Epidemiological and pathological aspects of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in 114 horses in Southern Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal de 114 equinos no sul do Brasil

Equine colic is one of the most common cause of death in horses, but few studies have investigated specifically the conditions at the necropsy. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and pathological features of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in horses. A retrospective study was conducted in search of cases of these diseases affecting horses from 2005 to 2017. During this period, 114 horses died of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and the main causes were: primary gastric dilation (27/114), volvulus (27/114), enterolithiasis (20/114), rectal (colonic) perforation (15/114), gastric or cecocolonic impaction (10/114), incarcerations (6/114), intussusception (4/114), and others (5/114). Mixed breeds horses (56/114) and males (69/114) were mostly affected. The horses had a median and mean age of 10 and 10.9-years old, respectively. Primary gastric dilation was characterized by distension of the stomach by moderate to large amounts of content, which in 21 cases caused tearing of the stomach wall at the greater curvature (peritonitis), and the main predisposing factor was alimentary overload (17/27). Intestinal volvulus occurred within the small intestine (14 cases) and within the large intestines (13 cases). Grossly, there was intestinal ischemia with reddened to deep-black serosa and diffusely red mucosae. Enterolithiasis caused partial or complete obstruction of the right dorsal colon (9/20), transverse colon (4/20), small colon and right dorsal colon (3/20), rectum and right dorsal colon (2/20), and small colon (2/20). Viscera perforation and peritonitis occurred in 11 cases. Rectal (colonic) perforation involved the rectum (10/15), rectum/small colon (4/15), and the small colon (1/15). It was characterized by a focally extensive transmural tearing, associated with reddened borders, and retroperitoneal to diffuse peritonitis. Palpation related iatrogenic injuries (11/15) were the main cause. Impactions affected the large colon (7/10), the cecum (2/10), and the stomach (1/10). Incarcerations consisted of inguinoscrotal hernias (2/6), small intestine entrapment by a mesenteric failure (2/6), diaphragmatic hernia, and umbilical eventration. Grossly, the organs were constricted by a hernial ring, with intestinal ischemia and reddened to dark-red serosa. Predisposing factors included previous surgeries (2/6) and patent inguinal ring (1/6). Intussusception involved the small intestine (3/4) and ileocecum (1/4). Foals with lack of colostrum intake and concomitant pneumonia was a characteristic presentation (3/4). Grossly, the intussusceptum slipped into intussuscipiens, with diffuse deep black-red discoloration. Other causes included large colon displacement (2/5), extrinsic and intrinsic obstruction of the small intestine (2/5), and an intestinal adenocarcinoma. Noninfectious gastrointestinal diseases are major causes of death in horses. Epidemiological and gross features of the conditions should be accounted to obtain a final diagnosis of the cause of the colic.(AU)

A cólica em equinos é considerada como a principal causa de morte de cavalos, porém poucos estudos têm investigado especificamente as condições envolvidas através da necropsia. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal de equinos. Foi conduzido um estudo retrospectivo em busca de casos dessas doenças envolvendo cavalos de 2005 a 2017. Durante esse período, 114 equinos morreram devido a doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal, e as principais causas foram: dilatação gástrica (27/114), vólvulos (27/114), enterolitíase (20/114), ruptura retal (colônica) (15/114), compactação gástrica ou cecocolônica (10/114), encarceramentos (6/114), intussuscepções (4/114), e outros (5/114). Animais sem raça definida (56/114) e machos (69/114) foram mais afetados. Os equinos apresentavam uma média e mediana de idade de 10 e 10,9 anos, respectivamente. A dilatação gástrica primária era caracterizada por distensão do estômago por moderada a grande quantidade de conteúdo, que em 21 casos provocava ruptura da parede gástrica na curvatura maior (peritonite), e o principal fator predisponente foi sobrecarga alimentar (17/27). Vólvulo intestinal ocorreu no intestino delgado e no intestino grosso (14 e 13 casos, respectivamente). Macroscopicamente, havia isquemia intestinal com serosa avermelhada a enegrecida e mucosa difusamente avermelhada. A enterolitíase causou obstrução parcial ou completa do cólon dorsal direito (9/20), cólon transverso (4/20), cólon menor e cólon dorsal direito (3/20), cólon menor (2/20), e reto e cólon maior direito (2/20). Perfuração de vísceras e peritonite foram observadas em 11 casos. A ruptura retal (colônica) envolveu o reto (10/15), reto/cólon menor (4/15) e cólon menor (1/15). Essa era caracterizada por ruptura transmural focalmente extensa, com bordos avermelhados e peritonite retroperitoneal a difusa. Traumas relacionados à palpação (11/15) foram a principal causa. Compactações afetaram o cólon maior (7/10), ceco (2/10) e estômago (1/10). Encarceramentos consistiram em hérnias inguinoescrotais (2/6), encarceramento de alças intestinais por falha no mesentério (2/6), hérnia diafragmática e eventração umbilical. Macroscopicamente, os órgãos estavam constritos por um anel hernial, com isquemia intestinal e serosa avermelhada a vermelho-escura. Fatores predisponentes incluíram cirurgias prévias (2/6) e anel inguinal patente (1/6). Intussuscepções envolveram o intestino delgado (3/4) e íleoceco (1/4). A apresentação característica foi em potros com falta de colostro e concomitante pneumonia. Macroscopicamente, o intussuscepto deslizava em direção ao intussuscepiente, exibindo coloração vermelho-enegrecida difusa. Outras causas incluíram deslocamento de cólon maior (2/5), obstrução extrínseca e intrínseca do intestino delgado (2/5), e um caso de adenocarcinoma intestinal. Doenças não infecciosas são importantes causas de morte em equinos. Os aspectos epidemiológicos e macroscópicos das condições devem ser considerados para o que o diagnóstico final da causa da cólica seja obtido.(AU)

Isolation, cultivation and immunofluorescence characterization of lamellar keratinocytes from equine hoof by using explants / Isolamento, cultivo e caracterização por imunofluorescência de queratinócitos lamelares de casco equino utilizando explantes

The importance of the hoof to the horse health is clear, and the current knowledge regarding the cellular aspects of hoof keratinocytes is poor. Studies on equine keratinocyte culture are scarce. Developing keratinocyte cultures in vitro is a condition for studies on molecular biology, cell growth and differentiation. Some methods have already been established, such as those for skin keratinocyte culture. However, few methodologies are found for lamellar keratinocytes. The objective of this study was to standardize the equine hoof keratinocyte isolation and cultivation, and then characterize the cell immunophenotype. For this, the primary culture method used was through explants obtained from three regions of the equine hoof (medial dorsal, dorsal, and lateral dorsal). After the cell isolation and cultivation, the cell culture and its explants were stained with anti-pan cytokeratin (pan-CK) (AE1/AE3), vimentin (V9), p63 (4A4), and Ki-67 (MIB-1) antibodies. Cells were grown to third passage, were positive for pan-CK, p63 and Ki-67, and few cells had vimentin positive expression. As for the explants, the epidermal laminae were not stained for vimentin or Ki-67. However, some cells presented positive pan-CK and p63 expression. This study demonstrated the viability of lamellar explants of equine hooves as a form of isolating keratinocytes in primary cultures, as well as characterized the proliferation ability of such keratinocytes in monolayers.(AU)

É notória a importância do casco na saúde dos equinos, mas o conhecimento em nível celular é pouco entendido. Estudos envolvendo o cultivo de queratinócitos equinos são escassos. Sabe-se que o desenvolvimento de cultivos de queratinócitos in vitro é uma condição para estudos sobre a biologia molecular, crescimento e diferenciação celular. Alguns métodos já estão estabelecidos, como para cultivo de queratinócitos de pele, mas poucas metodologias são encontradas para queratinócitos lamelares. O objetivo desse estudo foi padronizar o cultivo de queratinócitos provenientes de casco equino visando futuramente associar ao estudo da medicina regenerativa para assim estabelecer um modelo experimental in vitro e indicar o uso criterioso de terapias regenerativas para a laminite equina. Desta forma, o cultivo em monocamada e a caracterização de queratinócitos lamelares foram realizados. Para isso, o método de cultura primária utilizado foi através de explantes obtidos de três regiões do casco (dorso-medial, dorsal e dorso-lateral). As células foram caracterizadas para os marcadores anti pan-cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), vimentin (V9), p63 (4A4) e Ki-67 (MIB-1) nos cultivos e nos explantes. As células foram cultivadas até terceira passagem, tendo marcação positiva para pan-CK, p63 e Ki-67 e fraca marcação para vimentina. Já as lâminas epidermais não tiveram marcação de vimentin e Ki-67, porém marcaram acentuadamente para pan-CK e p63. Este estudo demonstrou a exiquibilidade do uso de explantes lamelares do casco de equinos, como forma de isolamento de queratinócitos em cultivos primários, bem como caracterizou a habilidade de proliferação desses queratinócitos em monocamada.(AU)

Lung lesions of slaughtered horses in southern Brazil / Lesões pulmonares de equinos de matadouro-frigorífico no Sul do Brasil

Respiratory diseases cause significant veterinary costs, reduce performance and require withdrawal of horses. Yet, studies of the causes of pneumonia in horses are scant. This study aimed to describe the pathological and microbiological features of lung lesions in slaughtered horses in southern Brazil. In this study, 84 samples of lungs were examined, and a conclusive diagnosis was obtained in 74 cases. These were composed of bronchopneumonia in 50 cases, followed by granulomatous eosinophilic pneumonia (9/74), recurrent airway obstruction (7/74), lung fibrosis (4/74), lung hemorrhage (3/74) and pulmonary pythiosis (1/74). Bronchopneumonia had grossly firm focally extensive yellow to dark-red areas, which consisted microscopically of multifocal to coalescing infiltrate of degenerate neutrophils. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus was identified in 21 of the 50 cases. Granulomatous eosinophilic pneumonia had multifocal pinpoint firm-hard yellow areas, which microscopically were composed of granulomas with a mineralized center surrounded by collagen fibers and severe infiltrate of eosinophils. Recurrent airway obstruction had mild multifocal pinpoint firm white areas that consisted microscopically of large amounts of mucus inside bronchi and bronchiole. Lung fibrosis had two patterns: focally extensive areas of consolidation and firm nodular areas. Microscopically, the first pattern had interstitial to peribronchial fibrosis, while the second had, in addition to the interstitial fibrosis, a severe pneumocyte hyperplasia and an alveolar infiltrate of neutrophils and macrophages with rare intranuclear inclusion bodies (equine herpesvirus 5, EHV-5). Pulmonary pythiosis presented a focal firm nodular area, with multiple kunkers observed in the cut surface, which corresponded microscopically to areas of necrosis surrounded by a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. At the periphery of the necrotic areas, multiple negatively stained hyphae were observed, which were evidenced through Grocott's stain and immunohistochemistry anti-Pythium insidiosum.(AU)

Doenças respiratórias causam em equinos custos significativos com tratamento veterinário, redução de performance e descarte de animais. No entanto, estudos que abordem as causas de pneumonia em equinos são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os aspectos patológicos e microbiológicos de lesões pulmonares em equinos abatidos em matadouro-frigorífico no Sul do Brasil. Neste estudo, 84 amostras de pulmões foram examinadas, e o diagnóstico conclusivo das condições foi obtido em 74 casos. Esses foram compostos por broncopneumonia em 50 casos, seguido por pneumonia granulomatosa eosinofílica (9/74), obstrução aérea recorrente (7/74), fibrose pulmonar (4/74), hemorragia pulmonar (3/74) e pitiose pulmonar (1/74). A broncopneumonia era caracterizada macroscopicamente por áreas focalmente extensas firmes de coloração amarelada a vermelho-escuras, as quais consistiam microscopicamente em infiltrado multifocal a coalescente de neutrófilos degenerados. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus foi identificado em 21 dos 50 casos. A pneumonia eosinofílica granulomatosa era caracterizada por áreas multifocais puntiformes firmes a duras e amareladas, que microscopicamente eram compostas por granulomas com área central mineralizada circundados por fibras de colágeno e infiltrado acentuado de eosinófilos. A obstrução aérea recorrente era caracterizada por discretas áreas puntiformes firmes e brancacentas que consistiam microscopicamente em grande quantidade de muco no interior de brônquios e bronquíolos. A fibrose pulmonar exibia dois padrões: áreas de consolidação focalmente extensas e áreas nodulares firmes. Microscopicamente, o primeiro padrão exibia fibrose intersticial a peribronquial, enquanto no segundo padrão havia, além da fibrose intersticial, intensa hiperplasia de pneumócitos e infiltrado alveolar de neutrófilos e macrófagos com raros corpúsculos de inclusão intranucleares (herpesvírus equino 5, EHV-5). A pitiose pulmonar exibia uma área nodular firme focal com múltiplos kunkers ao corte, os quais correspondiam microscopicamente a áreas de necrose circundadas por infiltrado inflamatório misto. À periferia das áreas necróticas, múltiplas imagens negativas de hifas eram observadas, as quais foram evidenciadas através da coloração de Grocott e imuno-histoquímica anti-Pythium insidiosum.(AU)

Estudo da correlação de medidas radiográficas indicadoras de laminite em éguas da raça Mangalarga Marchador com e sem sinais de sobrepeso / Correlation study about radiographic measurements signaling laminitis in Mangalarga Marchador mares with or without signs of overweight

A avaliação radiográfica do casco é essencial no diagnóstico e na avaliação da laminite em equinos, contudo poucos estudos têm sido feitos em raças nacionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a morfometria de imagens radiográficas obtidas do dígito de éguas Mangalarga Marchador (MM), a fim de obter um perfil de medidas indicadoras de laminite nessa população e comparar grupos sem (escore corporal 5 e 6) e com (escore corporal 7 e 8) sinais de sobrepeso. Não houve diferença significativa entre os valores para as medidas dos dois grupos (P>0,05), mas verificou-se correlação positiva entre a distância entre os planos da linha coronária e do ápice do processo extensor (afundamento da falange distal) e indicadores de deposição de gordura localizada no pescoço e na base da cauda. Os achados demonstram que a morfometria radiográfica do dígito dessa população de equinos Mangalarga Marchador difere da de raças estrangeiras. Além disso, nos animais estudados, éguas com escore corporal 7 e 8 não aparentaram estarem mais sujeitas à laminite, uma vez que não houve diferença entre a morfometria de éguas com escore inferior. Entretanto, as correlações positivas entre índices de obesidade e a distância de afundamento da falange distal indicam que éguas Mangalarga Marchador também estão sujeitas à ocorrência de laminite associada à obesidade...

The radiographic evaluation of the hoof is essential in the diagnosis and follow-up of equine laminitis; however, few studies have been conducted in Brazilian breeds. The aim was to perform the morphometry of radiographic images taken from the digit of Mangalarga Marchador in order to obtain a profile of measurements indicative of laminitis in this population. We also compared measurements form mares without (body score 5 and 6) and with (body score 7 and 8) signs of overweight. There was no significant difference between measurements from the two groups (P> 0.05), but there was significant positive correlation between founder distance and signs of adiposity in the neck and in the base of the tail. Findings from this study demonstrate that radiographic morphology of the hoof from this population of Mangalarga Marchador mares differ from standard international reference values. Furthermore, in this group of mares, those with body condition grading 7 and 8 did not seem to be more prone to develop laminitis, since there was no difference when they were compared with mares showing lower grades. However, a significant correlation among founder distance and signs of adiposity in the neck and base of tail indicate that Mangalarga Marchador mares are also prone to obesity-associated laminitis...

Morfometría, planimetría y estereología en el hueso sesamoídeo distal en manos de equinos con y sin síndrome navicular / Morphometry, planimetry and stereology in the distal sesamoid bone in equine foot with and without navicular syndrome

El Síndrome Navicular (SN) es una patología claudicógena bilateral crónica, degenerativa y progresiva, que compromete alhueso sesamoídeo distal (HSD), labolsa podotroclear, ligamentosy a las superficies adyacentes al tendón del músculo flexor digitalprofundo en manos de equinos. La hipótesis de que las características morfológicas del HSD en la mano de equinos varían en aquellos que presentan SN fue evaluada en este estudio. Para determinar cambios morfológicos en el HSD en manos de equinos con SN se realizó un estudio morfométrico, planimétrico y estereológico. Fueron evaluados dos grupos: No Afectadas (n=11) y Síndrome Navicular (n=11). Se evaluaron variables tales como peso, volumen, mediciones lineales, área y parámetros estereológicos tales como densidad de número (NA), volumen (VV) y superficie (SV). Los resultados obtenidos indican que a pesar de existir un proceso patológico e inflamatorio en la región del HSD que induce cambios mesoscópicos y microscópicos atribuibles a SN, no lograrían modificar sus características macroscópicas.

Navicular Syndrome (NS) is a chronic, degenerative and progressive bilateral claudication pathology, compromising the distal sesamoid bone (DSB), the podotrochlear bursa, ligaments and adjacent surfaces of the tendon of the deep digital flexor muscle of equine foot. The hypothesis that morphological characteristics of HSB in hand of horses vary in those with SN was evaluated in this study. A study was carried out to determine the morphological changes in the DSB in 22 left foot of horses with NS. We realized morphometrical, planimetrical and stereological studies in two groups of horses feet: Not Affected (n=11) and Navicular Syndrome (n=11). The following variables were quantified: weight, volume, linear measurements, area and stereological parameters: densities of number (NA), volume (VV) and surface (SV). Results indicate that although there is a pathological and inflammatory process in the region of DSB which induces mesoscopic and microscopic changes attributable to SN, their gross morphological features were not modified.

Acute myonecrosis in horse caused by Clostridium novyi type A

The objective of this study was to describe the first report involving a case of equine acute myonecrosis caused by C. novyi type A with an emphasis on clinical signs, the pathological and bacteriological analysis, and molecular identification of the microorganisms as the key of the definitive diagnosis.

Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrug on prevalence of helicobacter like organisms in gastric mucosa of thoroughbreds horses

The aim of this study was describe effects of NonsteroidalAnti-inflammatory drug on prevalence of Helicobacter LikeOrganisms in gastric mucosa of Thoroughbreds horses. Werestudied 54 Thoroughbred horses in the national race Track“La Rinconada” Caracas-Venezuela. All equine were treatedby seven days with phenylbutazone at an intravenous doseof 4.4 mg/kg. All horses presented Equine gastric ulcer syndromeacute superficial gastritis (25/54), chronic gastritis witherosion focal (16/54), chronic gastritis with erosion focal andulcers (14/54) in the gastric in both regions mucosa squamousregion and glandular regions (fundus). Helicobacter Like Organismsinfection in the stomach was confirmed by Warthin-Starry (38/54). Gastric mucosa revealed numerous spiralshapedbacteria morphologically resembling Helicobacter LikeOrganisms in squamous regions, margo plicatus (20/38) andnumerous spiral-shaped bacteria in fundic glands (18/54). Inconclusion, we detected high presence of Helicobacter LikeOrganisms in the gastric mucosa of Thoroughbred horse’streatment with phenylbutazone.

Astrocytic and microglial response and histopathological changes in the brain of horses with experimental chronic Trypanosoma evansi infection / Resposta astrocítica e microglial e alterações histopatológicas no sistema nervoso central de eqüinos infectados cronicamente com Trypanosoma evansi

This study aimed to characterize astrocytic and microglial response in the central nervous system (CNS) of equines experimentally infected with T. evansi. The experimental group comprised males and females with various degrees of crossbreeding, ages between four and seven years. The animals were inoculated intravenously with 10(6) trypomastigotes of T. evansi originally isolated from a naturally infected dog. All equines inoculated with T. evansi were observed until they presented symptoms of CNS disturbance, characterized by motor incoordination of the pelvic limbs, which occurred 67 days after inoculation (DAI) and 124 DAI. The animals in the control group did not present any clinical symptom and were observed up to the 125th DAI. For this purpose the HE histochemical stain and the avidin biotin peroxidase method was used. Lesions in the CNS of experimentally infected horses were those of a wide spread non suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis.The severity of lesions varied in different parts of the nervous system, reflecting an irregular distribution of inflammatory vascular changes. The infiltration of mononuclear cells was associated with anisomorphic gliosis and reactive microglia was identified. The intensity of the astrocytic response in the CNS of the equines infected by T. evansi characterizes the importance of the performance of these cells in this trypanosomiasis. The characteristic gliosis observed in the animals in this experiment suggests the ability of these cells as mediators of immune response. The parasite, T. evansi, was not identified in the nervous tissues.

Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a participação astrocítica e microglial no sistema nervoso central (SNC) de eqüinos experimentalmente infectados com T. evansi. O grupo experimental foi formado por machos e fêmeas com vários graus de cruzamentos e idade variando entre quatro e sete anos. Os animais foram inoculados com 10(6) tripomastigotas de T. evansi, originalmente isolada de um cão infectado naturalmente. Todos os eqüinos inoculados foram observados até o aparecimento dos sintomas neurológicos, caracterizados por incoordenação motora dos membros pélvicos, o qual ocorreu entre 67 e 124 dias após a inoculação (DPI). Os animais do grupo controle não apresentaram sinais clínicos e foram observados até o 125º DPI. Para este propósito, foram utilizados os métodos histoquímicos (HE) e imunoistoquímicos do complexo avidina-biotina peroxidase (ABC). A lesão no sistema nervoso central (SNC) dos eqüinos infectados com T. evansi foi caracterizada como meningoencefalomielite não supurativa. A gravidade das lesões variou em diferentes segmentos do SNC, refletindo distribuição irregular das alterações vasculares. Infiltrado perivascular e meníngeo foi associado a gliose anisomórfica e microgliose reativa. A intensidade da resposta astrocítica no SNC dos equinos infectados com T. evansi caracteriza a importância da performance destas células nas tripanossomíases. A gliose observada nos animais deste experimento sugerem a habilidade destas células como mediadoras da resposta imune. T. evansi não foi identificado no parênquima do SNC.

Histology of two rice bodies isolated from the stifle of an adult draught horse stallion

In the human and equine species, different kinds of free floating intra-articular particles are related to certain disorders. Osteochondral fragments formed during osteochondrosis dissecans are the most common finding in the equine species, whereas in humans rice bodies due to rheumatoid arthritis are more frequent. Herein we report a third type of floating body inside the stifle of an adult draught horse stallion, in macroscopic appearance similar to articular rice bodies known in humans. As revealed by histologic examination, the two particles consist of polypoid degenerated structures derived from synovial villi. Their formation was probably induced by ischemia.

A hematogenic pleuropneumonia caused by postoperative septic thrombophlebitis in a Thoroughbred gelding

A 7-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was admitted to Equine Hospital, Korea Racing Association for evaluation and treatment of colic. Based on the size and duration of the large colonic and cecal impaction, a routine ventral midline celiotomy and large colon enterotomy were performed to relieve the impaction. Six days following surgery the gelding exhibited signs of lethargy, fever, inappetence and diarrhea. Eleven days following surgery, the jugular veins showed a marked thrombophlebitis. On the sixteenth day of hospitalization the gelding died suddenly. Upon physical examination, the horse was febrile, tachycardic and tachypnoeic. Thoracic excursion appeared to be increased; however, no abnormal lung sounds were detected. No cough or nasal discharge was present. Hematology revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis. Serum biochemistry was normal but plasma fibrinogen increased. In necropsy, fibrinopurulent fluid was present in the thoracic cavity. There were firm adhesions between visceral pleura and thoracic wall. White, mixed and red thrombi were formed in both jugular veins from the insertion point of IV catheter. Histopathological examination showed fibrinopurulent inflammation and vascular thrombosis in the lung. The pleura showed edematous thickening and severe congestion. The clinicopathological and pathological findings suggest that septic thrombi associated with septic thrombophlebitis metastasized into the pulmonary circulation and were entrapped in the pulmonary parenchyma and provoked pleuropneumonia.

Cholelithiasis associated with recurrent colic in a Thoroughbred mare

A 13-year-old Thoroughbred mare, retired from race, was admitted to Equine Hospital, Korea Racing Association with signs of colic. One and a half months following the previous treatment (second time) and 11 days following her previous discharge (third time), the mare repeatedly exhibited signs of colic and finally along with icteric eyes. Routine medical treatment with intravenous fluids, analgesics resulted in resolution of signs of colic in the first and second admission. The condition of the mare did not improve in the third admission despite over one month supportive treatment and she was subject to euthanasia at the request of the owner on the thirtyeighth day of hospitalization (95 days from her first admission). The clinical signs (fever, icterus, mild intermittent colic) in conjunction with clinical laboratory findings (leukocytosis, elevations of serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, creatine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase and blood fibrinogen indicative of obstructive biliary disease) in this mare suggested possible chlolelithiasis. However, liver enzymes and bilirubin estimations are often not part of routine screening in emergency colic cases. At necropsy, multiple dark brown choleliths of various sizes obstructing hepatopancreatic ampulla were found in the hepatic duct. The choleliths were found as large as 3-5 cm in diameter, faceted to each other, dark brown in color and showed soap consistency. Histopathologic findings revealed: biliary fibrosis, plugging of the bile canaliculi with bile pigments, cholangiohepatitis and pigmentation of the hepatic lymph node with bile pigment laden macrophages. Although definitive diagnosis of cholelithiasis might be challenging, clinicians should consider this condition in the differential diagnosis of recurrent colic.

Intoxicaçäo experimental por monensina em equinos / Experimental monensin poisoning in horses

Sete eqüinos foram tratados experimentalmente com monensina sódica. Dois desses animais receberem 3-4 kg/eqüino/dia de uma ração comercial sabidamente implicada em surtos naturais da intoxicação por monensina em eqüinos e que continha 180 ppm±20 da droga. Um eqüino recebeu uma única dose de 5 mg/kg e um outro recebeu 4 doses diárias de 1 mg/kg de monensina sódica originária de um premix. Esses quatro eqüinos morreram ou foram sacrificados in extremis, 3-8 dias após o início da administração da droga. Um quinto eqüino recebeu dose única de 5 mg/kg de monensina, ficou levemente doente e se recuperou. Dois eqüinos não desenvolveram sinais da intoxicação. Um desses eqüinos tinha recebido 40 doses diárias de 0,5 mg/kg de monensina e o outro recebeu 3 kg/dia de uma ração da mesma marca que a usada nas fazendas onde surtos de intoxicação por monensina foram detectados (mas de uma outra partida, mais tarde determinada como contendo menos de 5 ppm de monensina). O aparecimento dos sinais clínicos ocorreu de 2 a 5 dias após a administração da droga e a duração do quadro clínico variou de 24 a 76 horas. Os sinais clínicos incluíam taquicardia, arritmia, gemidos, incoordenação, sudorese, decúbito esternal, decúbito lateral, pedaleios e morte. Em cinco dos eqüinos intoxicados observaram-se marcadas elevações da atividade plasmática de creatina fosfoquinase e, em um eqüino, houve leve aumento da atividade plasmática de aspartato aminotransferase. Os principais achados de necropsia consistiram em áreas brancas ou amarelas, focais ou focalmente extensas e bilateralmente simétricas nos músculos esqueléticos...

Equine leukoencephalomalacia associated with ingestion of corn contaminated with fumonisin B1

This article describes clinical, etiologic and pathologic diagnosis of an outbreak of equine leukoencephalomalacia. Two samples of the corn consumed by the affected horses contained fumonisin B1 at levels of 46 and 53 ug/g and Fusarium moniliforme, a good in vitro mycotoxin producer.

Vertebral hemangiosarcoma as a cause of spinal cord compression in a horse

A case compression of the spinal cord in a horse by a tumor located in the vertebra is described. A 10-year-old- gelding was euthanized after being found recumbent with hind limb paresis of unknown duration. At necropsy an hemangiosarcoma was detected in the vertebral body of T3. The tumoral mass invaded upwards through the bone tissue of the vertebral body into the vertebral canal, compressing the spinal cord and causing Wallerian degeneration at T1-3 levels of the cord.

Senecio spp. poisoning of horses in southern Brazil

Cases of seneciosis in horses occurring in four farms in the state of Santa Catarina and in another in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, are reported. S. brasiliensis or S. oxyphyllus or both were detected in four of the five properties. Five horses (one on each property) were necropsied, and tissues for histopathological examination were collected from four horses. Neurological signs, such as depression, ataxia, aimeless walking, circling, head pressing, faulty prehension of food, dysphagia and blindness were consistently observed. Other signs included inappetence, loss of weight, colic, subcutaneous edema, icterus and photodermatitis. At necropsy the livers were firmer and darker than normal and had accentuation of lobular pattern. Edema of the mesentery and ascites were observed in one horse. Main histopathological changes consisted of hepatic chiefly periportal fibrosis, hepatomegalocytosis and biliary hyperplasia. Marked cholestasis and morphological evidence of hepatic encephalopathy were seen respectively in the liver and brain of one of the horses

Alteraçöes morfológicas em ovários de éguas: tumores e hematomas / Morphological changes in the mare ovaries: tumors and hematomas

Descrevem-se as alteraçöes morfológicas diagnosticadas nos ovários de 14 éguas. Foram constatados 12 tumores das células de granulosa e 2 hematomas nos animais submetidos à ovariectomia unilateral no Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ-UNESP-BOTUCATU