Síndrome cólica em equinos induzida por ingestão de cana de açúcar / Equine colic syndrome induced by the ingestion of sugarcane

Background: Equine colic syndrome comprises numerous conditions associated with abdominal pain in horses. Impaction, a common cause of this manifestation, is strongly related to these animals' diet. Highly fibrous diets such as sugarcane can predispose horses to colic. The clinical condition can be worsened by fermentative processes, which lead to dysbiosis, circulatory disorders and even endotoxemia. The aim of this study was to report 4 cases of colic syndrome among 8 horses that underwent an experiment to adapt them to a sugarcane-based diet, and to correlate the animals' clinical conditions to the forage they ingested. Cases: Eight male castrated Mangalarga Marchador horses, between 5.5 and 7 years old, were subjected to an experiment to test the feasibility of sugarcane as forage. Four of these horses were taken to the Large Animal Veterinary Hospital (HVGA) of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro for treatment of abdominal signs of discomfort a few days after the exclusive consumption of sugarcane, in a proportion of 1.75% of live weight in dry matter. The animals' symptoms ranged from behavioral signs indicative of pain to changes in vital parameters and structure of the feces, as well as changes revealed by transrectal palpation. Three of the 4 cases presented impaction in the small colon, and 1 of the horses also presented impaction in the right dorsal colon and rostral displacement of the pelvic flexure, with accumulation of contents in the right ventral colon and sternal flexure. Two of the cases were treated medically, while the other 2 required surgical intervention. The clinical condition of all the patients evolved favorably and they were discharged between 2 and 18 days. Discussion: Colic originating in the digestive system is a syndrome strongly associated with management, especially with respect to confinement, nutrition, and parasite control. During the experiment, 4 of the 8 horses fed with sugarcane presented with colic syndrome. The low quality of sugarcane fiber is due to the high degree of lignification of the plant cell wall, which favors accumulation of ingesta. The poor digestibility and sweet taste of this roughage favor increased consumption. Furthermore, its high sucrose content, associated with an increased rate of passage in the small intestine, alters the intestinal microbiome, and hence, the fermentation byproducts and pH of the ingesta. High intestinal content, allied to longer retention times in the colon and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, promote greater dryness of the ingesta, predisposing the occurrence of impactions in the most distal portion of the large intestine. Intestinal distension and mesenteric traction caused by the accumulation of contents and gases trigger pain, which can worsen due to displacement of the large colon. Small colon impaction, which is easily identified by transrectal palpation, evolves gradually and its treatment, both clinical and surgical, tends to have a favorable prognosis. The need for alternative food sources for horses is a growing demand; however, sugarcane as an exclusive roughage has been shown to be unsafe for horses. The low quality of the fiber and the high sucrose content of this forage can alter the digestive physiology of horses through changes in the passage rate, microbiome and motility of digesta, predisposing them to intestinal dysfunction, ingesta compaction and displacement of the large colon.

Hemoperitoneum in a cow with lumbar muscle hemangiosarcoma

Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of endothelial cells with an infiltrative growth pattern. Hemangiosarcomas are frequently reported in canines and rare in felines, sheep, goats, swine, horses and cattle. Few cases of hemangiosarcoma were reported in cattle. In the present report, we describe the clinicopathological findings of a bovine muscle hemangiosarcoma. Case: A 6-year-old, Girolando cow from the Dairy Cattle Sector of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, presented sternal decubitus. Clinical signs were markedly pale mucous membranes, moderate dehydration, respiratory distress, and increased heart rate. The hematological examination revealed intense regenerative anemia. Due to the worsening of the clinical condition, the cow was submitted to euthanasia. The necropsy and collection of various fragments of organs were performed, which were sent to the "Setor de Anatomia Patológica" (SAP-UFRRJ). Tissues were fixed in 10 % buffered formalin, routinely processed for histology and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE). The external mucous membranes were markedly pale. Multifocal areas of 1.5 x 1.0 cm, irregular and dark red were observed dissecting the quadratus lumborum muscle (hemangiosarcoma) fibers. These neoplasms were associated with an extensive cruoric clot adhered to the muscle fibers. The extensive, red, friable mass measured approximately 76 x 55 x 20 cm on the serous surfaces of the organs of the peritoneal cavity (hemoperitoneum). The spleen was moderately reduced. The bone marrow was markedly pale. Histologically, it was observed that there was an extensive proliferation of endothelial cells in the quadratus lumbar muscle mass dissecting the epimysium and perimysium. Endothelial cells had moderate pleomorphism, organized in vascular channels and forming multifocally solid areas with a significant amount of eosinophilic fibrillar material (fibrin). Sections of muscle neoplasm were subjected to immunohistochemistry with anti-von Willebrand factor primary antibody, which showed a multifocal moderate cytoplasmic immunolabeling of neoplastic endothelial cells. Discussion: There are few reports of striated muscle hemangiosarcoma in cattle. Muscular hemangiosarcomas were reported in a 4-month-old calf in the left cervical trapezius muscle and a 6-year-old Holstein cow with left pelvic limb mass lateral and distal to the knee. Some reports presented hemangiosarcoma in the iliopsoas muscle, left cervical trapezius muscle, pelvic limb muscles and right cervical muscle of the bovine. In the presented report, hemoperitoneum occurred as a result of hemorrhages from muscle hemangiosarcoma. Other studies have demonstrated cavity hemorrhages in joint, pelvic, pleural and cranial cavities associated with hemangiosarcoma. Hemangiosarcoma with regenerative anemia must be distinguished from other diseases that cause anemia. The main differential diagnoses of bovine with anemia are vena cava syndrome, coumarin derivatives poisoning, acute poisoning by Pteridium spp., tick fever, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and trypanosomiasis. Hemangiosarcoma should be differentiated from other lesions as hemangioma, vascular tumor of lymphatic endothelium and perivascular wall tumors. Cases with poorly differentiated morphology should be submitted for immunohistochemistry. In the present hemangiosarcoma case, we have used the von Willebrand factor for immunohistochemistry diagnosis. Expression of angiogenic growth factors such as CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) have also been used in the diagnosis of vascular proliferation lesions. Hemangiosarcoma in cattle should be included mainly in the differential diagnosis of diseases that cause acute anemia in cattle.

Obesidade: uma visão sobre fator de risco de Síndrome Metabólica Equina / Obesity: a vision on Equine Metabolic Syndrome awarenessfactor / La obesidad: una visión sobre el factor de riesgo del Síndrome Metabólico del Cabalo

A obesidade tem sido apontada como uma condição alarmante no que diz respeito a saúde humana e animal. Essa condição é fator de risco para aparecimento de distúrbios endócrinos e metabólicos. Em cavalos, o quadro de resistência à insulina associado a obesidade e laminite é a tríade para diagnóstico da Síndrome Metabólica Equina. Sabe-se que, além do fator ambiente, há influência de fator genético para o aparecimento do quadro. Algumas formas de avaliação da condição corporal de cavalos são o escore corporal, escore de pescoço e porcentagem de massa gorda livre. Para avaliação da resistência à insulina, testes laboratoriais devem ser executados em animais suspeitos. O tratamento da condição se faz prioritariamente através de alterações do manejo nutricional e de exercícios dos animais. A avaliação sistemática através de métodos consagrados para conhecimento do grau de adiposidade nos cavalos se faz necessária na prática da clínica de equinos.(AU)

Obesity has been identified as an alarming condition in regard to human and animal health. This condition is a risk factor for on set of endocrine and metabolic disorders. In horses, insulin resistance associated with obesity and laminitis is the triad for diagnosis of Equine Metabolic Syndrome. It is known that in addition to the environmental factor, there is the influence of genetic factor for the appearance of the clinical condition. Some forms of assessment of body condition of horses are the body score, neck score and percentage of free fat mass. For assessment of insulin resistance, laboratory tests should be performed in suspected animals. Treatment of the condition is done mainly through nutrition management changes and animal exercises. Systematic evaluation through established methods for understanding the degree of adiposity in horses is needed in the equine practice.(AU)

La obesidad ha sido identificada como una condición alarmante en lo que respecta a la salud humana y animal. Esta condición es un factor de riesgo para la aparición de los trastornos endocrinos y metabólicos. En los caballos, la resistencia a la insulina asociada con la obesidad y laminitis es la tríada para el diagnóstico del Síndrome Metabólico Equino. Se sabe que, además de el factor ambiental, existe la influencia del factor genético para a aparición del cuadro clinico. Algunas formas de evaluación de la condición corporal de los caballos son la puntuación cuerpo, el cuello y la puntuación de porcentaje de la masa libre de grasa. Para la evaluación de la resistencia a la insulina, las pruebas de laboratorio deben realizarse en animales sospechosos. El tratamiento de la enfermedad se realiza principalmente a través de cambios en la administración de nutrición y ejercicios de los animales. Se necesita una evaluación sistemática a través de métodos establecidos para la comprensión del grado de adiposidad en caballos en la práctica de la clínica equina.(AU)

Obesidade: uma visão sobre fator de risco de Síndrome Metabólica Equina / Obesity: a vision on Equine Metabolic Syndrome awarenessfactor / La obesidad: una visión sobre el factor de riesgo del Síndrome Metabólico del Cabalo

A obesidade tem sido apontada como uma condição alarmante no que diz respeito a saúde humana e animal. Essa condição é fator de risco para aparecimento de distúrbios endócrinos e metabólicos. Em cavalos, o quadro de resistência à insulina associado a obesidade e laminite é a tríade para diagnóstico da Síndrome Metabólica Equina. Sabe-se que, além do fator ambiente, há influência de fator genético para o aparecimento do quadro. Algumas formas de avaliação da condição corporal de cavalos são o escore corporal, escore de pescoço e porcentagem de massa gorda livre. Para avaliação da resistência à insulina, testes laboratoriais devem ser executados em animais suspeitos. O tratamento da condição se faz prioritariamente através de alterações do manejo nutricional e de exercícios dos animais. A avaliação sistemática através de métodos consagrados para conhecimento do grau de adiposidade nos cavalos se faz necessária na prática da clínica de equinos.

Obesity has been identified as an alarming condition in regard to human and animal health. This condition is a risk factor for on set of endocrine and metabolic disorders. In horses, insulin resistance associated with obesity and laminitis is the triad for diagnosis of Equine Metabolic Syndrome. It is known that in addition to the environmental factor, there is the influence of genetic factor for the appearance of the clinical condition. Some forms of assessment of body condition of horses are the body score, neck score and percentage of free fat mass. For assessment of insulin resistance, laboratory tests should be performed in suspected animals. Treatment of the condition is done mainly through nutrition management changes and animal exercises. Systematic evaluation through established methods for understanding the degree of adiposity in horses is needed in the equine practice.

La obesidad ha sido identificada como una condición alarmante en lo que respecta a la salud humana y animal. Esta condición es un factor de riesgo para la aparición de los trastornos endocrinos y metabólicos. En los caballos, la resistencia a la insulina asociada con la obesidad y laminitis es la tríada para el diagnóstico del Síndrome Metabólico Equino. Se sabe que, además de el factor ambiental, existe la influencia del factor genético para a aparición del cuadro clinico. Algunas formas de evaluación de la condición corporal de los caballos son la puntuación cuerpo, el cuello y la puntuación de porcentaje de la masa libre de grasa. Para la evaluación de la resistencia a la insulina, las pruebas de laboratorio deben realizarse en animales sospechosos. El tratamiento de la enfermedad se realiza principalmente a través de cambios en la administración de nutrición y ejercicios de los animales. Se necesita una evaluación sistemática a través de métodos establecidos para la comprensión del grado de adiposidad en caballos en la práctica de la clínica equina.

Dermatosparaxia em um ovino: achados clínicos, anatomopatológicos e moleculares / Dermatosparaxis in a sheep: clinical, anatomopathological, and molecular findings

Background: Dermatosparaxis is an autosomal recessive genetic disease that affects the connective tissue of animals. Collagen proteins form fibrillar structures that provide strength and structure to the extracellular matrix of tissues and organs in the body. Therefore, changes in collagen synthesis result in hyperextensibility and skin fragility. Similar to dermatosparaxis in animals, some cases of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VIIC have been reported in humans. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, anatomopathological, and molecular findings of a case of dermatosparaxis in a sheep bred by crossing the Santa Inês and White Dorper breeds. Case: A case of dermatosparaxis was reported in a 20-day-old female sheep, a cross between the Santa Inês and White Dorper breeds. The sheep exhibited hyperextensibility of the skin with minimal tension and increased joint volume shortly after birth. Because of clinical worsening and the poor prognosis of the disease, the owners opted for euthanasia. The necropsy revealed large ulcerated areas in several parts of the body, including the cervical, sternal, scapular, and thoracic regions, and the inner and outer thighs. The skin was extremely easy to be removed during the necropsy and the use of a scalpel was not necessary. Extensive areas of hemorrhage were observed in the subcutaneous tissue and small intestine. The histopathological findings of the skin lesions evidenced the presence of dermatosparaxis, particularly regarding the disorganization of collagen fibers. The tests involving Masson’s trichrome staining, picrosirius red staining, and Gomori’s trichrome staining under polarized light evidence of collagen fiber dysplasia.Discussion: The diagnosis of dermatosparaxis in this study was based on clinical, anatomopathological, and molecular analysis. Molecular diagnosis was confirmed by identification of SNP c.421G>T on the ADAMTS2 gene in both the mother and the sheep under study...

Dermatosparaxia em um ovino: achados clínicos, anatomopatológicos e moleculares / Dermatosparaxis in a sheep: clinical, anatomopathological, and molecular findings

Background: Dermatosparaxis is an autosomal recessive genetic disease that affects the connective tissue of animals. Collagen proteins form fibrillar structures that provide strength and structure to the extracellular matrix of tissues and organs in the body. Therefore, changes in collagen synthesis result in hyperextensibility and skin fragility. Similar to dermatosparaxis in animals, some cases of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VIIC have been reported in humans. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, anatomopathological, and molecular findings of a case of dermatosparaxis in a sheep bred by crossing the Santa Inês and White Dorper breeds. Case: A case of dermatosparaxis was reported in a 20-day-old female sheep, a cross between the Santa Inês and White Dorper breeds. The sheep exhibited hyperextensibility of the skin with minimal tension and increased joint volume shortly after birth. Because of clinical worsening and the poor prognosis of the disease, the owners opted for euthanasia. The necropsy revealed large ulcerated areas in several parts of the body, including the cervical, sternal, scapular, and thoracic regions, and the inner and outer thighs. The skin was extremely easy to be removed during the necropsy and the use of a scalpel was not necessary. Extensive areas of hemorrhage were observed in the subcutaneous tissue and small intestine. The histopathological findings of the skin lesions evidenced the presence of dermatosparaxis, particularly regarding the disorganization of collagen fibers. The tests involving Massons trichrome staining, picrosirius red staining, and Gomoris trichrome staining under polarized light evidence of collagen fiber dysplasia.Discussion: The diagnosis of dermatosparaxis in this study was based on clinical, anatomopathological, and molecular analysis. Molecular diagnosis was confirmed by identification of SNP c.421G>T on the ADAMTS2 gene in both the mother and the sheep under study...(AU)