Background: Cerebrovascular accidents arise from an interruption in cerebral blood flow and lead to neurological deficits associated with either infarction or hemorrhage. In dogs, ischemic infarcts result from obstructive events that impair cerebral perfusion and may appear as territorial or lacunar lesions. These infarcts are typically linked to embolic processes of diverse origins and concomitant diseases that influence their pathogenesis. This study aims to correlate clinical manifestations with the pathological lesions identified in a bitch diagnosed with a perforating artery ischemic stroke.Case: A 5-year-old Shih Tzu bitch presented with hyperacute neurological signs that began 6 days earlier, initially characterized by nystagmus and sialorrhea, and later progressing to epileptic seizures. Physical and neurological examinations revealed obtundation, non-ambulatory tetraparesis, right-sided head turn and pleurothotonus, unresponsive anisocoria, deficits in menace response and nasal sensation, and absence of proprioception in all limbs, indicating a lesion involving the forebrain and brainstem. Clinicopathological evaluation demonstrated normocytic normochromic anemia, neutrophilia, and mild hyperproteinemia. Magnetic resonance imaging identified an amorphous intra-axial hyperintense area on T2-weighted and FLAIR sequences involving the left thalamus and midbrain, with mild mass effect, consistent with infarction. Due to the guarded prognosis and lack of clinical improvement, euthanasia was elected. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was within normal limits. Gross neuropathology revealed thalamic-mesencephalic areas of malacia, and histopathology confirmed liquefactive necrosis with vacuolization, tissue rarefaction, gitter cell infiltration, and hemorrhage. Renal degeneration and necrosis were also observed. The definitive diagnosis was ischemic cerebrovascular accident due to occlusion of the right perforating artery.Discussion: The patient was younger than the age range typically reported for canine cerebrovascular accidents, which are more commonly observed in older dogs. The membranous glomerulonephritis identified suggested a protein-losing nephropathy, a condition associated with hypercoagulability and microthrombus formation, which may have contributed to ischemic infarction through occlusion of the right perforating artery. The elevated creatine kinase level was attributed to prolonged recumbency. The hyperacute neurological signs, including seizures, depressed mentation, postural reaction deficits,anisocoria, head turn, and pleurothotonus, were consistent with lesions affecting the thalamus, diencephalon, and midbrain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed T1-weighted hypo-intensity and T2-weighted and FLAIR hyperintensity, corresponding to previously described features of ischemic infarction. The hyperacute onset and non-progressive course supported the diagnosis of ischemic stroke involving the right perforating artery.Gross neuropathological examination revealed areas of malacia with pronounced gitter cell infiltration, findings consistent with cerebral ischemia. This case demonstrates that ischemic stroke, although less common in young animals, should remain a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with hyperacute neurological deficits and highlights the value of targeted diagnostic investigations for etiologic determination.Keywords: Cerebrovascular accident; perforating artery; midbrain; encephalomalacia.
Background: Feline exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) was historically considered an uncommon disease; however, its diagnosis has increased with the availability of serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) testing. The disorder is characterized by insufficient secretion of pancreatic digestive enzymes, resulting in maldigestion and malabsorption. Clinical manifestations are variable and nonspecific, commonly including chronic diarrhea, weight loss, polyphagia, and poor hair coat quality. This report aimed to describe the clinical findings, diagnostic investigation, therapeutic management, and clinical evolution of a cat diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Case: A 5-year-old spayed female mixed-breed cat weighing 4 kg was evaluated due to a 30-day history of progressive diarrhea. Initially, the feces were soft, evolving to watery diarrhea with yellowish coloration and increased fecal volume. The owner also reported progressive weight loss despite marked polyphagia, polydipsia, and deterioration of coat quality. Physical examination revealed normal physiological parameters, mild dehydration (6%), and body condition score of 4/9. A complete diagnostic investigation was performed, including complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, abdominal ultrasonography, urinalysis, fecal parasitological examination, immunochromatographic testing for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Tritrichomonas blagburni. The laboratory and imaging findings were nonspecific, revealing only mild biochemical alterations and no significant ultrasonographic abnormalities. Supportive treatment was instituted; however, diarrhea persisted. Due to the chronic gastrointestinal signs associated with weight loss and polyphagia, empirical pancreatic enzyme supplementation with pancreatin was initiated. Clinical improvement was observed within 15 days after treatment onset, characterized by reduction in fecal volume, normalization of fecal consistency, decreased polyphagia, and progressive improvement in coat quality and body condition. Subsequently, serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity was measured and revealed a concentration of 7 mcg/L (reference range: 12-82 mcg/L), confirming the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Long-term clinical follow-up demonstrated adequate disease control with continuous pancreatic enzyme supplementation, without recurrence of severe gastrointestinal signs. Discussion: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cats remained underdiagnosed for many years because of the nonspecific nature of its clinical manifestations and the overlap with other chronic gastrointestinal disorders, especially chronic enteropathies and intestinal malabsorption syndromes. In the present report, chronic diarrhea associated with weight loss and polyphagia represented important clinical findings that supported the suspicion of EPI, although complementary diagnostic tests were initially inconclusive. Measurement of serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity remained the gold standard method for definitive diagnosis and was essential for confirmation of the disease in this patient. Furthermore, the favorable therapeutic response observed after pancreatic enzyme supplementation reinforced the diagnostic suspicion and highlighted the importance of early therapeutic intervention. The clinical evolution observed in this case demonstrated that pancreatin supplementation alone may provide satisfactory long-term control of clinical signs and significant improvement in quality of life in affected cats. Therefore, feline EPI should be included among the differential diagnoses in cats presenting chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and polyphagia, even when routine laboratory and imaging findings are nonspecific. Keywords: diarrhea, cat, pancreas, pancreatin, feline trypsinogen. Título: Insuficiência Pancreática Exócrina (IPE) em uma gata Descritores: diarreia, gato, pâncreas, pancreatina, tripsinogênio felino.
Background: Mesothelioma is a malignant neoplasm of mesothelial cells that line the pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and vaginal cavities of the testicles. Mesotheliomas are rare in all species and even more uncommon in cats. Diagnosis is based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. Clinical signs vary depending on the tumor’s location. The most common symptoms include dyspnea due to pleural effusion and abdominal distension caused by peritoneal effusion. The prognosis is poor, with low survival rates in affected animals. Treatment primarily consists of supportive care. This report describes a case of peritoneal sarcomatoid mesothelioma in a cat. Case: A 7-year-old female cat was presented with abdominal distension, hyporexia, and weight loss over four days. Physical examination revealed marked abdominal distension, pale mucous membranes, and 8% dehydration. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated significant peritoneal effusion and a reactive omentum. The leukogram revealed leukocytosis (40.4 x 10³/μl) due to neutrophilia (35.55 x 10³/μl), increased band neutrophils (0.81 x 10³/μl), eosinophilia (2.4 x 10³/μl), and lymphopenia (0.8 x 10³/μl). Abdominal fluid was collected and classified as a modified transudate; cytology revealed a few mesothelial cells. Due to the critical condition, the animal was hospitalized and received supportive treatment with cephalothin (20 mg/kg IV TID), metronidazole (15 mg/kg IV BID), vitamin B complex (0.2 mL/kg IV SID), and omeprazole (1 mg/kg IV SID). During hospitalization, the cat remained apathetic, receiving syringe feeding only. After three days without clinical improvement, the animal died. Necropsy revealed multiple whitish, irregular, firm, amorphous masses in the omentum. Histologically, over 90% of the cell population consisted of elongated neoplastic cells arranged in bundles and packets, supported by dense fibrous connective stroma—features consistent with peritoneal sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The neoplastic cells exhibited strong immunopositivity exclusively for the anti-vimentin antibody, confirming their mesenchymal origin. Discussion: This case describes a rare occurrence of peritoneal sarcomatoid mesothelioma in a cat. The animal presented with apathy, anorexia, and abdominal distension—the latter being the hallmark of peritoneal mesothelioma. Unlike this case, mesotheliomas more commonly affect the pleural cavity. Ultrasonography and fluid analysis are helpful for distinguishing this condition from other causes of ascites. However, definitive diagnosis relies on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, which in this case were performed only postmortem. These tumors typically appear as multiple small nodules infiltrating the affected cavity or adjacent organs. The neoplastic cells were immunoreactive only to vimentin, characterizing a purely sarcomatoid neoplasm. Given the leukocytosis with neutrophilia, mild left shift, lymphopenia, and eosinophilia, along with ascites and peritonitis observed via ultrasound, effusive feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) was initially suspected. However, histological examination did not reveal hallmark features of FIP, such as predominantly pyogranulomatous perivascular inflammation, necrotizing phlebitis, or thrombosis. It is believed that the hematologic alterations were secondary to the inflammatory response induced by mesothelioma. In the absence of a premortem diagnosis, only supportive therapy was administered. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and aggressive nature of peritoneal mesothelioma.
Background: Post-chemotherapy polyarthritis is a recognized chemotherapy-related complication in human oncology but has not been clearly documented in dogs. Non-septic arthritis has been mentioned only once as an adverse effect of chemotherapy in dogs without detailed clinical features. In human medicine, post-chemotherapy polyarthritis has been reported across multiple chemotherapy protocols including doxorubicin. This report describes the 1st presumptive case of doxorubicin-associated non-septic inflammatory polyarthritis in a dog, suggesting a possible parallel to post-chemotherapy polyarthritis reported in human cancer patients. Case: An 11-year-old spayed bitch Maltese presented with lethargy, hyporexia, and lameness 4 months after initiating an adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin administered following unilateral nephrectomy for renal hemangiosarcoma. Physical examination revealed pyrexia, weight loss and swelling with warmth of the right hock joint. Hematologic evaluation identified moderate normocytic normochromic non-regenerative anemia, neutrophilia and monocytosis with marked elevation in C-reactive protein concentration. Diagnostic imaging including radiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed no evidence of tumor recurrence or other sources of inflammation. Infectious disease testing, including polymerase chain reaction panels, yielded negative results. Arthrocentesis of multiple joints showed increased nucleated cell counts with neutrophilic inflammation and absence of infectious organisms. Synovial fluid culture, antinuclear antibody titers and rheumatoid factor tests were all negative. Non-infectious inflammatory polyarthritis was diagnosed and presumed to be secondary to chemotherapy based on clinical progression and exclusion of alternative causes. Treatment with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil resulted in complete remission and normalization of inflammatory markers. The patient remained clinically stable for 5 months after diagnosis, and died due to systemic metastasis of hemangiosarcoma confirmed on postmortem examination. Discussion: This case describes the temporal association between chemotherapy and the onset of polyarthritis in a bitch, proposes a diagnostic approach for dogs based on diagnostic criteria reported in human patients, and suggests an immune-mediated mechanism consistent with this condition. Although the mechanism of post-chemotherapy polyarthritis has not been fully understood, immune dysregulation after chemotherapy has been consistently suggested as a potential cause. In human medicine, joint manifestations typically arise 2 to 8 months after the initiation of chemotherapy, which aligns with the onset observed in this bitch. Diagnostic considerations for this condition in human studies include a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, documented exposure to chemotherapy, development of joint disease without previous joint disorder and no other identifiable cause of arthritis. The clinical features in this patient fulfilled these criteria, strengthening the suspicion that chemotherapy contributed to joint disease development. Therapeutic strategies reported in human patients generally rely on immunomodulatory treatment. In this case, prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil were selected, resulting in complete resolution and sustained clinical stability. This favorable response supports the immune-mediated process and suggests that immunosuppressive therapy may be effective for managing post-chemotherapy polyarthritis in dogs. This case provides a detailed description of clinical presentation and progression of presumptive post-chemotherapy polyarthritis in a dog. Recognition of this potential chemotherapy-associated complication is essential, and rigorous patient monitoring after initiation of chemotherapy is warranted. Keywords: chemotherapy, dog, immunosuppressant, lameness, post-chemotherapy polyarthritis.
Introdução: O osteossarcoma (OSA) é o tumor ósseo maligno primário mais comum em cães, representando aproximadamente 85% de todas as neoplasias ósseas malignas. Afeta principalmente cães de raças grandes e mais velhos, sendo o esqueleto apendicular o local mais acometido. A doença apresenta curso agressivo, alta taxa de metástase e, geralmente, prognóstico desfavorável. O tratamento geralmente envolve cirurgia e quimioterapia, sendo a amputação do membro o procedimento tradicional. Este estudo tem como objetivo relatar o caso de um cão da raça São Bernardo com OSA na região distal do rádio e ulna, tratado com amputação parcial do membro e implantação de uma endo-exoprótese, associada à quimioterapia adjuvante. Relato de caso: Um cão São Bernardo, macho, inteiro, de 9 anos de idade e 65 kg, foi admitido no Hospital Veterinário Universitário com histórico de aumento de volume na região distal do rádio e ulna do membro torácico esquerdo. Exames radiográficos e histopatológicos confirmaram o diagnóstico de osteossarcoma (OSA), e exames de estadiamento não evidenciaram metástases pulmonares. O tratamento incluiu amputação parcial do membro no terço médio do rádio e ulna, seguida da implantação de uma endo-exoprótese de titânio personalizada, além de quimioterapia adjuvante. O procedimento cirúrgico envolveu osteotomia do rádio e ulna, fresagem do canal intramedular para acomodação do implante e implantação manual da endo-exoprótese. Avaliação radiográfica pós-operatória imediata indicou posicionamento adequado do implante. Cinco dias após a cirurgia, houve retração de tecidos moles e deiscência de sutura, com exposição óssea, exigindo reaproximação dos tecidos moles junto à base da prótese. Após 20 dias de internação, o paciente recebeu alta com cicatrização incompleta na interface pele-implante, exigindo cuidados domiciliares contínuos com a ferida. Ao retornar 45 dias após a cirurgia, o paciente apresentava sinais de infecção da prótese. Exames radiográficos revelaram reabsorção óssea peri-implante e proliferação óssea irregular. Cultura bacteriana identificou a presença de Klebsiella pneumoniae, sensível a meropeném. Após a conclusão do tratamento antibiótico, uma nova cultura identificou infecção por Acinetobacter sp. multirresistente. Diante da infecção persistente, da reabsorção óssea progressiva ao redor do implante e da falha protética, optou-se pela amputação do membro aproximadamente três meses após a implantação da prótese. Cerca de seis meses após o diagnóstico de OSA, o paciente foi internado com quadro de dispneia severa. Radiografias torácicas revelaram metástases pulmonares, sendo realizada a eutanásia. Discussão: O uso de endo-exopróteses em cães apresenta desafios significativos, especialmente no que se refere à interface tecido mole–implante e à osseointegração. A adaptação bem-sucedida da pele e da musculatura à prótese é crucial para o sucesso a longo prazo, uma vez que falhas nessa interface podem levar a complicações como infecções, deiscência e falha do implante. Pacientes caninos apresentam dificuldades adicionais devido a fatores como presença de pelos, grande variabilidade na anatomia e tamanho dos membros, dificuldade em impor restrição de atividade e possibilidade de lambedura da região operada. O caso relatado destaca tanto os benefícios quanto os desafios da utilização de endo-exopróteses no tratamento do OSA canino. Embora o procedimento tenha inicialmente preservado a funcionalidade do membro, complicações pós-operatórias, como retração de tecidos moles, infecção e problemas de osseointegração, resultaram na falha do implante. Ressalta-se a necessidade de aprimoramento das técnicas cirúrgicas e do desenvolvimento de tecnologias que favoreçam a osseointegração e a cicatrização na interface pele-implante, com o objetivo de reduzir as taxas de complicação e melhorar os desfechos clínicos.
Background: O sistema urinário dos ovinos machos apresenta características anatômicas que os tornam mais predispostos a lesões traumáticas e obstrutivas devido a conformação fibroelástica do pênis e à presença da flexura sigmoide. A penectomia total, associada à uretrostomia perineal, é indicada em casos de comprometimento extenso do órgão ou de necrose irreversível. O objetivo deste relato é descrever o caso de um ovino macho submetido à penectomia total, uretrostomia perineal e orquiectomia após trauma físico. Case: Foi atendido no Setor de Grandes Animais do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Passo Fundo um ovino macho, sem raça definida, com aproximadamente quatro anos de idade e 45 kg, apresentando lesão peniana e disúria há cerca de um mês. O histórico indicava provável trauma físico. Ao exame clínico observou-se baixo escore corporal, mucosas hipocoradas, taquicardia e taquipneia, além de laceração e necrose extensa no pênis e prepúcio, comprometendo a função urinária. Os exames complementares evidenciaram anemia grave, trombocitose, leve neutrofilia e aumento de ureia. Após estabilização do hematócrito e diminuição da contaminação local, o animal foi submetido ao procedimento cirúrgico. O protocolo anestésico incluiu xilazina, diazepam, cetamina, complementada por propofol, e manutenção com isofluorano. Foi realizado bloqueio epidural lombossacro com bupivacaína 0,5%, lidocaína 2% e morfina para analgesia complementar. Durante o transoperatório, o paciente apresentou episódio de hipotensão revertida com infusão contínua de dobutamina. A penectomia total foi realizada mediante incisão elíptica, com secção do pênis e sutura do coto uretral distal. Em seguida, procedeu-se à orquiectomia bilateral por ablação escrotal e à uretrostomia perineal, realizada por incisão na linha média, 11 cm abaixo do ânus, formando um novo óstio urinário. O pós-operatório incluiu antibioticoterapia combinada com penicilinas e gentamicina, analgesia multimodal com dipirona, meloxicam e tramadol, e curativos diários. O animal apresentou deiscência de sutura e optou-se pela cicatrização por segunda intenção. A evolução foi satisfatória, com resolução completa da ferida e recuperação total da função urinária após 40 dias. Discussion: O manejo cirúrgico de afecções penianas em ovinos exige abordagem individualizada, considerando as particularidades anatômicas e fisiológicas da espécie. No presente caso, a utilização de técnicas anestésicas e cirúrgicas avançadas em ambiente hospitalar possibilitou o controle eficaz das intercorrências e a recuperação completa do paciente. Protocolos anestésicos balanceados, combinando sedativos, agentes indutores e anestésicos voláteis, associados à analgesia epidural e ao monitoramento contínuo, garantiram estabilidade intraoperatória. Embora tenha ocorrido hipotensão durante o procedimento, esta foi prontamente revertida com o uso de dobutamina, reforçando a importância da monitorização hemodinâmica. A penectomia total seguida de uretrostomia perineal foi indicada devido à extensa necrose e perda funcional do órgão, resultando em evolução clínica satisfatória a longo prazo. A deiscência de sutura observada no pós-operatório foi tratada com sucesso por cicatrização por segunda intenção e cuidados locais adequados. O caso demonstrou que, apesar das possíveis complicações, intervenções cirúrgicas complexas podem ser realizadas com segurança e eficácia em pequenos ruminantes, desde que associadas a manejo anestésico criterioso e acompanhamento pós-operatório adequado. Este relato reforça a aplicabilidade clínica de técnicas avançadas em ovinos e contribui para o aprimoramento das práticas anestésicas e cirúrgicas na medicina de animais de produção.
Background: Gastric neoplasms account for less than 1% of cases of neoplasia in dogs, making them a rare clinical finding. They predominantly occur in male dogs over 9 years of age. Clinical signs are typically nonspecific and they include vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss. Grossly, gastric tumors may appear either exophytic or sessile. Diagnosis is confirmed microscopically by the presence of non-cohesive neoplastic epithelial cells The objective of this report is to describe the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of a case of diffuse poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma localized in the cardia region of a 8-year-old bitch. Case: A 8-year-old bitch French Bulldog presented with inappetence, regurgitation, and progressive weight loss. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, an ulcerative lesion on the tongue, sialorrhea, and abdominal distension. An endoscopy was requested, which demonstrated mild gastritis. Further, a biopsy of the tongue revealed focally extensive ulcerative glossitis with granulation tissue formation. Despite medical management, the dog’s condition worsened, and euthanasia was elected after 2 months. Necropsy findings included a persistent ulcerated lesion on the tongue and a firm, whitish, transmural mass in the cardia region of the stomach. The gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes appeared reactive, and 3 mucosal ulcerations were observed in the stomach. Histopathological examination confirmed a diffuse infiltrative neoplastic proliferation of individual epithelial cells and small aggregates within a dense collagenous stroma in the stomach. Based on clinical, gross, and microscopic findings, a diagnosis of diffuse poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma in the cardia region was established. Discussion: Gastric adenocarcinoma is an uncommon malignancy in dogs, which typically affects male dogs older than 9 years of age. Most canine gastric tumors are epithelial and malignant, with adenocarcinomas representing 60% to 70% of cases. The gastric body, pylorus, and greater curvature are the most frequently involved regions, and lesions are often ulcerated and hemorrhagic, resulting in stenosis. In the present case, the patient was a 8-year-old bitch French Bulldog with a neoplasm located in the cardia region, and although the mass was firm and infiltrative, it was not ulcerated or hemorrhagic, highlighting its atypical presentation. Histologically, gastric carcinomas are characterized by infiltrative growth, extending from the mucosa to the serosa. The diffuse type, most commonly observed in dogs, is composed of highly anaplastic cells with prominent desmoplasia. In the present report, the neoplastic proliferation exhibited an infiltrative pattern with marked cellular and nuclear pleomorphism, and neoplastic emboli were frequently observed within lymphatic vessels. The prognosis for canine gastric carcinoma remains poor, with survival times ranging from 0 to 10 months after diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis in this case was achieved post mortem via histopathology, precluding the possibility of therapeutic intervention. Although no metastases were identified histologically or cytologically, the absence of immunohistochemical evaluation limits definitive conclusions regarding metastatic spread, particularly concerning the etiology of the tongue lesion. Keywords: canine, histopathology, gastric neoplasia, neoplasm, tumor, carcinoma. Título: Adenocarcinoma gástrico difuso em uma cadela Descritores: canino, histopatologia, neoplasia gástrica, neoplasm, tumor, carcinoma.
Background: A cistite e a pielonefrite são afecções do trato urinário frequentemente associadas à infecções bacterianas ascendentes. A anatomia do trato urinário das fêmeas, caracterizada por uma uretra curta e reta, predispõe maior incidência de infecção, uma vez que essa morfologia facilita a aderência, multiplicação e colonização de bactérias patogênicas na bexiga. Entretanto, outros fatores também podem atuar como predisponentes, como onfalite, urolitíase, sondagem urinária prolongada e imunossupressão sistêmica ou local. Os sinais clínicos tipicamente incluem polaciúria, disúria, hematúria, hiporexia, dor e desconforto abdominal, podendo evoluir para alterações sistêmicas em casos complicados. Quando não tratados ou em casos complicados, esses sinais podem evoluir para alterações sistêmicas como febre, desidratação, septicemia e até mesmo morte. O diagnóstico é estabelecido pela associação das manifestações clínicas com exames complementares como urinálise e urocultura, e, em casos fatais, a necropsia e a avaliação histopatológica são indispensáveis para confirmar a extensão e a gravidade das lesões. Em neonatos, um fator de risco adicional é a falha na transferência de imunidade passiva, visto que a ingestão insuficiente de colostro aumenta acentuadamente a susceptibilidade a bactérias oportunistas ou patogênicas, incluindo aquelas que causam doenças do trato urinário. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso incomum de pielonefrite secundária à cistite em um bezerro macho Braford de dois meses de idade, destacando o provável papel da ingestão inadequada de colostro, do histórico de onfalopatia e das graves complicações clínicas decorrentes dessa associação. Case: Um bezerro, macho, de dois meses, da raça Braford, foi encaminhado para necropsia com histórico de apatia, distensão abdominal, poliúria seguida de anúria e dispneia. Foi informada ingestão inadequada de colostro e ocorrência prévia de onfalopatia. À necropsia, os rins estavam aumentados e com discreta aderência da cápsula. Havia múltiplas áreas amareladas à avermelhadas, multifocais a coalescentes, circundadas por halo vermelho-escuro, que atingiam córtex e pelve renal. A bexiga apresentava uroperitônio devido à distensão e apresentava conteúdo líquido amarelo-acobreado. A parede vesical exibia espessamento, cavitações fibrosas e mucosa irregular, vermelho-escura com focos beges. Esses achados macroscópicos foram compatíveis com pielonefrite necrossupurativa e hemorrágica associada à cistite grave. A análise histológica confirmou infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico, necrose acentuada e agregados bacterianos, consolidando o diagnóstico e evidenciando a gravidade do processo infeccioso. Discussion: A progressão de cistite para pielonefrite ocorre por via ascendente, sendo mais descrita em fêmeas bovinas. No caso relatado, entretanto, a doença ocorreu em um macho, situação menos frequente devido à anatomia da uretra. A falha na imunidade passiva por ingestão insuficiente de colostro, somada ao histórico de onfalopatia, pode ter favorecido a colonização bacteriana do trato urinário. A presença de necrose, supuração, hemorragia e agregados bacterianos no parênquima renal está de acordo com o descrito na literatura para pielonefrite em bovinos. O uroperitônio observado reflete a gravidade do quadro. Esse caso evidencia que, mesmo em machos jovens, a associação entre cistite ulcerativa e pielonefrite necrossupurativa é possível quando existem fatores predisponentes. A associação entre cistite ulcerativa e pielonefrite necrossupurativa neste animal reforça a relevância do manejo sanitário neonatal, especialmente quanto à adequada ingestão de colostro, medida fundamental para reduzir a susceptibilidade a processos infecciosos graves. Keywords: cattle, urinary tract, nephropathy, clinical diagnosis Descritores: bovinos, trato urinário, nefropatia, diagnóstico clínico
Background: Neoplasias hepatobiliares primárias são infrequentes na rotina clínica veterinária, correspondendo a apenas 1,5 a 2,3% da casuística oncológica em gatos. Dentre elas, o carcinoma colangiocelular extra-hepático (CCEH), também chamado de colangiocarcinoma, é a forma maligna mais comum. Trata-se de uma neoplasia com etiologia desconhecida, potencial metastático considerável e prognóstico ruim. O presente tem como objetivo relatar um caso de CCEH em gato de 14 anos, em que o tratamento de eleição foi a excisão cirúrgica do colédoco com desvio de fluxo biliar através da colecistoduodenostomia. Case: Foi atendido um paciente felino, fêmea castrada, sem raça definida (SRD), de 14 anos de idade, com a queixa de êmese e prostração com início agudo. Foram solicitados exames complementares, incluindo hemograma, perfil bioquímico e ultrassonografia (US) abdominal. Nas análises clínicas, notou-se um plasma e soro intensamente ictéricos, linfócitos reativos e rouleaux eritrocitário. A bioquímica sérica demonstrou aumento de proteína plasmática total, alanina aminotransferase, fosfatase alcalina e gama glutamil transferase, além do aumento de bilirrubina total. O US mostrou vesícula biliar, ductos biliares intra-hepáticos e ducto biliar comum dilatados, o último associado a uma estrutura intraluminal em porção distal. Foi realizada a excisão cirúrgica da massa numa celiotomia exploratória e a colecistoduodenostomia, seguido de análise histopatológica. No pós-operatório, foi instituído um protocolo com fluidoterapia, ceftriaxona, metadona, dipirona, dexametasona, remifentanil, e posteriormente foi necessário a inclusão de cerenia, mirtazapina, metoclopramida, glicose e noradrenalina. Na análise histopatológica, a massa apresentava células neoplásicas cuboides com citoplasma escasso, eosinofílico, cromatina densa, fibroplasia, pleomorfismo celular, anisocariose, anisocitose e, em média, 5 figuras de mitose em área de 2,37mm². Tais achados são compatíveis com o diagnóstico de CCEH. Discussion: Apesar das neoplasias primárias de sistema hepatobiliar serem incomuns na onocologia de pequenos animais, o colangiocarcinoma é a neoplasia maligna do sistema mais comum em gatos. Por ser incomum e apresentar sinais clínicos inespecíficos, é considerado um desafio ao médico veterinário, levando muitas vezes à piora do prognóstico pelo diagnóstico tardio da doença e o alto risco de metástase. O diagnóstico definitivo é feito somente pelo exame histopatológico. As opções de tratamentos são limitadas, se resumindo à excisão cirúrgica com margens livres e tratamento paliativo por não haver ainda estudos suficientes para apresentar um protocolo quimioterápico ou radioterápico eficiente. Frequentemente nesses procedimentos, faz-se necessário também o desvio de fluxo biliar, como a colecistoduodenostomia. O prognóstico de obstrução biliar extra-hepática secundário a neoplasias com necessidade de desvio de fluxo é desfavorável devido a complicações anestésicas e pós-operatórias, levando a uma sobrevida curta de 14 a 31 dias. Vale ressaltar nestes casos a importância de exames de imagens com alta sensibilidade para investigação de metástases, como a ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada, apesar de serem procedimentos onerosos e, consequentemente, um impedimento para o médico veterinário no Brasil. É de suma importância estudos mais aprofundados sobre a patologia da doença e seus protocolos terapêuticos para melhor direcionar os profissionais em ocasiões futuras.
Background: Extra-luminal intestinal obstructions in young calves are acute conditions that most frequently occur in animals up to 2 months of age and can lead to death if there is no prompt veterinary intervention. The presumptive diagnosis is made through the association of clinical signs with findings from laboratory tests and imaging. However, the conclusive diagnosis can only be obtained through exploratory laparotomy. This paper reports 4 cases of extra-luminal intestinal obstruction in cattle up to 18 months of age treated in Lavras-MG. Cases: Over a period of 2 years, 4 ruminants were treated, showing clinical signs suggestive of extra-luminal intestinal obstructions, such as absence of intestinal movements, diarrhea, signs of pain, apathy, recumbency, and when they were able to stand, difficult and staggering gait. Case 1. An 18-month-old, male Holstein calf, died on the farm before the clinical diagnosis could be concluded. Necropsy revealed a jejunal twist with necrosis of the affected intestinal segment, as well as a significant inflammatory response, as all organs were covered by fibrin and adhered in a single mass. Case 2. A 6-month-old Holstein, was referred to the hospital primarily due to recurrent tympany observed during the week. After clinical evaluation and recommendation for exploratory laparotomy, the animal underwent the procedure, where a fibrosed and markedly thickened urachal remnant was found, incarcerating portions of the colon, leading to ischemic lesions and necrosis. Case 3. A 2-month-old Tabapuã calf, was hospitalized for the treatment of a severe case of hepatogenous photosensitization when it manifested clinical signs of acute abdominal pain and was referred for surgery, where a mesenteric twist was observed. In both animals, euthanasia was performed due to necrosis and extensive ischemic lesions in the intestinal loops. Case 4. A 1-month-old, female Gir calf, was admitted for the treatment of a severe diarrhea episode that had lasted for 1 week. A few hours after the initial consultation and with the help of ultrasound, which revealed extremely dilated intestinal loops and others collapsed or poorly distended, both without motility, the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction was made. The calf was immediately referred for surgery, where a twist in the mesenteric root was found, with no major local complications; however, the ruminant died before the procedure could be completed. Discussion: In all cases, changes in the color of the peritoneal fluid and the presence of fibrin in the abdominal cavity were observed, indicating an inflammatory response and vascular injury. The most severe case occurred in the first ruminant, while the mildest was in the fourth case, where veterinary intervention was performed a little faster compared to the others. All ruminants were referred for necropsy, which revealed changes consistent with the acute course and severity of the clinical condition, highlighting that cases of acute abdominal pain should be treated as emergencies, requiring early and rapid diagnosis. In this context, it is essential to emphasize the importance of further studies on mechanical intestinal disorders in ruminants, both young and adult, aiming to optimize clinical management, early diagnosis, and treatment implementation. Keywords: bowel, jejunal torsion, ascending colon strangulation, mesenteric root torsion.
Background: Xanthine urolithiasis is a rare condition in dogs, with a prevalence of less than 1% of cases. Its etiology has not yet been fully understood in this species, and it has been suggested as primary (or hereditary) and secondary (or iatrogenic) to the use of drugs with potential to inhibit the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for the transformation of xanthine and hypoxanthine and formation of uric acid, as well as allopurinol, a drug widely used in the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis. The aim of the present study was to report the clinical and diagnostic aspects of a case of xanthine urolithiasis in a dog with visceral leishmaniasis receiving low doses of allopurinol. Materials, Methods & Results: A two-year and two-month-old male German Shepherd dog with a body mass of 32.2 kg was treated for visceral leishmaniasis using miltefosine (2 mg/kg, once daily) for 28 days, domperidone (0.94 mg/kg, once daily) for 30 days, and allopurinol (9.49 mg/kg, twice daily) uninterrupted for 140 days and presented with stranguria and polyuria. During the consultation, a urinary obstructive condition caused by numerous small stones was identified, and the patient was submitted to imaging exams after clearance, which showed a hyperechoic spherical structure associated with acoustic shading, measuring 0.96 cm × 0.66 cm, also seen radiographically in the region of the urinary bladder, with radiopacity similar to soft tissues, suggestive of urolithiasis. Surgical removal of the urolith was performed via cystotomy, and the specimen was sent for mineralogical analysis. It was characterized as a greenish-brown material composed of 90% xanthine and 10% ammonium urate. The patient had been under constant clinical follow-up before the obstructive condition and had ultrasound results of 3 months before the event, or 80 days after starting treatment with allopurinol, with no significant findings in the urinary bladder. After confirmation of the diagnosis of bladder urolithiasis due to xanthine and considering the history of allopurinol use, stone formation was considered iatrogenic in this case. The therapeutic approach was the suspension of allopurinol and feed management with low-protein dry food to reduce the number of purines of food origin, in addition to clinical, ultrasound, radiographic, and hematologic follow-up of the patient for 6 months after the interruption of the drug, and there were no signs of recurrence of the condition. Discussion: The rate at which the urolith developed was surprising because the dog was submitted to allopurinol therapy for only 140 days, unlike most reported cases in which the animals receive treatment for long periods, usually years, until the identification of xanthine urolithiases. A few reports mention stone formation after a short period of allopurinol use, but they do not present screening imaging exams performed before the beginning of treatment, which does not allow ruling out the existence of changes before the use of allopurinol. It can be concluded that the formation of xanthine uroliths should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs treated with allopurinol, even for short periods of time, regardless of the dosage used, and that ultrasound and radiographic exams performed before the initiation of medication and regularly during its use are very important for early intervention.
Antecedentes: A Doença do Disco Intervertebral (DDIV) representa uma das principais causas de distúrbios neurológicos em cães, sendo caracterizada pela especificação da medula espinhal e descolamento ou hérnia do disco para o canal da vértebra e forame intervertebral. Os neurológicos observados variam conforme a localização e a gravidade da medular, podendo ir de algia até tetraplegia com hipoventilação. O diagnóstico baseia-se em avaliação clínica, exame neurológico e exames de imagem, com destaque para a ressonância magnética como padrão ouro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar um caso clínico de DDIV cervical em cão. Relacionado ao caso: Um paciente canino, fêmea, sem raça definida, com 6 anos de idade e 5,3 kg, foi atendido inicialmente pela clínica geral com queixa de dificuldade para e possivelmente devido à presença de dor cervical, apresentando melhora temporária com o uso de corticosteróides. Após recidiva dos sinais clínicos ao suspender a medicação, foram solicitados exames complementares. O hemograma revelou hiperproteinemia e leucopenia, enquanto os exames bioquímicos ocorreram dentro dos parâmetros normais. A tomografia computadorizada evidenciou mielopatia compressiva secundária à extrusão discal C2-C3, com correção medular moderada e degeneração de outros discos cervicais e torácicos. Diante do diagnóstico de DDIV cervical, foi indicada a realização de cirurgia descompressiva pela técnica de slot ventral. O procedimento consistiu em abordagem ventral cervical, com fenestração do espaço intervertebral C2-C3, criando uma janela retangular no ânulo fibroso para remoção do núcleo pulposo extrusado, seguida da retirada do material do canal vertebral até visualização da medula espinhal. A paciente está disponível internada por 24 horas com suporte analgésico, anti-inflamatório e antimicrobiano. Ao fim desse período, apresentando estabilidade clínica, o paciente foi liberado com prescrição domiciliar de anti-inflamatório e antibiótico oral. No retorno após 15 dias, apresentou boa recuperação, deambulando normalmente, sem dor ou déficit postural. Discussão: A faixa etária e a localização da lesão entre C2-C3 observadas no presente caso são compatíveis com os padrões descritos na literatura para DDIV tipo Hansen I. Apesar do paciente não ser de raça condrodistrófica, característica comum em casos desse tipo, o quadro clínico, evolução e resposta terapêutica corroboram o diagnóstico. A ausência de sinais neurológicos graves reforça que a dor cervical pode ser o único sinal clínico presente em casos de extrusão discal nessa região. Embora a ressonância magnética seja o exame de escolha para avaliação de lesões medulares, a tomografia computadorizada foi suficiente para identificar a extrusão e direcionar a conduta cirúrgica. Para descompressão da medula entre C2-C3, optou-se pelo tratamento cirúrgico, utilizando a técnica de fenda ventral, sendo a cirurgia indicada em casos de dor persistente ou presença de déficit neurológico que varia de moderado a grave. Para auxiliar na recuperação pós-cirúrgica de descompressão, a fisioterapia tem sido um protocolo terapêutico recomendado, adiantando a recuperação. No entanto, no pós-operatório do caso relatado, não foi recomendado o auxílio com fisioterapia, pois não houve necessidade, uma vez que o paciente apresentou boa resposta clínica e ausência de alterações neurológicas significativas, com retorno adequado à deambulação e ausência de algias apenas com o resultado da cirurgia. O bom prognóstico observado, mesmo sem fisioterapia, evidencia a importância da correta neurolocalização da lesão direcionando o diagnóstico e permitindo uma intervenção precoce.
Background: Cranial nerves IX, X, and XI share a common anatomical pathway associated with jugular foramen. Therefore, the peripheral nerve sheath tumors around the jugular foramen may lead to concurrent dysfunction of these nerves. However, peripheral nerve sheath tumors of cranial nerves IX, X, and XI are often challenging to diagnose due to their deep anatomical location and nonspecific clinical signs. This report describes a rare case of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor originating from cranial nerves IX, X, and XI, diagnosed through a combination of clinical signs and imaging findings from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Case: A 5-year-old, intact male, Spitz was referred with chronic vomiting, left head tilt, abnormal gait and suspicion of portosystemic shunt. On CT, multiple collateral vessels were observed. However, the association between collateral vessels and the current symptoms appeared to be low. Accordingly, a central nervous system disorder was suspected, and MRI was conducted to differentiate from intracranial disease. In MRI, the mass was well-demarcated, amorphous to round shape, and was located at the left lateroventral region of the medulla oblongata, extending as a tubular lesion from the medial and caudal region of the left tympanic cavity to the jugular foramen and tympano-occipital fissure, which are the pathways for cranial nerves IX, X, and XI. The mass appeared hypointense to isointense on T1-weighted image(T1W), isointense to hyperintense on T2-weighted image(T2W), and uniformly hyperintense on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences, with strong peripheral rim enhancement. On retrospective CT evaluation, severe atrophy of the sternocephalic, cleidocephalic, and trapezius muscle ipsilateral to the tumor was also observed. These clinical signs and imaging findings are consistent with those typically observed in peripheral nerve sheath tumors originating from cranial nerves IX, X, and XI. Discussion: The presumptive diagnosis of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor originating cranial nerves IX, X, and XI was supported by four key findings: characteristic morphology and location of the mass, its signal intensity on MRI, neurogenic muscle atrophy, and clinical signs consistent with jugular foramen syndrome. The tubular shape reflected the endoneurial longitudinal spread of peripheral nerve sheath tumors, with smooth widening of the jugular foramen and extension through the tympano-occipital fissure along the expected anatomical pathway of these nerves. On MRI, the lesion was isointense to hypointense on T1W, hyperintense on T2W and FLAIR, and showed peripheral rim enhancement, suggestive of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Marked neurogenic atrophy of cervical and shoulder muscles innervated by XI cranial nerve were more readily appreciated on CT than MRI, because field of view on MRI is limited. Clinically, chronic vomiting was presumed to be associated with dysfunction of cranial nerves IX and X, while muscle atrophy strongly suggested cranial nerve XI involvement. These findings are consistent with jugular foramen syndrome, in which lesions around the jugular foramen cause concurrent deficits in cranial nerves IX, X, and XI. In this dog, head tilt and abnormal gait were likely due to both direct neurologic injury and secondary neurogenic muscle atrophy. Although histopathological confirmation and laryngeal examination were not performed, the combination of imaging findings and compatible neurological signs strongly supported a presumptive diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumors. When histological confirmation is not feasible, combined MRI and CT are valuable for assessing anatomical relationships and imaging features to support the presumption of tumor’s origin. Keywords: peripheral nerve sheath tumor, PNST, jugular foramen syndrome, JFS, CT, MRI.
Background: Flexural deformity is a condition often caused by the contracture of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and/or deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), which can affect the carpal, metacarpophalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints, significantly interfering with locomotion and normal development in affected calves. Several factors are associated with this condition, which can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Diagnosis is made through clinical and radiographic examination. Treatment may vary between conservative and surgical approaches, depending on the severity of the deformity. Calves with severe deformities may not respond to treatment and often require euthanasia. This article aims to report the surgical treatment of bilateral metacarpophalangeal flexural deformity in a calf. Case: A 9-day-old male mixed-breed calf was admitted to the Large Animal Sector of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Paranaense University (UNIPAR) in Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil, presenting bilateral flexural deformity in the thoracic limbs. Clinical examination revealed non-reducible bilateral hyperflexion of the metacarpophalangeal joint, with dorsal weight-bearing sores. Radiographic examination confirmed metacarpophalangeal hyperflexion with no underlying bone abnormalities, leading to a diagnosis of flexural deformity. The initial therapeutic approach involved tenotomy of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons. Additionally, the interosseous muscle tendon, distal ligaments of the accessory digits (II and V), flexor tendons of digits III and IV, and the flexor manica were transected. Metacarpophalangeal arthrotomy was also performed. Robert Jones bandages were applied to both limbs to protect and support the joints, preventing cranial displacement and metacarpophalangeal flexion immediately after cast removal. After seven days, the immobilization and sutures were removed, with significant improvement in the metacarpophalangeal joint angle. Discussion: Flexural deformity is a common orthopedic condition in cattle and horses, particularly in young animals, characterized by the inability to fully extend limb joints due to shortening or contraction of flexor tendons, suspensory apparatus, ligaments, or joint capsules. The etiology is variable, including prenatal and postnatal factors, genetic predisposition, intrauterine conditions (e.g., space restriction), and nutritional imbalances. In severe cases, surgical treatment is recommended, and the removal of all anatomical restrictions is crucial. If tenotomy alone does not restore full extension, arthrotomy may be necessary. In this case, arthrotomy combined with synthetic cast immobilization and a Robert Jones bandage ensured limb extension, contributing to a positive outcome. Despite its invasiveness, this technique should be considered even in early-stage cases, as chronicity may lead to irreversible dorsal limb lesions due to abnormal weight-bearing, which can compromise the skin, tendons, joint capsule, and articulation. Novel surgical approaches are crucial for challenging cases where conventional methods fail. Here, arthrotomy with distal limb immobilization effectively resolved severe congenital flexural deformity, ensuring full recovery. The success of this case suggests early surgical intervention with anatomical release may prevent degenerative changes and improve long-term outcomes. Keywords: arthrotomy, tenotomy, locomotion, cattle, SDFT, DDFT, tendons.
Background: Bovine anaplasmosis is a hemolytic disease caused by Anaplasma marginale, which is transmitted mainly by ticks and less frequently by hematophagous insects or contaminated fomites. Although adult cattle are most affected, neonatal infections may occur when transplacental dissemination occurs during late gestation. Congenital anaplasmosis is rarely reported in South America and may be overlooked because its clinical presentation overlaps with that of other neonatal icteric syndromes. This case report describes the clinical, pathological, and cytological features of congenital anaplasmosis in a newborn calf from southern Brazil.Case: A 2-day-old Jersey calf with marked jaundice, lethargy, and weakness since birth was submitted for necropsy examination. According to the owner, 2 other calves had died between 1 and 2 days of life with similar signs of illness. Gross examination revealed generalized icterus involving the mucosa, subcutaneous tissue, and serous membranes, splenomegaly with red pulp protrusion, and a friable, brick-colored liver. Tissue samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and processed routinely for histology, and liver and spleen imprints were stained using a rapid panoptic stain. Microscopically,the liver exhibited multifocal centrilobular necrosis with mild mononuclear infiltrates, the spleen showed congestion and architectural disruption, and the kidneys presented tubular necrosis with mild inflammatory infiltrates. Cytological preparations of the liver and spleen demonstrated basophilic marginal inclusions within erythrocytes, which is consistent with A. marginale. The absence of tick exposure, controlled peripartum management, and immediate onset of clinical signs strongly suggest congenital transmission.Discussion: The gross and microscopic findings were characteristic of acute hemolytic disease and aligned with those reported for neonatal anaplasmosis. Centrilobular hepatic necrosis likely resulted from hypoxia secondary to severe hemolysis, while renal tubular injury may have been caused by hypoxia or pigment-induced nephrotoxicity due to bilirubin and free hemoglobin accumulation. Splenic congestion and architectural loss reflected the intense phagocytic response associated with erythrocyte destruction, a hallmark of the acute phase of A. marginale infection in cattle. Differential diagnoses, such as leptospirosis, septicemia, and neonatal isoerythrolysis, were ruled out based on histopathology and the detection of A. marginale inclusions within erythrocytes in organ imprints. Although congenital transmission is uncommon, it has been documented when maternal infection occurs in late gestation, a period marked by increased placental permeability and heightened susceptibility of the fetus to intrauterine pathogens. The absence of tick exposure, controlled neonatal environment, and immediate onset of clinical signs strongly support vertical transmission in this case. These findings underscore the need to consider congenital anaplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of neonatal jaundice and weakness, especially in endemic regions where adult cattle frequently serve as reservoirs of the disease. Moreover, this case highlights the importance of targeted preventive strategies in pregnant cows, including vector control and monitoring of subclinical infections. From an epidemiological perspective, documenting congenital infection expands our understanding of Anaplasma marginale transmission dynamics and illustrates an alternative route that may influence neonatal morbidity in endemic herds. The results also emphasize the diagnostic value of cytological examination and histopathology in identifying acute infections when molecular testing is unavailable.Keywords: Anaplasma marginale, cattle, neonatal jaundice, transplacental transmission
Background: Wide complex tachycardias (WCTs) in dogs pose a significant diagnostic and clinical challenge in veterinary cardiology, often carrying a high risk of syncope, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. Accurate differentiation between ventricular tachycardias (VTs) and supraventricular tachycardias with aberrancy (SVT-A) is crucial for guiding therapeutic decisions. However, this distinction is frequently obscured by similar electrocardiographic morphologies and inherent electrophysiological complexity. While specific diagnostic algorithms have been developed for both human (e.g., D12V16) and veterinary medicine to improve diagnostic accuracy, their comparative performance and potential for hybrid optimization in canine patients remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of 2 established electrocardiographic algorithms - D12V16 (human-derived) and Santilli (veterinary-derived) - and a novel hybrid model, for differentiating WCTs in dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: This retrospective observational study analyzed 25 twelve-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) from client-owned dogs with sustained WCTs, collected between 2023 and 2024 at NUDIVE / UFPI. A gold standard diagnosis of VT (n = 14) or SVT-A (n = 11) was established by consensus of 3 experienced veterinary cardiologists, who were blinded to the algorithm results. Each algorithm (D12V16, adapted Santilli, and the hybrid model) was applied in a strictly binary format. Diagnostic performance was assessed using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), F1-Score, F1-Macro, and Cohen’s Kappa coefficient, with calculations performed using Python. The D12V16 algorithm demonstrated superior overall performance, achieving 92% accuracy, 100% sensitivity for VT (0 false negatives), 81.82% specificity for SVT-A, and a Kappa coefficient of 0.8261, indicating "Almost Perfect" agreement. The adapted Santilli algorithm showed 72% accuracy, 71.43% sensitivity for VT (4 false negatives), 72.73% specificity for SVT-A, and a Kappa of 0.4400 ("Moderate" agreement). The hybrid model exhibited intermediate performance with 84% accuracy and 100% sensitivity for VT (0 false negatives), but a reduced specificity of 63.64% for SVT-A (4 false positives), and a Kappa of 0.6409 ("Substantial" agreement). Discussion: The D12V16 algorithm proved highly effective for WCT differentiation in dogs, with its 100% VT sensitivity being a critical advantage in acute clinical settings. While the hybrid model showed promise, its lower specificity (higher false positive rate for SVT-A) limits its immediate clinical utility compared to D12V16. These findings advocate for the translational application and validation of human-based algorithms in veterinary cardiology. Future studies with larger canine cohorts and advanced computational approaches, including artificial intelligence, are warranted to further refine WCT diagnostic accuracy in dogs. Keywords: arrhythmia, electrocardiography, dog, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia.
Background: Meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin (MUO) is an immune-mediated, noninfectious inflammatory disease of the canine central nervous system (CNS). Despite its clinical importance, diagnosis remains presumptive, as definitive confirmation requires histopathology. Therefore, reliable biomarkers are required to improve diagnostic accuracy. Astrocytic S100B, which contributes to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, may serve as a potential biomarker for MUO. This study aimed to evaluate S100B in dogs with MUO compared to healthy controls (HC) and those with idiopathic epilepsy (IE). Materials, Methods & Results: This study included 43 client-owned dogs: 16 with MUO, 13 with IE, and 14 HC based on clinical records, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Blood and CSF samples were collected on the day of MRI and S100B concentrations were measured. Nonparametric and inferential statistical analyses were performed. CSF and serum S100B levels were significantly higher in dogs with MUO than in HC or IE. S100B levels were not significant between HC and IE groups in either CSF or serum. A significant correlation was found between S100B levels in CSF and serum. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for MUO versus control indicated that a CSF S100B cutoff of 699.11 pg/mL yielded 85.7% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity, whereas 835.82 pg/mL provided 71.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity. For serum S100B, a cutoff of 782.39 pg/mL showed 100% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity, whereas 977.06 pg/mL had 85.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Discussion: Both CSF and serum S100B concentrations were significantly elevated in dogs with MUO compared with healthy and epileptic controls, supporting the involvement of S100B in the neuroinflammatory pathogenesis of the disease. This finding aligns with previous evidence from human neuroinflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis, suggesting a conserved mechanism of astrocytic activation and S100B overexpression during central nervous system inflammation. The strong correlation between CSF and serum S100B levels further demonstrates that peripheral S100B reflects intracranial pathology and blood-brain barrier disruption, providing a feasible and minimally invasive diagnostic approach. These results indicate that measuring S100B could improve diagnostic confidence when magnetic resonance imaging or cerebrospinal fluid analysis yields inconclusive results, reducing reliance on invasive procedures. Moreover, the availability of a serum-based assay may enhance its translational potential and feasibility within veterinary diagnostic applications. In addition, the absence of elevated S100B in idiopathic epilepsy emphasizes its diagnostic specificity for inflammatory rather than non-inflammatory neurological disorders, reinforcing its potential utility in differentiating neuroinflammation from seizure disorders without structural lesions. Although the study was limited by small sample size and the lack of other structural CNS disease controls, the consistent increase in both serum and CSF S100B provides compelling evidence that this astrocytic protein represents a promising diagnostic and possibly therapeutic biomarker for MUO. Future large-scale investigations incorporating disease severity, treatment monitoring, and other CNS pathologies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability and explore the benefits of targeting S100B-mediated neuroinflammatory pathways. Keywords: cerebrospinal fluid, dog, idiopathic epilepsy, meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin, S100B.
Background: O carcinoma urotelial é uma neoplasia epitelial maligna, que pode afetar a vesícula urinária de animais domésticos. As neoplasias de vesícula representam 2% de casuística na espécie canina em relação a todas as neoplasias malignas que acometem essa espécie. Sinais clínicos mais comuns incluem hematúria, disúria, polaciúria e cistite. A doença tem maior prevalência em cães idosos, com controvérsia quanto à predisposição por sexo. A neoplasia geralmente se origina no trígono vesical, com possíveis metástases. Os fatores predisponentes para o desenvolvimento desta afecção incluem retenção de urina e a exposição prolongada do epitélio a carcinógenos. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de carcinoma urotelial papilar invasivo em uma cadela. Case: Uma canina, fêmea, 15 anos, sem raça definida chegou para consulta com sinais de hematúria há 15 dias. O animal apresentou este mesmo quadro há cerca de um ano antecedente e foi tratada com antimicrobiano e anti-inflamatório. A tutora repetiu o tratamento, mas a hematúria não cessou. Foi solicitado exame ultrassonográfico abdominal total, onde foi vizualizada uma massa hiperecogênica em vesícula urinária, heterogênea no lúmen vesical, aparentemente aderida a parede, com vascularização, compatível com neoplasia. Foi realizado exame citológico, onde o diagnóstico foi sugestivo de carcinoma de células de transição, sendo necessário exame histopatológico para estabelecimento do diagnóstico definitivo. Iniciou-se tratamento medicamentoso, mas a paciente piorou, optando-se pela eutanásia. No exame necroscópico, em vesícula urinária, havia uma massa focalmente extensa, de coloração brancacenta a avermelhada, de superfície irregular, macia ao corte, medindo aproximadamente 5,0cm no seu maior eixo. A parede da vesícula urinária estava acentuadamente espessa, exibindo massa com superfície bocelada e brancacenta. Os rins apresentavam assimetria, com superfície irregular. O fígado apresentava moderada evidenciação do padrão lobular. Na cavidade torácica, o coração apresentava-se discretamente globoso. No pulmão, havia nódulos exofíticos, multifocais e arredondados. Microscopicamente, na vesícula urinária, havia proliferação neoplásica pouco delimitada de células uroteliais dispostas em papilas com múltiplas camadas com infiltração a submucosa e musculatura. As estruturas neoplásicas estavam ancoradas por discretos feixes fibrosos. Discussion: O diagnóstico de carcinoma urotelial papilar invasivo foi estabelecido com base nos sinais clínicos, achados macroscópicos e histológicos. A canina deste caso tinha 15 anos de idade, e segundo a literatura, animais idosos são os mais acometidos. Sobre a predisposição racial, cães West Highland White Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog e Beagle têm maiores riscos, porém a canina relatada, não apresentava raça definida. O carcinoma urotelial pode se localizar em qualquer lugar da pelve renal e uretra, tendo a vesícula urinária como o local mais acometido, geralmente iniciando-se na região de trígono vesical. Neste relato, a neoplasia acometeu diretamente a parede da vesícula. Embora seja uma neoplasia incomum em cães, é importante levar em consideração em animais idosos com sinais de hematúria, disúria, cistite e afecções em geral no trato urinário inferior, principalmente quando recorrentes. Os exames de imagem são uma ótima ferramenta de triagem, porém, o diagnóstico definitivo é elucidado pelo exame histopatológico. A maioria dos casos apresenta malignidade alta, não restando muitas opções de terapia efetiva, tornando o prognóstico ruim. São necessários novos estudos quanto à etiologia, para que métodos de prevenção possam ser empregados com mais assertividade e para que o diagnóstico seja feito precocemente, melhorando assim o prognóstico dos pacientes.
Background: In ruminants, metacarpal and metatarsal fractures are more frequent in young animals, typically due to trauma during dystocia management, improper handling, or maternal trampling. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, and radiographic examination. In most cases, initial assessment consists of determining the location and type of fracture and the cost of treatment. This study reports the case of a complete transverse fracture in the distal third of the diaphysis of the third metatarsal bone of a bovine, with treatment consisting of osteosynthesis using a locking plate and screws. Case: A three-day-old female Nelore cattle, weighing 30 kg, presented with functional impotence of the right pelvic limb stemming from being trampled by its mother. X-ray examination revealed a complete transverse fracture of the distal third of the diaphysis of the third metatarsal bone. The calf underwent an osteosynthesis procedure with internal fixation using a 3.5-mm locking plate and five screws, extending from the proximal to the distal region of the metatarsal. After internal fixation, bone positioning and joint motion range were evaluated and found to be within normal limits. In the post-operative period, the calf received meloxicam1 (Maxicam 2%®️ at a dose of 0.1mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 24 hours for three days), dipyrone monohydrate2 (Dipirona Ibasa 50%®️, 25mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 24 hours for five days), tramadol hydrochloride3 (Cronidor 2%®️, 2mg/kg, intramuscularly, every twelve hours for three days), and ceftiofur sodium4 (Cef50®️, 1mg/kg, intramuscularly, every 24 hours for seven days). The limb was externally immobilized for 15 days, changed every five days. X-rays were taken immediately and 30 days after surgery to assess the apposition, alignment, apparatuses, and biological activity of the healed area. The implant was removed 86 days after surgery due to both good bone healing of the fragments and the absence of a fracture line. Discussion: There is a high prevalence of metacarpal and metatarsal bone fractures in cattle due to the lack of protective soft tissue and vulnerability to external trauma. Their occurrence is often associated with inadequate handling practices, dystocia, or accidents such as maternal trampling. Fractures are identified by clinical signs such as swelling, pain, lameness, crepitus, and limb impotence. Imaging tests are essential to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment, which depends on factors such as fracture type and extent, soft tissue damage, and economic viability. The choice of treatment methods varies between confinement, external coaptation, and external or internal fixation. In the present case, the use of a locking plate and screws was chosen due to the weight of the calf, which was similar to that of a large dog. This approach presents advantages essential for proper fracture healing, such as lower tissue damage, preservation of periosteal irrigation, and bone stability. The combination of internal fixation and external immobilization using synthetic plaster was strategic, ensuring stability and facilitating walking during the recovery period. The report emphasizes the importance of an individualized choice of treatment, considering not only the surgical technique but also post-operative monitoring and environmental management to prevent complications. The case illustrates the effectiveness of using a locking plate in specific situations, highlighting the progress achieved in fracture management in cattle.
Background: Topical anti-inflammatory medication is the 1st choice to treat anterior uveitis, considered one of the most common eye disease in dogs. The inflammatory process must be controlled because when exacerbated it may cause pain, glaucoma, retinal degeneration and blindness. Among the topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in veterinary medicine, flurbiprofen and ketorolac tromethamine are highlighted. Flurbiprofen and ketorolac are important to treat uveitis, but ketorolac has not been widely studied in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine versus 0.03% flurbiprofen in the dog’s eye submitted to experimental uveitis. Materials, Methods and Results: The study was a crossover, descriptive and randomized clinical trial. Ten healthy adult (4 ± 3 years old) mongrel dogs (4 neutered male and 6 spayed female) were used and each dog received a double procedure (on the right and left eyes), using 2 different treatments, performed in a blind fashion. It was administrated 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine and 0.03% flurbiprofen, respectively, on the right and left eyes. Paracentesis of the anterior chamber was performed to induce uveitis on the right eye. An aliquot of 0.2 mL of the AH was collected at M0 and after 30 min (M1). At this time, one ketorolac drop was instilled, and another aliquot of 0.3 mL of the AH was collected 30 min later (M2). Five days later (washout), the same procedure was carried out on the left eye, followed by treatment with flurbiprofen. Aqueous humor samples were collected to measure the PGE2 concentration by competitive enzyme immunoassay, and to quantify ketorolac or flurbiprofen by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Ophthalmic examination and Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurement using Goldmann tonometer were performed 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h after M2. All animals were treated with ketorolac and flurbiprofen eye drops (right and left eye respectively), 4 times daily up to 60 h. IOP was not significantly different from the baseline values. Mean levels of PGE2 decreased in both treated eyes without significant difference. HPLC showed that the concentration of flurbiprofen and ketorolac were also not significantly different. Discussion: It is believed that IOP measurements of both treated eyes were not different from the basal values because the measurement was performed 8 h after the last paracentesis, when the treatments had already started. The time elapsed associated with the anti-inflammatory effect of both eye drops, therefore, may have been sufficient to restore the pressure after paracentesis and rupture of the blood-aqueous barrier. PGE2 level in the AH has been used to evaluate the effectiveness of anterior uveitis treatments. PGE2 decreases in the present study confirm that flurbiprofen and ketorolac were effective to control the inflammatory process induced by paracentesis. The anti-inflammatory effect of ketorolac tromethamine was probably attributed to satisfactory penetration in the anterior chamber. The results indicated that 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine had penetration and detectable concentrations in AH of dogs. Topically applied 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine was as effective as flurbiprofen to control ocular inflammation. Further studies are needed to consolidate the information on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this drug in dogs. Keywords: topical anti-inflammatory drug, Blood-aqueous barrier, Aqueous humor, eye.
