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Mastitis may be caused by a wide range of microorganisms able to induce distinct lesions in mammary tissues. This study aims to characterize the gross and microscopic features of mastitis in dairy cows and to correlate them with the pathogens involved. The udders of slaughtered dairy cows were inspected and milk samples from each mammary quarter or fragments of the parenchyma were sent for microbiological analysis, and tissue collected for histopathological evaluation. A total of 148 cows and 592 mammary quarters were collected. From these, 432 quarters (73%) had mastitis and in 160 (27%), no changes were observed. Mastitis was classified into seven patterns based on the histopathological findings, of which mixed, lymphoplasmacytic, and suppurative mastitides were the most prevalent with 35.9% (155/432), 27.1% (117/432), and 14.3% (62/432) of the cases, respectively. These patterns were associated with the same set of pathogens: Streptococcus spp., coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, and Corynebacterium bovis. The pyogranulomatous pattern represented 7.2% (31/432) of the cases with distinct distribution based on the agent involved, mostly S. aureus and Nocardia sp. Abscedative mastitis accounted for 6.0% (26/432) of the cases; it was characterized by multiple abscesses in the parenchyma and was mainly caused by Trueperella pyogenes. Necrosuppurative mastitis represented 5.8% (25/432) of the cases which were characterized by severe parenchyma necrosis and were caused by bacteria such as CNS and Escherichia coli. The granulomatous pattern represented 3.7% (16/432) of the cases and was occasionally associated with Mycobacterium sp.

Interstitial lung diseases are a group of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases that include interstitial lung fibrosis. The aim of this study is to characterize the clinical and pathological findings of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in three cats and to investigate possible etiological agents through bacteriological and mycological exams and immunohistochemistry. All three cats were female and aged from 10 to 14 years old, they presented with a clinical history of weight loss and dyspnea. The radiographic changes were similar in all cats and included increased pulmonary radiopacity with a mixed bronchointerstitial pattern progressing to an alveolar pattern. Two cats died during lung biopsy procedures. At necropsy, the lesions were limited to the pulmonary parenchyma and were firm, hypocrepitant with a multinodular appearance on the pleural surface; they failed to completely collapse when the thorax was opened. In the pleural region, there were multifocal star-shaped scarring lesions, with parenchymal retraction. Microscopically, all three cats had multifocal-to-coalescing fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, hypertrophy or hyperplasia of the smooth muscle tissue of terminal bronchioles and an accumulation of macrophages within the alveolar spaces. There was no growth on bacteriological or mycological cultures, and the immunohistochemical evaluations for the presence of viral etiological agents (FIV, FeLV, FCoV, FCV and FHV-1) were also negative. RESUMO: As enfermidades pulmonares intersticiais são um grupo de doenças difusas do parênquima pulmonar, nas quais a fibrose pulmonar está incluída. O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar os achados clínicos e patológicos da fibrose pulmonar idiopática em três gatas, e avaliar possíveis agentes etiológicos através dos exames bacteriológicos, micológicos e imuno-histoquímicos. As três gatas tinham entre 10 e 14 anos de idade e histórico clínico de emagrecimento e dispneia. As alterações radiográficas observadas foram similares, com aumento de radiopacidade difuso dos campos pulmonares de padrão misto broncointersticial e eventualmente alveolar. Dois felinos morreram durante procedimento de biópsia pulmonar. No exame de necropsia as lesões eram exclusivas no parênquima pulmonar os quais estavam firmes, hipocreptantes, com aspecto levemente multinodular em superfície pleural e não colapsaram após a abertura da cavidade torácica. Em região pleural havia lesões cicatriciais de aspecto estrelar multifocais, com retração do parênquima. Microscopicamente, todos os gatos apresentaram fibrose multifocal a coalescente, hiperplasia dos pneumócitos do tipo II e hiperplasia e hipertrofia do músculo liso de bronquíolos terminais e acúmulo de macrófagos no interior de espaços alveolares. Não houve crescimento nas culturas bacteriana e micológica, e os exames de imuno-histoquímica para avaliação de possíveis agentes virais (FIV, FeLV, FCoV, FCV e FHV-1) foram negativos em todos os felinos.

Pythium insidiosum, an aquatic oomycete, causes chronic lesions in the skin and digestive tract of multiple species. A captive-bred Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) showed clinical signs of lethargy and weight loss in a clinical course of 30 days, with no response to treatment. At necropsy, the abdominal cavity had approximately 32 L of a yellow, turbid fluid with fibrin. The third compartment of the stomach (C-3) showed a focal area of rupture covered with fibrin. Close to this area, the C-3 wall was thickened and firm, demonstrating irregular, yellow, and friable areas on cut surface (kunkers). Microscopically, these corresponded to necrosis, characterized by a central amorphous eosinophilic material, surrounded by a pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis. Negatively stained hyphae were observed at the periphery of the necrotic areas, which showed marked immunostaining for P. insidiosum. Pythiosis in camelids may involve the stomach, resulting in peritonitis and death.

Background: Ricinus communis (castor bean) is an arbustive plant, popularly known in Brazil as “mamona”. This plant is widely distributed both as a weed in pastures and in specific cultures. All parts of the plant are poisonous and contain the toxic substance ricin, especially the seeds, leaves and pericarp. The ingestion of leaves and pericarp may cause neurological signs. Gross findings are unspecific, however the main finding is the presence of leaves and seeds in the ruminal content. This reportaims to describe the clinical, epidemiological and pathological features of a spontaneous poisoning by R. communis in two sheep.Cases: During the month of March of 2015, six sheep that were kept in a native pasture with high amounts of capimannoni (Eragrostis plana) and received alfalfa hay, had access in the morning to an area infested by R. communis, which was previously cut. Two of these animals presented in the same day at the afternoon clinical signs of apathy, dyspnea and recumbency, followed by death. The inspection of the area infested by R. communis revealed that large amounts of seeds and leaves of this plant were consumed. The two sheep were submitted to necropsy, where multiple samples were collected and processed routinely for histology. Grossly, there were cyanotic mucosae and alimentary content around the nostrils. The ruminal content was dry and showed large amounts of partially digested leaves and seeds. Microscopically, rumen, reticulum and omasum had mild hydropic degeneration in the mucosa, in addition to a mild inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and plasma cells.Discussion: The diagnosis of R. communis poisoning in two sheep was obtained through the epidemiological aspects, such as the observation of the plant consumption, in addition to the clinical and pathological features. The observation of digested seeds and leaves in the ruminal content is similar to the previously described in cattle and essential to the diagnosisof the condition, since the gross and microscopic lesions are usually unspecific and mainly characterized by edema and congestion of the digestive tract from the abomasum to the proximal colon. Sheep and cattle poisoned with seeds of R. communis may show gastrointestinal clinical signs mainly. In the present study, however, the clinical course was peracute with only dyspnea and recumbency, suggesting a nervous form of the condition. This form of poisoning is associated to the consumption of dry leaves and clinical signs may be observed within 3-6h after consumption. These are characterized by unbalance walk, muscle tremors, sialorrhea, chewing movements and excessive eructation, and can rapidly progress to death, as in the present study, and in other spontaneous poisoned sheep. The condition should be differentiated from arsenic poisoning, which presents mainly vascular lesions involving the rumen, reticulum and omasum, as well as other poisonings that cause gastroenteritis, such as Baccharis coridifolia poisoning, which culminates with mucosa necrotic lesions involving the pre-stomachs. A high mortality may have occurred due to the food shortage, which in association tothe prolonged mastication of ruminants may have increased the ricin release from the seeds and leaves. Ricinus communis poisoning in sheep may occur spontaneously in association with food shortage. The clinical course of these cases may be peracute (neurological form), usually leading to death, with scarse previous clinical signs. The diagnosis of this poisoningshould be based on the observation of the previous consumption of the plant, as well as observation of seeds and leaves of the plant intermixed with the ruminal content, since microscopic lesions are rare.Keywords: castor bean, pathology, neurological, sudden death, toxicology.

RESUMO: Considerando a possibilidade de erros na identificação das lesões e a necessidade de melhorar o diagnóstico, o objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar macroscopicamente e microscopicamente as principais lesões parasitárias observadas em ovinos na linha de abate. Os materiais foram colhidos durante duas visitas a um matadouro frigorífico de ovinos no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Totalizaram-se 161 amostras com lesões parasitárias de ovinos em diferentes órgãos. As alterações observadas incluíam hidatidose, cisticercose por Cysticercus ovis, cisticercose por Cysticercus tenuicollis, sarcocistose (morfologia compatível com Sarcocystis gigantea), fasciolose (Fasciola hepatica) e esofagostomose. Das 161 amostras, 25,5% correspondiam a hidatidose, e os cistos hidáticos foram observados, predominantemente, nos pulmões (46,3%) e fígado (41,5%). Ao corte, os cistos demonstraram três padrões morfológicos: cistos uniloculares viáveis (34%); cistos multivesiculares viáveis (31,7%); e cistos hidáticos (uniloculares e multivesiculares) degenerados (34%). As lesões de cisticercose por C. ovis (22,4%) foram visualizadas no coração (63,9%), língua (13,9%), músculo masseter (11,1%) e diafragma (11,1%). Morfologicamente os cisticercos foram classificados em vivos (viáveis), degenerados e mineralizados. Lesões provocadas por S. gigantea (19,2%) estavam presentes na túnica muscular do esôfago, na língua e na laringe. Macroscopicamente, observaram-se múltiplas estruturas nodulares brancas que continham uma cápsula fibrosa e lúmen preenchido por material gelatinoso translúcido. Cisticercose por C. tenuicollis representaram 18,6% das lesões. Os cistos foram observados aderidos no omento, no mesentério, na cápsula do fígado e na vesícula biliar. Morfologicamente os cistos foram classificados como vivos (viáveis) e degenerados. Os cistos vivos apresentavam a parede translúcida ou levemente opaca, contendo um escólex no seu interior. Os cistos degenerados eram brancacentos, firmes, com espessa cápsula fibrosa e centro mineralizado. Lesões provocadas por F. hepatica corresponderam a 7,4% dos casos. As lesões hepáticas caracterizavam-se macroscopicamente por espessamento variável dos ductos biliares por fibrose e ocasionalmente havia exemplares de F. hepatica no lúmen dos ductos. Em oito casos, observaram-se áreas de acentuada necrose do parênquima hepático. Lesões provocadas por Oesophagostomum spp. perfizeram 6,8% dos casos. As alterações foram observadas no intestino delgado e intestino grosso de todos os ovinos e em dois casos, havia também envolvimento dos linfonodos mesentéricos. Nos intestinos, as lesões caracterizavam-se por nódulos bem delimitados, salientes na serosa, firmes e que invadiam também a camada muscular. Nos linfonodos havia obliteração do parênquima nodal por acentuada mineralização. É extremamente importante a identificação morfológica das diferentes lesões parasitárias encontradas nas linhas de abate em frigoríficos de ovinos, para posterior destino correto das mesmas. As alterações devem ser avaliadas com o intuito principal de reconhecer a sua capacidade infecciosa. Além disso, é fundamental o conhecimento dos locais anatômicos mais comuns em que cada alteração geralmente costuma ocorrer. ABSTRACT: Considering the possibilities of mistaken diagnoses in identifying lesions at meat inspection this study was designed to provide data for a better-educated diagnosis by the meat inspectors through the gross and microscopic characterization of parasitic lesions observed in slaughtered sheep at the inspection line. One hundred and sixty-one samples of parasitic lesions were sampled from various organs of slaughtered sheep during two visits to a sheep abattoir located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Lesions observed included hydatid cysts, cysticercosis due to Cysticercus ovis and to Cysticercus tenuicollis, sarcocystosis (morphology compatible with Sarcocystis gigantea), fasciolosis (Fasciola hepatica) and oesophagostomosis. Twenty-five point five percent of the 161 samples corresponded to hydatidosis and the hydatid cysts were observed predominantly in the lungs (46.3%) and liver (41.5%). On cut surface, the cysts had three different morphological patterns: viable unilocular cysts (34%); viable multivesicular cysts (31.7%); and degenerate (unilocular and multivesicular) hydatid cysts (34%). Cysticercosis by C. ovis (22.4%) was observed in the myocardium (63.9%), tongue (13.9%), masseter (11.1%), and diaphragm (11.1%). Morphologically the cysticerci were classified as viable, degenerated or mineralized. Lesions caused by S. Gigantea (19.2%) were observed in the muscle layer of the esophagus, tongue, and larynx. Grossly there were multiple white nodular structures that contained a fibrous capsule with the lumen filled by translucent and gelatinous material. Cysticercosis by C. tenuicollis accounted for 18.6% of observed parasitic lesions; the cysts adhered to the omentum, mesentery, liver capsule, and serosal surface of gall bladder; grossly the cysts were classified as viable and degenerated. Viable cysts had translucent or slightly opaque walls and contained a single scolex. Degenerated cysts were white, firm and with a thick fibrous capsule and mineralized center. Lesions caused by F. hepatica accounted for 7.4% of the cases and were grossly characterized by variable fibrous thickening of bile ducts which occasionally contained the adult flukes in their lumina. In eight cases there were marked areas of necrosis in the hepatic parenchyma. Lesions caused Oesophagostomumspp. accounted for 6.8% of the observed parasitic cases and the changes were observed in all cases in the walls of the small and large intestine; in two cases mesenteric lymph nodes were also involved. In the intestines, lesions were characterized by firm well-circumscribed nodules prominent in the serosal surface and also invading the muscle layer. In the lymph nodes marked mineralization obliterated the nodal parenchyma. The correct identification of the various parasitic lesions found in the viscera of sheep in the abattoir inspection line it is important to dictate the proper destination of affected organs and carcasses. The lesions should be evaluated aiming to determine their infective capacity and to acquire knowledge about their more frequent anatomical sites.

Background: Reference hematological values for chelonians are uncommon, especially those that take account of seasonal variations. While there exists controversy over how climate influences hematological values in different reptile species, the identification of this influence would help with the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases that affect these species, often kept as pets. Chelonians are ectotherms and, therefore, intrinsic and extrinsic factors may affect physiological and hematological values, affecting the interpretation of clinical information on these species. The aims of this study were to assess the hematological values of captive red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) and to check their variation according to the cold and warmer seasons of the year.Materials, Methods &Results: Blood samples were collected from nine red-footed tortoises (C. carbonaria) of indeterminate sex and different ages, bred in captivity without control over environmental variables during one year, one each season (summer, fall, winter and spring). A total of 36 samples were considered to study. The colder seasons were collapsed together into one group that holds winter and fall (colds) and the months whit warmer weather spring and summer were grouped as a class called (warm). The complete blood count was performed manually, and medians, maximum values, and minimum values were obtained from the animals in each season of the year. The samples were grouped in “cold” and “warm” classes as above. Repeated measures ANOVA were used in order to compare the influence of climate variation on hematologic variables. For this mater Bonferroni’s test was employed as post-hoc analysis. As results, the erythrocytes total count, hemoglobin value, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, absolute numbers of heterophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and total plasma proteins varied significantly (P < 0.05) between colder and warmer seasons. Erythrocyte values yielded significantly higher values in warmer seasons than in the other seasons. The seasonality was verified in erythrocytes total count (P < 0.001), hemoglobin value (P < 0.001), hematocrit values (P < 0.001) and differential white blood cell count (P < 0.001).Discussion: The hematological alterations detected in C. carbonaria were similar observed in similar studies in reptiles species and due to the distinct method and management used and different species, it was not possible to compare the statistical results. In previously studies, as a C. carbonaria, the hematological variations between climatic seasons were identified in other reptile species due particular ectothermic metabolism. The variation in total WBC count produced by seasons of the year had already been described in snakes, such as in South American rattlesnakes and in tropical snakes. Changes in metabolic activity may be influence in TPP values in reptiles when season of the year is included as a variable. In hibernating species, the variation in TPP values is attributed to hibernating behavior when the lower food intake led to a decrease in plasma protein levels. In the case of C. carbonaria, which does not hibernate, other variables could influence the difference between seasons. All hematological changes observed in studied animals confirm the influence of climate between cold and hot months, given the peculiar metabolism of chelonians. The results point out the importance is to consider the seasonal climate variations in the interpretation of hematological values of C. carbonaria under uncontrolled environmental conditions.

Background: Acupuncture has been reported as a weight loss treatment for obese patients. The use of pharmacopuncture focusing on behavioral analyses has not yet been studied with the objective of treating obesity. Thus, this study aimed to assess the biochemical and behavioral effects of using pharmacopuncture techniques in obese Wistar rats. Methods: The treatments consisted in applying pharmacopuncture at the Zusanli (ST 36) and Tianshu (ST 25) points. Results: When treated with pharmacopuncture, groups HDP36 and HDP25 experienced a reduction in body weight compared to the controls, who were also fed a hypercaloric diet. In the alimentary behavior test, latency to feed did not differ between the groups. However, groups HDP36 and HDP25 consumed a smaller number of cereals bits, which suggests that inappetence was an effect of the treatment. No difference was found among the groups in the elevated plus maze test, which indicates no anxiety action of the points studied. Regarding post mortem perirenal and abdominal fat among the groups fed a hypercaloric diet, groups HDP36 and HDP25 had lower perirenal fat weight and HDP36 had lower abdominal fat weight compared to the other groups. Likewise, a reduction in cholesterol 10.1186/s12906-015-0829-7 and glucose levels was found in groups HDP36 and HDP25 compared to the other groups that were fed a hypercaloric diet, while triglycerides decreased in subgroup HDP25 Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study showed the efficacy of pharmacopuncture in weight loss of obese rats, as well as changes in biochemical and behavioral parameters.

Secondary neoplasms affecting the central nervous system (CNS) may occur through blood flow or direct extension. This condition occurrence has increased both due to a longer life expectancy of dogs, as well as with the employment of chemotherapeutics, which may increase the survival period and, thus, the odds of the occurrence of metastasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological features, such as the age, breed and sex of the animals affected, as well as the gross and microscopic findings of the metastasis from neoplasms involving the CNS of 78 dogs, and, based on the data, estimate the occurrence and frequency of the metastatic or multicentric neoplasms. Females (71.79%) were most affected than males, with an average age of 9.5-years-old and a median of 10-years-old. Most of the cases had a multifocal distribution (73.07%), and epithelial neoplasms (50%) were the most common. Telencephalon was the most affected neuroanatomical region (61.1%). Mammary neoplasms were the most frequent (47.44%), followed by hemangiosarcoma (19.23%), lymphoma (10.26%) and melanoma (6.41%). Less common neoplasms included osteosarcoma, histiocytic sarcoma and lung carcinoma (2.56%). Mammary neoplasms were mainly composed of anaplastic and micropapillary carcinomas, of which only multifocal microscopic lesions were observed. RESUMO: Neoplasias secundárias envolvendo o sistema nervoso central (SNC) podem ocorrer por via hematógena ou por extensão direta. A ocorrência desta condição vem aumentando devido à expectativa de vida mais longa dos cães, bem como através do uso de quimioterápicos, os quais podem ampliar a sobrevida e, portanto, as chances para a ocorrência de metástases. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os aspectos epidemiológicos, como idade, raça e sexo dos animais afetados, bem como caracterizar os achados macroscópicos e microscópicos de neoplasmas com metástases envolvendo o SNC de 78 caninos e, baseado nestes dados, estimar a ocorrência e a frequência de neoplasias metastáticas ou multicêntricas. Fêmeas (71,79%) foram mais afetadas do que machos, com uma idade média de 9,5 anos e mediana de 10 anos. A maior parte dos casos apresentava distribuição multifocal (73,07%), e neoplasias de origem epitelial (50%) foram as mais frequentes. A localização neuroanatômica mais afetada foi o telencéfalo (61,1%). As neoplasias mamárias foram as mais frequentes (47,44%), seguidas por hemangiossarcoma (19,23%), linfoma (10,26%) e melanoma (6,41%). Osteossarcoma, sarcoma histiocítico e carcinoma pulmonar (2,56%) foram neoplasias menos frequentes. Os tipos de neoplasmas mamários mais observados foram o carcinoma anaplásico e o carcinoma micropapilar, nesses dois tipos as lesões eram multifocais e observadas somente na microscopia.