Distribuição e Diagnóstico de Lynxacarus radoviskyi em Gato Doméstico / Distribution and Diagnostic of Lynxacarus radoviskyi in domestic cats

As dermatopatias representam cerca de 30% do atendimento clínico e grande parte destas é devido a ectoparasitas. Pelo fato do felino vir apresentando crescimento na preferencia de animal de companhia e pela falta de estudos recentes na região. Este artigo tem como objetivo determinar a ocorrência do ácaro Lynxacarus radoviskyi na população felina atendida no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, na cidade de Belém - Pará- Brasil e, também, se raça e sexo são determinantes para infecção pelo ácaro. O resultado obtido foi 21,96% (29/132) de animais positivos, sendo 37,93% (11/29) machos e 62,07 (19/29) de fêmeas, ainda destes 10,35% (3/29) eram felinos com raça definida (CRD) e 89,65% (23/29) eram sem raça definida (SRD). A análise estatística foi realizada pelo programa SAS (Edicao Universitaria - versão gratuita) e o valor de significância considerado foi de 0,05. Gatos com raça primária são mais sensíveis a doenças. Em nosso estudo, não foi identificado influencia do gênero.

Ultrasound evaluation of fetal bone development in the collared (Pecari tajacu) and white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari)

El estudio del desarrollo fetal permite evaluar las diferentes estrategias adoptadas por las especies de mamíferos para maximizar la supervivencia neonatal. La locomoción autónoma es fundamental para que los recién nacidos realicen actividades de búsqueda de alimento y aumenta la supervivencia neonatal frente a la depredación. En este estudio, evaluamos el desarrollo óseo gestacional de 53 pecaríes de collar (CP, Pecari tajacu) y 61 pecaríes de labios blancos (WLP, Tayassu pecari), recolectados mediante la colaboración de cazadores de subsistencia en la Amazonia. La mineralización ósea y la biometría del esqueleto axial y apendicular se evaluaron mediante exámenes ecográficos, y se calculó el momento de los principales acontecimientos del desarrollo óseo en relación con la longitud dorsal total (TDL) y el porcentaje del período gestacional total (GP). Los primeros signos ecográficos de mineralización del esqueleto axial en CP y WLP se observaron en fetos de 3,4 cm (42 días de gestación, 30% GPCP) y 5,1 cm (51 días de gestación, 32% GPWLP). El desarrollo temprano del esqueleto apendicular se observó por la aparición sincrónica de la escápula mineralizada, el húmero, el radio, el cúbito, el ilion, el isquion, el fémur, la tibia y el peroné con un 36% de GPCP (50 días de gestación) y un 35% de GPWLP (56 días de gestación). El pubis estaba mineralizado en los fetos con un 55% de GPCP (75 días de gestación) y un 59% de GPWLP (94 días de gestación). La mineralización se observó en todos los huesos autópodos al 79% GPCP (109 días de gestación) y al 67% GPWLP (106 días de gestación). Todos los centros primarios de osificación de los huesos largos de las extremidades torácicas y pélvicas estaban mineralizados en los fetos avanzados (GPCP y GPWLP ≥75%). La rótula mineralizada no se observó en fetos avanzados de ninguna de las dos especies. Los centros de osificación secundaria aparecieron por primera vez en la epífisis distal del fémur en el CP (99 días de gestación, 72% GPCP) y en la epífisis distal del radio, fémur y tibia en el WLP (106 días de gestación, 67% GPWLP). Los fetos avanzados de CP y WLP presentaban el 60% (15/25) y el 68% (17/25) del total de centros de osificación secundaria observados presentes en el cerdo doméstico adulto, mientras que los recién nacidos del cerdo doméstico presentaban el 52% (13/25). El temprano desarrollo intrauterino del sistema esquelético en ambas especies de pecaríes sugiere una estrategia de desarrollo precoz, que probablemente se correlaciona con la capacidad neonatal para escapar de los depredadores y reduce la dependencia de los cuidados parentales.Revisión por pares

Dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate: Biomarkers of pregnancy and of fetal health

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS) are important estrogen precursors, secreted mainly by the adrenal cortex. At late gestation, both DHEA and DHEAS (DHEA(S)) are produced at high concentrations in some species due to the developing fetal adrenal gland. Failure in DHEAS increase during late gestation can indicate fetal death, which prompts its use as a biomarker of pregnancy and fetal health in wildlife. Here, we review the most common non-invasive biomarkers of reproduction in wildlife, the molecular mechanisms of DHEAS synthesis and action during gestation, in addition to the advantages and limitations of incorporating DHEA(S) in these studies. Using previously published data, we tested the specificity and sensitivity of fecal DHEAS as a predictor of successful gestation in four captive primate species (orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus), Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), and howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya)). Using data from non-pregnant/non-lactating females, we set a threshold on fecal DHEAS levels for detecting successful pregnancy per species, controlling for age and housing condition (social vs single). We found that DHEAS had 100% specificity for all species (non-pregnant samples were below the threshold for pregnancy), and 100% sensitivity for Japanese macaques housed individually, and for orangutan and siamangs (all samples from successful pregnancies were above the threshold, and all samples from stillbirth were below the threshold). However, the sensitivity was 80% in howler monkeys and 50% in Japanese macaques housed socially. Our preliminary results indicate that, while DHEAS is a promising biomarker of fetal health, it is limited to late gestation and to some species. We suggest increasing the sample size to calculate the pregnancy threshold per species and to test multiple samples from the same individual when using this method

Validation of a dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate assay in three Platyrrhine Primates (Alouatta caraya, Aotus azarae infulatus, and Sapajus apella)

Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, Brazil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, Brazil / Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, Brazil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, Brazil / Ministério 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.Kent State University. Department of Anthropology. Kent, OH, USA.The hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS) are the most abundant circulating steroids in human and some nonhuman primates, and have been implicated in development, aging and in stress modulation. We aimed to validate a commercially available enzyme immunoassay kit to measure DHEAS in feces and serum of three platyrrhine primate species (Alouatta caraya, Aotus azarae infulatus, and Sapajus apella) in captivity. We collected serum samples from one male and one female from each species. To validate the kit for fecal samples, we conducted a physiological validation by administering DHEA orally to one adult female of each species. We also measured fecal DHEAS levels in four female Alouatta caraya individuals during the third semester of gestation and in two females following parturition. We obtained a total of 54 fecal samples and 6 serum samples from 10 individuals. We validated the assay analytically by testing parallelism and accuracy tests in both fecal and serum extracts for all species. We observed a peak in DHEAS 24 h following oral DHEA administration in all three species, with A. caraya presenting the strongest response and highest baseline concentrations. DHEAS levels were elevated in pregnant A. caraya (57,843.86 +/- 37,160.31 ng/g) and declined after parturition (1,539.07 +/- 2,894.74 ng/g). Our results demonstrated that these platyrrhines secrete measurable concentrations of DHEAS, with A. caraya secreting levels comparable to those of catarrhines. The EIA kit is valid for quantification of fecal and serum DHEAS, and it is useful for studies on stress and primate evolution

Hematological and serum biochemistry evaluation in howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) and capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella): a comparative study

Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel; Council of Technological and Scientific Development; National Science Foundation; Wenner-Gren FoundationUniversidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, Brazil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Pará. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Análises Clínicas. Belém, PA, Brazil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia. Belém, PA, Brazil.Kent State University. Department of Anthropology. Kent, Ohio, USA.Background: Evaluation of blood parameters in captive non-human primates (NHPs) is crucial for monitoring their health and ensuring that their environment meets their physiological requirements. Methods: We performed hemogram, serum biochemistry, and parasitological exams in 20 howler monkeys and 21 capuchin monkeys. Results: In both species, over 50% of the individuals presented at least one parasite. There was a negative effect of age on red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell, platelets, total protein, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase, and a positive effect on the A:G ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and mean platelet volume (MPV). Capuchin monkeys presented the highest platelets and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values and howler monkeys presented the highest MPV, aspartate aminotransferase, ALT, amylase, glucose, bilirubin, and triglycerides values. We observed an interaction between species and sex on RBC, Htc, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and cholesterol. Conclusions: Species differences found in blood parameters may reflect differences in physiological adaptations associated with ecological and morphological traits and are clinically relevant for evaluating animal health and the suitability of breeding programs

Fetal bone development in the black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) determined by ultrasound

This study describes the bone development during the intrauterine phase of the black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa), discussing its relationship with the species’ adaptive strategies and comparing it with other precocial and altricial species. We analyzed 33 conceptuses (four embryos and twenty-nine fetuses) obtained through collaboration with local hunters in the Amazon. Mineralization measurements of the axial and appendicular skeletons were performed by ultrasonography using a 10–18 MHz linear transducer. The chronological order of occurrence of mineralization in relation to the total dorsal length (TDL) and to the percentage of the total gestational period (GP) was: skull, ribs, vertebral bodies, clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, ilium, ischium, femur, tibia, and fibula (TDL = 8.2 cm, 48 % GP); metacarpi, metatarsi and pubis (TDL = 9 cm, 51 % GP); thoracic and pelvic limb phalanges (TDL = 13.2 cm, 65 % GP); carpus (TDL = 15.10 cm, 72 % GP) and distal row of tarsus (TDL = 19.6 cm, 87 % GP). Mineralization of the patella was not observed in any advanced fetus (fetus with> 80 % GP). Regarding secondary ossification centers, the first signs of mineralization were observed in the distal epiphysis of the radius, distal epiphysis of the femur, and proximal and distal epiphysis of the tibia (TDL = 13.2 cm, 65 % GP). Fetuses at birth (TDL > 21.5 cm, 93.5 % GP) showed mineralization in all primary centers, and in most secondary ossification centers. Black agouti neonates have a high level of precociality with well-developed skeletal system at birth, which promotes independent postnatal locomotion and dexterity to manipulate and forage in search of food. Our results can contribute to the monitoring of bone development in other wild species, providing parameters for the identification of gestational age and serving as a model for comparisons between precocial and altricial mammals, ultimately helping understand life history strategies in different species

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