Facial nerve ganglioneuroblastoma in a feline leukemia virus-positive cat / Ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial em um gato infectado pelo vírus da leucemia felina

Neuroblastic tumors can originate from the central neuraxis, olfactory epithelium, adrenal medullary region or autonomous system. Ganglioneuroblastoma are a type of neuroblastic tumor, with very few case descriptions in animals. Diagnosis of facial nerve ganglioneuroblastoma was made in a feline leukemia virus-positive 11-month-old cat. The cat had hyporexia, left head tilt, depressed mental state, horizontal nystagmus, inability to retract the pinched left lip, anisocoria, ptosis, and absence of the menace reflex. Gross necropsy showed a mass at the left facial nerve root region. Histological examination of this mass showed neoplastic proliferation of neuroblasts arranged in a cohesive pattern and mature ganglion cells. Ganglion cells were positive for neurofilament, neuron-specific enolase, S100, and glial fibrillary acidic protein by immunohistochemistry, while neuroblasts were positive for vimentin, S100, neuron-specific enolase and feline leukemia virus.(AU)

Tumores neuroblásticos podem se originar do neuraxis central, do epitélio olfativo, região medular da adrenal ou do sistema autônomo. O ganglioneuroblastoma é um tipo desses tumores, com raras descrições em animais. O diagnóstico de ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial foi feito em um gato de 11 meses de idade, sorologicamente positivo para o vírus da leucemia felina. O gato tinha hiporexia, inclinação de cabeça para o lado esquerdo, estado mental deprimido, nistagmo horizontal, incapacidade em retrair o lábio esquerdo quando pinçado, anisocoria, ptose e ausência do reflexo de ameaça. Na necropsia visualizou-se uma massa na região da raiz do nervo facial esquerdo. O exame histológico mostrou proliferação neoplásica de neuroblastos arranjados de maneira coesa, e células ganglionares maduras. As células ganglionares foram imunorreativas na imuno-histoquímica para neurofilamento, enolase neurônio específica, S-100 e proteína ácida glial fibrilar. Enquanto os neuroblastos foram positivos para vimentina, S-100, enolase neurônio específica e vírus da leucemia felina.(AU)

Facial nerve ganglioneuroblastoma in a feline leukemia virus-positive cat / Ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial em um gato infectado pelo vírus da leucemia felina

Neuroblastic tumors can originate from the central neuraxis, olfactory epithelium, adrenal medullary region or autonomous system. Ganglioneuroblastoma are a type of neuroblastic tumor, with very few case descriptions in animals. Diagnosis of facial nerve ganglioneuroblastoma was made in a feline leukemia virus-positive 11-month-old cat. The cat had hyporexia, left head tilt, depressed mental state, horizontal nystagmus, inability to retract the pinched left lip, anisocoria, ptosis, and absence of the menace reflex. Gross necropsy showed a mass at the left facial nerve root region. Histological examination of this mass showed neoplastic proliferation of neuroblasts arranged in a cohesive pattern and mature ganglion cells. Ganglion cells were positive for neurofilament, neuron-specific enolase, S100, and glial fibrillary acidic protein by immunohistochemistry, while neuroblasts were positive for vimentin, S100, neuron-specific enolase and feline leukemia virus.

Tumores neuroblásticos podem se originar do neuraxis central, do epitélio olfativo, região medular da adrenal ou do sistema autônomo. O ganglioneuroblastoma é um tipo desses tumores, com raras descrições em animais. O diagnóstico de ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial foi feito em um gato de 11 meses de idade, sorologicamente positivo para o vírus da leucemia felina. O gato tinha hiporexia, inclinação de cabeça para o lado esquerdo, estado mental deprimido, nistagmo horizontal, incapacidade em retrair o lábio esquerdo quando pinçado, anisocoria, ptose e ausência do reflexo de ameaça. Na necropsia visualizou-se uma massa na região da raiz do nervo facial esquerdo. O exame histológico mostrou proliferação neoplásica de neuroblastos arranjados de maneira coesa, e células ganglionares maduras. As células ganglionares foram imunorreativas na imuno-histoquímica para neurofilamento, enolase neurônio específica, S-100 e proteína ácida glial fibrilar. Enquanto os neuroblastos foram positivos para vimentina, S-100, enolase neurônio específica e vírus da leucemia felina.

Facial nerve ganglioneuroblastoma in a feline leukemia virus-positive cat / Ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial em um gato infectado pelo vírus da leucemia felina

ABSTRACT: Neuroblastic tumors can originate from the central neuraxis, olfactory epithelium, adrenal medullary region or autonomous system. Ganglioneuroblastoma are a type of neuroblastic tumor, with very few case descriptions in animals. Diagnosis of facial nerve ganglioneuroblastoma was made in a feline leukemia virus-positive 11-month-old cat. The cat had hyporexia, left head tilt, depressed mental state, horizontal nystagmus, inability to retract the pinched left lip, anisocoria, ptosis, and absence of the menace reflex. Gross necropsy showed a mass at the left facial nerve root region. Histological examination of this mass showed neoplastic proliferation of neuroblasts arranged in a cohesive pattern and mature ganglion cells. Ganglion cells were positive for neurofilament, neuron-specific enolase, S100, and glial fibrillary acidic protein by immunohistochemistry, while neuroblasts were positive for vimentin, S100, neuron-specific enolase and feline leukemia virus.

RESUMO: Tumores neuroblásticos podem se originar do neuraxis central, do epitélio olfativo, região medular da adrenal ou do sistema autônomo. O ganglioneuroblastoma é um tipo desses tumores, com raras descrições em animais. O diagnóstico de ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial foi feito em um gato de 11 meses de idade, sorologicamente positivo para o vírus da leucemia felina. O gato tinha hiporexia, inclinação de cabeça para o lado esquerdo, estado mental deprimido, nistagmo horizontal, incapacidade em retrair o lábio esquerdo quando pinçado, anisocoria, ptose e ausência do reflexo de ameaça. Na necropsia visualizou-se uma massa na região da raiz do nervo facial esquerdo. O exame histológico mostrou proliferação neoplásica de neuroblastos arranjados de maneira coesa, e células ganglionares maduras. As células ganglionares foram imunorreativas na imuno-histoquímica para neurofilamento, enolase neurônio específica, S-100 e proteína ácida glial fibrilar. Enquanto os neuroblastos foram positivos para vimentina, S-100, enolase neurônio específica e vírus da leucemia felina.

Transfected Babesia bovis Expressing a Tick GST as a Live Vector Vaccine.

The Rhipicephalus microplus tick is a notorious blood-feeding ectoparasite of livestock, especially cattle, responsible for massive losses in animal production. It is the main vector for transmission of pathogenic bacteria and parasites, including Babesia bovis, an intraerythrocytic apicomplexan protozoan parasite responsible for bovine Babesiosis. This study describes the development and testing of a live B. bovis vaccine expressing the protective tick antigen glutathione-S-transferase from Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlGST). The B. bovis S74-T3B parasites were electroporated with a plasmid containing the bidirectional Ef-1α (elongation factor 1 alpha) promoter of B. bovis controlling expression of two independent genes, the selectable marker GFP-BSD (green fluorescent protein-blasticidin deaminase), and HlGST fused to the MSA-1 (merozoite surface antigen 1) signal peptide from B. bovis. Electroporation followed by blasticidin selection resulted in the emergence of a mixed B. bovis transfected line (termed HlGST) in in vitro cultures, containing parasites with distinct patterns of insertion of both exogenous genes, either in or outside the Ef-1α locus. A B. bovis clonal line termed HlGST-Cln expressing intracellular GFP and HlGST in the surface of merozoites was then derived from the mixed parasite line HlGST using a fluorescent activated cell sorter. Two independent calf immunization trials were performed via intravenous inoculation of the HlGST-Cln and a previously described control consisting of an irrelevant transfected clonal line of B. bovis designated GFP-Cln. The control GFP-Cln line contains a copy of the GFP-BSD gene inserted into the Ef-1α locus of B. bovis in an identical fashion as the HIGST-Cln parasites. All animals inoculated with the HlGST-Cln and GFP-Cln transfected parasites developed mild babesiosis. Tick egg fertility and fully engorged female tick weight was reduced significantly in R. microplus feeding on HlGST-Cln-immunized calves. Collectively, these data show the efficacy of a transfected HlGST-Cln B. bovis parasite to induce detectable anti-glutathione-S-transferase antibodies and a reduction in tick size and fecundity of R. microplus feeding in experimentally inoculated animals.

Anesthetic management of an orange-spined-hairy-dwarf-porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) undergoing myelography / Manejo anestésico de ouriço-cacheiro (Sphiggurus villosus) submetido à mielografia

Background: The orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) is a mammal that belongs to the rodentia order. Accidents involving this porcupine and dogs have become usual in some cities of Brazil. Dog bites may eventually result in spinal injuries. When there is clinical evidence of spinal cord injury, a myelography under general anesthesia may be required to allow identification of the exact location of the injury. To the authors knowledge, there is only one case report about anesthesia in Sphiggurus villosus where dissociative anesthesia was employed. This paper describes one case report of inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane in a Sphiggurus villosus undergoing myelography. Case: A 1.6 kg orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine, with a history of dog bite was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the University. On clinical examination, the patient was in good physical condition, alert, with an approximately 1-cm injury near the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae. Nociception in pelvic limbs was present whereas proprioception was absent. Radiographic examinations were suggestive of vertebral dislocation and fracture between the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae. A myelography was then requested by the responsible veterinarian. The porcupine received intramuscular midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) in combination with meperidine (10 mg/kg) as premedication. Anesthesia was induced [...]

Intracranial transitional meningioma in a cat / Meningioma transicional intracraniano em gato

Background: Meningioma is a tumor that is usually attached to the dura mater. It typically arises from the meningothelial cell of the arachnoid or pia mater. Considered an extra-axial tumor of the central nervous system which can occur on any region of the meninges. The biological behavior tends to be benign and usually is not infiltrative allowing surgical indication, conferring to the patient a better prognosis. Geriatric patients are the most affected and there is no breed predisposition. This paper describes the clinical signs, pathological findings, and immunohistochemical features of a case of transitional meningioma in a cat. Case: A 14-year-old, neutered male mongrel cat was referred to the Veterinary Clinic Hospital. The history was that the cat had anorexia and disorientation. On the day of admission, lethargy and blindness were observed. Full complete blood counts showed leukopenia and lymphopenia. The serum biochemistry tests were unspecific. Thoracic and skull radiographs and ultrasound examination revealed no abnormalities. The cat was hospitalized and the main treatment was based on antibiotics and corticosteroids. The cat tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Toxoplasma gondii serum antibodies were not detected using indirect fluorescent antibody test performed with a commercial kit. The clinical signs progressed to walking in circles, stumbling, wandering [...]

Autochthonous canine visceral leishmaniasis in urban area of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil / Leishmaniose Visceral Canina autóctone na região urbana de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil

Background: Leishmaniasis is a chronic infectious disease caused by intracellular protozoan Leishmania that affects canine and human. The visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by the Leishmania donovani complex, in which canines are the main reservoir for human VL. In Southern Brazil, case reports of this disease have increased, especially when canines are infected in endemic areas in the country. Canines usually present a systemic disease, characterized by cutaneous lesions, weight loss, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. This report aims to describe the clinicalpathological features of a case of autochthonous VL in a canine of an urban area of Porto Alegre. Case: A male, mixed breed, dog , 7 year-old, resident at the East Side of Porto Alegre, living together with two other canines, presented at clinical examination progressive weight loss, associated with hyporexia and hyperthermia, evolving to lateral recumbency, paralisys, and death. At necropsy, the dog was cachectic with diffusely pale mucosae. Gross findings included liver enlarged, with multifocal firm brownish areas, spleen enlarged, showing multifocal firm round dark-red areas, and kidneys diffusely pale with evidentiated tranversal striations on cortical zone. At microscopic examination, there was on the spleen diffuse inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages with large cytoplasm containing multiple amastigotes. The liver, exhibited atrophy of hepatocytes and moderate multifocal inflammatory infiltrate in sinusoids of macrophages containing multiple amastigotes. These features were also observed moderately on lymph nodes and lamina propria of large intestine.[...]

Intracranial transitional meningioma in a cat / Meningioma transicional intracraniano em gato

Background: Meningioma is a tumor that is usually attached to the dura mater. It typically arises from the meningothelial cell of the arachnoid or pia mater. Considered an extra-axial tumor of the central nervous system which can occur on any region of the meninges. The biological behavior tends to be benign and usually is not infiltrative allowing surgical indication, conferring to the patient a better prognosis. Geriatric patients are the most affected and there is no breed predisposition. This paper describes the clinical signs, pathological findings, and immunohistochemical features of a case of transitional meningioma in a cat. Case: A 14-year-old, neutered male mongrel cat was referred to the Veterinary Clinic Hospital. The history was that the cat had anorexia and disorientation. On the day of admission, lethargy and blindness were observed. Full complete blood counts showed leukopenia and lymphopenia. The serum biochemistry tests were unspecific. Thoracic and skull radiographs and ultrasound examination revealed no abnormalities. The cat was hospitalized and the main treatment was based on antibiotics and corticosteroids. The cat tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Toxoplasma gondii serum antibodies were not detected using indirect fluorescent antibody test performed with a commercial kit. The clinical signs progressed to walking in circles, stumbling, wandering [...](AU)

Autochthonous canine visceral leishmaniasis in urban area of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil / Leishmaniose Visceral Canina autóctone na região urbana de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil

Background: Leishmaniasis is a chronic infectious disease caused by intracellular protozoan Leishmania that affects canine and human. The visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by the Leishmania donovani complex, in which canines are the main reservoir for human VL. In Southern Brazil, case reports of this disease have increased, especially when canines are infected in endemic areas in the country. Canines usually present a systemic disease, characterized by cutaneous lesions, weight loss, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. This report aims to describe the clinicalpathological features of a case of autochthonous VL in a canine of an urban area of Porto Alegre. Case: A male, mixed breed, dog , 7 year-old, resident at the East Side of Porto Alegre, living together with two other canines, presented at clinical examination progressive weight loss, associated with hyporexia and hyperthermia, evolving to lateral recumbency, paralisys, and death. At necropsy, the dog was cachectic with diffusely pale mucosae. Gross findings included liver enlarged, with multifocal firm brownish areas, spleen enlarged, showing multifocal firm round dark-red areas, and kidneys diffusely pale with evidentiated tranversal striations on cortical zone. At microscopic examination, there was on the spleen diffuse inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages with large cytoplasm containing multiple amastigotes. The liver, exhibited atrophy of hepatocytes and moderate multifocal inflammatory infiltrate in sinusoids of macrophages containing multiple amastigotes. These features were also observed moderately on lymph nodes and lamina propria of large intestine.[...](AU)

Anesthetic management of an orange-spined-hairy-dwarf-porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) undergoing myelography / Manejo anestésico de ouriço-cacheiro (Sphiggurus villosus) submetido à mielografia

Background: The orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) is a mammal that belongs to the rodentia order. Accidents involving this porcupine and dogs have become usual in some cities of Brazil. Dog bites may eventually result in spinal injuries. When there is clinical evidence of spinal cord injury, a myelography under general anesthesia may be required to allow identification of the exact location of the injury. To the authors knowledge, there is only one case report about anesthesia in Sphiggurus villosus where dissociative anesthesia was employed. This paper describes one case report of inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane in a Sphiggurus villosus undergoing myelography. Case: A 1.6 kg orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine, with a history of dog bite was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the University. On clinical examination, the patient was in good physical condition, alert, with an approximately 1-cm injury near the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae. Nociception in pelvic limbs was present whereas proprioception was absent. Radiographic examinations were suggestive of vertebral dislocation and fracture between the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae. A myelography was then requested by the responsible veterinarian. The porcupine received intramuscular midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) in combination with meperidine (10 mg/kg) as premedication. Anesthesia was induced [...](AU)