Intestinal Rupture Due to a Non-Perforating Foreign Body

Background: Intestinal obstruction by a foreign body is a common occurrence in domestic animals, needing the attention of veterinarians and owners, given that a serious complication of this condition is intestinal rupture, with consequent peritonitis. Perforating objects are the ones most often associated with rupture, but any object that obstructs the intestinal tract, if not removed properly, can lead to intestinal rupture, generating a poor prognosis. This article reports a case of intestinal rupture caused by a non-perforating foreign body in a dog. Case: A 1-year-old Chow-Chow dog was taken by its owner to the Portal Pet private clinic, with a history of foreign body ingestion and emesis. The owner reported that he took the animal to veterinary care in another establishment on the day he noticed vomiting, with no other abnormality being detected. An injectable medication was administered, but the owner did not know what it was, and the dog was discharged. After 15 days, the owner sought care at the clinic initially mentioned, due to the persistence of emesis, in addition to the onset of diarrhea and apparent apathy. On physical examination, the dog was apathetic, with pale mucosa and pain on abdominal palpation. A firm structure was felt, located in the epigastric region, compatible with a foreign body. The dog was referred for hospitalization and an abdominal ultrasound was requested, in addition to blood samples for hematological and serum biochemical tests (urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase). Serology for parvovirus was also performed. The blood count revealed leukopenia (4,800 thousand/mm3) and biochemical analysis showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase (895.5 U/l). The results for parvovirus were negative. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a foreign body. The animal was referred for exploratory laparotomy, in which the foreign body was found in the abdominal cavity as a result of intestinal rupture, and peritonitis was observed. The foreign body was removed, the abdominal cavity washed, intestinal raffia made, and an abdominal drain inserted. The foreign body was identified as a silicone makeup sponge. Three days later, the drain was removed. The patient had good post-surgical clinical evolution and was discharged. The prescription given was as follows: omeprazole 1 mg/kg (VO, every 24 h in the morning, for 2 weeks); dipyrone25 mg/kg (VO, TID, for 4 days); cephalexin 25 mg/kg (VO, BID, for 10 days); mineral vitamin supplement based on probiotics and prebiotics 1 tablet/10 kg (VO, every 24 h, for 10 days); vermifuge based on milbemycin oxime and praziquantel 5-25 mg (VO, in a single dose, with repetition after 15 days); enrofloxacin 50 mg 10 mg/kg (VO, every 24 h, for 7 days); immunoglobulinbased on blood plasma, vitamins and minerals 1 tablet/10 kg (VO, BID, until new recommendations); and metronidazole 40 mg/mL oral solution at a dose of 25 mg/kg (VO, BID, for 7 days). As topical treatment, an antiseptic spraybased on laurel, diethylene glycol ether, sodium sulfate, and povidine iodinewas prescribed for surgical wound cleansing, until the suture removal, and the use of a surgical collar was requested. A reassessment was scheduled after 10 days, during which the suture was removed. At this point the dog had fully recovered.Discussion: Intestinal obstruction by a foreign body is a common cause of veterinary emergencies. As observed in the reported case, rupture of the intestinal wall and peritonitis can result. Although the prognosis of the affected animals is guarded, diagnosis prior to the worsening of septicemia as well as immediate surgical intervention were essential for recovery.     

Canine Hypothyroidism with Neurological Disorders

Background: Hypothyroidism is characterized by hypofunction of the thyroid gland. It results in deficient production of thyroid hormones. Neurological disorders resulting from hypothyroidism are rare, which highlights the importance of this study. This study reports a case of hypothyroidism in a dog with neurological clinical signs, that was treated at the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz’s Veterinary Hospital (HV-UESC).   Case: A 4-year-old male intact Dogo Argentino breed dog, weighing 64 kg, presenting obesity, anorexia, prostration, walking in circles, and chronic dermatopathy was presented at HV-UESC. Upon physical examination, the animal presented a deficit of proprioception in the 4 limbs, with preserved superficial and deep pain. No alteration was observed in the ears, that could explained the clinical signs. In terms of dermatopathy, the animal presented symmetrical alopecia in the lateral region of the thighs and tail. Blood samples were collected for a complete blood count and biochemical tests of urea, creatinine, ALT, AST and cholesterol. Imaging radiography and ultrasonography were performed, which ruled out thoracic and abdominal changes that could be related to the case. Prior to receiving the blood test results, idiopathic encephalitis was suspected and enrofloxacin and prednisone were prescribed for 7 days. During the medication period, previous exams were provided, which indicated only increased cholesterol (500 mg/dL). The animal showed no improvement with the prescribed medication. In view of the clinical signs presented by the patient and the results of the additional tests, hormonal disease was suspected, compatible with hypothyroidism. Thus, hormonal tests of total T4, free T4, and TSH were requested, leading to verification of reduced total T4 (0.3 ng/dL) and free T4 (0.15 ng/dL) levels, and confirming the dysfunction of the thyroid gland. The previous treatment was suspended and thyroid hormone replacement was initiated. After 3 days of treatment, the neurological signs regressed and the animal became more active; after 30 days, the areas of alopecia decreased. Although the patient did not receive the recommended clinical follow-up for such cases, it was possible to establish the ideal levothyroxine dosage for the dog after appropriate adjustments, which permitted thyroid hormone levels to return to normal. Discussion: This report refers to a case of hypothyroidism in a giant dog breed. The dog in the report showed clinical signs of a dermatological, metabolic, and neurological nature, which is consistent with a lack of thyroid hormone. The main signs presented by the animal were neurological, such as walking in circles and a deficit of proprioception in the four limbs. These clinical signs are rarely mentioned in the literature associated with hypothyroidism. Laboratory abnormalities are correlated with the severity and chronicity of the disease. The animal showed a decrease in total T4 and free T4, which is to be expected in a hypothyroid animal. As a result, levothyroxine replacement treatment was initiated. The dose used for the dog, which is the recommended dose in the literature, greatly increased its total T4 levels. As a result, the dose was readjusted after a new clinical evaluation. The rate of metabolism and absorption of levothyroxine varies widely and is independent of weight. The patient showed quickly improvement in neurological signs, activity level, and serum cholesterol rate. Regarding dermatological signs and body condition, there was a more gradual improvement. This corroborates what is mentioned in the literature, which indicates that improvements can take many months. Keywords:  hormonal Disease, hypothyroidism, neuropathy

Feline Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Background: Feline idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an irreversible disease that is rarely reported in veterinary clinical routine, with this case as the second reported in Brazil. This study aimed to describe a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a domestic cat.Case: A 10-year-old female cat with a history of respiratory distress was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Santa Cruz (HV-UESC). The first signs were observed three months before clinical care, characterized mainly by dyspnea that was more pronounced during nighttime. There was no history of previous illnesses or prior drug use. The cat lived with two other domiciled cats, did not have access to the street, and had restricted access to the terrace of the building, from where other animals could have possibly entered. Physical examination showed a poor body condition with a temperature of 37°C and dehydration estimated at 9%.The animal was observed to remain in an orthopedic position, with tachypnea (109 mvm), wheezing through the mouth, and severe expiratory dyspnea. Pulmonary auscultation detected fine discontinuous adventitious noises. There were no changes in the cardiac function in terms of rhythm, frequency, or auscultation. Oxygen therapy and slow administration of 0.9% NaCl solution were performed; moreover, blood was collected for complete blood count, in which no abnormalities were observed. Thoracic radiography was performed on the cat, and the results showed a mixed pulmonary pattern characterized by bronchiectasis, thickening of the bronchiolar wall, and an unstructured interstitial pattern throughout the pulmonary area. Shortly after the beginning of the clinical care, the animal died due to respiratory arrest and was necropsied. The main macroscopic finding was pulmonary edema. Lung samples were subjected to microscopic evaluation, which revealed extensive multifocal areas of alveolar septa thickening characterized by smooth muscle hyperplasia, hypertrophy associated with intense fibroplasia, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, and discrete intra-alveolar and interstitial lymphohistiocytic inflammatory infiltrate. Based on the clinical, radiographic, macroscopic, and histopathological findings, the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was established. Discussion: This is the second case of feline idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis reported in Brazil. The observations in the physical examination, namely, the orthopedic positioning, dyspnea, and mouth breathing, are characteristic of respiratory distress and showed the severity of the lesions in the respiratory system. The clinical manifestation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in cats reveals that gas exchange had already been compromised, which indicates an advanced stage of disease. In addition to respiratory signs, systemic signs such as apathy, anorexia, weight loss, and dehydration also confirm the severity of the condition. Because of the severity of the clinical condition at the time of the clinical care, it was not possible to adopt a more aggressive therapeutic approach, and the animal eventually died. Taken together, the clinical, radiographic, macroscopic, and histopathological findings led to the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Literature states that the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis requires clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings consistent with the alterations observed in this cat. Much remains to be understood with regard to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in felines, since the currently available information is sparse and divergent. The description of these cases is extremely important to increase the available knowledge and to improve the prognosis and therapy for this serious disease

Co-ingestion of amatoxins and isoxazoles-containing mushrooms and successful treatment: A case report

Mushroom poisonings occur when ingestion of wild mushrooms containing toxins takes place, placing the consumers at life-threatening risk. In the present case report, an unusual multiple poisoning with isoxazoles- and amatoxins-containing mushrooms in a context of altered mental state and poorly controlled hypertension is presented. A 68-year-old female was presented to São João hospital (Portugal) with complaints of extreme dizziness, hallucinations, vertigo and imbalance, 3 h after consuming a stew of wild mushrooms. The first observations revealed altered mental state and elevated blood pressure. The examination of cooked mushroom fragments allowed a preliminary identification of Amanita pantherina. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed the presence of muscimol in urine. Moreover, through high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) analysis of the gastric juice, the presence of α-amanitin was found, showing that amatoxins-containing mushrooms were also included in the stew. After 4 days of supportive treatment, activated charcoal, silybin and N-acetylcysteine, the patient recovered being discharged 10 days post-ingestion with no organ complications. The prompt and appropriate therapy protocol for life-threatening amatoxins toxicity probably saved the patient's life as oral absorption was decreased and also supportive care was immediately started.This work received financial support from the European Union (FEDER funds through COMPETE) and National Funds (FCT, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) through project Pest-C/EQB/LA0006/2013. Juliana Garcia and Vera Marisa Costa thank FCT e Foundation for Science and Technology e for their PhD grant (SFRH/BD/74979/2010) and Post-doc grant (SFRH/BPD/63746/2009), respectively.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Associated with Hypertrophic Osteopathy in a Dog

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm rarely described in the veterinary routine. The aim of this study was to report a case of GIST accompanied by a periosteal reaction, suggestive of hypertrophic osteopathy, in a dog.Case: An 11-year-old male dog had a history of progressive weight loss, difficulty in locomotion, and dyspnea. During clinical care, increased bone volume was observed. Blood samples were collected for a complete blood count and biochemical analysis. The dog also underwent thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasonography. The test results revealed anemia, leukocytosis, hypocalcemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypocholesterolemia. The radiographic images of the limbs showed a generalized periosteal reaction, and thoracic radiography indicated changes compatible with mild chronic lung disease. Ultrasonographic findings indicated a neoformation in the intestinal loop of the right mesogastric region and increased volume in the left testicle, both of which were indicative of neoplasia. Therefore, the dog was referred for surgery, wherein the intestinal mass and both testes were removed; the intestinal mass and left testicle were subjected to histopathological diagnosis. The results of the biopsies confirmed that the testicular neoplasm was a seminoma, whereas the intestinal nodule was compatible with GIST, and immunohistochemical analysis was necessary to confirm the diagnosis. On the basis of positive labeling for the antibodies vimentin, desmin, S100, and c-kit, the diagnosis of GIST was confirmed. Therefore, the animal underwent metronomic chemotherapy with 12 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide every 24 h for 3 months, and thereafter every 48 h for 6 months. Moreover, the dog was periodically monitored via imaging (radiography of the anterior and posterior limbs, abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomography). A few months after the surgical resection of the intestinal nodule, radiography revealed that the periosteal reactions had disappeared, but ultrasonography revealed nonspecific alterations of mild thickening and enlargement of the intestinal loops. Computed tomography revealed two nodular areas of soft-tissue attenuation in the right mesogastric region. Although the possibility of tumor recurrence was raised, the animal’s owner chose only to perform palliative treatment. After 4 months, ultrasonography revealed a neoformation in the right mesogastric region. On July 29, 2018 the animal had a worsening of its clinical condiction, with tumor recurrence by ultrasound exam. The owners didn´t accept returning to the oncologist and made an option for a conservative treatment with tramadol (3 mg/kg/TID), dipirone(25 mg/kg/TID), and vitaminic supplement based on docosahexaenoic acid plus eicosapentaenoic acid (30 mg/kg, once daily) On August, 28, 2018 he was euthanized. The dog’s postsurgical survival time was 15 months.Discussion: The dog described in the present report was large and elderly, both of which are predisposing factors for GIST development. Although non-specific, progressive weight loss may be associated with intestinal neoplasia, owing to the impairment of digestion and nutrient absorption, because a part of the duodenal mucosa was compromised by neoplasia. The difficulty in locomotion, which did not respond to treatment, was attributed to the periosteal reaction confirmed by radiographic exam. This, in turn, was associated with hypertrophic osteopathy secondary to neoplasia, because the condition regressed after the removal of the intestinal nodule. The histopathological findings related to intestinal neoplasia were suggestive of GIST; positive immunoblotting for c-kit, vimentin, S100, and desmin confirmed the diagnosis. Although the veterinarian alerted the owner to the suspicion of recurrence and suggested continuing treatment, the owner chose not to

Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection in Dogs from Southeastern Bahia, Brazil

Background: Tickborne diseases are frequent in tropical countries such as Brazil. Protozoa of the Babesia genus and bacteria of the Ehrlichia genus spread throughout the country with high prevalences in urban and rural areas, causing clinical or subclinical diseases in dogs. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection from Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in the dog population in the municipality of Ituberá, Bahia, Brazil, and to verify the risk factors associated with the infections.Materials, Methods & Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted, consisting of the following procedures: clinical examination and blood samples collection from 380 dogs and application of a structure questionnaire to dog owners to collect epidemiological data. All dogs were evaluated for the presence of ticks and clinical signs associated with the infections. Blood samples were collected and tested for Babesia spp. through capillary blood smears, indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR); all the samples were also tested for E. chaffeensis through nested PCR. Intra-erythrocyte piroplasms were visualized in the blood smears of two animals (2/380; 0.5%) in the cytology exams. Anti-B. canis antibodies were detected in 140/380 (36.8%) dogs, at 1:40 dilution. By PCR, 147/380 (38.7%) dogs tested positive for infection by Babesia sp., but no animal was infected by E. chaffeensis. Only 115/380 dogs (30.3%) were infested by ticks. In total, 223/380 dogs (58.7%) were found infected by Babesia spp. No clinical signs were it found to be significant for the infection. The infected (Ht = 40%) and uninfected dogs’ (Ht = 39%) hematocrit averages were not found to significantly differ (P = 0.47). No hematological changes were found to be significant for the disease. The evaluated variables sex, habitat (urban or rural), exposure to other dogs, age, and infestation by ticks were not found to be risk factors. The condition of semirestriction of 175/223 (78.4%) dogs was found as a risk factor for the infection (P = 0.01; OR = 1.75; IC 95% = 1.10-2.78).Discussion: The low detection from blood smears was inferior to the lowest prevalences found in Brazil. On the other hand, the high seroprevalence rate by IFAT observed in this study was found in other Brazilian states.  The low infection prevalence in the cytologic analysis associated with high seroprevalence are characteristics of chronic or subclinical infections. The high seroprevalence rates may also indicate chronicity and/or subclinical disease when associated with low parasitemia and may also be indicated by the low title variation observed. In this study, some dogs that tested positive for Babesia by serology tested negative in the PCR, which suggests a previously exposure to this pathogen and maintenance of detectable levels of antibodies, or that they were subclinical or chronic carriers of the infection. The equal hematocrit averages of dogs either carrying or not the disease suggests that the infected animals, especially the seemingly healthy dogs, are subclinical or chronic carriers, either asymptomatic or otherwise, that are adapted to the disease, which may contribute to the agent remaining in this population. The fact that no clinical sign of hematological change was significant for the infection may demonstrate the low pathogenicity of this agent in the evaluated population. The semi-restricted condition of the dogs as a risk factor is probably due to the increased exposure of these animals to canine babesiosis vectors during their movement through different neighborhood areas and villages in the municipality. The combination of diagnostic methods is important to identify the infection and determine its prevalence in epidemiological studies. Also, PCR was fundamental in this study, to identify the infection in asymptomatic dogs

v. 1, n. 1 (2015)

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Glotopolítica latinoamericana : Tendencias y perspectivas

Glotopolítica latinoamericana: tendencias y perspectivas recoge el resultado de presentaciones y deliberaciones del IV Congreso Latinoamericano de Glotopolítica, realizado en la Universidad de San Pablo (Brasil) en septiembre de 2019, que convocó a numerosos y destacados especialistas en el área. Su inscripción en una serie (los anteriores se realizaron en Chile, Colombia y Alemania) nos permite apreciar los grandes ejes de los que da cuenta el cuidadoso e inteligente armado del libro decidido por los editores, y fundamentado en la Presentación. El tramo que hemos recorrido como especialistas, en el cual los eventos internacionales son hitos significativos, ha ido mostrando la amplitud de un campo que se construye apelando a tradiciones académicas variadas, que insiste en su carácter interdisciplinario y crítico y que no deja de tener una dimensión militante que se expone en las reflexiones teóricas, las investigaciones empíricas y las prácticas institucionales

Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults

Background Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. We estimated the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or thinness and obesity, and their changes, from 1990 to 2022 for adults and school-aged children and adolescents in 200 countries and territories. Methods We used data from 3663 population-based studies with 222 million participants that measured height and weight in representative samples of the general population. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends in the prevalence of different BMI categories, separately for adults (age ≥20 years) and school-aged children and adolescents (age 5–19 years), from 1990 to 2022 for 200 countries and territories. For adults, we report the individual and combined prevalence of underweight (BMI <18·5 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). For schoolaged children and adolescents, we report thinness (BMI <2 SD below the median of the WHO growth reference) and obesity (BMI >2 SD above the median). Findings From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in adults decreased in 11 countries (6%) for women and 17 (9%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 that the observed changes were true decreases. The combined prevalence increased in 162 countries (81%) for women and 140 countries (70%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. In 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity was highest in island nations in the Caribbean and Polynesia and Micronesia, and countries in the Middle East and north Africa. Obesity prevalence was higher than underweight with posterior probability of at least 0·80 in 177 countries (89%) for women and 145 (73%) for men in 2022, whereas the converse was true in 16 countries (8%) for women, and 39 (20%) for men. From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of thinness and obesity decreased among girls in five countries (3%) and among boys in 15 countries (8%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80, and increased among girls in 140 countries (70%) and boys in 137 countries (69%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. The countries with highest combined prevalence of thinness and obesity in school-aged children and adolescents in 2022 were in Polynesia and Micronesia and the Caribbean for both sexes, and Chile and Qatar for boys. Combined prevalence was also high in some countries in south Asia, such as India and Pakistan, where thinness remained prevalent despite having declined. In 2022, obesity in school-aged children and adolescents was more prevalent than thinness with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 among girls in 133 countries (67%) and boys in 125 countries (63%), whereas the converse was true in 35 countries (18%) and 42 countries (21%), respectively. In almost all countries for both adults and school-aged children and adolescents, the increases in double burden were driven by increases in obesity, and decreases in double burden by declining underweight or thinness. Interpretation The combined burden of underweight and obesity has increased in most countries, driven by an increase in obesity, while underweight and thinness remain prevalent in south Asia and parts of Africa. A healthy nutrition transition that enhances access to nutritious foods is needed to address the remaining burden of underweight while curbing and reversing the increase in obesit