Acute Myeloid Leukemia in a Dog Chronically Infected with Leishmania spp. and Other Infectious Agents

Background: Rare studies have described the association of hematopoietic tumors and canine visceral leishmaniosis, however the association between the parasitary disease and neoplasia is still not well established in dogs. Thus, the aim of the present study was to report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a dog infected by Leishmania spp. and otherinfectious agents.Case: A 8-year-old, male Poodle, was brought to the Veterinary Hospital from Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. The dog had a history of recurrent tick-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis, over the previous ten months. On physical examination, pale mucosa, enlargement of popliteal lymph nodes, onychogryphosis, purulent nasal discharge, and bilateralblepharitis with purulent discharge were observed. The dog was skinny and infested with ticks. The blood cell count revealed normocytic, normochromic anemia and leukocytosis (38.000/mm3) with neutrophilia (30.020/mm3). Serum biochemical tests demonstrated hyperproteinemia due to hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and an albumin:globulin ratio of 0.30. The immunochromathographic test for leishmaniasis was negative. The alterations observed in the bone marrow cytological analysis were suggestive of AML, and Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., and amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. were observed inside bone marrow cells. After diagnosis, a decision to euthanize the animal was made.Discussion: Few studies have demonstrated the presence of hematopoietic neoplasia in dogs chronically and simultaneously infected with multiple pathogens. A case of multiple myeloma in a dog associated with infection by Ehrlichia canis, A. phagocytophilum, L. infantum, and Dirofilaria immitis is described. Another study reported B-cell lymphoma in a dog with E. canis and Histoplasma capsulatum infection. The pathogenesis of AML in the reported dog might be associated with continuous antigenic stimulation and chronic inflammation caused by the infectious agents. The pathological changes in bone marrow caused by Leishmania are well described, and different combinations of hypoplasia, hyperplasia, or dysplasia of all hematopoietic lineages can occur. The inflammation and chronic stimulation of hematopoiesis can lead to an increased risk of changes in the genetic material of the hematopoietic precursor cells. Thus, there is an increased chance of generation of mutated clones, resulting in hematopoietic malignancies. Immunosuppression is a common condition present in numerous types of neoplasia, especially in those with hematopoietic origins, which increases the vulnerability to opportunistic diseases. In humans, the presence of concomitant neoplasia and leishmaniasis is well documented, However, there are very few veterinary medicine studies on the association between neoplasia and canine visceral leishmaniosis. Cases of hematopoietic tumors, such as multiple myeloma, and multicentric, cutaneous, and cardiac lymphomas, have been described in dogs with leishmaniasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is possibly the first report implicating pathogens of the genera Leishmania, Anaplasma and Hepatozoon as contributors in the etiopathogenesis of AML in the studied animal. Based on all clinical and laboratory findings, we theorize that the prolonged antigenic stimulation and chronic inflammationcaused by the infectious agents played a crucial role in the development of leukemia in the dog.Keywords: myeloproliferative disorder, hemoparasites, canine leishmaniasis

Comparação intra-observador entre radiografia convencional e oblíqua da pelve de gatos e cães politraumatizados

Many bone lesions are missed by plain radiography in small animals with polytrauma in the pelvis due to the many bone overlaps.Thus, this study aimed to compare intra-observer agreement between the conventional two-projection technique (laterolateral and ventrodorsal; LL and VD) and the 45° rolling projection (right/left ventromedial oblique to dorsolateral flexed leg; OBL) in the evaluation of fractures  and dislocations in polytraumatized animals. The images were evaluated intra-observer by two radiologists (control group) and compared with the evaluation of two orthopedists,residents and students. When comparing fractures between the projections, a statistical difference was observed between the three projections, LL, VD, and OBL (N=288, df= 2, wald= 24.7 p= 0.0000). The VD projection (n=188) was the most efficient, followed by the OBL (n=174) and the LL (n=105). For the evaluation of sacroiliac dislocations, it was found that the VD (n=33) and OBL (n=33) projections were equal and more sensitive than the LL (n=0) (N= 288, df=2, Wald= 1964.2, P˂0.01-10). In the intra-observer comparison, it was not possible to observe a significant difference in the assessment of fractures, even though the group of radiologists observed a greater number of injuries. In general, abnormalities (fractures and dislocations) were seen with greater accuracy in the VD view (n=237), followed by the OBL (n=225) and LL (n=120) (N= 288, df=2, Wald = 40.2, P˂0.01-10). The study suggests that evaluation by a radiologist should be preferred and that the OBL projection should also be included in the feline routine as it reduces bone overlap.Muitas lesões ósseas não são detectadas pela radiografia simples em pequenos animais com politraumatismo na pelve devido às muitas sobreposições ósseas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a concordância intraobservador entre a técnica convencional de duas projeções (laterolateral e ventrodorsal; LL e VD) e a projeção rolante de 45° (oblíqua ventromedial direita/esquerda para perna flexionada dorsolateral; OBL) na avaliação de fraturas e luxações em animais politraumatizados. As imagens foram avaliadas intraobservador por dois radiologistas (grupo controle) e comparadas com a avaliação de dois ortopedistas, residentes e estudantes. Ao comparar as fraturas entre as projeções, foi observada diferença estatística entre as três projeções, LL, VD e OBL (N=288, df= 2, wald= 24,7 p= 0,0000). A projeção VD (n=188) foi a mais eficiente, seguida da OBL (n=174) e da LL (n=105). Para a avaliação das luxações sacroilíacas, verificou-se que as projeções VD (n=33) e OBL (n=33) foram iguais e mais sensíveis que a LL (n=0) (N= 288, df=2, Wald= 1964,2, P˂0,01-10). Na comparação intraobservador, não foi possível observar diferença significativa na avaliação das fraturas, embora o grupo de radiologistas tenha observado maior número de lesões. Em geral, as anormalidades (fraturas e luxações) foram vistas com maior precisão na visão VD (n=237), seguida pela OBL (n=225) e LL (n=120) (N= 288, df=2, Wald = 40,2, P˂0,01-10). O estudo sugere que a avaliação por um radiologista deve ser preferida e que a projeção OBL também deve ser incluída na rotina felina, pois reduz a sobreposição óssea

Clinical, laboratory and therapeutic aspects of canine idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome: case report

The idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES) is a rare disease, characterized by variable eosinophilia and its massive infiltration into various organs. This study aimed to report clinical-laboratory findings and therapy in a canine with IHES. A one-year, 10-month-old male Rottweiler dog had a history of emesis, weight loss, hyporexia, and persistent eosinophilia on prior hematological exams. Vaccinations and worming were up to date. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, bone marrow cytology, serology for leishmaniasis, chromatographic immunoassay for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen, and abdominal ultrasound were requested. The tests for infectious diseases were negative. Blood biochemistry revealed no significant changes. An intense eosinophilia was observed in the hematology. A large number of cell precursors of the eosinophilic lineage were detected in the bone marrow cytology. Abdominal ultrasound showed thickening of intestinal loops. Considering the clinical and laboratory findings, the diagnosis of IHES was defined. Prednisolone treatment was instituted. The recurrence of peripheral eosinophilia occurred on the 35th day after therapy initiation. At that time, we opted to suspend the use of prednisolone and indicate the administration of deflazacort. With follow-up, therapeutic success with deflazacort was demonstrated, promoting the complete regression of clinical and ultrasound signs. The last glucocorticoid was maintained, but with a gradual dose reduction. The recognition of clinical and laboratory manifestations related to canine IHES is essential to establish an adequate diagnosis and therapy. Deflazacort emerges as a promising drug for controlling this disease.The idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES) is a rare disease, characterized by variable eosinophilia and its massive infiltration into various organs. This study aimed to report clinical-laboratory findings and therapy in a canine with IHES. A one-year, 10-month-old male Rottweiler dog had a history of emesis, weight loss, hyporexia, and persistent eosinophilia on prior hematological exams. Vaccinations and worming were up to date. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, bone marrow cytology, serology for leishmaniasis, chromatographic immunoassay for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen, and abdominal ultrasound were requested. The tests for infectious diseases were negative. Blood biochemistry revealed no significant changes. An intense eosinophilia was observed in the hematology. A large number of cell precursors of the eosinophilic lineage were detected in the bone marrow cytology. Abdominal ultrasound showed thickening of intestinal loops. Considering the clinical and laboratory findings, the diagnosis of IHES was defined. Prednisolone treatment was instituted. The recurrence of peripheral eosinophilia occurred on the 35th day after therapy initiation. At that time, we opted to suspend the use of prednisolone and indicate the administration of deflazacort. With follow-up, therapeutic success with deflazacort was demonstrated, promoting the complete regression of clinical and ultrasound signs. The last glucocorticoid was maintained, but with a gradual dose reduction. The recognition of clinical and laboratory manifestations related to canine IHES is essential to establish an adequate diagnosis and therapy. Deflazacort emerges as a promising drug for controlling this disease

Metastatic T-cell lymphoma of unknown primary origin in a dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

Canine lymphoma is a hematopoietic neoplasm that can affect different tissues. Its classification is performed according to cellular morphology, clinical stage, immunophenotyping, and anatomical location. However, in some cases, an oncopathy might be in an advanced stage with a plain organic spread, making it impossible to determine the initially affected tissue, which is a rare situation in animals. Thus, a case of metastatic lymphoma, of unknown primary origin, was described in a four-year-old Rottweiler bitch with multiple nodular subcutaneous proliferations. Hematological, biochemical, thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasound tests were performed, as well as a cytopathological examination of subcutaneous lesions and bone marrow. Hematologic findings determined anemia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The thoracic radiography revealed multiple nodular masses. Cytopathological examination revealed infiltration of malignant lymphocytes into the subcutaneous nodules and into the bone marrow. The dog was euthanized and submitted to necroscopic examination, in which multiple nodules were found in the subcutaneous region, lung, pericardium, gastrointestinal tract and in the skeletal musculature, in addition to lymphadenopathy. Fragments of the affected structures were collected for later histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of neoplastic cells compatible with diffuse lymphoma, which was positively immunolabelled for T-cell lymphoma. Based on clinical-pathological findings and other complementary tests, a diagnosis of diffuse T-cell lymphoma of unknown primary origin was made. In order to classify hematopoietic neoplasms, it is essential to perform different laboratory tests. However, determination of origin becomes difficult when such an oncological disease presents an advanced stage

Multiple Cartilaginous Exostoses In A Pediatric Dog

Background: Multiple cartilaginous exostosis (MCE) is a rare neoplastic disease in dogs that is characterized by the presence of osteochondromas in multiple bones. MCE is a disorder of development during growth and maturation, the real etiology of which has yet to be elucidated, but is believed to have a genetic basis. Usually affected animals have a history of a palpable mass on the bone surface, causing anatomical deformities and compression of adjacent structures. Since MCE is a rare neoplastic disease in dogs it may be difficult to recognize in the clinic. The aim of this study was to report a case of MCE in a pediatric dog.Case: A female 4-month-old Rottweiler dog with a history of bone neoformation on the left hind limb, anorexia, weight loss, and difficulty walking received clinical care. The disease had its initial onset 2 months prior. At physical examination, the animal showed paresis of the hind limbs and a bony tumor on the lateral part of the left tibia. A complete blood cell count and serum biochemical profile were obtained. The only abnormality diagnosed was hyperproteinemia due to hyperglobulinemia. Other diagnostic tests were not authorized and the animal was euthanized. At the necropsy, an intrathoracic neoformation was observed from the sixth to the eighth rib on the right antimer. Some tumors were also observed on the fourth lumbar vertebra and between the first and the second sacral vertebra, and a left tibial tumor, which had been observed at physical examination. The sagittal section of the spine revealed the presence of extradural compression of the spinal cord due to vertebral proliferations with compression of the nerve roots. All of the proliferations had macroscopic similarities, being firm, sessile, irregular, and with complete adherence to deep planes. Tumor samples were submitted to histopathological analysis and the tissue morphology was compatible with osteochondroma. Based on the clinical, necroscopical, and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of MCE was established.Discussion: In MCE, animals less than one year of age are the most frequently affected, as was observed in the case reported. Clinical signs in MCE usually result from poor bone and cartilaginous anatomical formations and from compression of adjacent tissue structures. In the described patient, the proliferations located in the vertebrae and tibia and the consequent compression of nerve roots and nerves caused the neurological deficits. Unlike in canines, the etiology of MCE in humans is already well established and it is classified as an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. The diagnosis is usually obtained through the association of clinical examination with radiographic and histopathological findings. However, in the animal studied, since it was not possible to perform radiographs, confirmation was obtained only after performing histopathological examination of the neoformations, which is considered the standard for the diagnosis of MCE. Although it corresponds to a benign neoplastic process affecting dogs during their growth stage, it may significantly decrease the animal’s quality of life. In this situation, the prognosis of MCE is considered to be reserved to bad, and animals are often referred for euthanasia, as occurred in the animal under discussion, due to the progression of neurological dysfunction. Early recognition of MCE in routine pet hospital practice is of fundamental importance in order to properly institute treatment and monitoring

Avaliação Clínica e Funcional do Estrabismo na Infância: Importância do Diagnóstico Precoce

Introdução: O estrabismo na infância corresponde ao desalinhamento ocular persistente ou intermitente e representa uma das alterações oftalmológicas mais relevantes da pediatria. Sua importância clínica ultrapassa o aspecto estético, pois está diretamente associada a prejuízos no desenvolvimento da visão binocular, da estereopsia e à ocorrência de ambliopia. Estima-se que o estrabismo acometa cerca de 2% a 4% das crianças, sendo mais frequente nos primeiros anos de vida. O período infantil é crítico para a maturação do sistema visual, tornando o diagnóstico precoce fundamental para prevenir déficits visuais permanentes e impactos psicossociais a longo prazo. Objetivo: Analisar a importância da avaliação clínica e funcional do estrabismo na infância, destacando o papel do diagnóstico precoce na prevenção de ambliopia e no adequado desenvolvimento visual. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura, baseada em publicações científicas de sociedades oftalmológicas reconhecidas e artigos de periódicos de alto impacto, nacionais e internacionais. Foram priorizados estudos que abordam a avaliação clínica, métodos diagnósticos e repercussões funcionais do estrabismo em crianças, com foco na prática clínica. Discussão/Resultados: A avaliação do estrabismo infantil deve ser sistemática e abrangente, incluindo anamnese detalhada, inspeção ocular, testes de motilidade ocular e exames específicos, como o teste do reflexo luminoso corneano e o cover test. A análise funcional da acuidade visual e da visão binocular é essencial para identificar ambliopia associada. Evidências demonstram que crianças diagnosticadas e tratadas precocemente apresentam melhores desfechos visuais, com maior chance de recuperação funcional. O atraso no diagnóstico pode resultar em ambliopia irreversível e dificuldades no desempenho escolar e social. A atuação integrada entre pediatras e oftalmologistas é decisiva para a detecção precoce e encaminhamento oportuno. Conclusão: A avaliação clínica e funcional do estrabismo na infância é etapa fundamental da assistência oftalmológica pediátrica. O diagnóstico precoce permite intervenções eficazes, reduz o risco de ambliopia e favorece o desenvolvimento visual pleno. Estratégias de triagem e conscientização profissional são essenciais para melhorar os desfechos visuais e a qualidade de vida das crianças afetadas

Investigação da infecção por leishmania spp. Em felinos domésticos (felis catus) na cidade de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. infection and the coinfection by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in domestic cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniosis in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Ninety-one cats were subjected to a complete clinical exam, and blood samples were collected. An epidemiological survey was used to investigate the risk factors. IgG anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies were detected by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with a cut-off value of 1:40. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect genetic material of Leishmania spp. in the blood samples. The presence of antibodies against FIV and antigens of FeLV was evaluated using an immunochromatographic test. Seropositivity for Leishmania spp., FIV, and FeLV was observed in 14 (15.38%), 26 (28.57%), and 3 (3.29%) cats, respectively. All samples gave negative results on PCR analysis. No statistical association was observed between seropositivity for Leishmania spp., and sex, age, presence of clinical signs, and evaluated risk factors. Of the 14 animals seropositive for Leishmania spp., 5 presented antibodies against FIV; however, no association between Leishmania infection and FIV was observed (p = 0.052). None of the cats was co-infected by Leishmania spp. and FeLV. These findings demonstrated for the first time that cats from the studied region were being exposed to this zoonosis and might be part of the epidemiological chain of transmission of visceral leishmaniosisO objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a ocorrência da infecção por Leishmania spp. e a coinfecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) em felinos domésticos provenientes de uma cidade endêmica no estado do Rio Grande do Norte para a leishmaniose visceral canina e humana. Foram incluídos no estudo 91 gatos. Esses animais foram submetidos a exame clínico completo e amostras de sangue foram coletadas. Um questionário epidemiológico foi aplicado aos tutores de cada animal para investigar fatores de risco. Anticorpos IgG anti-Leishmania spp. foram avaliados por meio da imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), adotando-se como ponto de corte a diluição de 1:40. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi executada visando detectar o material genético de Leishmania spp. a partir de amostras de sangue total. Também foi executado um teste imunocromatográfico para avaliar a presença de anticorpos contra o FIV e antígenos do FeLV. Observou-se soropositividade em 14 (15,38%), 26 (28,57%) e 3 (3,29%) animais para Leishmania spp., FIV e FeLV, respectivamente. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva na PCR de sangue total. Não foi observada nenhuma associação estatística entre a soropositividade para Leishmania spp. e gênero, idade, presença de sinais clínicos e fatores de risco avaliados. Dos 14 animais soropositivos para Leishmania spp., 5 apresentavam anticorpos contra o FIV, porém não houve associação estatística entre as duas infecções (p = 0,052). Não houve coinfecção com o FeLV. Esses achados demonstram pela primeira vez que os felinos da região estudada estão sendo expostos a esta zoonose e podem estar participando de forma importante da cadeia epidemiológica de transmissão da leishmaniose visceralCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPE

Canine juvenile cellulitis: a retrospective study (2009-2016)

A celulite juvenil (CJ) é uma doença vesiculopustular incomum que acomete cães principalmente na faixa etária inferior aos quatro meses. Este trabalho analisou o perfil epidemiológico, clínico e terapêutico da CJ em cães a partir da casuística do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, referente aos anos de 2009 a 2016. Cinco casos foram diagnosticados, incluindo quatro cães (80%), sem raça definida e com idade média de dois meses e 22 dias, e um da raça Rottweiler (20%) com 38 meses de idade. O período evolutivo médio das lesões foi de 16 dias e os principais sinais clínicos observados foram edema, pápulas, pústulas e secreção ótica bilateral. O diagnóstico foi confirmado por citologia (80%) e histopatologia (20%). Em todos os animais, o tratamento consistiu de cefalexina, administrada por 30 dias, e prednisolona, por três semanas. A terapia otológica tópica foi incluída quando necessária. Em quatro casos o desfecho clínico foi favorável. A CJ é uma dermatopatia rara que merece atenção especial dos clínicos veterinários.Juvenile cellulitis (JC) is an uncommon vesiculopustular disease that affects dogs, especially those under four months of age. The aim of the present study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profile of JC based on clinical records of canine patients treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, between the years 2009 and 2016. A total of five cases were diagnosed. Four dogs presented at an average age of two months and 22 days and were crossbred; the other dog was a rottweiler aged 38 weeks. The average time of evolution of the disease was 16 days, and the main clinical signs were edema, papules, pustules, and bilateral ocular discharge. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology in four animals and by histopathology in only one patient. For all dogs, the treatment was based on cephalexin, administered for 30 days, and prednisolone for three weeks. Otological therapy was included when necessary. Four cases had a favorable outcome. JC is a rare dermatopathy that deserves special attention from veterinary practitioners