Toxoplasma gondii infection in European mouflons (Ovis musimon) and captive wild felines from Puebla, México.

The presence of Toxoplasma gondii in zoos is cause of alert because many susceptible species kept in captivity die of clinical toxoplasmosis. Moreover, excretion of T. gondii oocysts by infected captive wild felines into the facilities could pose a risk to workers. Herbivores in wild collections can serve as sentinels of local transmission, since they get infected by the consumption of oocysts present in ground or water. Both herbivores and felids may reveal the parasite variants which are circulating in the region. We determined the seroprevalence of T. gondii in European mouflons (n = 55) and wild felines (n = 15) from a private zoological collection located in the Eastern region of México, as well as the incidence in 41 of the mouflons using ELISA. The prevalence of T. gondii in mouflons was 14.5% (n = 55) and 17.1% (n = 41) in 2011 and 19.5% in 2012. The estimated incidence was 9.8%-12.2%. In wild felines the frequency was 80%. Four sero-positive animals (two mouflons and the two oldest African lions) were euthanized. Histopathology, conventional PCR (for B1 and SeqRep529 loci) and molecular characterization were carried out. All euthanized animals were positive to T. gondii by PCR. We identified a triple infection (I + II + III) in the brain of a mouflon. In conclusion, a high infective pressure of T. gondii in the collection was found, supported by changes in its prevalence in European mouflons. A high prevalence of infection in wild felines was determined. At least four genotypes of T. gondii are present in herbivores and carnivores, and one mouflon had a mixed infection.

Anatomical characteristics of the major salivary glands of puma (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771) / Características anatômicas das glândulas salivares maiores da onça parda (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771)

The morphological knowledge of the salivary glands in wild species is fundamental, since these studiescan be used as conservation strategies, clinical treatments and the preservation of species threatened with extinction. Thus, the aim of the study was to anatomically describe the larger salivary glands: parotid, mandibular, sublingual and molar of the jaguar. For this, two specimens of puma (Puma concolor) were used, after death by road traffic accident, donated by the Clinical Surgical Service Department of the Veterinary Hospital Dr. Halim Atique (UNIRP). The animals were fixed with 10% aqueous formaldehyde solution, dissected, descriptively analyzed and photographed. Morphologically, the parotid gland is grayish-yellow in color, distinctly lobulated, and has a semilunar shape. This gland is located in the posterolateral region of the face and at its ventral end we observe the parotid duct. The mandibular gland presents a slightly rounded outline, a grayish color and its surface is covered by a capsule of connective tissue. This gland is located in the posterolateral region of the face and we find the mandibular duct at its ventral end. The monostomatic sublingual gland is located on the rostral border of the mandibular gland and it is covered by the mandibular lymph nodes. The molar gland is a yellowish-gray membranous protuberance, elongated, with rectangular shape and it lies dorsally to the labial commissure. Based on the dissections, we conclude that the morphological and topographic characteristics of salivary glands of puma follow the same structural pattern described for other species of carnivorous mammals (domestic and wild).(AU)

O conhecimento morfológico das glândulas salivares em espécies silvestres é fundamental, pois podem ser utilizadas como estratégias de conservação, tratamentos clínicos e preservação de espécies ameaçadas de extinção. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo foi descrever anatomicamente as glândulas salivares maiores: parótida, mandibular, sublingual e molar da onça-parda. Para isso, foram utilizados dois espécimes de onça-parda (Puma concolor), após morte por atropelamento, doados pelo Setor de Atendimento Clínico Cirúrgico de Animais Selvagens (SACCAS) do Hospital Veterinário Dr. HalimAtique (UNIRP). Os animais foram fixados com solução aquosa de formol a 10%, dissecados, analisados descritivamente e fotografados. Morfologicamente, a glândula parótida possui uma coloração cinza amarelada, é distintamente lobulada e apresenta um formato semilunar. Essa glândula localiza-se na região póstero-dorsal da face, e na sua extremidade ventral observamos o ducto parotídeo. A glândula mandibular apresenta um contorno levemente arredondado, coloração acinzentada e sua superfície é revestida por uma cápsula de tecido conjuntivo. Essa glândula situa-se na região póstero-ventral da face e na sua extremidade ventral encontramos o ducto mandibular. A glândula sublingual monostomática está localizada na borda rostral da glândula mandibular e apresenta-se coberta pelos linfonodos mandibulares. A glândula molar é uma protuberância membranosa de coloração cinza amarelada, formato retangular alongado que fica situada ventralmente a comissura labial. Fundamentado nas dissecações, concluímos que as características morfológicas e topográficas das glândulas salivares da onça-parda seguem o mesmo padrão estrutural descrito para outras espécies de mamíferos carnívoros (domésticos e silvestres).(AU)

Morphology of male and female reproductive tract of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis).

The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is the largest species of this genus, despite having broad distribution in the Americas; it is included in the main list of endangered species. Their conservation is widely studied, but there is a lack of studies about their morphology. In order to contribute to the knowledge of its reproductive system, five male and female ocelots were examined macro- and microscopically by histological techniques. Macroscopic analysis of the male reproductive system revealed presence of prostate and bulbourethral gland located caudally to the urinary bladder and a penis with small spicules. Microscopically, the testes were encased by the tunica albuginea and divided it into lobules with 5-10 tubules per lobe. In females, macroscopic analysis demonstrated two ovaries position dorsally in the sublumbar region and caudal to the kidneys. The bicornuate uterus is composed by uterine horns (12 to 14 cm in length), which travels from the ovaries in a caudal direction to form a small uterine body (4 cm in length). The ovary analysis revealed, in longitudinal section, medullary region composed of loose connective tissue, a stroma rich in blood vessels, and an external parenchymal region surrounded by a tunica albuginea. The results of the study confirmed the similarity between ocelot's reproductive system as domestic cat's ones and showing for the first time the complete morphological tool to highlight these organs and tissue in this male and female endangered wild felid specie. The present study open venue for other researchers to consider morphological and preservationist features and aimed to help at long-term conservation of wild felines.

Anatomical characteristics of the major salivary glands of puma (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771) / Características anatômicas das glândulas salivares maiores da onça parda (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771)

The morphological knowledge of the salivary glands in wild species is fundamental, since these studiescan be used as conservation strategies, clinical treatments and the preservation of species threatened with extinction. Thus, the aim of the study was to anatomically describe the larger salivary glands: parotid, mandibular, sublingual and molar of the jaguar. For this, two specimens of puma (Puma concolor) were used, after death by road traffic accident, donated by the Clinical Surgical Service Department of the Veterinary Hospital Dr. Halim Atique (UNIRP). The animals were fixed with 10% aqueous formaldehyde solution, dissected, descriptively analyzed and photographed. Morphologically, the parotid gland is grayish-yellow in color, distinctly lobulated, and has a semilunar shape. This gland is located in the posterolateral region of the face and at its ventral end we observe the parotid duct. The mandibular gland presents a slightly rounded outline, a grayish color and its surface is covered by a capsule of connective tissue. This gland is located in the posterolateral region of the face and we find the mandibular duct at its ventral end. The monostomatic sublingual gland is located on the rostral border of the mandibular gland and it is covered by the mandibular lymph nodes. The molar gland is a yellowish-gray membranous protuberance, elongated, with rectangular shape and it lies dorsally to the labial commissure. Based on the dissections, we conclude that the morphological and topographic characteristics of salivary glands of puma follow the same structural pattern described for other species of carnivorous mammals (domestic and wild).

O conhecimento morfológico das glândulas salivares em espécies silvestres é fundamental, pois podem ser utilizadas como estratégias de conservação, tratamentos clínicos e preservação de espécies ameaçadas de extinção. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo foi descrever anatomicamente as glândulas salivares maiores: parótida, mandibular, sublingual e molar da onça-parda. Para isso, foram utilizados dois espécimes de onça-parda (Puma concolor), após morte por atropelamento, doados pelo Setor de Atendimento Clínico Cirúrgico de Animais Selvagens (SACCAS) do Hospital Veterinário Dr. HalimAtique (UNIRP). Os animais foram fixados com solução aquosa de formol a 10%, dissecados, analisados descritivamente e fotografados. Morfologicamente, a glândula parótida possui uma coloração cinza amarelada, é distintamente lobulada e apresenta um formato semilunar. Essa glândula localiza-se na região póstero-dorsal da face, e na sua extremidade ventral observamos o ducto parotídeo. A glândula mandibular apresenta um contorno levemente arredondado, coloração acinzentada e sua superfície é revestida por uma cápsula de tecido conjuntivo. Essa glândula situa-se na região póstero-ventral da face e na sua extremidade ventral encontramos o ducto mandibular. A glândula sublingual monostomática está localizada na borda rostral da glândula mandibular e apresenta-se coberta pelos linfonodos mandibulares. A glândula molar é uma protuberância membranosa de coloração cinza amarelada, formato retangular alongado que fica situada ventralmente a comissura labial. Fundamentado nas dissecações, concluímos que as características morfológicas e topográficas das glândulas salivares da onça-parda seguem o mesmo padrão estrutural descrito para outras espécies de mamíferos carnívoros (domésticos e silvestres).

Morphology of male and female reproductive tract of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is the largest species of this genus, despite having broad distribution in the Americas; it is included in the main list of endangered species. Their conservation is widely studied, but there is a lack of studies about their morphology. In order to contribute to the knowledge of its reproductive system, five male and female ocelots were examined macro- and microscopically by histological techniques. Macroscopic analysis of the male reproductive system revealed presence of prostate and bulbourethral gland located caudally to the urinary bladder and a penis with small spicules. Microscopically, the testes were encased by the tunica albuginea and divided it into lobules with 5-10 tubules per lobe. In females, macroscopic analysis demonstrated two ovaries position dorsally in the sublumbar region and caudal to the kidneys. The bicornuate uterus is composed by uterine horns (12 to 14 cm in length), which travels from the ovaries in a caudal direction to form a small uterine body (4 cm in length). The ovary analysis revealed, in longitudinal section, medullary region composed of loose connective tissue, a stroma rich in blood vessels, and an external parenchymal region surrounded by a tunica albuginea. The results of the study confirmed the similarity between ocelot's reproductive system as domestic cat's ones and showing for the first time the complete morphological tool to highlight these organs and tissue in this male and female endangered wild felid specie. The present study open venue for other researchers to consider morphological and preservationist features and aimed to help at long-term conservation of wild felines.(AU)

Morphology of male and female reproductive tract of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is the largest species of this genus, despite having broad distribution in the Americas; it is included in the main list of endangered species. Their conservation is widely studied, but there is a lack of studies about their morphology. In order to contribute to the knowledge of its reproductive system, five male and female ocelots were examined macro- and microscopically by histological techniques. Macroscopic analysis of the male reproductive system revealed presence of prostate and bulbourethral gland located caudally to the urinary bladder and a penis with small spicules. Microscopically, the testes were encased by the tunica albuginea and divided it into lobules with 5-10 tubules per lobe. In females, macroscopic analysis demonstrated two ovaries position dorsally in the sublumbar region and caudal to the kidneys. The bicornuate uterus is composed by uterine horns (12 to 14 cm in length), which travels from the ovaries in a caudal direction to form a small uterine body (4 cm in length). The ovary analysis revealed, in longitudinal section, medullary region composed of loose connective tissue, a stroma rich in blood vessels, and an external parenchymal region surrounded by a tunica albuginea. The results of the study confirmed the similarity between ocelot's reproductive system as domestic cat's ones and showing for the first time the complete morphological tool to highlight these organs and tissue in this male and female endangered wild felid specie. The present study open venue for other researchers to consider morphological and preservationist features and aimed to help at long-term conservation of wild felines.

Brachial plexus in the Leopardus geoffroyi / Plexo braquial do Leopardus geoffroyi

Six thoracic limbs from four Leopardus geoffroyi specimens were dissected in order to describe origin and distribution of nerves forming the brachial plexuses. The brachial plexus is a result of connections between ventral branches of the last four cervical nerves (C5, C6, C7 and C8) and the first thoracic nerve (T1). These branches are the origin of the suprascapularis, subscapularis, axillary, musculocutaneous, radial, median and ulnar nerves to the intrinsic musculature, and form the brachiocephalicus, thoracodorsal, lateral thoracic, long thoracic, cranial pectoral and caudal pectoral nerves to the extrinsic musculature. The C7 ventral branch is mainly responsible for formation of nerves (70.5%), followed by C8 (47.4%), C6 (29.5%), T1 (19.2%) and C5 (7.7%). From 78 dissected nerves, 65.4% of nerves resulted from a combination of two or three branches, while only 34.6% of nerves originated from a single branch. Through comparison with other carnivoran species, the origin and innervation area of the Geoffroyis Cat brachial plexus were most similar to those of the domestic cat, particularly among those nerves extended to the intrinsic musculature. The results of this study suggest that nerve block techniques currently used in dogs and cats might be efficient in Geoffroyis Cat too.(AU)

Seis membros torácicos de quatro espécimes de Leopardus geoffroyi foram dissecados para descrever a origem e a distribuição dos nervos formadores do plexo braquial. O plexo braquial resultou das conexões entre os ramos ventrais dos últimos quatro ramos ventrais cervicais (C5, C6, C7 e C8) e do primeiro torácico (T1). Estes ramos formaram os nervos supra-escapular, subescapular, axilar, musculocutâneo, radial, mediano e ulnar para os músculos intrínsecos e originaram os nervos braquiocefálico, toracodorsal, torácico lateral, torácico longo, peitoral cranial e peitoral caudal para os músculos extrínsecos. O ramo ventral de C7 foi o que mais contribuiu para a formação dos nervos do plexo (70,5%), seguido por C8 (47,4%), C6 (29,5%), T1 (19,2%) e C5 (7,7%). Entre os 78 nervos dissecados, 65,4% resultaram da combinação de dois ou mais ramos, enquanto apenas 34,6% se originaram de um único ramo. Em comparação com outras espécies da ordem Carnivora, a origem e área de inervação do plexo braquial do gato-do-mato-grande se assemelhou mais com a do gato doméstico, especialmente no tocante aos nervos destinados à musculatura intrínseca. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que técnicas de bloqueio nervoso atualmente empregadas em cães e gatos podem ser também eficientes no gato-do-mato-grande.(AU)

Brachial plexus in the Leopardus geoffroyi / Plexo braquial do Leopardus geoffroyi

Six thoracic limbs from four Leopardus geoffroyi specimens were dissected in order to describe origin and distribution of nerves forming the brachial plexuses. The brachial plexus is a result of connections between ventral branches of the last four cervical nerves (C5, C6, C7 and C8) and the first thoracic nerve (T1). These branches are the origin of the suprascapularis, subscapularis, axillary, musculocutaneous, radial, median and ulnar nerves to the intrinsic musculature, and form the brachiocephalicus, thoracodorsal, lateral thoracic, long thoracic, cranial pectoral and caudal pectoral nerves to the extrinsic musculature. The C7 ventral branch is mainly responsible for formation of nerves (70.5%), followed by C8 (47.4%), C6 (29.5%), T1 (19.2%) and C5 (7.7%). From 78 dissected nerves, 65.4% of nerves resulted from a combination of two or three branches, while only 34.6% of nerves originated from a single branch. Through comparison with other carnivoran species, the origin and innervation area of the Geoffroyi’s Cat brachial plexus were most similar to those of the domestic cat, particularly among those nerves extended to the intrinsic musculature. The results of this study suggest that nerve block techniques currently used in dogs and cats might be efficient in Geoffroyi’s Cat too.

Seis membros torácicos de quatro espécimes de Leopardus geoffroyi foram dissecados para descrever a origem e a distribuição dos nervos formadores do plexo braquial. O plexo braquial resultou das conexões entre os ramos ventrais dos últimos quatro ramos ventrais cervicais (C5, C6, C7 e C8) e do primeiro torácico (T1). Estes ramos formaram os nervos supra-escapular, subescapular, axilar, musculocutâneo, radial, mediano e ulnar para os músculos intrínsecos e originaram os nervos braquiocefálico, toracodorsal, torácico lateral, torácico longo, peitoral cranial e peitoral caudal para os músculos extrínsecos. O ramo ventral de C7 foi o que mais contribuiu para a formação dos nervos do plexo (70,5%), seguido por C8 (47,4%), C6 (29,5%), T1 (19,2%) e C5 (7,7%). Entre os 78 nervos dissecados, 65,4% resultaram da combinação de dois ou mais ramos, enquanto apenas 34,6% se originaram de um único ramo. Em comparação com outras espécies da ordem Carnivora, a origem e área de inervação do plexo braquial do gato-do-mato-grande se assemelhou mais com a do gato doméstico, especialmente no tocante aos nervos destinados à musculatura intrínseca. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que técnicas de bloqueio nervoso atualmente empregadas em cães e gatos podem ser também eficientes no gato-do-mato-grande.

Preservation of wild feline semen by freeze-drying: experimental model

According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, 36 wild feline species are threatened by extinction or severely endangered, and to save them is the target of several conservation programs. This study aimed to assess the viability of the freeze-drying technique for domestic cat sperm cells, with the ultimate goal of transferring this technology to the wild feline species. The do mestic cat is an excellent experimental model for wild felids. It is in this scenario that the freeze-drying process (low-temperature vacuum dehydration) of sperm cells shows its value in preserving male cats’ germplasm. Results from membrane and DNA integrity analysis are promising and validates the use of frozen-dried sperm samples in intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSIs). Further studies are still necessary to evaluate the ICSI embryo production using domestic cat frozen-dried sperm and the possibility of using such technology with wild felines.

Preservation of wild feline semen by freeze-drying: experimental model

According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, 36 wild feline species are threatened by extinction or severely endangered, and to save them is the target of several conservation programs. This study aimed to assess the viability of the freeze-drying technique for domestic cat sperm cells, with the ultimate goal of transferring this technology to the wild feline species. The do mestic cat is an excellent experimental model for wild felids. It is in this scenario that the freeze-drying process (low-temperature vacuum dehydration) of sperm cells shows its value in preserving male cats germplasm. Results from membrane and DNA integrity analysis are promising and validates the use of frozen-dried sperm samples in intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSIs). Further studies are still necessary to evaluate the ICSI embryo production using domestic cat frozen-dried sperm and the possibility of using such technology with wild felines.(AU)