Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of a suspected extraskeletal osteosarcoma in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

An 8-year-old male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented with a subcutaneous mass in the proximal region of the fourth and accessory digit measuring 5.5 x 3.5 x 5.2cm. The mass was non-alopecic and exhibited irregular surface, ulceration and necrosis with predominantly pale and light brown coloring. Radiography revealed no involvement of bone and adjacent periosteum. The mass was marginally resected and the electrochemotherapy (ECT) was performed on the surgical bed. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive reactions for Vimentin, Runx-2 and ki-67, leading to a diagnosis of extraskeletal osteosarcoma (ESOS). This report described a case of ESOS in a rabbit, thereby delineating its clinical presentation, anatomopathological characteristics, diagnostic modalities and recommended therapeutic interventions.

Um coelho macho de 8 anos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) apresentava uma massa subcutânea na região proximal do quarto e acessório dígitos medindo 5,5 x 3,5 x 5,2 cm. A massa não era alopécica e exibia superfície irregular, ulceração e necrose com coloração predominantemente pálida e marrom clara. A radiografia não revelou envolvimento de tecido ósseo ou periósteo adjacente. A massa foi submetida à excisão marginal e foi realizada eletroquimioterapia do leito cirúrgico. Histopatologia e análise imuno-histoquímica revelaram reações positivas para vimentina, Runx-2 e ki-67, levando ao diagnóstico de osteossarcoma extraesquelético. Este relato descreve um caso de osteossarcoma extraesquelético em um coelho, delineando sua apresentação clínica, características anatomopatológicas, modalidades diagnósticas e intervenções terapêuticas recomendadas.

Staphylococcus spp. as part of the microbiota and as opportunistic pathogen in free-ranging black-tuffed marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) from urban areas: Epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathology.

BACKGROUND: Marmosets (Callithrix sp.), including black-tuffed marmosets (C. penicillata), are neotropical primates that can be highly adapted to urban environments, especially parks and forested areas near cities. Staphylococcus spp. are part of the microbiota of many different hosts and lead to opportunistic severe infection. Isolates from wild animals can be resistant to antimicrobial drugs. However, there are a few studies that evaluated Staphylococcus spp. in neotropical primates. The goal of this study was to evaluate Staphylococcus spp. isolated from free-ranging black-tuffed marmosets. METHODS: Marmosets were captured in six urban parks. After sedation, skin and rectal swabs and feces were sampled. Staphylococcus spp. isolates were identified by MALDI-ToF and their antimicrobial susceptibility was determined. RESULTS: Over 30% of captured individuals were positive for Staphylococcus spp., and S. aureus was the most isolated species followed by Mammaliicoccus (Staphylococcus) sciuri. With the exception of the marmoset subjected to necropsy, none of the other had lesions, which supports that notion that Staphylococcus spp. are members of the microbiota, but also opportunistic pathogens. Most isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested; however, one isolate of S. epidermidis was resistant to multiple antimicrobials (penicillin, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and erythromycin). We considered S. aureus as the main staphylococci to colonize black-tuffed marmosets. CONCLUSIONS: Black-tuffed marmosets can be colonized by several Staphylococcus species, most frequently by S. aureus, and the majority of isolates were sensible to the antimicrobials tested. One S. epidermidis isolate was considered multidrug resistant.

Realities, perceptions, and strategies for implementation of an ethical population management program for dogs and cats on university campuses.

Stray dogs and cats pose significant challenges for public health and animal welfare due to their potential involvement in zoonotic disease transmission, accidents, and aggressions. Large urban centers exacerbated challenges due to the presence of these animals in public areas with high human density. Ethical Population Management Programs (EPMP), rooted in the One Health approach, are crucial for addressing this issue comprehensively. This study aimed to demonstrate the approach on cats and dogs EPMP and evaluate the perceptions of academic community regarding EPMP implementation on a campus situated in urban territory. The study was conducted at the Pampulha campus of UFMG in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. In response to issues of animal abandonment and conflicts, the Permanent Commission for Animal Policies (CPPA-UFMG) was established in 2019 to manage the campus's dog, cat, and wildlife populations. The commission implemented the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method, along with health assessments and vaccinations for animals. Interviews were conducted with campus staff to gauge their perception of animal management strategies. Retrospective and prospective analyses of the commission's actions were carried out to assess implementation processes and challenges. The animal population survey conducted on campus between July 2018 and September 2021 revealed a total of 266 animals recorded. Among these animals, 195 were cats (73.3%) and 71 were dogs (26.7%), with the majority being adults. Subsequent surveys in 2019 and 2021 showed a slight increase in the animal population, with measures such as sterilization contributing to population control. Perception analysis among campus users indicated strategies such as TNR were widely endorsed for population control. The employees perception questionnaire was applied to 115 individuals, representing 42 units/departments and five gates. Associations were found between these beliefs and support for institutional actions. The majority favored sterilization (92.17%) and agreed that TNR is an appropriate approach to population control. Overall, the study reflects a community concerned about animal welfare and supportive of measures to address population management and cruelty prevention. The continuous efforts of the university's CPPA have led to stability in the resident animal population, indicating success in achieving population control objectives.

Fetal dystocia in guinea pigs: A case report.

Dystocia is a common complication in guinea pig pregnancies, presenting significant challenges in clinical management. The present case report describes the presentation, diagnosis, and surgical intervention in an 8 months old female guinea pig with dystocia. The subject is a primiparous guinea pig originating from a commercial breeder, exhibited prolonged labor with two pups, one of which was stillborn. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen, lack of uterine contractions, signs of distress, and vulvar discharge. Radiographic and ultrasound tests confirmed obstruction due to large fetal size and mineralization of the pubic symphysis. Surgical intervention proceeded with a ventral midline approach, ovariohysterectomy and removal of three fetuses. The guinea pig recovered well from the procedure, being discharged with postoperative care, and the use of anti-inflammatory, analgesics, prokinetics, antibiotics as well as scopolamine. The objective of the present work is to discuss and emphasize the importance of veterinary intervention, diagnostic evaluation and therapeutics for the multifactorial nature of dystocia management. Despite the surgical treatment, the prognosis for both dam and offspring remains guarded, highlighting the need for early detection and intervention to optimize outcomes in guinea pig dystocia cases.

A distocia é uma complicação comum em gestações de porquinhas-da-índia, apresentando desafios significativos no manejo clínico. Este relato de caso descreve a apresentação, diagnóstico e intervenção cirúrgica em uma porca-da-índia fêmea de oito meses que estava experimentando distocia. A porquinha-da-índia, primípara e proveniente de um criador comercial, apresentou trabalho de parto prolongado com dois filhotes, um dos quais nasceu natimorto. O exame físico revelou abdome distendido, falta de contrações uterinas, sinais de angústia e secreção vulvar. Exames radiográficos e de ultrassom confirmaram obstrução devido ao tamanho fetal grande e mineralização da sínfise púbica. A intervenção cirúrgica prosseguiu com uma abordagem ventral na linha média, ovariohisterectomia e remoção de três fetos. A paciente se recuperou bem do procedimento e recebeu alta com cuidados pós-operatórios, incluindo o uso de anti-inflamatórios, analgésicos, pró-cinéticos, antibióticos e escopolamina. O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir e destacar a importância da intervenção veterinária, avaliação diagnóstica e terapêutica na natureza multifatorial do manejo da distocia. Apesar do tratamento cirúrgico, o prognóstico tanto para a mãe quanto para a prole permanece reservado, ressaltando a necessidade de detecção e intervenção precoces para otimizar os resultados em casos de distocia em porquinhas-da-índia.

Acute, fatal Sarcocystis falcatula infection in rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri).

Sarcocystosis is an important avian disease that affects several intermediate host species. Birds not endemic from Americas, like Old World psittacine species, appear to be more susceptible to lethal infection than New World psittacine species. The aim of this study was to investigate the sudden death of rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) in an exotic private parrot's aviary. Macroscopically, the most prevalent findings were severe lung congestion, slight superficial myocardial hemorrhagic lesions, enlarged liver and congestion of meningeal vessels. The initial diagnosis of sarcocystosis was made in all birds by microscopic observations of intravascular pulmonary schizonts, as well hepatitis, myocarditis, and nephritis. Immunohistochemistry for detection of Sarcocystis sp. antigen revealed an intense immunoreactivity in the lungs. Molecular identification of Sarcocystis falcatula were obtained by nested PCR and sequencing of amplified fragments of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and three surface antigen-coding genes (SAG2, SAG3 and SAG4). SAG-based phylogenies showed a close relatedness of the isolate described here and S. falcatula previously detected in naturally infected native birds, which suggests that the isolates that affected ringnecks are a common isolate that circulates in Brazil.

SARS-CoV-2 Spillback to Wild Coatis in Sylvatic-Urban Hotspot, Brazil.

We tested coatis (Nasua nasua) living in an urban park near a densely populated area of Brazil and found natural SARS-CoV-2 Zeta variant infections by using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, genomic sequencing, and serologic surveillance. We recommend a One Health strategy to improve surveillance of and response to COVID-19.

Polyarteritis nodosa in a captive common wooly monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha) associated with intestinal necrosis, peritonitis, and sepsis.

Polyarteritis nodosa is an idiopathic necrotizing vasculitis that affects small to medium-sized arteries. We describe a case of polyarteritis nodosa in a captive common wooly monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha) associated with transmural intestinal necrosis and secondary peritonitis. This condition must be considered for differential diagnosis of segmental arteritis in neotropical primates.

A Survey of Diseases in Different Species of Wild, Captive, and Illegally Traded Birds in Brazil.

Native and exotic avian species can act as reservoirs of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, with conservation and public health implications. A retrospective study on the diagnosis and frequency of diseases in wild and exotic avian species was conducted. The occurrence of particular diseases was associated with the type of captivity or the bird's origin. The investigation included macroscopic and microscopic descriptions and the molecular determination of the causative agent(s). Additional immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, PCR, and genetic sequencing were conducted. A total of 243 cases were compiled for the study, mainly consisting of native wild species (39.1%) obtained from illegal trade. Primary infectious diseases, mainly parasitic (18.1%) and viral (17.7%), were the most common, although coinfections were substantial (18.1%) in birds rescued from trafficking. Fractures and neoplasms accounted for 3.7% and 3.3% of the cases, respectively. Parasitic and viral diseases were the most common in both exotic and wild birds. Chlamydia psittaci, a lethal and zoonotic bacterium, was an important cause of death, especially in native Psittaciformes. The recent detection of Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 5 (PsAHV 5) in exotic psittacines and the diagnosis of coinfections in trafficked birds highlight the importance of monitoring avian health to control potential pathogens that may endanger conservation efforts.

Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in a lethal toxoplasmosis outbreak affecting captive howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.).

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and warm-blooded animals. This study describes an outbreak of toxoplasmosis in howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) and survival of capuchins (Sapajus apella), under the same environmental conditions. METHODS: Howler monkeys were submitted to post-mortem examination. Tissue samples were processed to histopathology and immunohistochemistry to detect lesions and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Tissue samples were also frozen and submitted to PCR and genotyping of T. gondii. RESULTS: Typical lesions were observed in several organs including the liver, lymph node, and brain, with intralesional cysts and tachyzoites of T. gondii demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. T. gondii genomic sequences were amplified by PCR, and genotyping characterized the same T. gondii clone in all howler monkeys. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion that some species of neotropical primates are highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis and the hypothesis that capuchins (S. apella) may be resistant.