Accidental monensin poisoning in goats.

Sodium monensin is the most frequently used ionophore as a growth promoter in ruminant diets. It has numerous benefits; however its toxic effects have also been observed in several animal species. Naturally occurring cases have not yet been reported in goats. This study describes an outbreak of accidental poisoning, characterizing its clinical, laboratory and pathological findings. Thirty-seven of 40 Anglo Nubian goat kids became intoxicated after receiving a diet that was erroneously supplemented with sodium monensin. They ingested an estimated toxic dose between 25 and 39 mg/kg BW. Clinical evolution was monitored (n = 27), followed by serum creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities measurements, and blood gas analysis. Postmortem examinations were performed between 1 and 8 days of evolution (n = 14). Clinical signs began 5 h after ingestion and included reticuloruminal hypomotility, lethargy, anorexia, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, wet cough, pulmonary and tracheal crackles, and serous nasal discharge. The morbidity and lethality rates were 92.5 and 62.1%, respectively. CK and AST activities increased, reaching median values of 10,860 and 1596 U/L, respectively; the hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis was mild. The lesions were characterized by degeneration and necrosis of the cardiac and skeletal muscles, pulmonary congestion and edema, and passive liver congestion. The kids essentially developed cardiomyopathy with left and right congestive heart failures. Unlike in other ruminant species, skeletal muscle functional disability was infrequent. It can be concluded that monensin is toxic to goats and should be used with caution in their diet.

Animal performance and biochemical parameters are sex-dependent in peripubertal rats exposed to deoxynivalenol.

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced mainly by Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum commonly contaminates food commodities across the globe. Due to this, exposure to DON might pose potential health hazards to humans and animals. Biological factors like sex and age can influence the toxicity of DON. However, in toxicological studies involving DON, the sex and age-dependent response has been often overlooked. Thereby, the objective of this study was to evaluate if sex differences are evident in DON's systemic effects in peripubertal rats. Juvenile animals (n = 24) with 28 days postnatal day were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: Control group (n = 12, 6 females and 6 males, mycotoxin-free diet) and DON group (n = 12, 6 females and 6 males, diet containing 10 mg DON/kg of feed). During 28 days of treatment, the animals were weighed weekly and body weight gain and food intake were calculated for each week. After the experimental period, blood samples, intestine, liver, and kidney were collected and destined for biochemical, hematological, histopathological, and oxidative stress analyses. Greater anorectic responses were seen in males, while only females showed increased levels of creatinine and triglycerides. Regardless of sex, DON induces an increased number of white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes and a significant reduction in the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and neutrophils. In males and females fed a DON-contaminated diet, histological lesions were observed in the intestine, liver, and kidney. Ingestion of DON induced a significant increase in the antioxidant potential in the intestine, liver, and kidney. However, this effect was not able to prevent oxidative stress in the renal tissue. Taken together, our results showed a sex-related response in food intake, weight gain, and biochemical parameters in rats exposed to DON during the juvenile and peripubertal periods. In addition, we have verified that oxidative stress is an important mechanism in the nephrotoxicity of DON.

Lactobacillus plantarum metabolites reduce deoxynivalenol toxicity on jejunal explants of piglets.

The deterioration of food and feed stuffs and toxic intestinal effects due to fungal colonization and concomitant production of mycotoxins is an increasing concern. The development of fungi resistance to many commonly used chemical preservatives adds further alarm. Therefore, effective detoxification methods would be useful in counteracting this problem. Biotransformation/adsorption of mycotoxins by lactic acid bacteria and their metabolites is a promising approach to minimize the deleterious effects of mycotoxins. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus plantarum metabolites in reducing deoxynivalenol intestinal toxicity. To achieve this aim, histological, morphometrical and oxidative stress analyses were performed in the intestinal mucosa of piglets exposed to deoxynivalenol alone or associated with two strains (SN1 and SN2) of L. plantarum subsp. plantarum metabolites. Metabolites were obtained after dichloromethane (D) or ethyl acetate (A) extraction. Jejunal explants were exposed to the following treatments for 2 and 4 h a) culture medium (control group); b) deoxynivalenol (DON, 10 µM); c) L. plantarum metabolites DSN1; d) L. plantarum metabolites DSN1+DON; e) L. plantarum metabolites DSN2; f) L. plantarum metabolites DSN2+DON; g) L. plantarum metabolites ASN1; h) L. plantarum metabolites ASN1+DON; i) L. plantarum metabolites ASN2; j) L. plantarum metabolites ASN2+DON. The metabolites were incubated 1 h previously to DON challenge (one and 3 h of exposure). Histological assessment showed DON-treated explants with villi fusion and atrophy, multifocal apical necrosis and cuboid or flattened enterocytes with 2 and 4 h of exposure, while LP metabolites groups individually or associated with DON remained like control. The density of goblet cells in villi and crypts was reduced in DON explants compared to control group with 2 and 4 h of exposure; on the other hand, a significant increase in this parameter was achieved in LP metabolites groups compared to DON. Morphometric evaluation showed no difference in villi height or crypts depth in any treated explants. Overall, oxidative stress response assessments showed that explants exposed to SN1 extracted with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate, and SN2 extracted with dichloromethane reduced superoxide anion production. In conclusion, L. plantarum metabolites induced beneficial effects in intestinal mucosa, reducing the toxic effects of DON on intestinal morphology and oxidative response.

Use of infrared thermography to evaluate the inflammatory reaction in cat testis after intratesticular injection of 0. 9% NaCl or 20% CaCl2 with 1% lidocaine / O uso da termografia infravermelha para avaliar a reação inflamatória após a injeção intratesticular de NaCL 0, 9 % e cloreto de cálcio 20% com lidocaína 1%

Due to the doubts and questions about the inflammatory reaction caused by chemical castration, this study aimed to use infrared thermography to detect, evaluate and monitor the inflammatory reaction caused by the intratesticular injection of calcium chloride (CaCl2) 20% with lidocaine 1%. For this, thermographic measurements were taken before (M0), 10 minutes (M1), 1 and 6 hours (M2 and M3), for 7 consecutive days (M4 to M10), at 15 (M11), 30 (M12) and 60 (M13) days after intratesticular injection. Additionally, changes to testicular tissue and effects over spermatogenesis were evaluated by andrological exam before (M0) and 60 days (M13) after intratesticular injection. All cats were orchiectomized at M13, and testicles were submitted to histological analysis. CaCl2 (20%) with lidocaine (1%) administration produced testicular tissue damage and interfered with the spermatogenesis in 70% of treated cats without exacerbating the inflammatory reaction or impairing the cat's welfare. It was concluded that thermographic evaluation is a useful, efficient, easy and quick method to diagnose and monitor cat testicular inflammatory reactions.(AU)

Devido a constantes dúvidas e questionamentos sobre a reação inflamatória ocasionada pela castração química, este estudo objetivou o uso da termografia infravermelha para detectar, avaliar e monitorar a reação inflamatória causada pela injeção intratesticular de cloreto de cálcio (CaCl 2 ) 20% associada à lidocaína 1%. Para isso, medidas termográficas foram aferidas antes (M0), 10 minutos (M1), uma e seis horas (M2 e M3), por sete dias consecutivos (M4 a M10), aos 15 (M11), 30 (M12), e 60 (M13) dias após injeção intratesticular, nos grupos tratado e controle. Todos os gatos foram orquiectomizados no M13, e os testículos submetidos à análise histológica. A injeção CaCl 2 a 20% associada com lidocaína a 1% produziu lesão testicular e interferiu na espermatogênese de 70% dos gatos tratados, sem exacerbar a reação inflamatória ou prejudicar o bem-estar do animal. Foi concluído que a avaliação termográfica é uma ferramenta útil, eficiente, rápida e fácil para o diagnóstico e o monitoramento da reação inflamatória em gatos.(AU)

Histopathological and ultrastructural findings induced by heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and the culture supernatant on the intestinal mucosa of piglets: an ex vivo approach / Achados histopatológicos e ultraestruturais induzidos por Lactobacillus plantarum inativado pelo calor na mucosa intestinal de leitões: estudo ex-vivo

In the present study, histological, morphometrical and ultrastructural analysis were performed to investigate intestinal mucosa changes in piglets jejunal explants exposed to two concentration of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and their respective culture supernatants. Jejunal explants were incubated for 4 hours in DMEM culture medium with a) only culture medium (control group), b) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 - LP1 (1.1 x 108CFU/ml), c) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 - LP2 (2.0 x 109CFU/ml), d) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 culture supernatant (CS1), and e) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 culture supernatant (CS2). Explants exposed to heat-inactivated L. plantarum strain 1 and 2 showed multifocal to difuse villi atrophy, villi apical necrosis and enterocyte flattening. Morphological assessment revealed similar results with bacterial adhesion to mucus and intestinal epithelial cells and, morphometric analysis showed a decreased villi height compared to the control group. Alterations in explants treated with the culture supernatant of both strains include mild villi atrophy and mild enterocyte apical necrosis. Morphological assesment reveled numerous well delineated villi and, morphometric analysis showed a significant increase in villi height compared to the control group. In general, exposure to the culture supernatants improved the intestinal morphology.(AU)

No presente estudo, foram realizadas análises histológica, morfométrica e ultraestrutural para investigar as alterações da mucosa intestinal em explantes jejunais de leitões expostos a duas cepas e concentrações de Lactobacillus plantarum inativado pelo calor e seus sobrenadantes de cultura. Os explantes jejunais foram incubados durante quatro horas, em meio de cultura DMEM com: a) meio de cultura (grupo controle); b) Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 1 - LP1 (1,1 x 108CFU/mL); c) Lactobacillus plantarum, LP2 (2,0 x 109CFU/mL); d) sobrenadante da cultura do Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 1 (SC1); e e) sobrenadante da cultura do Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 2 (SC2). Os explantes expostos às cepas 1 e 2 do L. plantarum inativado pelo calor mostraram atrofia difusa de vilosidades, necrose apical das vilosidades e achatamento de enterócitos. A avaliação morfológica revelou resultados semelhantes, com adesão bacteriana ao muco e às células epiteliais intestinais, e a análise morfométrica mostrou uma diminuição da altura das vilosidades em relação ao grupo controle. Alterações nos explantes tratados com o sobrenadante da cultura de ambas as cepas caracterizaram-se por atrofia leve das vilosidades e necrose apical leve dos enterócitos. A avaliação morfológica revelou vilosidades bem delineadas, e a análise morfométrica mostrou um aumento significativo na altura das vilosidades em comparação ao grupo controle. Em geral, a exposição aos sobrenadantes da cultura melhora a morfologia intestinal.(AU)

Canine Cutaneous Haemangiosarcoma: Biomarkers and Survival.

Haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant tumour of vascular endothelial cells. It is common in dogs, but rare in other species, and may arise in any tissue. A dermal location of canine HSA has been associated with short survival and recurrence after surgical excision. Solar radiation has been proposed as a predisposing factor in shorthaired dogs with light skin pigmentation. There are no studies relating the expression of immunohistochemical markers to survival of dogs with cutaneous haemangiosarcoma (cHSA). Such data could contribute to establishing prognostic factors and new therapies based on the expression of target molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomarkers and overall survival (OS) of dogs with cHSA, therefore helping to understand the biological behaviour of this neoplasm and determine prognostic factors. Sixty samples of canine cHSA were evaluated for the expression of factor VIII (FVIII), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 (Casp-3) by immunohistochemistry. The results were related to OS of animals through the model of competitive risks. In addition, the relationships between age, sex, breed, tumour invasiveness, histological differentiation scoring, mitotic rate and tumour size were correlated with the OS of the dogs. Markers expression was positive in 80-100% of the samples, predominantly with weak to moderate labelling intensity for FVIII, COX-2, and VEGF, but with strong expression of PCNA and Casp-3. The median OS of dogs was 12 months. The variables of dog age, tumour invasiveness, histological differentiation scoring, mitotic rate and tumour size were not related to the survival rate. Some predisposed breeds (i.e. pitbull, boxer, Basset hound and Dalmatian) showed greater OS than non-predisposed breeds. Dogs affected by other concomitant primary neoplasms had a longer survival curve than those with only cHSA, while the females of the former group had lower OS than males. The labelling indices of FVIII, COX-2, VEGF, PCNA and Casp-3 had no relationship to OS, neither did the labelling intensity of FVIII, COX-2 and VEGF. However, the expression of COX-2 and VEGF is frequent in canine cHSA so these possible therapeutic targets should be investigated further.

Helicobacter infection in the hepatobiliary system and hepatic lesions: a possible association in dogs.

Helicobacter infection has been associated with hepatobiliary diseases in humans and animals. The aims of this study were to identify Helicobacter species in the hepatobiliary tract of dogs and to elucidate the possible association of these bacteria in liver diseases. Twenty-seven gastric and hepatobiliary samples were collected from 33 dogs with hepatic lesions and 17 dogs with no liver histological changes. Warthin-Starry staining, immunohistochemical assay, and PCR were performed to detect the presence of Helicobacter. Helicobacter genus was detected in 21.2% of the samples with hepatic lesions. The main lesion was chronic hepatitis. Immunohistochemistry revealed infection in liver (1/5) and gallbladder (1/3) 32 samples. The sequence analysis of seven amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene of Helicobacter genus from hepatobiliary samples showed 97.8 to 100% of nucleotide identity with gastric helicobacter. One amplicon of the ureA and ureB gene of Helicobacter genus from the stomach showed 89.1 to 90.7% nucleotide identity with H. heilmannii. The presence of Helicobacter genus in liver samples showing hepatic lesions suggests the involvement of these bacteria in the etiology of hepatobiliary disease in dogs. DNA sequences were similar to gastric Helicobacter species, reinforcing the hypothesis of bacterial translocation from the stomach to liver by the biliary pathway.

Effects of chito-oligosaccharide on piglet jejunal explants: an histological approach.

Antibiotics have been widely used in piglet diets to promote growth performance and reduce diarrhea incidence. However, the resistance of pathogens to antibiotics and the risk of residues of antibiotics in animal products induced a growing interest in the use of alternatives to in-feed antibiotics. Chito-oligosaccharide (COS), a natural alkaline polymer of glucosamine is currently being tested as a substitute for in-feed antibiotics. In weaned piglets, COS has positive effects on promoting growth, which may be related to its action on intestinal morphology, immune ability and beneficial microbiota. However, previous studies shown variable results with effective doses ranging from 30 mg/kg to 5 g/kg. Therefore, the goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that the use of COS can be an alternative to in-feed antibiotics by improve the intestinal morphology of piglets, using the jejunal explant model. The intestinal explants were exposed for 4 h to following treatments: control - only culture media and culture media with COS in doses of 0.025 mg/ml, 0.05 mg/ml, 0.1 mg/ml and 0.15 mg/ml. After the incubation period the explants were processed for histological and morphometrical analysis. The histological changes were evaluated using an adapted histological score based on the intensity and severity of lesions. Mild histological changes were observed in jejunal explants exposed to different treatments; however, no significant difference in the histological score, villi height, crypt depth or villus : crypt ratio were observed between the COS-groups and the control. In addition, goblet cells density in intestinal explants exposed to COS remained statistically similar to control group. Our results indicate that COS exposure in levels ranging from 0.025 to 0.15 mg/ml induced no effect on intestinal morphology of pig's explants. The research will provide guidance on the low dosage of COS supplementation on weaning pigs.

Lactobacillus plantarum culture supernatants improve intestinal tissue exposed to deoxynivalenol.

In the present study, histological, morphometrical and ultrastructural analysis were performed to investigate intestinal mucosa changes in piglets exposed to deoxynivalenol alone or associated with two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum and the respective culture supernatants. Jejunal explants were incubated for 4h in culture medium with a) only culture medium (DMEM, control group), b) deoxynivalenol (DON, 10µM), c) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 - LP1 (1.1×108 CFU/ml) plus DON, d) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2-LP2 (2.0×109 CFU/ml) plus DON, e) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 culture supernatant (CS1) plus DON, and f) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 culture supernatant (CS1) plus DON. Explants exposed to DON and DON plus LP1 and LP2 showed a significant increase in histological changes (mainly villi atrophy and apical necrosis) and a significant decrease in villi height when compared to unexposed explants. However, explants treated with CS1+DON and CS2+DON remained similar to the control group both in histological and morphometrical aspects. DON also induced a significant decrease in goblet cell density compared to control whereas CS1+DON treatment induced an increase in the number of goblet cells in comparison to DON explants. In addition, ultrastructural assessment showed control, CS1+DON and CS2+DON explants with well delineated finger shape villi, meanwhile DON-treated, LP1+DON and LP2+DON explants showed a severe villi atrophy with leukocytes exudation on the intestinal surface. Taken together, our results indicate that the culture supernatant treatment reduced the toxic effects induced by DON on intestinal tissue and may contribute as an alternative strategy to reduce mycotoxin toxicity.

Pyogenic Ventriculitis and Ventricular Empyema associated with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a Puppy.

A 40-day-old male, blue heeler puppy with hindlimb ataxia, nystagmus, apathy, motor incoordination and hyperaesthesia of the forelimbs died 3 days after the onset of clinical signs. Significant gross findings included cerebellar herniation, cerebral oedema and dilation of the third and right lateral cerebral ventricles due to the accumulation of a purulent exudate. Histopathological examination revealed pyogenic ventriculitis and purulent meningoencephalitis. Pure colonies of a coagulase-positive Staphylococcus were isolated from the purulent cerebral exudate. A polymerase chain reaction assay that targeted the 16S rRNA gene of bacteria amplified the desired product from bacterial colonies. Direct sequencing revealed the organism to be Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the organism was antigenically similar to Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus delphini, being part of the S. intermedius group of bacteria. These findings confirmed the participation of S. pseudintermedius in the development of the pathological manifestations and lesions observed in this puppy.

Aflatoxins ingestion and canine mammary tumors: There is an association?

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of mycotoxins on dogs feed and to explore the potential association between mycotoxins exposure and the chance of mamary tumors in a case-control study. The study included 256 female dogs from a hospital population, 85 with mammary tumors (case group) and 171 without mammary tumors (control group). An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to both groups, and the data were analyzed by the EpiInfo statistical package. For the study, 168 samples of the feed offered to dogs were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxins, fumonisins and zearalenone by high-performance liquid chromatography. Mycotoxins were found in 79 samples (100%) in the case group and 87/89 (97.8%) in the control group. Mycotoxins were detected in all types of feed, regardless feed quality. Level of aflatoxin B1 (p = 0.0356, OR = 2.74, 95%, CI 1.13 to 6.60), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) (p = 0.00007, OR = 4.60, 95%, CI = 2.16 to 9.79), and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) (p = 0.0133, OR = 9.91, 95%, CI 1.21 to 81.15) were statistically higher in case of mammary cancer. In contrast, neutering was a protective factor for mammary cancer (p = 0.0004, OR = 0.32, 95%, CI = 0.17 to 0.60).

Helicobacter spp. infection induces changes in epithelial proliferation and E-cadherin expression in the gastric mucosa of pigs.

Gastric disease is common in finishing pigs. Helicobacter spp. infection has been associated with gastritis, gastric ulcers and gastric neoplasia in man and animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Helicobacter spp. infection on gastric morphology in pigs, with emphasis on glandular cell proliferation and E-cadherin expression. Samples of fundus and antrum from 67 finishing pigs were examined microscopically and by immunohistochemistry. The presence of Helicobacter spp. was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mucosal changes were evaluated and epithelial proliferation was determined by evaluation of the morphometry of nucleolar organizer regions and counting proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and mitotic figures. Intercellular adhesion was evaluated by E-cadherin expression. In 47 (70%) pigs, Helicobacter spp. infection was confirmed by PCR. Histological findings associated with the infection included mononuclear cell infiltration of the lamina propria and glandular degeneration. There was a significant association between infection and epithelial proliferation in both regions as well as a decrease in the expression of E-cadherin in the antrum.

Efeito de dietas contendo plasma sanguíneo desidratado sobre características microbiológicas, imunológicas e histológicas de leitões leves ao desmame / Effect of spray-dried plasma diets on microbiological, immunological and histological parameters of light weight weaned pigs

Foram avaliados os efeitos do plasma sanguíneo desidratado (PSD) sobre desempenho, perfil imunológico, histológico, microbiológico e peso de órgãos de leitões leves, desmamados aos 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 24 leitões, com idade média inicial de 21 dias, em delineamento experimental completamente ao acaso. Os tratamentos foram: T1 - animais pesados ao desmame, sem suplementação com PSD; T2 - animais leves ao desmame, suplementados com 10g/animal/dia de PSD; T3 - animais leves ao desmame, suplementados com 20g/animal/dia de PSD; T4 - animais leves ao desmame, sem suplementação com PSD. A adição de 20g de PSD na dieta melhorou o ganho diário de peso, aumentou o peso (g/kg) do baço e o título de IgA no soro entre 21 e 31 dias de idade. A inclusão de 10g de PSD aumentou o comprimento e a largura do linfonodo ileocólico. A inclusão de PSD traz benefícios aos leitões nos primeiros 10 dias pós-desmame, atuando principalmente nos órgãos linfoides e na mucosa intestinal.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of spray-dried plasma (SDP) on the growth performance, immunological, histological and microbiological profile and weight of organs of light weight weaned pigs. The trial was done using 24 pigs with an initial mean age of 21 days in a completely randomized experimental design. The treatments were: T1 - heavy weight weaned pigs, without SDP supplementation; T2 - light weight weaned pigs, supplemented with 10g/animal/day of SDP; T3 - light weight weaned pigs, supplemented with 20g/animal/day of SDP; T4 - light weight weaned pigs, without SDP supplementation. The inclusion of 20g of SDP in the diet improved the weight gain, spleen weight (g/kg) and serum IgA title between 21 and 31 days of age. The inclusion of 10g of SDP in the diet improved the length and width of the ileocolic lymph node. In the first 10 days after weaning, SDP improved the development of lymphoid organs and the protection of the intestinal mucosa.

Malignant pilomatricoma in a dog.

An 11-year-old female German shepherd dog was presented with a history of lameness and pain in the left forelimb. Clinical examination revealed ataxia of the hindlimbs and a subcutaneous mass in the left prescapular region. Radiography revealed metastatic foci in the left humerus, lung and abdomen. Gross necropsy examination revealed a firm, white mass in the left prescapular region. Multiple nodules with similar characteristics were observed in the lung, liver and spleen. Bone lysis was noted in the humerus and the fifth to seventh lumbar vertebrae. Microscopical examination revealed a proliferation of basal cells forming irregular islands of various sizes and surrounding extensive zones of keratinized 'ghost' cells. A definitive diagnosis of malignant pilomatricoma was made. This is a rare tumour in dogs with no previous report of metastasis to the spleen and liver.

Cutaneous myxosarcoma with pulmonary metastases in a dog.

The pathological findings in a 13-year-old dog with cutaneous myxosarcoma with pulmonary metastases are described. Grossly, there was a large subcutaneous mass in the right scapular region, a smaller nodule in the caudal abdominal region and a fibrotic mass at a fracture site in the right hindlimb. Radiographic examination revealed several pulmonary nodules. Microscopical evaluation revealed a myxosarcoma characterized by the proliferation of spindle to stellate cells with multiple prominent nucleoli and vascular invasion. The neoplastic cells were haphazardly arranged in a mucopolysaccharide matrix. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells expressed vimentin, but not cytokeratin or glial fibrillary acidic protein. There was restricted expression of desmin, smooth muscle actin and S-100 protein.

Alterações histológicas da pars esophagea de suínos e sua relação com Helicobacter spp / Histological findings in swine pars esophagea and its Helicobacter spp. relationship

A relação entre Helicobacter spp. e a presença de alterações histológicas na pars esophagea de suínos foi avaliada em 67 estômagos de animais em idade de abate. Para a identificação das helicobactérias, utilizou-se a técnica da PCR com primers específicos para o gênero Helicobacter. As alterações histológicas foram identificadas e classificadas como ulceração, erosão, degeneração epitelial, alongamento de papilas, hiperplasia, paraqueratose, intensidade do infiltrado inflamatório e aumento do número de folículos linfoides. As alterações mais frequentemente encontradas na pars esophagea foram a degeneração epitelial e o alongamento de papilas, observadas em 83,5 por cento (n=56) das amostras analisadas. Em 77,5 por cento (n=52) das amostras, observou-se paraqueratose e em 61,1 por cento (n=41) hiperplasia epitelial. Quarenta e sete (70,1 por cento) foram positivas na PCR para Helicobacter spp. Nessas amostras a erosão foi a lesão mais observada (40,2 por cento), seguida de ulceração da mucosa (11,9 por cento). Em 58,2 por cento das amostras positivas na PCR, não foram observadas ulcerações de mucosa. Observou-se associação significativa (P=0,003) entre a presença de Helicobacter spp. e a degeneração epitelial da pars esophagea de suínos em idade de abate.

The association between histological findings of gastric mucosa in pigs at slaughtering age and the presence of Helicobacter spp., identified by PCR, assay was investigated. Stomachs from 67 pigs were examined. Histological changes of pars esophagea were identified and classified as gastric ulcers, erosion, degeneration, distortion of papils, hyperplasia, paraqueratosis, and number of lymphoid follicles. Microscopic analysis revealed the most frequent alteration: 83.5 percent (n= 56) stomachs with epithelial degeneration and distortion of papils. Paraqueratosis of pars esophagea was observed in 77.5 percent (n=52) of the samples and epithelial hyperplasia in 61 percent (n=41). Forty-seven (70.1 percent) pigs were positive to Helycobacter spp. by PCR. Erosion of pars esophagea and ulceration were the most frequent findings in Helicobacter spp. PCR-positive pigs, occurring, respectively, in 40.2 percent and 11.9 percent. The frequency of animals without ulceration and Helicobacter spp. PCR-positive was 58.2 percent. It was observed a significant association (P=0.003) between Helicobacter spp. and epithelial degeneration of gastric mucosa in pigs at slaughtering age.

Helicobacter spp. in cats: association between infecting species and epithelial proliferation within the gastric lamina propria.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between Helicobacter spp. infection of the feline stomach and the presence of gastric lesions and epithelial proliferation within the mucosa of this tissue. The study included 23 pet cats of both sexes and of varied age and breed. Eighteen of these animals were clinically normal and five had a history of chronic vomiting. Samples of the mucosa of the pyloric antrum, corpus and fundus were collected by gastroscopy. The presence of Helicobacter spp. was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Warthin-Starry (WS) staining and the species of Helicobacter was determined by PCR. Mucosal lesions were evaluated by examination of sections stained by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and epithelial proliferation was determined by enumerating nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR). In 20 (87%) cats the presence of Helicobacter spp. was confirmed by both PCR and WS. There was no significant difference in colonization density between the different gastric regions. H. heilmannii was the most frequently identified species (17 of 20 cats), and H. felis was only identified in co-infection (two of 17 cats). One sample that was PCR positive to the genus level for Helicobacter spp. was negative for the four individual species reactions. Histological changes in the lamina propria included mild mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, the presence of lymphoid follicles, fibrosis and glandular degeneration. These changes were most severe in the pyloric antrum. There was significant association between infection with gastric Helicobacter spp. and the presence of lymphoid follicles (P=0.03), and between infection and epithelial proliferation in the antrum (P<0.01), corpus (P<0.001) and fundus (P<0.001).

Valores de referência e influência da idade no eritrograma de fêmeas bovinas da raça Aquitânica / Reference values and age effect on the erythrogram of bovine females of the Aquitanian breed

Determinaram-se os valores de referência e estudou-se a influência da idade sobre o eritrograma em fêmeas bovinas da raça Aquitânica. Amostras de sangue de 80 fêmeas bovinas, acima de 12 meses de idade, e não reagentes ao antígeno do vírus da leucose dos bovinos, foram colhidas utilizando-se EDTA como anticoagulante para realização das seguintes provas: contagem global das hemácias, determinação do volume globular, concentração de hemoglobina, cálculo dos índices hematimétricos absolutos - volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular média (HCM) e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM). A idade exerceu influência significativa (P<0,05) sobre a maioria dos parâmetros hematológicos estudados, com diminuição da quantidade de hemácias e aumento do volume globular, quantidade de hemoglobina, VCM e HCM. Os valores foram: hemácias 6,68±0,58×10(6)/mm³, volume globular 41,2±4,5 por cento, hemoglobina 12,8±1,31g/dl, VCM 61,83±6,54fl, HCM 19,28±2,25pg, CHCM 31,4±2,3 por cento.

The reference values and the influence of the age factor on the erytrogram in bovine females of the Aquitanian breed were evaluated. Blood samples of 80 healthy females, all tested negative for bovine leucose virus, were utilized for the analysis. Erythrocyte counts, determination of the packed cell volume, concentration of hemoglobin, calculation of hematimetric absolute rates of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were evaluated. Significant influence (P<0.05) of age was observed for most of the hematological characteristics, with decreased of the number of erythrocytes and increase of packed cell volume, quantity of hemoglobin, MCV, MCH. The reference values were: erythrocytes counting 6.68±0.58×10(6)/mm³, packed cell volume 41.2±4.5 percent, hemoglobin 12.8±1.31g/dl, VCM 61.83±6.54fl, HCM 19.28±2.25pg, CHCM 31.4±2.3 percent.

Dairy cow abortion associated with Neospora caninum and other infectious agents

Trinta e cinco vacas de rebanhos leiteiros da região Norte do estado do Paraná, com histórico de abortamento, foram pesquisadas sorologicamente para verificar a presença de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp., Brucella abortus, BHV-1 e BVDV. Vinte e uma vacas apresentaram títulos sorológicos compatíveis com infecção. Todas elas, soropositivas para N. caninum, foram também soropositivas para outros agentes infecciosos, sugerindo a possibilidade de associação desses agentes nos problemas reprodutivos de bovinos, no estado do Paraná.