Traumatic accidents in wild birds are a common reason for admission into veterinary care. Serum clinical biochemistry can offer important information for diagnosis, as it surpasses obstacles such as hidden injuries and the birds’ tendency to hide behavioural clinical signs. The objective of this report was to describe the serum biochemical profile of a Buteogallus meridionalis admitted to emergency care after sustaining trauma. Blood samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days of treatment and analyzed for alkaline phosphatase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, and urea. Results were compared with reference values found in the literature. Marked alterations in serum activity were observed in aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma‐glutamyl transferase levels. While mainly reflecting on potential musculoskeletal involvement and localized hepatobiliary inflammatory responses, this case highlights both the potential and limitations of serum biochemistry as a tool to clinically assess wild birds that suffered trauma from collision, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify the pathological relevance of certain analytes.
Stricture in the gastrointestinal tract can occur congenitally or be acquired following the administration of medication, or caused by gastroesophageal reflux, foreign bodies, or resections that require enteroanastomosis. Rectal stricture is specifically described as rare in dogs and may be related to surgeries in the final portion of the gastrointestinal tract, such as corrections of diverticula or neoplasms, or a result of adhesions in the reproductive or urinary systems. The most common treatment for this type of lesion, albeit not standardized, is the endoscopic balloon dilation with or without intralesional administration of corticosteroids. The purpose of this study is to describe the success of an alternative treatment for a case of acquired rectal stricture secondary to surgical resection for the treatment of an intestinal diverticulum located in the rectum. The use of the tracheotube via the rectum has been shown to be a low‐cost, easy‐to‐perform and effective technique in solving acquired rectal stenosis after surgical resection of a rectal diverticulum associated with a perineal hernia.
Ornamental plants are not part of a dog’s diet, and even those not usually consumed, such as Euphorbia milii, can be accidentally ingested, which can be dangerous when inducing mild to severe poisoning and even death. Pets ingest these plants because of stress, discomfort, and pain. This study aimed to describe the clinical, epidemiological, and pathological aspects of intoxication by E. milii, an ornamental plant known as the “crown of Christ” in a domestic dog and warn owners about possible accidents with ornamental plants. A 9‐year‐old Yorkshire bitch was taken to a veterinary clinic after ingesting large quantities of the plant. The animal presented with hematemesis, hematochezia, hyperthermia, mydriasis, motor incoordination, mental confusion, and agitation and died during treatment for poisoning. At necropsy, cyanosis, congestion of the mucous membranes, petechiae, and suffusions were observed in various organs, particularly in areas perforated by the plant’s thorns. The stomach was very dilated and full of still‐green leaves, as well as thorns. Histopathology showed a congestive and hemorrhagic state in various organs, erythrocyte aggregation, vacuolization, and necrosis of renal tubular cells.
The objective was to verify the occurrence of fungal contamination in Colossoma macropomum from crops in the Maranhão Island. For this, 40 specimens of C. macropomum (tambaquis) were evaluated, between males and females, in the fattening phase, from four fish farms. In a laboratory environment, muscle fragments were removed followed by the enumeration and identification of filamentous fungi (macroscopic morphology, colonial characteristics and microscopic morphology). In the enumeration, filamentous fungi were found in 67.5% (n= 27/40) of the specimens evaluated, with fungal populations ranging from 1.0 x 101 to 4.52 x 104 CFU/gram. Through microscopic morphology, associated with the macroscopic one, the genera Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Paecylomeces sp. and Rhizopus sp. With the identification keys used, two species of Aspergillus were identified, A. niger and A. terreus. The last species with mycotoxigenic potential. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that the specimens of C. macropomum analyzed showed high fungal contamination, with the identification of two potentially mycotoxigenic genera. Fish, as they constitute a nutritionally rich type of fish, endowed with intrinsic characteristics that favor their deterioration, added to the conditions in the sampled fish farms favorable to the survival and multiplication of fungi, require more effective control and inspection, which permeate the storage of the rations offered in the creations. All these precautions are aimed at eliminating the possibility of the occurrence of toxin-producing fungi, which can compromise the quality of this product of animal origin, impacting production and with inherent risks to the health of consumers.
Mammary tumors are the most prevalent neoplasms in female dogs, representing a significant clinical issue. Ki‐67 is the most studied biomarker for tumor proliferation and is related to the patient’s prognosis in many tumor types. This study aimed to determine the most efficient cutoff point of the immunohistochemical marker Ki‐67 to establish the prognosis of female dogs with simple mammary papillary and tubular carcinomas. Additionally, to compare their expressions in different clinicopathological situations. Mammary tissue samples were divided into three experimental groups: G1 (simple adenomas, n = 19), G2 (simple carcinomas without metastasis, n = 43), and G3 (simple carcinomas with metastasis in lymph nodes, n = 8). The samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry using the MIB‐1 antibody (Dako®) to compare Ki‐67 expression, histological subtypes, and clinicopathological variables. Subsequently, different Ki‐67 cutoff points were analyzed in regard to overall patient survival. Simple carcinomas showed more intense Ki‐67 labeling than simple adenomas (P<0.05). Ki‐67 expression below 24% did not correlate with overall survival. However, an expression level of 27% (p = 0.0048) and 33% (p = 0.0025) significantly correlated with a shorter overall survival time, and 100% of the dogs with a Ki‐67 expression greater than 33% were deceased at the end of the follow‐up period. Higher percentages of Ki‐67 labeling were observed in high‐grade tumors, those larger than 3 centimeters and with a high mitotic index. Therefore, a Ki‐67 above 27% can be used to indicate the prognosis and help in therapeutic decision‐making in female dogs with simple mammary carcinomas.
Sporotrichosis, an expanding zoonosis in Brazil, is caused by the yeast fungus Sporothrix spp., with cats serving as the primary carriers of the disease due to their habits that can contribute to the pathogen's spread. The disease can manifest subclinically or as local and multifocal skin lesions, with multiple lesions involving mucous membranes being more frequent. Treatment is often prolonged, challenging, and requires special care. The objective was to report the case of a 1‐year‐old female cat diagnosed with sporotrichosis refractory to conventional treatment. The patient was referred for integrative treatment with laser therapy after five months of treatment with itraconazole associated with potassium iodide with successive dose increases and without satisfactory therapeutic response. Six sessions of laser therapy were performed with weekly application of 1J continuous red for 10 seconds in four points of the wound edges and a central point for remission of the lesion, maintaining the drug treatment for another month after the end of the sessions. The patient had no relapses during the subsequent three months of follow‐up. Thus, laser therapy has proven to be an effective and promising therapeutic approach for treating sporotrichosis in felines, especially in cases that do not respond adequately to conventional treatment. The combination of different therapeutic modalities can improve the clinical outcomes and quality of life of affected animals, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches in managing this zoonosis.
The blood supply to the brain has unique and highly relevant characteristics, which are associated with the sensitivity, specialty and importance of the nervous tissue. Among these characteristics, the presence of an arterial circuit located at the base of the brain stands out. This circuit has modifications in relation to the different groups of vertebrates. According to the morphological model, it can be classified into three types (type I, type II, and type III) and according to the phylogenetic model, it can be classified into three stages (initial, intermediate, and final). When analyzing a sample group of 11 adult animals of the species Bradypus variegatus, it was found that the irrigation of the brain of this mammal is supplied by the carotid system, rostrally, and vertebrobasilar system, caudally. It is classified as type II, according to the morphological classification, and intermediate, in relation to the phylogenetic development model.
Veterinary medicine is constantly looking for alternatives capable of helping to resolve animal diseases, especially when conventional treatments are ineffective or adverse effects and microbial resistance occur. The objective of this work was to verify the main treatment prescriptions using medicinal ozone in the small animal clinic, as well as the professional profile who prescribe it. Veterinarians from Brazil responded to the electronic questionnaire. Among the 213 survey participants, 98.1% claimed to use at least one integrative therapy in clinical practice. Among these, 72.0% claimed to apply or recommend ozone therapy. Regarding the results of ozone therapy, 90.0% reported good or excellent results. The main diseases treated were healing of open wounds (91.1%), dermatitis (63.7%), asepsis of contaminated wounds (46.6%) and post‐surgical healing (49.7%). Among all participants who use or recommend ozone therapy, 31.5% reported having already indicated therapy in cases of resistance to antibacterials; among these, 73.9% said they had good or excellent results. It was found that female professionals use a greater number of integrative therapies than men. In addition, the older the professionals, and the longer they work, the longer they use ozone therapy. It is concluded that ozone therapy has significant expansion potential and requires scientific evidence for effective and safe clinical application.
In bovine clinical practice, published data on neoplasms remain infrequent in the Brazilian literature. Describing the particularities of each pathology is essential, as it provides a foundation for comparing the different types of tumours that occur in cattle. Thus, the objective of this study was to report a clinical case of sebaceous carcinoma in a bovine, representing the first documented case involving the vulvar region in cattle in Brazil. A three‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old female Gir crossbred cow presented with an extensive lesion on the ventral portion of the vulva. The lesion was ulcerated, reddish, firm in consistency, hyperaemic, and exhibited a serosanguineous discharge. Following initial management, a treatment protocol consisting of ceftiofur and flunixin meglumine was instituted, aiming to reduce inflammation and improve the characteristics of the lesion. After completion of the initial treatment, the lesion was surgically excised with a minimum margin of 5 cm around its entire perimeter. Complete healing of the surgical wound was observed 25 days post‐operation. Histopathological analysis of the excised tissue revealed features consistent with sebaceous adenocarcinoma. Sebaceous tumours represent a rare group of skin neoplasms, whose classification encompasses a spectrum of lesions ranging from benign to malignant, as well as other neoplasms exhibiting sebaceous differentiation.
Uroperitoneum is the accumulation of urine in the abdominal cavity resulting from a defect in any part of the urinary tract, which generally affects male foals. This study aimed to report a case of uroperitoneum in a five‐day‐old Quarter Horse filly referred to a clinic specializing in horses, located in Lagoa Seca ‐ PB, with suspected colic. The diagnosis was based on clinical signs, transabdominal ultrasound and abdominocentesis with fluorescein injection via the urethra. Subsequently, the animal underwent exploratory laparotomy and cystorrhaphy, with subsequent clinical, hematological, and biochemical monitoring during the post‐surgical protocol. After 28 days the surgical wound had healed, serum levels and clinical status were ideal, and the animal was discharged. Rapid referral together with early clinical‐surgical intervention was crucial to reduce the complications of this disease in the patient because, when left untreated, cases of uroperitoneum can lead to severe metabolic and electrolyte disorders, peritonitis, sepsis, and death.
Contagious agalactia, caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae, is an endemic disease in dairy goats in Northeastern Brazil, with significant health and economic implications. This case report describes a congenital transmission of M. agalactiae in newborns from a dairy goat herd affected by a clinical outbreak in Feira Nova, Pernambuco. Following the introduction of a symptomatic buck, rapid dissemination of the disease was observed, characterized by decreased milk production, mastitis, arthritis, and conjunctivitis. Three newborn kids, born to symptomatic does, exhibited polyarthritis at birth without any clinical or pathological evidence of umbilical infection or postnatal exposure. Molecular testing (PCR) confirmed the presence of M. agalactiae in synovial fluid. Necropsies revealed joint degeneration with accumulation of orange serofibrinous fluid and fibrin deposition in the coxofemoral, atlanto‐occipital, carpal, and tarsal joints. Serological tests for small ruminant lentiviruses were negative. These findings support the hypothesis of early intrauterine infection and highlight the role of vertical transmission as a complementary route in the epidemiology of caprine mycoplasmosis. The report underscores the importance of early laboratory diagnosis and strict sanitary control, particularly regarding introducing animals into herds and monitoring pregnant goats.
Laboratory tests are conducted in three phases: pre‐analytical, analytical, and post‐analytical. The pre‐ analytical phase has a high incidence of errors that can affect laboratory test results and interpretation. Therefore, continuing education in clinical analysis is crucial to reducing or, ideally, eliminating pre‐analytical errors. This study aimed to validate, with the help of experts, the content (stage 1), appearance (stage 2), and semantics (stage 3) of na educational technology (ET), in the form of a manual, for veterinary clinical pathologists. In stages 1 and 3, a Likert‐type scale was applied to calculate the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Semantic Validity Index (SVI), with a minimum validity threshold of 80%. For stage 2, the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) form was used, with a minimum acceptability score of 40%. Content validity yielded an overall CVI of 90%, while appearance assessment reached 89% acceptability; both was approved in the first assessment round. After incorporating expert recommendations, the manual underwent semantic validity, reaching an SVI of 99% with the target audience. The manual was validated and deemed suitable for use in professional education initiatives in clinical analysis and in routine veterinary practice. The ET was registered with the National Library, and is available on the eduCAPES Repository. The validity process is essential to provide high‐quality educational technologies to promote continuing education, improve veterinary care, enhance laboratory test results, and consequently, animal health.
Seabirds are one of the most endangered groups of birds in the world, and identifying aggression factors and injuries is complex and often impractical. The aim of this study was to describe lesions found at necropsy in free‐ living seabirds that were stranded and dead on the beaches of the north coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the 17 months of the study, 154 birds were necropsied, with an average of 9 per month. The birds belonged to four orders, and trauma was the most common injury. Injuries to the glenohumeral joint occurred in 16.9% of cases, with a predominance of dislocations. Garbage was found in the stomachs of six birds. Seabirds are constantly exposed to aggressive factors, one of the main ones being human interaction. As a result, the death of free‐living seabirds in the Lagos region is common, frequent, and constant throughout the year, occurring more frequently on the beaches of Armação de Búzios. The main injuries found at necropsy are single or multiple fractures and joint injuries such as dislocation, laceration, and rupture of tendons and ligaments. Cachexia, pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, and ingestion of garbage occur less frequently but also occur continuously. The negative influence of man‐made environmental changes is one of the main causes of death and is a worldwide concern for the preservation of these animals.
The commercialization of clandestine honey poses risks of adulteration, collection failure, and problems in production, packaging, storage, handling, and transportation, making it unsafe for consumption. The objective of this study was to analyze the physicochemical and microbiological properties of honey marketed in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. Ten duplicate samples were collected from street and municipal markets. Labeling standards and physicochemical parameters (moisture, ash and minerals, soluble solids, acidity, and pH) were evaluated using the Fiehe, Lund, and Lugol tests. Microbiological tests included detection of total and thermotolerant coliforms at 35oC and 45oC and mold and yeast counts (CFU/g). Only 50% of the samples had a moisture content within the established limit of 20%. All samples complied with the current standards for ash and mineral contents. The soluble solids had an average value of 76.5°Brix. In contrast, 70% of the samples exceeded the allowed limits of acidity, with an average pH of 2.43. Fiehe, Lund, and Lugol tests detected adulteration in 100% of the samples. Total coliforms were present in 30% of the samples, whereas thermotolerant coliforms were absent. Mold and yeast were observed in 60% of the samples. These honeys do not meet the Brazilian quality standards for stingless bees and, in the absence of standards for stinging bees, pose health risks to consumers.
The aim of this report was to describe the diagnosis of uveal cysts in an elderly Shih‐Tzu bitch presenting with ocular hypertension that was difficult to control clinically. Uveal cysts can be observed in animals of diferente species, and their occurrence often goes unnoticed, as they usually do not affect vision. However, in specific cases, they may impair vision by causing ocular opacities and pigmentations, obstructing the visual axis, or interfering with aqueous humor dynamics, leading to glaucoma. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management are essential to prevent visual complications.
The Wagyu breed is renowned for its exceptionally high marbling rate and abundant carcass fat content. Understanding the genetics of beef cattle relies heavily on comprehending the biological pathways regulating skeletal muscle development. Muscle development and lipid metabolism are crucial elements of biological regulation, particularly in beef cattle. Variation in relevant genes and the presence of desired genotypes play crucial roles in these processes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the genetic variation associated with skeletal muscle development and lipid metabolism in Wagyu cattle imported to Türkiye. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from 48 cattle using the phenol-chloroform isoamyl alcohol method. Genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP method, targeting a panel of genes, including OLR1, ANXA9, MYF5, IGF1, LGB, MYOD1, GHR, CAPN1, and LEP, recognized as strong candidates associated with beef yield and quality. Population genetic parameters, including heterozygosity (He), polymorphism information content (PIC), and effective allele number (Ne), were computed, and adherence to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was assessed. The ANXA9, IGF1, CAPN1, and LEP markers were in accordance with HWE (P>0.05). No animals were identified with OLR1-CC and CAPN1-CC genotypes. The CAPN1-GG allele exhibited the highest frequency in the population, calculated at 0.88. The LGB marker showed the highest heterozygosity (~0.50). To the best of our knowledge, this constitutes the inaugural genetic investigation conducted among Wagyu cattle reared in Türkiye. These findings provide valuable insights for studies on genetic diversity and breeding programs targeting the Wagyu breed.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of duplicity of the renal arteries in dogs and to morphologically describe double renal arteries. A total of 100 mongrel dogs, of both sexes and varied age and size, were used. Nineteen animals presented duplicity of the renal artery. In 78.95% of the cases, the left renal artery was double, in 15.79% the right renal artery was double, and in 5.26% both were double. The length of the cranial renal arteries ranged from 30 to 71 mm, and that of the caudal arteries from 31 to 74 mm. In 57.9% of the dogs, the cranial renal arteries were thicker than the caudal; in 21.05%, the caudal was thicker; and in 21.05%, both had the same diameter. The distance between the aortic hiatus and the first renal artery varied from 48 to 132 mm. The distance between the cranial mesenteric artery and the cranial renal artery ranged from 15 to 41 mm, and between the second renal artery and the testicular/ovarian arteries from 15 to 62 mm. Duplication of the renal artery was observed in 19% of dogs, with unilateral left duplicity being the most frequent. The lengths of the double renal arteries and their distances in relation to neighboring vessels were variable among the animals, and in most of them, the cranial renal artery was thicker than the caudal artery.
Brachycephalic dogs have gained popularity worldwide in recent years; this preference is associated with the physiognomy of these animals, which resembles childlike features and has an important influence them being chosen as pets. However, selective breeding for extreme brachycephaly, as in the English bulldog, French bulldog and pug breeds, has given rise to a frequently occurring conformational respiratory disorder known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This is currently one of the most common anatomical disorders in small animals and has received increasing attention for its impact on animal welfare. It is still neglected, as some people consider it normal for brachycephalic breeds to snore, choke and manifest exercise intolerance. Although the most obvious clinical signs are related to breathing, BOAS can cause serious systemic consequences. Continuous respiratory effort in these dogs often results in increased intrathoracic pressure, leading to cardiovascular alterations such as pulmonary hypertension and cardiac overload. In addition, hypoxia can affect multiple organs, contributing to kidney, liver and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Early clinical and surgical management is essential to improve these animal’s quality of life and prevent the progression of respiratory and systemic signs. Raising awareness about the care of brachycephalic dogs is essential, both for owners and veterinarians, in order to minimize the impact of this syndrome. This literature review aims to provide a current overview of BOAS and its systemic repercussions in brachycephalic dogs.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the agility exercise on blood biochemical variables (lactate, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and cortisol hormone), physiological variables (heart rate, respiratory rate, surface temperature, and rectal temperature), and morphometric parameters (body weight, body condition score, and morphometry) of Border Collie agility dogs. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement consisting of two treatments and two exercise times. Morphometry was evaluated using a measuring tape graduated in centimeters. The exercise was assessed by collecting blood samples and physiological parameters. For both sexes, exercise induced a significant difference (P<0.05) in all physiological parameters. Regarding biochemical variables, there was an increase in lactate concentration, whereas glucose decreased (P<0.05). Cholesterol, triglycerides, and cortisol were not affected. Males showed larger dimensions than females (P<0.05) for the morphometric variables of height and limb circumferences. There were no significant differences in zoometric indices. The Border Collie dogs showed high capacity for exercise, as their conformation facilitates this type of agility activity without changes in the evaluated parameters.
Lipemia interferes with the measurement of analytes by spectrophotometry, the most common is lipemia postprandial. This study aimed to compare two methods of removing lipemia from the biochemical profiles of dogs. Sixteen dogs were used, and blood samples were collected at 2, 4, 6, and 12 hours after feeding (Experiment 1), and lipemic samples from 32 dogs with various clinical conditions (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, each sample was processed without treatment (control), with treatments by a lipemia removal reagent (LRR) and high-speed centrifugation (HSC). In Experiment 2, control and LRR were evaluated. In Experiment 1, all lipid profile results in the control group remained within the reference range. In Experiment 2, hypertriglyceridemia accompanied by elevated very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) levels was observed. Both methods effectively eliminated lipemia, with a greater reduction in triglyceride levels compared to cholesterol. In the LRR, the largest reduction in triglycerides occurred in the 12-hour samples (−76.24%), whereas in the HSC was observed in 4-hour (−33.5%). LRR treatment negatively interfered with gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatinine measurements, for which HSC was the better option. Both techniques effectively prevented the negative effect of lipemia on AST measurement at 4 hours. For alkaline phosphatase - ALP (Experiment 2), the LRR values were higher than the control's, indicating a negative interference. We conclude that lipemic samples must be treated with lipemia removal techniques, using the most appropriate method based on the specific requirements of each analysis.
