Caracterização patológica e bacteriológica de lesões articulares em suínos

Lesões articulares em suínos são frequentes e geralmente relacionadas a perdas econômicas para produtores e abatedouros. Artrites podem estar associadas a causas infecciosas e não infecciosas. Entre as artrite os agentes infecciosos mais comuns estão Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Streptococcus suis, Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis, Mycoplasma hyorhinis e Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, enquanto a osteocondrose é a causa não infecciosa mais importante em suínos. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a caracterização patológica e microbiológica de lesões articulares em suínos. As coletas foram efetuadas em dois frigoríficos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Um total de 8.808 suínos de 34 lotes foram examinados macroscopicamente durante o período do estudo. Cento e cinco lesões articulares foram coletadas, o que representou 1,19% dos suínos abatidos durante o período. As articulações femorotibiais direita e esquerda somadas foram as mais comumente envolvidas (39,04%), seguidas pelas articulações femorotibial direita (21,90%) e femorotibial esquerda (17,14%). Na microscopia, as lesões foram classificadas morfologicamente em sinovite linfoplasmocitica proliferativa (79,04%), sinovite associada com osteocondrose (12,38%) e sinovite fibrinonecrótica e supurativa (8,57%). Exame bacteriológico aeróbico foi realizado em todas as amostras coletadas. No entanto, o isolamento bacteriano foi raro e apenas 3,80% das amostras apresentaram crescimento com os métodos utilizados. As bactérias identificadas foram Streptococcus suis (1,90%), Streptococcus porcinus (0,95%) e Trueperella pyogenes (0,95%). No restante dos casos (96,19%), nenhum crescimento bacteriano significativo foi detectado. Portanto, o exame dos componentes articulares fornece informações sobre a natureza da lesão, diferenciando processos infecciosos de não-infecciosos. O exame de todas as articulações é importante para o diagnóstico mais preciso, bem como recomenda-se examinar mais de uma articulação quando a lesão macroscópica for evidenciada. O padrão histológico caracterizado como sinovite proliferativa linfoplasmacítica foi o mais frequentemente observado e análises moleculares são necessárias para definir a etiologia dessa lesão.Joint injuries in swine are common and frequently related to economic losses for producers and meat industry. Arthritis may derive from infectious and non-infectious process. Among the most common infectious agents are Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Streptococcus suis, Glaesserella parasuis (Haemophilus) parasuis, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, and Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, while osteochondrosis is the non-infectious cause more important to swine. The objective of this study was to perform a pathological and microbiological characterization of articular lesions in swine. Articular lesions were collected in two slaughterhouses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A total of 8,808 pigs out of 34 batches were examined during the study period. One hundred five joint injuries were collected, which represented 1.19% of the amount of slaughtered pigs during the study period. The right and left femorotibial joints alongside were the most affected articulations (39.04%), followed by right femorotibial (21.90%), and left femorotibial joint with (17.14%). The lesions observed were classified according to their morphology as lymphoplasmacytic proliferative synovitis (79.04%), synovitis associated with osteochondrosis (12.38%), and fibrinonecrotic and suppurative synovitis (8.57%). Aerobic bacterial culture was performed in all samples collected. However, bacterial isolation was rare and only 3.80% (4/105) samples showed growth with the methods used. The bacteria isolated were Streptococcus suis (1.90%), Streptococcus porcinus (0.95%), and Trueperella pyogenes (0.95%). In the rest of the cases (96.19%), no significant bacterial growth or no bacterial growth was noticed. Therefore, the examination of the articular structures provides insights into the nature of the lesion, differentiating between infectious and non-infectious lesions. Besides, the examination of all joints may be necessary to diagnosis more precisely. It is recommended to evaluate all joints when macroscopic alteration is found noticed in one. The histopathologic pattern of lymphoplasmacytic proliferative synovitis were the most frequently seen and molecular analysis is necessary to define the etiology of this lesion

Estenose de traqueia em uma vaca holandesa

Tracheal stenosis, also known as “Honker syndrome”, is characterized by tracheal edema and hemorrhage, leading to partial obstruction of the lumen; therefore, death. Its etiology is not yet well elucidated. A 3-year-old Holstein cow, with a history of dyspnea, and a large amount of reddish foam flowing from the mouth and nose, had died after 10 minutes of clinical signs. Macroscopic examination revealed focally extensive hemorrhage and clot organization in tracheal mucosa extending to the submucosa, surrounded by well-differentiated fibrous connective tissue. In adjacent mucosa was observed moderate multifocal inflammatory infiltrate composed by lymphocytes and plasma cells, as well as moderate squamous cell metaplasia. The bacterial culture showed growth of contaminant and environmental bacteria and the RT-PCR to detect Herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) and 5 (BoHV-5) was negative. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first report of tracheal stenosis in South America, as well as the first report of this condition described in a Holstein cow.A estenose traqueal, também conhecida como “síndrome de Honker”, caracteriza-se pela formação edema e hemorragia na traqueia, causando obstrução parcial do lúmen e consequentemente morte dos animais. Sua etiologia ainda não está bem esclarecida. Descreve-se um caso de um bovino, fêmea de aptidão leiteira, três anos de idade com manifestação clínica de dispneia, e secreção de grande quantidade de espuma avermelhada pela boca e narina, e óbito após 10 minutos de evolução do quadro. No exame macroscópico, observou-se em traqueia área focalmente extensa de coágulo circundado por tecido conjuntivo na região dorsal, em áreas adjacentes havia espessamento da mucosa causado por edema e tecido conjuntivo. No exame microscópico observou-se em traqueia, hemorragia e coágulo em organização na submucosa estendendo-se para a mucosa, circundada por tecido conjuntivo fibroso bem diferenciado. Em mucosa adjacente, observou-se infiltrado inflamatório multifocal, moderado de linfócitos e plasmócitos e metaplasia escamosa do epitélio respiratório, multifocal moderada. Verificou-se no cultivo bacteriano que houve crescimento misto abundante somente de bactérias contaminantes e bactérias ambientais. Além disso, a técnica de RT-PCR para detecção Herpesvírus tipo 1 (BoHV-1) e 5 (BoHV-5) resultou negativa. Este foi o primeiro relato ao conhecimento dos autores, de estenose traqueal na América do Sul, bem como o primeiro descrito em bovino de aptidão leiteira

Tenossinovite vilonodular pigmentada (tumor de células gigantes da bainha tendínea) tarsal em um cão

A 12-year-old female mixed-breed dog presented with lameness, pain, and an enlarged, non-ulcerated, nodular mass in the region proximal to the tarsal joint of the right pelvic limb. Surgical excision was performed, revealing a 6.5 cm mass adherent to the deep flexor tendon and adjacent tissues. The cut section had cysts filled with blackened clotted material, which exuded reddish serous fluid. Microscopically, the cysts were filled with red blood cells and were either denuded or covered by synoviocytes. In addition, the mass was characterized by marked fibrovascular connective tissue associated with siderophages and multinucleated giant cells. These findings were consistent with those of pigmented villonodular tenosynovitis, a rare condition affecting several animal species and humans.Uma cadela de 12 anos, sem raça definida, apresentou claudicação, algia e aumento de volume não ulcerado, de aspecto nodular, na região proximal à articulação do tarso do membro pélvico direito. A excisão cirúrgica foi optada e revelou uma massa de 6,5 cm de diâmetro, aderida ao tendão flexor profundo e aos tecidos adjacentes. Ao corte, exsudava líquido seroso avermelhado e cistos preenchidos por material coagulado enegrecido foram observados. Microscopicamente, a massa apresentava formações císticas frequentemente preenchidas por hemácias, que encontravam-se ora revestidas por sinoviócitos, ora desnudas. Havia ainda acentuada quantidade de tecido fibrovascular associado a siderófagos e células gigantes multinucleadas. Esses achados foram consistentes com tenossinovite vilonodular pigmentada, uma rara condição que afeta diversas espécies de animais e humanos

Coristoma pulmonar em um bezerro recém-nascido com múltiplas malformações cranianas e neurológicas

Multiple congenital malformations can occur concomitantly in several species since the anomaly in one organ may lead directly to the malformation of another. Additionally, the etiology is not always clarified. Choristoma refers to an ectopic tissue that is histologically normal in an abnormal location. A case of pulmonary and nodal choristoma associated with cranioschisis, hydrocephalus, and syringomyelia in a new-born calf is reported here. Clinically, the calf had a mass in the frontal region of the head associated with local bone deformation. At necropsy, there was cranioschisis in the junction of the frontal bones and a 14 × 10 × 7 cm mass, grossly consistent with well-differentiated pulmonary tissue covered by skin, covering the opening between the frontal bones, and extending into the cranial cavity, leading to local cerebral compression. With the pulmonary choristoma, there was a well-differentiated lymphoid tissue. Additionally, in the central nervous system, there was severe hydrocephalus involving lateral ventricles and multiple areas of syringomyelia in the spinal cord.Múltiplas malformações congênitas podem ocorrer concomitantemente em diversas espécies, uma vez que a anomalia em um órgão pode diretamente acarretar a malformação de outro. Ainda, a etiologia envolvida nem sempre é identificada. Coristomas são caracterizados por tecido ectópico histologicamente normal em uma localização anômala. Um caso de coristoma pulmonar e nodal associado a craniosquise, hidrocefalia e siringomielia em um bezerro recém-nascido é descrito neste trabalho. Clinicamente, o bezerro apresentava uma massa na região frontal da cabeça associada a deformação óssea local. No exame de necropsia, havia craniosquise na junção dos ossos frontais e tecido pulmonar bem diferenciado recoberto por pele, medindo 14 x 10 x 7 cm, recobrindo a abertura entre os ossos frontais e adentrando a cavidade craniana, acarretando o achatamento do córtex cerebral adjacente. Juntamente com o tecido pulmonar, havia um nódulo composto por tecido linfoide bem diferenciado. Adicionalmente, no sistema nervoso central, havia hidrocefalia severa envolvendo os ventrículos laterais e múltiplas áreas de siringomielia na medula espinhal

Non‑ambulatory pigs in two Brazilian growing‑finishing farms : a clinic, etiological and pathological perspective on 76 cases

Background: Non-ambulatory pigs, colloquially known as downers or downed pigs, are animals presented with limited to no mobility, usually as a result of pre-existing neurologic or musculoskeletal conditions. Impaired ambulation is a major cause of euthanasia in pigs, leading to economic losses and animal welfare concerns. Additionally, reaching the underlying diagnosis of impaired ambulation in pigs is commonly a challenging task for swine practitioners. The aim of this necropsy-based study was to report the clinical, etiological, and pathological findings of 76 non-ambulatory grower-finisher pigs, and to correlate tail-biting lesions with the causes of death/reason for euthanasia in non-ambulatory pigs. Necropsies of downed pigs were performed during on-site visits to two pig farms in southern Brazil. Results: The diagnosis of the conditions was based on the clinical, macroscopic, histopathological, bacteriological, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings. The diseases diagnosed in non-ambulatory pigs in this study were suppurative arthritis (29/76), suppurative spondylitis (10/76), PVC-2 associated diseases (8/76), bone fracture (7/76), non-suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis (4/76), suppurative meningoencephalitis (6/76), fibrocartilaginous thromboembolism (3/76), epiphysiolysis (3/76), ascending bacterial myelitis (3/76), and other conditions (3/76). The frequency of suppurative arthritis, suppurative spondylitis, and ascending bacterial myelitis/meningitis was higher in pigs with tail biting lesions than controls (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Non-ambulatory pigs were observed during the entire rearing period, however, the occurrence of non-ambulatory pigs increased in animals aged ≥ 150 days. Infectious diseases were the most common cause of downed pigs, mainly associated with chronic bacterial infections. Tail biting lesions were an important predisposing factor to suppurative arthritis, suppurative spondylitis, and ascending bacterial myelitis/meningitis

Endocardite vegetativa associada à Helcococcus ovis em uma vaca no Sul do Brasil

A 4-year-old cow with a history of breathing difficulty, progressive weight loss, and muffled heart sound was treated for a period of two weeks, but died and underwent necropsy examination. Macroscopic examination revealed heart with vegetative proliferative lesion firmly adhered to pulmonary valve, lungs with marked consolidation, and the presence of thrombus in vessels. There were grade II ulcers in abomasal mucosa associated to blood clots. Microscopic examination revealed marked thickening of the pulmonary valve due to the proliferation of fibrous connective tissue, inflammatory neutrophil infiltration, fibrin deposition, and a significant number of coccoid basophilic bacteria. Septic thromboemboli were present in the large and small pulmonary blood vessels suggestive of embolic pneumonia. The bacterial culture of the valve showed growth of small, nonhemolytic colonies that demonstrated satellitism to coagulase-negative staphylococci contaminating colonies, which were subjected to 16S gene sequencing and were compatible with Helcococcus ovis in GenBank. This was the first report of H. ovis endocarditis in cattle in South America.Um bovino, fêmea, 4 anos com histórico de dificuldade respiratória, perda de peso progressiva e som cardíaco abafado, foi tratado por um período de duas semanas, porém veio a óbito e foi submetido a exame de necropsia. No exame macroscópico, notou-se coração com lesão proliferativa vegetativa firmemente aderida em valva pulmonar, pulmões com consolidação acentuada, e presença de trombos no interior de vasos. Havia ainda úlcera abomasal grau II em mucosa associada a coágulo sanguíneo. No exame microscópico notou-se acentuado espessamento da valva pulmonar por proliferação de tecido conjuntivo fibroso, infiltrado inflamatório de neutrófilos, deposição de fibrina e acentuado número de miríades bacterianas basofílicas cocoides. Tromboembolia séptica foi vista no interior de vasos pulmonares de pequeno e médio calibre, sugestivo de pneumonia embólica. Em cultivo bacteriano da valva notou-se crescimento de colônias pequenas, não hemolíticas que demonstravam satelitismo a colônias contaminantes de estafilococos coagulase negativa, essas foram submetidas ao sequenciamento do gene 16S e foram compatíveis com Helcococcus ovis no GenBank. Este foi o primeiro relato de endocardite por H. ovis em bovino na América do Sul

Causas de morte em suínos de crescimento e terminação em duas granjas tecnificadas no Sul do Brasil

The aim of this study was to investigate the main causes of death in growing-finishing pigs in southern Brazil. During a one-year period (from 2018 to 2019), two industrial pig herds (18 and 20 thousand pigs each farm) in southern Brazil were monitored along the four seasons of the year (12 days per season on each farm), in order to perform necropsies of all pigs that died in that period. The two farms had an average monthly mortality rate ranging from 0.94 to 3.93% in the evaluated months. At necropsy, tissues were collected, fixed in 10% formalin solution and processed routinely for histopathological examination. When necessary, samples were sent for bacterial culture and PCR to identify etiologic agents. A total of 601 necropsies were performed, with 94.9% of conclusive diagnoses. Infectious diseases corresponded to 64.4% of conclusive diagnosis and non-infectious diseases to 35.6%. The most prevalent causes of death were: pneumonia (33%), gastric ulcers (15.4%), circovirosis (9.9%), systemic bacterial embolism (5.4%), polyserositis (4.4%), dilated cardiomyopathy and torsion of abdominal organs (4.3% each), and bacterial pericarditis (3.4%). Regarding pneumonias (199/601), the main agents identified in these cases were Pasteurella multocida, Influenza A virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, mainly in associations.O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar as principais causas de morte de suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação no Sul do Brasil. Durante o período de um ano (entre 2018 e 2019), duas granjas tecnificadas de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram acompanhadas nas quatro estações (12 dias por estação em cada granja), para realização de necropsias dos suínos que morreram nesse período. As duas propriedades apresentavam mortalidade mensal média entre 0,94 e 3,93% nos meses avaliados. Na necropsia, amostras de órgãos foram colhidas, fixadas em formol 10% e processadas rotineiramente para o exame histopatológico. Quando necessário, amostras foram enviadas para o cultivo bacteriano e PCR para identificação de agentes etiológicos. Foram realizadas um total de 601 necropsias, com 94,9% de diagnósticos conclusivos. As doenças infecciosas corresponderam a 64,4% dos diagnósticos conclusivos e as não infecciosas a 35,6%. As principais causas de morte foram: pneumonias (33%), úlcera gástrica (15,4%), circovirose (9,9%), embolia bacteriana sistêmica (5,4%), polisserosite (4,4%), cardiomiopatia dilatada e torção de órgãos abdominais (4,3% cada) e pericardite bacteriana (3,4%). Com relação às pneumonias (199/601), os principais agentes associadas as lesões foram Pasteurella multocida, vírus da Influenza A e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, principalmente associados entre si

Enteropatia proliferativa por Lawsonia intracellularis em coelhos no Sul do Brasil

Proliferative enteropathy (PE), also known as ileitis, is a disease caused by the bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis. This disease is characterized by diarrhea and ill-thrift. The aim of this study is to describe a PE outbreak in rabbits that occurred in Southern Brazil. The farm had 700 rabbits at the time the outbreak occurred. The clinical signs were severe diarrhea, dehydration, and apathy. Necropsy was performed in 33 rabbits, and the most evident macroscopic findings were thickening of the intestinal wall, intestinal loops distended by large amounts of gas, and liquid feces. Histopathological examination demonstrated a marked proliferation of enterocytes in intestinal crypts, decrease number of goblet cells, and crypts microabscesses. Silver impregnation technique (Warthin-Starry) demonstrated in intestinal crypts inside of enterocytes cytoplasm, curved vibrioid bacteria compatible with L. intracellularis. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-L. intracellularis confirmed the agent presence. PCR was performed and L. intracellularis was confirmed as the etiological agent.A enteropatia proliferativa (EP), também conhecida como ileíte, é uma doença causada pela bactéria Lawsonia intracellularis, que é caracterizada por diarreia com redução do ganho de peso. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um surto de EP em coelhos na região sul do Brasil. A propriedade possuía 700 coelhos, durante o período do surto. O quadro clínico caracterizava-se por diarreia severa, desidratação e apatia. Realizou-se o exame de necropsia em 33 coelhos, e as alterações macroscópicas mais evidentes eram; alças intestinais acentuadamente distendidas por gás e fezes líquidas, além de serosa rugosa e parede intestinal moderadamente espessada. Na análise histopatológica do intestino delgado visualizou-se marcada hiperplasia de enterócitos de criptas, moderada diminuição do número de células caliciformes e microabscessos de criptas. A etiologia das lesões foi confirmada pela técnica de impregnação pela prata (Warthin-Starry), evidenciando bactérias vibrioides compatíveis com L. intracellularis no ápice de enterócitos das criptas intestinais. Ainda, foi obtida imunomarcação positiva de enterócitos de criptas na imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo anti-L. intracellularis e a PCR positiva em amostras de intestino

Hemangiosarcoma in a cat’s tongue

Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a primary malignant neoplasm of vascular endothelial cells, common in dogs and uncommon in cats. It is characterized by being aggressive and presenting high metastatic behavior. It corresponds to 0.5% to 2% of all feline neoplasms, with more reports in shorthaired cats aged between 8 and 12.2 years old, with no predisposition for sex or breed. Among the diagnostic methods, histopathological and immunohistochemical exams stand out because they are more accurate, since the result of fine-needle aspiration biopsy is usually hidden by blood contamination. This report aims to describe a case of a hemangiosarcoma in a cat’s tongue. Case: A 9-year-old, female, shorthair cat with a history of weight loss, lethargy, chewing difficulty with the evolution of three months and two-day oral bleeding was attended. Physical examination revealed blood in the oral cavity, enlargement, and darkening of the tongue surface, normalized oral and ocular mucous membranes, estimated dehydration of 7%, a rectal temperature of 38.8OC, and pulmonary and cardiac auscultation without changes. The cat was hospitalized, and euthanasia was elected. Cytological and histopathological exams of the tongue were requested, which revealed a neoplastic proliferation of endothelial cells expanding and replacing the muscular layer of the tongue, forming primitive vascular structures filled with a large number of red blood cells and supported by a delicate fibrovascular stroma. There were moderate anisocytosis and anisocariosis and rare figures of mitosis. Immunohistochemical examination showed the expression of von Willebrand factor, smooth muscle vimentin, and actin in the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells, and negative staining for pancitokeratin. Discussion: According to the results of cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, the cat was diagnosed with tongue hemangiosarcoma. The involvement of the tongue in cases of feline hemangiosarcoma is not commonly reported, as the oral cavity is an uncommon site of neoplasm in cats and hemangiossarcoma neoplasm is considered rare in this species. The cytological examination of the patient’s tongue was useful to suggest the diagnosis of sarcoma due to a large number of neoplastic cells present in the sample, and later, because it is more specific, the histopathological examination was performed to find out the origin of the tissue. The definitive diagnosis of Hemangiosarcoma could be confirmed by the alterations found in the histopathological and immunohistochemical exams. The appearance of erythrocytes within tumor vascular channels, the rapid mass development, moderate anisocytosis, anisocariosis, and irregularity of vascular channels, along with the expression of smooth muscle action, excluded the differential diagnosis of hemangioma and lymphangiosarcoma. Due to the ability of the hemangiosarcoma to be a primary or metastatic tumor and the performance of the necropsy examination was not authorized, we could not determinate the primary origin of the tumor. However, we suggest in the present study that the neoplasm is primary of the tongue because there are no skin lesions or alterations in other organs, besides the tongue is not a common site of metastasis. In conclusion, Hemangiosarcoma should be included as a differential diagnosis in cases of tongue neoplasia, although uncommon in felines, and that histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations are indispensable to define an accurate diagnosis

Enteropatia proliferativa por Lawsonia intracellularis em coelhos no Sul do Brasil

Proliferative enteropathy (PE), also known as ileitis, is a disease caused by the bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis. This disease is characterized by diarrhea and ill-thrift. The aim of this study is to describe a PE outbreak in rabbits that occurred in Southern Brazil. The farm had 700 rabbits at the time the outbreak occurred. The clinical signs were severe diarrhea, dehydration, and apathy. Necropsy was performed in 33 rabbits, and the most evident macroscopic findings were thickening of the intestinal wall, intestinal loops distended by large amounts of gas, and liquid feces. Histopathological examination demonstrated a marked proliferation of enterocytes in intestinal crypts, decrease number of goblet cells, and crypts microabscesses. Silver impregnation technique (Warthin-Starry) demonstrated in intestinal crypts inside of enterocytes cytoplasm, curved vibrioid bacteria compatible with L. intracellularis. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-L. intracellularis confirmed the agent presence. PCR was performed and L. intracellularis was confirmed as the etiological agent.A enteropatia proliferativa (EP), também conhecida como ileíte, é uma doença causada pela bactéria Lawsonia intracellularis, que é caracterizada por diarreia com redução do ganho de peso. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um surto de EP em coelhos na região sul do Brasil. A propriedade possuía 700 coelhos, durante o período do surto. O quadro clínico caracterizava-se por diarreia severa, desidratação e apatia. Realizou-se o exame de necropsia em 33 coelhos, e as alterações macroscópicas mais evidentes eram; alças intestinais acentuadamente distendidas por gás e fezes líquidas, além de serosa rugosa e parede intestinal moderadamente espessada. Na análise histopatológica do intestino delgado visualizou-se marcada hiperplasia de enterócitos de criptas, moderada diminuição do número de células caliciformes e microabscessos de criptas. A etiologia das lesões foi confirmada pela técnica de impregnação pela prata (Warthin-Starry), evidenciando bactérias vibrioides compatíveis com L. intracellularis no ápice de enterócitos das criptas intestinais. Ainda, foi obtida imunomarcação positiva de enterócitos de criptas na imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo anti-L. intracellularis e a PCR positiva em amostras de intestino