Chemodectoma in a Dog

Background: The chemodectoma is a rare neoplasm that originates from chemoreceptors located mainly in the aortic body, and carotid body and sinus, and responsible for detecting variations in blood pH, oxygen pressure and carbon dioxide. Dogs of brachiocephalic breeds and aged between 7 and 15 years have greater propensity. A neoplasm involves infiltrative growth in the vessels at the heart base, which leads to Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). The definitive diagnosis is performed by histopathological and/or immunohistochemical examination. The aim was to report a case of chemiodectoma in a dog, showed the disease clinical characteristics.Case: A 13-year-old male undefined breed dog was examinated in the medical clinic of small animal of Veterinary Hospital, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) with respiratory effort, hyporexia, and edema in face, cervical, ventral thorax and thoracic limbs, with thirty days evoluted. About physical examination, we observed cachexia, orthopneic position, cyanosis and edema with a positive Godet sign, as well as 8% dehydration degree. Thoracic auscultation presented mixed dyspnea and muffled heart sounds. Chest radiography detected an radiopacity increase in pulmonary section and metastatic neoplastic process associated with pleural and pericardial effusion. Fluid therapy with lactated ringer and posterior thoracentesis in the right hemithorax region was performed for greater respiratory comfort for the patient. Hematological count and biochemical profiles stated normochromic normocytic anemia, relative and absolute lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, as well as increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The patient died after 12 hours when was submitted to necroscopic examination and histopathological evaluation. An infiltrative tumor of cardiac base was observed invading the light of the right atrium, obstructing the venous return, as well as a large thrombus located in the left ventricle and diffuse nodules in the lungs. Hydrothorax and hydroperitoneum were observed with serous fluid, with hepatic, renal and brain congestion, and duodenum hemorrhage. Histologically, the tumor was characterized as a chemodectoma with pulmonary metastasis.Discussion: Cardiac tumors are uncommon for canine population. A study sampled 729,265 dogs with observed incidence reaching 0.19%. The most common type is hemangiosarcoma with 69%, followed by chemiodectoma and lymphoma. Authors describe predisposed brachycephalic breeds such as Boxer, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog. In our case, the patient had elongated snout and undefined breed. Deregulation of chemoreceptors, which detect changes in pH and partial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures, can result in hyperpnea and dyspnoea. Edema represents a deficit in venous return from the cranial and cervical regions, with consequent increase in hydrostatic pressure and liquid leakage into the thoracic cavity and subcutaneous tissue, thus inferring the Caudal Vena Cava Syndrome (CVCS). Tumors from the cardiac base, integrated with the large arteries insertion and adjacent to the atria, can cause pericardial effusion observed in this case. Chemodectomas are described as essentially benign tumors with low metastatic potential. In this case, pulmonary metastasis was detected. Surgical treatment is recommended when feasible. In this case, the patient had late veterinary care, in addition to the contraindication for surgery by the lung metastasis presence

Ticks and fleas in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) of Pernambuco state, Brazil

This study aimed to identify the species of fleas and ticks of Cerdocyon thous from the state of Pernambuco. Animals (n = 20) were examined, with 30% (6/20) ectoparasitized. Fleas (n = 16) and ticks (n = 17) parasitizing free-living crab-eating fox and captive in state of Pernambuco were collected. The fleas were identified as: Pulex irritans and Ctenocephalides felis; and the ticks were: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Amblyomma ovale. The presence of ectoparasites of domestic animals parasitizing C. thous, suggests a close contact of this species to the peridomicile. Furthermore, this is the first report of the occurrence of A. ovale in C. thous in northeastern Brazil. Objetivou-se identificar as espécies de pulgas e carrapatos de Cerdocyon thous provenientes do estado Pernambuco. Foram examinados 20 animais, estando 30% (6/20) ectoparasitados. Foram coletadas 16 pulgas e 17 carrapatos em cachorros-do-mato de vida livre e de cativeiro no estado de Pernambuco. As pulgas foram identificadas como: Pulex irritans e Ctenocephalides felis; e os carrapatos foram: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato e Amblyomma ovale. A presença de ectoparasitos de animais domésticos parasitando C. thous, sugere a aproximação de indivíduos desta espécie ao peridomicílio. Além disso, este é o primeiro relato da ocorrência de A. ovale em C. thous no nordeste brasileiro

Avaliação histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica da pele de cães (Canis familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758) com infecção natural por Leishmania infantum (Nicolle, 1908)

Leishmaniose visceral canina é uma doença sistêmica causada pela Leishmania infantum. O cão geralmente apresenta uma variedade de sinais clínicos que incluem anorexia, perda de peso, linfadenopatia generalizada, porém as lesões cutâneas são os mais encontrados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alteracões histopatológicas e detectar formas amastigotas através da imuno-histoquímica na pele de cães com infecção natural por L. infantum. Fragmentos de pele normal e ulcerada de 22 cães positivos foram coletados, fixados em formol e processados para histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica. Dois grupos de animais foram utilizados: o primeiro foi composto por 12 cães com teste ELISA e biópsia de medula óssea positivos (Grupo 1) e o segundo composto por 10 cães positivos somente por teste ELISA (Grupo 2). Os resultados da imuno-histoquímica mostraram formas amastigotas em 91,67% (11/12) dos animais do Grupo 1, enquanto nenhum (0/10) dos cães do Grupo 2 foi positivo na mesma técnica. Com relação ao padrão histopatológico da pele íntegra, foram observados dermatite nodular, perifolicular, difusa e da interface em 9,1% (1/11), cada uma, dermatite liquenóide em 27,3% (3/11), dermatite perianexial em 18,2% (2/11) e dermatite mista (nodular e perifolicular) em 9,1% (1/11) dos cães. A avaliação histopatológica mostrou infiltrado celular granulomatoso com presença de macrófagos, linfócitos e plasmócitos em 90,9% (10/11), enquanto 9,1% (1/11) da pele de saudável não mostraram alterações. Por outro lado, o padrão histopatológico da pele ulcerada revelou dermatite perifolicular e perianexial em 9,1% (1/11), cada uma; dermatite liquenóide em 18,2% (2/11), dermatite difusa em 27,3% (3/11) e 36,4% (4/11) de dermatite mista (interface e perivascular profunda; intersticial e perianexial; interface e perianexial; intersticial, perivascular superficial e perianexial). Com relação a avaliação histológica da pele ulcerada, foi observada infiltração celular granulomatosa composta por macrófagos, linfócitos e plasmócitos em 81,8% (9/11) e infiltração celular piogranulomatosa composta por macrófagos, linfócitos, plasmócitos e neutrófilos em 18,2% (2/11) dos animais. Conclui-se que as formas amastigotas de L. infantum foram demonstradas através da técnica da imuno-histoquímica na pele íntegra e ulcerada de cães parasitologicamente positivos e que os padrões histopatológicos da pele ulcerada revelaram principalmente dermatite mista caracterizada pela infiltração granulomatosa celular, enquanto que na pele íntegra observou-se dermatite liquenóide pelo mesmo infiltrado inflamatório.Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic disease caused by Leishmania infantum. Dog usually present a variable clinical signs include anorexia, weight loss, generalized lymphadenopathy, but the skin lesion are the most found. The goal of this study was to evaluate the histophatological changes and detect amastigotes forms by immunohistochemistry in skin from dogs with natural infection by L. infantum. Fragments of ulcerated and normal skin from 22 positive dogs were collected, fixed in formalin and processed for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Two groups of animals were used: the first was composed by 12 dogs with positive ELISA test and bone marrow biopsy (Group 1) and the second composed by 10 dogs positive only by ELISA test (Group 2). The results of immunohistochemistry showed amastigotes forms in 91,67% (11/12) of animals from Group 1, while none (0/10) of dogs in Group 2 was positive in the same technique. Regarding the histopathological pattern of intact skin, were observed nodular, perifolicular, diffuse and interface dermatitis in 9,1% (1/11) each one, lichenoid dermatitis in 27,3% (3/11), periadnexial dermatitis in 18,2% (2/11) and mixed dermatitis (nodular and perifolicular) were observed in 9,1% (1/11) of the dogs. Histological evaluation showed granulomatous cellular infiltration composed of macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells in 90,9% (10/11), while 9,1% (1/11) of health skin did not show changes. On the other hand, the histopathological pattern of ulcerative skin revealed perifolicular and periadnexial dermatitis in 9,1% (1/11) each one; lichenoid dermatitis in 18,2% (2/11), diffuse dermatitis in 27,3% (3/11) and 36,4% (4/11) of mixed dermatitis (interface and deep perivascular; intersticial and periadnexial; interface and periadnexial; interstitial, superficial perivascular and periadnexial). Histological evaluation of ulcerative skin showed granulomatous cellular infiltration composed of macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells in 81,8% (9/11) and piogranulomatous cellular infiltration composed of macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells and neutrophils in 18,2% (2/11) of animals. In conclusion, amastigotes forms of L. infantum were demonstrated using the technique of immunohistochemistry in ulcerated and intact skin of dogs parasitologically positive and the histological patterns of ulcerated skin revealed mainly mixed dermatitis characterized by granulomatous cellular infiltration, while the intact skin demonstrated lichenoid dermatitis by the same inflammatory infiltrade.Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNP

Tratamento imunossupressor para miosite dos músculos mastigatórios em fase aguda em canino: Relato de caso

Miosite dos músculos mastigatórios é uma inflamação dos músculos responsáveis pela mastigação dos cães, sendo uma doença idiopática e auto-imune. Pode ocorrer em cães de qualquer raça, havendo uma maior prevalência em cães jovens e de meia-idade. Dentre os sinais clínicos podem ser citados relutância em se alimentar, salivação excessiva, edema dos músculos temporais, dor ao abrir a mandíbula, atrofia dos músculos que compõe a mastigação, dentre outros. A terapêutica constitui o uso de doses imunosupressoras de corticosteróides, fazendo a regressão gradualmente, podendo ser associado com terapia de suporte, como no uso de protetores gástricos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo o relato de um caso clínico de um canino, do sexo feminino, sem raça definida cujos sinais clínicos apresentados foram edema dos músculos temporais e masseter, prolapso de terceira pálpebra, salivação e trismo. O diagnóstico foi baseado no histórico do paciente, achados no exame físico e resultados dos exames complementares de imagens e laboratoriais. Foi utilizado como tratamento o uso de drogas imunossupressoras, sendo o resultado satisfatório

Quantification of Leishmania infantumDNA in the bone marrow, lymph node and spleen of dogs

The aim of the present study was to quantify the parasite load ofLeishmania infantum in dogs using real-time PCR (qPCR). Bone marrow, lymph node and spleen samples were taken from 24 dogs serologically positive for L. infantum that had been put down by the official epidemiological surveillance service. According to the clinical signs the dogs were classified as asymptomatic or symptomatic. After DNA extraction, the samples were subjected to qPCR to detect and quantify L. infantum DNA. Out of the 24 dogs, 12.5% (3/24) were classified as asymptomatic and 87.5% (21/24) as symptomatic. Real-time PCR detected L. infantum DNA in all the animals, in at least one biological sample. In particular, 100% of bone marrow and lymph node scored positive, whereas in spleen, the presence of DNA was detected in 95.9% (23/24). In addition, out of 24 animals, 15 were microscopically positive to amastigote forms of L. infantum in bone marrow. No statistical significant difference was found in the overall mean quantity of DNA among the different biological samples (P = 0.518). Considering each organ separately, there was 100% positivity in bone marrow and lymph nodes, while among the spleen samples, 95.9% (23/24) were positive. Regarding the different clinical groups, the overall mean parasite load varied significantly (P = 0.022). According to the results obtained, it was not possible determine which biological sample was most suitable tissue for the diagnosis, based only on the parasite load. Therefore, other characteristics such as convenience and easily of obtaining samples should be taken into consideration