High level of serovar copenhageni detection in dog sera from Patrocínio, MG, Brazil

T This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of canine leptospirosis and the possible risk factors associated with the disease in the municipality of Patrocínio, MG, Brazil. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out from July through August 2017.  The municipality was divided into four regions (north, south, east and west) and a predefined number of neighborhoods (25) were randomly sampled in each region. Samples of blood serum were collected from 241 domiciled male and female dogs of different breeds and ages. To investigate the risk factors for canine leptospirosis, the owners of the animals were asked to fill out an epidemiological questionnaire. The following factors were evaluated: breed, sex, age, presence of rodents, type of diet, access to the street, vaccination, presence of flooded areas, and educational level of the owners. Blood serum samples were evaluated by the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), using a collection of 24 live antigens. Of the 241 dogs evaluated, 32 (13.2%) were reactive. The most frequent serovars were: Copenhageni (37.5%) and Canicola (21.8%), followed by Icterohaemorrhagiae and Grippotyphosa (12.5%), Pomona, Tarassovi and Butembo (9.3%) and Hardjo (6.2%). The presence of canine leptospirosis was associated with purebred dogs (OR=0.3059 [95% CI: 0.1430 – 0.6547]) and vaccination (OR=2.581 [95% CI: 1.198 – 5.563]). It was concluded that some dogs in the municipality of Patrocínio, MG have anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and that the serovars most frequently identified were Copenhageni (37.5%) and Canicola (21.8%). Pure breeds and vaccination were factors associated with the prevalence of infection

Metastatic Peripheral Neuroblastoma in a Dog

Background: Peripheral neuroblast neoplasms are considered as a group of tumors derived from primitive cells of the neural crest that are progenitors of the sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla. Reports of neuroblastoma in dogs are scarce in English literature, and there are no reports from Brazil due to its rare occurrence or missed diagnosis, because modern techniques are often not accessible in Brazil. The aim of the present study was reported a case of metastatic peripheral neuroblastoma in a 10-month-old bitch of Canadian Shepherd breed, attended at the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (HVPA-UFRRJ).Case: A 10-month-old female dog, Canadian Shepherd breed, presenting prostration, inappetence, emesis, progressive weight loss, and difficulties in the locomotion of the pelvic limbs was brought to the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (HVPA / UFRRJ) for treatment. Palpation of the abdominal cavity revealed a mass of approximately 14.0 cm diameter in the thoracolumbar region. After the second visit to HVPA/ UFRRJ, there was worsening of the clinical condition and onset of pain and dyspnea; hence, euthanasia was performed. The dog was referred for necropsy; the examination revealed a mass measuring 40.0 × 35.0 cm in the abdominal cavity that caused displacement of the intestines and compressed the liver against the diaphragm, as well as another mass that traversed the diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus and surrounded the esophagus, aorta, and caudal vena cava. The right adrenal gland was compressed and adhered to the mass, and the left adrenal gland was not visualized. Specimens of various organs were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and processed according to routine histological technique. Immunohistochemical examination performed on mass specimens revealed positivity for the anti-CD56, anti-synaptophysin, anti-GFAP, and anti-NSE markers and negativity for the anti-chromogranin and anti-Olig2 markers. Based on pathology and immunohistochemistry findings, a diagnosis of poorly differentiated peripheral neuroblastoma was made; in addition, presence of emboli of neoplastic cells in the hepatic sinusoids and branches of the portal vein and metastasis in the spleen, lymph nodes, lung, and meninges were confirmed.Discussion: Positive results for neural markers associated with negative results for those of other small round cell tumors was considered to indicate the presence of neuroblast tumors; glioblastoma and oligodendroglioma were ruled out based on the absence of anti-Olig2 labeling, and, especially, the possibility of occurrence of pheochromocytoma was excluded based on the absence of anti-chromogranin. During necropsy, the location of the mass at the retroperitoneal space near the thoracolumbar junction, craniomedially in relation to the left kidney, was confirmed, which is compatible with the location of the adrenal gland. Metastasis in the dura mater was determined to be present based on necropsy findings alone, and neoplastic invasion through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm of a large part of the thoracic cavity was observed, which, to the best of our knowledge, have not been described in reports of veterinary medicine. The high rate of tumor growth and compression and invasion of adjacent tissues and organs may be considered as potential factors for unfavorable prognosis of peripheral neuroblastoma

Extranodal B Cell Lymphoma in the Trachea of a Domestic Cat

Background: Primary tracheal tumors are considered uncommon in veterinary medicine and among them extranodal tracheal lymphoma, which is a neoplastic type, has rarely been described, especially with the use of immunophenotyping. Consequently, there is a lack of knowledge inherent to the characteristics of this tumor type in felines and as a result little information on how to deal with animals affected by this disease. Therefore, there is a need for more studies focusing on this matter. The objective of this work is to report a case of extranodal B cell lymphoma in the trachea of a domestic cat and point out the clinical and pathological characteristics of this neoplastic type.Case: A 5-year-old domestic cat, of an oriental breed, was taken to a veterinary clinic exclusively for cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main complaint was difficulty in breathing and loss of appetite and historical data included intolerance to exercise. A clinical examination confirmed inspiratory dyspnea and upper respiratory sounds. Hematological and serum biochemical exams did not evidence any noteworthy changes and the cat was considered negative for feline viral leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses through serological and molecular testing. However, in the radiographic examination of the thoracic cervical region, an opacity was observed that occluded part of the tracheal lumen and this was suggestive of a mass in the initial third of the trachea, measuring 0.5 cm in diameter. The animal was stabilized and then 24 h after admission underwent inspection of the oral cavity and a biopsy of the tracheal mass was performed. Cytology of the specimen was suggestive of lymphoma. The treatment of choice was: lomustine with a single, oral dose of 10 mg; vincristine sulfate with a single intravenous dose of 0.75 mg/m²; and methylprednisolone acetate with a single intramuscular dose of 20 mg. A second radiograph taken 24 h after the chemotherapy showed that the tracheal mass had shrunk to 0.3 cm in diameter. Seven days after the treatment adopted for lymphoma, the mass was no longer visible. Histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of B cell lymphoma. A 36-month follow-up after the initial admission showed that the cat was in good health, without any respiratory signs and/or alterations in imaging tests that could suggest neoplastic recurrence.Discussion: The majority of animals with tracheal lymphoma are more than seven years old; thus, this report is one of the few that describes this tumor type in a young cat, and therefore highlights the importance of considering tracheal lymphoma as a differential diagnosis in young cats with clinical findings compatible with this condition. The successful treatment carried out here was attributed to the immunophenotyping of the neoplasia, because when B cell trachea lymphoma is diagnosed early and correctly there is usually a good prognosis. Type T lymphomas exhibit a poorer clinical response through therapy than B cell lymphomas. As far as the authors know, this is only the fifth report in which immunophenotyping of a tracheal lymphoma in a cat has been performed. The relevance of studies involving the immunohistochemistry of this tumor type in cats is asserted, so that the differentiation between B or T cell lymphomas can provide greater accuracy in dealing with animals affected with this disease

Bone Radiographic Changes in Slaughter Buffalos with Low Body Condition Index

Background: The largest buffalo herd in Brazil is located on the Island of Marajó, in the State of Pará, northern Brazil. The pastures of the Island of Marajó consist of low quality graminaceous plants, which are generally poor in protein and mineral content. Unbalanced diets associated with low quality pastures are responsible for latent, sub-clinical diseases and metabolic disorders in bovines which affect bone health, especially in periods such as pregnancy and lactation. The purpose of this study was to point out and to describe the radiographic bone changes of buffalos with low body index bred in extensive system and intended for slaughter on the Island of Marajó, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Radiographic examinations of anatomical pieces were obtained from 34 animals of buffalo species, with no distinction of gender, age, or breed. The animals were selected among those that were in the stockyard waiting for slaughtering for the obtainment of the anatomical pieces. For this selection, low physical condition was considered, which mainly included individuals with body condition indexes (ICC) of 1 and 2, on a scale of 1 to 5. From this selection, 98 anatomical pieces were obtained, which included: 28 sets of ribs, 20 femurs, 26 metacarpus, 7 mandibles, 3 radius and ulnas, 4 sets of vertebrae, 4 sets of metacarpus and phalanges, 1 tarsus and 1 set of tarsus and metatarsus. All the pieces were separated, identified, packed in plastic bag and forwarded to the radiographic study. At least one radiographic projection was obtained of each anatomical piece. These were identified, manually processed and stored for subsequent assessment. A single observer, in order to identify and to describe the bone radiographic changes, subjectively performed the radiographic assessment.Discussion: Bone changes were remarkable and in animals of this study, reinforcing the nutritional aspect as being of great importance for the perfect mineral homeostasis and for the osteoarticular system maintenance. Consistent radiographic findings with osteopenia are most often related to nutritional disorders that affect bone metabolism, mainly involving the homeostasis of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). The nutritional hyperparathyroidism, more commonly reported in dogs, cats and exotic animals is a common example of these affections, in which the bone radiopacity reduction is the most evident radiographic aspect. Copper (Cu) deficiency has been correlated with osteochondrosis, epiphyseal fracture of the femoral head and degenerative arthropathy of the hip joint, and erosion of the articular cartilage in a deer (Cervu selaphus). Degenerative arthropathy through radiographs was also found in this study. From the bone radiographic analysis, it is concluded that the osteodystrophic diseases of buffalos raised in pasture system on the Island of Marajó, Pará, Brazil, present a variety of pathological conditions and the most commonly found were: osteoporosis characterized at the radiographic examination for the bone decreased radiopacity, change in bone trabeculae (medullary expansion) and cortical thinning, followed by pathological fractures with high incidence in the ribs. The low body condition, the underdevelopment and cachexia states of the animals in this study indicate the lack of an appropriate prophylactic conduct and a proper feed management. Therefore, the low reserves of P and Cu in the organism may have contributed to the osteoporotic process and, possibly, also to the protein-energy deficit, leading to secondary bone changes and causing a lack of productivity in the herd

ESTUPRO DE VULNERÁVEL: E SE RELATIVIZAR FOSSE A SOLUÇÃO?

O presente artigo possui como principal objetivo, a relativização do crime de Estupro de Vulnerável, com o intuito de apresentar a possibilidade da aplicação desse mecanismo, uma vez que após estudos e pesquisas realizadas no âmbito do direito e da psicologia, pôde-se observar que a aplicação do artigo do 217-A ocorre de forma bastante literal. Em vista disso o que se propõe neste trabalho, após aobservação do tema, e de análises tanto na jurisprudência quanto na doutrina, é que se deve examinar cada caso concreto, de forma que se possa identificar elementos que possibilitem relativizá-los, com base no tipo penal trabalhado em questão, para que assim se minimize os impactos da sanção penal deste tipo. Em virtude da análise de casos estudados para a realização do trabalho em questão, o que também se propõe no escrito é a adequação do art. 217-A nestes casos concretos, nos quais possa se encontrar elementos que permitam essa relativização.

Influência do tratamento intensivo com suporte de peso corporal na função motora de crianças com paralisia cerebral

A aquisição da marcha sob o aspecto neuromotor da reabilitação vem a ser o principal desígnio do terapeuta durante a elaboração do plano de tratamento do paciente com paralisia cerebral, uma vez que a marcha representa não só um ganho da habilidade de locomover-se, mas também um conjunto de reações e padrões de movimento que auxiliam na função motora. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos de um tratamento intensivo por meio do suporte de peso corporal em crianças com paralisia cerebral. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 10 crianças com paralisia cerebral, GMFCS nível IV ou V, idade entre 4 a 9 anos. Onde foram realizadas sessões diárias com suporte de peso corporal em esteira ergométrica com auxílio de terapeutas para executar o padrão de marcha mais próximo da normalidade, com pontos chaves em joelho e tornozelo com duração de 30 minutos de tratamento e intervalo de 24 horas, por um período de 10 dias. Para fins de avaliação pré e pós-intervenção, utilizando a escala de medição da função motora grossa GMFM, e da flexibilidade pelo Flexiteste. Resultados: Foi possível constatar um aumento relevante na função motora grossa dos sujeitos, onde o domínio Deitar e Rolar obteve maior pontuação, com um aumento de 10,77%. Sentar demonstrou aumento de 3,80%, Engatinhar e Ajoelhar 6,43% e o domínio Em Pé 3,45%. Relativo ao Flexiteste, a média entre os sujeitos relatou aumento expressivo de 4,2 pontos. Já em análise individual, percebe-se que 3 indivíduos obtiveram aumento de score de 6 pontos. Conclusão: Um protocolo intensivo de curta duração é capaz de trazer ganhos de flexibilidade e motores rápidos a crianças que possuem quadro de paralisia cerebral.The acquisition of gait under the neuromotor aspect of rehabilitation is the main goal of the therapist during the elaboration of the treatment plan of the patient with cerebral palsy, since gait represents not only a gain in the ability to move, but also a set of reactions and movement patterns that aid in motor function. Objective: To analyze the effects of intensive treatment by means of body weight support in children with cerebral palsy. Method: Ten children with cerebral palsy, GMFCS level IV or V, age between 4 and 9 years participated in the study. Where daily sessions were performed with body weight support on a treadmill with the help of therapists to perform the walking pattern closest to normal, with key points in the knee and ankle lasting 30 minutes of treatment and 24 hour intervals for one period of 10 days. For purposes of pre and post-intervention evaluation, using the GMFM gross motor function measurement scale, and Flexitest flexibility. Results: It was possible to observe a significant increase in the gross motor function of the subjects, where the lie down and roll domain obtained a higher score, with an increase of 10.77%. To sit demonstrated a 3.80% increase, Crawling and Kneeling 6.43% and the Standing Foot 3.45%. Relative to Flexitest, the mean between subjects reported a significant increase of 4.2 points. In the individual analysis, it was observed that 3 subjects had a 6-point score increase. Conclusions: An intensive short-duration protocol is capable of bringing flexibility gains and fast motor to children with cerebral palsy

Production and Evaluation of Immunoglobulin Y Anti-Brucella abortus (Vaccinal Strain B19)

Background: The immunoglobulin Y is a principal antibody current in the blood of hens, which are transferred from the maternal blood serum to the egg yolk. The extraction of IgY from the egg yolk apply animal welfare when compared to the extraction of IgG, reducing the number of animals and prevent a bleeding of hens through the extraction of the IgY from eggs, besides that IgY presenting high specificity for antigenic binding. The objective of this study was to produce specific polyclonal IgY antibodies anti-Brucella abortus by immunizing hens with B19 vaccine and evaluate their reactivity through Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen (BAPA), 2-Mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and indirect ELISA diagnostic tests.Materials, Methods & Results: Four 25-week-old White Leghorn hens were immunized, two of them comprising the control group (Group 1) with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with adjuvant, and the others two immunized with B19 vaccine (Brucella abortus vaccine strain B19), representing the Group 2. The immunizations occurred six times with a 15-day interval between each. Blood samples were taken biweekly (seven times); and daily, the eggs were collected for 13 weeks, the first collection of blood and eggs, performed one week before the first immunization of each group. The IgY was purified from egg yolk, using the method of dilution in acid water and precipitation with ammonium sulfate for delipidation. BAPA, 2-ME and ELISA tests performed to verify the specificity of IgY confirmed the reactivity of polyclonal antibodies specific to the antigen used both in blood serum samples and in the purified egg yolks. The hens from the control group did not present reactivity in the diagnostic tests used, which was already expected, since no antigen was used in any of their immunizations. Hens immunized with the Brucella abortus B19 vaccine produced detectable reactive antibodies in the three tests used on blood serum and IgY samples extracted from the egg yolk. In Group 2 (vaccine B19), blood serum samples started to react one week after the first inoculation, and the IgY samples extracted from the egg yolk were reagent two weeks after serum IgY appear reactivity, showing the transfer of specific antibodies to the egg yolk, was late.Discussion: Although the transfer of serum Igy to egg yolk was late when compared to others authors which found that the transovarian passage of immunoglobulin Y occurred in approximately three to six days after IgY being detected in blood serum, the results of this study showed the occurrence of the transfer of blood serum IgY anti-Brucella abortus to egg yolk of hens immunized with B19 vaccine, the same found by others researches found the same results with others antigens. Thus, it can be concluded that immunoglobulins Y produced in this study can be used as specific antibodies in diagnostic tests for the detection of the Brucella abortus antigen, in addition, this process guarantees the welfare of the animal, since it avoids bleeding and it is possible to obtain high concentrations of antibodies directly from the hen egg, which is a great advantage, because IgY can be easily isolated from the egg yolk by the precipitation technique discarding the need of invasive and painful procedures that involve bloody interventions to obtain the serum antibodies like occur in mammals for extraction of IgG

Primary Intestinal Fibrosarcoma in Cats

Background: Fibrosarcomas are malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin and can have different symptoms depending on the species, age, location and etiopathogenesis. Intestinal tumors in domestic cats are common and the small intestine is the most common site; however, fibrosarcomas are rare in the intestine of all animal species. This work reports intestinal fibrosarcoma in 2 domestic cats and aims to clarify and present information concerning this neoplastic type in the gastrointestinal tract of this species.Cases: We report 2 cases of intestinal fibrosarcoma in domestic felines (Felis catus). Cat 1. A 14-year-old female Persian breed, domestic cat, was taken to the Feline Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of Small Animals (HVPA) of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The main complaint was chronic constipation and rectal prolapse. The clinical examination revealed an ulcerated mass, measuring 4.0 cm x 1.7 cm. Cat 2. A 10-year-old female undefined breed, domestic cat, was taken to the private clinic. The main complaint was diarrhea with bloody and rectal prolapse. The clinical examination revealed nodule measuring 2.5 cm in diameter. The surgical option decided upon was to use the rectal pull-through technique in both animals. The patients had no trans-surgical or postoperative complications. The material collected during the surgical interventions was analyzed macroscopically and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 24 h and then sent to the Histopathology Laboratory of the Pathological Anatomy Sector (SAP) at UFRRJ for the cat 1 and in private laboratoryfor the cat 2. After fixation, it was cleaved for routine microscope exam using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) stains and for the histochemical method of Masson’s Trichrome staining technique. Complementary immunohistochemistry tests and electron microscopy were also performed. The patients were followed up clinically, showing complete remission of the clinical signs and survival for approximately 1 year after the neoplastic resection. Discussion: There are few reports of intestinal fibrosarcomas in veterinary medicine, therefore, little is known about racial predilection, age, sex or biological behavior. As far as these authors know, this is the 6th and 7th report of this neoplasm with a primary site in the large intestine in this species. The morphological diagnosis of fibrosarcoma is relatively simple, whereas, in some cases the differential diagnosis for tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath, leiomyosarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) can be extremely difficult. The immunohistochemistry technique in these cases may not be particularly useful. The fibrosarcoma diagnosis was also confirmed by electron microscopy since no evidence was found that could lead to a neuronal origin, thus excluding tumors such as neurofibrosarcoma and schawnoma, corroborating the immunohistochemical examination. The surgical management of tumor resection with wide safety margins (minimum 2 cm) remains the “gold standard” therapy for dealing with fibrosarcomas since they have a low response rate to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the use of these therapies as an adjuvant is controversial. The advantages of thistechnique are related to the surgical time, simplicity, easy access and reduction in the risk of abdominal contamination. Histopathological, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy evaluations were sufficient to enable the diagnosis of an intestinal fibrosarcoma in both cats. The occurrence of this neoplasm with intestinal involvement in the feline species is rare; therefore, this description is important as it provides information about epidemiology, associated signs, differential diagnoses, biological behavior, treatment and prognosis. Keywords: feline, intestine, mesenchymal, tumors, neoplasm, rectal pull-through

Periostite secundária ao uso de prostaglandinas: ensaio iconográfico com enfoque nos achados radiográficos / Periostitis secondary to the use of prostaglandins: iconographic assay focusing on radiographic findings

Os análogos de prostaglandina são amplamente utilizados na terapêutica de cardiopatias congênitas ductal-dependentes, prolongando a vida dos pacientes até que o tratamento corretivo seja possível. Apesar do seu uso ser bastante comum, algumas manifestações relacionadas à sua administração prolongada são pouco conhecidas, dentre elas a periostite que pode determinar alterações clínicas indesejáveis como hipomobilidade, dor e edema de partes moles.  Este ensaio tem por objetivo enfatizar os achados radiológicos de periostite secundária ao uso de prostaglandina, por meio de casos vivenciados no nosso serviço

Maus tratos infantis: ensaio iconográfico com enfoque nos achados radiológicos / Child maltreatment: iconographic essay focusing on radiological findings

Maus tratos ou abuso infantil ocorre quando um sujeito em condições de superioridade é capaz de causar dano físico, psicológico ou sexual, contrariamente à vontade da vítima.Os dados atualmente disponíveis no Brasil e no mundo apontam a violência contra crianças como um importante problema de saúde pública.Além de reconhecer a importância do problema e descrevê-lo, identificar casos de maus tratos é fundamental para o manejo e prevenção. Familiares são os principais responsáveis pelos maus-tratos e 77% dos eventos são causados pelos próprios pais, que tendem a silenciar o ato de violência, dificultando a abordagem dos profissionais da saúde. Diante da negação da família e da vítima, muitas vezes sob ameaças físicas e psicológicas, muitos casos de maus tratos são subdiagnosticados e, na suspeita, exames de imagem são solicitados. O médico radiologista tem papel fundamental na detecção dos achados compatíveis com maus tratos