Solitary Osseous Plasmacytoma of a Lumbar Vertebrae with Systemic Involvement in a Dog

Background: Myeloma-related disorders are characterized by proliferation of neoplastic plasma cell or immature immunoglobulin secreting B-lymphocytes, and include multiple myeloma, M-macroglobulinemia and extra-medullary plasmacytoma (cutaneous or extra-cutaneous). Solitary osseous plasmacytoma (SOP) is considered an unique entity among extra-medullary extra-cutaneous plasmacytoma. It is an unusual neoplasia in dogs, predominantly found in middle-aged to older animals, with a higher incidence in bones of axial skeleton. Dogs with vertebral SOP present neurological signs related to spinal cord compression, but progression to multiple myeloma is related to a poor outcome. As in humans, progression to multiple myeloma occurs in most cases, although it may take months or years from its initial presentation. SOP´s biological behaviour, incidence and prognostic are rarely documented. Chemotherapy with melphalan and prednisolone represent the most used protocol for multiple myeloma. However, in SOP, the combination of chemotherapy with local approaches is controversial before the evidence of systemic disease. This paper aims at reporting a case of SOP in a lumbar vertebrae of a dog, with systemic involvement. Case: A 11-year old male mixed breed dog was attended presenting muscle weakness, lethargy, anorexia, adipsia and intense pain manifestation. The dog also presented multiple skin nodules, previously diagnosed as a plasmacytoma, through cytology. The dog´s poor clinical condition and aggressive temper, associated with suspicious of an advanced myeloma-related disorder, resulted in the decision for humanized euthanasia. At necropsy, a pale, friable and hemorrhagic mass was identified on the L3 lumbar vertebrae, associated with an osteolytic bone lesion and spinal cord compression. Histopathological analyses revealed proliferation of plasma cells, with pale perinuclear halo, moderate cellular pleomorphism, 10 binucleated cells and 10 mitotic figures per 10 high power fields, compatible with extramedullary plasmacytoma of the mature type, in the lumbar vertebrae (SOP). It was also seen myeloma-related lesions in the skin and subcutaneous, prostate, heart, superficial mandibular and axillary lymph nodesDiscussion: Solitary osseous plasmacytoma is a myeloma-related disorder rarely reported in dogs. Its biological behaviour is poorly characterized, however progression for multiple myeloma is common in humans and dogs, and it is related to a poor outcome. As the present report, systemic progression of SOP has been previously described and although an overt bone marrow infiltration was not detected, such possibility can not be excluded, once multiple myeloma distribution in the bone marrow is often multifocal. Although chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for multiple myeloma, its indication for SOP is conditioned to the evidence of systemic disease. It might delay tumour progression, but its early implementation may favor the selection of resistant neoplastic clones, making it ineffective when progression to multiple myeloma occurs. In humans radiotherapy is the treatment of choice for SOP, however it may be indicated in association to surgery. A retrospective study showed a higher survival rate in patients with SOP in the axial skeleton, which received surgical treatment combined with radiotherapy, if compared to those treated with surgery or radiotherapy alone. Decision for euthanasia was made based on the suspicious of advanced myeloma-related disorder, patient´s medical condition and aggressive temper, which limited diagnostic investigation and treatment

Epidemiology of Canine Mammary Gland Tumours in Espírito Santo, Brazil

Background: Breast tumours represent about 50 to 70% of all neoplasms in female dogs and their occurrence is directly related to the reproductive status and patient´s age. The purpose of this research was to apply the Brazilian consensus on diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of canine mammary tumours and to and define the regional epidemiological aspects of canine mammary gland tumours in Vitoria metropolitan region (ES, Brazil) between 2012 and 2016 and to correlate the macroscopic characteristics such as lesion size and location of the neoplasm with histopathological diagnosis, tumours grade and lymph node metastasis.Materials, Methods & Results: Data were collected from the archives of the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of UVV and the clinical files of the patients seen in the Veterinary Hospital Prof. Ricardo Alexandre Hippler in 5 years (2012 to 2016). The animals were separated into groups by age to facilitate classification in the group with the highest occurrence of neoplasms. The evaluation of the macroscopic characteristics was performed through the histopathological record described in the pathology laboratory, for each patient, at the time of the initial evaluation. After descriptive analysis, data was correlated using Spearmann test, and frequency dispersion was evaluated using chi-square test, both in the software Graph Pad Prism v. 6.01. This study included 255 bitches and diagnosis of 486 lesions, once 48.6% of the dogs had more than one lesion. 86.8% of lesions were consistent with actual mammary neoplasms, of which 67% were malignant and 20% were benign. Non-neoplastic lesions corresponded to 7.2% of cases and 5.8% were extra-mammary neoplasms, with an increased incidence of lipomas (39.3%) and mast cell tumours (32.1%). Cross-breed dogs represented 26.7% of cases. Poodles (25.5%), Pinschers (9.8%) and Dachshund (4.7%) were overrepresented. Among mammary glands, the most affected with 30.8% and 25.4% were for inguinal and caudal abdominal mammary gland, respectively.Regarding the histopathological grade, 43.7% of the malignant mammary gland tumours were grade I, 40% grade II and 16.2% grade III. The neoplasms smaller than 3 cm in diameter, corresponded to 43.7% malignant neoplasms, of which 75 corresponded to grade I. Those larger or equal to 3-5 cm in diameter corresponded to 22.1% malignant neoplasm, of which 31 corresponded to grade II, and those larger than 5 cm in diameter corresponded to 25.8% malignant neoplasms, of which 34 corresponded to grade II. Macroscopic ulceration was reported in 35/486 neoplasms; of these, 85.7% were malignant. Necrosis was evidenced, microscopically in 11.7% of malignant neoplasms and there was a weak, positive correlation between the occurrence of necrosis and ulceration (P < 0.0001; rs = 0.223), which also correlated with tumour size and histological grade. Of these patients, 24.4% had metastases, and of these, 8.8% presented macroscopic abnormalities in the lymph node. Discussion:Older dogs are at higher risk of developing malignant mammary gland tumour when compared to young bitches, most neoplasms with a histopathological grade III occurred in animals older than 10 years, in agreement with the literature. Age increasing might be related to more biologically aggressive mammary gland tumours. Early neutering is commonly recommended to prevent proliferative abnormalities in the mammary glands, but it has been related to several disorders, and neoplasms, in some breeds. Multiple tumours in more than one mammary gland with different histopathological diagnoses among them, isn’t related to multicentric disease or worse prognosis, as also seen in this survey.Among mammary glands, the inguinal and caudal abdominal are often the most affected,as it was observed in this study; however, no differences were observed in the occurrence of malignant neoplasms, benign or non-neoplastic. Background: Breast tumours represent about 50 to 70% of all neoplasms in female dogs and their occurrence is directly related to the reproductive status and patient´s age. The purpose of this research was to apply the Brazilian consensus on diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of canine mammary tumours and to and define the regional epidemiological aspects of canine mammary gland tumours in Vitoria metropolitan region (ES, Brazil) between 2012 and 2016 and to correlate the macroscopic characteristics such as lesion size and location of the neoplasm with histopathological diagnosis, tumours grade and lymph node metastasis.Materials, Methods & Results: Data were collected from the archives of the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of UVV and the clinical files of the patients seen in the Veterinary Hospital Prof. Ricardo Alexandre Hippler in 5 years (2012 to 2016). The animals were separated into groups by age to facilitate classification in the group with the highest occurrence of neoplasms. The evaluation of the macroscopic characteristics was performed through the histopathological record described in the pathology laboratory, for each patient, at the time of the initial evaluation. After descriptive analysis, data was correlated using Spearmann test, and frequency dispersion was evaluated using chi-square test, both in the software Graph Pad Prism v. 6.01. This study included 255 bitches and diagnosis of 486 lesions, once 48.6% of the dogs had more than one lesion. 86.8% of lesions were consistent with actual mammary neoplasms, of which 67% were malignant and 20% were benign. Non-neoplastic lesions corresponded to 7.2% of cases and 5.8% were extra-mammary neoplasms, with an increased incidence of lipomas (39.3%) and mast cell tumours (32.1%). Cross-breed dogs represented 26.7% of cases. Poodles (25.5%), Pinschers (9.8%) and Dachshund (4.7%) were overrepresented. Among mammary glands, the most affected with 30.8% and 25.4% were for inguinal and caudal abdominal mammary gland, respectively.Regarding the histopathological grade, 43.7% of the malignant mammary gland tumours were grade I, 40% grade II and 16.2% grade III. The neoplasms smaller than 3 cm in diameter, corresponded to 43.7% malignant neoplasms, of which 75 corresponded to grade I. Those larger or equal to 3-5 cm in diameter corresponded to 22.1% malignant neoplasm, of which 31 corresponded to grade II, and those larger than 5 cm in diameter corresponded to 25.8% malignant neoplasms, of which 34 corresponded to grade II. Macroscopic ulceration was reported in 35/486 neoplasms; of these, 85.7% were malignant. Necrosis was evidenced, microscopically in 11.7% of malignant neoplasms and there was a weak, positive correlation between the occurrence of necrosis and ulceration (P < 0.0001; rs = 0.223), which also correlated with tumour size and histological grade. Of these patients, 24.4% had metastases, and of these, 8.8% presented macroscopic abnormalities in the lymph node. Discussion:Older dogs are at higher risk of developing malignant mammary gland tumour when compared to young bitches, most neoplasms with a histopathological grade III occurred in animals older than 10 years, in agreement with the literature. Age increasing might be related to more biologically aggressive mammary gland tumours. Early neutering is commonly recommended to prevent proliferative abnormalities in the mammary glands, but it has been related to several disorders, and neoplasms, in some breeds. Multiple tumours in more than one mammary gland with different histopathological diagnoses among them, isn’t related to multicentric disease or worse prognosis, as also seen in this survey.Among mammary glands, the inguinal and caudal abdominal are often the most affected,as it was observed in this study; however, no differences were observed in the occurrence of malignant neoplasms, benign or non-neoplastic

Ocorrência de Leptospira spp. e fatores associados à infecção em equinos de contingente militar no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. and infection risk factors were investigated in horses from a military contingent in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 446 horses were evaluated and categorized into 309 mares, 11 stallions, and 126 horses with an average age of three years. To determine seroprevalence, serum samples from all horses were submitted to the microscopic agglutination test against 12 serovars belonging to nine serogroups, usually circulating in equine populations. To investigate the possible risk factors of infection by Leptospira spp., questionnaires were applied in that military unit. The seroprevalence in the horses with an average age of 3 years, mares, and stallions were 57.94% (73/126), 54.05% (165/309), and 45.45% (5/11), respectively. The main risk factors identified were contact with different water sources, the presence of rodents, and contact with wild and domestic animals. The high seroprevalence of anti‑Leptospira spp. antibodies may be associated with the presence of these risk factors. Therefore, the exposure of horses to possible reservoirs of Leptospira spp. should be minimized. Also, the immunoprophylaxis protocol should be reviewed and a shorter interval between vaccinations adopted to control leptospirosis in this herd. A soroprevalência de Leptospira spp. e os fatores de risco para infecção foram investigados em cavalos de um contingente militar no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Um total de 446 cavalos foram avaliados e categorizados em 309 éguas, 11 garanhões e 126 cavalos com idade média de três anos. Para determinação da soroprevalência, amostras de soro de todos os equinos foram submetidas ao teste de aglutinação microscópica contra 12 sorovares pertencentes a nove sorogrupos, normalmente circulantes em populações equinas. Para investigar os possíveis fatores de risco da infecção por Leptospira spp., foi aplicado um questionário naquela unidade militar. A soroprevalência nos cavalos com idade média de três anos, éguas e garanhões foi de 57,94% (73/126), 54,05% (165/309) e 45,45% (5/11), respectivamente. Os principais fatores de risco identificados foram o contato com diferentes fontes de água, a presença de roedores e o contato com animais silvestres e domésticos. A alta soroprevalência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. pode estar associada à presença desses fatores de risco. Portanto, a exposição destes equinos aos possíveis reservatórios de Leptospira spp. deve ser minimizada. Além disso, o protocolo de imunoprofilaxia deve ser revisto e, possivelmente, um menor intervalo entre as vacinas deve ser adotado para o controle da leptospirose neste plantel

Adaptation behaviour, consumption and digestibility in change of diet in ruminants

Todos os textos, informa??es e resultados apresentados s?o de inteira responsabilidade dos autores.Objetivou-se com esta revis?o, reunir informa??es sobre adapta??o de comportamento, consumo e digestibilidade na mudan?a da dieta em ruminantes. Durante a vida, os animais passam por diversas mudan?as na alimenta??o. A primeira transi??o acontece na fase inicial, quando h? a substitui??o de alimentos l?quidos por s?lidos, esta altera??o deve ser realizada de forma fracionada, com maiores volumes de aleitamento nas primeiras semanas diminuindo gradualmente at? o desaleitamento. Outra mudan?a na alimenta??o se deve a estacionalidade, ocorrendo varia??o na quantidade e qualidade da forragem dispon?vel. No per?odo da seca, as forrageiras tropicais apresentam baixo valor nutritivo, com teores de PB inferiores ao m?nimo de 7,0% na MS, limitando a atividade de microrganismos. Em animais em termina??o h? aumento no n?vel de concentrado na dieta, a transi??o de uma dieta com alta propor??o de volumoso para uma com alta propor??o de concentrado ? um dos fatores que causa maiores impactos sobre a microbiota ruminal. A adapta??o a uma nova dieta ? um ponto cr?tico para a produ??o animal. ? importante conhecer as mudan?as de comportamento, de consumo e de digestibilidade e o tempo necess?rio para que os animais estejam adaptados ? nova dieta, evitando causar danos no desenvolvimento e na produ??o animal.The objective of this review, gather information about adaptive behavior, intake and digestibility in diet change in ruminants. During life, the animals undergo several changes in food, the first transition occurs at an early stage, when there is the replacement net for solid foods, this amendment should be held in divided doses with larger feeding volumes in the first weeks gradually decreasing until weaning. Another shift in power is due to seasonality, occurring variation in the quantity and quality of available forage. During the dry season, tropical forages have low nutritional value, with lower crude protein content to a minimum of 7.0% in MS, limiting microorganism activity. In finishing animals there is an increase in the concentrate level in the diet, the transition from a diet with a high proportion of roughage for a high proportion of concentrate is one of the factors that cause major impacts on ruminal microflora. Adapting to a new diet is critical for livestock production. It is important to minimize the inappropriate handling during this period, knowing the changes in behavior, consumption and digestibility and the time required for the animals are adapted to the new diet, avoiding damage in developing and animal production

Parameters on silage sorghum

Todos os textos, informa??es e resultados apresentados s?o de inteira responsabilidade dos autores.O Brasil, devido ? sua vasta extens?o territorial, associado ao clima predominantemente tropical, destaca-se no contexto mundial como uma das grandes pot?ncias para a produ??o animal. Essa caracter?stica do clima ainda permite a exist?ncia de uma grande diversidade de plantas forrageiras, de elevado potencial de produ??o por ?rea. No entanto, a estacionalidade na produ??o de forragem tem sido apontada como um dos fatores que mais contribui para a baixa produtividade dos rebanhos. O processo de ensilagem serve como alternativa para suprir a demanda alimentar no per?odo de estacionalidade. O sorgo, devido a sua boa qualidade qualitativa e quantitativa segue como uma cultura em potencial para a produ??o de silagem.The Brazil due to its vast size, coupled with the predominantly tropical climate, stands out on the world stage as one of the great powers for animal production. This characteristic climate still allows for a wide variety of forage plants, high potential for production per area. However, seasonality in forage production has been identified as one of the factors that contributes to the low productivity of livestock. The ensiling process is an alternative to meet the food demand in the seasonality period. The sorghum, due to its good qualitative and quantitative quality remains as a potential crop to produce silage

Coalizão talonavicular parcial: Partial talonavicular coalition

Introdução: Coalizão tarsal se refere à fusão congênita entre dois ou mais ossos do mediopé ou retropé, podendo ser de ordem óssea, cartilaginosa ou fibrosa. O subtipo talonavicular é menos prevalente, já que a coalizão talocalcânea e calcâneonavicular são responsáveis por mais de 90% de todos os casos de coalização tarsal. Apresentação do Caso: LVP, feminino, 24 anos, com queixa de dor crônica em pé direito e dificuldade de deambulação há 10 anos. Clinicamente, observou-se dor à mobilização passiva e diminuição da amplitude de movimento, sendo realizada tomografia computadorizada (TC) de pé direito, que evidenciou coalizão talonavicular parcial. Discussão: A apresentação clínica é frequentemente assintomática, favorecendo maior progressão de doença e evolução para complicações que acarretam maior morbidade, como a osteoartrite de mediopé. O tratamento conservador deve ser indicado inicialmente e, em casos de refratariedade à abordagem clínica, recomenda-se a ressecção cirúrgica da coalizão com interposição de enxerto tecidual. Conclusão: A coalizão talonavicular é um subtipo raro e infrequente dentre as coalizões tarsais, sendo uma causa subdiagnosticada de dor crônica no tornozelo e pé, associando-se, portanto, com maior morbidade em virtude do diagnóstico tardio.&nbsp