Cytauxzoon brasiliensis sp. nov. (Apicomplexa: Theileriidae), a new species infecting a little-spotted-cat (Leopardus tigrinus) (Carnivora: Felidae) from Brazil.

Cytauxzoon spp. have been detected in Brazil infecting mainly asymptomatic domestic cats and wild felids. However, the supposed genetic similarity with the pathogenic Cytauxzoon felis is questionable because it is based on analysis of short sequences of the 18S rRNA gene. Herein, we describe a novel Cytauxzoon species infecting an asymptomatic little-spotted-cat (Leopardus tigrinus) based on morphological, histopathological, and molecular analyses. The animal was attended presenting a history of a run-over with multiple traumas. Although the little-spotted-cat was stabilized, he died a few days later. Ring-shaped merozoites within erythrocytes were found on blood smears and in the abdominal effusion. In addition, schizonts were observed in histiocytes in the liver. Phylogenetic analyses based on both near-complete 18S rRNA and cytb genes positioned the obtained sequences in a unique clade, albeit closely related to Cytauxzoon felis from the USA. Genetic divergences ranging from 0.004 and 0.067-0.068 were found between the near-complete 18S rRNA and cytb sequences of Cytauxzoon sp. detected in the little-spotted-cat and C. felis, respectively. This study evidenced the circulation of a novel Cytauxzoon species, herein named Cytauxzoon brasiliensis sp. nov., in an asymptomatic wild felid species from Brazil. Further studies are necessary to identify Cytauxzoon species from domestic and wild felids in the country.

Analysis of palmprints and soleprints of black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata): are there similarities to humans?

Friction ridges are important and unique biometric features that have been studied in fingerprint science since antiquity and used for human identification. This study aimed to analyze palmprints and soleprints of Callithrix penicillata, including the description of flexion creases, regions, minutiae classification, and delta counting, in order to evaluate the uniqueness of these data and feasibility of using this information as an identification method. Palmprints and footprints were collected using commercial fingerprint ink on A4 size paper. Following image digitalization using the GIMP (2.10.14) image editing program, regions and flexion creases were identified. A total of 600 minutiae were classified in females (288 palms and 312 soles) and 732 in males (360 palms and 372 soles), and all deltas were counted. It was possible to identify three main inconstant flexion creases, in both palmprints and soleprints, with different distribution and orientation when compared to those in humans. Less variety in the types of minutiae and differences in the distribution of deltas were found when compared to human studies. In addition, the hypothesis of non-coincident characteristics in each sample was confirmed.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dextroketamine alone or combined with midazolam in Caiman crocodilus.

Pharmacokinetics studies of anesthetic agents are important for understanding of the pharmacology and metabolism of anesthetic agents in reptilians. This study was designed to examine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of intravenous dextroketamine alone or combined with midazolam in Caiman crocodilus. Eight caimans were anesthetized with dextroketamine (10 mg/kg; group D) or dextroketamine and midazolam (10 and 0.5 mg/kg respectively; group DM) into the occipital venous sinus. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by HPLC using a non-compartmental modeling. Serial blood samples were collected at baseline and within 15 and 30 min, and 11.5, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h of drug administration. Sedation status over time differed between groups. All animals in group D (8/8; 100%) showed signs of light sedation at t10. Half (4/8; 50%) of these caimans did not progress to deeper levels of sedation. In spite of light sedation at t10, animals in group DM were deeply sedated within 13.13 ± 7.04 min of anesthetic agent injection. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-48) and half-life of dextroketamine changed significantly after combination with midazolam. Even without significant changes in clearance, the almost two-fold increase in the half-life of dextroketamine suggests a slower rate of elimination.

Epidemiological survey of infectious agents in free-ranging maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Northeastern Brazil.

Infectious diseases are one of the most concerning threats to maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) due to the potential impact on free-ranging populations. The species is currently classified as vulnerable according to the national list of threatened species and occurs mainly in open habitats, such as the Cerrado, a tropical savannah, which comprises its main distribution area in Brazil. In the northeastern region, it occurs in the Cerrado of Bahia, Piauí, Maranhão, and Tocantins states. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of infectious agents in Chrysocyon brachyurus through an epidemiological assessment of free-ranging individuals in western Bahia, specifically in the Barreiras microregion, a Cerrado area intensely fragmented and anthropized by agricultural activity. Eleven specimens were evaluated for serological titration, antigen research, and genetic material research for canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), adenovirus-canine-type 1 (CAdV-1), canine coronavirus (CCoV), Leptospira interrogans and Toxoplasma gondii from 2020 to 2022. In addition to maned wolves, domestic dogs were also evaluated and tested. All maned wolves (100%) evaluated by the dot-ELISA technique exhibited immunoglobulin M (IgM) and seven (64%) exhibited immunoglobulin G (IgG) against CDV and CPV, while 100% exhibited IgG against CDV when using the immunochromatographic technique. Regarding CAdV-1, 90% were seropositive for IgG, while 64% exhibited IgG against T. gondii. Nine dogs from the region were also sampled, and all (100%) exhibited IgM and IgG against CDV and CPV. For IgG against T. gondii and against CAdV-1, 90% of the animals were seropositive. Molecular evaluation yielded negative results for all maned wolves and dogs assessed for CAdV-1, CDV, and T. gondii, as well as the CCoV antigen. These data indicate the occurrence of viral agents and Toxoplasma gondii in maned wolves and dogs, suggesting circulation in both populations.

Traumatic chylothorax in urbanized free-ranging black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata).

After fatal traumatic injuries, three urbanized free-ranging marmosets developed a milky white or pink-white thoracic alkaline effusion with high specific gravity, triglyceride levels, and predominance of small lymphocytes. Chylothorax is an uncommon thoracic fluid accumulation in animals and humans and has not been reported in free-ranging non-human primates.

Prenatal effects of alprazolam treatment on the immature cerebellum of rats.

The use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) during pregnancy, especially alprazolam, is common and its impact on the fetal neural tissue is not known. In this sense, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal treatment with alprazolam on the cerebellum of Wistar rat pups. Thirty animals (24 females and six males, CEUA protocol 014/17) were separated into pairs for copulation. Females were divided into three groups: Control (CT), treatment 1 (T1, 1.25 mg per animal), and treatment 2, which is an overdose (T2, 30 mg per animal). Alprazolam was administered 10 days before copulation and throughout pregnancy. We evaluated the number and weight of pups and the macroscopic changes in the brain. Eight neonates (n = 8) from each group were used in the following analyses: Cellular and chromatin density, gliosis, synaptic density, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The results showed no significant differences regarding the number of pups, body weight, and macroscopic changes. The morphological study focused on the external granular layer (EGL) that is presented only in the immature cerebellum. Here, we detected more cells after alprazolam treatment; the T2 group showed large nuclei and some pyknotic nuclei; also, both treated groups presented an increase in the euchromatin density compared with the control. The molecular and biochemical analyses used the total protein extract of the entire cerebellum and showed an increased expression of Iba-1 and NF-κBp65 but without indication of inflammation or degeneration in the T1 group. Overdose of alprazolam presented an increased level of oxidative degradation of lipids. The treatment with alprazolam during pregnancy involved cellular and molecular changes in the immature cerebellum.

Molecular detection of Leucocytozoon in red-legged seriemas (Cariama cristata), a non-migratory bird species in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Avian Haemosporidian parasites - Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Fallisia - have a wide distribution except for Antarctica. Leucocytozoon sp. has been poorly described in Brazil, and few studies have indicated infections in birds from the Atlantic Forest, Pantanal, Pampa and Amazon biomes. This study describes, for the first time, the occurrence of Leucocytozoon infection in red-legged seriemas (Cariama cristata) in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado biome) using molecular diagnosis. Leucocytozoon spp. lineage CARCRI01 was detected in three C. cristata, a non-migratory bird, confirming transmission in mid-elevation areas in central Brazil. Further studies are needed to certify whether infections in red-legged seriemas were not abortive and to elucidate Leucocytozoon infection at low altitudes in the Brazilian lands.

Use of prosthesis in a caparace fracture of Chelonoidis carbonarius (Testudines: Testudinidae) / Emprego de prótese em fratura de carapaça de Chelonoidis carbonarius (Testudines: Testudinidae)

Testudines are members of the Reptilia class, they are ectothermic and differ from other reptiles by the presence of the shell, which covers most of their bodies. Shell fractures are common in these animals and can occur due to several factors, mainly trauma. This paper aims to report the use of prosthesis in a red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius). An adult female weighing 2.45 kg was sent to the Wild Animal Sector of Veterinary Hospital of University of Brasilia. The specimen presented carapace fracture caused by compress of garbage truck. Even after healing the lesion, there was persistent communication between the coelomic cavity and the environment, which caused recurrent pneumonia. After stabilization of the patient and treatment of infections, an adhesive cover was placed to isolate the coelomic cavity, which was changed periodically. Moreover, it was decided to make a prosthesis with acrylic resin, since it was not feasible to perform the repair by conventional methods. The method was satisfactory in the sealing of the carapace and the animal was monitored for a month without showing signs of pneumonia or any other complications.(AU)

Os testudines pertencem à classe Reptilia, são ectotérmicos e se diferem dos demais répteis pela presença do casco, que envolve a maior parte de seus corpos. Fraturas nesse arcabouço ósseo são comuns e podem ocorrer devido a diversos fatores, principalmente traumas. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de colocação de prótese em casco de jabuti-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonarius). Um exemplar adulto, fêmea, de 2,45 kg, foi encaminhado ao Setor de Animais Silvestres do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Brasília. O espécime apresentava fratura de carapaça provocada por prensas compactadoras de um caminhão de coleta de lixo domiciliar. Mesmo após a cicatrização da lesão, houve persistência de uma comunicação da cavidade celomática com o meio externo, o que ocasionava quadros de pneumonia recorrentes. Após estabilização do paciente e tratamento das infecções, foi colocada uma cobertura com esparadrapo para isolar a cavidade celomática, que era trocada periodicamente. Posteriormente, decidiu-se pela confecção de uma prótese feita de resina acrílica, visto que não era viável realizar o reparo por técnicas convencionais. O método se mostrou satisfatório na vedação da carapaça e o animal foi acompanhado durante um mês sem demonstrar indícios de pneumonia ou qualquer complicação.(AU)

Hematologic parameters of captive Bothrops atrox (Squamata: viperidae)

The breeding of venomous snakes in captivity for research purposes and mainly as a source of pharmaceutical products highlights the need to determine hematological parameters for monitoring and ensuring a healthy breeding populationThe complete blood count is used to help diagnose alterations such as anemia, inflammatory diseases, parasitemia, hematopoietic disorders, hemostatic and toxicological changes, as well as bacterial and viral inclusions. Thus, the objective of this study was to define reference parameters for complete blood count in Bothrops atrox snakes. Blood samples were collected from 20 specimens of B. atrox from the Pentapharm do Brasil commercial breeding facility for laboratory examination. Mean values and standard deviation were: hematocrit 33.6 ± 5.47%, hemoglobin 10.81 ± 2.07g/dL, total number of erythrocytes 0.59 ± 0.1 x 106/mm3, leukocytes 11387.5 ± 3279.2/mm3 and thrombocytes 28175 ± 6320/mm3. No significant difference was observed between males and females and heterophils were the predominant leukocyte cell type.

Wild fauna received by the Wild Animal Screening Centre and referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Brasília / Fauna silvestre recebida pelo Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres e encaminhada para o hospital veterinário da Universidade de Brasília

The aim of this work was to analyze records from two institutions that work with wild animals throughout 2018. Data were obtained from the animals received by the Wild Animal Screening Centre of Federal District (CETAS-DF), Brazil, referring to the type of admission and destination, species, as well as animals that required veterinary care and were referred to the Wild Animal Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Brasilia (HVet-UnB) with description of the main conditions and temporal analysis. Of the 7,603 animals that were admitted to CETAS-DF (6,646 birds, 461 mammals and 496 reptiles), 1,028 individuals (13.52%) required veterinary medical care and were referred to HVet-UnB. The class of animals that most needed assistance was birds (765), followed by mammals (225) and reptiles (37). Unlike other fauna diagnostic surveys from environmental agencies, this is the first study that correlates the numbers of animals received by a CETAS and that were referred for veterinary medical follow-up. The high number of wild animals that require referral to specialized institutions reinforces the need to establish agreements and structure for veterinary medical treatment and subsequent rehabilitation of these specimens as part of an action plan for the conservation of biodiversity in the country.

O trabalho teve como objetivo analisar registros de duas instituições que trabalham com animais silvestres ao longo do ano de 2018. Foram obtidos dados dos animais recebidos pelo Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres do Distrito Federal (CETAS-DF), referentes ao tipo de entrada e destinação, espécies, bem como animais que necessitaram de atendimento médico veterinário e foram encaminhados ao Setor de Animais Silvestres do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Brasília (HVet-UnB) com descrição das principais afecções e análise temporal. Dos 7.603 animais que deram entrada no CETAS-DF (6.646 aves, 461 mamíferos e 496 répteis), 1.028 indivíduos (13,52%) necessitaram de atendimento médico veterinário e foram encaminhados ao HVet-UnB. A classe de animais que mais precisou de assistência foi a de aves (765), seguida de mamíferos (225) e de répteis (37). Diferente de outros levantamentos de diagnóstico de fauna de órgãos ambientais, este é o primeiro estudo que correlaciona os números de animais recebidos por um CETAS e que foram encaminhados para acompanhamento médico veterinário. O alto número de animais silvestres que demandam encaminhamento para instituições especializadas reforça a necessidade de estabelecimento de acordos e estrutura de tratamento médico veterinário e posterior reabilitação desses exemplares como parte de plano de ação de conservação da biodiversidade no país.

Molecular detection of piroplasmids in synanthropic rodents, marsupials, and associated ticks from Brazil, with phylogenetic inference of a putative novel Babesia sp. from white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris).

The order Piroplasmida encompasses tick-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical importance positioned in two main families: Babesiidae and Theileriidae. Even though previous studies carried out in Brazil recorded the occurrence of piroplasmid species circulating in small mammals, 18S RNA gene sequences were only partially sequenced, preventing the assessment of their phylogenetic positioning. The current study aimed to detect and characterize, using morphological, molecular, and bioinformatic approaches, piroplasmids from wild mammals and associated ticks sampled in Central-Western Brazil. Out of 67 Didelphis albiventris sampled, 22 (16.4%) were positive for piroplasmids by PCR. In contrast, none of the 48 small rodents and 14 capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) was PCR-positive. Four Amblyomma dubitatum ticks-one from Rattus rattus, one from H. hydrochaeris, and two from D. albiventris-out of 114 Amblyomma spp. DNA samples were positive for piroplasmids by PCR. The phylogenetic inference performed using the near-complete 18S rRNA gene positioned the putative novel piroplasmid species detected in D. albiventris and associated A. dubitatum ticks near to Babesia sensu lato clade (Western group-cluster III) and distant from the Australian marsupial-associated piroplasms. Phylogenetic inferences based on two additional molecular markers, namely hsp-70 and cox-1, supported the near-complete 18S rRNA gene phylogenetic inference. Finally, the partial 18S rRNA gene sequences detected in ticks from rodents (R. rattus and H. hydrochaeris) showed 97.2-99.4% identity with the Piroplasmida previously detected in a capybara from Brazil, raising evidence that a still uncharacterized piroplasmid species has been identified in the capybara, the largest rodent species from South America.

Toxoplasmose encefálica em um gambá-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) / Encephalic toxoplasm in a white-eared possum (Didelphis albiventris)

Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan that belongs to the Apicomplexa phylum, coccidian subclass, and affects all warm-blooded animals. The role of opossums in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Brazil is not fully understood, and there are very few descriptions of toxoplasmosis lesions in these animals. This report describes the anatomopathological, molecular and immunohistochemical findings of a case of encephalic toxoplasmosis in free-living white-eared possum (Didelphis albiventris). Case: A young male opossum (D. albiventris), was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Wild Animals of the University of Brasília, Federal District. The animal was apathetic, uncoordinated, reluctant to move, and had an exposed proximal fracture in the left radius and ulna with laceration of muscles and adjacent tendinous structures. Amputation on the left thoracic limb was performed followed by analgesia and antibiotic therapy. The environment is frequented by other wild animals, and stray cats have access to the patio of the building. Twenty-five days after arriving at the hospital, the animal was found dead in its cage. After death, a necropsy was performed. Organ fragments from the abdominal cavity, thoracic and central nervous system were collected, processed routinely for histology and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Macroscopic lesions in the central nervous system were not observed. On microscopy, the brain showed moderate random glial nodules throughout the neuropil associated with the presence of spherical to elongated parasitic cysts of about 20 µm, with a thin wall and with its interior full of bradyzoites, consistent with Toxoplasma gondii. There was also moderate fibrinoid necrosis and moderate multifocal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate surrounding the blood vessels (perivascular cuffs) To investigate the etiology of the brain injury, brain sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique for detection of T. gondii and Neospora caninum. Immunostaining for T. gondii in the cyst wall and in bradyzoites and negative immunostaining for N. caninum. qPCR was positive for T. gondii and negative for N. caninum. Discussion: Diagnosis of encephalic toxoplasmosis in a Didelphis albiventris was possible based on histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular findings. The morphological classification of the brain lesion was important for the diagnosis. Brain toxoplasmosis in opossums usually results in focal areas of malacia on macroscopy and focally extensive necrosis on microscopy, neutrophil infiltrate, calcified necrotic material, and perivascular cuffs of lymphocytes and plasma cells. In the present case, similar histopathological lesions were noted, but no significant macroscopic changes were observed. The etiology here was defined by immunohistochemistry and qPCR, techniques proven to be useful and with good specificity for diagnosing toxoplasmosis in mammals. It is believed that the positive immunohistochemical and molecular result for Toxoplasma gondii together with the negative result for Neospora caninum were conclusive for the diagnosis. Thus, we demonstrate here a post mortem diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in a free-living synanthropic opossum and the use of anatomopathology, immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic option for this disease in opossums.

Nasal Melanophoroma in a Captive Green Iguana (Iguana Iguana).

Green iguanas are arboreal lizards, common as pet animals and in captivity. Knowledge of neoplasms in iguanas is scarce, and a challenge to their prevention, treatment, and prognosis. A captive green iguana showed a pigmented nasal exophytic neoplasm. Tumor cells were spindle-shaped to epithelioid with a variable amount of dark-brown or black granular melanin within the cytoplasm, and also presented cytoplasmic positivity for Melan-A and S100. Transmission electron microscopy evidenced intracytoplasmic melanosomes and premelanosomes and provided a definitive diagnosis of a nasal melanophoroma. Full characterization of the clinicopathological and ultrastructural features of the melanophoroma may contribute to the limited knowledge concerning cutaneous neoplasms in green iguanas.

Mutagenic, genotoxic and morphotoxic potential of different pesticides in the erythrocytes of Podocnemis expansa neonates.

Despite the damaging effects of pesticides glyphosate (Gly), atrazine (Atra) and fipronil (Fip) on different organisms, the mutagenic, genotoxic and morphotoxic potential of testudine erythrocytes in freshwater remains unknown. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the toxicological potential of these compounds in Podocnemis expansa (Amazonian turtles) neonates from eggs artificially incubated in substrate at different concentrations of herbicides Gly and Atra and insecticide Fip. Micronucleus test and other nuclear abnormalities, as well as comet assay and morphometric measurements taken of models' circulating erythrocytes were used as toxicity biomarkers. Pups exposed to Gly (groups Gly-65 ppb and Gly-6500 ppb) were the ones recording the largest amount of nuclear abnormalities; erythrocytes with multilobulated, notched and displaced nucleus were mostly frequent in groups Atra-2 ppb and Gly -65 ppb. All treatments (Gly-6500 ppb, Atra-2 ppb, Atra-200 ppb, Fip-4 ppb and Fip-400 ppb), except for group Gly-65 ppb, led to decreased erythrocyte area, increased "nuclear area: erythrocyte area" ratio, as well as to decreased erythrocyte and erythrocyte nuclei circularity, which highlights the clear effect on the size and shape of these cells. On the other hand, the comet assay did not evidence any genotoxic effect caused by the assessed pesticides. This is a pioneer study on the mutagenic and morphotoxic potential of pesticides in P. expansa eclodides exposed in ovo to Gly, Atra and Fip; therefore, it is an insight on how these compounds can affect the health of these animals.

Gestação trigemelar em Callithrix penicillata (primates: callitrichidae) de vida livre: relato de caso / Trigemelar gestation in wildlife Callithrix penicillata (primates: callitrichidae): case report

O Brasil é considerado um dos países com maior diversidade biológica, e o cerrado, considerado como o segundo maior bioma nacional, abriga grandes comunidades de primatas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo relatar um caso de gestação trigemelar em Callithrix penicillata de vida livre. Um exemplar de vida livre de sagui-de-tufo-preto fêmea, adulto, foi encaminhado pelo Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS-DF), com histórico de queda e paralisia dos membros pélvicos. No exame físico observou-se uma distensão abdominal significativa e, devido à suspeita de gestação, foi realizado o exame ultrassonográfico em que se evidenciou a presença de três fetos aparentemente viáveis. A fêmea foi mantida em observação, mas no dia seguinte apresentou fadiga e foi encaminhada para uma cesária de emergência após constatar-se o óbito dos fetos. O relato de gestação trigemelar em Callithrix é relacionado ao manejo de cativeiro, entretanto, desconhece-se registros em animais de vida livre como o exemplar do presente estudo.(AU)

Brazil is considered one of the countries with the highest biological diversity, and the second largest national biome, the Cerrado, is shelter to large primate communities. The present work has the objective to report a case of trigemelar gestation in wildlife Callithrix penicillata. An example of wildlife black-tufted-ear marmoset, an adult female, was forwarded from the Wild Animals Triage Center (CETAS-DF), with fall history and paralysis of the pelvic limbs. Physical examination showed significant abdominal distention and, due to the suspicion of gestation, the ultrasonographic examination was carried out and evidenced the presence of three viable fetuses. The female was kept under observation, but, on the next day, it presented fatigue and was referred to an emergency cesarean after the death of the fetuses. The report of trigemelar gestation in Callithrix is related to the captivity management, however, records are not known in free-living animals like the one of this report.(AU)

Gestação trigemelar em Callithrix penicillata (primates: callitrichidae) de vida livre: relato de caso / Trigemelar gestation in wildlife Callithrix penicillata (primates: callitrichidae): case report

O Brasil é considerado um dos países com maior diversidade biológica, e o cerrado, considerado como o segundo maior bioma nacional, abriga grandes comunidades de primatas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo relatar um caso de gestação trigemelar em Callithrix penicillata de vida livre. Um exemplar de vida livre de sagui-de-tufo-preto fêmea, adulto, foi encaminhado pelo Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS-DF), com histórico de queda e paralisia dos membros pélvicos. No exame físico observou-se uma distensão abdominal significativa e, devido à suspeita de gestação, foi realizado o exame ultrassonográfico em que se evidenciou a presença de três fetos aparentemente viáveis. A fêmea foi mantida em observação, mas no dia seguinte apresentou fadiga e foi encaminhada para uma cesária de emergência após constatar-se o óbito dos fetos. O relato de gestação trigemelar em Callithrix é relacionado ao manejo de cativeiro, entretanto, desconhece-se registros em animais de vida livre como o exemplar do presente estudo.

Brazil is considered one of the countries with the highest biological diversity, and the second largest national biome, the Cerrado, is shelter to large primate communities. The present work has the objective to report a case of trigemelar gestation in wildlife Callithrix penicillata. An example of wildlife black-tufted-ear marmoset, an adult female, was forwarded from the Wild Animals Triage Center (CETAS-DF), with fall history and paralysis of the pelvic limbs. Physical examination showed significant abdominal distention and, due to the suspicion of gestation, the ultrasonographic examination was carried out and evidenced the presence of three viable fetuses. The female was kept under observation, but, on the next day, it presented fatigue and was referred to an emergency cesarean after the death of the fetuses. The report of trigemelar gestation in Callithrix is related to the captivity management, however, records are not known in free-living animals like the one of this report.

Chemical restraint of jaguars Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758 with allometrically scaled doses of tiletamine, zolazepam, detomidine, and atropine / Contenção farmacológica de onças-pintadas Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758 com a associação de tiletamina, zolazepam, detomidina e atropina calculados por extrapolação alométrica interespecífica

Chemical restraint of large felids is necessary for the handling, transportation, clinical assessment, and induction of anesthesia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of chemical restraint using a combination of tiletamine, zolazepam, detomidine, and atropine with interspecific allometric scaling doses in captive Panthera onca. There were ten males (two melanistic ones) and five females weighing between 35 and 80 kg. The evaluation of the chemical restraint protocol was carried out during routine management of the animals for physical examination, collection of blood and bone marrow samples, dental evaluation, and other procedures. During pre-established intervals, rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, nociception of thoracic and pelvic limbs, muscle relaxation and loss of the righting reflex were monitored. Loss of the righting reflex occurred at 8 ± 1.89 minutes post-injection (MPI). Respiratory rate returned at 77.6 ± 8.18 MPI; return of consciousness occurred at 112.6 ± 12.28 MPI, and complete recovery at 153 ± 12.47 MPI. There were no statistical differences between heart and respiratory rate means and oxyhemoglobin saturation. For rectal temperature, there was a significant reduction. The protocol analyzed was efficient for the chemical restraint of jaguars, enabling the manipulation, transportation, physical examination, dental evaluation, blood and bone marrow sample collection, and other minor invasive procedures of medium duration in these animals.(AU)

A contenção farmacológica de grandes felídeos é necessária para sua manipulação, transporte, avaliação clínica e indução anestésica. Por isso, objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da contenção farmacológica de exemplares de Panthera onca de cativeiro pela associação de tiletamina, zolazepam, detomidina e atropina, a partir de doses calculadas por meio de extrapolação alométrica interespecífica. Foram avaliados dez exemplares machos (dois melânicos) e cinco fêmeas, adultos, de Panthera onca. A contenção química foi realizada durante procedimentos de rotina dos animais para exame físico, colheita de sangue e medula óssea, avaliação odontológica e outros. Os parâmetros avaliados foram temperatura retal, frequências cardíaca e respiratória, nocicepção de membros torácicos e pélvicos, relaxamento muscular e reflexo de endireitamento. A perda da reação postural de endireitamento (RPE) ocorreu aos 8 ± 1,89 minutos pós-injeção (MPI). O retorno da RPE ocorreu em 77,6 ± 8,18 MPI, o retorno das reações conscientes em 112,6 ± 12,28 minutos e a recuperação total em 153 ± 12,47 MPI. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas entre as médias de frequências cardíaca e respiratória e saturação parcial de oxiemoglobina. Em relação à temperatura retal, observou-se redução significativa. O protocolo avaliado foi eficiente para contenção farmacológica de todas as onças, viabilizando sua manipulação, transporte, exame físico, avaliação odontológica, colheita de sangue e medula óssea, e outros procedimentos pouco invasivos de média duração.(AU)

Ontogeny of the Postcranial Axial Skeleton of Melanosuchus niger (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae).

This study proposes the description of the development of the postcranial axial skeleton, including vertebrae, gastralium, ribs, sternum, and interclavicle, in Melanosuchus niger. Six nests were marked and two eggs removed from each nest at 24-hr intervals until hatching. For posthatching evaluation, 30 hatchlings were kept in captivity and one exemplar was euthanized at three-day intervals. Samples were diaphanized using potassium hydroxide (KOH), alizarin red S, and Alcian blue. A routinely generally used method was applied for histological evaluation. It was difficult to define in which vertebrae the development of cartilaginous centers began, but it was possible to observe that this condensation advanced in the craniocaudal direction. The condensation started in the vertebral arches and was visibly stronger in the cervical and dorsal regions, advancing to the lumbar, sacral and, last, to the caudal region. The atlas showed a highly different morphology compared with the other cervical vertebrae, with a short intercenter, two neural arches, and a proatlas. The ossification process began in the body of cervical vertebrae III to VIII and alizarin retention decreased in the last vertebrae, indicating a craniocaudal direction in bone development, similar to cartilage formation. In the histological sections of gastralium and interclavicles of M. niger at several development stages, it was possible to observe that these elements showed intramembranous development. Anat Rec, 301:607-623, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical restraint of jaguars Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758 with allometrically scaled doses of tiletamine, zolazepam, detomidine, and atropine / Contenção farmacológica de onças-pintadas Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758 com a associação de tiletamina, zolazepam, detomidina e atropina calculados por extrapolação alométrica interespecífica

Chemical restraint of large felids is necessary for the handling, transportation, clinical assessment, and induction of anesthesia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of chemical restraint using a combination of tiletamine, zolazepam, detomidine, and atropine with interspecific allometric scaling doses in captive Panthera onca. There were ten males (two melanistic ones) and five females weighing between 35 and 80 kg. The evaluation of the chemical restraint protocol was carried out during routine management of the animals for physical examination, collection of blood and bone marrow samples, dental evaluation, and other procedures. During pre-established intervals, rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, nociception of thoracic and pelvic limbs, muscle relaxation and loss of the righting reflex were monitored. Loss of the righting reflex occurred at 8 ± 1.89 minutes post-injection (MPI). Respiratory rate returned at 77.6 ± 8.18 MPI; return of consciousness occurred at 112.6 ± 12.28 MPI, and complete recovery at 153 ± 12.47 MPI. There were no statistical differences between heart and respiratory rate means and oxyhemoglobin saturation. For rectal temperature, there was a significant reduction. The protocol analyzed was efficient for the chemical restraint of jaguars, enabling the manipulation, transportation, physical examination, dental evaluation, blood and bone marrow sample collection, and other minor invasive procedures of medium duration in these animals.

A contenção farmacológica de grandes felídeos é necessária para sua manipulação, transporte, avaliação clínica e indução anestésica. Por isso, objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da contenção farmacológica de exemplares de Panthera onca de cativeiro pela associação de tiletamina, zolazepam, detomidina e atropina, a partir de doses calculadas por meio de extrapolação alométrica interespecífica. Foram avaliados dez exemplares machos (dois melânicos) e cinco fêmeas, adultos, de Panthera onca. A contenção química foi realizada durante procedimentos de rotina dos animais para exame físico, colheita de sangue e medula óssea, avaliação odontológica e outros. Os parâmetros avaliados foram temperatura retal, frequências cardíaca e respiratória, nocicepção de membros torácicos e pélvicos, relaxamento muscular e reflexo de endireitamento. A perda da reação postural de endireitamento (RPE) ocorreu aos 8 ± 1,89 minutos pós-injeção (MPI). O retorno da RPE ocorreu em 77,6 ± 8,18 MPI, o retorno das reações conscientes em 112,6 ± 12,28 minutos e a recuperação total em 153 ± 12,47 MPI. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas entre as médias de frequências cardíaca e respiratória e saturação parcial de oxiemoglobina. Em relação à temperatura retal, observou-se redução significativa. O protocolo avaliado foi eficiente para contenção farmacológica de todas as onças, viabilizando sua manipulação, transporte, exame físico, avaliação odontológica, colheita de sangue e medula óssea, e outros procedimentos pouco invasivos de média duração.

Parasitism by Syngamus trachea in blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna)

Background: Ara ararauna is widely distributed in South America and frequently affected by anthropogenic activities and environmental pressures such as illegal bird trafficking, and habitat loss. Also some endoparasites can threaten their health, and cause their death, or prevent the reintroduction of the animal to its natural environment. The objective of the present work was to report the occurrence of parasitism by Syngamus trachea in an Ara ararauna.Case: An adult, 900-gram female Ara ararauna from a project for the rehabilitation of the Brazilian fauna was kept in a collective nursery together with 12 specimens of the same species. Their diet was composed of typical fruits of the region, which were offered twice a day, and water ad libitum. The macaws had no previous history of anthelmintic treatment. The specimen evaluated presented progressive weight loss, constant sneezing, and reduced appetite for seven days. During physical examination the animal presented apathy, lethargy, spiked feathers, body condition score of 1/4, frequent sneezing, and inspiratory dyspnea. After this examination, the bird died, and the necropsy was performed. The postmortem findings were pale periocular, oral, and cloacal mucosae, cachexia, and presence of parasites of round shape, reddish color, with length of approximately 0.5 cm, in the proximal portion of the trachea. Another parasite with the same characteristics, but smaller in size, showing Y shape was found in the body. The trachea also showed colorless mucus and petechial hemorrhages in the proximal and middle portions of the mucosa. These parasites were subjected to morphological analysis in the Laboratory of Microscopy of the University Center of Triângulo and were identified as Syngamus trachea.[...]