Brazilian journal of veterinary medicine最新文献

An 11-year-old male Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) was referred for a 2-week history of ambulatory tetraparesis, generalized ataxia, and hypermetric gait, associated with mild right head tilt and spontaneous proprioceptive deficit on the right forelimb. Neuroanatomical localization was C1-C5 myelopathy; cerebellum-vestibular system involvement was also considered. Hematology and serum biochemistry were unremarkable, although serum vitamin A (0.11 mg/L) was below the reference range (0.17 - 0.36 mg/L). Indirect hemagglutination test for Toxoplasma gondii was positive (antibodies titer 1:640). Computed tomography of the head and cervical column showed hypertrophic degenerative remodeling of the vertebral articular joint processes, causing severe vertebral canal stenosis and bilateral spinal cord compression at C2-C3. In addition, bilateral otitis media was present, without signs of intracranial extension of the inflammation by imaging. Brainstem auditory evoked potential test revealed a partial, bilateral conductive deafness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis resulted normal; CSF PCR for T. gondii was negative. A diagnosis of osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA-CSM) and concurrent bilateral otitis media was obtained. Glucocorticoids, movement restriction, vitamin A supplementation, and clindamycin were instituted. Four weeks later the clinical signs deteriorated, and the animal was euthanized. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of OA-CSM in a tiger.

Canine heartworm disease causes significant pulmonary abnormalities, even in asymptomatic cases. This study aimed to compare the chest radiographs of cases infected with Dirofilaria immitis with those of heartworm-negative dogs. Fifteen animals treated at a private veterinary clinic in the municipality of Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, underwent chest radiography, regardless of their serological status, for the presence of D. immitis antigen, and none of them used preventive measures. Eight dogs tested positive for the antigens on immunochromatographic tests (8/15, 53.3%). When the radiographs of the two groups of dogs were blindly compared, the increase in the caudal pulmonary arteries showed a strong positive correlation (0.732) with infection using the Spearman correlation test. These results suggest that heartworm infection, even in the absence of clinical signs, elicits caudal lobar pulmonary artery enlargement that can be detected on radiography.

Epistaxis is defined as bleeding from the nasal cavity and can be related to systemic causes leading to coagulation disorders, most commonly hemoparasitosis, or to localized changes in the nasal cavity itself (e.g., intranasal neoplasms). Transmissible venereal tumors (TVT) are malignant round cell neoplasms characterized by an anomalous proliferation of tumor cells disseminated mainly by direct contact between animals. Although transmitted sexually, transmission through contact with mucous membranes and skin tissue can also occur, including the nasal cavity. Although rare, it can have significant clinical implications because it is difficult to diagnose. The diagnosis is made by physical examination, imaging tests (computed tomography and rhinoscopy), and histopathological analysis, which is the gold standard. Treatment is based on the use of chemotherapeutic agents, with vincristine as the drug of choice. This study reported a case of intranasal TVT in a 4-year-old French bulldog and addressed its clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment. It also reported the importance of early recognition of the condition and changes in imaging tests to better understand and manage this atypical presentation.

Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin (CPA) is an important enterotoxemic pathogen linked to gastrointestinal disorders and previously associated with pulmonary disease in other mammals. A young female neotropical otter presented with lethargy, anorexia and steatorrhea, which developed within 24 hours. Veterinary care was provided under anesthesia, during which dehydration, intestinal hypermotility and pulmonary crackling sounds were identified. Hematological tests revealed normochromic normocytic anemia, and a quantitative RT-PCR assay for Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin detected a markedly elevated CPA count (43,789 copies of pathogen DNA/uL) in fecal samples, confirming the diagnosis. An abdominal ultrasound exhibited intestinal gas and mucous fecal contents, with normal wall stratification and evolving peristalsis. Chest X-rays and bronchoscopy revealed diffuse serous secretion associated with an underlying inflammatory process, predominantly affecting the left lung. Treatment included hydroelectrolyte replacement, analgesia, antibiotics, and antiemetics, with close monitoring during the critical stage. The patient improved gradually, with regression of clinical signs and the emergence of innate behaviors, and was discharged to the original enclosure after two weeks, supported by updated test results. In conclusion, this study analyzes and details the veterinary approach, diagnosis, and treatment of an acute infectious enteric condition with pulmonary involvement in a neotropical otter under human care.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that infects several species of animals (domestic and wild) and is one of the most common causes of abortion in cattle worldwide. To better understand the epidemiological chain of neosporosis, update the disease status and propose control measures to improve milk production in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the present study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of N. caninum and its distribution in different municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern RS, Brazil, and determine the factors associated with exposure to N. caninum in small dairy cattle producers in this region. Cattle from 51 dairy farms located in nine municipalities in the southern region of RS were included in this study. Small dairy farmers were interviewed to collect information about the characteristics of their herds. The association between potential associated factors and seropositivity in cattle was assessed using a logistic regression model with a generalized estimating equation. Seroprevalence in individual animals and between herds was 33.9% (95% CI = 28.1-39.9) (121/309) and 80.4% (95% CI = 67.5-88.9) (41/51), respectively. The high seroprevalence found indicates that cattle are susceptible to exposure by N. caninum in a widespread manner in the Pelotas microregion. Furthermore, the sanitary management of cattle, the adaptation of tools that can improve the milk extraction technique and the technical monitoring of professionals who work on the properties can be effective alternatives for controlling N. caninum.

Giardia spp. is a flagellated protozoan that parasitizes the small intestine of various mammals, birds, and amphibians, being transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Giardiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in both developed and developing countries, with a prevalence of 0,1-5% and 20-30%, respectively, and is correlated with poor hygiene practices, such as irregular handwashing, which consequently contaminates food when handled. Cattle and sheep are sources of infection for humans due to the zoonotic potential of the species that affect them, especially calves, which play an important role in the dissemination of the parasite in the environment by excreting 10⁶ cysts per gram of feces, contaminating water sources, which, even when treated, only reduce and do not eliminate the protozoan. This study investigated the prevalence of Giardia spp. in ruminants in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Between June 2023 and April 2024, 384 fecal samples from young cattle and sheep were analyzed, collected directly from the rectal ampulla and subjected to coprological tests at the Laboratory, used the zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation technique to visualize protozoan cysts and calculate their prevalence. The results showed that 19,15% of sheep (27/141), 13,99% of cattle (34/243) and 15.88% in both species (61/384) tested positive for Giardia spp. This study revealed a significant prevalence of Giardia spp. in young ruminants in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, posing an important zoonotic risk.

Although less common in the axial skeleton, osteosarcoma, when present in the facial bones, can generally require invasive surgical procedures, which require large resections followed by reconstructions that can disfigure the patient and predispose them to physiological difficulties. We describe a technique used to correct oronasal communication that occurred after suture dehiscence from a left central hemimaxillectomy procedure in a female Rottweiler diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Clinical and radiographic findings are discussed, as well as the palatal mucosal flap surgical technique associated with the use of a synthetic polypropylene mesh. The patient was monitored for a period of six months, when close monitoring of the healing of the surgical wound was possible with adequate incorporation of the mesh into the local tissue. Although a small part of the flap showed dehiscence, there was no aspiration of food due to the presence of the polypropylene mesh under the affected region. The non-rejection of the implant, good acceptance and good eating capacity of the patient, which resulted in weight gain, must be emphasized. We concluded that the combination of techniques presented here is a technically easy, low-cost and efficient option for the proposed treatment.

This report describes five cases of urinary incontinence in Quarter Horse mares associated with the development of sabulous cystitis. The animals in this study had a history of persistent urinary incontinence for eight months, with clinical signs of continuous dribbling urine during rest and movement. The initial treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs was ineffective. Clinical examination revealed severe scalding in the perineal region and on the medial aspect of the hind limbs, along with neurological signs such as ataxia, hind limb paresis, and diminished perineal reflexes. Transrectal ultrasonography confirmed bladder distension and the presence of hyperechoic particles in the urine. Urinalysis revealed typical features of sabulous cystitis, including abundant calcium carbonate crystals. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, antibiotics, and daily bladder lavage with physiological saline, no substantial clinical improvement was observed. The limited therapeutic response and guarded prognosis were discussed with the owner, who opted to monitor the mares without altering their clinical condition for two years. This report highlights the complexity of managing urinary incontinence associated with sabulous cystitis in horses and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and early recognition of clinical signs for effective treatment.

Criollo breed is quite popular in Brazil, mainly in the Southern Region, and the long loop rodeo is one of the main sports modality adapted to this breed. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in the muscle and oxidative functions caused by exercises practiced in this sports modality. Data such as exercising frequency, covered distance, mean duration time and number of runs, and blood samples at the following times: before the tournament, on the final day of the event, and 18-24 h after the end of the tournament were collected. Were assessed lactate and the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase (for the evaluation of the muscle function) and species reactive to oxygen, species reactive to thiobarbituric acid, catalase, superoxide dismutase and uric acid (for oxidative stress). Data were assessed through variance analysis associated with Tukey test (P ≤ 0.05), as well as through Spearman's correlation (P ≤ 0.05). Significant creatine kinase and lactate increase in T1 associated with the maintenance of oxidative indicator levels in T1 and T18 reflected the significant muscle effort and the slight mobilization of oxidative parameters, which were compensated by the antioxidant defenses, since the assessed animals recovered after T18. There was no damage at cell level and the horses showed good muscle and antioxidant condition for exercising.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare condition in dogs. This type of tumor can be functional, hormone-producing, or nonfunctional. Bilateral adrenal tumors are uncommon, whereas unilateral adrenal tumors are more prevalent. Abdominal ultrasonography is crucial for detecting these lesions, which are characterized by heterogeneous parenchymal characteristics. Furthermore, elastography, a technique that assesses tissue stiffness, is useful for differentiating between malignant and benign lesions. This paper describes a case of ACC in a West Highland white terrier. The dog initially presented with dermatological changes and increased adrenal tissue stiffness, as detected by elastography. After additional examinations, including computed tomography, an adrenalectomy was successfully performed. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ACC. Post-surgical follow-ups included periodic ultrasonography to monitor the remaining adrenal gland. A nodular lesion was identified in the left adrenal gland during the follow-up, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring. This case underscores the significance of an integrated approach, from the initial evaluation to the post-treatment follow-up for the effective management of ACC in dogs.