Hypertrophic Phenotypic Cardiomyopathy in an Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in domestic cats but is rarely described in wild species. This phenotype is characterized by concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be of familial inheritance or secondary to other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, systemic arterial hypertension, and hyperaldosteronism. HCM can cause diastolic and systolic dysfunction and may cause congestive heart failure in affected animals. The present work aims to describe the first report of cardiomyopathy of the hypertrophic phenotype in a specimen of Leopardus pardalis, kept under human care. Case: A 11-year-old female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kept under human care, during a preventive care visit, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype detected by cardiological evaluation with echocardiogram and a murmur grade III/VI could be detected on cardiac auscultation. This preventive care occurred under chemical restraint with ketamine [6 mg/kg, i.m] associates with midazolam [0.5 mg/kg, i.m] and other evaluations have been done like complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, albumin:globulin ratio, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and globulin) and tyroid hormones [free tyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)].  Medical management based on clopidogrel, and atenolol was administered for 3 months until the patient showed manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) 80 days later the initial evaluation. In this moment the patient presented with dyspnea, so a cardiological and laboratory evaluation was requested. On pulmonary auscultation crackling was identified, suggesting pulmonary edema and, on echocardiographic examination, some parameters had worsened. The CBC and biochemistry were all within reference ranges. Then, the beta-blocker was discontinued and replaced by pimobendan combined with furosemide as treatment of CHF, and the condition stabilized. After one year, the patient was re-evaluated and showed a slight improvement in the condition but still remained stable. Also, feline proBNP levels was tested (SNAP Feline proBNP® IDEXX) in this moment and it was increased. Discussion: The findings on echocardiography associated with the subjective evaluation associated with progressive worsening and clinical manifestation of CHF, as well as the response to treatment, even though there are no reference values for the species, reinforce the diagnosis. There is no evidence to suggest diseases that may contribute to secondary left ventricular hypertrophy. It is believed that pimobendan plays a key role in maintaining hemodynamic balance, since this has already been observed in other mammalian species. The use of beta blockers is commonly employed in domestic cats with HCM, and they have been prescribed in an attempt to promote greater ventricular relaxation, decrease left ventricular outflow obstruction, thus improving ventricular filling for maintenance of cardiac output. In view of the atrial enlargement and possible risk of thrombus formation, clopidogrel was prescribed, extrapolating what is known from domestic cats. It is reasonable to conclude that in this case, the cardiomyopathy behaved similarly to what is observed in domestic cats, both in its clinical evolution and in the means of diagnosis, and in its response to the therapy instituted. Keywords: Felidae, feline, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, echocardiogram, echocardiography

Dermatophytosis Caused by Microsporum canis in a Free-Living Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

Background: Chrysocyon brachyurus is a South American wild canid considered a species near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is classified as vulnerable in the National List of Endangered Species. With the increase of the contact between domestic animals, human population and wild animals, there was a greater exposure of the maned wolf to pathogens. Due to the importance of its conservation, the knowledge of emerging infectious diseases that affect this species becomes essential. This report aims to describe the first diagnosed case of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis in a maned wolf.Case: A free-living female maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), approximately 60 days old, was rescued with presence of alopecia, non-pruritic lesions, one of circular shape located in the nasal plane and the other with signs of scaling and crusts in the region of the left pina. The animal was active, in good general condition and without other significantchanges to clinical examination. Skin scraping was performed for mycological culture of both lesions. Fungal growth on Sabouraud’s agar identified Microsporum canis. Topical therapy with ketoconazole ointment and cleaning of lesions with 0.2% chlorhexidine was instituted. After 20 days of treatment, remission of clinical signs and repilation of affected areas were observed. New mycological cultures of both areas were carried out, which were negative for Microsporum canis.Discussion: Although Microsporum canis is described as causing dermatophytosis in several animal species, it has apparently not yet been reported in maned wolves. Microsporum canis is one of the most isolated zoophilic dermatophytes in domestic cats and is also cited in reports of symptomatic wild felids, such as tigers, in which it has been identified as either the only agent of infection or in association with Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The occurrence is also high in domestic dogs. In the wild canids, Microsporum gypseum has been described in the gray wolf, Trichophyton mentagrophytes in wild foxes, and Microsporum canis in red fox, among others. The finding of zoophilic and geophilic dermatophyte fungi in healthy, free-living and captive wild animals confirms their role as carriers, probable reservoirs and disseminators of these organisms in the environment, and the potential risk they represent as causes of zoonoses. Zoophilic dermatophytes are usually transmitted by contact between individuals and contaminated fomites. In the case of M. canis in the red fox the contact was an asymptomatic domestic cat. In the present case the transmission was not determined, since the animal was rescued from the wild. Regarding the age group, young animals are more susceptible to dermatophytes than adults, probably related to the greater immunity of adults due to previous contacts or even the immaturity of the immune system of the young. The dermatophytosis diagnosis is generally based on anamnesis, physical examination of the lesion, Wood’s lamp examination, microscopic skin scraping, fungal culture, or even histology and PCR tests. In the present case, the final diagnosis was based upon by fungal culture in Sabouraud agar, which allowed to identify the dermatophyte species and,thus, the possible source of infection. Dermatophyte infections can be treated with systemic or topical antifungal medications. Because it was a young animal, it was chosen in the present case only for topical use, which proved to be adequate, probably due to the action of the drug in the areas of alopecia skin and the improvement of the systemic condition of theanimal. Knowing that the maned wolf is considered as a vulnerable species, it is important to know the diseases that affect this species, in order to carry out, when necessary, disease monitoring programs, preventive and therapies, which is essential for its preservation.Keywords: wild animal, disease, skin, dermatophyte

Achados clínicos de afecções orais em bugios ruivos (Alouatta guariba clamitans) (Cabrera, 1940)

The aim of this study was to investigate dental disorders of Brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) maintained in captivity. The hypothesis is that the identification and diagnosis of the lesions may contribute to control and prevention. Sixteen intact red howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans), 8 females and 8 males, weighing from 3.9 to 6.8 kg were studied. Under general anesthesia, the teeth were evaluated by visual inspection, probing, palpation, and intraoral radiographic exam. The findings were registered on dental chart specific for primates. From the 16 monkeys evaluated in the present study, 88% (n=14) had some type of dental disorder. The lesions observed were dental calculus (88%), dental wear (81%), missing tooth (38%), gingivitis (19%), gingival recession (6%), dental fracture (19%), pulp exposition (19%), and dental staining (25%). Alouatta guariba clamitans maintained in captivity have high rate of dental problemsO objetivo deste estudo foi investigar problemas dentários de bugios-ruivos (Alouatta guariba clamitans) mantidos em cativeiro. A hipótese é que a identificação e diagnóstico das afecções podem contribuir para o controle e prevenção de lesões orais. Foram estudados dezesseis bugios-ruivos (Alouatta guariba clamitans), oito fêmeas e oito machos, pesando entre 3,9 a 6,8 quilogramas. Sob anestesia geral, a cavidade oral e os dentes foram avaliadas por inspeção visual, palpação, sondagem e exame radiográfico intraoral. Os resultados foram registrados em odontogramas específicos para primatas. Dos 16 primatas avaliados no presente estudo, 88% (n = 14) apresentaram algum tipo de distúrbio dental. As afecções observadas foram cálculo dentário (88%), desgaste dentário (81%), ausência dentária (38%), a gengivite (19%), retração gengival (6%), fratura dentária (19%), exposição de polpa (19%) e escurecimento dental (25%). Alouatta guariba clamitans mantidos em cativeiro têm alto índice de problemas dentário

Hyperadrenocorticism in a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) kept under human care

Hyperadrenocorticism is a relatively common endocrine disease affecting the adrenal glands of domestic dogs. However, there are few reports of this disease in wild canids. A crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) kept under human care was diagnosed with the disease after detection of conformational abnormalities in the adrenal glands visualized by ultrasonography, a cortisol suppression test after low-dose dexamethasone, and the detection of proteinuria and bacteria in urinalysis. After the diagnosis, the patient was treated with trilostane with a satisfactory clinical response. This report aims to report the sonographic and laboratory findings of hyperadrenocorticism and its treatment in a specimen of the species

Hypertrophic Phenotypic Cardiomyopathy in an Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in domestic cats but is rarely described in wild species. This phenotype is characterized by concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be of familial inheritance or secondary to other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, systemic arterial hypertension, and hyperaldosteronism. HCM can cause diastolic and systolic dysfunction and may cause congestive heart failure in affected animals. The present work aims to describe the first report of cardiomyopathy of the hypertrophic phenotype in a specimen of Leopardus pardalis, kept under human care. Case: A 11-year-old female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kept under human care, during a preventive care visit, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype detected by cardiological evaluation with echocardiogram and a murmur grade III/VI could be detected on cardiac auscultation. This preventive care occurred under chemical restraint with ketamine [6 mg/kg, i.m] associates with midazolam [0.5 mg/kg, i.m] and other evaluations have been done like complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, albumin:globulin ratio, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and globulin) and tyroid hormones [free tyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)].  Medical management based on clopidogrel, and atenolol was administered for 3 months until the patient showed manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) 80 days later the initial evaluation. In this moment the patient presented with dyspnea, so a cardiological and laboratory evaluation was requested. On pulmonary auscultation crackling was identified, suggesting pulmonary edema and, on echocardiographic examination, some parameters had worsened. The CBC and biochemistry were all within reference ranges. Then, the beta-blocker was discontinued and replaced by pimobendan combined with furosemide as treatment of CHF, and the condition stabilized. After one year, the patient was re-evaluated and showed a slight improvement in the condition but still remained stable. Also, feline proBNP levels was tested (SNAP Feline proBNP® IDEXX) in this moment and it was increased. Discussion: The findings on echocardiography associated with the subjective evaluation associated with progressive worsening and clinical manifestation of CHF, as well as the response to treatment, even though there are no reference values for the species, reinforce the diagnosis. There is no evidence to suggest diseases that may contribute to secondary left ventricular hypertrophy. It is believed that pimobendan plays a key role in maintaining hemodynamic balance, since this has already been observed in other mammalian species. The use of beta blockers is commonly employed in domestic cats with HCM, and they have been prescribed in an attempt to promote greater ventricular relaxation, decrease left ventricular outflow obstruction, thus improving ventricular filling for maintenance of cardiac output. In view of the atrial enlargement and possible risk of thrombus formation, clopidogrel was prescribed, extrapolating what is known from domestic cats. It is reasonable to conclude that in this case, the cardiomyopathy behaved similarly to what is observed in domestic cats, both in its clinical evolution and in the means of diagnosis, and in its response to the therapy instituted. Keywords: Felidae, feline, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, echocardiogram, echocardiography

Anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e fatores de risco em mamíferos do Zoológico de Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis with worldwide distribution and different wild species either are involved in maintenance of the pathogen in the environment as definitive or intermediate hosts serving as font of feeding or prey to definitive hosts. The present study aimed to investigate Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the risk factors relating to infection in mammals at Sorocaba Zoo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Serum samples collected from 153 animals were analyzed using the modified agglutination test (MAT; cutoff ? 25). Seropositivity was found in 62 animals (40.5%; 95% CI: 33.1-48.5%), with different titers. Significant differences were observed in relation to the ages of the animals, origin, presence of free-ranging animals in the enclosure and feeding habits, through univariate analysis (p ? 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only age (p = 0.03) had significance for the study. Adult animals were 3.5 more likely to become infected than were young ones. In relation to feeding habits, herbivores (80%) and carnivores (46.5%) were the animals most affected. These results highlight the presence of T. gondii in animals at Brazilian zoos, and suggest that continuous transmission is occurring at zoos.Toxoplasmose é uma zoonose parasitária com distribuição mundial e diversas espécies silvestres estão envolvidas na manutenção do patógeno no ambiente, seja como hospedeiro definitivo ou intermediário. O objetivo do estudo foi pesquisar anticorpos de Toxoplasma gondii e os fatores de risco relacionados com a infecção de mamíferos do Zoológico de Sorocaba, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram coletadas 153 amostras de soro dos animais e realizado teste de aglutinação modificada (MAD, ponto de corte 16). Sessenta e dois (40,5%; IC95% 33,1-48,5%) animais foram soropositivos, com diferentes títulos. Diferenças significativas foram observadas com relação a idade dos animais, origem, presença de animais de vida livre dentro dos recintos e hábitos alimentares, utilizando análise univariada (p ? 0,05). A análise pela regressão logística multivariada mostrou que apenas idade (p = 0.03) foi significativo no estudo. Animais adultos apresentaram 3,5 vezes mais chance de se tornarem infectados que os jovens. Com relação aos hábitos alimentares, animais herbívoros (80%) e carnívoros (46,5%) foram os mais afetados. Esses resultados ressaltam a presença do T. gondii nos animais dos zoológicos brasileiros e sugerem contínua transmissão no zoológico

Effect of age and sex in renal function by ultrasound and serum chemistry in two primate species (Alouatta caraya and Sapajus apella)

National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq Nos 305821/2017‐2, 400881/2019‐5 and 316750/2021‐2), the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES‐Procad Amazônia No. 21/2018), the Wenner‐Gren Foundation (No. 10088), and the National Science Foundation (Award No. 212357).Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, BrazilUniversidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, BrazilMinistério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.BioParque. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniversidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, BrazilUniversidade Federal do Tocantins. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sanidade Animal e Saúde Pública nos Trópicos. Araguaina, TO, BrazilUniversidade Federal do Tocantins. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sanidade Animal e Saúde Pública nos Trópicos. Araguaina, TO, BrazilUniversidade Federal do Pará. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Animal na Amazônia. Castanhal, PA, BrazilUniversidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, BrazilKent State University. Department of Anthropology. Kent, Ohio, USAComparative studies of kidney morphophysiology in nonhuman primates can help us investigate interspecies differences in growth and aging patterns. Methods: We tested the effect of age and sex in renal morphophysiology in 21 Alouatta caraya and 21 Sapajus apella (age range = 0.5–26 years) by ultrasound, red blood cell (RBC) count, and kidney function tests. Results: A. caraya had greater growth rate and absolute renal volume than S. apella, but the latter showed a greater relative renal volume and RBC count. There was a negative relationship between RBC and age, a positive relationship between creatinine and body mass, and an apparent negative relationship between creatinine and age only in S. apella. Conclusions: Our results indicate that A. caraya has a faster aging mechanism than S. apella, and the higher relative kidney volume in S. apella is suggestive of high metabolic demands in this species