Small Felids Coexist in Mixed-Use Landscape in the Bolivian Amazon.

In the face of global species loss, it is paramount to understand the effects of human activity on vulnerable species, particularly in highly diverse, complex systems. The Greater Madidi Landscape in the Bolivian Amazon includes several biodiverse protected areas that were created with the goal of sustaining healthy and diverse ecosystems while not impeding the livelihoods of local indigenous peoples. In this study, we sought to use camera trap data and single-species occupancy analysis to assess the impacts of different forms of human activity on four species of small felids: ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), margays (Leopardus wiedii), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), and oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus). We modeled both human variables (proximity to indigenous communities, roads, and tourist camps) and non-human variables (terrain ruggedness, proximity to rivers, canopy height, prey availability, and large cat abundance). Margay occupancy was unaffected by any of these human variables and ocelots showed only weak evidence of being affected by tourism. Ocelots were particularly pervasive throughout the study area and were consistently estimated to have high occupancy probability. We did not obtain sufficient data on jaguarundi or oncilla to reliably model these effects. Our results indicate that small cats successfully coexist both with each other and with the surrounding human activity in this unique landscape, which serves as a model for global protected area management.

Prevalence of Infection of Canine Distemper Virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and Feline Leukemia Virus in Wild Ecuadorian Ocelots; Efficacy of Their Diagnosis, and Recovery from Infection.

This retrospective study provides an analysis of the prevalence and detectability of canine distemper virus (CDV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) sheltered in a wild animal recovery center in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Blood samples of 19 rescued ocelots from 2019-20 were analyzed using FeLV p27 antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and commercial insulated isothermal reverse transcriptase PCR (iiRT-PCR) kits. Using this PCR we detected positive results for CDV (4/ 17; 23.5%) and FeLV (14/16; 87.5%), but not for FIV (0/8). Three previously positive cases of CDV and two of FeLV showed negative results on retesting 6 mo later. Moreover, a third analysis was conducted and was negative for CDV. Our results suggest that ocelots can recover from the local CDV and FeLV strains. An ELISA for the FeLV p27 antigen showed no capability to detect FeLV in ocelots that were confirmed positive by iiRT-PCR. Regional lineages, viral virulence, and host immune response capabilities should be addressed in further research to inform management and decision making for wildlife conservation.

Living at the top of the forest line: medium and large mammals in a high-mountain ecotone in Peruvian Central Andes / Vivendo no topo da linha florestal: mamíferos de médio e grande porte em um ecótono alto-montano nos Andes Centrais Peruanos

Abstract: Among the ecoregions that comprise the high-Andean zone of the Tropical Andes, the Puna and the Yungas stand out for covering a large part of the Peruvian Eastern Andes. Located in the ecotone of these two ecoregions, the Pampa Hermosa National Sanctuary (PHNS) houses one of the priority areas for conservation in Peru. However, the biodiversity of the high-Andean zone of the sanctuary and its surroundings remains poorly studied. Thus, through camera traps and transects, we sought to inventory for the first time the medium and large mammals from the high-Andean region of the PHNS and its buffer zone. We recorded 11 native and three domestic species of medium and large mammals. The richness of native mammals sampled reached 91.7% of the estimated richness (S est.= 11.99 ± 1.85). Among the native species Odocoileus virginianus had the highest relative frequency (56%). We recorded three endemic mammals from the Tropical Andes, Cuniculus taczanowskii, Tremarctos ornatus, and Pudu mephistopheles. The observed richness was higher than most surveys of medium and large mammals carried out in the Puna-forest ecotone in Peru, where the reported richness ranged from 4 to 13 species. In addition, our records of Leopardus pardalis and Eira barbara are the highest for all distribution of these two carnivores. Our results showed that more than 90% of the species recorded were found in it, demonstrating that the entire high-Andean region of the PHNS and its surroundings has an important value for the local mammal community.

Resumo: Dentre as ecorregiões que compreendem a zona alto-andina dos Andes Tropicais, a Puna e as Yungas se destacam por abranger grande parte dos Andes Orientais peruanos. Localizado no ecótono entre estas duas ecorregiões, o Santuário Nacional Pampa Hermosa (SNPH) abriga uma das áreas prioritárias para conservação no Peru. No entanto, a biodiversidade da zona alto-andina do santuário e seu entorno permanece pouco estudada. Dessa forma, através de armadilhas fotográficas e transectos, buscamos inventariar pela primeira vez os mamíferos de médio e grande porte da região alto-andina do SNPH e de sua zona de amortecimento. Nós registramos 11 espécies nativas e três espécies domésticas de mamíferos de médio e grande porte. A riqueza observada dos mamíferos nativos atingiu 91,7% da riqueza estimada (S est.= 11,99 ± 1,85). Dentre as espécies nativas, Odocoileus virginianus foi a que apresentou a maior frequência relativa (56%). Registramos três mamíferos endêmicoss dos Andes Tropicais, Cuniculus taczanowskii, Tremarctos ornatus, e Pudu mephistopheles. A riqueza observada foi superior que a maioria dos levantamentos de mamíferos de médio e grande porte feitos em ecótono Puna-bosque no Peru, onde a riqueza reportada variou de 4 a 13 espécies. Além disso, os registros de Leopardus pardalis e Eira barbara são os mais elevados para toda distribuição destes dois carnívoros. Nossos resultados demonstraram que mais de 90% das espécies registradas foram encontradas nela, demonstrando que toda região alto-andina do SNPH e seu entorno tem um importante valor para a fauna de mamíferos local.

A rare case of ectopic dioctophymosis in Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora, Felidae) in Paraguay.

An adult female Leopardus pardalis from Jardín Botánico y Zoológico de Asunción, Paraguay was brought in from the wild, and inspected for a parasitic structure attached to the vulva. The parasite was removed and was identified as a Dioctophyme renale female. Blood samples and ultrasound did not show abnormalities in any organ, confirming the ectopic presentation of the parasite. This is the first report of D. renale in the L. pardalis and a first time for ectopic location in vagina and spontaneous elimination in a felid.

Medium and large-sized mammals from Isla Santay National of Recreation Area in western Ecuador / Mamíferos medianos y grandes del Área Nacional de Recreación Isla Santay en el occidente de Ecuador

Abstract Isla Santay is an important Ecuadorian conservation area for native species, but with little information on mammals. Between August 2018 and January 2019, the richness and abundance of medium and large mammals was studied in two areas with different land use: undisturbed, and disturbed. We used a combination of camera trapping, direct observation, and indirect evidence (i.e. tracks, scat) for quantifying species richness. We recorded a total of six species, all observed in both zones, and three of them are currently included on the Red List of Mammals in Ecuador. In the undisturbed zone, Leopardus pardalis was the most frequently observed species and showed the highest activity; in the disturbed zone, L. pardalis and Procyon cancrivorus were the most active. Additionally, we reported the presence of Lontra longicaudis and Philander melanurus for the first time in this reserve. Several species that we expected to observe, such as Didelphis marsupialis, Nasua nasua, Eira barbara, Galictis vittata, and Herpailurus yaguarondi, were not recorded. Isla Santay presented low species richness, probably due to environmental pollution and geographic isolation. Nonetheless, Isla Santay is a critical area for the preservation of mammalian species from western Ecuador, especially for species at risk. Future research should prioritize both the preservation of ecological processes and the understanding of the negative effects of human impacts on local biodiversity.

Resumen Isla Santay es una importante área ecuatoriana de conservación para especies nativas, pero que posee poca información sobre mamíferos. Entre agosto de 2018 y enero 2019, la riqueza y abundancia de mamíferos medianos y grandes fue estudiada en dos zonas con diferente uso de suelo: no disturbada, y disturbada. La riqueza de especies fue cuantificada mediante una combinación de fototrampeo, observación directa y evidencias indirectas (rastros, heces, etc.). Registramos seis especies en ambas zonas, de las cuales tres están incluidas en la lista roja de mamíferos del Ecuador. En la zona no disturbada, Leopardus pardalis fue la especie más frecuente y mostró más actividad; mientras que esta misma especie junto con Procyon cancrivorus lo fueron en la zona intervenida; Lontra longicaudis y Philander melanurus fueron registradas por primera vez para la reserva. Especies esperadas como Didelphis marsupialis, Nasua nasua, Eira barbara, Galictis vittata, y Herpailurus yaguarondi estuvieron ausentes. Isla Santay presentó una baja riqueza de especies, probablemente debido a amenazas como la contaminación ambiental y aislamiento geográfico. A pesar de esto, Isla Santay ayuda en la protección de mamíferos en la región, especialmente para especies amenazadas. Futuras investigaciones deben priorizar la preservación de los procesos ecológicos y a entender el efecto negativo de los impactos antropogénicos en su biodiversidad.

A note on investigating co-occurrence patterns and dynamics for many species, with imperfect detection and a log-linear modeling parameterization.

Patterns in, and the underlying dynamics of, species co-occurrence is of interest in many ecological applications. Unaccounted for, imperfect detection of the species can lead to misleading inferences about the nature and magnitude of any interaction. A range of different parameterizations have been published that could be used with the same fundamental modeling framework that accounts for imperfect detection, although each parameterization has different advantages and disadvantages.We propose a parameterization based on log-linear modeling that does not require a species hierarchy to be defined (in terms of dominance) and enables a numerically robust approach for estimating covariate effects.Conceptually, the parameterization is equivalent to using the presence of species in the current, or a previous, time period as predictor variables for the current occurrence of other species. This leads to natural, "symmetric," interpretations of parameter estimates.The parameterization can be applied to many species, in either a maximum likelihood or Bayesian estimation framework. We illustrate the method using camera-trapping data collected on three mesocarnivore species in South Texas.

Trypanosoma cruzi and Incidental Sarcocystis spp. in Endangered Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) of South Texas, USA.

The federally endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) population of south Texas, USA is declining; fewer than an estimated 80 ocelots remain. South Texas has robust transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease in humans and various mammals. This parasite's impact in ocelots is unknown. Blood from live-trapped ocelots was collected by US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel in an annual monitoring program; additionally, tissues were obtained from carcasses collected from 2010 to 2017 around Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in south Texas and placed in scientific collections. Variable samples were available from 21 ocelots: skeletal muscle (n=15), heart tissue (n=5), lung (n=1), kidney (n=1), spleen (n=1), liver (n=1), blood clot (n=9), and serum (n=3). Overall, 3/21 (14.3%) ocelots showed evidence of T. cruzi infection or exposure, with T. cruzi PCR-positive samples of skeletal muscle, heart, and blood clot, respectively. All three were infected with the T. cruzi discrete taxonomic unit "TcI"; one of these ocelots also had anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Lymphoplasmacytic inflammation was noted in the PCR-positive heart tissue and in some PCR-negative tissues from this and other individuals. Incidentally, Sarcocystis spp. were noted histologically in five ocelots. Trypanosoma cruzi infection and associated cardiac lesions suggest that this parasite should be further investigated in vulnerable populations.

Co-occurrence of bobcats, coyotes, and ocelots in Texas.

Interspecific competition among carnivores has been linked to differences in behavior, morphology, and resource use. Insights into these interactions can enhance understanding of local ecological processes that can have impacts on the recovery of endangered species, such as the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). Ocelots, bobcats (Lynx rufus), and coyotes (Canis latrans) share a small geographic range overlap from South Texas to south-central Mexico but relationships among the three are poorly understood. From May 2011 to March 2018, we conducted a camera trap study to examine co-occurrence patterns among ocelots, bobcats, and coyotes on the East Foundation's El Sauz Ranch in South Texas. We used a novel multiseason extension to multispecies occupancy models with ≥2 interacting species to conduct an exploratory analysis to examine interspecific interactions and examine the potential effects of patch-level and landscape-level metrics relative to the occurrence of these carnivores. We found strong evidence of seasonal mutual coexistence among all three species and observed a species-specific seasonal trend in detection. Seasonal coexistence patterns were also explained by increasing distance from a high-speed roadway. However, these results have important ecological implications for planning ocelot recovery in the rangelands of South Texas. This study suggests a coexistence among ocelots, bobcats, and coyotes under the environmental conditions on the El Sauz Ranch. Further research would provide a better understanding of the ecological mechanisms that facilitate coexistence within this community. As road networks in the region expand over the next few decades, large private working ranches will be needed to provide important habitat for ocelots and other carnivore species.

Ecology of an ocelot population at the northern edge of the species' distribution in northern Sonora, Mexico.

We used data from eight years of camera trapping at Rancho El Aribabi, a cattle ranch and conservation property in northern Sonora, Mexico, to examine the ecology of the northern-most known breeding population of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). Ocelots were found mostly in two discrete and disjunct areas: a riverine riparian canyon at just less than 1,000 masl elevation and along arroyos in an oak-mesquite savanna in the Sierra Azul at 1,266-1,406 masl. An ocelot was also detected at a site between those two areas, in an area of a Sonoran desertscrub-foothills thornscrub ecotone at 1,300 masl. At least 18 ocelots, both males and females, were detected during the 2007-2011 and 2014-2018 sampling periods. A female with a kitten was documented in 2011. No individual ocelots were photographed in both areas, which are separated by a minimum of 11.29 km, and no individuals were photographed in both time periods. In a binary logistic regression, key environmental variables predicting ocelot presence were, in order of importance, distance to a paved road, distance to human habitation, proximity to water, and an anthropogenic influences index that was dominated by cattle. Another analysis corroborated the finding regarding ocelot presence and cattle. Contrary to previous studies, ocelot presence was not tied to vegetation cover close to the ground. We present information about the types of habitats and sites ocelots used, short-term movements, daily and seasonal activity patterns, and behavior, including occurrence of different individuals at or near the same site over short periods of time. We discuss ocelot home range, density, and movements, but small sample sizes and study design problems limit the value of estimates derived from our work. Rancho El Aribabi is a private, conservation ranch for which the owners have made voluntary conservation commitments that provide habitat and protection for ocelots and other animals and plants. This northern-most known breeding population is a likely source of ocelots that are periodically detected in southeastern Arizona. Our results should help facilitate conservation of the ocelot in other semi-arid areas of northwestern Mexico and adjacent USA.

Características morfológicas do estômago de jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis - Linnaeus, 1758) / Morphological characteristics of the stomach of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis - Linnaeus, 1758)

Leopardus pardalis é uma das espécies de felinos neotropicais mais estudadas em seus aspectos ecológicos, porém informações de questões morfofisiológicas do trato digestório não são encontradas na literatura. Visando contribuir com tais informações, o objetivo deste artigo foi caracterizar a morfologia do estômago dessa espécie. Nesta pesquisa, foram utilizados cinco exemplares adultos, coletados após óbito por atropelamento ou doados pelo IBAMA ao Laboratório de Zoologia e Morfologia Animal da Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso - Alta Floresta. Os animais foram fixados com solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%, dissecados por meio de técnicas anatômicas. Além dos estudos anatômicos, também foram coletados tecidos para microscopia. As análises macroscópicas revelaram que o estômago era do tipo unicavitário, com presença de pequena e grande curvatura, localizado no antímero esquerdo e constituído pelas regiões características do órgão. Em seus aspectos microscópicos, mostrou-se formado pelas quatro túnicas usuais do tubo digestório: túnica mucosa, submucosa, muscular e serosa, cada uma com as particularidades características de cada região, principalmente na túnica mucosa. O estômago de L. pardalis revelou uma morfologia semelhante às espécies domésticas e selvagens, com particularidades histomorfológicas na região pilórica. Esse padrão pode estar relacionado a adaptações evolutivas no processo digestivo dessa espécie.(AU)

The species Leopardus pardalis is one of the species of neotropical felines more studied in its ecological aspects, however, information of morphophysiological questions of the digestive tract are not found in the literature. Aiming to contribute with such information, the objective of this work was to characterize the morphology of the stomach of this species. Five adult specimens, collected after death by trampling, or donated by IBAMA to the Laboratory of Zoology and Animal Morphology of the University of the State of Mato Grosso - Alta Floresta, were used in this research. The animals were fixed with aqueous solution of formaldehyde 10%, dissected through the basic techniques and instruments of anatomy, and later the material was collected for microscopy. The macroscopic analysis revealed that the stomach was of the unicavitary type, with small and great curvature, located in the left antimer and constituted by the characteristic regions of the organ. In its microscopic aspects it was formed by the four usual tunics of the digestive tube: tunica mucosa, submucosa, muscular and serosa, each one with the peculiarities characteristic of each region, mainly in the tunica mucosa. The stomach of L. pardalis revealed similar morphology to the domestic and wild species, with small histomorphological peculiarities in the pyloric region, which may be related to evolutionary adaptations in the digestive process of this species.(AU)

Daily rhythmicity of behavior of nine species of South American feral felids in captivity.

The authors analyzed the daily activity rhythms of the domestic cat and of eight of the ten feral felid species that are indigenous to South America. All species showed daily rhythmicity of activity in captivity under a natural light-dark cycle. The robustness of the rhythmicity varied from species to species, but the grand mean of 34% was within the range of robustness previously described for mammalian species ranging in size from mice to cattle. There was not a sharp division between diurnal and nocturnal felids. Instead, what was found was a gradient of diurnality going from the predominantly nocturnal margay (72% of activity counts during the night) to the predominantly diurnal jaguarundi (87% of activity counts during the day) with the remaining species lying in between these two extremes. The ecological implications of temporal niche variations are discussed.

Morfologia da traqueia e lobação pulmonar de Leopardus pardalis (jaguatirica) / Morphology of the trachea and lung lobation of Leopardus pardalis (ocelot)

A espécie Leopardus pardalis, conhecida popularmente como jaguatirica, é um felino de médio porte com ampla distribuição em território nacional e está incluída na lista de espécies da fauna brasileira ameaçadas de extinção. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar os aspectos macroscópicos e microscópico da traqueia e lobos pulmonares em L. pardalis. As análises foram feitas utilizando cinco exemplares de jaguatirica, sendo dois machos e três fêmeas, adultos, três desses exemplares foram a óbito por atropelamento em rodovias próximas ao município de Alta Floresta, e dois doados após a morte pelo IBAMA ao o Laboratório de Zoologia e Morfologia Animal. Nos espécimes a traqueia era um tubo flexível formado por pares de arcos cartilaginosos, apresentando epitélio pseudo-estratificado não ciliado no seu revestimento interno, e outros estruturas básicas deste órgão. O pulmão se mostrou como um órgão constituído por lobos separados por fissuras com um parênquima usual aos demais mamíferos descritos. No que diz respeito às caraterísticas anatômicas da traqueia e pulmão se mostraram semelhantes à de outros mamíferos, já nos aspectos microscópicos da traqueia apresentou certas peculiaridades diferindo dos demais trabalhos encontrados. No que tange o aspecto do parênquima pulmonar as características histológicas não variaram com as que estão descritas.(AU)

The species Leopardus pardalis, popularly known as ocelot, is a medium sized cat with wide distribution in the national territory and is included in the list of species of Brazilian fauna threatened with extinction. This study aimed to characterize the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the trachea and lung lobes in L. pardalis. Analyses were performed using five copies of ocelot, two males and three females, adults, three of these specimens died from being run over on highways nearby the municipality of Alta Floresta, and two donated after death by IBAMA to the Laboratory of Zoology and Animal Morphology. In the trachea specimens was a flexible tube formed by pairs of cartilaginous arches, with pseudo-stratified epithelium ciliated not in its inner lining, and other basic structures of this body. Lung proved as a body made up of lobes separated by cracks with a usual parenchyma to the other described mammals. With respect to the anatomic features of the trachea and lung were similar to other mammals, as in the microscopic aspects of the trachea showed certain peculiarities found differing from the other jobs. Regarding the appearance of the lung parenchyma histological characteristics did not differ with those described.(AU)

Sistema de grupos sanguíneos AB em felídeos neotropicais e compatibilidade com gatos domésticos / AB blood group system in neotropical felids and compatibility with domestic cats

O principal sistema de grupos sanguíneos reconhecido para gatos é o AB. Os felinos apresentam anticorpos naturais contra o antígeno do tipo sanguíneo a que não pertencem, o que torna os testes de compatibilidade e as tipagens sanguíneas importantes na prevenção de reações transfusionais. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a tipagem sanguínea de oito gatos-mouriscos (Puma yagouaroundi), oito jaguatiricas (Leopardus pardalis), sete gatos-palheiros (Leopardus colocolo), sete gatos domésticos (Felis catus) da raça Persa e oito gatos domésticos sem raça definida (SRD), bem como realizar testes de compatibilidade entre os tipos sanguíneos iguais das diferentes espécies, para avaliar a possibilidade de transfusões interespecíficas. A técnica empregada para a tipagem foi a hemaglutinação em tubos de ensaio. A ocorrência do tipo sanguíneo tipo A foi de 100% entre as jaguatiricas, os gatos-palheiros e os gatos Persas e de 85,72% entre os gatos SRD. A ocorrência do tipo B foi de 100% nos gatos-mouriscos e de 14,28% nos gatos SRD. Considerando os testes de compatibilidade sanguínea, 87,5% (n=4) das jaguatiricas foram incompatíveis com os gatos domésticos, 100% (n= 6) dos gatos-palheiros foram compatíveis com os gatos domésticos e 100% (n= 4) dos gatos-mouriscos foram incompatíveis com os gatos domésticos do tipo B.(AU)

The blood group system recognized for cats is AB. Antibodies against other blood types occur naturally in cats, which makes the compatibility tests and blood typing important for preventing transfusion reactions. Wild felids need blood transfusions in cases of diseases and when run over on highways. The aim of this study was to perform blood typing of eight jaguarundies (Puma yagouaroundi), eight ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), seven pampas cats (Leopardus colocolo), seven domestic cats (Felis catus) of Persian breed and eight non-pedigree domestic cats (Felis catus), and test compatibility among the different species with the same blood types, to evaluate the possibility of performing interspecific blood transfusions. We conducted the study from August to December. We used haemagglutination in test tubes for typing. The occurrence of blood type A was 100% among ocelots, pampas cats and domestic cats of Persian breed, while non-pedigree domestic cats showed 85.72%. The occurrence of type B was 100% for jaguarundis and 14.28% for non-pedigree domestic cats. Regarding blood compatibility tests, 87.5% (n= 4) of the ocelots were incompatible with domestic cats; 100% (n=6) of the pampas cats were compatible with domestic cats, while 100% (n=4) of the jaguarundis were incompatible with type B domestic cats.(AU)

Image-based red blood cell counter for multiple species of wild and domestic animals / Contador de células vermelhas baseado em imagens para múltiplas espécies de animais silvestres e domésticos

RBC count plays an important role in animal diagnosis. Despite the many technologies available in different automated hematology analyzers, when it comes to the blood of wild animals it is still difficult to find an easy and affordable solution for multiple species. This study aims to evaluate the proposed automatic red blood cell counter. Blood samples (1 ocelot - Leopardus pardalis, 1 monkey - Cebus apella, 1 coati - Nasua nasua, 62 dogs - Canis familiaris, and 5 horses - Equus caballus) were analyzed using three methods: 1-manual count, 2-automatic count by image, and 3-semi-automatic count by image; blood from dogs and horses were also analyzed by a fourth method: 4-automatic count by impedance. The counts in methods 2 and 3 were produced by the proposed red blood cell counter. Results were compared using Pearson's correlation and plots with different methods as the criterion standard. RBC counts in methods 1, 2, and 3 correlated very well with those in the method 4 (r ≥ 0.94). RBC counts produced by method 2 were highly correlated with method 3 (r = 0.998). The results indicate that the proposed method can be used as an automatic or semi-automatic counting method in clinics that are currently using the manual method for RBC assessment.(AU)

A contagem de células vermelhas do sangue desempenha um papel importante no diagnóstico de animais. Apesar da existência de muitas tecnologias em diferentes contadores automatizados para análise de sangue, quando se trata do sangue de animais silvestres ainda é difícil encontrar uma solução simples e econômica para múltiplas espécies. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o contador de células vermelhas proposto. Amostras de sangue (uma jaguatirica - Leopardus pardalis, um macaco - Cebus apella, um quati - Nasua nasua, 62 cães - Canis familiaris e cinco cavalos - Equus caballus) foram analisadas por três métodos: 1 - contagem manual, 2 - contagem automática por imagem e 3 - contagem semiautomática por imagem; as amostras de cães e cavalos foram analisadas por um quarto método: 4 - contagem automática por impedância. As contagens dos métodos 2 e 3 foram obtidas usando-se o contador de células vermelhas proposto. Os resultados foram comparados por meio da correlação de Pearson e gráficos com diferentes métodos como valor de referência. As contagens dos métodos 1, 2 e 3 se correlacionaram muito bem com as contagens do método 4 (r ≥ 0.94). As contagens produzidas pelo método 2 apresentaram alta correlação com o método 3 (r = 0.998). Os resultados indicam que o contador proposto pode ser usado como um método de contagem automática ou semiautomática em clínicas que usam o método manual para contagem de células vermelhas do sangue de animais.(AU)

Ocelot and oncilla spermatozoa can bind hen egg perivitelline membranes.

We evaluated the capacity of ocelot and oncilla spermatozoa to bind to the perivitelline membranes (PVMs) of hen eggs in a sperm binding assay (S-PVM). In addition, a device that improves the standardization of the assay was developed. The number of sperm bound to the PVM in fresh (T1) and frozen-thawed (T2) semen from both species was compared to the sperm quality observed in routine tests. The PVM was stretched on a circular silicone device to create a standardized area for analysis. In both treatments and for both species, the spermatozoa were able to bind to the PVM, indicating that PVM may be used for a sperm binding assay in ocelot and oncilla. The S-PVM assay did not differ in fresh and frozen-thawed ocelot sperm (p>0.05). However, fewer oncilla sperm (p<0.05) were bound to the PVM in T2, indicating that the proposed test may be able to detect injuries that compromise sperm binding abilities. The device maintained the PVM stretched during the processing and defined the evaluation area.

Carcinoma hepatocelular metastático em Jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis ) / Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in ocelot (Leopardus pardalis

O carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) é uma neoplasia rara nos animais domésticos e em espécies selvagens foi relatado somente em antílopes, veado, cães da pradaria e furões, mas não existem relatos em Leopardus pardalis (jaguatirica). Este trabalho descreve um caso de carcinoma hepatocelular metastático em uma fêmea felina de aproximadamente 18 anos de idade, da espécie Leopardus pardalis, proveniente do Parque Zoobotânico de Teresina-PI, com histórico de anorexia, apatia e evolução ao óbito que foi encaminhada ao Setor de Patologia Animal da Universidade Federal do Piauí para exame anatomopatológico. À necropsia foram observadas duas nodulações de aproximadamente 8,0cm de diâmetro no fígado, de coloração variando da brancacenta ao vermelhado claro, amarelada a vermelho escuro, subdivididas em lóbulos por tecido conjuntivo. No pâncreas foram observadas múltiplas nodulações de aproximadamente 1,0 cm de diâmetro, com superfície lisa, consistência firme, coloração vermelho-amarelada. A superfície de corte dos rins também apresentava várias nodulações milimétricas de distribuição multifocal, na região córtico-medular, consistência firme, coloração branco-acinzentada ou amarelada, sugerindo metástase. Os fragmentos das lesões de fígado foram coletados e no exame microscópico observaram-se proliferação de hepatócitos em cordões bem diferenciados, formando trabéculas com espessura de três ou mais células. Os hepatócitos apresentavam-se volumosos, pleomórficos, com citoplasma eosinofílico. Na coloração com PAS constataram-se, regularmente, acúmulo de glicogênio nos hepatócitos neoplásicos. A confirmação foi feita pela técnica de imunoistoquímica, utilizando-se anticorpo monoclonal (Hepatocyte Specific Antigen). Os achados anatomohistopatológicos, e o auxilio da imunoistoquímica permitiram concluir pelo diagnóstico de hepatocarcinoma trabecular metastático em Leopardus pardalis criado em cativeiro...

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare neoplasm in domestic and wildlife animals and has been reported only in antelope, deer, prairie dogs and ferrets; but there are no reports in Leopardus pardalis (ocelot). This paper describes a case of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in a female of an about 18-year-old Leopardus pardalis from the Zoological Garden of Teresina, Piauí, after a history of anorexia, apathy and fatal outcomes, forwarded to the Department of Animal Pathology at the Federal University of Piaui for pathological examination. Necropsy revealed two nodules of about 8.0cm in diameter in the liver, of whitish to bright red or yellow to dark red color divided into lobes by connective tissue. In the pancreas were found multiple nodules of about 1.0cm diameter, with smooth surface, firm consistency, and yellowish-red color. The cut surface of the kidneys also presented multiple whitish-gray or yellowish millimeter small nodules in the corticomedullary region, of firm consistence, suggesting metastases. Fragments of the liver lesions examined microscopically revealed hepatocyte proliferation in well differentiated strands, forming trabeculars of three or more cells. The hepatocytes were large and pleomorphic, with eosinophilic cytoplasm. In PAS staining glycogen accumulation was found in neoplastic hepatocytes . The confirmation of the diagnosis was made by immunohistochemistry, using monoclonal antibody hepatocyte specific antigen. The findings allowed us to characterize the neoplasm as a trabecular metastatic hepatocarcinoma in Leopardus pardalis bred in captivity...

Identification of Novel Gammaherpesviruses in Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and Bobcats (Lynx rufus) in Panama and Colorado, USA.

Gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) have been identified in many species and are often associated with disease. Recently, we characterized three novel felid GHVs in domestic cats (Felis catus), bobcats (Lynx rufus), and pumas (Puma concolor). We investigated whether free-ranging ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and bobcats are infected with additional GHVs. We screened DNA samples from ocelots on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, and bobcats in western Colorado, US, by using a degenerate nested PCR that targets the GHV glycoprotein B gene. We identified a novel GHV glycoprotein B sequence in two ocelots and a second novel sequence in a bobcat, which is distinct from the previously characterized bobcat GHV (Lynx rufus GHV 1). Utilizing additional degenerate and virus-specific PCRs, we extended these sequences to include 3.4 kilobases of the GHV glycoprotein B and DNA polymerase genes. These sequences identify the first GHV detected in ocelots and the second GHV in bobcats. These viruses were provisionally named L. pardalis GHV 1 and Lynx rufus GHV 2, respectively. The viruses are most closely related to recently identified GHVs of the Percavirus genus found in domestic cats (F. catus GHV 1) and bobcats (L. rufus GHV 1), suggesting that a cluster of felid GHVs exists within the Percavirus genus.

Transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder with metastasis in lumbar vertebrae and spinal cord compression in an ocelot(Leopardus pardalis) / Carcinoma de células de transição de bexiga urinária com metástase em vértebras lombares e compressão de medula espinhal em uma jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis)

This paper reports a case of nonpapillary and infiltrative transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder with metastasis of lumbar vertebrae and spinal cord compression in an adult female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), from the Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The ocelot had pelvic limb paralysis and skin ulcers in the posterior region of the body and was submitted to euthanasia procedure. At necropsy was observed a multilobulated and irregular shaped, yellowish to white nodule in the urinary bladder. The nodule had a soft consistency and arised from the mucosa of the urinary bladder extending throughout the muscular layers and the serosa. Nodules of similar appearance infiltrating the vertebral column the at L6 and L7 vertebrae with corresponding spinal canal invasion were also observed. The histological evaluation showed epithelial neoplastic proliferation in the urinary bladder with characteristics of nonpapillary and infiltrative TCC, with positive immunohistochemical staining for pancytokeratin, and strong immunostaining for cytokeratin of low molecular weight, and weak or absent labeling for high molecular weight cytokeratin. This is the first report of TCC of urinary bladder in ocelot in Brazil...

O presente trabalho relata um caso de carcinoma de células de transição (TCC) da bexiga urinária com metástase em vértebras lombares e compressão da medula espinhal em uma jaguatirica fêmea adulta (Leopardus pardalis), no estado do Mato Grosso. A jaguatirica manifestava paralisia de membros pélvicos e úlceras de decúbito na região posterior do corpo e foi submetida a eutanásia. Na necropsia observou-se um nódulo multilobulado e irregular, brancoamarelado na bexiga urinária, de consistência macia com origem na mucosa vesical e que se estendia às camadas musculares e à serosa. Nódulos de aspecto semelhante infiltrando as vértebras L6 e L7 e invasão do canal vertebral correspondente. No exame histológico foi observada proliferação neoplásica na bexiga urinária com com características de TCC não papilar e infiltrativo, com marcação imuno-histoquímica positiva para pancitoqueratina, forte marcação para citoqueratina de baixo peso molecular e fraca ou inexistente para citoqueratina de alto peso molecular. Este é o primeiro relato de TCC em bexiga urinária de jaguatirica no Brasil...

Os ramos colaterais da aorta abdominal em jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) / The collateral branches from abdominal aorta in ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

A jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) é uma das espécies de felino silvestre que pouco foi investigada quanto a sua morfologia. Assim, o estudo objetivou detalhar a origem e distribuição dos ramos colaterais da aorta abdominal deste animal. [...] A aorta abdominal do L. pardalis teve origem entre T12 e L1, sendo a artéria celíaca o primeiro ramo visceral no sentido crânio-caudal, resultando nas artérias hepática, gástrica esquerda e esplênica. A artéria mesentérica cranial surgiu como segundo ramo da aorta abdominal, originando as artérias jejunais. Na sequência localizamos artéria pancreáticoduodenal caudal, artérias ileais, artérias ileocólicas, artérias renais direita e esquerda, artérias adrenais direita e esquerda e artérias ováricas ou testiculares direita e esquerda. Parietalmente, a aorta abdominal originou em média seis ramos lombares, bem como a artéria frenicoabdominal, as artérias circunflexas ilíacas profundas e artérias ilíacas externa e interna. A aorta abdominal gerou ainda a artéria mesentérica caudal, a qual dividiu-se em artérias cólica esquerda e retal cranial. A artéria cólica esquerda seguiu cranialmente paralela ao cólon descendente irrigando-o, originando em média 18 ramos, e anastomosando-se com a artéria cólica média. A artéria retal cranial seguiu em direção caudal distribuindo oito ramos à porção final do cólon descendente e ao reto, e uniu-se com a artéria retal média. Por fim, a aorta abdominal emitiu como ramo terminal a artéria sacral mediana. A vascularização arterial abdominal desta espécie é bastante semelhante ao descrito em felinos domésticos e demais mamíferos, com diferenças quanto ao número de artérias jejunais e origem das artérias renais.

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a species of wild cat that little has been investigated by their morphology. Thus, the study aimed to detail the origin and distribution of collateral branches from abdominal aorta this animal. [...]The abdominal aorta of L. pardalis originated between T12 and L1, and the celiac artery was first visceral branch in the craniocaudal direction, resulting in the hepatic a., gastric left a. and splenic a.. The caudal pancreaticoduodenal a., ileal aa., ileocolic aa., right and left renal aa., right and left adrenal aa., and. right and left ovarian aa. or testicular aa. were founded after. Parietally the abdominal aorta yielded an average of six lumbar branches, as well as frenicoabdominal aa., deep circumflex iliac aa. and external and internal iliac aa.. The abdominal aorta still originated the caudal mesenteric a., which is divided into the left colic a. and the cranial rectal a.. The left colic artery followed cranially parallel to the descending colon irrigating it, originating an average of 18 branches, and anastomosing with middle colic a.. The cranial rectal artery followed caudally emerging into eight branches uniting with the final portion of the descending colon and the rectum, together with the rectal middle a.. Finally, the abdominal aorta emerged as the terminal branch, the median sacral. The abdominal arterial vascularization of the ocelot is quite similar to that described in domestic cats, with differences in the number of jejunal arteries and origin of the renal arteries. The abdominal arterial vasculature of this species is quite similar to that described in domestic cats and other mammals, differing in number of the jejunal arteries and origin of the renal arteries.

Comparison of methods for determination of nutrient digestibility of a dry kibble diet for ocelots / Comparação de métodos para estimar coeficientes de digestibilidade de uma ração comercial de gatos-domésticos para jaguatiricas

In this experiment, methods of total fecal collection (TFC) and internal markers (acid-insoluble ash - AIA, crude fiber - CF, and acid-detergent fiber - ADF) were compared for determination of the coefficients of apparent digestibility (CAD) for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), nitrogen-free extracts (NFE), and gross energy (GE) of commercial feline dry kibble for ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). Six adult animals, weighing 12.45±1.37 kg, gradually received experimental kibble in their usual diet until the beginning of the experiment and were submitted to an adaptation period ten days prior to the collection period. CAD obtained by TFC, AIA, CF, and ADF were, respectively, 73.7, 76.83, 62.01, and 46.03% for dry matter; 81.9, 84.8, 75.8, and 63.8% for crude protein; 85, 86.7, 78.5, and 69.1% for ether extract; 78.52, 79.55, 69.11, and 53.04% for nitrogen-free extracts; and 80.5, 82.2, 71.4, and 58.4% for gross energy. The AIA method showed to be efficient in determining coefficients of apparent digestibility and may contribute to investigations on the digestibility of diets for wild felines. In comparison to the items of ocelot's usual diet, the kibble used in this paper provided an adequate nutritional supply with reduced daily costs per animal.

Neste experimento foram comparados os métodos de coleta total de fezes (CT) e de indicadores internos (cinza insolúvel em ácido - CIA, fibra bruta - FB e fibra em detergente ácido - FDA) na determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), extrativo não nitrogenado (ENN) e energia bruta (EB) de uma ração comercial de gatos-domésticos para jaguatiricas (Leopardus pardalis). Seis animais adultos com peso de 12,45 ± 1,37kg receberam gradativamente a ração experimental na dieta habitual até o início do experimento e foram submetidos a um período de adaptação de 10 dias anteriores ao período de coleta. Os CDA obtidos pela CT, CIA, FB e FDA foram, respectivamente de 73,70; 76,83; 62,01 e 46,03% para matéria seca, 81,9; 84,8; 75,8 e 63,8% para proteína bruta, 85,0; 86,7; 78,5 e 69,1% para extrato etéreo, 78,52; 79,55; 69,11 e 53,04% para extrativo não nitrogenado e de 80,5; 82,2; 71,4 e 58,4% para energia bruta. O método de CIA mostrou-se eficiente na determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente e pode contribuir com as investigações sobre a digestibilidade em dietas com felídeos selvagens. A ração utilizada permitiu aos animais um adequado aporte nutricional e apresentou menores custos/animal/dia em comparação aos itens que compunham a dieta habitual.