Viral diseases of sheep in Brazil: a review and current status / Doenças virais em ovinos no Brasil: revisão e status atual

The increase in sheep production is directly related to the health status of the flock. Brazil is one of the largest sheep producers in the world, and the sheep flock is concentrated in southern and northeast regions. Infectious diseases are responsible for severe economic losses resulting from a decrease in milk and meat production, deaths, and cost of treatment. Among infectious diseases, viral diseases are described chiefly in case reports or retrospective studies. This study aimed to review the main features of viral diseases that affect sheep in Brazil and their current situation in the Brazilian territory. We included eight viral diseases described in Brazil: rabies, bluetongue, contagious ecthyma, foot and mouth disease, visna-maedi, enzootic nasal tumor, ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and border disease. We review the etiological, epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings for each agent and included differential diagnoses, information on recommended diagnostic methods to confirm the disease etiology, and control measures. This study served as quick consultation material for field veterinarians for an accurate diagnosis.

O aumento da produção ovina está diretamente relacionado ao status sanitário do rebanho. O Brasil é um dos maiores produtores mundiais de ovinos, e o rebanho está concentrado nas regiões nordeste e sul do país. As doenças infecciosas são responsáveis por perdas econômicas severas que resultam da diminuição na produção de leite e carne, mortes e custos com tratamentos. Entre os agentes infecciosos, as doenças de origem viral são, em sua maioria, descritas em relatos de caso ou estudos retrospectivos. Este estudo teve como objetivo revisar as principais características das doenças virais que afetam ovinos no território brasileiro, e qual sua situação atual. Nós incluímos oito doenças virais diagnosticadas no Brasil: raiva, língua azul, ectima contagioso, febre aftosa, maedi-visna, tumor enzoótico nasal, adenocarcinoma pulmonar ovino, e pestivirose. Revisamos os achados etiológicos, epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos de cada agente e incluímos seus respectivos diagnósticos diferenciais, informações acerca dos métodos diagnósticos para confirmação da etiologia da doença e medidas de controle e prevenção. Esse estudo tem o propósito de servir como objetivo servir de material de consulta rápida, especialmente para veterinários de campo realizar um diagnóstico acurado.

Cerebral infarction and thrombotic meningoencephalitis in a calf due to candidiasis / Infarto cerebral e meningoencefalite trombótica em um bezerro devido a candidíase

We described a case of cerebral infarction and thrombotic meningoencephalitis due to candidiasis in a seven-month-old calf. The death occurred three days after the onset of apathy, fever, and the head's lateral deviation to the left. Macroscopic changes in the brain consisted of asymmetry of telencephalic hemispheres; the right hemisphere was enlarged, causing cerebellar herniation. A focally extensive red area was observed on the surface of the right occipital lobe. At cross-sections of the fixed brain, the lesions revealed to be extensive, red-brown, soft or cavitated areas affecting the white and grey matter from the level of the thalamus to the cerebellum and compressing subjacent structures. Histologically, there was acute, coalescent, multifocal necrosupurative meningoencephalitis, associated with vasculitis, congestion, thrombosis, edema, infarction, and intralesional fungal hyphae. The diagnosis of cerebral infarction and thrombotic meningoencephalitis due to candidiasis was made by the pathological changes, the staining and morphological characteristics of the agent, and immunohistochemistry. The cerebral infarction and thrombotic meningoencephalitis in cattle can result from vascular lesions due to infection by Candida sp.; although uncommon, this case demonstrated that candidiasis should be part of a list of differential diagnoses of severe brain injuries in cattle.

Descreve-se um caso de infarto cerebral e meningoencefalite trombótica devido a candidíase em um bezerro de sete meses de idade. A morte ocorreu três dias após o início de apatia, febre e desvio lateral da cabeça para a esquerda. As alterações macroscópicas no cérebro consistiam em assimetria dos hemisférios telencefálicos; o hemisfério direito estava aumentado, causando herniação cerebelar. Uma extensa área vermelha focal foi observada na superfície do lobo occipital direito. Nos cortes transversais do encéfalo fixado, as lesões revelaram áreas extensas, marrom-avermelhadas, moles ou cavitadas, afetando a substância branca e cinzenta desde o nível do tálamo até o cerebelo e comprimindo as estruturas subjacentes. Histologicamente, havia meningoencefalite necrossupurativa multifocal aguda, coalescente, associada a vasculite, congestão, trombose, edema, infarto e hifas fúngicas intralesionais. O diagnóstico de infarto cerebral e meningoencefalite trombótica devido a candidíase foi feito pelas alterações patológicas, coloração e características morfológicas do agente e imuno-histoquímica. O infarto cerebral e meningoencefalite trombótica em bovinos pode resultar de lesões vasculares devido à infecção por Candida sp.; embora incomum, este caso demonstra que a candidíase deve fazer parte de uma lista de diagnósticos diferenciais de lesões cerebrais graves em bovinos.

Diffuse melanosis secondary to metastatic melanoma in a Nelore bull

Relatamos um caso de melanose difusa secundária a melanoma maligno metastático em um touro Nelore. Os sinais clínicos incluíram isolamento do rebanho, epistaxe, hipertermia, pálidas membranas oculares, diarreia mucóide e urina escura. Apesar da terapia antiinflamatória e antibiótica, o touro morreu 45 dias após o início dos sinais clínicos. A lesão mais marcante foi uma descoloração negra difusa para os órgãos viscerais, incluindo fígado, baço, pulmões, nódulos linfáticos e rins; todos esses órgãos afetivos foram moderadamente aumentados ”. A urina estava preta. Histologicamente, 50-80% do parênquima do fígado, baço e linfonodos foi obliterado por agregados de melanócitos neoplásicos carregados de melanina. Essas células neoplásicas também ocorreram nos capilares do fígado, baço, linfonodos, bexiga urinária, pulmões e rins. A imunohistoquímica de melanócitos neoplásicos foi positiva para os marcadores Melan A e PNL2. Pigmento marrom a preto abundante foi encontrado em melanófagos nos pulmões, confirmado por imunohistoquímica com IBA1.(AU)

Diffuse melanosis secondary to metastatic melanoma in a Nelore bull

Relatamos um caso de melanose difusa secundária a melanoma maligno metastático em um touro Nelore. Os sinais clínicos incluíram isolamento do rebanho, epistaxe, hipertermia, pálidas membranas oculares, diarreia mucóide e urina escura. Apesar da terapia antiinflamatória e antibiótica, o touro morreu 45 dias após o início dos sinais clínicos. A lesão mais marcante foi uma descoloração negra difusa para os órgãos viscerais, incluindo fígado, baço, pulmões, nódulos linfáticos e rins; todos esses órgãos afetivos foram moderadamente aumentados ”. A urina estava preta. Histologicamente, 50-80% do parênquima do fígado, baço e linfonodos foi obliterado por agregados de melanócitos neoplásicos carregados de melanina. Essas células neoplásicas também ocorreram nos capilares do fígado, baço, linfonodos, bexiga urinária, pulmões e rins. A imunohistoquímica de melanócitos neoplásicos foi positiva para os marcadores Melan A e PNL2. Pigmento marrom a preto abundante foi encontrado em melanófagos nos pulmões, confirmado por imunohistoquímica com IBA1.

Fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis in a brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus) from Northern Brazil - Case report.

The clinical and pathological findings of a case of fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis in a captive brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus) from the northern region of Brazil are reported. Clinical signs were nonspecific and included apathy, prostration, dyspnoea, and loss of appetite. Treatment with penicillin was attempted, but the animal died within five days of the onset of clinical signs. Microscopically, there was acute inflammation in the liver, spleen, and lungs associated with necrosis and a few cysts and extracytoplasmic tachyzoites, with a morphology compatible with Toxoplasma gondii. Tissue sections were submitted for immunohistochemistry that confirmed T. gondii as the aetiological agent. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of toxoplasmosis in B. variegatus.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma in the oral cavity of a cow

Background: Squamous cell carcinomas and lymphomas are the most prevalent neoplasms in cattle, the latter usually being attributed to infection by bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Neoplasms of the oral cavity are sporadic in cattle, with but asingle case of lymphoma involving this anatomic site in a bovine reported to date. This paper reports a case of lymphomainvolving the oral cavity of a dairy cow. The clinical and pathological aspects of the tumor are described and discussed.Case: A 39-month-old Holstein-Friesian cow was presented with weight loss and a tumorous growth in the left masseterregion, tearing in the left eye, and mild ipsilateral exophthalmos. Treatment with antibiotics was unsuccessful. The tumorgrowth was 16 x 11 cm, with a soft center and firm periphery, multilobulated, with white intercalated with black and friableareas from which a fetid odor emanated. The cut surface was predominantly white-yellow. A cross-section of the head,caudal to the second molar, revealed a mass infiltrating and almost completely obliterating the left nasal cavity, destroyingthe frontal sinus, the ventral conchae, and the middle and ventral meatus, and compressing the common meatus. The tracheobronchial, mediastinal, and internal iliac lymph nodes were enlarged and masses with similar characteristics to thosein the oral cavity replace their parenchyma. Microscopically, the mass consisted of large neoplastic lymphocytes arrangedin a non-encapsulated and infiltrative mantle and supported by scarce fibrovascular tissue. The cytoplasm of neoplasticcells was scarce and had distinct boundaries; the nuclei were round or oval, the chromatin was finely granulated, and theprominent nucleolus had occasionally multiplied. Nuclear pleomorphism was marked and there were, on average, five mitotic figures per microscopic field of 400x. Similar neoplastic cells obliterated the normal...(AU)

Outbreak of toxoplasmosis in a flock of domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris).

Toxoplasmosis is a disease with a worldwide distribution that affects a wide variety of animal species, though with rare descriptions in chickens. We describe the clinical, epidemiological, pathological, and molecular aspects of a toxoplasmosis outbreak in domestic chickens and guinea fowl in southern Brazil. The flock was composed of 47 domestic chickens and 29 guinea fowl. Of these, 22 birds showed clinical signs of lethargy, anorexia, and neurological signs over a clinical course of 24-72 h, and 15 died. Epidemiological data were obtained through fieldwork performed at the chicken farm and necropsies of six birds. Gross lesions were absent at necropsy, and histopathological findings included inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells and necrosis in several tissues associated with intralesional Toxoplasma gondii. Immunohistochemistry for T. gondii was positive. Additionally, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with 11 markers (SAG1, SAG2 (5'3'SAG2 and alt. SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3) and microsatellite (MS) analysis with 15 markers (TUB2, W35, TgMA, B18, B17, M33, IV.1, XI.1, N60, N82, AA, N61, N83, M48, and M102) were performed. PCR-RFLP revealed T. gondii genotype ToxoDB-PCR-RFLP #280, and MS analysis also showed a unique genotype. This is the first description of this genotype in chickens and adds to the evidence suggesting considerable genotypic diversity of T. gondii in Brazil.

Mannheimia haemolytica pleuropneumonia in goats associated with shipping stress / Pleuropneumonia por Mannheimia haemolytica em caprinos associada ao estresse de transporte

This study described the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and bacteriological aspects of Mannheimia haemolytica pleuropneumonia in goats associated with shipping stress. Forty goats transported from the Northeast to the Southern region of Brazil died during shipment, or 2-3 days after unloading. Clinical signs included dyspnea, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and coughing. All goats were necropsied, and multiple tissues were collected for histopathological analysis and involved agent identifications. All lungs showed pulmonary consolidation, predominantly affecting the cranioventral lobes, in addition to the marked fibrinous pleuritis, pleural thickening, and pleural adhesions, that affected 90% of the goats. Histologically, there was fibrino-suppurative pleuropneumonia characterized by a diffuse neutrophilic infiltrate admixed with fibrin. Non-hemolytic [85% (34/40)] and hemolytic [15% (6/40)] species were obtained in bacteriological culture. Fir Mannheimia spp. was reported in 26 isolates and subsequently confirmed as M. haemolytica (99% identity), after amplification and partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. Stress may trigger the development of bacterial pleuropneumonia in goats, and non-hemolytic strains of M. haemolytica may cause this condition in goats with severe immunosuppression.(AU)

Descreve-se os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos e bacteriológicos da pleuropneumonia por Mannheimia haemolytica em caprinos, após transporte prolongado. Quarenta caprinos transportados da região Nordeste para a região Sul do Brasil morreram durante a viagem ou 2-3 dias após o desembarque. Clinicamente, observou-se dispneia, secreção nasal mucopurulenta e tosse. Na necropsia foram coletados múltiplos fragmentos de órgãos para análises histopatológicas e identificação do agente envolvido. Todos os pulmões apresentaram consolidação pulmonar predominantemente em região cranioventral, associada à deposição acentuada de fibrina, espessamento e aderência pleurais em 90% dos casos. Histologicamente, havia pleuropneumonia fibrinossupurativa caracterizada por infiltrado neutrofílico difuso associado à fibrina. Colônias não hemolíticas [85% (34/40)] e hemolíticas [15% (6/40)] foram obtidas pelo isolamento bacteriológico. Mannheimia spp. foi isolada em 26 amostras, os quais posteriormente foram confirmados como Mannheimia haemolytica (99% de identidade), pela amplificação e sequenciamento parcial do gene 16S rDNA. O estresse pode favorecer o desenvolvimento de pleuropneumonia bacteriana em caprinos, e cepas não hemolíticas de M. haemolytica podem causar doença em animais com imunodepressão acentuada.(AU)

Hepatic encephalopathy secondary to chronic liver lesions caused by Crotalaria incana in a bovine

Background: Crotalaria spp. Poisoning induces liver or pulmonary disease. C. mucronata, C. juncea, C. spectabilis, andC. retusa are the Crotalaria spp. inducing spontaneous intoxication in livestock in Brazil. C. mucronata and C. junceaare associated with interstitial pneumonia, while C. retusa and C. specatabilis induce hepatotoxicosis. The toxic principle in Crotalaria spp. are dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides. C. incana poisoning to livestock is rarelydocumented. This paper reports the clinical signs and pathological findings of a case of Crotalaria incana poisoning in asteer. The chemical finding of a potential toxic dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid in the plant is documented for the first time.Case: The affected bovine was part of a herd of 80 two-year-old steers that were transferred from Property 1 to Property2, 30 days prior to the event. In the pasture of Property I - where the steers were held for 6 months - there was a heavyinfestation by a Crotalaria species with signs of being consumed by the steers. The plant was identified as Crotalariaincana at the Botanical Laboratory of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul and a voucher specimen was filedthere under the register GCMS 51169. Two days after entering Property 2 one of the steers became depressed, staggering,and in poor body condition. With time, the steer became oblivious to the environment and died 20 days after the onset ofthe clinical signs. Significant necropsy findings were limited to the liver which was markedly enlarged and with roundededges. The hepatic cut surface was mottled with dark red and extensive orange areas of discoloration. The gallbladder wasdistended and the bile was inspissated. Microscopically, in the liver, there was fibrosis, bile duct hyperplasia and hepatocellular megalocytosis. The Glisson’s capsule was markedly thickened by fibrosis. In the brain, there was vacuolation ofmyelin...

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma in the oral cavity of a cow

Background: Squamous cell carcinomas and lymphomas are the most prevalent neoplasms in cattle, the latter usually being attributed to infection by bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Neoplasms of the oral cavity are sporadic in cattle, with but asingle case of lymphoma involving this anatomic site in a bovine reported to date. This paper reports a case of lymphomainvolving the oral cavity of a dairy cow. The clinical and pathological aspects of the tumor are described and discussed.Case: A 39-month-old Holstein-Friesian cow was presented with weight loss and a tumorous growth in the left masseterregion, tearing in the left eye, and mild ipsilateral exophthalmos. Treatment with antibiotics was unsuccessful. The tumorgrowth was 16 x 11 cm, with a soft center and firm periphery, multilobulated, with white intercalated with black and friableareas from which a fetid odor emanated. The cut surface was predominantly white-yellow. A cross-section of the head,caudal to the second molar, revealed a mass infiltrating and almost completely obliterating the left nasal cavity, destroyingthe frontal sinus, the ventral conchae, and the middle and ventral meatus, and compressing the common meatus. The tracheobronchial, mediastinal, and internal iliac lymph nodes were enlarged and masses with similar characteristics to thosein the oral cavity replace their parenchyma. Microscopically, the mass consisted of large neoplastic lymphocytes arrangedin a non-encapsulated and infiltrative mantle and supported by scarce fibrovascular tissue. The cytoplasm of neoplasticcells was scarce and had distinct boundaries; the nuclei were round or oval, the chromatin was finely granulated, and theprominent nucleolus had occasionally multiplied. Nuclear pleomorphism was marked and there were, on average, five mitotic figures per microscopic field of 400x. Similar neoplastic cells obliterated the normal...

Hepatic encephalopathy secondary to chronic liver lesions caused by Crotalaria incana in a bovine

Background: Crotalaria spp. Poisoning induces liver or pulmonary disease. C. mucronata, C. juncea, C. spectabilis, andC. retusa are the Crotalaria spp. inducing spontaneous intoxication in livestock in Brazil. C. mucronata and C. junceaare associated with interstitial pneumonia, while C. retusa and C. specatabilis induce hepatotoxicosis. The toxic principle in Crotalaria spp. are dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides. C. incana poisoning to livestock is rarelydocumented. This paper reports the clinical signs and pathological findings of a case of Crotalaria incana poisoning in asteer. The chemical finding of a potential toxic dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid in the plant is documented for the first time.Case: The affected bovine was part of a herd of 80 two-year-old steers that were transferred from Property 1 to Property2, 30 days prior to the event. In the pasture of Property I - where the steers were held for 6 months - there was a heavyinfestation by a Crotalaria species with signs of being consumed by the steers. The plant was identified as Crotalariaincana at the Botanical Laboratory of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul and a voucher specimen was filedthere under the register GCMS 51169. Two days after entering Property 2 one of the steers became depressed, staggering,and in poor body condition. With time, the steer became oblivious to the environment and died 20 days after the onset ofthe clinical signs. Significant necropsy findings were limited to the liver which was markedly enlarged and with roundededges. The hepatic cut surface was mottled with dark red and extensive orange areas of discoloration. The gallbladder wasdistended and the bile was inspissated. Microscopically, in the liver, there was fibrosis, bile duct hyperplasia and hepatocellular megalocytosis. The Glissons capsule was markedly thickened by fibrosis. In the brain, there was vacuolation ofmyelin... (AU)

Mannheimia haemolytica pleuropneumonia in goats associated with shipping stress / Pleuropneumonia por Mannheimia haemolytica em caprinos associada ao estresse de transporte

ABSTRACT: This study described the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and bacteriological aspects of Mannheimia haemolytica pleuropneumonia in goats associated with shipping stress. Forty goats transported from the Northeast to the Southern region of Brazil died during shipment, or 2-3 days after unloading. Clinical signs included dyspnea, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and coughing. All goats were necropsied, and multiple tissues were collected for histopathological analysis and involved agent identifications. All lungs showed pulmonary consolidation, predominantly affecting the cranioventral lobes, in addition to the marked fibrinous pleuritis, pleural thickening, and pleural adhesions, that affected 90% of the goats. Histologically, there was fibrino-suppurative pleuropneumonia characterized by a diffuse neutrophilic infiltrate admixed with fibrin. Non-hemolytic [85% (34/40)] and hemolytic [15% (6/40)] species were obtained in bacteriological culture. Fir Mannheimia spp. was reported in 26 isolates and subsequently confirmed as M. haemolytica (99% identity), after amplification and partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. Stress may trigger the development of bacterial pleuropneumonia in goats, and non-hemolytic strains of M. haemolytica may cause this condition in goats with severe immunosuppression.

RESUMO: Descreve-se os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos e bacteriológicos da pleuropneumonia por Mannheimia haemolytica em caprinos, após transporte prolongado. Quarenta caprinos transportados da região Nordeste para a região Sul do Brasil morreram durante a viagem ou 2-3 dias após o desembarque. Clinicamente, observou-se dispneia, secreção nasal mucopurulenta e tosse. Na necropsia foram coletados múltiplos fragmentos de órgãos para análises histopatológicas e identificação do agente envolvido. Todos os pulmões apresentaram consolidação pulmonar predominantemente em região cranioventral, associada à deposição acentuada de fibrina, espessamento e aderência pleurais em 90% dos casos. Histologicamente, havia pleuropneumonia fibrinossupurativa caracterizada por infiltrado neutrofílico difuso associado à fibrina. Colônias não hemolíticas [85% (34/40)] e hemolíticas [15% (6/40)] foram obtidas pelo isolamento bacteriológico. Mannheimia spp. foi isolada em 26 amostras, os quais posteriormente foram confirmados como Mannheimia haemolytica (99% de identidade), pela amplificação e sequenciamento parcial do gene 16S rDNA. O estresse pode favorecer o desenvolvimento de pleuropneumonia bacteriana em caprinos, e cepas não hemolíticas de M. haemolytica podem causar doença em animais com imunodepressão acentuada.

Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with systemic granulomatous disease in a horse / Osteopatia hipertrófica associada à doença granulomatosa sistêmica em um equino

A 4-year-old Criollo stallion was presented at the equine clinic of veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, with a 30-day history of progressive weight loss, anemia and swelling of the forelimbs and face. Physical examination revealed that the swelling was firm and had a bone-like consistency, also radiographs showed extensive periosteal proliferation on the forelimb long bones that suggested hypertrophic osteopathy (Marie´s disease). Physical examinations identified no respiratory findings. However, during ultrasound examination, superficial lung disease was identified. The animal was treated with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 12 days. Due to a complete lack of response to this treatment, the horse was euthanized. At necropsy several granulomatous lesions were identified in the thorax, abdomen and testicular tunics. Bony proliferation was evident on many bones of the appendicular skeleton and face. Based on these findings the diagnosis of hypertrophic osteopathy associated with sarcoidosis was established. It is important to perform a thorough clinical examination and include hypertrophic osteopathy in the differential diagnosis of diseases that are accompanied by swelling of the face and limbs as edema from various causes, fibrous osteodystrophy, for example.(AU)

Um garanhão Crioulo, 4 anos de idade, foi atendido na clínica de equinos do hospital veterinário da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, com histórico de emagrecimento progressivo há 30 dias, anemia e aumento de volume dos membros torácicos e da face. O exame físico revelou que o aumento de volume era firme e apresentava consistência óssea. Radiografias também mostraram extensa proliferação periosteal nos ossos longos dos membros anteriores, o que sugeriu a osteopatia hipertrófica (doença de Marie). Os exames físicos não identificaram alteração respiratória. No entanto, durante o exame ultrassonográfico, foi identificada doença pulmonar superficial. O animal foi tratado com antibióticos e anti-inflamatórios não esteróides durante 12 dias. Devido a uma completa falta de resposta ao tratamento, o cavalo foi sacrificado. Durante a necropsia, várias lesões granulomatosas foram identificadas no tórax, abdômen e túnicas testiculares. Proliferação óssea era evidente em vários ossos do esqueleto apendicular e da face. Com base nestes resultados o diagnóstico de osteopatia hipertrófica associada à sarcoidose foi estabelecido. É importante realizar um exame clínico completo e incluir a osteopatia hipertrófica no diagnóstico diferencial de enfermidades que vêm acompanhadas de aumento de volume da face e dos membros como edema por diversas causas e osteodistrofia fibrosa, por exemplo.(AU)

Acute aflatoxicosis in swines in Northeastern Brazil / Aflatoxicose aguda em suínos no Nordeste do Brasil

Background: Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic mycotoxins derived from the secondary metabolism of toxigenic fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus, especially A. flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin B1 is the most important metabolite, because of its deleterious effect mainly to the liver, especially for its carcinogenic, mutagenic and haemorrhagic properties, and usually is detected in higher concentrations in contaminated substrates. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and toxicological aspects of an outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in pigs raised in Northeastern Brazil. Case: The cases occurred in a complete cycle farm, in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, in pigs ingesting low quality (moldy) corn being produced and processed on the farm. Sixty (73.1%) out of 82 two to five-months old pigs were clinicaly affected and 54 (65.8%) died. All animals showed fever, weight loss, tachycardia, tachypnea, lethargy, muscle tremors, muscle weakness and diarrhea. The clinical course ranged from five to 48 hours. Adult pigs were not affected. At necropsies, generalized jaundice, ascites, hydropericardium, petechial hemorrhages in the mesentery, subcutaneous edema and mesocolon were observed. The liver was yellow-orange with reddish diffuse multifocal areas, enlarged and extremely friable. Histologically there was swelling of hepatocytes [...]

Acute aflatoxicosis in swines in Northeastern Brazil / Aflatoxicose aguda em suínos no Nordeste do Brasil

Background: Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic mycotoxins derived from the secondary metabolism of toxigenic fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus, especially A. flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin B1 is the most important metabolite, because of its deleterious effect mainly to the liver, especially for its carcinogenic, mutagenic and haemorrhagic properties, and usually is detected in higher concentrations in contaminated substrates. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and toxicological aspects of an outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in pigs raised in Northeastern Brazil. Case: The cases occurred in a complete cycle farm, in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, in pigs ingesting low quality (moldy) corn being produced and processed on the farm. Sixty (73.1%) out of 82 two to five-months old pigs were clinicaly affected and 54 (65.8%) died. All animals showed fever, weight loss, tachycardia, tachypnea, lethargy, muscle tremors, muscle weakness and diarrhea. The clinical course ranged from five to 48 hours. Adult pigs were not affected. At necropsies, generalized jaundice, ascites, hydropericardium, petechial hemorrhages in the mesentery, subcutaneous edema and mesocolon were observed. The liver was yellow-orange with reddish diffuse multifocal areas, enlarged and extremely friable. Histologically there was swelling of hepatocytes [...](AU)

Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with systemic granulomatous disease in a horse / Osteopatia hipertrófica associada à doença granulomatosa sistêmica em um equino

A 4-year-old Criollo stallion was presented at the equine clinic of veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, with a 30-day history of progressive weight loss, anemia and swelling of the forelimbs and face. Physical examination revealed that the swelling was firm and had a bone-like consistency, also radiographs showed extensive periosteal proliferation on the forelimb long bones that suggested hypertrophic osteopathy (Marie´s disease). Physical examinations identified no respiratory findings. However, during ultrasound examination, superficial lung disease was identified. The animal was treated with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 12 days. Due to a complete lack of response to this treatment, the horse was euthanized. At necropsy several granulomatous lesions were identified in the thorax, abdomen and testicular tunics. Bony proliferation was evident on many bones of the appendicular skeleton and face. Based on these findings the diagnosis of hypertrophic osteopathy associated with sarcoidosis was established. It is important to perform a thorough clinical examination and include hypertrophic osteopathy in the differential diagnosis of diseases that are accompanied by swelling of the face and limbs as edema from various causes, fibrous osteodystrophy, for example. Key words: Pulmonary. Periosteal. Sarcoidosis. Pathology

Um garanhão Crioulo, 4 anos de idade, foi atendido na clínica de equinos do hospital veterinário da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, com histórico de emagrecimento progressivo há 30 dias, anemia e aumento de volume dos membros torácicos e da face. O exame físico revelou que o aumento de volume era firme e apresentava consistência óssea. Radiografias também mostraram extensa proliferação periosteal nos ossos longos dos membros anteriores, o que sugeriu a osteopatia hipertrófica (doença de Marie). Os exames físicos não identificaram alteração respiratória. No entanto, durante o exame ultrassonográfico, foi identificada doença pulmonar superficial. O animal foi tratado com antibióticos e anti-inflamatórios não esteróides durante 12 dias. Devido a uma completa falta de resposta ao tratamento, o cavalo foi sacrificado. Durante a necropsia, várias lesões granulomatosas foram identificadas no tórax, abdômen e túnicas testiculares. Proliferação óssea era evidente em vários ossos do esqueleto apendicular e da face. Com base nestes resultados o diagnóstico de osteopatia hipertrófica associada à sarcoidose foi estabelecido. É importante realizar um exame clínico completo e incluir a osteopatia hipertrófica no diagnóstico diferencial de enfermidades que vêm acompanhadas de aumento de volume da face e dos membros como edema por diversas causas e osteodistrofia fibrosa, por exemplo.

HOE-140, an antagonist of B2 receptor, protects against memory deficits and brain damage induced by moderate lateral fluid percussion injury in mice.

RATIONALE: There are evidences indicating the role of kinins in pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury, but little is known about their action on memory deficits. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to establish the role of bradykinin receptors B1 (B1R) and B2 (B2R) on the behavioral, biochemical, and histologic features elicited by moderate lateral fluid percussion injury (mLFPI) in mice. METHODS: The role of kinin B1 and B2 receptors in brain damage, neuromotor, and cognitive deficits induced by mLFPI, was evaluated by means of subcutaneous injection of B2R antagonist (HOE-140; 1 or 10 nmol/kg) or B1R antagonist (des-Arg9-[Leu8]-bradykinin (DAL-Bk; 1 or 10 nmol/kg) 30 min and 24 h after brain injury. Brain damage was evaluated in the cortex, being considered as lesion volume, inflammatory, and oxidative damage. The open field and elevated plus maze tests were performed to exclude the nonspecific effects on object recognition memory test. RESULTS: Our data revealed that HOE-140 (10 nmol/kg) protected against memory impairment. This treatment attenuated the brain edema, interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide metabolites content elicited by mLFPI. Accordingly, HOE-140 administration protected against the increase of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity, thiobarbituric-acid-reactive species, protein carbonylation generation, and Na⁺ K⁺ ATPase inhibition induced by trauma. Histologic analysis showed that HOE-140 reduced lesion volume when analyzed 7 days after brain injury. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the involvement of the B2 receptor in memory deficits and brain damage caused by mLFPI in mice.

Infiltrative gastric adenocarcinoma in a chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera).

A case of infiltrative gastric adenocarcinoma in a 5-year-old female chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is described. The animal died after a 5-day period of lethargy and anorexia. Gross examination revealed increased gastric volume. The gastric wall was thickened and contained numerous firm, white nodules on the serosal surface. The lumen was obliterated by a firm mass and large amount of white, mucous secretion. Numerous white, irregular plaques and nodules were observed on the mesentery, visceral surface of the diaphragm, renal capsule, and uterine serosa (implantation metastases). Histopathological examination revealed an infiltrative gastric adenocarcinoma composed of neoplastic cells organized in a gland-like pattern interspersed with connective tissue. Neoplastic cells infiltrated the lamina propria, submucosa, and muscular layers, and were positive for cytokeratin. Detection of Helicobacter spp. in the gastric mucosa failed using Warthin-Starry and Steiner silver stains or immunohistochemistry, but a Helicobacter-specific nested polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing was positive for Helicobacter pylori and showed more than 99% similarity to the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.

Carcinoma bronquíolo-alveolar difuso em um cão: aspectos clínico-patológicos e imuno-histoquímicos / Diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in a dog: clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings

Um cão Poodle, 12 anos de idade, demonstrou marcada dispneia. Na radiografia, havia comprometimento difuso do pulmão e foi feito diagnóstico de pneumonia intersticial. Na necropsia, o pulmão continha múltiplos e pequenos nódulos coalescentes. Histologicamente, os nódulos eram compostos por células epiteliais cuboides ou colunares baixas atípicas, que eram PAS-negativa. A avaliação imuno-histoquímica revelou positividade para citoceratina, fator 1 de transcrição da tireoide (TTF-1) e apoproteína A surfactante (SP-A). O tumor foi negativo para vimentina e cromogranina A. As áreas necróticas não marcaram para TTF-1 e SP-A. Com base nos achados histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos, foi realizado o diagnóstico de carcinoma bronquíolo-alveolar não mucinoso com envolvimento difuso do pulmão. Essa é uma forma rara de apresentação desse tumor que pode mimetizar pneumonia na avaliação clínica e radiográfica. O diagnóstico definitivo é baseado na histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica.

A 12-year-old poodle dog was presented with a history of severe dyspnea. Radiology revealed diffuse pulmonary lesion which was diagnosed as interstitial pneumonia. At necropsy there were multiple small coalescent nodules distributed throughout the lung parenchyma. Histologically the nodules consisted of cubic to low columnar atypical epithelial cells which were PAS-negatives. In the immunohistochemistry reaction this cells were marked for cytokeratin, TTF (thyroid transcription factor)-1 and surfactant apoprotein A (SP-A). The neoplastic cells were negative for vimentin and cromagranine A. The necrotic areas were not marked for TTF-1 and SP-A. Based of the histopathological and immunohistochemistry findings a diagnosis of non-mucinous bronchioloalveolar carcinoma with diffuse involvement of the lung was made. This is a rare form of presentation for this tumor, and it can mimetize pneumonia on clinical and morphological examination. A definitive diagnosis for this condition should be based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Choroid plexus carcinoma in a cow / Carcinoma de plexo coróide em um bovino

A red, firm 3.5x3.0x3.0cm mass was found within the right lateral ventricle, compressing the hippocampus and thalamus of the brain of a 4-year-old cow. The pituitary was enlarged and firm. Histologically, both the brain and pituitary masses consisted of moderately pleomorphic epithelial cells arranged as rosettes or sheets supported by a delicate fibrovascular stroma. Based on anatomical localization, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of choroid plexus carcinoma with pituitary metastasis was made.

Um massa vermelha e firme de 3,5x3,0x3,0cm foi observada no ventrículo lateral, comprimindo o hipocampo e tálamo do cérebro de uma vaca de quatro anos de idade. A pituitária estava aumentada de volume e firme. Histologicamente, tanto a massa do cérebro, quanto da pituitária, consistiam de células epiteliais moderadamente pleomórficas, arranjadas em rosetas ou cordões e apoiadas em um delicado estroma fibrovascular. Com base na localização anatômica e nos achados histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos, foi realizado um diagnóstico de carcinoma de plexo coróide com metástase para a pituitária.