Hypertrophic phenotypic cardiomyopathy in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in domestic cats but is rarely described in wild species. This phenotype is characterized by concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be of familial inheritance or secondary to other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, systemic arterial hypertension, and hyperaldosteronism. HCM can cause diastolic and systolic dysfunction and may cause congestive heart failure in affected animals. The present work aims to describe the first report of cardiomyopathy of the hypertrophic phenotype in a specimen of Leopardus pardalis, kept under human care. Case: A 11-year-old female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kept under human care, during a preventive care visit, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype detected by cardiological evaluation with echocardiogram and a murmur grade III/ VI could be detected on cardiac auscultation. This preventive care occurred under chemical restraint with ketamine [6 mg/kg, i.m] associates with midazolam [0.5 mg/kg, i.m] and other evaluations have been done like complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, albumin:globulin ratio, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and globulin) and tyroid hormones [free tyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Medical management based on clopidogrel, and atenolol was administered for 3 months until the patient showed manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) 80 days later the initial evaluation. In this moment the patient presented with dyspnea, so a cardiological and laboratory evaluation was requested. On pulmonary auscultation crackling was identified, suggesting pulmonary edema and, on echocardiographic examination, some parameters had worsened. The CBC and biochemistry were all within reference ranges. Then, the beta-blocker was discontinued and replaced by pimobendan combined with furosemide as treatment of CHF, and the condition stabilized. After one year, the patient was re-evaluated and showed a slight improvement in the condition but still remained stable. Also, feline proBNP levels was tested (SNAP Feline proBNP® IDEXX) in this moment and it was increased. Discussion: The findings on echocardiography associated with the subjective evaluation associated with progressive worsening and clinical manifestation of CHF, as well as the response to treatment, even though there are no reference values for the species, reinforce the diagnosis. There is no evidence to suggest diseases that may contribute to secondary left ventricular hypertrophy. It is believed that pimobendan plays a key role in maintaining hemodynamic balance, since this has already been observed in other mammalian species. The use of beta blockers is commonly employed in domestic cats with HCM, and they have been prescribed in an attempt to promote greater ventricular relaxation, decrease left ventricular outflow obstruction, thus improving ventricular filling for maintenance of cardiac output. In view of the atrial enlargement and possible risk of thrombus formation, clopidogrel was prescribed, extrapolating what is known from domestic cats. It is reasonable to conclude that in this case, the cardiomyopathy behaved similarly to what is observed in domestic cats, both in its clinical evolution and in the means of diagnosis, and in its response to the therapy instituted.

Hyperadrenocorticism in a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) kept under human care / Hiperadrenocorticismo em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) mantido sob cuidados humanos

Hyperadrenocorticism is a relatively common endocrine disease affecting the adrenal glands of domestic dogs. However, there are few reports of this disease in wild canids. A crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) kept under human care was diagnosed with the disease after detection of conformational abnormalities in the adrenal glands visualized by ultrasonography, a cortisol suppression test after low-dose dexamethasone, and the detection of proteinuria and bacteria in urinalysis. After the diagnosis, the patient was treated with trilostane with a satisfactory clinical response. This report aims to report the sonographic and laboratory findings of hyperadrenocorticism and its treatment in a specimen of the species.

O hiperadrenocorticismo é uma doença endócrina que acomete as glândulas adrenais relativamente comum em cães domésticos. Porém, em canídeos selvagens, poucos são os relatos descritos dessa enfermidade. Um exemplar de cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous), mantido sob cuidados humanos, foi diagnosticado com a doença após detecção de anormalidades conformacionais em glândulas adrenais visibilizadas via ultrassonografia, teste de supressão de cortisol após uso de baixa dose de dexametasona, além de detecção de proteinúria e bactérias em urinálise. Após o diagnóstico, instituiu-se tratamento medicamentoso a base de trilostano com resposta clínica satisfatória. Este relato objetiva reportar os achados ultrassonográficos e laboratoriais de hiperadrenocosticismo e seu tratamento em um exemplar da espécie.

Squamous cell carcinoma in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) / Carcinoma de células escamosas em gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), also known as Mongolian jird, is a rodent of the family Cricetidae. One of its most noticeable anatomical characteristics is the presence of ventral and dorsal scent glands, the former located in the abdominal region. The present study aimed at describing an incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the ventral scent gland in the species. A two-year-old animal characterized by an increased volume in the ventral abdominal region was treated at the Veterinary Hospital. After evaluating the macro-and microscopic characteristics of the mass tissue, a diagnosis of SCC could be confirmed. However, further studies on the physiology of neoplasms in Mongolian gerbils are needed in order to promote the well-being and longevity of individuals. Hormonal dysfunction of sexual origin is likely the most common factor associated with the occurrence of this type of neoplasm in the species.

O esquilo-da-mongólia (Meriones unguiculatus), conhecido também como gerbil, é um roedor da família Cricetidae. Uma das características anatômicas evidentes nesses animais é a presença de glândulas ventrais e dorsais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo relatar um carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) na glândula ventral da região abdominal, em um esquilo-da-mongólia. O animal de 2 anos de idade foi atendido no hospital veterinário, apresentando um aumento de volume na região abdominal ventral. Após avaliar as características macro e microscópicas, foi confirmado o diagnóstico de CCE. Novos estudos são necessários na área para a compreensão de neoplasias em gerbis, para o melhor entendimento de sua fisiologia, o que garantirá o bem-estar e longevidade à esses animais. Nesta espécie, a disfunção hormonal de origem sexual é o que mais está associado à ocorrência desse tipo de neoplasia.

Squamous cell carcinoma in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) / Carcinoma de células escamosas em gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), also known as Mongolian jird, is a rodent of the family Cricetidae. One of its most noticeable anatomical characteristics is the presence of ventral and dorsal scent glands, the former located in the abdominal region. The present study aimed at describing an incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the ventral scent gland in the species. A two-year-old animal characterized by an increased volume in the ventral abdominal region was treated at the Veterinary Hospital. After evaluating the macro-and microscopic characteristics of the mass tissue, a diagnosis of SCC could be confirmed. However, further studies on the physiology of neoplasms in Mongolian gerbils are needed in order to promote the well-being and longevity of individuals. Hormonal dysfunction of sexual origin is likely the most common factor associated with the occurrence of this type of neoplasm in the species.(AU)

O esquilo-da-mongólia (Meriones unguiculatus), conhecido também como gerbil, é um roedor da família Cricetidae. Uma das características anatômicas evidentes nesses animais é a presença de glândulas ventrais e dorsais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo relatar um carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) na glândula ventral da região abdominal, em um esquilo-da-mongólia. O animal de 2 anos de idade foi atendido no hospital veterinário, apresentando um aumento de volume na região abdominal ventral. Após avaliar as características macro e microscópicas, foi confirmado o diagnóstico de CCE. Novos estudos são necessários na área para a compreensão de neoplasias em gerbis, para o melhor entendimento de sua fisiologia, o que garantirá o bem-estar e longevidade à esses animais. Nesta espécie, a disfunção hormonal de origem sexual é o que mais está associado à ocorrência desse tipo de neoplasia.(AU)

Considerations on avian fractures / Considerações sobre fraturas em aves / Consideraciones sobre fracturas en aves

La presente revisión tuvo por objetivos describir aspectos relacionados a las fracturas en aves, algunos métodos de inmovilización y las complicaciones de las fracturas. Aunque los principios de reparación de las fracturas en las aves son similares a los de los pequeños animales, existen diferencias que deben considerarse en el momento de la aplicación del método de inmovilización. Las fracturas en aves pueden ser inmovilizadas por medio de la coaptación externa (tallos y vendajes), fijación interna (Clavos, hilos de cerclaje, placas óseas) y fijación externa, entre otros, cada uno con sus ventajas y desventajas. La severidad de la fractura interfiere en la tasa y el curso de la consolidación; sin embargo, la estabilidad clínica puede preceder a la evidencia radiográfica, que es visibilizada entre tercera y sexta semana. Las fracturas en aves tienden a ser expuestas y conminutas, debido a la insuficiente cobertura de tejidos blandos. Cuando están expuestas, las fracturas presentan un alto riesgo de osteomielitis y, consecuentemente, pueden desarrollar unión atrasada o no-unión.

This review aimed to describe aspects of bird fractures, some immobilization techniques and the complications of fractures. Although the principles of fracture repair in birds are similar to those of small animals, there are differences that should be considered during the application of the immobilization method. Fractures in birds can be immobilized by external coaptation (splints and bandages), internal fixation (pins, cerclage wires, bone plates) and external fixation, among others, each one with its own advantages and disadvantages. The severity of the fracture interferes in the rate and course of bone healing; however, clinical stability may precede radiographic evidence, which is visible in 3-6 weeks. Avian fractures tend to be open and comminuted, because of the scarce cover of soft tissues. Open fractures have high risk of developing osteomyelitis and, consequently, may develop delayed union or non-union.

A presente revisão teve por objetivos descrever aspectos das fraturas em aves, alguns métodos de imobilização e as complicações das fraturas. Embora os princípios de reparo da fratura em aves seja similar aos de pequenos animais, existem diferenças que precisam ser consideradas no momento da aplicação do método de imobilização. As fraturas em aves podem ser imobilizadas por meio da coaptação externa (talas e bandagens), fixação interna (pinos, fios de cerclagem, placas ósseas) e fixação externa, entre outros, cada qual com suas vantagens e desvantagens. A severidade da fratura interfere na taxa e curso da consolidação; contudo, a estabilidade clínica pode preceder a evidência radiográfica, que é visibilizada entre 3 e 6 semanas. As fraturas em aves tendem a ser expostas e cominutivas, em virtude da insuficiente cobertura de tecidos moles. Quando expostas, as fraturas apresentam alto risco de osteomielite e, consequentemente, podem desenvolver união atrasada ou não-união.

Considerations on avian fractures / Considerações sobre fraturas em aves / Consideraciones sobre fracturas en aves

La presente revisión tuvo por objetivos describir aspectos relacionados a las fracturas en aves, algunos métodos de inmovilización y las complicaciones de las fracturas. Aunque los principios de reparación de las fracturas en las aves son similares a los de los pequeños animales, existen diferencias que deben considerarse en el momento de la aplicación del método de inmovilización. Las fracturas en aves pueden ser inmovilizadas por medio de la coaptación externa (tallos y vendajes), fijación interna (Clavos, hilos de cerclaje, placas óseas) y fijación externa, entre otros, cada uno con sus ventajas y desventajas. La severidad de la fractura interfiere en la tasa y el curso de la consolidación; sin embargo, la estabilidad clínica puede preceder a la evidencia radiográfica, que es visibilizada entre tercera y sexta semana. Las fracturas en aves tienden a ser expuestas y conminutas, debido a la insuficiente cobertura de tejidos blandos. Cuando están expuestas, las fracturas presentan un alto riesgo de osteomielitis y, consecuentemente, pueden desarrollar unión atrasada o no-unión.(AU)

This review aimed to describe aspects of bird fractures, some immobilization techniques and the complications of fractures. Although the principles of fracture repair in birds are similar to those of small animals, there are differences that should be considered during the application of the immobilization method. Fractures in birds can be immobilized by external coaptation (splints and bandages), internal fixation (pins, cerclage wires, bone plates) and external fixation, among others, each one with its own advantages and disadvantages. The severity of the fracture interferes in the rate and course of bone healing; however, clinical stability may precede radiographic evidence, which is visible in 3-6 weeks. Avian fractures tend to be open and comminuted, because of the scarce cover of soft tissues. Open fractures have high risk of developing osteomyelitis and, consequently, may develop delayed union or non-union.(AU)

A presente revisão teve por objetivos descrever aspectos das fraturas em aves, alguns métodos de imobilização e as complicações das fraturas. Embora os princípios de reparo da fratura em aves seja similar aos de pequenos animais, existem diferenças que precisam ser consideradas no momento da aplicação do método de imobilização. As fraturas em aves podem ser imobilizadas por meio da coaptação externa (talas e bandagens), fixação interna (pinos, fios de cerclagem, placas ósseas) e fixação externa, entre outros, cada qual com suas vantagens e desvantagens. A severidade da fratura interfere na taxa e curso da consolidação; contudo, a estabilidade clínica pode preceder a evidência radiográfica, que é visibilizada entre 3 e 6 semanas. As fraturas em aves tendem a ser expostas e cominutivas, em virtude da insuficiente cobertura de tecidos moles. Quando expostas, as fraturas apresentam alto risco de osteomielite e, consequentemente, podem desenvolver união atrasada ou não-união.(AU)