desta afecção em canina que apresentava doença periodontal, sangramento gengival e edema da face interna da comissura labial direita. Essa tumoração possuía aspecto firme, com presença de inflamação e de formato arredondado. Foi efetuada a citologia como medida diagnóstica, onde apresentou a conclusão de amostra compatível com neoplasia mesenquimal. Assim, foi realizado como tratamento a ressecção cirúrgica total, com margens adequadas, associada a cirurgia reconstrutiva por ausência de tecido suficiente para realização da sutura e fechamento cirúrgico devido ao local da ressecção. A amostra foi enviada para estudo histopatológico e o resultado foi processo tumoral compatível com fibrossarcoma. Após revisão e remoção dos pontos o animal foi encaminhado para o setor especializado em oncologia veterinária

Avaliação da produção lacrimal em gambás filhotes por três diferentes métodos

O estabelecimento do parâmetro de produção lacrimal nas diferentes espécies é importante para o entendimento da saúde do olho e é um dos componentes da semiotécnica oftálmica. Particularidades derivadas da anatomofisiologia das espécies não domésticas induzem a busca de metodologias que sejam mais fidedignas aos parâmetros. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar e comparar a produção lacrimal de gambás-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) e gambás-de-orelha-preta (Didelphis aurita) por três diferentes métodos. Quinze indivíduos de cada espécie, juvenis, hígidos, de ambos os sexos, com 60 a 90 dias de vida, foram contidos fisicamente para realização do teste lacrimal do vermelho de fenol (TLVF), da ponta de papel absorvente estéril e do teste lacrimal de Schirmer modificado (TLSm). O TLVF foi o mais difícil de ser executado devido à maleabilidade do fio, enquanto a TEPA se mostrou mais exequível para ambas as espécies. A mediana ± intervalo semi-interquartil para o TLVF foi de 19,79±2,61mm/15” e 5,22±2,92mm/15”, para a TEPA foram de 16,25±1,82mm/min e 10,93±3,04mm/min, e para o TLSm foram de 0±1,63mm/min e 0±1,63mm/min, para gambás-de-orelha-branca e gambás-de-orelha-preta, respectivamente. Não houve diferença entre o olho direito e esquerdo e nem quanto ao sexo. Obteve-se diferença significativa para um mesmo teste entre as espécies. Não foi encontrada correlação significativa entre os testes para ambas as espécies. A quantificação da porção aquosa da lágrima poderá auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce de doenças oculares nas espécies estudadas.The establishment of parameters for tear production in different species is important for better understanding eye´s health and is one of the components of the ophthalmic semiological technique. Particularities derived from the anatomophysiology of non-domestic species induce the search for more reliable methodologies. The aim was to evaluate and compare tear production of white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) and Brazilian common opossum (Didelphis aurita) by three different methods. Fifteen individuals of each species, juveniles, healthy, of both sexes, with 60 to 90 days of life, were physically restrained. Phenol red thread test (PRTT), endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT) and modified -Schirmer tear test (mSTT) were performed. PRTT was the most difficult to perform because of the wire malleability, while EAPPTT was more feasible for both species. The median ± semi-quartile range for PRTT were 19.79±2.61mm/15 “and 5.22±2.92mm/15”, for EAPPTT were 16.25±1.82mm/min and 10.9±3.04mm/min, and for STTm were 0±1.63mm/min and 0±1.63mm/min for white-eared opossum and Brazilian common opossum respectively. There was no difference between the right and left eye neither sex. A significant difference was obtained for the same test to different species. No significant correlation was found between the tests for both species. The description of tear production parameters for juvenile white-eared opossum and Brazilian common opossum may be used as a tool, which will allow the early diagnosis of ocular diseases

Cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega no preenchimento de cavidade anoftálmica – estudo clínico

The double-setting alpha-tricalcium phosphate bone cement was evaluated as an orbital implant for filling the anophthalmic cavity of dogs. The animals were from the Ophthalmology Unit of the Veterinary Hospital, Universidade Estadual Paulista – Jaboticabal, and from a private veterinary clinic. The study was conducted during two years. The patients’ age ranged from 2-11 years old, and their weight from 9-50 kg. The implants ranged from 19 to 25 mm in diameter. Local edema was observed in all animals during the immediate postoperative period. Of the ten performed surgeries in seven animals, a satisfactory, aesthetic result was observed in nine (90%) while in one (10%) of them it was unsatisfactory due to complications that led to the implant removal. The use of the double-setting alpha-tricalcium phosphate bone cement to fill anophthalmic sockets is feasible and could be an alternative to improve the cosmetic appearance after eyeball removal.Avaliou-se o cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega como implante para o preenchimento de cavidade anoftálmica em cães e gatos. Os animais foram provenientes do Serviço de oftalmologia do Hospital Veterinário, da Universidade Estadual Paulista – Câmpus de Jaboticabal. O estudo foi realizado em dois anos. A idade dos pacientes oscilou entre 2 a 11 anos, com peso de 3 a 50 kg. Os implantes variaram de 15 a 25 mm de diâmetro. Edema local foi observado em todos os animais durante o pós-operatório imediato. Das 11 cirurgias realizadas em 8 animais, sendo 7 cães e 1 gato, em 9 (81,8%) o resultado estético foi satisfatório, enquanto em 2 (18,2%) foi insatisfatório, devido a complicações que levaram a remoção dos implantes. A utilização do cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega no preenchimento de cavidade anoftálmica mostrou-se factível e é uma alternativa para melhorar a aparência estética após a enucleação

Corneal Ulcer in a Sheep - Treatment with Third Eyelid Flap

Background: Corneal ulcers are frequently reported in the literature in several species, however, the treatment of traumatic lesions on the corneal surface of ruminants is still poorly described.  The use of the third eyelid flap is questioned when applied to deep ulcers, since the technique prevents the evolutionary follow-up of corneal healing and compromises care. However, several authors report its successful use for the treatment of superficial and deep corneal ulcers. This technique protects the ocular surface and prevents the occurrence of new lesions or their aggravation. The aim of this study was to report the treatment of corneal ulcers in sheep through the third eyelid flap associated with the use of topical antibiotics.Case: A 2-year-old Dorper sheep, with ocular discomfort, conjunctival hyperemia and mucopurulent secretion in the left eye, was assisted in a private rural property in the West region of Bahia, Brazil. The owner reported that before seeking veterinary help he used a spray based on oxytetracycline and hydrocortisone, which worsened the animal's condition. Upon inspection, it was observed eyelid asymmetry, slight lateralization of the head to the left, periorbital alopecia on the left face, intense blepharospasm in the left eye, with projection of the third eyelid occurring at times. The ophthalmic examination was performed after application of anesthetic eye drops based on proxymetacaine to reduce eye discomfort. A corneal stromal lesion, edema and fibrovascular tissue in the left eye were identified, but the cause of the lesion was not defined, with lagophthalmia, entropion, dystychiasis or ectopic cilia being ruled out. So, it was suggested that the lesion had occurred by a foreign body, such as dust or feed fiber.  The contralateral eye showed no changes, Schirmer 15 mm, no changes in sensory and sensory reflexes and negative fluorescein. No signal clinical disease. Due to the severity of the lesion, it was performed a third eyelid flap associated with drug treatment with ciprofloxacin eye drops, every 8 h for 21 days. The animal was placed in the right lateral decubitus position and palpebral akinesia was achieved with the application of 2 mL lidocaine without vasoconstrictor in the region of the auriculopalpebral nerve. This was followed by the routine performance of the third eyelid flap.Discussion: The delay in seeking veterinary care and the application of spray based on oxytetracycline and hydrocortisone aggravated the lesion, since the corticosteroid delays corneal healing and favors the aggravation of the lesion. After desensitization of the cornea, the animal allowed eye manipulation and it was possible to observe the lesion and choose the best treatment, with option for the third eyelid flap because it is a simple and fast technique, does not require special equipment or materials, ideal for performed in the field and is widely used in the treatment of injuries involving the cornea and, besides that, helps to contain corneal perforation and protect the ocular surface. Corneal debridement was also performed to remove necrotic debris and improve drug action, in addition to using broad-spectrum antibiotic eye drops until complete regeneration of the lesion. Twenty-one days after the surgical procedure, the patient had no ocular discomfort, the flap was removed and no changes in the corneal surface were observed. The treatment was considered satisfactory for the healing of the corneal ulcer, guaranteed the esthetics and visual function of the sheep.Keywords: keratitis, surgery, ciprofloxacin, ocular, ruminant

Cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega no preenchimento de cavidade anoftálmica – estudo clínico

Avaliou-se o cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega como implante para o preenchimento de cavidade anoftálmica em cães e gatos. Os animais foram provenientes do Serviço de oftalmologia do Hospital Veterinário, da Universidade Estadual Paulista – Câmpus de Jaboticabal. O estudo foi realizado em dois anos. A idade dos pacientes oscilou entre 2 a 11 anos, com peso de 3 a 50 kg. Os implantes variaram de 15 a 25 mm de diâmetro. Edema local foi observado em todos os animais durante o pós-operatório imediato. Das 11 cirurgias realizadas em 8 animais, sendo 7 cães e 1 gato, em 9 (81,8%) o resultado estético foi satisfatório, enquanto em 2 (18,2%) foi insatisfatório, devido a complicações que levaram a remoção dos implantes. A utilização do cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega no preenchimento de cavidade anoftálmica mostrou-se factível e é uma alternativa para melhorar a aparência estética após a enucleação

Natural Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in a Dog from Bahia State - Northeast of Brazil

Background: Chagas Disease (CD) is a parasitic anthropozoonosis caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), a protozoan transmitted by insects from the Reduviidae family. Several species of wild and domestic animals, humans included, are susceptible, developing acute clinical signals (myocarditis and cardiac arrhythmias) or chronic signals (drop on the performance and syncope) of the disease. In Brazil, the disease in dogs shows variable indexes of occurrence. The present paper describes the natural infection by T. cruzi in a canine living in the city of Barra, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, a region classified as high risk of vulnerability for the CD in the northeast of Brazil.Case: A 9-year-old male dog, non-specific breed, was referred to the clinic the Veterinary Clinic for Small Animals, at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital), at the Federal University of the West of Bahia. Its owner reported the presence of bloody secretion in the penile region. During the physical exam it was possible to observe an increase in the volume of the penis base. All of the animal’s physiological parameters were within normal levels. Blood samples and cytological laminas from the lesioned area were collected and sent to the Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology in the same institution. The cytological exam showed monomorphic population of great round cells with a round nucleus, condensed chromatin and one to two prominent nucleolus, abundant and slightly basophilic cytoplasm, with multiple stippled vacuoles, thus confirming a Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) case. With the blood exam one observed a thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia with a deviation on the left and the presence of a trypomastigote form of Trypanosoma sp. in the blood smears. A complete blood sample was sent to the Laboratory of Pathology and Molecular Biology from the Fiocruz-BA (Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in the State of Bahia), being identified by the PCR technique, T. cruzi.Discussion: During the complete blood count, specifically using the blood smear, the microscopic visualization of the trypomastigote form of the Trypanosoma sp., a hemoparasite of filiform aspect, with undulating membrane over the whole body and free flagellum, confirming a case of trypanosomiasis. Such diagnostics had not been considered up to this moment, as the animal did not present any clinic symptomatology that indicated the pathological condition. The high levels of parasitemia presented by the animal, confirmed by the presence of the protozoan in the blood smear, probably indicate the acute phase of the infection, period in which the multiplication and development of the agent is higher, consequently allowing the visualization of the hemoparasite in the lamina. Although the TVT had proved to be the main derogatory factor of sanity and wellbeing of the animal, one calls the attention in this case for the trypanosomiasis, a zoonosis that causes great risk to the sole health, highlighting that the canine species is taken as an important reservoir of T. cruzi, relevant for the maintenance and interaction among the domestic and wild cycles of the Chagas Disease. This is the first report of a canine naturally infected by T. cruzi in the west Region of the State of Bahia. It is, thus, important to emphasize its significance once dogs can be reservoirs of the protozoan, acting in their life cycle and epidemiological chain of the Chagas Disease, enabling the infection of triatomines and humans. Future studies should be done with the purpose of determining the predominance of the agent in the region of the city of Barra, in the State of Bahia

Bullous Keratopathy in a dog treated with Third Eyelid Flap and Autologous Serum Eye Drops

Background: Bullous Keratopathy (BK) is characterized by decompensation of the corneal stroma resulting in visual impairment by corneal opacity, discomfort, excessive tearing, blepharospasm and pain. The aim of this study was to report a case of BK in a dog and the complete recovery of the ocular structure and visual function, with a third eyelid flap associated with the use of autologous blood serum topically.Case: A 2-year-old Shih Tzu male dog, weighing 4.3 kg, with recurrent bilateral eye discomfort was brought to Ophthalmologist Veterinarian Assistance. The patient had already been seen by other veterinarians, but the signs returned in a short period of time after the prescription was suspended. During physical examination it was observed moderate blepharospasm in the right eye, epiphora in the left eye, and in both eyes was noted exophthalmos, medial corneal entropion, caruncle trichiasis and ectopic cilia in the upper and lower eyelids. Fluorescein test was positive in both eyes, and a large bullous, opaque and gelatinous lesion with irregular appearance was observed occupying a large part of the cornea of the right eye. Superficial corneal ulcer was diagnosed in left eye and BK in right eye, both probably in consequence of ectopic cilia presence. Surgical intervention was made, with the cauterization and excision of the ectopic cilia and third eyelid flap in the right eye. The cauterization of caruncle trichiasis was not authorized by the owner. Moxifloxacin eye drops in the dose of one drop four times a day in both eyes, lubricant based on hyaluronic acid in the dose of one drop four times a day in both eyes, and autogenous blood serum, obtained from the centrifugation of a blood sample of the dog itself, in the dose of one drop every hour in the right eye for 24 hours, and meloxicam in the dose of 0.1 mg/kg every 24 h for 3 days were prescribed. Elizabethan collar was recommended until removal of the third eye flap. During the surgery, a sample of eye secretion was collected and sent for culture and antibiogram and did not show growth of microorganisms. After seven days of the procedure, the animal did not show eye discomfort and corneal ulcer in the left eye was healed. The third eye flap remained stable until the return of 28 days and after removal of the capton, adhesions were identified, which were removed with Castroviejo scissors after application of topical anesthetic proxymetacaine hydrochloride eye drops. A fluorescein test was performed and the absence of corneal keratitis was confirmed. Discrete corneal scars (macula) were identified.Discussion: The patient in this report had several changes in ocular morphology that favored the formation of recurrent injuries which contributed to the formation of BK. The use of topical medications as unique treatment was not performed due to the severity of the lesion and the presence of alterations such as medial entropion, caruncle trichiasis and ectopic cilia that needed surgical corrections to resolve the causes of the lesions. In order to protect the cornea and provide compression of its epithelium, a third eyelid flap was performed, a low-invasive procedure that is quick and easy to perform. Ectopic cilia were cauterized to eliminate one of the causes of the corneal injuries, however, the other changes could not be corrected because they were not authorized by the owner. The adjuvant uses of ocular lubricant based on hyaluronic acid, a broad-spectrum topical antibiotic and mainly autogenous blood serum favored the epithelial reconstruction of the cornea by providing protection, vitamins, growth factors, immunoglobulins, anti-collagenolytic and bacteriostatic substances. The protocol used it enabled a rapid reduction in patient discomfort, reversal of injuries and recovery of visual function

Inguinal Gravid Hysterocele in Feline

Background: Hysterocele is an inheritance rare in feline, characterized by the protrusion of the uterus by the inguinal channel, a situation related with the congenital abnormality of the inguinal ring, allowing the protrusion of abdominal contents for the subcutaneous space. As differential diagnosis of hysterocele are the breast cancer, abscesses and bruises and image exams such as radiography and ultrasonography have large relevance for identifying the disease and, additionally, clarify the hernia content. The purpose of this study was to describe one case report of the inguinal gravid hysterocele in a cat.Case: A 1-year-old female feline, without history of trauma of increase of volume in the inguinal region was referred for clinical evaluation. Due to the presence of three gestational vesicles, the decision by following-up the fetal development was taken, by means of periodical ultrasound evaluations, for performing operative procedure. At 56 days of gestation, when intestinal peristaltic movements of the three kittens were observed, cesarean was indicated. The procedure began by an oblique incision in the left retro-umbilical region, however, due to adhesions, there was no proper uterine exposition for hysterotomy. Retro-umbilical celiotomy, adhesiolise and return of the uterus for the abdominal cavity were performed in order to execute the cesarean followed by ovariohysterectomy. The hernial ring was debrided and sutured in order to keep patent the inguinal ring. No post-operatory complications were noted indicating that the established conduct allowed the survival of the parturient and its kittens.Discussion: In a casuistic study where data from 1988 until 2007 were collected, from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine from the University of São Paulo, a higher occurrence of inguinal hernias was observed in female dogs, when compared with male dogs and, until that period, the inguinal hernia was not reported in the feline species. It is known that the inguinal ring may dilate with the obesity and increase of the intra-abdominal pressure, linked with the weakening of the adjacent structures. Besides, the appearance of hysterocele in females is also related with the estrus or gestation, caused by the hormonal imbalance, leading to the weakening of the conjunctive tissue, resulting in the enlargement of the inguinal rings, which is according to what was observed in this report where the animal was pregnant. Additionally, the application of contraceptive (progestin’s) could have accentuated the muscle fragility, favoring the projection of the uterus by the inguinal ring. In most of the cases described in literature, animals have no discomfort to the handling of the herniated content however, for some authors, the prolongation of surgical resolution may aggravate the clinical condition, predisposing the formation of adherences that may cause discomfort or pain, particularly when the bladder or intestinal loops are involved, resulting in difficulty urinating and defecating, respectively. Care must be taken during the reduction of the inguinal ring, in order to avoid compromising the external pudendal artery and vein, and of the genito-femoral nerve, which emerge from the tail-medial aspect of the ring. In this study, it was tried to perform the hernia suture in a way that the inguinal ring remained patent. On the same way that was performed in this study recommend the execution of ovariohysterectomy in order to avoid relapse and because it is an hereditary condition. The inguinal gravid hysterocele in feline may be adequately manage until the ideal moment for cesarean without prejudice to the parturient and to its products

Molecular diagnosis of Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs with uveitis

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is an infectious disease caused by a gram-negative bacterium Ehrlichia canis that has a high global prevalence that leads to high rates of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Among the clinical changes, ophthalmic diseases can lead to permanent blindness and it can be an important clinical sign. The objective of this study was to perform nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose E. canis infection in dogs with bilateral uveitis from the Veterinary Hospital of the Santa Cruz State University. Blood samples were collected and DNA for the molecular diagnosis was extracted from 66 adult dogs of both genders and mixed breeds diagnosed with bilateral uveitis. Thirty-five (53%) dogs showed positive results and presented with iridocyclitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis, or uveitis with secondary glaucoma. This study demonstrates that nested PCR is an important tool for the differential diagnosis of dogs with bilateral uveitis, as it provides evidence of the infectious agent in the animal