Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor in the Larynx with Pulmonary Metastasis

Background: Canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is one of the most common canine neoplasms in Brazil. Lesions develop mainly in the genital tissue and less frequently in other areas, in the extragenital form. Metastasis is rare, and the disease progression depends on the patient's immune status. The treatment of choice is chemotherapy with vincristine sulfate, considered an effective and safe modality. The present work describes the first case of extragenital TVT in the larynx with pulmonary metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Case: An approximately 4-month-old mixed-breed bitch was attended manifesting acute clinical respiratory signs. The patient had been rescued from the street 2 months beforehand. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes and crackling pulmonary auscultation. Thoracic radiography was performed in 3 projections, showing multiple nodules in the lung parenchyma, followed by cytopathological examination using fine needle puncture guided by thoracic ultrasound, confirming the diagnosis of TVT. Considering the cytological finding and the absence of primary tumor lesions in the genital, oral, cutaneous or nasal regions, endoscopy was performed in order to locate a possible primary focus. The exam revealed a small erythematous tumor with smooth and regular surface, measuring approximately 2.5 cm, located in the larynx, between the arytenoid cartilages. Chemotherapy was performed with vincristine sulfate with radiographic follow-up throughout the treatment. Full remission of the pulmonary and laryngeal nodules was achieved at the end of the protocol. The animal remained in complete remission for a period of 2 years. Discussion: TVT is more frequently observed in animals of active reproductive age, and rarely in animals under 1 year of age, as in the case described here. When considering extragenital lesions, the manifestation can be single or multiple, occurring more frequently in the cutaneous, oral and nasal forms. This case describes a laryngeal lesion with pulmonary involvement, without lesion in the genitalia or any other site. Cases of TVT in young and prepubescent animals, associated with extragenital involvement and aggressive behavior, similar to this case, have been described in literature, but never in this location. Literature suggests there is a relationship with the immune status of such patients, which do not have a well-developed immune system, facilitating disease progression. In these animals, transmission can be maternal, since in some cases the patient develops the disease without having contact with other animals except the mother. This form of transmission would facilitate the extragenital form in the oral cavity, airways and ocular region, related to licking, lactation and direct contact. Vincristine sulfate chemotherapy, considered the treatment of choice, was effectively used in this case, despite the atypical form. The TVT prognosis tends to be favorable, with the exception of the aggressive presentations with the presence of distant metastases. However, in the case described here, even though metastatic pulmonary nodules were present, complete remission was achieved, with survival exceeding 2 years. The development of TVT in the larynx is a rare form of the disease, and this report is possibly the first description of this tumor location. Thus, we highlight the importance of a complete investigation of the patient and of TVT as a differential diagnosis in this location. Keywords: dog, bitch, coitus, neoplasm, round cells, extragenital. Título: Tumor venéreo transmissível canino em laringe com metástase pulmonar Descritores: cão, cadela, coito, neoplasia, células redondas, extragenital

Nutraceuticals for Dissolving Nephrolites in Cats

Background: Nephrolithiasis is a condition frequently observed in felines, with or without concomitant chronic kidney disease, constituting the major cause of ureteral obstruction and causing progressive damage to the renal parenchyma. About 90% of nephrolites are composed of calcium oxalate, which cannot dissolve, and its incidence has increased substantially in recent years, along with its recurrence. There are functional foods known as nutraceuticals provides health benefits such as renoprotection. Due to these benefits and the high prevalence of nephrolithiasis in feline species, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the association of some nutraceuticals in the dissolution of nephrolites.Materials, Methods & Results: The included cats had an ultrasound diagnosis of nephrolithiasis that, on clinical examination, showed: (i) the absence of previous or concomitant treatment for urinary infections and/or vesical and renal lithiasis; (ii) absence of genitourinary clinical manifestations; (iii) absence of obstructive processes; and (iv) absence of concomitant ureterolithiasis. We separated 51 cats with nephrolithiasis into 2 groups: control (n = 12) and study (n = 39). The control group received a placebo and the study group, nutraceuticals (magnesium chelate, resveratrol, vitamin K2, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid). Laboratory tests (blood and urine) and abdominal imaging (ultrasound) were performed at day 0 and 30 days after enrollment. Monitoring the therapeutic efficacy in both groups was performed on day 30 for the CG and on days 30, 60, and 90 for the EG. The CG cats, after this step, were referred to surgery or to the EG, with prior authorization from their tutors. The diameter of nephrolites was significantly different before and after treatment, indicating a reduction in nephroliths over time. During the use of the nutraceutical formulation by the EG and use of placebo by the CG, there were no clinical and/or laboratory manifestations of side effects.Discussion: The dissolution of nephrolites was correlated with the synergism promoted by the combination of nutraceuticals and not with the individual beneficial action of each nutraceutical since nutraceuticals have individually been used in isolation for a long time in veterinary medicine without having yielded the same benefit. Those undissolved were attributed to a different type of mineral composition than the one associated with the nutraceutical compound in this study, such as struvite or ammonium urate, of mixed composition or comprising solidified dried blood, which has shown an increasing increase in use in recent years. The dissolution of nephrolites was correlated with the synergism promoted by the combination of nutraceuticals and not with the individual beneficial action of each nutraceutical since nutraceuticals have individually been used in isolation for a long time in veterinary medicine without having yielded the same benefit. The undissolved nephrolites were attributed to the nephrolites that obtained partial dissolution at the end of 90 days, in that they possibly needed a longer time to obtain complete dissolution or that they present another mineral composition in their nucleus; that is, it is a compound-type urolith. The nutraceutical compound proved to be effective in the dissolution of nephrolites in the cats included in this study, and the time of use (up to 90 days) showed no negative influence on the clinical or laboratory tests during the entire treatment period.Keywords: cats, food supplement, functional foods, natural products, nephrolithiasis, nutraceuticals

Brachycephalic Syndrome in Dogs - Endoscopic Findings in the Airways

Background: Brachycephalic dogs have several abnormalities in the airways, which generate clinical manifestations that impair the quality of life of these animals. Primary alterations promote airflow obstruction and increase intraluminal negative pressure, causing secondary alterations due to a cycle of inflammation with consequent obstruction. With the onset of inflammation and other alterations in the airways, clinical manifestations can be observed, such as snoring, reverse sneezing, coughing, dyspnea, cyanosis, syncope, and vomiting. Endoscopic examination of the airways allows visualization and diagnosis of morphological changes in these animals. This study aimed to evaluate the endoscopic findings of the airways and determine the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the severity of clinical manifestations in 14 dogs with brachycephalic syndrome (BS). Materials, Methods & Results:  Historical and anamnesis data and clinical, respiratory, and digestive manifestations were collected from the owners’ reports. The clinical manifestations were classified as mild, moderate, or severe. All animals were subjected to endoscopy of the airways, and image findings were grouped according to the anatomical site where they were observed, then the abnormalities were correlated with the severity of the clinical manifestations. When comparing the frequency of endoscopic abnormalities with the severity of clinical manifestations, it is interesting to observe that animals with severe disease more frequently presented the following alterations: prolongation and thickening of the soft palate, laryngeal changes, presence of hyperemia, lymphoid hyperplasia and polyps in the nasopharynx, hypoplasia and presence of tracheal secretion and thickening of the dorsal tracheal muscle; bronchial collapse, hypoplasia of the main bronchi and bronchial hyperemia and the presence of aberrant nasal turbinates. Comparison between the means of nonparametric variables was performed using the Mann-Whitney test, with a 5% significance level.  Discussion: A higher frequency of French Bulldog dogs included in the study was observed, probably due to their greater popularity, although any brachycephalic dog may be affected by BS. Considering that nostril stenosis is a congenital alteration, which is usually diagnosed early, and since the animals included in the study were dogs referred for the rhinoplasty procedure the higher frequency of young dogs in the study was not surprising. The results revealed a significant difference in the endoscopic findings with the severity of the clinical manifestations in different variables, such as prolongation and thickening of the soft palate, eversion of the laryngeal saccules, presence of laryngeal inflammation and collapse, presence of polyps or lymphoid hyperplasia in the nasopharynx, thickening of the dorsal muscle of the trachea, polyps in the trachea and hypoplasia in addition to bronchial hyperemia. The larynx was the most affected anatomical site, with alterations present in 92.8% of the evaluated dogs. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that airway obstruction caused by primary alterations can cause secondary alterations, with consequent clinical manifestations in brachycephalic dogs it is possible to suggest that dogs with this syndrome may present severe manifestations of the disease, regardless of age. Furthermore, it can be concluded that in this study, dogs with BS had frequent laryngeal alterations and that alterations in the main bronchi were present in all animals with severe manifestations of the disease. Keywords: airway obstruction, bronchial collapse, endoscopy, larynx

Renal nephroblastoma in adult dog

Nephroblastoma is a neoplasia originating from the poor differentiation of the metanephrogenic blastema, therefore neoplasia of embryonic origin. It is commonly reported in dogs less than two years old and is rare in adults. Clinical signs include hematuria, polyuria and palpable abdominal mass. Surgery is elective therapy. Chemotherapy depend on the stage of the disease. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of nephroblastoma in a mixed-breed, six-year-old male canine with a stage I nephroblastoma (according to human staging for Wilm's tumor). The patient performed clinically well and without changes in the staging exams (thorax radiographs). The initial complete blood count indicated only lymphopenia and biochemical profile without alterations. Abdominal ultrasound showed vascularized formation with no defined limits, cystic, with probable origin in left kidney, dislocating liver and spleen. The recommended treatment was total nephrectomy. Kidney size was about 25.0 cm in diameter, with irregular surface. Numerous cysts were present and were covered by a capsule with brownish-coloured liquid and without adhering to adjacent structures. The nephroblastoma diagnosis was obtained by histopathological exam. No adjuvant chemotherapy treatment was carried out. The patient presented a survival of 33 months

AVALIAÇÃO RADIOGRÁFICA E ULTRASSONOGRÁFICA DO FÍGADO E DA VESÍCULA BILIAR EM GATOS DOMÉSTICOS (Felis catus domesticus) PARASITADOS POR Platynosomum illiciens (BRAUN, 1901) KOSSAK, 1910

Platynosomum illiciens (Braun, 1901) Kossack, 1910, é o mais importante trematódeo encontrado em gatos. Para o seu diagnóstico é necessá- rio observar a presença de ovos nas fezes, contudo, isto é considerado pouco sensível, sendo necessário a utilização de outras ferramentas complementares que sirvam como apoio no diagnóstico desta parasitose e de suas alterações hepáticas. Para tanto, a radiologia e ultrassom foram utilizados para a avaliação das alterações associadas à presença de P. illiciens que auxiliem no diagnóstico da platinosomiasis. Oito gatos positivos para essa parasitose foram submetidos às técnicas associadas ao diagnóstico por imagens. Ao exame radiológico, observou-se que cinco dos animais tiveram aumento do fígado, um deles estava com fígado normal e em dois deles, os limites hepáticos não foram observados com auxilio dos Raios-X. Na ultrassonografia, em seis dos animais observou-se hepatomegalia e alteração mais acentuada em somente um deles. Todos os animais tiveram os vasos hepáticos normais e, em relação aos ductos biliares, apenas dois animais apresentaram este parâmetro aumentado. Além disso, a presença do parasito pode ser evidenciada em um animal que caiu durante a realização da ecografia. Entre os resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que o estudo radiológico apenas serviu para avaliar o tamanho do fígado de maneira restrita. A ultrassonografia foi considerada com uma boa ferramenta de diagnóstico, avaliando com clareza o volume, o parênquima hepático, a configuração e, o diâmetro das vias biliares, vesícula biliar e os vasos sanguíneos hepáticos

AVALIAÇÃO DE UM PROGRAMA DE TREINAMENTO PARA CAVALOS DE CONCURSO COMPLETO DE EQUITAÇÃO: EFEITOS SOBRE A FREQUÊNCIA CARDÍACA E A CURVA DE LACTATO

Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de um protocolo de treinamento para cavalos de Concurso Completo de Equitação, com seis sessões semanais e duração de cinco meses. Os animais foram submetidos a dois testes físicos em esteira ergométrica, um antes e outro depois do período de preparação física. Foram avaliadas a frequência cardíaca e a concentração plasmática de lactato durante o exercício. Foram estimados índices de condicionamento físico para avaliar a eficiência do treinamento. O protocolo de treinamento adotado não foi capaz de induzir respostas fisiológicas adaptativas sobre o sistema cardiovascular e o metabolismo muscular destes animais, demonstrada pela manutenção de valores semelhantes de frequência cardíaca e de lactato plasmático, durante os testes realizados antes e após o período de preparação física

Contents of iodine in wet and dry foods for adult cats marketed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Were analyzed 29 samples, 16 wet and 13 dry cat food of different flavors. The iodine levels ranged from 2.7 to 3.4 (average 2.95 mg/kg/MS) in dry food and 2.9 to 4.0 (average 3.4 mg/kg/MS) in the wet food. Eight samples (27.6%) specified on the package the assurance level (maximum) of iodine, with a dry (2.0 mg/kg/diet) and seven wet (0.04 mg/kg/diet). All non-compliant, because the values were higher than declared. Cats fed commercial diets consume proportionally more iodine in wet food than cats fed dry diets, but both with high levels of iodine. All samples analyzed were above the amounts stated on the labels. Accordingly, the wet and dry commercial food for cats show no reliable values with those reported, resulting in a possible excessive intake of this trace element for animals in question

Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor in the Larynx with Pulmonary Metastasis

Background: Canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is one of the most common canine neoplasms in Brazil. Lesions develop mainly in the genital tissue and less frequently in other areas, in the extragenital form. Metastasis is rare, and the disease progression depends on the patient's immune status. The treatment of choice is chemotherapy with vincristine sulfate, considered an effective and safe modality. The present work describes the first case of extragenital TVT in the larynx with pulmonary metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Case: An approximately 4-month-old mixed-breed bitch was attended manifesting acute clinical respiratory signs. The patient had been rescued from the street 2 months beforehand. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes and crackling pulmonary auscultation. Thoracic radiography was performed in 3 projections, showing multiple nodules in the lung parenchyma, followed by cytopathological examination using fine needle puncture guided by thoracic ultrasound, confirming the diagnosis of TVT. Considering the cytological finding and the absence of primary tumor lesions in the genital, oral, cutaneous or nasal regions, endoscopy was performed in order to locate a possible primary focus. The exam revealed a small erythematous tumor with smooth and regular surface, measuring approximately 2.5 cm, located in the larynx, between the arytenoid cartilages. Chemotherapy was performed with vincristine sulfate with radiographic follow-up throughout the treatment. Full remission of the pulmonary and laryngeal nodules was achieved at the end of the protocol. The animal remained in complete remission for a period of 2 years. Discussion: TVT is more frequently observed in animals of active reproductive age, and rarely in animals under 1 year of age, as in the case described here. When considering extragenital lesions, the manifestation can be single or multiple, occurring more frequently in the cutaneous, oral and nasal forms. This case describes a laryngeal lesion with pulmonary involvement, without lesion in the genitalia or any other site. Cases of TVT in young and prepubescent animals, associated with extragenital involvement and aggressive behavior, similar to this case, have been described in literature, but never in this location. Literature suggests there is a relationship with the immune status of such patients, which do not have a well-developed immune system, facilitating disease progression. In these animals, transmission can be maternal, since in some cases the patient develops the disease without having contact with other animals except the mother. This form of transmission would facilitate the extragenital form in the oral cavity, airways and ocular region, related to licking, lactation and direct contact. Vincristine sulfate chemotherapy, considered the treatment of choice, was effectively used in this case, despite the atypical form. The TVT prognosis tends to be favorable, with the exception of the aggressive presentations with the presence of distant metastases. However, in the case described here, even though metastatic pulmonary nodules were present, complete remission was achieved, with survival exceeding 2 years. The development of TVT in the larynx is a rare form of the disease, and this report is possibly the first description of this tumor location. Thus, we highlight the importance of a complete investigation of the patient and of TVT as a differential diagnosis in this location. Keywords: dog, bitch, coitus, neoplasm, round cells, extragenital. Título: Tumor venéreo transmissível canino em laringe com metástase pulmonar Descritores: cão, cadela, coito, neoplasia, células redondas, extragenital

Mucopolissacaridose em um cão: relato de caso

A Mucopolissacaridose é uma doença rara, multissistêmica, progressiva e sem tratamento. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever os achados clínicos, radiográficos e anátomo-patológicos de um caso de mucopolissacaridose em um cão. Relata-se um caso de um cão, macho, Fox Paulistinha, de quatro meses de idade, oriundo de cruzamento com alto grau de endogamia. O cão apresentava apatia, dificuldades de locomoção, aumento de volume nas articulações, opacidade de córnea e dispneia inspiratória. Ao exame radiográfico observaram-se alterações bilaterais em linhas fiseais de vértebras, rádio e ulna, hepatomegalia e hipoplasia traqueal. Devido à acentuada dificuldade respiratória, o proprietário optou pela eutanásia. À necropsia, observou-se ausência das cartilagens da laringe, cricoide e aritenoide, coração globoso, e fígado e baço moderadamente aumentados. As alterações ósseas incluíram aumento do perímetro do crânio, má formação do esterno e costelas sinuosas. A histopatologia revelou displasia nas cartilagens da epiglote, da traqueia e articulares, nas quais os condrócitos apresentavam-se com citoplasma vacuolizado; havia ainda acentuado espessamento da íntima da aorta. O histórico de cruzamentos com alto grau de endogamia, associado aos achados clínicos, radiográficos e anátomo-patológicos confluem para o diagnóstico de mucopolissacaridose

Sarcoma Gastrointestinal em Cão – Relato de Caso

As neoplasias gástricas em cães são pouco comuns e representam menos de 1% de todas as neoplasias nessa espécie. Existe uma maior ocorrência em cães machos, de grande porte, com idade média de oito anos. A etiologia não está bem definida, porém estudos apontam uma relação com a infecção gástrica por bactérias do gênero Helicobacter sp. O diagnóstico baseia-se no histórico, sinais clínicos como vômito, regurgitação e perda de peso, ultrassonografia, endoscopia, exame histopatológico e imunohistoquímico. A terapia de eleição é a cirurgia, realizando a excisão do tumor com amplas margens. A quimioterapia adjuvante não apresenta bons resultados, exceto nos casos de linfoma do trato gastrointestinal. O objetivo do trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de neoplasia gástrica em um canino, macho, de dez anos de idade da raça Pastor Alemão que apresentava como queixa principal regurgitação e vômitos com evolução de um mês. Após ressecção cirúrgica o diagnóstico histopatológico revelou tumor estromal gastrointestinal (GIST). Exame imunohistoquímico posterior revelou fibrossarcoma. Após exérese cirúrgica, diagnóstico e quimioterapia adjuvante o animal teve sobrevida de oito meses