A rare case of primary hepatic poorly differentiated leiomyosarcoma in a goat.

A 12-year-old Saanen goat presented with a history of hyporexia and sudden recumbency. Euthanasia was indicated due to suspicion of hepatic neoplasia associated with senility. Necropsy revealed generalized oedema and increased liver size and weight (33 × 38 × 17 cm and 10.6 kg, respectively), with a firm, multilobular mass. Fusiform to polygonal neoplastic cells, with marked pleomorphism, anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, were seen on histopathological examination of the hepatic mass. The neoplastic cells were immunohistochemically positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin but immunonegative for pancytokeratin. The Ki-67 index was 18.8%. A poorly differentiated leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed on the basis of the gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings and should be included in the differential diagnosis of liver disease in goats.

Intramedullary Metastatic Endometrial Adenocarcinoma in a Goat.

A 7-year-old female goat developed progressive ataxia, which progressed to sternal recumbency. Clinical examination revealed a slight elevation in the sacral spine (S1-S2), tetraparesis, perineal hypoaesthesia and absent tail and anal reflexes. Due to unresponsiveness to treatment with corticosteroids, the goat was euthanized. At necropsy, a 4.0 × 5.7 × 2.5 cm tumour mass was found in the uterine body and right uterine horn. In the cauda equina (L6‒S2), a 3 cm tumour associated with a 2 cm ventral intraosseous sacral haematoma was also found. The tumours were characterized by neoplastic proliferation of columnar epithelial cells with a predominant tubular pattern. Neoplastic cells with glandular cytoplasm stained with acid Alcian blue and periodic acid‒Schiff. Other metastases were found in the lungs, right ovary, dura mater and nerve roots of the medullary cone. Neoplastic cells were immunolabelled for cytokeratin but were negative for vimentin, and the tumour was diagnosed as metastatic endometrial tubular adenocarcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intramedullary metastasis to the spinal cord of this tumour in any species except humans.

Leptospira noguchii associated to reproductive disease in ruminants.

Leptospirosis is known to determine reproductive disorders on livestock, and Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira borgpetersenii are the most frequently reported species. Leptospira noguchii is an emerging pathogen, but its association with reproductive disease is unclear. We have detected L. noguchii as the agent of an outbreak with reproductive disorders in a Brazilian dairy goat flock. In the kidding season, five out of 10 Saanen had abortions in the final month of pregnancy and two newborn kids had acute clinical signs. After necropsy of three foetuses and one newborn kid, fragments of liver, lung and kidney were submitted to lipL32-PCR. It yielded positive results in at least one fragment from each animal. After, a nested secY-PCR, followed by sequencing, could identify L. noguchii, with 99-100% of identity with sequences obtained from cattle in the same region. For the first time, L. noguchii was detected in goats and, most importantly, the association of this leptospiral species with reproductive failures in ruminants has been demonstrated.

Immunohistochemical expression of HER - 2 and Ki - 67 in granulosa cell tumor in bitches.

Granulosa cell tumour, an ovarian neoplasm of stromal origin, is an important tumour related to oestrogenic dominance syndrome and cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex. In order to analyse ovarian tumour´s malignant potential, immunohistochemical markers can be used, such as anti-HER2 and anti-Ki-67. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of immunohistochemical markers HER-2 and Ki-67 in granulosa cell tumour from bitches´ ovaries. In HER-2 immunomarker analysis using the HercepTest® method, most tumours were classified as 2+ (moderate labelling). Concerning Ki-67 immunomarker, only one case was described as having a high proliferative index. An association was found between immunostained cell percentage by anti-HER-2 antibodies and high pleomorphism, represented by the pattern of follicular/trabecular tumour arrangement. There was no correlation between anti-Ki-67 and anti-HER-2 antibody immunostaining intensities, probably due to only one case with a high Ki-67 index. With an effective protocol for HER-2 and Ki-67 immunohistochemical identification in granulosa cell tumours in bitches, it was possible to characterize this neoplasm proliferation profile.

Epidemiological Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Commercial Sheep Flock in an Endemic Area for Ocular Toxoplasmosis in Southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasma gondii is a widely distributed parasite and of great importance to human and animal health. METHODS: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies and risk factors associated with the infection in sheep in the Northwest region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; this region has a very high rate of human ocular toxoplasmosis. Ovine sera were tested by the modified agglutination test (cut-off 1:25). RESULTS: T. gondii antibodies were detected in 70.2% (224 of 319). According to the logistic regression, the most significant factors associated were age and cat access to food stock facility. CONCLUSION: Preventive measures are discussed to reduce the risk of transmission of this zoonosis.

Histopathological findings in the early diagnosis of granulosa cell tumour in bitches.

Granulosa cell tumour (GCT) is a majorly observed ovarian tumour in female dogs. It is essential to diagnose GCT in its initial phase before any symptoms occur, as histological and physiological differences may be observed based on the evolution of this neoplasia. This study aimed to analyse the anatomic histopathology of GCT in its initial stage, with findings of ovaries not yet with the suspicion of neoplasms in the Canis familiaris. A sample including 55 ovaries presented GCT in 40 female dogs. The histopathological analysis was performed considering the intensity of pleomorphism, vascularization and inflammatory infiltrate. Furthermore, we evaluated the mitoses count in 10 fields using 40× magnification. Out of the 40 animals evaluated, 62.5% (25/40) presented the tumour in only one ovary. The Call-Exner corpuscle was present in 65% (26/40) of the cases. The follicular histological pattern was present in 52.5% (21/40) of the animals. The presence of the Call-Exner bodies and the degree of tumour cell pleomorphism (p = 0.033) were associated. Moreover, the degree of vascularization and the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate were also related (p = 0.001). In addition, there was a positive relationship between the increase in pleomorphism and the mean age of the animals (p = 0.044). This study confirmed that the appearance of this tumour may precede any clinical symptomatology. In this study, the most frequent histopathological pattern was the follicular. The characteristics of the granulosa cell tumour diagnosed early were poorly pleomorphic cells, low mitotic index and presence of Call-Exner body.

Expression of interleukins 6 and 10 and population of inflammatory cells in the equine endometrium: diagnostic implications.

Endometritis consists of an acute or chronic inflammatory process involving the endometrium and together with endometrosis constitute the main causes of infertility in mares. The aim of this study was to associate the histopathological findings with the immunohistochemical markers interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10) to evaluate the inflammatory changes and progression of uterine tissue lesions of mares in the diestrus phase and their diagnostic implications. Twelve crossbred cyclic mares were used for endometrial biopsy collection. Samples were collected in the diestrus period (6 ± 1 day after ovulation) without previous artificial insemination. In the histopathological analysis the samples were classified according to the type and intensity of inflammation, alterations regarding endometrial fibrosis and biopsy categories (I, IIA, IIB and III). In the immunohistochemical analysis, the markers of IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated by scores (0, 2, 4, 6) according to the intensity of the immunostaining and inflammatory cells (CD-3, CD-20, CD-68 and MPO antibodies) and were counted according to the number of cells immunostained in brown, in ten random fields. An association (p ≤ 0.05) occurred between low score (2) for IL-6 in the endometrial glandular area and moderate fibrotic nets; and between high scores (4 and 6) for IL-10 in sub-epithelial connective tissue and moderate periglandular fibrosis. In conclusion, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an association between interleukins and inflammatory cells with endometrial lesions. In addition, this research may be useful in the future to evaluate the progress of the inflammatory process, contributing to the adequate optimization of the reproductive management of the mares.

Muscle regeneration through therapy with estromal stem cells in injury of infraespinhosus muscle of sheep.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of rotator cuff muscle regeneration in sheep and establish an experimental model for the use of autologous stem cells as a treatment option for tendon injuries. METHODS: Infrared muscle tenotomies and Penrose drain implantation were performed on 12 shoulders of six clinically healthy adult sheep. After 60 days, the tendons were submitted to tissue repair, drainage removal, and divided into two groups according to the use of autologous stromal stem cells for treatment. Muscle regeneration was performed by biopsy on days 14 and 34 after repair. RESULTS: The treatment group with cell therapy showed neovascularization and expressive regeneration. Complete regeneration of the muscle pattern did not occur in any sample although some muscle gain was obtained in the group 1 samples at 34 days after repair and introduction of stem cells. Fatty infiltration of these samples from group 1 at 34 days was less intense than that in samples from group 2 at 34 days after repair without the introduction of autologous precursor cells. CONCLUSION: The sheep proved to be a good experimental model to assist in the development of research on muscle regeneration and the autologous manipulation of stem cells as a therapeutic option.

Muscle regeneration through therapy with estromal stem cells in injury of infraespinhosus muscle of sheep

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of rotator cuff muscle regeneration in sheep and establish an experimental model for the use of autologous stem cells as a treatment option for tendon injuries. Methods: Infrared muscle tenotomies and Penrose drain implantation were performed on 12 shoulders of six clinically healthy adult sheep. After 60 days, the tendons were submitted to tissue repair, drainage removal, and divided into two groups according to the use of autologous stromal stem cells for treatment. Muscle regeneration was performed by biopsy on days 14 and 34 after repair. Results: The treatment group with cell therapy showed neovascularization and expressive regeneration. Complete regeneration of the muscle pattern did not occur in any sample although some muscle gain was obtained in the group 1 samples at 34 days after repair and introduction of stem cells. Fatty infiltration of these samples from group 1 at 34 days was less intense than that in samples from group 2 at 34 days after repair without the introduction of autologous precursor cells. Conclusion: The sheep proved to be a good experimental model to assist in the development of research on muscle regeneration and the autologous manipulation of stem cells as a therapeutic option.

Characterization of the zoonotic potential of Toxoplasma gondii in horses from Rio de Janeiro State.

The aim of this study was to perform a survey on the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in horses from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. From 2012 to 2013, a total of 624 blood samples were collected from horses from the eight regions comprising Rio de Janeiro State (Baixadas Litorâneas, Serrana, Norte Fluminense, Noroeste Fluminense, Centro-Sul, Metropolitana, Médio Paraíba, and Costa Verde). All sera samples were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies by performing the modified agglutination test with a cut-off of 1:25. Positive serology for T. gondii was detected in 22.8% (142/624) of the horses studied. Seropositivity was detected in all regions sampled; furthermore, statistical significance was observed when all locations were compared at once. The Médio Paraíba region had the highest number of positive animals 54.76% (23/42) in the Bonferroni correction among Costa Verde, Centro Sul, Metropolitana, and Serrana (p<0.001). Seropositivity was 39.58% (38/96) in Norte Fluminense, which was the second most prevalent region. The results indicated that the T. gondii parasite is widely distributed in horses in Rio de Janeiro State and represents a risk to public and animal health. These findings emphasize the need to increase control and prevention of this disease in horses.

Antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus sp. isolated from the vaginal environment of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) bred ex situ.

BACKGROUND: Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) have been widely used as animal models; however, the occurrence of Staphylococcus sp in their vaginal microbiota remains to be described. METHODS: Samples were collected from 175 adult squirrel monkeys to isolate Staphylococcus sp and to test for susceptibility to a panel of nine antimicrobial agents. RESULTS: Isolates with characteristics of the genus Staphylococcus were detected in 95 of 175 samples. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the most common (95.8%, 91/95) isolates. Resistance to antibiotics was observed in 47.3% (45/95) of isolates. Resistance to tetracycline was observed in 28.5% (26/91), chloramphenicol in 15.4% (14/91), and methicillin in 13.2% (12/91) of CoNS. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, and methicillin. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Staphylococcus sp in vaginal samples obtained from squirrel monkeys suggests that these animals were in a carrier state. Furthermore, isolating strains resistant to methicillin reinforces the biosafety care of a colony.

Toxoplasma gondii transmission by artificial insemination in sheep with experimentally contaminated frozen semen.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite considered one of the major causes of reproductive problems in sheep. Furthermore, the presence of the agent in ram semen urges the possibility of sexual transmission in this species. The aim of this study was to evaluate if ram's frozen semen spiked with T. gondii tachyzoites would be able to cause infection in sheep by laparoscopic artificial insemination (AI). Nine ewes tested seronegative to anti-T. gondii antibodies by the modified agglutination test (MAT) were superovulated and inseminated to collect embryos. Animals were divided into two groups: G1 (n = 5), ewes inseminated with semen containing 4 × 107 tachyzoites; and G2 (n = 4), ewes inseminated with tachyzoite-free semen (control group). To confirm infection, ewe's blood samples were collected on days -14, -7, 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 49 and 57 after AI for analysis by MAT and PCR. Tissue samples of these ewes were also collected for histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Seven days after AI, all ewes of group G1 had specific antibodies to T. gondii, while those of G2 were negative. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in the blood of one ewe and parasites were observed in tissues of all five animals inseminated with contaminated semen, indicating that semen freezing protocol does not affect T. gondii transmission by artificial insemination in sheep.

Reproductive disorders caused by Toxoplasma gondii in sheep / Alterações reprodutivas causadas por Toxoplasma gondii em ovinos / Alteraciones reproductivas causadas por Toxoplasma gondii en ovinos

Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan, intracellular, obligatory parasite protozoan of importance to public and animal health. In sheep, this species is a causative agent of reproductive disorders. The main sign produced by T. gondii infection in this species is abortion, which causes economic losses to sheep ranching. The main purpose of this review is to summarize the abortion outbreaks and reproductive disorders caused by T. gondii infection in sheep, also addressing aspects of biology, diagnosis, prevention and control of the parasite.

Toxoplasma gondii es un parásito protozoario intracelular obligatorio cosmopolita, de importancia para la salud pública y animal. En la especie ovina es reconocido como agente causador de trastornos reproductivos. El principal síntoma producido por la infección con Toxoplasma en ovinos es el aborto, lo que provoca pérdidas económicas. Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar los brotes de aborto y alteraciones reproductivas causadas por la infección con T. gondii en la especie ovina, abordando también aspectos de la biología, diagnóstico, prevención y control del parásito.

Toxoplasma gondii é um parasito protozoário intracelular obrigatório cosmopolita de importância para saúde pública e animal. Na espécie ovina é reconhecido como agente causador de distúrbios reprodutivos. O principal quadro clínico causado pela infecção pelo Toxoplasma em ovinos é o abortamento, que causa perdas econômicas. O principal objetivo deste artigo é fazer um levantamento dos surtos de abortamentos e alterações reprodutivas causadas pela infecção por T. gondii na espécie ovina, abordando ainda aspectos da biologia, diagnóstico, prevenção e controle do parasito.