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Narcotic Detection Dogs (NDDs) are essential tools in the fight against drug trafficking, acting with high precision and improving efficiency at border posts. When trained efficiently, these dogs can detect a great variety of compounds, such as cocaine, marijuana and its derivatives, and synthetic drugs, among others. Most of the knowledge on canine detection processes and efficiency has been determined in experimentally controlled conditions, but narcotic seizures detected by dogs in realistic anti-drug operations have not yet been critically determined in a Country with continental dimensions such as Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the data set concerning the performance, operations, efficiency, and success rate of NDDs used by the Brazilian Customs Authority (Aduana) in the fight against drug trafficking. Narcotic seizure rates increased in luggage and packages detected by NDDs working at border crossings from 2010 to 2020, with an estimated value of over US$ 2 billion in losses to the cocaine drug trafficking business. NDD units also increased most narcotic groups seized in the same period. The number of NDDs and anti-drug operations, and Customs Border Post (CBP) influenced the rates of drugs seized. NDDs provided an increase of 3,157 kg/animal of drugs seized for every new dog introduced into the inspection systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After fatal traumatic injuries, three urbanized free-ranging marmosets developed a milky white or pink-white thoracic alkaline effusion with high specific gravity, triglyceride levels, and predominance of small lymphocytes. Chylothorax is an uncommon thoracic fluid accumulation in animals and humans and has not been reported in free-ranging non-human primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are one of the most common tumors of the tegument that can have a misdiagnosis of chronic skin wounds. An adult captive crowned solitary eagle presented an indolent wound-like ulcer on the footpad and a fatal outcome. An infiltrating tumoral mass in the foot and multiple tumoral metastatic nodules in visceral organs were detected. The neoplasm was composed of atypical squamous cells with strong positivity for cytokeratin, “keratin pearl” structures, and marked invasion of tissues confirming a diagnosis of metastatic SCC. This might be the first report of an SSC with metastasis on the footpad in a captive Chaco eagle, which is one of the endangered species of birds of prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular hamartomas (VH) are rare or simply underdiagnosed injuries in veterinary medicine and represent a non-neoplastic developmental anomaly disorganization and proliferation of endothelial tissue. VH occur in any region of the body, however in the brain present clinical relevance related with the potential for spontaneous bleeding, adjacent tissue compression and convulsive activity. The aim of these report is to describe clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical features of a case of cerebrovascular hamartoma and highlight the diagnosis of these rare brain disorder in dogs. Case: A 10-year-old male dog, a Campeiro Bulldog breed presented convulsions episodes and died before an elective surgical procedure for eyelid nodule removal. Three red nodules were observed in the brain, one between the parietal lobe and the left occipital lobe (in the medium suprasylviam sulcus), the other in the caudal region of the corpus callosum and the third one in the cerebellar cortex. Central nervous system, eyelids and most organs and tissues samples were collected, fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed for histopathological analysis. Histologically, in the eyelid was detected a sebaceous adenoma. The nervous system samples revealed well-differentiated sizes vascular structures with thin-walled and blood-filled, promoting compression of the brain. Normal neuropile was detected between the vascular structures substantiating cerebral vascular hamartoma diagnosis in the dog. Immunohistochemical assay was conducted with CD31 (monoclonal mouse antibody anti-CD31, Clone JC70A, Dako Corp.) and Von Willebrand factor (monoclonal mouse antibody anti-Von Willebrand factor, Clone F8/86, Dako Corp.) using the biotin-peroxidase-streptavidin method (PolyDetector Plus DAB-HRP, Bio SB) on CNS sections to confirm the vascular origin of the lining cells in the mass. Discussion: Hamartomas are rarely reported in domestic animals and mostly are of vascular origin. VH in nervous tissues can trigger clinical signs related to hemorrhage, brain space occupation, compression and obstructive secondary hydrocephalus. In general, cerebral VH have a slow progression and usually affected animals are asymptomatic. On the other hand, cerebral vascular hamartomas may also cause clinical signs in very young animals about 15 to 16 months old. In humans, clinical presentation of VH may be related with acquired lesions such as trauma, ionizing radiation, and other central nervous system injuries. In the present case, the dog presented convulsion episode only at 10 years old during prechirurgical procedures. The morphological features of the vascular hamartoma we observed in the Campeiro bulldog is classified as capillary teleangiectasia composed by well differentiated capillaries lined with well differentiated endothelial cells interspaced by normal neuronal tissue. Histopathological and immunohistochemical assay are extremely important to differentiate hamartoma from other tumors, since they may be macroscopically similar. The immunolabeling of endotelial cells by anti-CD31 and anti-Von Willebrand factor antibodies in the cerebral VH, highlight the vascular origin of the masses detected. However, it is also important to perform systematic gross examination of the brain in detail to detect even the smallest injuries in asymptomatic animals avoiding underdiagnoses of cerebral VH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zooantroponoses that affect pets are rare. Microorganisms involved in human tuberculosis has great importance to public health and has potentiality to produce reverse zoonoses. Infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is in top of the most important infectious diseases related to public health. In dogs, the infection occurs through prolonged exposure to aerosols and respiratory secretions from humans. Canine tuberculosis is little reported and known in Brazil, this work aims to describe the anatomopathological findings of the first case of canine tuberculosis in a 5-year-old dog in the Federal District and alert to the presence of this disease in this region. Case: The dog had history of close contact with its owner, who has been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis six months before. At necropsy scattered multifocal, firm, white to yellow-gray nodules, varying in size (3 mm to 10 mm) involving lungs, kidneys, heart, liver and spleen was observed. In frontal and occipital cerebral cortex, pale-gray circular lesions were detected with the same characteristics. The histological findings were, multifocal to coalescent granulomas, well organized with a central core of necrosis with foci of mineralization, surrounded by histiocytes, epithelioid macrophage, rare Langhans giant cells, some intact and degenerate plasma cells and neutrophils, and a rim of reactive fibroblasts producing fibrous connective tissue. Histological staining with ZN revealed free acid-fast bacilli and in the cytoplasm of macrophages and granulomas in all affected organs. The PCR allowed identification of DNA was extracted from formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues using the ReliaPrep™ FFPE gDNA Miniprep System®, according to the manufacturer's instructions (Promega, EUA). The Speed-Oligo Mycobacteria assay was used to identify the presence of M. tuberculosis complex DNA in tissue samples. Discussion: Zooantroponoses should be considered as differential diagnosis of infectious diseases affecting companion animals. Tuberculosis is a prevalent and highly relevant disease that plagues humans and animals. Canine tuberculosis is neglected what become information on the epidemiological and clinical situation scarce and its diagnosis a challenge. The systemic form of M. tuberculosis infection is rare in dogs, it occurs by contact with secretions of actively infected humans or ingested contaminated food with the bacillus. In the present case the dog contracted the infection by direct contact with owner who had tuberculosis and presented acute clinical alterations resulting from the disseminated form of the disease. Transmission of M. tuberculosis from humans to dogs is considered a determinant in the epidemiological chain of infection in companion animals. Histological lesions in natural cases of tuberculosis in dogs and cats differ from typical tuberculoid granulomas found in cattle and humans. In this case of disseminated tuberculosis in the DF scarce Langhans giant cells in the granulomas was obseved, which is a typical manifestation of the disease in the species. The coloration of Ziehl- Neelsen allows evidence of alcohol-acid-resistant bacilli, as seen in the present report. Health actions aiming prevention and control of tuberculosis should include investigation of the disease in companion animals in households where there are records of human tuberculosis. The anatomopathological and molecular findings confirmed the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection transmitted by the owner, an uncommon disease in companion animals, a challenge to the clinical diagnosis, and previously unknown in the Federal District. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equidae nutritional change increased the frequency of diseases due to inappropriate administration and storage of rations. Although there are reports of ionophore poisoning (IP) and leukoencephalomalacia (LEM) in equidae from Brazil, the concurrent occurrence of both diseases by the same contaminated commercial ration is unprecedented. Therefore, the present paper aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial and pathological findings of concurrent IP and LEM outbreaks in horses. Cases: Eleven farmers from seven different locations in Distrito Federal, Midwestern Brazil, reported sudden clinical signs in 27 horses after the ingestion of commercial pelleted ration. During the farm visits, it was found that the ration brand and batches were identical, and macroscopic evaluation revealed no abnormalities. Eight horses were clinically evaluated and presented hyporexia, apathy, hypermetria, ataxia, dehydration, dyspnea, tongue hypotonia, muscle tremors, tachycardia, facial hypoalgesia, dysphagia, and sporadic or permanent recumbence. Laboratorial changes were restricted to creatine phosphokinase (mean: 1,573.4 ± 16.9 IU/L) and gammaglutamyl transferase (mean: 34.85 ± 29.14 IU/L) serum increases. Pathological evaluation has performed in eight horses presenting pallor and whitish striations in the gluteal, longissimus dorsi, femoral quadriceps muscles and myocardium, varying from mild to moderate. One horse also showed a soft and yellowish focal area on the right temporal lobe white matter. Microscopically, alterations in skeletal and cardiac muscle tissues included striated muscle fibers and cardiomyocytes segmental necrosis, characterized by sarcoplasmic fragmentation with clusters of eosinophilic debris, cellular retraction and hypereosinophilia. Histological alterations in the central nervous system of one horse were characteristic of LEM. Ration samples analysis revealed the presence of salinomycin (2,384.91 ± 100.7 ppm), narasin (144.15 ± 7.75 ppm) and fumonisins (0.87 to 4.09 ppm). Eight hospitalized horses were submitted to clinical therapy (gastric lavage and application of activated charcoal; fluid-electrolyte imbalance correction, intravenous dimethylsulfoxide, tocopherol and selenium supplementation). Four (50%) horses had permanent sequelae (muscle weakness and mild ataxia), two (25%) recovered without sequelae, and two (25%) were euthanized due to inability to stand and poor prognosis. Considering the total number of affected horses, mortality rate reached 59.25% (16/27). Discussion: Usually ionophores are safely used in livestock and bird production at the recommended doses. However, horses are among the most susceptible species and do not tolerate any exposure to the substance. The outbreaks herein occurred due accidental ionophore contamination of commercial ration at the industry probably by manufacturing process technical failures. Similarly, fumonisins contamination may be caused by feedstock inadequate storage at the industry, or improper ration storage in the farms. The suspicion of two concurrent diseases (IP and LEM) in the horses of these outbreaks was confirmed through the association of epidemiology, clinical signs, pathological findings and measurement of ionophores and fumonisins in the commercial ration. We reiterate the difficulty in diagnosing associated clinical syndromes, especially when high-lethality diseases are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxic reactions due bee stings in human, companion animals, food animals and wild animals are sporadically reported. Accidents involving bees have been occurring in urban and rural areas since 1956, when African bees were introduced in Brazil, forming populations of aggressive hybrid Africanized bees. Their sting cause local and systemic reactions, which include dermatologic reactions, anaphylactic reactions and toxic systemic reactions before death. The aim of this article is to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of the toxic systemic reactions of two dogs that suffered a massive bee attack in the Federal District, Brazil. Cases: A 8-year-old female Brazilian mastiff, and one female 6-year-old Belgian shepherd were locked in the kennel when they suffered a massive bee attack. The dogs presented 'apathy, congested mucous membranes, dyspnea, epistaxis, hemoglobinuria, icterus (one of them) and convulsions. Clinical pathology results showed a strong hemolyzed plasma, azotemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis. Both animals were euthanized due to their critical conditions. At necropsy the dogs showed severe subcutaneous edema in the face, moderate congestion of mucous membranes, hematochezia and hematuria. Both dogs presented kidneys dark brown to blackened colored, urinary bladder replete with dark red fluid, lungs severely congested, intestines with severe mural edema and hyperemia containing bloody fecal matter inside, and the liver of one of the dog moderately icteric. The main histologic findings were the moderate diffuse degeneration of the kidney tubular epithelium with small focal areas of necrosis, countless casts of hemoglobin, granular and hyaline casts inside the renal tubules. The skin affected showed stingers inserted, dissociation of the collagen fibers by edema and multifocal areas of hemorrhage, neutrophils and eosinophils, and the muscular tissue underneath had intense necrosis, with hyalinization and moderate multifocal fragmentation of myocytes. Discussion: Africanized bees are well established in rural areas and can adapt to urban areas and, given their marked aggressiveness, cause accidents with animals and humans. Clinical and hematological changes presented by dogs in the DF are similar to those previously reported in this species, which are usually observed in hemolytic anemias and tissue damage caused by the acute inflammatory response due multiple bee stings. Nephrosis can be considered one of the most important toxic effects, due severe intravascular hemolytic disturbance and rhabdomyolysis, along with acute renal failure caused by the toxin components in the tubules and the toxic-isquemic condition, causing azotemia. Hemolysin proteins such as fosfolipase A and melitina cause rhabdomyolysis, intravascular hemolysis, and hemoglobinemia, which trigger the process of diffuse nephrosis and acute renal failure. The main pathologic changes were observed in the kidneys and skin of the dogs in the DF and were similar to that previously reported in dogs with severe bee stings. The count of inserted bee stingers in the skin and history is considered important to establish a presumptive diagnosis and initiate immediate treatment for the affected animals. The epidemiologic and clinical-pathologic findings presented in these cases are similar to those observed in humans who had suffered systemic toxicity by bee stings and aggravates the general condition of the patient even leading to death. Based on these findings, it was possible to establish the diagnosis of systemic toxic reaction in dogs secondary to poisoning by Africanized bee stings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cattle, abdominal tumors leading to partial or total intestinal obstruction are rare. Here, it is described the clinico-pathological findings of two cows with intestinal obstruction by neoplasms. A crossbred cow presented apathy, weight loss, constipation, enophthalmos, ruminal and intestinal hypomotility, and abdominal distension in the right ventral quadrant. Pathological examination revealed bilateral ovarian teratoma. The other case was a cow that in the past 2 years had several episodes of squamous cell carcinoma in the third eyelid and vulva. During the 6 days prior to investigation, clinical signs of constipation and tenesmus were noted. Nodular and friable masses were located in the vulva, right third eyelid and cranially to the right kidney that were identified as poorly differentiated metastatic carcinoma of the adrenal cortex. To our knowledge, these are probably the first reports of ovarian teratoma and adrenal carcinoma causing clinical signs of intestinal obstruction in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Although, calf diphtheria and necrotic laryngitis are common infections in the oral cavity's soft tissues, arytenoid chondritis is addressed as a serious but rarely diagnosed complication in cattle. This paper aimed to describe clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological findings in two calves with arytenoid chondritis. A 2-month-old Jersey calf and a 3-month-old Girolando calf presented 40-days history of respiratory distress. In the former, oral endoscopy revealed enlarged and immobile arytenoids with major involvement of the left arytenoid, causing severe distortion and partial obstruction of the rima glottidis. In the latter, latero-lateral radiography of the head revealed radiolucent areas and thickening at the level of the larynx to the dorsal trachea. Pathological examination of one calf showed neutrophilic multifocal inflammatory infiltrate and areas of necrosis in the cricoarytenoid cartilage, surrounded by abscessation. Definitive diagnosis of arytenoid chondritis in these two calves was established on the basis of clinical, laboratory, imaging (endoscopy and radiography), and pathological findings. Daily and careful observation of the herds and the use of ancillary diagnostic methods allowed the early diagnosis of the disease, and accurate diagnosis can improve prognosis and increase treatment success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine cutaneous angiomatosis (BCA) is a rare condition characterized by vasoproliferative skin lesions mainly affecting cattle in the northern hemisphere. An eight-month-old Holstein heifer showed two skin easy-bleeding nodules bulging from the epidermis in the forehead and close to the right prescapular region. Skin lesions were within the dermis and had an irregular surface and a soft heterogeneous reddish parenchyma composed of numerous variable-sized arterioles, veins, and capillaries surrounded by abundant collagenous fibrous tissue. Immunohistochemical assays evidenced endothelial cells lining proliferative vascular structure immunolabeled for CD31 and Von Willebrand factor, and vascular smooth muscle cells immunostained for smooth muscle actin. All clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical features observed in the Holstein heifer were hallmarks of BCA. Considering its potential for hereditary spread, BCA must be included in the differential diagnosis of easily bleeding skin nodules that do not respond to routine topical wound treatments to prevent its spread in Brazilian herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The downer cow syndrome (DCS) is characterized by an alert cow showing inability or reluctance to stand for 12 hours or more. This paper reported clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings in a Guzerá heifer with rhabdomyolysis, pigmenturia and acute renal failure following DCS. A 17-month-old Guzerá heifer was transported via a 350-km ride in a truck and showed sternal recumbency and severe difficulty in standing and walking. Neurological examination was unremarkable, and the heifer presented normal response to cranial nerves and spinal cord tests. Rectal palpation revealed a 5-month gravid uterus. No other abnormalities were noted in the pelvis or around the coxofemoral joints. Biochemical abnormalities included extremely high muscular enzyme activities (creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase) and high creatinine levels. Urinalysis revealed blackish and cloudy urine, proteinuria, and a positive occult blood test. Spinal cord ultrasonography showed no abnormalities. This report highlighted an uncommon clinical presentation (myoglobinuria) and pathological findings in a heifer with DCS as a consequence of severe compressive muscle damage. Practitioners and producers must be aware of the risk of careless road transportation for long distances of cattle, especially obese cows, avoiding unnecessary suffering and expenses due to DCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]