Onychomycosis caused by Malassezia pachydermatis in a dog

Background: Malassezia species are commensal skin organisms of warm-blooded vertebrates that can act as opportunistic pathogens. Malassezia pachydermatis is of importance in both veterinary and human medicine. Recognised initially as causes of infection of the skin, they are now known to be superficial commensals as well as potential causes of infections in domestic animals and more serious human conditions such as fungemia. They have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic and other inflammatory diseases. Onychomycosis is defined as fungal infection of the claw (nail disease) caused by dermatophytes (Microsporum and Trichophyton genus), non-dermatophyte molds (hyaline and dematiaceous) and/or yeasts. The objective of this work was to report a case of canine onychomycosis by Malassezia pachydermatis based on reference standard diagnostics of this pathology. Case: A 9-year-old male West Highland White Terrier presented history of claw abnormality: brown staining and partly brittle. The dog has no apparent history of trauma on the affected claw and no skin disease was reported. Direct examination of claw was performed using the tape strip technique revealed Malassezia organisms. Nail fragments were cultured onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with Chloramphenicol and Cycloheximide. After 10 days of incubation (32ºC) nail fragments allowed the isolation of pure colonies of Malassezia pachydermatis. The histopathological evaluation was performed by Sector of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET/UFRGS) and fungal infection due to Malassezia pachydermatis was confirmed by histopathologic examination (Hematoxylin and eosin and Grocott’s methenamine silver stain) of the nail, that revealed abundant yeasts (blastoconidia). Discussion: Fungal infection of the skin, hair and nails are common and are primary caused by the dermatophyte molds. Non-dermatophyte molds isolated from nails constitute a long list, but only a few species cause onychomycoses. These include Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Fusarium sp., Acremonium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. Yeasts like Malassezia and Candida spp. usually are saprobics and usually represent incidental contaminants associated with a non-sterile specimen at mycological culture, however in some cases they may parasite the nails and become an etiological agent of the disease. M. pachydermatis, normally present on the skin and in the ear canal of dogs and cats, can act as opportunistic pathogenic microbe and frequently causes dermatitis and otitis in mammals. In the case of onychomycosis, there is little evidence that Malassezia yeasts are implicated in nail plate invasion, although this may be a rare occurrence. All species of the genus are obligatory lipid-dependent forms, with the exception of M. pachydermatis, as well as absence of keratinolytic ability. Malassezia organisms were commonly retrieved from the subungual claw fold region of normal healthy dogs (should be considered resident microflora of the normal canine claw fold). Some authors suggests that high numbers of yeast can be detected on cytological evaluation of the skin surface of the canine claw fold from allergic dogs in both the absence and presence of concurrent signs of pruritus and paronychia

Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos dos acidentes ofídicos botrópicos em cães

Snakebites are included in the group of emergencies for domestic animals, and these consultations demand technical knowledge as well as careful clinical evaluation of patients. Because of the importance of this theme and the higher prevalence of snakebites caused by snakes of the genus Bothrops in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, this study aimed to address the epidemiological and clinical aspects of these accidents in dogs in the state, in addition to establishing their incidence. Clinical records of dogs, with a diagnosis of ophidian bothropic accident, assisted at the Toxicological Information Center of Rio Grande do Sul (CIT-RS) were revised from 2014 to 2016. These data were collected at the Toxicological Information Center, Statistics and Evaluation Center, State Secretary of Health. Data on the incidence of accidents and epidemiological and clinical information were obtained for each case. A total of 53 records were revised. In the records that included animal sex (n=49), 53% were female and 46.9% were male. As for animal age (n=47), the dogs ranged from one to 14 years, and most of them (46.9%) were in the 1-4-year age group. Over half of the cases occurred in the rural area (60.7%), and the head and neck were the main venom inoculation sites (76.3%). Diseases were characterized by clinical courses varying from hyperacute (<30 min to 6h), acute (6-24h), to subacute (4-5 days). Severe accidents accounted for 40% of the cases, with edema as the most frequent clinical sign (88.7%) followed by hemorrhagic manifestations (41.5%). Associations of epidemiological and clinical aspects coupled with history of exposure are important characteristics to assist with suspicion and definitive diagnosis of bothropic accidents in dogs.Os acidentes ofídicos se enquadram no grupo de emergências para animais domésticos e esses atendimentos demandam conhecimento técnico, aliado a uma criteriosa avaliação clínica do paciente. Devido à importância do tema e a maior frequência de acidentes ofídicos provocados por serpentes do gênero Bothrops no Rio Grande do Sul, esse estudo teve como objetivo abordar os aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos desses acidentes em cães nesse estado, além de estabelecer a frequência em que ocorrem. Foram revisados os protocolos de atendimentos clínicos de cães realizados pelo Centro de Informações Toxicológicas do Rio Grande do Sul (CIT-RS) com diagnóstico de acidente ofídico botrópico, entre o período de 2014 e 2016. Esses dados fazem parte do Centro de informação Toxicológica, Secretaria da Saúde, RS, Núcleo de Estatística e Avaliação. Foram obtidos dados relacionados à frequência dos acidentes e informações referentes à epidemiologia e à clínica de cada caso. Totalizaram-se 53 registros de atendimentos. Dos protocolos que informaram o sexo (n=49), 53% corresponderam a fêmeas e 46,9%, a machos. Em relação à idade (n=47), houve uma variação entre um e 14 anos, com maior concentração dos casos entre 1-4 anos (46,9%). Mais da metade dos atendimentos ocorreu em zona rural (60,7%) e a cabeça e o pescoço foram os principais locais de inoculação do veneno botrópico (76,3%). Observou-se uma doença com um curso que variou de hiperagudo (<30 min à 6h), agudo (6-24h) a subagudo (4-5 dias). Acidentes graves representaram 40% dos casos, no qual edema foi o sinal clínico mais frequente (88,7%), seguido por manifestações hemorrágicas (41,5%). A associação dos aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos, aliados ao histórico de exposição, constituem características importantes que auxiliam na suspeita e no diagnóstico definitivo do acidente botrópico em animais

Spontaneous poisoning by Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) in goats

Hepatotoxic plants are important cause of economical losses in farm animals in Brazil. This report concerns an outbreak of acute hepatic toxicosis, in which seven goats died after consumption of green leaves from a felled Trema micrantha tree. Two of these animals were necropsied and several tissues were processed for histological examination. Main histological finding was observed in the liver that showed centrilobular to massive necrosis consistent with an acute hepatic toxicosis. The overall picture was similar to those described in experimentally induced T. micrantha poisoning of goats. No additional known hepatotoxic plant was found in the paddock where the goats had been kept

Intestinal obstruction due to massive fat necrosis (lipomatosis) in a Jersey cow

Uma fêmea da raça Jersey com 9 anos de idade apresentou cólicas e dificuldade de defecação progressiva que evoluiu até completa obstrução intestinal. O animal morreu uma semana após uma tentativa infrutífera de corrigir cirurgicamente a obstrução. Na necropsia, as alças intestinais estavam distendidas por acúmulo de cont aeúdo fecal e havia massas de gordura necrótica circundando o segmento final do intestino. Os achados histológicos foram necrose da gordura associada à fibrose intersticial, inflamação crônica com células gigantes tipo corpo estranho, fendas de colesterol e mineralização. __________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTA 9 year-old Jersey cow showed a clinical picture that initiated with colic, small amounts of feces, and progressed to the complete obstruction of the intestinal passage. The cow died one week after an unsuccessful cirurgic attempt to correct obstruction. At necropsy, the intestinal loops were distended by content accumulation and there were masses of necrotic fat surrounding the final segment of the intestine. The histological findings were fatty necrosis associated with interstitial fibrosis, chronic inflammation with foreign body type giant cells, cholesterol clefts and mineralization

Causas de morte de matrizes suínas em três granjas brasileiras

Sow mortality is directly related to financial losses and productive efficiency in pig farms. Despite this, diseases associated with the death of sows are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the main causes of death of sows in Brazilian pig farms. To perform this research, three Brazilian pig farms were visited, and necropsies were performed on all sows that had died spontaneously or were subjected to euthanasia. Tissue fragments were collected for histopathological and bacteriological examination. In addition, the clinical signs, productive stage, parity, and type of death (spontaneous or euthanasia) were recorded. A total of 138 necropsies were performed, and 132 had a conclusive diagnosis. The most frequent productive stages were gestation and lactation (33.3 and 31.9%, respectively), followed by parturient sows (17.4%), cull sows (9.4%), weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) (4.3%), and unmated gilts (3.6%). The most affected organ systems were reproductive (28%), digestive (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9.1%), and hematopoietic (6.1%). The most frequently diagnosed conditions were uterine prolapse (16/132; 12.1%), gastric ulcer (13/132; 9.8%), suppurative arthritis (11/132; 8.3%), liver lobe torsion (11/132; 8.3%), heart failure (9/132; 6.8%), vaginal or vaginal and rectal prolapse (9/132; 6.8%), and pododermatitis (8/132; 6.1%). Although 58.2% of the deaths were due to one of these seven diseases, there was a great variability in diagnoses.A mortalidade de porcas está diretamente relacionada a perdas financeiras e à eficiência produtiva das granjas. Apesar disso, as doenças associadas à morte de porcas são pouco conhecidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as principais causas de morte de porcas em granjas suinícolas brasileiras. Para a realização desta pesquisa, três granjas brasileiras foram visitadas e necropsias foram realizadas em todas as porcas que morreram espontaneamente ou foram submetidas à eutanásia. Fragmentos de tecidos foram coletados para exame histopatológico e bacteriológico. Além disso, foram registrados os sinais clínicos, estágio reprodutivo, ordem de parto e tipo de morte (espontânea ou eutanásia). Um total de 138 necropsias foram realizadas e 132 tiveram um diagnóstico conclusivo. Os estágios produtivos mais frequentes foram gestação e lactação (33,3 e 31,9%, respectivamente), seguidos por porcas parturientes (17,4%), porcas de descarte (9,4%), intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) (4,3%) e leitoas vazias (3,6%). Os sistemas orgânicos mais afetados foram reprodutor (28%), digestivo (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9,1%) e hematopoiético (6,1%). As condições mais frequentemente diagnosticadas foram prolapso uterino (16/132; 12,1%), úlcera gástrica (13/132; 9,8%), artrite supurativa (11/132; 8,3%), torção do lobo hepático (11/132; 8,3%), insuficiência cardíaca (9/132; 6,8%), prolapso vaginal ou prolapso vaginal e retal (9/132; 6,8%) e pododermatite (8/132; 6,1%). Embora 58,2% dos óbitos tenham ocorrido por uma dessas sete doenças, houve grande variabilidade de diagnósticos

Rinosporidiose em equinos

Rhinosporidiosis is a disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic protist of the class Mesomycetozoa. It primarily affects the nasal mucosa and transmission is associated with contaminated water contact. This report describes seven cases of rhinosporidiosis in horses in Rio Grande do Sul covering the period of 13 years. The disease predominantly affected Crioulo and thoroughbred horses. No apparent gender predisposition occurs, and age ranged from two to 25 years, with a median of 10 years. The gross aspects were characterized by unilateral (85.7%, 6/7) or bilateral (14.3%, 1/7) polyps. These were soft to friable, whitish to pink, cauliflower-like, with an irregular, sometimes ulcerated surface, measuring 2.5 to 6.0cm in diameter. There was a severe inflammatory infiltrate of the submucosa was observed, associated with moderate proliferation of the epithelium, and numerous rounded structures were identified compatible with sporangia of R. seeberi. Rhinosporidiosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of other conditions affecting the respiratory tract of horses, and it is important to perform histopathology for diagnosis.A rinosporidiose é uma doença causada por Rhinosporidium seeberi, protista aquático da classe Mesomycetozoa. Acomete principalmente a mucosa nasal e a transmissão está associada ao contato com água contaminada. Este trabalho descreve sete casos de rinosporidiose em equinos no Rio Grande do Sul em um período de 13 anos. A doença afetou predominantemente cavalos de raça, como Crioulo e Puro Sangue Inglês, sem predisposição sexual evidente e a idade variou de dois a 25 anos, com a mediana de 10 anos. Macroscopicamente foram caracterizadas por pólipos unilaterais (85,7%; 6/7) ou bilaterais (14,3%; 1/7). Os pólipos eram macios a friáveis, esbranquiçados a róseos, com aspecto de couve flor e com superfície irregular, por vezes ulcerada, medindo 2,5 a 6,0cm de diâmetro. Havia infiltrado inflamatório piogranulomatoso acentuado na submucosa associado à moderada proliferação do epitélio e numerosas estruturas arredondadas compatíveis com esporângios de R. seeberi. A rinosporidiose deve ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial de outras patologias que acometem o trato respiratório de equinos, sendo importante a realização da histopatologia para diagnóstico

Aspectos clínicos e patológicos de linfoma bovino afetando a medula espinhal

Clinical and pathological features of bovine lymphoma involving the spinal cord were evaluated through a retrospective study of the necropsy database from 2005 to 2017. Thirty-four cases of bovine lymphoma were found, 24 of which had central nervous system involvement restricted to the spinal cord. All cattle were Holstein cows 2.5-12 years-old (median age, six years-old). The clinical course was 7-21 days, and the main neurological sign was pelvic limb paresis (81.8%). The lymphoma often affected the spinal cord in a multifocal manner. Lumbar segments were the mostly affected sites (23/24), followed by the sacral segments and cauda equina (20/24), cervical (5/24) and thoracic (5/24) segments. Tumors were in the epidural space, peripheral to the pachymeninges (extradural) and between layers of adipose tissue. In addition, two cases had progressive hemorrhagic myelomalacia. Further organs affected included the lymph nodes (100%), abomasum (79.2%), heart (75%) and kidneys (45.8%). Microscopically, all lymphomas had a diffuse pattern, with no meningeal or medullar infiltration. According to the REAL/WHO classification, all these neoplasms were mature B-cell lymphomas. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was observed in 95.8% (23/24) of the cases. The following subtypes were observed in the DLBCL group in descending order: immunoblastic (60.9%, 14/23), centroblastic (26.1%, 6/23), anaplastic (8.7%, 2/23) and T-cell rich (4.3%, 1/23).Os aspectos clínicos e patológicos do linfoma bovino afetando a medula espinhal foram avaliados através de um estudo retrospectivo dos protocolos de necropsia durante o período de 2005-2017. De um total de 34 bovinos com linfoma, 24 apresentaram afecção do sistema nervoso central (SNC) restrito a medula espinhal. Todos os bovinos afetados eram fêmeas, da raça Holandesa, com 2,5 a 12 anos de idade (idade mediana de seis anos). Clinicamente, os casos tiveram uma evolução de sete a 21 dias, com a principal alteração neurológica caracterizada por paresia de membros pélvicos, a qual foi observada em 81,8% dos casos. O linfoma afetou frequentemente a medula espinhal de maneira multifocal. Os segmentos lombares foram os mais envolvidos (23/24), seguidos pelos sacrais e cauda equina (20/24), cervicais (5/24) e torácicos (5/24). Os tumores estavam localizados no espaço epidural, periférica à paquimeninge (extradural) e associada ao tecido adiposo. Em dois casos foi também observada mielomalacia hemorrágica progressiva. Os órgãos acometidos com maior frequência, concomitantemente ao espaço epidural, foram os linfonodos (100%), abomaso (79,2%), coração (75%) e rins (45,8%). Microscopicamente, todos os linfomas exibiam um padrão difuso, sem infiltração em meninges e medula espinhal (extradural). De acordo com a classificação da REAL/WHO, todos esses neoplasmas foram incluídos como linfomas de células B maduras. O linfoma difuso de grandes células B (LDGCB) foi observado em 95,8% (23/24) dos casos. Os subtipos classificados dentro do grupo dos LDGCB’s foram em ordem decrescente: imunoblástico (60,9%; 14/23), centroblástico (26,1%; 6/23), anaplásico (8,7%; 2/23), e rico em células T (4,3%; 1/23)

Eyelid Apocrine Hidrocystomas in a Cat

Background: Eyelid apocrine hidrocystoma (AH) is a benign cystic lesion originating from the glands of Moll. These eyelid lesions are rare in cats and there are few cases reported in the literature. The aetiopathogenesis of AH is unknown and the lesion has been interpreted either as proliferative adenomatous tumour or as retention cyst. Defnitive diagnosisrequires biopsy with microscopic examination. Treatment options for eyelid AH include surgical excision, drainage through aspiration, cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen and chemical ablation. The aim is to report a case of bilateral multiple AH of the eyelids in a cat that was successfully treated with surgical excision.Case: A 5-year-old male Himalayan cat was referred to the Ophthalmology Section in the Veterinary Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil with a history of pigmented masses in both eyes that had been progressively enlarging over a 1-year period. Ophthalmic examination revealed two cysts on themedial canthus at the eyelid margin in both eyes. In the left eye was observed mild blepharospasm and lacrimation. Cysts were soft, smooth, round and flled with a dark brownish pigment. The remainder of the ophthalmic examination was unremarkable. Surgical excision of the cysts was indicated with a safety margin. The surgical procedure was performedunder inhalation anaesthesia using an operating microscope. A V-shaped, full-thickness excision of the eyelid containing the cyst was performed. The eyelids were closed with two layers of sutures. No complications were noted during surgery. Microscopic examination revealed cystic dilatation of the sweat glands with a large amount of eosinophilic secretion. EyelidAH was diagnosed based on the results to confrm the diagnosis. The cat recovered and was discharged the following day. The postoperative treatment involved the administration of tramadol (2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) daily for 3 days. After surgery, the cat had no signs of ocular discomfort. After three years, no recurrence has been observed.Discussion: AH is a benign tumour derived from Moll’s glands. The exact aetiology of AH is unknown. A breed-specifc predisposition among Persian cats has been suggested. In the present case, the ophthalmic examination revealed periocular masses brownish to black, round, soft, and fluid-flled. Multiple pigmented nodules involving the skin of the lower eyelids were observed. In the current case, the cat was of the Himalayan breed and was 5 years old with multiple AH in both eyelids. In terms of clinical features, this case was similar to previous ones reporting eyelid AH in cats. Normally, a defnitive diagnosis is confrmed through histopathology after excisional biopsy. In the current case, diagnose was made on the basis of the clinical fndings, history, and results of histological examination. Treatment options for eyelid AH include surgical excision, aspiration, cryosurgery and chemical ablation with trichloroacetic acid. Surgical removal of the cysts was performed in the current case. Histopathologic examination revealed cystic dilatation of the sweat gland with large amount of eosinophilic secretion. The sutures were removed one week after surgery. Periodic evaluations were conducted and there were no signs of recurrence after three years. In the present case, surgical excision was effective in the treatment of eyelid AH in a cat.Keywords: lid, cystic adenomas, feline

Aspectos anatomopatológicos e o uso da imuno-histoquímica em suínos abatidos com lesões cutâneas de erisipela

Swine erysipelas is a disease of worldwide distribution, responsible for causing economic losses in swine and considered an occupational zoonotic disease. It is estimated that 30% to 50% of pigs are carriers and stress can predispose the appearance of clinical disease. The diagnosis of erysipelas in slaughter pigs becomes a challenge for pathologists, since scalding and dehairing, routine procedures in slaughterhouses, generate histological artifacts that often make the final diagnosis impossible. This study describes the anatomopathological aspects and evaluate the use of immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic tool in these cases. Forty-three cases of erysipelas in slaughter pigs were analyzed. Grossly, the cutaneous lesions were characteristic pink, red, or purple raised rhomboid, rectangular or square lesions (“diamond skin”). Histologically, in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, there were suppurative vasculitis, hidradenitis and folliculitis, as well as degeneration and necrosis of the vessel wall, thrombosis and multifocal areas of necrosis. Suppurative vasculitis and damage to the blood vessel wall were observed in all cases, with varying degrees of severity. The immunohistochemical technique proved to be an effective complementary method of diagnosis, with positive immunostaining in 93%. In most cases, we observed mild immunostaining (57.5%), moderate in 22.5% and marked in 20%.A erisipela suína é uma doença de distribuição mundial, responsável por causar prejuízos econômicos na suinocultura, além de ser uma doença zoonótica com caráter ocupacional. Estima-se que 30%-50% dos suínos sejam portadores e fatores estressantes podem predispor o aparecimento da doença clínica. O diagnóstico de erisipela em suínos de abate torna-se um desafio aos patologistas, uma vez que os processos de escaldagem e depila, rotineiros em abatedouros frigoríficos, geram artefatos histológicos que muitas vezes impossibilitam o diagnóstico final. Este trabalho descreve os aspectos anatomopatológicos e avalia o uso da imuno-histoquímica como uma ferramenta diagnóstica nestes casos. Foram analisados fragmentos de pele de 43 casos de erisipela em suínos de abate. Macroscopicamente, eram múltiplas lesões cutâneas romboides, retangulares ou quadradas rosa, vermelho ou roxo característicos (“pele de diamante”). Histologicamente, na derme e subcutâneo, havia vasculite, hidradenite e foliculite supurativas, bem como degeneração e necrose da parede de vasos, trombose e áreas de necrose multifocais. A vasculite supurativa e a lesão na parede de vasos sanguíneos foram observadas em todos os casos, em diferentes graus de severidade. A técnica imuno-histoquímica se mostrou um eficaz método complementar de diagnóstico, com imunomarcação positiva em 93%. Na maior parte dos casos observamos marcação discreta (57,5%), moderada em 22,5% e acentuada em 20%