Nephrectomy in an Australian Cattle Dog Parasitized by Dioctophyma renale

Background: Dioctophyma renale is a globally occurring nematode that parasites the kidneys, and to a lesser extent, can be found in other organs or free in the abdominal cavity. Has the capacity to destroy the renal parenchyma. For the most part, parasitized animals are asymptomatic. The diagnosis is made through urinalysis and ultrasonography. However most the cases are diagnosed only at necropsy. As treatment nephrectomy of the affected kidney is the technique of choice. Therefore, the aim of this work was to report the case of a dog, seven months old, treated surgically by nephrectomy of the right kidney due to the destruction of the renal parenchyma caused by D. renale.Case: A 7-month-old Australian Cattle Dog, with a history of hematuria, was attended in a Florianópolis Veterinary Hospital. At the physical examination of the patient, no change was found, being extremely active. Abdominal ultrasonography, urinalysis, CBC and biochemical profile were requested. Abdominal ultrasonography showed the presence of cylindricaland rounded structures, with a hyperechogenic wall and a hypoechogenic center, compatible with D. renale, located in the right kidney. Urinalysis revealed the presence of D. renale eggs. The erythrogram showed mild anemia and the leukogram showed neutrophilic leukocytosis. Calcium, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, alanine aminotransferase and urea dosages showed values within normal limits. As treatment, nephrectomy of the right kidney was performed by laparotomy. The kidney was presented with destruction of the renal parenchyma and a single parasite was removed from its interior, measuring 54 cm in length. Histopathological analysis of the affected kidney revealed diffuse pronounced fibrous connective tissue proliferation, increased urinary space with decreased glomerular tuft and increased glomerular to tubule ratio. The nephrectomy was curative and ceased the patient’s hematuria.Discussion: Parasitism by D. renale is closely related to the dietary habits of the patient, since contamination of the animals occurs through the ingestion of fish contaminated by the aquatic annelid Lumbriculus variegates. The reported patient had free access to the beach, where he was frequently used to eat fish. D. renale is popularly known as the giant kidney worm as it can reach up to 100 cm in length. In the present report the parasite was 54 cm long. The great majority of the parasitized animals are asymptomatic or present pictures of haematuria, dysuria and abdominal pain. However, only the hematuria was observed at the present report. Ultrasound examination and urinalysis confirmed the diagnosis, and these tests were adequate to diagnose parasitism by D. renale. The helminth was found in the right kidney, and especially in dogs, the parasite is mainly located in the right kidney, due to its proximity to the duodenum. Abdominal ultrasonography showed the left kidney measuring 7.08 cm in diameter, which justified the compensatory activity of the same. The patient presented parasitism with only seven months of life, which indicates that the ingestion of the infecting stage of the parasite may have occurred at four months of age or less, since the pre patent period is approximately 155 days, and the cycle has a slow evolution. In cases of only one affected kidney, the recommended surgical treatment is nephrectomy, and this procedure was performed in this patient, which showed excellent results.Keywords: canine dioctophymosis, parasite, surgery

Testes cognitivos para avaliação de memória e aprendizado em cães (Canis lupus familiaris)

O estudo avaliou o desempenho de cães adultos em testes cognitivos, para posteriormente identificar e monitorar alterações cognitivas em cães idosos, além de verificar a viabilidade e selecionar um dos testes para utilização na rotina clínica. Foram utilizados 15 cães adultos hígidos para os testes cognitivos de abordagem à recompensa, abordagem ao objeto, discriminação do objeto, aprendizado reverso, atraso não ligado à posição e atraso não ligado à amostra. Não houve diferença significativa no desempenho quanto ao número de dias quando comparados machos com fêmeas, cães de idade inferior ou superior a quatro anos, cães de peso inferior ou superior a 20 kg, e ainda cães treinados no ambulatório ou em sua própria casa em nenhum dos testes realizados. Os testes de atraso não ligado à posição (DNMP) e de atraso não ligado à amostra (DNMS) não apresentaram diferença significativa entre si. Já a comparação dos testes de discriminação do objeto com o aprendizado reverso apresentou diferença significativa. Conclui-se que o sexo, a idade analisada, o porte e o ambiente do animal não tiveram influência significativa no desempenho dos cães nos testes realizados. O teste de discriminação do objeto foi mais fácil aos cães do que o aprendizado reverso e os testes de DNMP e de DNMS apresentaram dificuldade semelhante aos cães. Sugere-se o teste de DNMP para ser utilizado na rotina clínica para avaliação de cães com alterações cognitivas por ser sensível e de rápido aprendizadoThis paper evaluated the performance of adult dogs in cognitive tests, to after identify and monitor cognitive changes in older dogs, to verify viability and select one of the tests to use in clinical practice. 15 healthy adult dogs were used for the cognitive tests of reward approach learning, object approach learning, object discrimination learning, reversal learning, delay non-matched to position and delay non-matched to sample. There was no significant difference on number of days in performance when compared males with females, dogs younger or older than four years, dogs weighing less or more than 20 kg, and still trained dogs in the clinic or at home in any of the tests. The tests of delay non-matched to position (DNMP) and delay non-matched to sample (DNMS) showed no significant difference between them. The comparison between object discrimination test and reversal learning showed significant difference. We conclude that sex, age, size and environment of the animal had no significant influence on the performance of dogs in tests. The object discrimination test was easier to dogs than reversal learning and DNMP and DNMS had similar difficulty to the dogs. DNMP test is suggested to be used for routine clinical evaluation of dogs with cognitive impairments since it is sensitive and quickly learnedCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Prevalence of behavioral changes in senile dogs

ABSTRACT: Owing to improvements in animal welfare, such as in nutrition, preventive medicine, and diagnostic tools, older dogs have become increasingly more prevalent than before. Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of dogs presenting behavioral changes correlated with this growth in the geriatric population. However, many of these owners consider these signs as normal for old age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of clinical signs related with behavioral changes in the canine geriatric population admitted to the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science College of Universidade Estadual Paulista. The owners of 800 old dogs completed a questionnaire about disorientation, changes in social interaction, loss of training (house soiling), changes in the wake-sleep cycle, physical activity, memory, learning, consciousness, and perception. The results showed that the prevalence of behavioral changes in the canine geriatric population was 90.7% of dogs that presented at least one of these behavioral changes, and 22.3% with at least six changes, and with changes in physical activity (58.5%) and loss of acquired training (30.2%) being the highest percentage groups that were reported by the owners. We concluded that the prevalence of behavioral changes related with aging in the canine geriatric population was high, and that it was important to include questions about behavioral changes during regular veterinary clinical appointments to identify these clinical signs earlier and investigate the possible causes of the cognitive impairment, including neurological diseases, such as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Síndrome da disfunção cognitiva em cães

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a progressive degenerative disorder of older dogs, characterized by a decline in cognitive function. The main clinical signs consistent with CDS are: disorientation, changes in socio-environmental interaction, sleep-wake cycle disturbance, changes in hygiene habits, urinate and/or defecate in unusual places, decreased physical activity, anxiety and eating disorders. There are no specific diagnostic tests for this condition in vivo, but alterations in neurological examination, cognitive tests and magnetic resonance imaging can be observed. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination of brain tissue. Diets rich in antioxidants, environmental enrichment with exercise and the use of selegiline and L-deprenyl have been recommended for the treatment of CDS.Síndrome de disfunción cognitiva (SDC) es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa progresiva de los perros de edad avanzada, que se caracteriza por una disminución en la función cognitiva. Los principales signos clínicos compatibles con la SDC son: desorientación, cambios en la interacción socio-ambientales, trastornos del sueño-vigilia, cambios en los hábitos de higiene, micción y/o defecar en lugares inusuales, disminución de la actividad física, ansiedad y trastornos de la alimentación. No hay pruebas específicas para el diagnóstico de esta condición en vivo, pero se puede observar los cambios en el examen neurológico, pruebas cognitivas y la resonancia magnética. El diagnóstico se confirma mediante examen histopatológico del tejido cerebral. Las dietas ricas en antioxidantes y ejercicios de enriquecimiento ambiental y el uso de selegilina y L-deprenyl han sido recomendados para el tratamiento de la SDC.A síndrome da disfunção cognitiva (SDC) é uma desordem neurodegenerativa progressiva de cães idosos, caracterizada por um declínio da função cognitiva. Os principais sinais clínicos compatíveis com a SDC são: desorientação, mudanças na interação socioambiental, distúrbios do ciclo sono/vigília, alteração dos hábitos de higiene, urinar e/ou defecar em locais não habituais, diminuição da atividade física, ansiedade e distúrbios do apetite. Não há testes diagnósticos específicos para essa condição in vivo, porém podem-se observar alterações no exame neurológico, nos testes cognitivos e na ressonância magnética. O diagnóstico é confirmado por meio do exame histopatológico do tecido cerebral. Dietas ricas em antioxidantes, enriquecimento ambiental com exercícios e o uso de selegilina ou L-deprenil têm sido recomendados para o tratamento da SDC

Intoxicação por metronidazol em cão - relato de caso

Metronidazole is a nitronidazolic antibiotic used in veterinary medicine to the treatment of a variety of diseases. The cause of metronidazole neurotoxicity has not been determined. We report the case of a dog, female, Teckel, five-year-old, with a history of dorsiflexion of the tail, ataxia, muscle stiffness, recumbency, vertical nystagmus, apathy and anorexia, which was being medicated for seven days with metronidazole in a dose higher than the maximum recommended, and the neurological signs began after this period. Neurological signs were consistent with central vestibular dysfunction caused by metronidazole, such as ataxia and vertical nystagmus. In addition to the neurological changes, the clinical signs of anorexia and apathy are consistent with the administration of excessive doses of the medicine. The diagnosis of metronidazole-induced toxicosis is based on the history of normal to increased doses, clinical signs and resolution after discontinuation of the drug. In general, the prognosis is good after drug withdrawal and early diagnosis. Some dogs may die and others may recover completely. The neurotoxicosis has disappeared after the suspension of the medicine and supportive treatment. Veterinarians must be aware of potential complications associated with the use of this medicine, as well as limit their chronic use or high doses for the most severe cases, and diagnose the problem as quickly as possible to institute an early treatment

Lissencefalia em cães e gatos: revisão

Lissencephaly is a condition characterized by a lack of cerebral convolutions and sulci, which results from defective migration of nervous cells precursors in the telencephalus. The cause is presumably genetic. Lhasa-Apso dogs are most frequently affected, even though it may also occur in association with cerebellar hypoplasia in the Irish Setter, Wire-Haired Terrier and Samoieda breeds. This association was also reported in a cat. Clinical signs consist of dementia, aggressiveness, seizures, visual and olfactive dysfunctions, slow postural reactions and reduced menace response. Definitive diagnosis requires exams such as magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral biopsy or necropsy. There is no specific therapy for this disease, and seizures must be treated with anticonvulsants. The aim of this study is to review the literature regarding lissencephaly.La lisencefalia es un defecto en la migración de las células nerviosas en telencéfalo, caracterizado por la ausencia de surcos y circunvoluciones cerebrales. Se supone que existe una base genética para la enfermedad. Con mayor frecuencia afecta a los perros de la raza Lhasa Apso, aunque también se observa en asociación con hipoplasia cerebelosa en Setter Irlandés, Fox Terrier Wirehaired y Samoyedos. Además, dicha asociación se informó en un gato. Los signos consisten en la demencia, agresividad, convulsiones, disfunción visual y olfativa, lentas reacciones posturales y disminución de respuesta a la amenaza. El diagnóstico definitivo requiere exámenes como la resonancia magnética, biopsia cerebral o autopsia. No hay tratamiento específico para esta enfermedad y deben ser tratados de la crisis con anticonvulsionantes. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar la literatura sobre la lisencefalia.A lissencefalia é um defeito da migração de precursores de células nervosas no telencéfalo, caracterizado pela ausência de circunvoluções e sulcos cerebrais. Supõe-se que haja uma base genética para essa doença. Ela acomete com maior frequência cães da raça lhasa-apso, embora também seja observada em associação com hipoplasia cerebelar em cães das raças setter irlandês, fox terrier de pelo duro e samoieda. Também foi relatada tal associação em um gato. Os sinais clínicos consistem em demência, agressividade, ataques convulsivos, disfunção visual e olfativa, reações posturais lentas e menor resposta diante de ameaça. O diagnóstico definitivo requer exames como ressonância magnética, biópsia cerebral ou necropsia. Não há terapia específica para essa afecção e devem-se tratar as convulsões com anticonvulsivantes. O objetivo do presente trabalho é realizar a revisão bibliográfica da lissencefalia

Cutaneous myxosarcoma in a Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)<br>Mixossarcoma cutâneo em um Hamster Sírio

The pathological findings in a 2-years-old Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) with a cutaneous myxosarcoma are described. Grossly, there was a large cutaneous mass in the right cervical region. Microscopical evaluation revealed a myxosarcoma characterized by pleomorphic, fusiform cells loosely arranged, randomly distributed, and presenting a moderate amount of basophilic amorphous stroma. There were hemorrhagic areas within the tumor. The basophilic amorphous stroma was positive to Alcian blue confirming the presence of a mucopolysaccharide matrix. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells expressed vimentin, and were negative for cytokeratin or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).<p><p>São descritos os achados anatomopatológicos de um caso de mixossarcoma cutâneo em um Hamster Sírio de 2 anos de idade. Macroscopicamente, foi evidenciada um grande massa cutânea na região cervical lateral direita. A microscopia revelou a presença de um caso de mixossarcoma caracterizado por células fusiformes pleomórficas, frouxamente arranjadas, distribuídas aleatoriamente e, apresentando quantidade moderada de substância basofílica amorfa no estroma e áreas hemorrágicas. O estroma basofílico amorfo foi positivo na coloração Alcian blue, confirmando a presença de matriz mucopolissacarídea. Na imunoistoquímica, as células neoplásicas expressaram vimentina e foram negativas para a marcação de citoqueratina e proteína ácida fibrilar (GFAP)

Papiloma de plexo coroide em um cão

Background: Choroid plexus tumors are uncommon neoplasms derived from the neuroepithelium that covers the ventricular cavity and the central canal of the spinal cord that are characterized by papillar aspect and intraventricular growth. It occurs more commonly in dogs, but it has been reported in horses, cows, ferrets and is rare in cats. After the meningiomas and gliomas, choroid plexus tumors are the third encephalic tumors in dogs. In veterinary medicine, there are not many actual reports of this type of neoplasia, therefore, the aim of this paper was to report a case of a choroid plexus papilloma in a poodle dog. Case: A six year old dog, female, poodle, was admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the São Paulo State University ‘Júlio de Mesquita Filho’ with a complaint of seizures for 15 days, blindness and head tilt to the right side. At the neurological examination, it had depression, head tilt to the right, circling and ataxia, postural reactions defi cits, absent menace response, absent light pupillary refl ex with mydriasis and augmented patellar refl ex. The patient was submitted to blood harvest to perform CBC count and biochemical profi le (renal and hepatic), which were normal. The cerebrospinal fl uid analysis presented a discrete raise of proteins. The animal was treated with phenobarbital and prednisone, under suspicion of infl ammatory disease or encephalic neoplasia. The patient developed a progressive paresis of the four limbs and the seizures remained unaltered. After approximately one month of the fi rst consultation, the dog was admitted in status epileticus, without success of control. Necropsy revealed fl attening of convolutions due to cerebral edema, dilatation of the lateral ventricles (hydrocephalus) and the presence of a greyish nodule, soft and measuring 0.6 x 0.8 cm in length coming out of the fourth ventricle and extending laterally between the cerebellum and brainstem and cranially to the thalamus. At the cut of the tissue, it presented a dark area at the region of the thalamus. Neoplastic tissue was composed of cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells with oval and regular nuclei, supported by richly vascular stroma, arranged in papillae. Discussion: Choroid plexus papillomas are tumors that originate in the choroid plexus epithelium. Affected dogs usually have six or more years, earlier than most brain tumors. However, cases have been observed in younger dogs, and dogs affected by carcinoma are generally older than those affected by the papilloma. In dogs, the tumor occurs most commonly in the fourth ventricle, as in the present report, but can also occur in the third ventricle and the lateral ventricles. The clinical signs in patients with choroid plexus tumors are varied depending on the location of the tumor in the central nervous system, but may include behavioral changes, ataxia, paresis, seizures, circling, cranial nerve and proprioceptive refl exes changes. Macroscopically, the choroid plexus papilloma is a well-defi ned mass, expansive, granular to papillary, grayishwhite to red color. Microscopically, this tumor resembles the choroid plexus and have arboriform and vascular stroma which is coated by a single layer of cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells. The fi ndings were consistent with choroid plexus papilloma located in the fourth ventricle.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP