CHARACTERIZATION OF CANINE LEISHMANIASIS BY PCR-RFLP IN CUIABA, MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL

Leishmaniases are neglected zoonoses that are increasing in Brazil. The dog is considered the main reservoir of the visceral form in urban areas of Brazil and also important in maintaining the cycle of transmission of the cutaneous form in endemic areas. We used PCR-RFLP to identify the species of Leishmania involved in canine infection in Cuiaba City, Mato Grosso. Samples of bone marrow and lymph were collected from 181 dogs, of which 7.2% tested positive with indirect immunofluorescence and 24.9% using PCR-RFLP; a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05), had been possible to characterize the species Leishmania (L.) chagasi. This will aid in developing prevention measures and in the control of disease in Cuiaba and the surrounding area

Severe Corneal Edema in a Dog Naturally Infected by Leishmania spp.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum that is transmitted to dogs and humans by sandflies. The incidence of eye injuries in VL is high. They occur in 20 to 81% of infected dogs and include blepharitis, granulomatous conjunctivitis, scleritis, keratitis, anterior uveitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and secondary glaucoma. However, some dogs present only the clinical signs of eye damage. The main objective of this manuscript is to report a case of anterior uveitis with severe corneal edema in a dog with VL that underwent clinical and surgical ophthalmic treatments after miltefosine therapy.Case: An 8-month-old, intact male Labrador Retriever with brown fur presented with pruritus, diffuse desquamation, and conjunctival hyperemia on physical evaluation. On the basis of an ophthalmic examination, nodular conjunctivitis and uveitis were diagnosed in both eyes. Moreover, laboratory examination results showed hyperproteinemia, increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and positive reactions to immunochromatographic tests for VL. Clinical treatment was instituted from the moment of diagnosis, when miltefosine and allopurinol were prescribed. At the end of treatment, based on laboratory examination results, only allopurinol was prescribed at a lower dose than initially prescribed for treatment continuation. Topical medications (prednisolone eye drops and sodium hyaluronate) were recommended for the ophthalmic changes. One week after the start of topical treatment, the dog showed an improvement in eye inflammation but still had bilateral corneal edema. A hyperosmotic agent was prescribed to improve edema, and a surgical procedure was recommended if there was no improvement. The physician opted for the surgical procedure in one of the eyes that had not shown significant improvement after the clinical treatment.Discussion: VL is a zoonosis, and the domestic dog is the main reservoir. These animals often have dermatological conditions, and the ophthalmic changes observed can be unilateral or bilateral, with more than one change in the same eye. Lymphoplasmacytic or granulomatous anterior uveitis is the most prevalent change, as the uvea and conjunctiva are important lymphoid areas of the eye; this also explains the high incidence of uveitis and conjunctivitis in dogs with VL. In uveitis, corneal edema is driven by endothelial cell damage induced by prostaglandins, which interfere with the function of the endothelial pump and interrupt the normal dehydrated state of the cornea. Severe corneal edema can result in the formation of fluid-filled multifocal bubbles in the corneal stroma—a condition called bullous keratopathy. These bubbles accumulate under or inside the corneal epithelium, and they can burst spontaneously, leading to corneal erosions or ulcerations. Drug therapy with hyperosmotic agents could, in principle, reduce the formation of bubbles. Surgical options to decrease edema and blistering include a permanent conjunctival graft or thermokeratoplasty. Thermokeratoplasty induces the formation of superficial scars in the corneal stroma, applying multiple cauterization foci to the stroma exposed in the areas of bullous keratopathy and epithelial ulceration. In conclusion, the surgical therapeutic choice results in better visual quality in patients who do not respond well to clinical treatment

Relationship of Parasitic Index and Cytokine Profile in Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Leishmania infantum (L. chagasi) that infects cells of the monocyte-phagocyte system. This work aims to describe the bone marrow parasitism in dogs naturally infected by L. chagasi, and to correlate with serum concentrations of cytokines and antibody level. It evaluated 42 dogs, 21 uninfected and 21 infected by L. infantum, of both sexes and of different ages; dogs were classified into three clinical stages: stage I, mild disease; stage II, moderate disease; and stage III, severe disease. Parasitic index was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cytokine serum concentration by flow cytometry. The average parasitic index of infected dogs was 4.59 × 1010 copies/μl. IL-4 and TNF-α concentrations were higher in infected dogs than in the control group. Antibody levels were positively correlated with IL-4 expression. There was a significant positive correlation of IL-6 cytokine levels with the evolution of stages I and III. Antibody levels were positively correlated with IL-4 expression. There was a significant positive correlation of IL-6 cytokine levels with the evolution of stages I and III. However, this cytokine can be used as a marker to distinguish between different clinical stages

Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery in a Dog - Clinical and Imaging Aspects

Background: Aberrant right subclavian artery is only rarely observed in veterinary medicine. Some animals may present postprandial regurgitation and progressive weight loss, which is considered an incidental finding unrelated to clinical alterations. Advanced imaging techniques such as thoracic CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast angiography are used for the accurate detection of lesions, anatomical changes and specific information about vascular rings. This paper describes the clinical changes, imaging exams and therapeutic approach in a female dog with megaesophagus induced by an aberrant right subclavian artery.   Case: A 2-month-old female bull terrier, weighing 1.6 kg, with a history of regurgitation immediately or a few minutes after a meal, diarrhea, polyphagia, progressive emaciation and apathy for 45 days, was treated at a University Veterinary Hospital. The dog’s physical examination revealed 7% dehydration and body condition score 1 (scale 1 to 5), but no cardiac or pulmonary alterations upon auscultation. The hematological analysis and renal and hepatic serum enzymes were within the normal range for the species. In view of the presumptive clinical diagnosis of vascular anomaly, suggested by the contrast X-ray examination, a chest tomography was performed, which revealed altered aortic arch shape and contours, and a posterior aneurysm in the area of ​​abnormal connection of the right subclavian artery. The patient was released with a prescription for conservative dietary management for megaesophagus. Within two weeks, the patient returned with a report of a good response to the prescribed therapy, absence of vomiting and diarrhea, and an increase in body weight. Surgical correction was recommended, but has not been performed so far, but conservative treatment for megaesophagus was continued. No further episodes of regurgitation were identified during the nine-month follow-up period. Discussion: In the case reported here, the right subclavian artery is considered anatomically atypical because it arises directly from the aortic arch.  This vascular anomaly passes on to the right pectoral limb, dorsal to the esophagus, contracting it in its dorsal aspect. It tends to affect purebred dogs, occurring more frequently in Irish setters, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers, although it has been described in other breeds such as the bull terrier documented here and mixed breed dogs. Vascular ring anomalies may not cause clinical changes in animals and represent only incidental findings, or they may lead to gastrointestinal changes resulting from esophageal stricture, contributing to megaesophagus and clinical signs of esophageal obstruction, especially in recently weaned puppies. Such alterations were observed in this case, with the dog presenting regurgitation, immediately or a few minutes after a meal, megaesophagus, diarrhea and progressive weight loss. A CT scan was performed to confirm the type and location of the vascular anomaly and diagnostic accuracy, as recommended in the literature. Dietary therapy is one of the approaches adopted for patients presenting with regurgitation resulting from megaesophagus secondary to vascular anomalies. The dog in this report responded well to the medical therapy; nevertheless, the treatment of choice to correct the esophageal obstruction caused by this anomaly is surgical sectioning of the aberrant vessel by right intercostal thoracotomy, given that the degree of esophageal dilation and dysfunction tends to increase over time. However, at this time, the animal’s owner decided to suspend the recommended surgical procedure. Keywords: aberrant right subclavian artery, female dog, megaesophagus. Título: Artéria Subclávia Direita Aberrante em cão - aspectos clínicos e de imagem. Descritores: artéria subclávia direita aberrante, cão fêmea, megaesôfago

Pneumonija kod mačaka povezana sa Neisseria sp.

Neisseria sp. is a Gram-negative diplococcus bacterium usually present on the mucosal surfaces of animals without causing an obvious pathology. The objective of this study was to report the isolation of Neisseria sp. from severe cases of pyogranulomatous pneumonia with the formation of a Splendore-Hoeppli structure in two cats treated at a veterinary hospital. This paper suggests that the Neisseria genus members may be involved in lower respiratory tract infections in cats, with the molecular diagnosis being a necessary method for the correct identification of this bacteria in animals.Neisseria spp. je Gram pozitivna diplokokna bakterija koja je prisutna na mukoznim površinama životinja, pri čemu ne dovodi do uočljivih patoloških promena. Cilj ove studije bio je da opiše izolaciju Neisseria spp. kod teških slučajeva piogranulomatozne pneumonije sa formiranjem Splendore-Hoeppli strukture kod dve mačke lečene u veterinarskoj bolnici. Ovaj rad sugeriše da su članovi roda Neisseria možda uključeni u infekcije donjih disajnih puteva kod mačaka, s tim što je molekularna dijagnoza neophodan metod za tačnu identifi kaciju ove bakterije na životinjama

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Area of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic and severe disease of great interest to global public health. In Brazil, the main species causing visceral leishmaniasis is Leishmania chagasi [syn. Leishmania infantum], which is transmitted by sandflies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. cruzi. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs residing in endemic areas of the municipality of Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso.Material, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in the Várzea Grande neighbourhoods Jardim Eldorado, Parque Sabiá and São Mateus, which are located in the Brazilian Cerrado region and are endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. The Várzea Grande is a mostly commercial and industrial municipality and relies on subsistence farming. To describe the general characteristics of the dog population and housing environment, an interview was carried out with the dog owners in each household. This interview addressed local demographics and the identification of dogs to establish epidemiological aspects of canine illness and risk factors for infection. The dogs were examined and physically restrained for blood collection by jugular venipuncture. For serological testing, a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. A Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to identify associations between independent variables and the seroprevalence of dogs with anti-Leishmania antibodies. It were collected blood from 521 animals, including 160 belonging to Jardim Eldorado, 129 to Parque Sabiá and 232 to São Mateus. Of these animals, 120 were reactive by ELISA, with a prevalence of 23.0%. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) according to gender, age, racial definition, origin, time with family, presence of ectoparasites, or the presence of people with skin wounds at home or on other pets. The major risk factor for canine infection was fur length; dogs with short fur were 2.2 times more likely to be infected than dogs with long fur.Discussion: The prevalence of canine leishmaniasis in endemic areas was found to be similar to studies in Cuiaba, a city in Várzea Grande, which also included neighbourhoods endemic for visceral leishmaniasis as study areas. Other studies have shown prevalence rates that differ from those found in this study. This difference may either be because the neighbourhoods in this study had already experienced outbreaks of the disease or because serum samples were cross-reactive with other trypanosomatids. While infection was more readily detected in dogs with clinical signs, asymptomatic dogs with anti-Leishmania antibodies were found in greater numbers, which is consistent with the literature. Hair length was the only factor associated with canine leishmaniasis in this study; short-haired animals were most at risk of contracting the disease because they had more skin exposure to sandflies during blood feeding. In conclusion, endemic districts of Várzea Grande had high prevalence rates of canine visceral leishmaniasis, and a short length coat was associated with infection

Microbiota conjuntival de cães hígidos e com afecções oftálmicas

A conjuntiva é considerada a membrana mais exposta do organismo, possui grande importância na dinâmica ocular, mantém relação direta com o meio externo e atua na proteção mecânica do bulbo ocular. Existem micro-organismos que ajudam na sua defesa e, juntamente com fatores humorais, inibem o estabelecimento de agentes patogênicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a microbiota conjuntival de cães hígidos e com afecções oculares. Foram avaliados 100 cães (50 com afecção ocular e 50 hígidos), com ou sem raça definida, oriundos do atendimento clínico-médico do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. Após a contenção adequada dos animais, foi realizada limpeza ocular e colheita de material do saco conjuntival inferior, com auxílio de suabes estéreis, para isolamento e identificação de bactérias e fungos. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a bactéria de maior ocorrência, dentre os animais hígidos, foi Bacillus spp., enquanto o Staphylococcus intermedius foi mais observado nas afecções oculares. O fungo de maior ocorrência foi Candida spp. O estudo apontou que houve variação da microbiota conjuntival devido às afecções oculares, sendo observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os animais hígidos e oftalmopatas quanto à presença de Bacillus sp. e Escherichia coli

Clinical, Hematological, Blood Gasometric and Electrolytic Changes in Dogs Receiving Whole Blood Transfusions

Background: Blood transfusion is a tool capable of saving lives. Patients undergoing blood transfusion usually present several alterations in the acid-base and electrolyte balance, aggravating the condition of critically ill patients. Some studies have demonstrated haematological alterations in certain species that received whole blood transfusions, however, few studies have evaluated acid base and electrolyte changes in dogs undergoing whole blood haemotherapy. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical, hematological, blood gas and electrolyte changes in anemic dogs after whole blood transfusion.Materials, Methods & Results:Twenty nine dogs transfused due to anemia were enrolled in the study. Donors blood was collected in a transfusion bag containing citrate phosphate adenine dextrose and stored up to 24 h. Blood collections and evaluations were made before and 24 h after the transfusion. Data distribution normality was tested by the Shapiro Wilk Test. The means of the variables were compared by paired t-test. It was observed an increase in diastolic blood pressure and a reduction in heart rate (P 0.05) and ionized calcium (P > 0.05) and an increase in the mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) (P 0.05) and sodium (P < 0.05). The probable cause of anemia was monocytic ehrlichiosis (14/29), visceral leishmaniasis (1/29), babesiosis (1/29), co-infection of Ehrlichia canis and Leishmaniainfantum (2/19), co-infection of E. canis and Babesia vogeli (1/19). It was not possible to determine the etiology of the anemia in ten dogs. Discussion:Heart rate significantly reduced after transfusion, probably because of the increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin and erythrocyte values. It may be justified by the displacement of extravascular fluid to the intravascular space. Mean values of systolic blood pressure were slightly elevated before transfusion and remained elevated afterwards, while diastolic and mean arterial pressure increased significantly after transfusion. These changes may be due to the morbid condition and may be influenced by many other factors. Haematocrit, haemoglobin and erythrocyte values increased significantly after transfusion, according to what was observed in other studies. The significant reduction in pH and increase in pCO2 reflects the compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis to increase ventilation, leading to pCO2 reduction and changes in pH. The reduction in pH due to the contact of the collected blood with conservative solutions is one of the main changes thar occurs during blood storage. It was described significantly lower pH in dogs’ whole blood samples stored for more than 24h in vacutainer plastic containing CPDA-1. We may assume there was no intense pH reduction in the present study because the bags were stored for up to 24 h. Although not statistically significant, the increase of pO2 mean reflects the improvement of tissue oxygen perfusion. It was observed a significant increase in sodium ions. The mean sodium ionconcentration before transfusion was very close to the maximum reference value. Hyperkalaemia was not observed, nor was there significant reduction of potassium ions after transfusion. Several studies report hyperkalaemia and transfusion-associated cardiac arrests in humans, associated with infusion of large volumes of blood. Whole blood transfusion increased erythrogram values and did not negatively affect the electrolyte or acid-base status, representing a safe and useful tool in the intensive care of small animals.

Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum in dogs

Background: Deformities of the anterior thoracic wall are called pectus: pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. Pectus excavatum is characterised by dorsal deviation of the caudal region of the sternum while pectus carinatum consists of protrusion of the sternum and/or adjacent cartilage. Both defects may remain symptom-free, but respiratory and cardiac abnormalities have been reported. Another deformity observed in dogs is the swimming dog syndrome, which consists of the lateral opening of the thoracic and pelvic limbs, associated with the pedalling movement. These disorders are frequently reported in medical practice, are considered rare among canines. This report aims to describe a case of pectus excavatum associated with the swimming dog syndrome (Case 1) and another case of pectus carinatum (Case 2).Case: In Case 1, an approximately 45-day-old male American Pitbull canine had difficulty standing. Physical examination revealed hyperextension of the thoracic and pelvic limb joints and flattening of the thorax. After radiographic examination, pectus excavatum and the swimming dog syndrome were confirmed. The conservative treatment with splinting and hydrotherapy was chosen. At the 3-month follow-up, slight improvement in the limbs and irregular and unsatisfactory growth of the thorax leading to episodes of dyspnoea were observed. In Case 2, a female Pug, approximately 2 months old, had a thorax deformity. Physical examination revealed thorax protrusion, confirmed on radiography as pectus carinatum. Conservative therapy was provided using compressive bandage. One month later, the tutor reported improvement in the condition and absence of respiratory changes.Discussion: Pectus deformities has low incidence, and cases to pectus carinatum, there is a sexual predisposition, that is, males are more predisposed, differing from Case 2, a female dog. In the cases of pectus excavatum, no genetic alteration was directly related to its occurrence, although familial occurrence is reported in humans, as in Case 1, in which the patient was the only one of this litter to present this deformity. Though the possibility is lower, the acquired aetiology has been described in other cases. In pectus carinatum, there is the possibility of an acquired aetiology, which corroborates Case 2, considering that the canine had no history of inbreeding, nor family history. However, it is important consider racial predisposition, where there is an increasing number of cases of pectus carinatum in brachycephalic canines. Respiratory symptoms are frequently reported in cases of pectus excavatum, which the evolution of the condition occurred in Case 1, that can be explained by the displacement of organs or the restriction to ventilation. Humans have shown that pectus excavatum reduces static lung function. Case 2 showed no clinical signs, despite this presented dextrocardia, which in the future may confer cardiac dysfunctions. The diagnosis for pectus is considered simple. Performed only by radiography, it can be complemented by echocardiography. In both cases, conservative treatment was the choice. However, in Case 1 there was no success due to the degree of patient involvement, unlike Case 2, which had a better development of the thoracic wall, ensuring better quality of life for the patient. Thus, it is possible to conclude that some differences were found in these two reported cases when compared to others described in the literature.  The radiographic diagnosis is confirmatory, and the therapy must be adequate to the degree of thoracic wall deformity. In addition, the prognosis is more reserved for pectus excavatum than pectus carinatum

Bothrops Snakebites in Dogs

Background: Snakebites occur frequently among humans and animals. In Brazil, about 23,000 cases of snakebite involving humans were recorded in 2016, 11% of them caused by venomous snakes. In the region of Cuiabá, capital of Mato Grosso, the highest occurrence is of snakes of the genus Bothrops (81%), followed by Crotalus (4%). Bothrops venom has proteolytic, coagulant and hemorrhagic effects, whereas Crotalus venom is neurotoxic, myotoxic and nephrotoxic. This paper reports on three cases of Bothrops snakebites in dogs treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso in 2017.Cases: Three dogs were treated showing clinical signs of snakebite, possibly by Bothrops, since their owners reported that these are the snakes most frequently found where they live. This information is consistent with the known geographic distribution of snakes of the genus Bothrops in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. In the first report (Case 11), the patient was bitten on two different occasions in a five-month interval, and died presumably due to anaphylactic shock caused by the venom injected by a second snakebite (Case 12). In both episodes, the animal presented a swollen face and neck, dyspnea and eye bleeding, and these signs were more severe in the second episode. Case 2 was a dog with severe neck and chest swelling and pain. The owner of this dog reported that he had taken his dog for a walk in the countryside, along with the dog of Case 1, and had returned home with both dogs about three hours before the consultation. Case 3 was a Rottweiler living at a small family farm located 67 km from Cuiabá. The animal presented with slight swelling and pain in the left forelimb, and puncture wounds on the lower limb. Neutrophilic leukocytosis was observed in cases 1 and 3.  In addition, Case 12 (the second episode of Case 1) presented with thrombocytopenia and increased prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. The dog of Case 2 presented no hematological or biochemical alteration. All the dogs received antivenom serum and supportive care.Discussion: Based on the clinical signs of local swelling with bleeding and absence of neurological signs, the snakebites were attributed to the genus Bothrops. In Case 12, blood clotting tests showed non-coagulation. The greater severity of Case 1, which culminated in death, was attributed to anaphylaxis due to prior exposure or the larger amount of venom than that injected in Case 2, since the two injuries were inflicted in the same environment on the same day, probably by the same snake. Neutrophilic leukocytosis may be indicative of an inflammatory reaction, while thrombocytopenia and clotting changes are associated with the hemorrhagic activity of Bothrops venom. Death by snakebite is directly linked to the amount of venom injected, the envenomation site, and the time between the bite and the beginning of treatment. This explains the moderate signs presented by Cases 2 and 3, whose injuries were inflicted on the neck and forelimb, unlike the dog of Case 1, which was bitten on the head on two occasions. It was concluded that Bothrops venom causes systemic and local alterations characterized by pain, swelling, necrosis and bleeding. Early access to antivenom treatment is essential to neutralize clinical signs and prevent worsening of systemic poisoning. The determining factor in snakebite deaths is the amount of injected venom and the time elapsed between the injury and the beginning of treatment