Biometry of Adrenal Glands of Mixed-Breed Dogs

Background: Differences of the size of the adrenal glands, in healthy dogs or in endocrinopathies, undermine correct diagnosis of endocrine disorders and evaluations of the adrenal cortex in relation to its size and possible correlation with endocrinopathies are rare. The aim of the present study was to perform measurements of the length, width, thickness and weight of the adrenal glands of young, adult and elderly mixed-breed dogs and correlate them with the age, sex and weight of animals. In addition, the areas occupied by the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex were measured in order to establish a microscopic biometric pattern.Material, Methods & Results: The right and left adrenal glands of 12 young (six females and six males), 12 adults (six females and six males), and 12 elderly (six females and six males), all mongrels, derived from routine and necropsied in the Animal Pathology Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (HOVET-UFES) were weighed and the length, width, and thickness were measured. For the microscopic measurement of the adrenal cortex, 10 randomly selected samples were submitted to routine histological processing and the microscope slides were observed under a light microscope at 5× and 10× objectives, photodocumented and measurements were obtained from a random portion of the adrenal cortex and the zones composing the cortex were measured in triplicate with the aid of the computerized image analysis software. The left adrenal showed a greater average length than the right adrenal in young, adult, and elderly dogs. The size of the glands in the young and adult dogs is not influenced by the sex of the animals, but in older dogs the females had a greater mean width than the males. The weight of the animals presented a positive correlation in relation to the length and weight of the right and left adrenal glands in all studied groups. The age did not influence the length and weight variables of the glands. However, some differences in thickness and width were observed in the elderly group compared to those in other groups. For the microscopic measurements in the right adrenal gland, the cortex was 1.53 mm, being 0.21 mm for the glomerular zone (14.6% of the total adrenal cortex), 1.04 mm for the zona fasciculata (66.9%), and 0.29 mm for the zona reticularis (18.5%). In the left adrenal gland, the cortex was 1.83 mm, being 0.23 mm for the glomerular zone (13.2% of the total adrenal cortex), 1.23 mm for the zona fasciculata (63.96%), and 0.37 for the zona reticularis (22.84%).Discussion: Studies on the size of the adrenal gland in dogs using macroscopic biometrics are scarce, and the current study presents results regarding mixed-breed (male and female) dogs of different ages, which presented variation in size and weight, which could also influence the size of the adrenal gland. Thus, it can be observed that a variation of measurements can be found, especially for dogs with no defined breed. These results demonstrate the importance of studies that perform the macroscopic analysis of such glands. It was concluded that there was a clear variation in the size of the adrenal glands in mixed-breed dogs of different ages and both sexes; the left adrenal showed greater lengths and weights than the right gland. The sex of the animals did not influence the size of the glands in young and adult dogs, but in elderly dogs, the females showed a greater mean width than the males. The right and left adrenal cortices are formed at a greater percentage by the zona fasciculata, followed by the zona reticularis and zona glomerulosa

AVALIAÇÃO HISTOPATOLÓGICA DAS PRINCIPAIS LESÕES TESTICULARES EM GATOS ADULTOS SUBMETIDOS À ORQUIECTOMIA ELETIVA

The study of testicular lesions in felines is essential in the diagnosis of reproductive diseases, since, the gonads can present important alterations, even when they are macroscopically normal. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the main testicular injuries in adult cats submitted to elective orchiectomy, determining the most frequent ones. For this, 25 adult male cats, aged between one and two years, were used. All animals came from the Pet Population Control Program through the Surgical Sterilization Method of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia (HOVET-UFU). After the orchiectomy, the testicles were collected and sent to the Animal Pathology Sector of HOVET-UFU, where they were separated from their respective epididymis. The dimensions of length, height, width, weight, and volume of each testicle were obtained. These were then fixed in 10% formalin for 24 hours, and cleaved in the cranial, middle, and caudal regions. The fragments were submitted to processing for inclusion in paraffin and staining by hematoxylin and eosin. Even without significant macroscopic changes, most cats evaluated in the present study showed some testicular damage, with testicular degeneration and interstitial fibrosis being the most common. Therefore, the importance of histopathology in the diagnosis of testicular alterations in animals considered healthy is highlighted.O estudo das lesões testiculares em felinos é essencial no diagnóstico das doenças reprodutivas, uma vez que as gônadas podem apresentar alterações importantes, mesmo quando macroscopicamente normais. Assim, este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar as principais lesões testiculares em gatos adultos submetidos à orquiectomia eletiva, determinando as lesões de maior frequência. Para isso, foram utilizados 25 gatos machos, adultos, com idade entre um e dois anos. Todos os animais eram provenientes do Programa de Controle Populacional de Animais de Estimação Pelo Método de Esterilização Cirúrgica, do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (HOVET-UFU). Após a orquiectomia, os testículos foram coletados e enviados ao Setor de Patologia Animal do HOVET-UFU, onde foram separados dos seus respectivos epidídimos. Foram obtidas as dimensões de comprimento, altura, largura, peso e volume de cada testículo. Esses foram então fixados em formalina 10%, por 24 horas, e clivados nas regiões cranial, média e caudal. Os fragmentos foram submetidos ao processamento para inclusão em parafina e coloração em hematoxilina e eosina. Mesmo sem alterações macroscópicas significativas, a maioria dos gatos avaliados no estudo exibiu alguma lesão testicular, sendo a degeneração testicular e a fibrose intersticial as mais comuns. Desta forma, destaca-se a importância da histopatologia no diagnóstico de alterações testiculares em animais considerados saudáveis

ACHADOS POST MORTEM EM CÃES INTOXICADOS POR PICADAS DE ABELHAS

Bee sting poisonings have great relevance for both human and veterinary medicine. The toxin components present harmful actions on tissues, especially on kidneys, and can lead to death, even when the inoculated dose is small. The early identification of this type of intoxication allows the implementation of appropriate therapeutic measures and improvement of the prognosis. Thus, the present study aimed to report the anatomopathological findings of two mixed-breed dogs, which were fatal victims of bee stings. The animals were litter brothers, one male and one female, with three years old and weighing about 30kg. The dogs were found dead at night, already in rigor mortis, which led to the suspicion that the death had occurred no more than five hours ago. The main macroscopic lesions were: cutaneous petechiae, some of them associated with bee stingers, generalized congestion, haemorrhage, necrosis, and oedema, as well as insects with morphology compatible with Apis mellifera dispersed in the gastrointestinal tract. Microscopically, degeneration, necrosis, and renal haemorrhages were the most relevant findings, in addition to marked pulmonary oedema, which was considered the causa mortis. Thus, the most important alterations in this type of intoxication are necrosis, haemorrhage, oedema, and congestion. Moreover, death can occur quickly, even with low doses of the toxin.As intoxicações por picadas de abelhas possuem grande relevância na medicina humana e veterinária. Os componentes da toxina apresentam ações lesivas aos tecidos, principalmente aos rins, e podem culminar com a morte, mesmo quando a dose inoculada é pequena. A identificação precoce desse tipo de intoxicação permite a implementação de medidas terapêuticas adequadas e a melhoria do prognóstico. Desta forma, o presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de relatar os achados anatomopatológicos observados em dois cães, sem raça definida, os quais foram vítimas fatais de picadas de abelhas. Os animais eram irmãos de ninhada, um macho e uma fêmea, com três anos de idade e com cerca de 30kg. Os cães foram encontrados mortos no período da noite, já em rigor mortis, o que conduziu à suspeita de que a morte havia ocorrido há, no máximo, cinco horas. As principais lesões macroscópicas observadas foram: petéquias cutâneas, algumas associadas à presença de ferrões; congestão generalizada; hemorragia; necrose e edema; assim como insetos com morfologia compatível com Apis mellifera dispersos no trato gastrointestinal. Microscopicamente, degeneração, necrose e hemorragias renais constituíram os achados de maior importância, além de acentuado edema pulmonar, ao qual foi atribuída a causa mortis. Assim, as alterações mais importantes neste tipo de intoxicação são necrose, hemorragia, edema e congestão. Além disso, o óbito pode ocorrer de forma rápida, mesmo com baixas doses da toxina

Metastatic Pelvic Osteosarcoma in a Dog

Background: Osteosarcomas are malignant neoplasms of bone tissue, with a high prevalence in dogs, especially in large and giant breeds. More commonly, such alterations affect the appendicular skeleton and, to a lesser extent, the axial skeleton. In order to obtain an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to combine cytological and histopathological findings with clinical parameters, imaging exams and macroscopic findings. In the present study, we report a rare case of combined-type pelvic osteosarcoma with pulmonary metastasis in a dog.Case: A 5-year-old intact large male dog of mixed breed, was submitted to clinical care because of an increase in volume of the left perineal region.  The cytological evaluation, performed without imaging exams, indicated that it was an undifferentiated sarcoma. An incisional biopsy defined the diagnosis as telangiectatic osteosarcoma, and with progressive clinical worsening, the patient died. Necroscopic examination revealed multiple nodules in the lungs and an irregular mass with a hard to friable consistency. The mass was intensely vascularised and extended craniodorsally from the left ischial tuberosity to the base of the renal fossa. Microscopically, the neoplasm was diagnosed as combined osteosarcoma, consisting of the osteoblastic, chondroblastic, and telangiectatic subtypes. Metastases with a predominance of the chondroblastic subtype were observed in the lungs.Discussion: This is the first report of combined-type canine osteosarcoma in the ischium. The case reported here is unusual, as there are few reports of canine osteosarcoma in the pelvic bones, and there is no concrete information regarding its histological appearance. Osteosarcoma is the most common bone neoplasm in dogs, representing up to 80% of the tumours found in such organs. In the present case, the dog was a large young adult with a higher probability of neoplasm development. A cytopathological examination is a diagnostic method with good sensitivity and specificity that can confirm osteosarcomas. However, in this case, the cytological diagnosis, performed without the information from the imaging exam, indicated that it was an undifferentiated sarcoma, given the impossibility of the architectural assessment of the lesion. Biopsy samples sent for histology may not be representative of the entire tumour, leading to misclassification of the histological type. Therefore, the evaluation of fragments from various sites of the lesions is recommended. Regarding the morphology of osteosarcomas, such neoplasms have the osteoblastic, chondroblastic, fibroblastic, telangiectatic, large cell, and poorly differentiated subtypes. With regard to tumours located in the axial skeleton, no studies have assessed the predominance of a particular morphological type, as well as the incidence of combined-type masses in dogs in this particular location. Such neoplasms are locally aggressive and have a high metastatic potential, with the lungs being the main location for implantation of neoplastic cells. There is no proven evidence of the correlation between morphological presentations and the presence of metastases from osteosarcomas in dogs. The histological type is not a predictive factor for the behaviour of the neoplasm. However, the anatomical location is considered as one of the factors with the greatest influence on the prognosis and metastatic potential. Rib masses are associated with a higher rate of metastases compared to others. The definitive diagnosis of osteosarcomas and its correct subclassification are of great importance in the prognosis of affected patients. These require an approach that considers the clinical findings, imaging examinations, and macroscopic and microscopic alterations. Keywords: bone, canine, cytopathology, histopathology, neoplasm.Título: Osteossarcoma pélvico metastático em cão Descritores: canino, citopatologia, histopatologia, neoplasia, osso

Co-infection of Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and the feline immunodeficiency virus in a domestic cat in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Cytauxzoon felis is a hemoparasite capable of infecting domestic and wild cats. Studies suggest that wild cats are the main reservoirs of the protozoan, and transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. Hemotropic mycoplasmas are Gram-negative bacteria responsible for severe hemolytic anemia. The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus capable of generating immunosuppression in the host and persistent infection. The present work describes a case of co infection of Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in a cat. A feline from the rural area was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital of Uberlândia - MG of the Federal University of Uberlândia. Fresh whole blood samples were collected for blood count, enzymatic analysis, DNA extraction, real-time PCR for the detection of Cytauxzoon felis and Mycoplasma haemofelis, and the Point of Care ELISA test for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) antigens and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Piroplasms compatible with Cytauxzoon spp. were observed in the smear, and the tests performed were positive for Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and FIV. Cytauxzoon felis é um hemoparasita que possui capacidade de infectar felídeos domésticos e selvagens. Estudos sugerem que os felídeos selvagens sejam os principais reservatórios do protozoário e a transmissão ocorre através da picada de um carrapato infectado. Os micoplasmas hemotrópicos são bactérias Gram negativas responsáveis por anemia hemolítica grave. O vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) é um retrovírus com capacidade de gerar imunossupressão no hospedeiro e infecção persistente. O presente trabalho descreve um caso de co-infecção de Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis e vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) em um gato. Um felino proveniente da zona rural foi internado no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, em Uberlândia-MG. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue total fresco para a realização de hemograma, análise enzimática, extração de DNA, PCR em tempo real para detecção de Cytauxzoon felis e Mycoplasma haemofelis e o teste de ELISA Point of Care para Antígenos de vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) e anticorpos para o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV). Em esfregaço foram observados piroplasmas compatíveis com Cytauxzoon spp. e os resultados dos testes realizados foram positivos para Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis e FIV.

Long bone fractures in Cerdocyon thous: macroscopic and microstructural evaluation

The aim of the present study was to perform the macroscopic and microstructural morphological classification of long bone fractures of Cerdocyon thous. Eighteen cadavers of the species were necropsied, and subjected to radiographic and microscopical evaluation when long bone fractures were detected. Among the 18 cadavers, eight (44%) had fractures equally distributed (33.33%) in the femur, humerus, or tibia. More frequently (61.54%), the fractures were simple and affected the diaphysis, and in smaller proportions (23.08%) reached the physeal line. In diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures, microscopical evaluation revealed cortical bone tissue, with longitudinal osteons that contained longitudinal and intermediate collagen fibres and lamellae with a delamination aspect. On the other hand, in epiphyseal fractures, trabecular bone tissue was more frequently observed, consisting of trabeculae with disorganised collagen fibres and absence of osteons. In both cases low activity, osteocytes, and low coverage of osteoblasts on the bone surface were noted. It was concluded that the frequency of fractures in the long bones of C. thous was 44%, with females being more predisposed. The findings support the hypothesis that fractures in such animals are caused by being run over by automobiles. The present study contributes significantly in alerting clinicians and surgeons to the types of fractures that C. thous is more predisposed to, its places of greatest occurrence, and its microstructure. Thus, there is a need for joint actions aimed at reducing the number of cases of wild animals being run over by automobiles. Keywords: Bone biology. Orthopaedics. Run-over accidents. Trauma

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Musculoskeletal injuries in dogs: a retrospective study of 244 cases (2012 – 2021)

The present work was carried out with the objective of elucidating the most frequent lesions in the locomotor system of dogs diagnosed by the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia in the period from 2012 to 2021, showing the races, ages and sex most affected in each category. To this end, 13,305 anatomopathological records were evaluated and 244 forms were selected that contained necroscopic or histopathological diagnoses of bone, muscle or joint lesions. Lesions of the locomotor system are poorly diagnosed in dogs, representing 1.83% of prevalence. Adult animals with a mean age of 6.41 years represented the majority of cases, with no sexual predisposition to the lesions. Bone affections were the most frequent (59.02%), compared to muscular (31.15%) and joint (9.84%), and injuries of traumatic and proliferative origin prevailed over the other aetiological categories. Significant developmental risk was observed only for bone neoplasms in Rottweiler dogs. With this, it is concluded that there is a low frequency of diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries in dogs, and knowledge is important in taking prophylactic and therapeutic measures.Pesquisa sem auxílio de agências de fomentoO presente trabalho foi conduzido com objetivo de elucidar as lesões mais frequentes no sistema locomotor de cães diagnosticadas pelo Setor de Patologia Animal do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia no período de 2012 a 2021, evidenciando as raças, idades e sexo mais acometidos em cada categoria. Para tal, foram avaliados 13.305 prontuários anatomopatológicos e então, selecionados 244 formulários que continham diagnóstico necroscópico ou histopatológico de lesões ósseas, musculares ou articulares. As lesões do sistema locomotor são pouco diagnosticadas em cães, representando 1,83% de prevalência. Animais adultos e com idade média de 6,41 anos representaram a maioria dos casos, não havendo predisposição sexual para as lesões. Afecções ósseas foram as mais frequentes (59,02%), frente as musculares (31,15%) e articulares (9,84%), sendo que lesões de origem traumática e proliferativa prevaleceram sobre as demais categorias etiológicas. Foi observado risco significativo de desenvolvimento apenas para neoplasias ósseas em cães Rottweiler. Com isso, conclui-se que há baixa frequência de diagnóstico das lesões osteomusculares em cães, sendo importante o conhecimento na tomada de medidas profiláticas e terapêuticas

Processos tecnológicos empregados no aproveitamento de carcaças suínas e bovinas parcialmente condenadas por cisticercose

A cisticercose é considerada como umas das principais parasitoses que acarretam em prejuízos econômicos na cadeia da carne atualmente. Além disso, a doença se configura como importante zoonose em Saúde Pública, devido à severidade das implicações que causa no hospedeiro. Com isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar a bibliografia em busca de processos tecnológicos que permitam um melhor aproveitamento de carcaças suínas e bovinas acometidas pela cisticercose. A salga e o tratamento pelo frio são as principais tecnologias empregadas atualmente no Brasil com o intuito de inviabilizar os cisticercos, em razão da sua eficácia e do melhor custo-benefício para a indústria. A utilização de tais tecnologias é de vital importância para que se obtenha um produto com qualidade e segurança alimentar adequadas para venda ao consumidor final

Canine intraventricular pneumocephalus: a case report

Pneumocephalus is a well described disease; it is commonly diagnosed in humans, but the condition is rarely encountered in veterinary medicine. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold-standard diagnostic method for identifying this disease, and other methods (such as necropsy) are rarely described. In this report, we describe necropsy findings of a 10-month-old, mixed-breed dog with intraventricular pneumocephalus. The dog was referred to Laboratory of Animal Pathology of the Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil, for necropsy after being diagnosed with pneumocephalus upon CT. In the examination, the brain had dilation of both lateral ventricles with empty spaces. Histopathology showed congestion and mineralization only near the lateral ventricles, leading to the diagnosis of pneumocephalus based on the macroscopic findings. The animal also showed sinusitis characterized by nasal discharge and neutrophilic infiltration of nasal sinuses. However, bacterial culture was not conclusive because of contamination of the sample. This is therefore an important report that shows necropsy findings of intraventricular pneumocephalus, which is a rare condition in dogs. By documenting the necropsy findings, we hope to help veterinary pathologists, including those with limited access to diagnostic imaging