CLINICAL, EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND LABORATORY ASPECTS OF OBESITY IN DOGS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH SYSTEMIC DISEASES

The aim of this study was to identify the clinical, epidemiologic and laboratorial aspects of dogs with obesity and its possible correlation with other diseases. A total of 30 dogs were studied. Of these, 15 were obese and 15 were not. On the Control Group, there was a total of 10 females (5 neutered and 5 whole) and 5 males (all 5 neutered). On the Obese Group, 11 females (7 neutered and 4 whole) and 4 males (all 4 neutered). The tutors received a form with 12 questions about food management and physical activity, as well as pharmacological and family history. In addition, venous blood samples were collected in animals from both the Control Group and the Obese Group for a Complete Blood Count and dosage of biochemical levels (Alanine Aminotransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Albumin, Total Proteins, Urea, Creatinine). Measurements from the abdominal perimeter were taken and using the data the body fat percentage was calculated; an Electrocardiographic evaluation (ECG) was also made, along with the measurement of the systolic, diastolic and medium blood pressure (SBP, DBP and MAP, respectively) and heart rate (HR). The numeric data was submitted under the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey’s Test (p<0,05), while the data regarding risk factors was analyzed on a descriptive manner. In both groups, mixed-breed dogs had a significant predominance, about 9 (60%) on the CG and 7 (46,66%) in the Obese Group. Concerning food management, 12 (80%) of the subjects of the Control Group were fed at will and 3 (20%) once a day; the numbers on the use of only pet food, pet food coupled with homemade food, and only homemade food were, respectively, 10 (66,6%), 4 (26,6%) and 1 (6,8%). Also, 11 (73,3%) had frequent physical activities, while the other 4 (26,7%) only occasionally. Additionally, 12 (80%) stayed at the backyard, while 3 (20%) lived in an apartment. There was not any relevant data relating to pharmacological and family history and, according to tutors’ opinions, their dogs were within the ideal weight. On the Obese Group, 8 (53,5%) were fed at will, 5 (33,3%) were fed on a strict and controlled manner, and 2 (13,3%) one time a day, while 9 (60%) of them were given both pet food and homemade food, 5 (33,3%) received only pet food and 1 (6,7%) received pet food sachets and fruit. In this group, 9 (60%) were out, 15 did not practice any type of physical activity, while 3 (20%) practiced frequently and the other 3 (20%) walked occasionally. There were 5 patients (33,3%) with a history of corticosteroid use, and 7 (46,7%) had a family history of obesity. Regarding tutors’ opinions on their pet’s weight, on whether they thought their pet was too thin, on ideal weight, overweight or obese, the data showed, respectively, 2 (13,3%), 4 (26,7%), 8 (53,3%) and 1 (6,7%). The percentage of fat on the Control Group for males and females was, respectively, 18,7 ± 2,2; 22 ± 3, while the abdominal circumference was of 63 ± 20 cm. On subjects from the Obese Group, the values were 40,4 ± 5; 45 ± 4,7 and 65 ± 16,8 cm, respectively. On laboratory exams, the Complete Blood Control did not show any inconsistencies with the normal range and the ALB and FAL were elevated on the Obese Group. The ECG did not show any notable changes. Both groups showed a slight increase in PAS (Control Group = 141 ± 27,72 mmHg; Obese Group = 142 ± 17,23 mmHg), and on the obese animals a raise in PAD (84 ± 22 mmHg) was also recorded. Obesity is a chronical disease that brings a series of bad consequences to the animal well-being, especially the appearance of systemic diseases; the main risk factor for its appearance is incorrect food management and low or nonphysical activity. The main way to prevent the disease is by the correct management of both factors

avaliação da pressão intraocular (PIO) e da pressão arterial de cães portadores de Erlichia canis/Evaluation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure of dogs carried out of earlichia canis

Objetivou-se com este estudo determinar indícios de associação entre alterações na pressão arterial e pressão intraocular, assim como variações laboratoriais (uréia, creatinina, sódio e potássio) e afecções oculares concomitantes em cães portadores de Erlichia canis. Para tanto, foram utilizados vinte cães, machos e fêmeas, de idades e raças variadas, atendidos no setor de clínica médica do Hospital Veterinário Universitário Ivon Macêdo Tabosa, da UFCG. Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos experimentais denominados de grupo controle (GC), composto por animais hígidos, e grupo erliquiose (GE), composto por animais com sintomatologia para erliquiose e positivos para doença no ensaio Imunoenzimático ELISA, de igual tamanho (n=10). Em ambos os grupos foram mensurados os parâmetros clínicos frequências cardíaca e respiratória e temperatura corporal, bem como foram colhidos 4 mL de sangue para determinação do hematócrito e dosagem de uréia, creatinina, sódio e potássio. Ato contínuo foram realizadas a avaliação da pressão arterial, da pressão intraocular (PIO), do teste de schirmer e exame oftalmológico. Os dados numéricos foram comparados utilizando-se análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida do teste de Tukey (p&lt;0,05) enquanto que os dados do exame oftalmológico foram analisados descritivamente. Não foram identificadas alterações significativas nos parâmetros laboratoriais nem nas pressões arteriais, entretanto observou-se redução na PIO e presença de afeções oculares concomitantes. Assim, conclui-se que não há correlação evidente entre as variações das pressões arteriais e a PIO, mas que a doença determinou redução da PIO e presença de algumas afecções oculares nos animais acometidos de erliquiose

Bilateral Corneal Arcus In Canine

Background: The cornea is a component of the animal’s eye that is transparent in appearance because of the arrangement of collagen fibrils and the absence of vascularization and pigmentation. Corneal degeneration can result in a lesion known as corneal arcus, which presents as loss of transparency. It is characterized by a dense white opacity with defined borders. This lesion can be caused by lipid keratopathy, occurring as cholesterol and triglyceride deposits in the corneal stroma. In this case, analysis of the serum lipid profile and evaluation of thyroid and pancreas function are recommended. This study aimed to report on a case of occurrence of corneal arcus in a canine.Case: A 6-year-old dog, of no defined breed, weighing 13.250 kg was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal de Alagoas with a 5-day history of constipation. Under ultrasound, fecaloma was observed; however, the finding that drew attention was the presence of an eye alteration presenting as bilateral opacity in the form of a vertical arc in the corneal regions, with whitish crystalline appearance. The lesion did not exhibit roughness or vascularization and had well-defined borders. The animal showed no discomfort or visual acuity changes. The tutor reported that the marks had already been on the animal’s eye when it was adopted four years age, and that it showed a slow progressive growth. Given that there were no clinical signs of metabolic or hormonal diseases that could be a primary cause for the formation of the corneal lesion, lipid or calcium deposition in the corneal stroma was suspected, possibly due to diet or idiopathic cause. Blood samples were collected for a blood count and to determine triglyceride, calcium, and cholesterol levels. Based on the test results (all within the normal range), history, and a physical examination (with no evidence of metabolic and/or endocrine diseases), a diagnosis of corneal arcus was made. Excessive lipids in the diet was suggested as the cause of lesions, given that the dog’s diet had consisted of rice with a beef broth tablet, once a day, which over the years may have contributed to both the formation of the corneal lesions and to the enteric disorder (fecaloma). Dietary correction was indicated for both disorders, consisting of commercial dog food of adequate nutritional value. Keratectomy was not indicated for the corneal lesions, as they did not appear to be compromising the field of vision. Instead, we opted for follow-up to monitor the growth of lesions.Discussion: As no clinical evidence of metabolic or hormonal disease was verified, the primary cause for the formation of the corneal lesions was assumed to be lipid or calcium deposits in the corneal stroma, due to diet or even idiopathic cause. The dog was fed boiled rice and industrialized meat broth tablet, providing inadequate nutrition for the past four years or so, possibly leading to hyperlipidemia and/or hypercalcemia, with consequent deposition in the cornea, causing the arc lesion. Triglyceride, cholesterol, and calcium levels were measured, and were within normal range, probably because the blood collection was performed after the control of the post-enterotomy diet. Therefore, it was not possible to correlate the corneal changes with hyperlipidemia or hypercalcemia. The animal did not present with impaired vision as the lesions were located in the peripheral regions of the cornea, bilaterally. Therefore, it was decided to not to perform keratectomy

Effects of Autohemotherapy on Hematologic Parameters and Morphology of Canine Oral Papillomatosis

Background: Several treatments for oral papillomatosis in dogs, with satisfactory results, have already been described in the literature. However, there is need for further studies regarding remission time, association and exposure to drugs, side effects, cost-effectiveness and reproducibility of results. Autohemotherapy (AHT) is a therapeutic technique increasingly used in veterinary medicine that has been providing satisfactory clinical results to treat several pathologies. The procedure consists of removing blood by intravenous puncture that is immediately re-administered via intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous or intradermal. Although the empirical isolated use via intramuscular reached excellent results in routine medical treatment of dogs and since few studies and protocols have been described for this species, many times the treatment is based on the experience with the bovine papillomatosis. To this end, this report describes a case of canine oral papillomatosis treated with autohemotherapy (AHT), emphasizing the dosage and clinical evolution of the case.Case: A one-year-old mongrel dog rescued from the street eight months earlier was treated. The animal was thin resulting from the small food amount ingested due to feeding difficulty, infested with ticks, had bad breath and few small warts on the lips, which, after five months, grew and multiplied, and were distributed throughout the oral cavity. The animal clinical history led to papillomatosis diagnosis, which was confirmed by cytological and histopathological exams. The AHT treatment consisted of taking 5 mL of whole blood without EDTA and immediately injecting this volume intramuscularly, every four days until the total remission of the clinical symptoms. Every four days, the papilloma fall off, and involution processes were recorded through a detailed macroscopic analysis of the warts (quantity, consistency, color and size), as well as hematological evaluations (blood count, hemoparasite screening and total plasm protein), which were performed before each AHT treatment until the complete clinical resolution of the disease (24 days).Discussion: The dose adopted in this autohemotherapy study was clinically effective since the papillomas started to fall off after four days of therapy, with total resolution in 24 days. Therefore, it can be concluded that the 5 mL AHT injected intramuscularly every four days reduced treatment time and decreased therapeutic costs. There are few studies evaluating more accurately the hematological aspects related to the therapeutic use of autohemotherapy to treat canine oral papillomatosis, the existing reports are restricted to the initial measurement as an evaluation of the general condition of the patient and/or diagnosis of possible basal diseases. In this study, no changes were observed in the blood count during the entire therapeutic process, demonstrating that the AHT did not interfere in the red series dynamics of the treated animal. Additionally, thrombocytosis followed by thrombocytopenia exhibited a correlation with the macroscopic appearance of warts [enlargement and modified color, texture, shape and consistency]. This observation is possibly related to a platelet mobilization toward the site of action [warts], so that there was a modulation in the immune response, amplifying the inflammatory process and tissue repair, which resulted in the fall off and involution of the papillomas

Primary Kidney Lymphoma in a Dog

Background: Lymphoma is a malignant lymphoid tumor originating in the lymph nodes or other solid organs and comprises 90% of all hematopoietic tumors in dogs. However, primary renal lymphoma is rare and is associated with nonspecific clinical signs. Tumor invasion in both kidneys can cause severe clinical signs due to renal failure, complicating the patient's treatment and prognosis. The aim of this case was to report the case of a dog affected by bilateral primary renal lymphoma. In addition, to characterize the clinical and histopathological presentation due to the intense morphological changes. Case:  A 5-year-old male Poodle canine was admitted showing apathy and emesis for 5 days. On physical examination, the dog showed 10% of dehydration, reddish oral mucous membranes, poor body condition (score 1/5), uremic breath, and pain in the kidney area. Complementary tests revealed severe low white blood cells count, high BUN levels, high levels of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus (serum biochemistry). Abdominal ultrasound showed bilateral kidney enlargement. Fine needle aspiration of the mass (guided by ultrasound) revealed round cell tumor. Radiographs showed no alterations. The dog died due to his poor condition and necropsy was performed. On post-mortem examination, the kidneys were both enlarged, pale, and with an irregular subcapsular surface. The histopathological diagnostic was primary renal lymphoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that neoplastic cells were strongly positive for anti CD20 and PAX5, while negative for CD3, supporting the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on clinical, complementary tests, fine needle aspiration, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. In dogs, primary kidney tumors are uncommon and usually malignant. The presence of vomiting, uremic breath, dehydration, weight loss, and erosive and ulcerative lesions on the tongue (uremic glossitis) are clinical signs of chronic renal failure, and this condition was later confirmed by laboratory tests and histopathological findings. Dogs diagnosed with extra-nodal renal lymphoma, present clinical signs such as polydipsia, polyuria, vomiting, and uremic breath in some cases. These changes are compatible with changes observed in cases of renal failure. In this case, the severe azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperkalemia were due to the neoplastic infiltration in both kidneys. Additionally, the abdominal ultrasound revealed the tumor in both kidneys. Almost 38% of dogs with renal lymphoma presented in urine evaluation normal urine density and a large amount of protein in the urine, similar to those observed in this dog. When the lesions are on both kidneys, kidney failure develops and uremic extra-renal lesions appear, as observed in this case. The prevalence of primary kidney tumors in domestic animals corresponds to less than 1% of the total of the tumors reported, and they are usually in one kidney. In dogs, almost 60 - 70% of lymphomas are B cells, 30 - 40% are T cells, and less than 1% are null cells. B-cell lymphomas usually show less aggressive behavior when compared to T-cell lymphomas. Kidney lymphoma can be included as an important cause of kidney failure, and has slow and progressive development, making early diagnosis and treatment difficult. Keywords: dog disease, lymphoproliferative disorder, renal neoplasm, uremia. Título: Linfoma renal primário em cãoDescritores: doença de cão, distúrbio linfoproliferativo, neoplasma renal, uremia.

Multicentric Squamous Cell Carcinoma with the Involvement of the Ocular Annexes in a Dog

Background: The cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is considered to be a frequent neoplasm in dogs, however, its origin in ocular annexes, especially in relation to the conjuctival location, is a rare finding in dogs. Therefore, it was aimed to report the occurrence of a multicentric SCC, with the involvement of ocular annexes in a dog, emphasizing its clinical characteristics and histopathological findings.Case: A 6-year-old non-castrated white-coated Pitbull dog was attended, with a history of increased volume and bloody secretion in the left eye, with an evolution of approximately six months. By means of general physical examination, ulcerated lesions in the foreskin and scrotum were found. During the ophthalmologic examination was identified an extensive and irregular exophytic mass, of a reddish color and with a cauliflower-like appearance, located in the inferior bulbar conjunctiva and third eyelid of the left eye, accompanied by a large quantity of piosanguinolenta secretion, mainly during manipulation. Other alterations were observed, such as, meibomitis, conjuctival hyperemia, hypopyon, corneal edema and loss of sight. In the right eye, the only alteration found was conjunctival hyperemia. The hemograma revealed discreet anemia; the serum biochemical profile was inside the normal range and there was no evidence of metastasis in the imaging examinations. The animal was submitted to the incisional biopsy of the lesions for histopathological analysis, which revealed a proliferation of neoplastic epithelial cells, highly pleomorphic, composed of eosinophilic cytoplasm, which varied from scarce to moderate, of indistinct borders, with a large nucleus and loose chromatin and large and evident nucleolus, compatible with SCC, enabling, also, the classification as multicentric due to the multiple localizations. Additionally, associated to the conjunctival tumor, there was necrosis and mixed inflammatory infiltration; in the scrotum and conjunctiva, the cells presented more accentuated pleomorphism, with the presence of dyskeratosis and little formation of keratin pearls; however in the prepuce, there was abundant formation of keratin pearls in the midst of the tumor. In the immunohistochemical analysis, the neoplastic cells demonstrated strong and uniform cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for pancytokeratin. It was recommended the exenteration of the left eye followed by the introduction of acrylic resin intraorbital implant, together with the resection of the neoplasm from the scrotum and foreskin, associated with cryotherapy. However, the owner was reluctant to the proposed treatment and opted for the euthanasia of the animal, not consenting to the performance of the necropsy.Discussion: The etiological factors related to the development of the SCCs, especially concerning those of the ocular and periocular region, in dogs and cats, are still not well defined. However, the overexposure to the ultraviolet radiation has been pointed as the main etiological factor, especially in tropical and high-altitude regions. Indeed, the characteristics of the region in which the animal resided, associated to its way of life and its phenotypical characteristics suggested that the chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation would be the most plausible cause related to the emergence of the multicentric SCC of this case. Thus, it is suggested that, while the physiopathology of the neoplasm has still yet not been elucidated, it must be avoided that the dogs, with these characteristics, expose themselves too much to solar radiation.

Anesthesia of Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) with Dextroketamine and Midazolam

 Background: Research has increasingly focused on wild animals, and this requires the use of chemical restraints that are safe for both the species and the team involved. Dextroketamine is the levorotatory ketamine isomer that has been used on domestic species as an alternative that is more potent and safer than the racemic form. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that induces muscle relaxation and minimal cardiorespiratory changes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a combination of dextroketamine and midazolam can be safely used for the chemical restraint of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha), and the effects of this protocol on physiological and anesthetic parameters. Materials, Methods & Results: This study was carried out under conditions similar to those found for wild animals in captivity or in zoos. A pre-evaluation was also made to compare the baseline values of this study with those of other studies on the same species. Nine healthy adult agoutis were used, weighing between 1.5 kg and 2 kg. All the parameters were evaluated and recorded before the drugs were applied, and this was considered the baseline moment (M0). The dextroketamine and midazolam combination was then administered intramuscularly, in the same syringe, in dosages of 15 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively. Successive evaluations were made every 10 min over a period of 40 min (M10, M20, M30 and M40). The latency stage of anesthesia, effective stage and recovery stage were observed. Heart rate (HR) and breathing frequency (f), body temperature (BT), systolic blood pressure (SBP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and electrocardiogram were recorded. HR and SBP showed no significant difference between moments. Breathing frequency (f) showed a significant decline at M10 and M20 when compared to baseline values (P < 0.05). BT decreased from the moment the drugs were administered until the end of the experimental period, with a significant difference between M0 and M40, and M10 and M40 (P < 0.05). SpO2 decreased significantly at M10 and M20 when compared to baseline values (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the duration and amplitude of the P wave or in the duration of the QRS complex, QT interval and amplitude of the R wave. Regarding the PR interval, there was a significant difference only at M40 when compared to baseline values (P < 0.05). No arrhythmia was observed. An evaluation of the effects of anesthesia indicated that the animals had an average latency stage of 2 min, an effective stage of 87 min, and an average recovery stage of 111 min. Adverse effects observed during the anesthetic recovery period consisted of tearing, salivation, tongue protrusion, vocalization and chewing reflex. Discussion: The results indicated that the association of anesthetic drugs under study caused minimal changes in the animals’ physiological parameters, except for the breathing frequency (f), which declined considerably, resulting in a reduction in SpO2, which was compensated during the study. In addition, there was a rapid onset of restraint and a satisfactory duration. Thus, from the cardiorespiratory standpoint, the combination of dextroketamine and midazolam in the doses used provides a safe anesthetic protocol for agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) and can be used for the chemical restraint of these animals for the performance of non-invasive and short-term procedures

Correlação da pressão arterial e da pressão intraocular em cães hígidos atendidos no hospital veterinário da UFCG / Correlation of blood pressure and intraocular pressure in healthy dogs attended at UFCG veterinary hospital

A mensuração da pressão arterial (PA) e da pressão intraocular (PIO) é um método diagnóstico para a clínica médica veterinária, visto que pode informar a condição geral do animal. Objetivou-se com a pesquisa avaliar a pressão arterial sistólica, diastólica e média e pressão intraocular em cães sem histórico clínico de doenças cardíacas pré-existentes afim de identificar os parâmetros de normalidades e a manifestação de hipertensão arterial silenciosa, correlacionando os valores da PA com os da PIO de cães sadios. Utilizou-se onze cães hígidos, divididos em grupo jovem (GJ - idade de 1,3+0,46 anos) e grupo adulto (GA - idade de 4,2+3,49 anos), atendidos no Hospital Veterinário – UFCG. Os cães foram submetidos a mensuração dos parâmetros fisiológicos (frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória (FR) e temperatura corporal), análise oftalmológica (teste de ameaça, reflexo pupilar, coloroção das mucosas e macroscopia ocular), avaliação laboratorial (hematócrito, bioquímica sérica e eletrolítica), aferição da PA (aparelho de pressão portátil HDO®) e da PIO (tonômetro portátil de aplanação Tono-Pen XL®) e o teste lacrimal de Schirmer. Os valores da FR dos animais dos GJ e GA revelaram que os cães apresentaram taquipneia e discreta hipertensão justificado pela contensão física. As concentrações de ureia e creatinina demontraram-se dentro da normalidade; não se registrou alteraçãos da pressão intra-ocular. Conclui-se que não há correlação entre valores da pressão arterial e pressão intraocular, visto que, ao se detectar discreta hipertensão sanguínea este mecanismo fisiológico não interferiu na irrigação ocular, mantendo pressão constante nos olhos dentro dos parâmetros referenciados para cães hígidos

Influência do período de colheita na qualidade do cacau da Indicação Geográfica Sul da Bahia/ Influence of the harvest period on cocoa quality of the Southern Bahia Geographical Indication

Em abril de 2018 foi reconhecida pelo INPI a Indicação Geográfica Sul da Bahia de amêndoas de cacau, instrumento legal de reconhecimento das regiões que se destacam por produtos singulares de qualidade diferenciada. O presente estudo procurou avaliar os níveis de qualidade das amêndoas de cacau produzidas na delimitação da IG Sul da Bahia em diferentes épocas de colheita. Foram observados resultados de análises laboratoriais de cacau, feitas no Centro de Inovação do Cacau – CIC/PCTSB, seguindo-se procedimentos internacionais (ISO 2451/2014).  A caracterização do grau qualidade do cacau teve como base o padrão da IG Sul da Bahia. Foram utilizados 42 laudos completos de 7 propriedades produtoras de cacau com qualidade superior/IG Sul da Bahia em 6 diferentes municípios da área de estudo, sendo avaliados 11 atributos de qualidade nas análises. O Peso médio da amêndoa (PMA), percentual de Amêndoas Achatadas (ACH), percentual de Amêndoas com Mofo interno (MI), Índice Total de Defeitos (IDT), percentual de Amêndoas Parcialmente fermentadas (PF), percentual de Amêndoas Marrons (M) percentual de Amêndoas Brancas sem fissura (BSF), e PH não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os períodos de colheita estudados, já o percentual de Amêndoas Brancas compartimentadas (BC), Índice de Fermentação (IF) e percentual de Amêndoas Brancas totais (BT) apresentaram diferença significativa entre si nos dois períodos estudados. Concluiu-se que a Indicação Geográfica Sul da Bahia contribui de forma positiva com a manutenção do padrão de qualidade superior do cacau produzido nos diferentes períodos de colheita e na safra temporã observou-se maiores valores no percentual de Amêndoas Brancas totais (BT), este fato contribui para futuros estudos de embasamento técnico visando a solicitação de uma Denominação de Origem (DO) Sul da Bahia.