CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts and ratio in cats with chronic gingivostomatitis and naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus: a preliminary study

This study aimed to evaluate the CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes counts and CD4+: CD8+ ratio in a colony of cats with chronic gingivostomatitis (CGS). We used forty domestic short-haired cats inhabiting the same colony. Ten cats with CGS were immunodeficiency virus-positive (group IV), and ten with CGS were immunodeficiency virus-negative (group III). As a control, twenty cats without CGS were used: ten cats were immunodeficiency virus-positive (group II) and ten cats were immunodeficiency virus-negative (group I). We employed flow cytometry to count CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In cats infected with the immunodeficiency virus, the presence of CD4+ lymphocytes were lower both for animals with and without CGS. Conversely, not immunodeficiency virus-infected cats with CGS had a higher amount of CD4+ when compared to seronegative animals without CGS. The counts of CD8+ T lymphocytes showed no significant difference among cats with CGS, whether infected with immunodeficiency virus or not. The CD4+: CD8+ ratio was only different for group III, which was higher than any other group. No difference was observed for total lymphocyte number and CD8+ among groups. By contrast, mean CD4+ levels were different, with cats from groups III and IV showing higher levels than those from groups I and II. The flow cytometry could be a useful tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of cats with CGS infected by the immunodeficiency virus.

Prevalence, clinical and epidemiological features of feline hyperthyroidism at a veterinary teaching hospital in Brazil: a retrospective study

The hyperthyroidism is the most frequently endocrinopathy in cats. The increasing number of diagnoses over time is due to the greater familiarity with the disease and the development of increasingly sensitive diagnostic tools available. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of hyperthyroidism in cats admitted at one of the largest veterinary teaching hospital in Brazil. Between 2002 and 2007, 234 cats were admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital of the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Total thyroxine (T4t) serum concentration was measured from all cats. Also analyzed the medical charts of cats. Of the 234 cats, 26 (11.1%) were considered hyperthyroid (T4t ≥3.8 μg/dL). Of hese 26 cats, only two (7.7%) were initially diagnosed as hyperthyroid. The age of cats ranged from 6 to 27 years old (13.1 ± 4.5 years). Twelve patients (46.2%) were female and 14 (53.8%) were male. Eight (30.8%) cats were Siamese, while the others were mixed breed (69.2%). Dry food was the most common food type consumed by cats. There was a high prevalence of hyperthyroid cats with concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study sheds light on the importance of routinely monitoring feline hyperthyroidism and brings epidemiological and clinical data of this endocrinopathy in cats from one of the largest veterinary teaching hospitals in the country.

Cytopathology of cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasms in feline species: a retrospective study

It is estimated that a quarter of all feline neoplasms affect the integumentary system. Cytological examination is of admirable importance for detection of neoplasms in companion animals, being considered a simple and non-invasive method. To date, there are limited information regarding the prevalence of feline skin cancer as well as the use of cytopathology as a diagnostic tool. In this sense, the study aimed to characterize cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors in 192 cats from the archives of a private clinic in São Paulo-SP, Brazil, specialized in the care of felines. Data regarding the animal (breed definition, sex, and age group) and tumor characteristics (biological behavior, cytomorphological category of neoplasm, and cytological suggestion for neoplasm) were obtained in a five-year period. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated to verify the statistical difference between the animal and tumor characteristics. The chi-square test was carried out to verify the association between the tumor biological behavior and animal variables, as well as other tumor characteristics. Most cats were mixed breed and aged 11 to 15 years. Malignant tumors were predominant. A statistical association was observed between cytomorphological category of neoplasm and biological behavior (p<0.001). Mesenchymal (24.5%) and epithelial tumors (25%) presented the highest frequency among those benign and malignant, respectively. The cytological suggestion for neoplasm was also statistically associated with biological behavior (p<0.001). The highest percentage of occurrence of benign and malignant tumors consisted of lipomas (22.9%) and sarcomas (19.3%), respectively.

Serological survey of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in shelter-housed cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus, Brazil

Felines play a leading role in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection, but there is scarce information about the epidemiology of Neospora caninum, particularly in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats. Cats seropositive to T. gondii do not usually show symptoms unless they are immunosuppressed, such as FIV-infected cats. The same relationship remains poorly known for N. caninum, although it has been associated with neurological disorders in HIV-infected people. Since FIV-infected cats are prone to develop encephalitis of unknown etiology, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum in a shelter for stray cats naturally infected with FIV. A total of 104 serum samples from cats living in a shelter, located in São Paulo city (Brazil), was assessed for T. gondii and N. caninum specific antibody by indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT). Of the 104 cats, 25 (24%) were infected with FIV and, aside from these, 8 (32%) had antibodies against T. gondii (titers from 16 to 128). Only 1 (4%) of the FIV infected cats had antibodies against N. caninum, which was the first record of coinfection. Among the FIV-naïve cats, 11 (14%) were positive for T. gondii (titers from 16 to 256) and only 1 (1.2%) had antibodies against N. caninum. Serologically positive reactions to T. gondii and N. caninum were not correlated with age or sex (p>0.05), and there was no correlation between FIV and the occurrence of anti-T. gondii or anti-N. caninum antibodies (p>0.05). Further studies encompassing larger cat populations from different origins and locations are essential to clarify the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies in FIV-positive cats.

Multiple Cartilaginous Exostoses In A Pediatric Dog

Background: Multiple cartilaginous exostosis (MCE) is a rare neoplastic disease in dogs that is characterized by the presence of osteochondromas in multiple bones. MCE is a disorder of development during growth and maturation, the real etiology of which has yet to be elucidated, but is believed to have a genetic basis. Usually affected animals have a history of a palpable mass on the bone surface, causing anatomical deformities and compression of adjacent structures. Since MCE is a rare neoplastic disease in dogs it may be difficult to recognize in the clinic. The aim of this study was to report a case of MCE in a pediatric dog.Case: A female 4-month-old Rottweiler dog with a history of bone neoformation on the left hind limb, anorexia, weight loss, and difficulty walking received clinical care. The disease had its initial onset 2 months prior. At physical examination, the animal showed paresis of the hind limbs and a bony tumor on the lateral part of the left tibia. A complete blood cell count and serum biochemical profile were obtained. The only abnormality diagnosed was hyperproteinemia due to hyperglobulinemia. Other diagnostic tests were not authorized and the animal was euthanized. At the necropsy, an intrathoracic neoformation was observed from the sixth to the eighth rib on the right antimer. Some tumors were also observed on the fourth lumbar vertebra and between the first and the second sacral vertebra, and a left tibial tumor, which had been observed at physical examination. The sagittal section of the spine revealed the presence of extradural compression of the spinal cord due to vertebral proliferations with compression of the nerve roots. All of the proliferations had macroscopic similarities, being firm, sessile, irregular, and with complete adherence to deep planes. Tumor samples were submitted to histopathological analysis and the tissue morphology was compatible with osteochondroma. Based on the clinical, necroscopical, and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of MCE was established.Discussion: In MCE, animals less than one year of age are the most frequently affected, as was observed in the case reported. Clinical signs in MCE usually result from poor bone and cartilaginous anatomical formations and from compression of adjacent tissue structures. In the described patient, the proliferations located in the vertebrae and tibia and the consequent compression of nerve roots and nerves caused the neurological deficits. Unlike in canines, the etiology of MCE in humans is already well established and it is classified as an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. The diagnosis is usually obtained through the association of clinical examination with radiographic and histopathological findings. However, in the animal studied, since it was not possible to perform radiographs, confirmation was obtained only after performing histopathological examination of the neoformations, which is considered the standard for the diagnosis of MCE. Although it corresponds to a benign neoplastic process affecting dogs during their growth stage, it may significantly decrease the animal’s quality of life. In this situation, the prognosis of MCE is considered to be reserved to bad, and animals are often referred for euthanasia, as occurred in the animal under discussion, due to the progression of neurological dysfunction. Early recognition of MCE in routine pet hospital practice is of fundamental importance in order to properly institute treatment and monitoring.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia in a Dog Chronically Infected with Leishmania spp. and Other Infectious Agents

Background: Rare studies have described the association of hematopoietic tumors and canine visceral leishmaniosis, however the association between the parasitary disease and neoplasia is still not well established in dogs. Thus, the aim of the present study was to report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a dog infected by Leishmania spp. and otherinfectious agents.Case: A 8-year-old, male Poodle, was brought to the Veterinary Hospital from Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. The dog had a history of recurrent tick-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis, over the previous ten months. On physical examination, pale mucosa, enlargement of popliteal lymph nodes, onychogryphosis, purulent nasal discharge, and bilateralblepharitis with purulent discharge were observed. The dog was skinny and infested with ticks. The blood cell count revealed normocytic, normochromic anemia and leukocytosis (38.000/mm3) with neutrophilia (30.020/mm3). Serum biochemical tests demonstrated hyperproteinemia due to hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and an albumin:globulin ratio of 0.30. The immunochromathographic test for leishmaniasis was negative. The alterations observed in the bone marrow cytological analysis were suggestive of AML, and Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., and amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. were observed inside bone marrow cells. After diagnosis, a decision to euthanize the animal was made.Discussion: Few studies have demonstrated the presence of hematopoietic neoplasia in dogs chronically and simultaneously infected with multiple pathogens. A case of multiple myeloma in a dog associated with infection by Ehrlichia canis, A. phagocytophilum, L. infantum, and Dirofilaria immitis is described. Another study reported B-cell lymphoma in a dog with E. canis and Histoplasma capsulatum infection. The pathogenesis of AML in the reported dog might be associated with continuous antigenic stimulation and chronic inflammation caused by the infectious agents. The pathological changes in bone marrow caused by Leishmania are well described, and different combinations of hypoplasia, hyperplasia, or dysplasia of all hematopoietic lineages can occur. The inflammation and chronic stimulation of hematopoiesis can lead to an increased risk of changes in the genetic material of the hematopoietic precursor cells. Thus, there is an increased chance of generation of mutated clones, resulting in hematopoietic malignancies. Immunosuppression is a common condition present in numerous types of neoplasia, especially in those with hematopoietic origins, which increases the vulnerability to opportunistic diseases. In humans, the presence of concomitant neoplasia and leishmaniasis is well documented, However, there are very few veterinary medicine studies on the association between neoplasia and canine visceral leishmaniosis. Cases of hematopoietic tumors, such as multiple myeloma, and multicentric, cutaneous, and cardiac lymphomas, have been described in dogs with leishmaniasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is possibly the first report implicating pathogens of the genera Leishmania, Anaplasma and Hepatozoon as contributors in the etiopathogenesis of AML in the studied animal. Based on all clinical and laboratory findings, we theorize that the prolonged antigenic stimulation and chronic inflammationcaused by the infectious agents played a crucial role in the development of leukemia in the dog.Keywords: myeloproliferative disorder, hemoparasites, canine leishmaniasis.

Efficacy of Oclacitinib on Feline Atopic Syndrome Management

Background: The feline atopic syndrome (FAS) associated to environmental allergens is the third most common allergic dermatosis in domestic cats. In general, clinical signs are not pathognomonic and the exclusion of other pruritus causes is necessary to reach the diagnosis of FAS. The treatment is based on the use of drugs to control the pruritus, such as glucocorticoids, cyclosporine and, recently, oclacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor. This study aimed to report the efficacy of oclacitinib on the treatment of FAS associated to environmental allergens.Case: A 10-year-old female feline, crossbred, presented a history of pruritic dermatitis during ten months and diarrhea. The animal had been submitted to treatment for ectoparasites with pour-on selamectin and was fed with a commercial hypoallergenic diet in the last eight weeks or so. However, no improvement on the skin condition was observed. Physical examination revealed disseminated furfuraceous desquamation, excoriation and erythema on the right supraorbital region. Bilateral conjunctivitis was also observed. Complete blood cell count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, immunochromathographic test for feline immunodeffiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), fungic culture and abdominal ultrasonography were requested. The abnormalities observed were reduced urinary density and discrete loss of renal corticomedullary differentiation. Thus, based on physical examination and complementary exams, the animal was diagnosis with FAS, since the main other causes of pruritus (hypersensitivity to ectoparasites and alimentary allergens) were excluded. The animal was also diagnosed with stage 1 chronic kidney disease. Therapy based on oclacitinib was instituted with an induction dose of 1 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 1 mg/kg once daily. After 30 days of treatment, a satisfactory therapeutic response was observed, with complete remission of pruritus. The animal was regularly evaluated, with clinical and laboratorial exams, to check the efficacy of treatment and to identify the possible adverse effects of the drug. After 300 days of treatment the animal presented a relapse of pruritic dermatitis, and the dose was changed to 1 mg/kg twice daily, with remission of clinical signs. No adverse reactions or changes in laboratorial exams were observed during the follow-up, and the chronic kidney disease remained on stage 1.Discussion: In spite of being the third most frequent allergic dermatopathy in cats, FAS is still considered as an uncommon disease. FAS is a diagnosis of exclusion, where hypersensivity to ectoparasites and alimentary allergens must be investigated before reaching the diagnosis of FAS. Clinical signs are not pathognomonic. Thus, pruritus, skin lesions on head and/or neck, miliaris dermatitis, symmetric alopecia and eosinophilic dermatitis can be observed. Other dermatologic and systemic manifestations, such as gastrointestinal, ophthalmic and respiratory signs, may be present. The reported animal presented dermatologic and systemic signs of FAS, since all the clinical alterations disappeared with the use of oclacitinib. Because some dogs demonstrated immunosuppression and developed diseases related to this, such as papilomatosis and demodicosis, while using this drug, we decided to rule out the presence of the infection by FIV and FeLV, before the beginning of the therapy. Other drugs can be used for treat cats with FAS, such as glucocorticoids and ciclosporin. However, these drugs are associated to side effects in a long-term therapy. In this case report, a cat treated with oclacitinib showed a long-term control of pruritus and clinical signs remission without adverse effects. Oclacitinib demonstrated to be a good therapeutic option on the treatment of FAS associated to environmental allergens.

Canine juvenile cellulitis: a retrospective study (2009-2016)

Juvenile cellulitis (JC) is an uncommon vesiculopustular disease that affects dogs, especially those under four months of age. The aim of the present study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profile of JC based on clinical records of canine patients treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, between the years 2009 and 2016. A total of five cases were diagnosed. Four dogs presented at an average age of two months and 22 days and were crossbred; the other dog was a rottweiler aged 38 weeks. The average time of evolution of the disease was 16 days, and the main clinical signs were edema, papules, pustules, and bilateral ocular discharge. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology in four animals and by histopathology in only one patient. For all dogs, the treatment was based on cephalexin, administered for 30 days, and prednisolone for three weeks. Otological therapy was included when necessary. Four cases had a favorable outcome. JC is a rare dermatopathy that deserves special attention from veterinary practitioners.

Co-infection with arthropod-borne pathogens in domestic cats

Abstract The role of several feline vector-borne pathogens (FVBP) as a cause of disease in cats has not been clearly determined. In fact, with the exception of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas, FVBP in cats has not been clearly determined in Brazil yet. The present study aimed at identifying, by using molecular methods, the presence of FVBP in three cats showing non-specific clinical signs and inclusions suggestive of hemoparasites in blood smears. Cytauxzoon felis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, Ehrlichia sp. closely related to Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma sp. closely related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in blood samples from two out of three sampled cats. Both cats positive for multiple FVBP did not show hematological and biochemical abnormalities. The present work emphasizes the need for molecular confirmation of co-infection by multiple FVBP in cats presenting non-specific clinical signs and inclusions resembling hemoparasites in blood smears.

Study on coinfecting vector-borne pathogens in dogs and ticks in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Since dogs presenting several vector borne diseases can show none or nonspecific clinical signs depending on the phase of infection, the assessment of the particular agents involved is mandatory. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Leishmania spp. in blood samples and ticks, collected from two dogs from Rio Grande do Norte showing suggestive tick-borne disease by using molecular techniques. DNA of E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum were detected in blood samples and R. sanguineus ticks collected from dogs. Among all samples analyzed, two showed the presence of multiple infections with E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum chagasi. Here we highlighted the need for molecular differential diagnosis in dogs showing nonspecific clinical signs.

Mannheimiose atípica em emas (Rhea americana) cativas

Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) é uma das principais causas da doença do complexo respiratório dos bovinos (DCRB) que causa grandes perdas econômicas. Até os dias atuais, não há relato de aves acometidas por tal bactéria. Relata-se um surto atípico de mannheimiose em emas em cativeiro (Rhea americana).

LINFOMA INTRANASAL EM CÃO: ASPECTOS CLÍNICOPATOLÓGICOS E IMUNOISTOQUÍMICOS

O linfoma canino raramente envolve a cavidade nasal. O diagnóstico pode ser estabelecido por meio da citologia, histopatologia e imunoistoquímica, onde a ultima é uma técnica valiosa para a identificação e classificação de células tumorais. O trabalho objetivou descrever um caso de linfoma intranasal em um canino, com o auxílio do imunodiagnóstico. Um canino, macho, sete anos de idade, sem raça definida, possuía aumento de volume em toda região nasal dorsal e lateral, em associação com uveíte anterior. Como exame complementar solicitou-se citologia de linfonodos e da tumoração nasal. A avaliação citológica dos gânglios linfáticos evidenciou a presença de formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp., enquanto a citologia da tumoração nasal exibiu padrão morfológico indicativo de linfoma. Optou-se pela eutanásia do animal e o mesmo foi encaminhado para necropsia. Os achados necroscópicos incluíram a presença de tumor em toda a extensão das cavidades nasais, ocasionando completa obliteração luminal e perda total dos ossos endoturbinados e conchas nasais. Foram coletados fragmentos do tumor nasal, fígado e globo ocular, os quais foram encaminhados para análise histopatológica, a qual revelou proliferação neoplásica, composta por células redondas, sendo sugerida a realização de análise imunoistoquímica para confirmação diagnóstica. O perfil imunoistoquímico aplicado detectou um linfoma de células Natural Killer. O linfoma intranasal em cães muitas vezes é negligenciado no diagnóstico diferencial das enfermidades do trato respiratório superior. Torna-se fundamental a realização do ensaio imunoistoquímico, pois equivale a uma valiosa ferramenta diagnóstica para os pacientes com linfoma.

Morphometric Alteration of Intestinal Epithelium of Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Submitted to the Technique of Enteropexy

Background: Due to the numerous complications that enteropexy may cause in domestic animals and humans, this study aimed at investigating the microscopic level, the damage generated by this technique in mice, in order to investigate the morphometric changes caused by enteropexy technique in rats.Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen Wistar rats were submitted to surgical technique of enteropexy. To evaluate intestinal disorders they were euthanized at 30 (Group I), 60 (group II) and 90 (group III) days after the procedure. The animals were perfused with 2.5% glutaraldehyde and 4% paraformaldehyde for the removal of intestinal fragments for analysis in conventional microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In classical histopathology, group I presented mild lesions with necrosis of the epithelium and infiltration of mononuclear cells. After 60 days, extensive ischemic necrosis area was observed, characterized by the denudation of epithelium cells and cellular debris in the lumen surface and loss of intestinal crypts. After 90 days (group III) lesions were evident and were characterized by strong coagulative necrosis of epithelial cells and intestinal crypts. Under electron microscopy, group I showed early fusion of the adjacent intestinal walls. After 60 days there was adherence of luminal stenosis and intestinal walls. In group III loss of epithelium and substitution of necrotic tissue were identified.Discussion: In the current study it was noticed microscopically that the groups had inflammatory reactions to foreign bodies. It is known that the sutures, independent of manufacture, behave as foreign bodies that induce tissue inflammation of the recipient organism and could harm the scar repair. Among the surgical threads, the nylon type (which was chosen for the current experiment) is indicated in the approach tissues in general and bandages, including cardiovascular, ophthalmic and neurological procedures. This category wire induces minimal inflammation of the receptor tissue. In studies of the histopathological analysis of the tissue reactions produced by the wire implant or nylon thread clamp in rats, it was observed that when the local action of two implants were compared, inflammation showed qualitatively similar responses, although they had different characteristics regarding their course. Inflammation is proportional to the proliferation of fibroblasts and the presence of fibrous tissue around the suture. This quote confirms the analyzed samples, in which, in all postoperative times showed inflammatory process, although at different magnitudes. Surgical research in laboratory animals has expanded in recent decades, mainly due to better anesthetic support, the sophistication of infrastructure, material for perioperative continuous monitoring and an incessant search for species that reproduce human morbid conditions. The main focus of these studies have been improving the knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms of disease, undertake therapeutic trials with new drugs, studying biomarkers and evaluate new techniques to be applied prospects in man. The most common sites of occurrence of intestinal are ileocolic intussusception junction and jejunojejunal segment. The enteroplication has been used to reduce the occurrence of intussusception, promoting the adhesion of the adjacent serosa layers of intestinal segments and thereby decreasing intestinal motility, their applicability is reported in humans, dogs and cats. The enteropexy technique causes morphological changes in intestinal epithelium of rats, evidenced in conventional and electron microscopy, progress with the passing of time the procedure.

Biometria e alterações histopatológicas em testículos de catetos (Tayassu tajacu) criados em cativeiro no semi-árido nordestino, Brasil

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido visando contribuir com informações a respeito de aspectos biométricos e patológicos em testículos de catetos (Tayassu tajacu). Utilizaram-se doze animais, com idades superior a dez anos, provenientes do Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres CEMAS/ESAM. Após a coleta, os testículos foram submetidos a biometria e em seguida fixados em solução de Bouin. Posteriormente, conservou-se a amostra em álcool a 70% e submeteu-se ao processamento histológico de rotina. A leitura das lâminas foi realizada em microscópio óptico e os resultados obtidos analisados estatisticamente através dos testes "t" e "Z". Os valores médios de comprimento, circunferência e peso, entre o testículo direito e esquerdo, não revelam diferença estatística, ao se aplicar o teste "t". Porém, o mesmo teste demonstrou correlação com significância a 1% de probabilidade entre a gônada direita e esquerda, ao se comparar cada variável biométrica. Dos 12 animais utilizados, oito (67%) apresentaram alterações testiculares, as quais corresponderam a degeneração (63%), rarefação do epitélio (25%) e orquite (12%). Através do teste "Z" houve significância, a 2,5%, ao se compararem às freqüências entre degeneração e rarefação, assim como degeneração e orquite. Verificou-se que, à medida que uma das variáveis biométricas de um testículo apresenta modificação, há uma correspondência com o órgão contralateral. A patologia mais frequente foi à degeneração testicular, a qual demonstrou correlação com as demais alterações.