Caracterização patológica e etiológica de pneumonias como causa de morte em gatos

Pneumonias em gatos podem ser causadas por agentes infecciosos ou, menos comumente, por causas não infecciosas, como inalação de substâncias tóxicas ou irritativas. São observadas principalmente em gatos jovens e em adultos é considerada uma doença rara, usualmente relacionada a imunodepressão sistêmica, como a causada pelos vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Os objetivos desse estudo foram: realizar a caracterização patológica de pneumonias fatais em gatos diagnosticados no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS); investigar os agentes infecciosos envolvidos a partir de exame bacteriológico e a técnica de imuno-histoquímica para investigar a ocorrência de herpesvírus felino tipo 1 (FeHV-1) e calicivírus felino (FCV), além de co-infecções pelos vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). No período de janeiro de 2010 a junho de 2020, o SPVUFRGS realizou 1749 exames post mortem de gatos, dos quais foram observados 78 casos de pneumonia, representando 4,5% das causas de óbito na espécie. Gatos de todas as faixas etárias foram acometidos, independentemente da etiologia envolvida; gatos machos sem raça definida foram os principais acometidos. O principal padrão morfológico de pneumonia observado foi broncopneumonia (27/78; 34,6%), seguido do intersticial (15/78; 19,3%), broncointersticial (13/78; 16,7%), granulomatoso (8/78; 10,2%), aspirativo (8/78; 10,2%), piogranulomatoso (5/78; 6,4%) e pleuropneumonias (2/78; 2,6%). Foram identificadas como causas: pneumonias bacterianas (32/78; 41,0%); pneumonias virais (28/78; 36,0% [15/28 FCV; 10/28 FeHV-1 e 3/28 FCV e FeHV-1]), das quais nove (32,1%) apresentaram infecção bacteriana secundária; aspirativas (8/78; 10,2%), fúngicas (5/78; 6,4%) e parasitárias (5/78; 6,4%). Do total de casos, 54 gatos (69,2%) apresentaram imunomarcação anti-FIV, FeLV ou ambos (26,9% FeLV-positivos, 23,1% FIV e FeLV-positivos e 19,2% FIV-positivos). Os achados do presente trabalho reforçam que tanto causas bacterianas, virais, parasitárias, fúngicas e aspirativas devem ser consideradas como possíveis causadoras de pneumonia grave em gatos. Broncopneumonia bacteriana por E. coli foi a o principal padrão morfológico e etiologia observados, no entanto, infecções virais estiveram frequentemente envolvidas em gatos de todas as faixas etárias, o que demonstra a importância da investigação de causas virais em gatos com doenças respiratórias, incluindo gatos adultos e idosos.Pneumonias in cats can be caused by infectious agents or, less commonly, by non-infectious causes, such as inhalation of toxic or irritating substances. Pneumonia are mainly observed in young cats, and in adults it is considered a rare disease, usually related to systemic immunodepression, such as that caused by the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The objectives of this study were to describe the pathological features of fatal pneumonias in cats diagnosed at the Setor de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS), and to investigate the infectious agents involved through bacteriological examination and the immunohistochemistry technique to investigate the occurrence of feline herpesvirus type 1 (FeHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV), as well as co-infections by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). From January 2010 to June 2020, SPV-UFRGS carried out 1749 post-mortem examinations of cats, of which 78 cases of pneumonia were observed, representing 4.5% of the causes of death in the species. Cats of all age groups were affected, regardless of the etiology involved; mixed breed male cats were the most affected. The main morphological pattern observed was bronchopneumonia (27/78; 34.6%), followed by interstitial (15/78; 19.3%), bronchointerstitial (13/78; 16.7%), granulomatous (8/78; 10.2%), aspirative (8/78; 10.2%), pygranulomatous (5/78; 6.4%) and pleuropneumonias (2/78; 2.6%). The following were identified as causes: bacterial pneumonia (32/78; 41.0%); viral pneumonias (28/78; 36.0%: 15/28 FCV; 10/28 FeHV-1 and 3/28 FCV&FeHV-1), of which nine (32.1%) had secondary bacterial infection; aspiration pneumonia (8/78; 10.2%); fungal pneumonias (5/78; 6.4%); and parasitic pneumonias (5/78; 6.4%). Of the total number of cases, 54 cats (69.2%) had immunostaining anti-FIV, FeLV or both (26.9% FeLV-positive, 23.1% FIV and FeLV - positive and 19.2% FIV-positive). The findings of the present study reinforce that bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, and aspirative causes must be considered as possible causes of severe pneumonia in cats. E.coli bronchopneumonia was the main etiology and morphological pattern; however, viral infections have often been involved in cats of all age groups, which demonstrates the importance of investigating viral causes in cats with respiratory diseases, including adult and elderly cats

Neoplasmas gastrointestinais primários não linfoides em cães no Rio Grande do Sul

Neoplasmas gastrointestinais (NGI) são pouco frequentes em cães, porém, na maior parte dos casos apresentam comportamento maligno e prognóstico reservado. Assim, um diagnóstico preciso é fundamental para se estabelecer um prognóstico e tratamento mais acurados. Os tipos de NGI em cães e sua frequência, bem como características epidemiológicas e histopatológicas foram analisados por meio de um estudo retrospectivo de exames de biópsias de 24.711 cães entre os anos de 2005 a 2017. Cortes histológicos de NGI foram submetidos à técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), utilizando os anticorpos anti-pancitoqueratina, vimentina, actina de músculo liso, c-Kit, S100, CD31, CD79 e enolase-neurônio-específico. Do total de cães analisados, 88 corresponderam a NGI. Os neoplasmas ocorreram com maior frequência em cães de raça pura [64,8% (57/88)], machos [53,4% (47/88)], com mediana de idade de 10 anos. O intestino foi acometido em 84,1% dos casos (74/88) e o estômago em 15,9% (14/88). O intestino grosso (IG) foi o segmento mais afetado [67,6% (50/74)] e a maior parte dos neoplasmas tinha apresentação maligna [88,6% (78/88)]. Quanto à classificação, 46,6% (41/88) dos diagnósticos corresponderam a neoplasmas epiteliais, 46,6% (41/88) mesenquimais, 5,7% hematopoiéticos (5/88) e 1,1%, neuroendócrino (1/88). Os neoplasmas mais frequentemente diagnosticados foram adenocarcinoma papilar [19,3% (17/88)], leiomiossarcoma [17,0% (15/88)], GIST [12,5% (11/88)] e leiomioma [12,5%, (8/88)]. Adenocarcinomas papilares localizavam-se principalmente no reto. Todos os carcinomas apresentaram na IHQ marcação intracitoplasmática e/ou membranar para a pancitoqueratina. Leiomiossarcomas desenvolveram-se principalmente no ceco e caracterizavam-se por neoplasmas com imunomarcação para actina de músculo liso e negativa para c-Kit. GISTs correspondiam aos neoplasmas com marcação positiva na IHQ para c-Kit e localizavam-se majoritariamente no ceco. Leiomiomas apresentaram mesma distribuição no estômago e intestino e correspondiam a neoplasmas com marcação positiva para actina de músculo liso e negativa para c-Kit. Diferenciavam-se dos leiomiossarcomas por serem bem delimitados e possuírem baixo pleomorfismo. Os neoplasmas epiteliais demonstraram um potencial maior de invasão linfática enquanto que os mesenquimais aparentaram ser mais expansivos, com necrose e hemorragia intratumorais. A imuno-histoquímica mostrou ser uma técnica diagnóstica importante para a identificação de células neoplásicas infiltravas no caso dos carcinomas e uma técnica indispensável para o diagnóstico definitivo de sarcomas.Gastrointestinal neoplasms (GIN) are uncommon in dogs, but in most cases they have malignant behavior and poor prognosis. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is essential to determine a more accurate prognosis and treatment. The types of GIN in dogs and their frequency, as well their epidemiological and histopathological characteristics were analyzed through a retrospective study of the biopsies from 24.711 dogs between the years 2005 to 2017. Histological sections of the neoplasms were submitted to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against pancytokeratin, vimentin, smooth muscle actin, c-Kit, S100, CD31, CD79 and enolase-neuron-specific. Of the total dogs analyzed, 88 corresponded to GIN. Neoplasms occurred more frequently in pure-bred dogs [64,8% (57/88)], males [53,4% (47/88)], with median age of 10 years. The intestine was affected in 84,1% of the cases (74/88) and the stomach in 15,9% (14/88). The large intestine was the most affected segment [67,6% 50/74)] and most of the neoplasms had malignant behavior [88.6% (78/88)]. Regarding the classification, 46.6% (41/88) of the diagnoses corresponded to epithelial neoplasms, 46.6% (41/88) mesenchymal, 5.7% hematopoietic (5/88) and 1.1%, neuroendocrine (1/88). The most frequently diagnosed neoplasms were papillary adenocarcinoma [19.3% (17/88)], leiomyosarcoma [17.0% (15/88)], GIST [12.5% (11/88)] and leiomyoma [5%, (8/88)]. Papillary adenocarcinomas were located mainly in the rectum. All carcinomas showed intracytoplasmic or membrane immunolabeling for pancytokeratin. Leiomyosarcomas developed mainly in the cecum and were characterized by neoplasms with immunolabeling for smooth muscle actin and negative for c-Kit. GISTs corresponded to neoplasms that express Kit protein, and were located mainly in the cecum. Leiomyomas presented the same distribution in the stomach and intestine and corresponded to neoplasms with positive immunostaining for smooth muscle and lack of Kit immunolabeling. They differed from leiomyosarcomas because they were well delimited and had low pleomorphism. Epithelial neoplasms showed a greater potential for lymphatic invasion while the mesenchymal appeared to be more expansive, with intratumoral necrosis and hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry showed to be an important diagnostic technique for the identification of infiltrating neoplastic cells in the case of carcinomas and an indispensable technique for the definitive diagnosis of sarcomas

Cats with central nervous system cryptococcosis

Background: Cryptococcosis is a serious fungal infection contracted by humans and animals, and the most common systemic mycosis found in cats. This disease is often contracted through inhalation of fungal propagules. The Central Nervous System (CNS) may be infected through local extension (nasal and frontal sinuses) or via hematogenous route. Similarly to CNS bacterial infection, the clinical signs of neurological dysfunction may be attributed to mass effect (gelatinous mass of fungal microorganisms and fungal granuloma formation) or to a more disseminated inflammatory response to invading microorganisms. The objective of this study is to report one case of a patient with cryptococcal granulomas in the central nervous system and one case of a patient with neurological signs associated to a cryptococcosis. Cases: Case 1. A 3-year-old male mixed breed feline was admitted to a veterinary clinic, located in Porto Alegre, RS, Southern Brazil. The patient presented unsourced behavioral changes, vestibular ataxia and dysphagia caused by inability of coordination. The following tests were performed: complete blood count test, biochemical analysis, computed tomography scan (CT scan), fluid analysis, radiography and toxoplasmosis test. The following medicine were administrated for treatment: fluconazole, dexamethasone, mannitol, phenobarbital and levetiracetam. Fluid therapy was also part of the treatment. Immediately after death, the cat was submitted for necropsy, and a fungal granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis was diagnosed. Cryptococcus sp. was identified as the causal agent through pathological findings, fungal culture and PCR analysis. Case 2. One year later, another feline was admitted to the same clinic (a 2-year-old female mixed breed) presenting hypersalivation, tremors and excessive vocalization. The patient had contact with the deceased feline. The following tests were performed: complete blood count test, biochemical analysis, computed tomography scan (CT scan), cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and radiography. The following drugs were administrated for treatment: fluconazole, prednisolone, phenobarbital, potassium citrate and cefalotine. This patient is frequently monitored by a veterinarian and presents adequate health conditions after the occurrence. Cryptococcus sp. was identified as the causal agent through fungal culture and cytology (cerebrospinal fluid). Discussion: Cats are the most frequently infected animals with the involvement of the upper and or lower respiratory tract, subcutaneous granuloma, and disseminated infections. These animals present a higher quality of life when the disease is diagnosed and treated early. Peripheral enhancement of intracranial cryptococcal granulomas has been demonstrated in felines. These fungal granulomas often present evidence of significant perilesional edema. The most substantial evidence for diagnosis of cryptococcosis is the identification of the microorganism in Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The mechanism of the lesion is cellular death, probably caused by secondary atrophy from distortion and tissue compression due to the expansion of Cryptococcus cysts in the cerebral parenchyma. There are several reports of long-lasting remission or cure of CNS cryptococcosis treated with drug combinations, including flucytosine and/or triazole antifungal agents (itraconazole and fluconazole.) The isolated use of flucytosine may contribute to development of drug resistance. One controversial alternative that may be beneficial to the patient is the administration of low prednisolone doses in order to avoid perilesional edema in the initial stages of treatment. The utilization of glucocorticoids after diagnosis was associated to higher survival rates in animals

Neoplasmas gastrointestinais primários não linfoides em cães no Rio Grande do Sul

Gastrointestinal neoplasms (GIN) are uncommon in dogs, but they mainly show malignant behavior and poor prognosis. The types of GIN in dogs and their frequency, as well as their epidemiological and histopathological characteristics were analyzed through a retrospective study of biopsies from 24.711 dogs from 2005 to 2017. Additionally, histological sections of neoplasms were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against pancytokeratin, vimentin, smooth muscle actin, c-Kit, S-100, CD31, CD79αcy, and neuron specific enolase. Of the total samples from dogs analyzed, 88 corresponded to GIN. Neoplasms occurred more frequently in purebred dogs (64.8%, 57/88), males (53.4%, 47/88), with a median age of 10 years. The intestine was affected by 84.1% (74/88) of the cases. Of these, the large intestine was the most affected (67.6%, 50/74). Most of the neoplasms had malignant behavior (88.6%, 78/88). Regarding the classification of neoplasms, 46.6% (41/88) of the diagnoses corresponded to epithelial, 46.6% (41/88) were mesenchymal, 5.7% (5/88) were hematopoietic, and 1.1% (1/88) was neuroendocrine. The most frequently diagnosed neoplasms were papillary adenocarcinoma (19.3%, 17/88), leiomyosarcoma (17.0%, 15/88), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) (12.5%, 11/88), and leiomyoma (5.0%, 8/88). Adenocarcinomas were located mainly in the rectum, whereas leiomyosarcomas and GISTs developed mainly in the cecum. Epithelial neoplasms showed a greater potential for lymphatic invasion whereas mesenchymal neoplasms appeared to be more expansive with intratumoral necrosis and hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry was found to be an important diagnostic technique for the identification of infiltrating cells in carcinomas and an indispensable technique for the definitive diagnosis of sarcomas.Neoplasmas gastrointestinais (NGI) são pouco comuns em cães, mas possuem principalmente comportamento maligno e prognóstico reservado. Os tipos de NGI em cães e sua frequência, bem como características epidemiológicas e histopatológicas foram analisados por meio de um estudo retrospectivo dos exames de biópsias de 24.711 cães entre os anos de 2005 a 2017. Adicionalmente, cortes histológicos de NGI foram submetidos à técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), utilizando os anticorpos anti-pancitoqueratina, vimentina, actina de músculo liso, c-Kit, S-100, CD31, CD79αcy e enolase neurônio específica. Do total de cães analisados, 88 corresponderam a NGI não linfoides. Os neoplasmas ocorreram com maior frequência em cães de raça pura (64,8%, 57/88), machos (53,4%, 47/88), com mediana de idade de 10 anos. O intestino foi acometido em 84,1% dos casos (74/88). Destes, o intestino grosso foi o segmento mais afetado (67,6%, 50/74). A maior parte dos neoplasmas tinha comportamento maligno (88,6%, 78/88). Quanto à classificação, 46,6% (41/88) dos diagnósticos corresponderam a neoplasmas epiteliais, 46,6% (41/88) mesenquimais, 5,7% (5/88) hematopoiéticos e 1,1% (1/88), neuroendócrino. Os neoplasmas mais frequentemente diagnosticados foram adenocarcinoma papilar (19,3%, 17/88), leiomiossarcoma (17,0%, 15/88), tumor estromal gastrointestinal (GIST) (12,5%, 11/88) e leiomioma (12,5%, 8/88). Adenocarcinomas localizavam-se principalmente no reto, enquanto leiomiossarcoma e GISTs desenvolveram-se principalmente no ceco. Os neoplasmas epiteliais demonstraram um potencial maior de invasão linfática enquanto que os mesenquimais aparentaram ser mais expansivos, com necrose e hemorragia intratumorais. A imuno-histoquímica mostrou ser uma técnica diagnóstica importante para a identificação de células neoplásicas infiltravas no caso dos carcinomas e uma técnica indispensável para o diagnóstico definitivo de sarcomas

Rhizopus microsporus segmental enteritis in a cow

A ten year-old Holstein cow had an intermittent bloody diarrhea, evolving to anorexia and recumbency, followed by death. Mycotic segmental enteritis was diagnosed based on the pathological and immunohistochemical findings. Rhizopus microsporus was identified as the causal agent through fungal culture and PCR analysis. Intestinal mucormycosis is poorly described in cattle and should, therefore, be included as a differential diagnosis in cases of diarrhea and death in ruminants, especially when there is disruption of the normal balance of the alimentary microbiota

Trombose aórtica e ilíaca em um cão com hipercortisolismo adrenal-dependente devido a adenoma adrenocortical bilateral

Hypercortisolism is a common endocrinopathy in dogs; however, in a few cases, bilateral functional adrenocortical adenomas cause spontaneous disease, and thrombotic events are considered uncommon complications. The aim of this report was to describe a case of bilateral adrenocortical adenoma in a dog with hyperadrenocorticism associated with distal aortic and iliac thrombosis, with emphasis on clinical and pathological aspects. A 15-year-old spayed female Dachshund with a previous clinical history of hyperadrenocorticism presented with acute bilateral hindlimb paraparesis. A vertebral thoracolumbar radiography was performed and did not present any evidence of intervertebral disk disease or vertebral abnormalities; however, abdominal ultrasound and vascular Doppler evaluation revealed bilateral adrenal enlargement in addition to an aortic and external iliac artery thrombus. The animal was euthanized. At necropsy, both adrenal glands were enlarged by well-demarcated neoplastic nodules in the parenchyma, and a thrombus caudal to the abdominal aorta bifurcation within the external iliac arteries that extended to the left external iliac artery was noted. Histological evaluation revealed a well-differentiated neoplastic proliferation of cortical epithelial cells, consistent with bilateral adenoma, and muscular necrosis in the pelvic limbs was also observed. Bilateral functional adrenocortical adenoma; although, very rare, should be considered as a cause of hypercortisolism, and aortic thrombosis in dogs should be considered as a possible consequence.Hipercortisolismo é uma endocrinopatia comum em cães, no entanto, apenas em poucos casos adenomas adrenocorticais funcionais bilaterais são a causa de doença espontânea, e eventos trombóticos são considerados complicações incomuns. O objetivo deste relato foi descrever um caso de adenoma adrenocortical bilateral em um cão com hiperadrenocorticismo associado a trombose aórtica distal e ilíaca, com ênfase nos aspectos clínicos e patológicos. Um cão, Dachshund, fêmea castrada, de 15 anos, com histórico clínico prévio de hiperadrenocorticismo, apresentou paraparesia aguda dos membros posteriores. Foi realizada radiografia toracolombar vertebral, a qual não mostrou nenhuma evidência de doença do disco intervertebral ou anormalidades vertebrais; no entanto, ultrassonografia abdominal e Doppler vascular revelaram um trombo na aorta e artéria ilíaca externa, e adrenomegalia bilateral. O animal foi submetido à eutanásia. Na necropsia, ambas as adrenais estavam distendidas por nódulos neoplásicos bem delimitados no parênquima e notou-se um trombo caudalmente à bifurcação da aorta abdominal às artérias ilíacas externas, estendendo-se à ilíaca externa esquerda. Na avaliação histológica observou-se proliferação neoplásica bem diferenciada de células epiteliais corticais, consistente com adenoma bilateral; também foi observada necrose muscular nos membros pélvicos. O adenoma adrenocortical funcional bilateral, embora muito raro, deve ser considerado uma causa de hipercortisolismo, e a trombose aórtica em cães deve ser considerada uma possível consequência

Anasarca associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy in cats

Background: Cardiomyopathies are a primary heart disorder and are one of the most causes of heart failure and sudden death in cats. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a diastolic dysfunction resulting from endomyocardial fibrosis, with filling restriction and ventricular distention. In these cases, a poor outcome is expected. Anasarca in animals is often associated with dystocia secondary to congenital changes. In adults, this is a rare condition, since subcutaneous edema in animals with congestive heart failure is an uncommon finding. Therefore, this report describes clinical and pathological findings in an unusual presentation of anasarca in two adult cats with restrictive cardiomyopathy. Cases: A 12-year-old female mixed breed cat (case 1) and a 6-year-old male mixed-breed cat (case 2) were present on an emergent basis at the veterinary hospital with a history of respiratory distress. Case 1 showed on physical examination intense restrictive mixed dyspnea and lethargy, with muffled heart sounds and respiratory noises in cardiorespiratory auscultation. The cat exhibited abdominal distension resulting from ascites. Generalized subcutaneous edema was evident mainly in the abdominal and submandibular areas and the thoracic and pelvic limbs. In these regions, a positive Godet signal was observed. Thoracic radiography revealed pleural effusion, and the cat underwent fluid drainage on both sides of the thoracic cavity. Drainage material was sent to the laboratory for clinical analysis, which indicated that it was a modified transudate. The clinical signs worsened, and the cat was euthanized. In case 2, physical examination showed severe restrictive mixed dyspnea, lethargy, and low body temperature (< 32°C). Abdominal distension resulting from ascites and generalized edema in the subcutaneous tissue with a positive Godet sign was observed. On cardiorespiratory auscultation, cardiac sounds and breathing noises were muffled. Thoracic radiography revealed pleural effusion. The cat was immediately placed in an incubator for clinical stabilization with oxygen therapy and warm-up. After 2 h of hospitalization, thoracentesis and drainage of cavity fluids were performed, which were classified as modified transudate. The patient remained in critical condition during hospitalization, evolving to death. The two cats were referred for a complete post mortem examination. Grossly, both cats showed distension of the abdomen and marked edema of subcutaneous tissue, mainly in the abdominal, ventral cervical, and thoracic and pelvic members. In the abdominal and thoracic cavities, a moderate amount of serous-free liquid, slightly reddish was observed. The heart of both cats was enlarged, with a globose appearance and a slightly whitish epicardium. The left ventricular endocardium was mild and diffusely thick and whitish, in addition to moderate dilation of the left atrium. Histological analyses of the heart showed in both cats moderate and diffuse proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the endocardial region. Discussion: Restrictive cardiomyopathy has major importance in feline medicine due to its severity and poor outcome. Pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, and ascites are common findings in cats with congestive heart failure; however, generalized subcutaneous edema is uncommon. To the author’s knowledge, there are no published cases in the literature of anasarca in adult cats with restrictive cardiomyopathy. In human cardiology, this presentation is commonly related to congestive heart failure, and it is reported under several conditions, such as restrictive cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericarditis. The present study suggests that anasarca should be included in the list of associated clinical signs suggestive of severe congestive heart failure, mainly related to restrictive cardiomyopathy

Hepatic cirrhosis associated with ingestion of Cycas revoluta in canine

Background: Cycas revoluta (“sago palm”) is a toxic ornamental plant which, when ingested, can cause hepatotoxic effects, gastrointestinal signs, and neurological alterations. Albeit rarely, C. revoluta ingestion can culminate with chronic severe hepatitis associated with hepatic fibrosis. The objective of this work is to report a case of hepatic cirrhosis consequent to ingestion of C. revoluta in a dog and describe the clinical and pathological aspects that accompany the development of chronic hepatopathy, as a way to provide information that may help diagnosis of this condition. Case: A 9-month-old male mongrel dog was presented for examination with a history of increased abdominal volume and anorexia 20 days after ingesting the seeds of Cycas revoluta. Laboratory exams revealed hypochromic microcytic anemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, monocytosis, thrombocytopenia, decreased albumin, and elevation of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Ultrasound scanning showed presence of hepatomegaly, a heterogeneous hepatic parenchyma, and free fluid in the peritoneum. The animal was treated and was discharged from the hospital. Twenty days later, the patient returned to the hospital exhibiting prostration, vomiting, ascites, and pale mucous membranes. The alterations observed in the previous laboratory exams persisted except for thrombocytopenia, which was absent. A new treatment was administered, and the animal was discharged three days later. However, the patient returned once again exhibiting hyporexia, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and slight prostration that progressed to severe prostration, lateral decubitus and death approximately two months after ingesting the plant. Necropsy revealed a markedly poor body condition, slight icterus, limb edema, ascites and hydrothorax, and an atrophied liver with a yellowish color and an irregular, but firm, capsule surface. Additional alterations included portosystemic shunts in mesenteric blood vessels, a dark red content in the lumen of the intestine along with reddened mesenteric lymph nodes, and edema and emphysema in the lungs. Histologically, there was proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the hepatic parenchyma with the formation of fibrous bridges, regenerative nodules, slight biliary duct proliferation, and moderate, diffuse intracytoplasmic vacuolization in hepatocytes. Discussion: The diagnosis of poisoning by ingestion of Cycas revoluta was based on the observation of the ingestion of the plant in addition to the clinical signs, complementary exams, and pathological findings. The clinical signs were characteristic of involvement of the digestive tract and acute hepatic lesion caused by C. revoluta. The biochemical alterations and the clinicopathological findings observed indicated occurrence of hepatic failure after ingestion of the plant. Anemia, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, elevation of hepatic enzymes and hypoalbuminemia as seen in this case are commonly described in cases of poisoning by C. revoluta. Edema, icterus and hemorrhage are consequent to hepatic failure caused by necrosis of hepatocytes and their replacement by proliferation of fibrous connective tissue, which characterizes a chronic histologic pattern. The observation of cirrhosis at the pathological examination indicated occurrence of a chronic hepatopathy that resulted from loss of hepatocytes consequent to acute lesion caused by ingestion of the plant

Aerossacolitis and pneumonia in an indian peafowl caused by Lactobacillus agilis

Background: The peafowl is an ornamental bird that has the habit of eating directly from the earthy soil, which makes this bird more susceptible to endoparasites. One important endoparasite is Eucoleus contortus, which leads to inflammatory processes that alter the local microbiota, potentializing disease. By the other way, a member of the bird’s microbiota there is the genus Lactobacillus, but when occurs some imbalance, these bacteria can overgrowth and even cause some infection. This report describes the pathological and microbiological findings of chronic necrotizing pneumonia and aerossacolitis caused by Lactobacillus agilis in a peafowl, associated with parasitism by E. contortus. Case: A peafowl (Pavo cristatus), adult, male, who lived on a farm with contact with other species of animal, was submitted to post-mortem examination due to sudden death. This animal lived in an extensive system on the property and was the only one of its species. During the gross evaluation, the air sacs were filled with solid yellowish crumbly material. The same material was observed forming well-defined nodules that occupied > 50% of the lung parenchyma. Histological analysis showed multiple parabronchi dilated and filled with caseous necrosis, characterized by abundant cellular debris and fibrin deposition. These areas were surrounded by the proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. The air sacs parenchyma showed fibrin deposition and mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Multiple gram-positive bacilli were observed within the caseous foci in Gram-stained slides. In the crop and esophageal mucosa, cross-sections of filiform nematodes morphologically compatible with E. contortus were associated with chronic inflammatory infiltrate and epidermal hyperkeratosis. A lung section was submitted to Gram-Brown-Hopps and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stains for bacterial investigation, and Grocott’s methenamine silver (GMS) stain for fungal investigation. Short gram-positive bacilli bacteria are observed within the caseous foci in Gram-stained slides. By the other way, no agents were identified on the ZN and GMS stains. Following the analysis, lung fragments were cultivated at aerobic and microaerophilic conditions on sheep blood agar and McConkey agar. All the microbial cultures were incubated at 37°C to 48 h. Pure culture, in microaerophilic condition, of Gram-positive bacilli, was observed. The isolated bacterium was identified by MALDI-TOF MS as L. agilis. Discussion: Although uncommon, L. agilis was the single bacterium identified and therefore, associated as a primary cause of necrotic pneumonia and aerossacolitis in the studied peafowl. The presence of E. contortus could induce the aspiration of regurgitated of little amount of material from the gastrointestinal tract with sufficient bacterial load to initiate an infection, but not enough to smother the animal. The gradual aspiration can induce a chronic inflammatory condition. Infections by bacteria from the host microbiota have been observed in animals and humans with immunodeficiency. In summary, both the parasitosis and the inflammation could be resulted by the parasite and the aspiration of gastric product, which probably interfered in the immune response and allowed the overgrowth of L. agilis. In the current case report, based on macroscopic, microscopic and bacteriological results, we have provided insights to understand how the parasitosis made possible a pneumonia from a bacterium from the host’s microbiota. Finally, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Lactobacillus agilis as causal agent of fatal necrotic pneumonia and aerossacolitis in peafowl