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Thrombocytopenia has been associated with some neoplastic processes, including hematologic neoplasia. There is no information regarding specific changes in platelet measurands in dogs with hematologic neoplasia compared with healthy dogs. The objectives of our study were to establish RIs, evaluate platelet measurands in dogs with hematologic neoplasia, and compare these measurands in patients with hematologic malignancies with or without thrombocytopenia.This was a retrospective study. Platelet measurands were determined using the ADVIA 120 Hematology analyzer when a CBC was performed and included the platelet count, MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet component (MPC), platelet component distribution width (PCDW), mean platelet mass (MPM), platelet mass distribution width (PMDW), and number of large platelets. Reference intervals were determined retrospectively using data from 129 healthy dogs. Patients with hematologic neoplasia (n = 50) were identified through retrospective evaluation of medical records from the Auburn University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and separated into thrombocytopenic (n = 20) and nonthrombocytopenic groups (n = 30).Platelet count and PCT were significantly higher in older healthy dogs compared with younger dogs. Significant differences were identified when comparing healthy dogs with those with hematologic neoplasia without thrombocytopenia for PDW, PCDW, PMDW, and the number of large platelets, indicating the presence of more heterogeneous platelets. Thrombocytopenic dogs with hematologic neoplasia had significantly decreased MPCs and increased MPVs, MPMs, and PCDWs compared with nonthrombocytopenic dogs with neoplasia.Dogs with hematologic neoplasia had more heterogeneous platelets, whereas thrombocytopenic patients with neoplasia had more activated platelets.

A 25-y-old Percheron mare was admitted to the teaching hospital because of lethargy and intractable dyspnea. Thoracoabdominal ultrasound examination identified severe peritoneal effusion, mild bilateral pleural effusion, and a diffuse pulmonary nodular pattern. Cytology of peritoneal fluid revealed a hypercellular sample with clusters of neoplastic polygonal cells and admixed macrophages. Euthanasia was followed by postmortem examination; marked bi-cavitary effusion was present, and innumerable up to 4-cm diameter, round-to-floriform nodules were diffusely evident throughout serosal surfaces as well as the pulmonary and hepatic parenchyma. Disseminated adenocarcinoma, predominantly affecting lung and liver with widespread serosal implantation, was confirmed on light microscopy. Neoplastic cells had strong immunolabeling for pancytokeratin and lacked immunoreactivity to vimentin, napsin A, and Pax8. Cytokeratin 7 and thyroid transcription factor-1 were non-contributory given absent and inconsistent internal control reactivity, respectively. Such results, combined with the lack of a major mass that would indicate a primary site, were supportive of carcinoma of unknown primary site, which remains a conundrum in human oncology, and is poorly explored in veterinary medicine, mainly as a result of clinical and diagnostic limitations.

Background Acidemia in sick dogs often results from the accumulation of lactic acid. The resulting decrease in blood pH can have many physiologic effects, including alteration of platelet function. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the effect of hyperlactatemia and subsequent acidemia on platelet aggregation in canine blood using impedance aggregometry. Methods Platelet aggregation was measured in blood from 27 healthy dogs using the Multiplate analyzer at baseline and after in vitro addition of two different volumes of lactic acid to adjust the pH. The area under the curve (AUC), reported by the Multiplate analyzer, was used to assess the extent of platelet aggregation in each sample. A linear mixed effects model was used to test for the association between platelet aggregation and pH. The association of baseline platelet aggregation with HCTs, platelet counts, and WBC counts was assessed using Pearson's correlations. Results Acidemia was associated with a significant decrease in platelet aggregation. No significant correlations were detected between platelet aggregation and HCT, platelet count, or WBC count. Platelet aggregation measured using the Multiplate analyzer showed substantial individual variation. Conclusions Worsening acidemia due to the addition of lactic acid caused a mild but significant decrease in platelet aggregation in canine blood. The clinical significance of this change is uncertain but could be important when combined with other abnormalities of hemostasis associated with illness.

Objective To compare the prognostic value of admission hematologic parameters serum/plasma iron, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs) in dogs presenting with acute traumatic injury. Design Retrospective observational study (2009-2015). Setting University teaching hospital. Animals One hundred and twenty-nine clinical dogs presenting within 24 hours of acute traumatic injury. Interventions None. Measurements and main results One hundred and twenty-nine dogs met the inclusion criteria and 109 (84.5%) survived, while 20 (15.5%) died or were euthanized in hospital. Patients with blunt force trauma comprised 79.8% of the patient population; dogs with penetrating trauma comprised 20.2% of cases. Hypoferremia occurred in all nonsurvivors, and the median serum/plasma iron concentration was significantly lower in nonsurvivors than survivors (P = 0.028). Normal or increased serum/plasma iron had 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value for survival. Red blood cell distribution width was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.417). The presence of nRBCs was significantly associated with nonsurvival (P = 0.030), although the absolute nRBC concentrations were not significantly different (P = 0.070). A multiple logistic regression model found age, type of injury, presence of nRBCs, and serum/plasma iron to be independent predictors of survival with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.813. Conclusions The presence of nRBCs and low serum/plasma iron are associated with mortality in patients with acute trauma; however, red blood cell distribution width was not associated with survival. Absence of hypoferremia was highly associated with a favorable prognosis in this patient population. These parameters may warrant inclusion in trauma scoring systems.

Voriconazole (VRC) is a potential treatment for pneumomycosis in horses. The objectives of this study were to determine if the delivery of Vfend using a Flexineb nebulizer produced clinically significant [VRC] in lower airways. The hypothesis was that [VRC] after delivery by nebulization would be greater in the pulmonary epithelial lining fluid than plasma. A secondary objective was to determine [VRC] in upper airways through the collection of nasopharyngeal wash (NPW) samples. Voriconazole solution [Vfend-6.25 mg/mL, 100 (n = 2), 200 (n = 3), 500 (n = 1) mg] was nebulized once in 6 healthy geldings. Clinical responses, duration of nebulization, and [VRC] at various time points (up to 8 hours) in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) supernatant and cell pellet, and NPW samples were recorded. Voriconazole (Vfend-6.25 mg/mL, 200 mg) was nebulized in 5 additional, healthy geldings, and [VRC] was measured in NPW samples pre- and postnebulization at time points up to 8 hours. The antifungal activity of BALF and NPW samples was determined using agar disk diffusion. Concentrations of voriconazole were below detection in plasma, BALF supernatant, and cell pellets for all time points and doses except the BALF cell pellet (0.4 μg/g) immediately after nebulization of 500 mg. For 5 horses, administered 200 mg of Vfend, mean [VCR] in NPW at the end of nebulization and 1, 6, and 8 hours postnebulization were: 30.8 ± 29, 1.0 ± 0.84, 0.2 ± 0.19, and 0.34 ± 0.67 μg/mL, respectively. Only NPW samples obtained immediately postnebulization showed antifungal activity. A nebulized Vfend solution is not recommended for the treatment of pneumomycosis in horses.

BACKGROUND Storage and temperature significantly impact bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis, and shipment of samples to diagnostic laboratories is often necessary. Alternative sample preparation methods could limit storage and temperature effects. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine if airway wash samples that were fixed in formalin after being embedded in Histogel or Gelfoam gave comparable results to fresh cytocentrifuged or sediment smear preparations for the evaluation of cell morphology. METHODS Eleven bronchoalveolar lavage and 3 transtracheal wash fluids were available, including 8 canine, 1 feline, and 5 equine samples. Cytocentrifuged and sediment smear preparations were prepared for routine analysis. Airway fluids were reserved for further evaluation. Total nucleated cell counts (TNCCs) were determined using a hemocytometer. The remaining fluid was used for Histogel and Gelfoam preparations. Each preparation was analyzed by a single board-certified clinical pathologist and assigned cellularity (1-3) and morphology scores (1-4). RESULTS Cellularity and morphology were significantly worse for the sediment smear, Histogel, and Gelfoam preparations compared with the cytocentrifuged preparations. The Gelfoam preparations had significantly worse cellularity scores than all other methods. Cellularity scores for sediment smears and Histogel preparations were significantly correlated with TNCCs. CONCLUSIONS TNCCs impacted the cellularity of the sediment smears and Histogel preparations. Cytocentrifuged preparations resulted in the best cellularity and morphology and are, therefore, recommended whenever possible. Neither the Histogel nor the Gelfoam methods demonstrated any advantage over sediment smear preparations, and both performed poorly when compared with cytocentrifuged preparations. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of these methods.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of plant-based diets supplemented with various levels of enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESBM) and squid products on the growth, proximate composition, serum biochemistry, and liver and intestinal histological alterations in pompano ( Trachinotus carolinus ). A 15% poultry by-product meal (PBM) based practical diet was used as a reference and basal diet was produced by replacing PBM with ESBM. Basal diet was then modified to contain varying levels of squid products. Squid hydrolysate (SH) and squid meal (SM) were added to basal diets, to produce diets containing 1, 2 and 4% of the squid products. A total of eight experimental diets were each fed to quadruplicate groups of 20 pompanos (mean initial wt = 7.68 ± 0.1 g) in a recirculating rearing system for 56 d. Results from the growth trial indicate that fish fed with basal diet exhibited significantly lower growth performance and feed utilization as compared to fish fed with PBM. The addition of 4% SH improved the response of basal diet and did not show any significant difference in terms of growth performance as compared to PBM. Whole body proximate and amino acids composition of fish were not significantly different among fish reared on any of the diets. Data on mineral composition of fish showed that the content of phosphorus and calcium were significantly higher in fish fed with basal diet compared to other treatments. Total protein and cholesterol level of fish fed PBM were significantly lower compared to basal diet. Total albumin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and bile acids were similar among the dietary treatments. Fish fed with basal diet showed disordered vacuolization in the liver and decreased the lamina propria thickness in the intestine. The inclusion of 4% SH partly prevented the alteration of liver and distal intestine of Florida pompano and findings were similar to fish fed with PBM. Based on these results, combination of ESBM and 4% SH has the potential to serve as an alternative protein source and attractant to improve the efficacy of plant-based diet for pompano.

Despite garnering high interest in fish nutrition as an essential amino acid in a number of teleosts, the metabolic and physiological functions of taurine remain poorly described in fish. This study describes the postprandial changes of taurine in Florida pompano juveniles fed a taurine-replete diet, followed by a wide screening of metabolic and physiological markers when fed a taurine-deficient diet over 16 days. The goal was to screen for markers of early taurine deficiency and identify its initial components. Postprandial taurine levels varied between 106.75 and 170.37 μg/ml with a mild peak at 2–4 h after feeding, and decreased to 72.1% of the baseline value at 6 h. Fish fed the taurine-deficient diet did not have reduced hematocrit or increased bilirubin, suggesting an absence of hemolysis. However, linear decreases in alkaline phosphatase activity and in bile acid content were observed (R2 = 0.5968 and 0.5613, respectively, P 0.75, P Statement of relevance This manuscript presents results of scientific research relevant to the field of aquaculture. Taurine is a nutrient of great importance for many teleost species and for the sustainability of fish feeds; yet its metabolic functions remain unclear. This study constitutes, to the authors' knowledge, the first attempt at characterizing these functions. These results shed light on the complexities of taurine metabolism and emphasize possible hypotheses for future research. Therefore this study presents novel research results of high interest to the aquaculture and fish biology communities.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of decreased platelet and WBC counts on platelet aggregation as measured by a multiple-electrode impedance aggregometer in dogs. ANIMALS 24 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES From each dog, 9 mL of blood was collected into a 10-mL syringe that contained 1 mL of 4% sodium citrate solution to yield a 10-mL sample with a 1:9 citrate-to-blood ratio. Each sample was then divided into unmanipulated and manipulated aliquots with progressively depleted buffy-coat fractions such that 2 to 3 blood samples were evaluated per dog. The Hct for manipulated aliquots was adjusted with autologous plasma so that it was within 2% of the Hct for the unmanipulated aliquot for each dog. All samples were analyzed in duplicate with a multiple-electrode impedance aggregometer following the addition of ADP as a platelet agonist. The respective effects of platelet count, plateletcrit, Hct, and WBC count on platelet aggregation area under the curve (AUC), aggregation, and velocity were analyzed with linear mixed models. RESULTS WBC count was positively associated with platelet AUC, aggregation, and velocity; blood samples with leukopenia had a lower AUC, aggregation, and velocity than samples with WBC counts within the reference range. Platelet count, plateletcrit, and Hct did not have an independent effect on AUC, aggregation, or velocity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that WBC count was positively associated with platelet aggregation when ADP was used to activate canine blood samples for impedance aggregometry. That finding may be clinically relevant and needs to be confirmed by in vivo studies.

Evaluation of the bone marrow is needed for complete staging in dogs with multicentric large-cell lymphoma, but is often omitted in clinical practice.The objective was to determine if routine peripheral blood findings, including microscopic evaluation of blood smears, can predict the presence of bone marrow involvement in dogs with lymphoma.Hematologic data including evaluation of blood smears and bone marrow aspirates from 107 dogs newly diagnosed with large-cell lymphoma were retrospectively evaluated. Neoplastic lymphocytes were identified based on cell size, nuclear size, chromatin pattern, and the presence of nucleoli. Positive specimens were defined as having ≥ 10% neoplastic lymphocytes. Two groups were established based on the presence or absence of lymphoma in the bone marrow. Variables (positive blood smear, HCT, platelet count, and total and differential WBC counts) were evaluated to determine if they were predictive of bone marrow involvement using univariate and multivariate logistic models.Thrombocytopenia and the presence of 10% neoplastic lymphocytes on blood smears were identified as significant variables for predicting the presence of bone marrow involvement. When considered independently, either a positive blood smear or thrombocytopenia had low sensitivity (60%) and moderate specificity (89% and 87%, respectively). Sensitivity increased when these variables were evaluated together (80%).In dogs with multicentric large-cell lymphoma, thrombocytopenia or the presence of neoplastic lymphocytes in circulation is suggestive of bone marrow involvement, but not definitive. Normal peripheral blood findings do not exclude the possibility of lymphoma in the bone marrow.

Blood samples from 3 unrelated Akita dogs with a common history of persistent macrothrombocytopenia in the absence of clinical bleeding were sent to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (AUCVM) Clinical Pathology Laboratory for evaluation. Due to low platelet counts, one Akita dog had been treated with corticosteroids for presumed immune-mediated platelet destruction, and one Akita dog was treated with doxycycline for one month for presumed infection by a tick-borne agent. In spite of treatment, platelet counts remained low in both dogs. Given the absence of abnormal bleeding in all 3 dogs and lack of response to treatment in 2, congenital macrothrombocytopenia was suspected. Interestingly, platelets from all 3 dogs exhibited a consistent elongated platelet morphology. There were no morphologic abnormalities observed in other cell lines. While there have been anecdotal reports of a possible inherited macrothrombocytopenia in Akita dogs, scientific studies have not been done to verify these reports. This manuscript represents the first case report describing what is likely a congenital macrothrombocytopenia in Akita dogs based on persistently low platelet counts in the absence of clinical signs, and characterized by a unique platelet morphology.

A 9-month-old male Great Dane had progressive generalized nodular dermatopathy for several months. There were > 100 raised, alopecic, firm, painful nodules throughout the skin. Aspirates from several lesions yielded moderate numbers of irregularly round or polygonal to spindle-shaped cells with mild to moderate anisocytosis and few inflammatory cells, and the cytologic interpretation was proliferation of mesenchymal or histiocytic cells. On histopathologic examination, nodules were composed of densely packed sheets of round to spindle-shaped cells with mild anisokaryosis and low mitotic activity. Multifocal histiocytic sarcoma with a spindle-cell pattern was diagnosed based on morphologic features and intense expression of CD18. Additional immunophenotypic analysis on frozen sections of tissue confirmed the diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma; expression of CD18, CD45, CD1a, CD11b, and CD11c, limited expression of Thy-1 (CD90) and CD80, and lack of expression of CD4, CD11d, and CD86 indicated that the cells were likely interstitial dendritic cells; a review of reactive and neoplastic dendritic cells is provided. Based on staging, internal organs were not affected. Sequential treatment with lomustine and doxorubicin failed to prevent progression of the cutaneous lesions, and the dog died 3 months after initial diagnosis. At necropsy, a focus of neoplastic cells was present in one lymph node, but except for skin other organs were not involved. The clinical presentation of histiocytic sarcoma may be unusual, and neoplastic cells may lack overt features of malignancy on cytologic and histopathologic examination. In some instances, immunophenotyping is required to differentiate histiocytic sarcoma from other histiocytic disorders.

This prospective study evaluated the utility of bone marrow aspirates (BMAs) obtained from multiple sites for staging of canine lymphoma (LSA) and mast cell tumours (MCTs). Forty dogs (LSA, n = 24; MCTs, n = 16) were enrolled, but only 33 (82.5%) had diagnostic bone marrow (BM) aspirates obtained from two sites for inclusion in the study. Nineteen dogs with LSA were included, and 6 (31.6%) had BM involvement. Neoplastic lymphocytes were present in BM from both sites in all of these dogs. Fourteen dogs with MCTs were included, and 3 (21.4%) had BM involvement. Neoplastic mast cells were present at both sites in two dogs and at only one site in the third. These results indicate that BMAs from multiple sites may not be needed for accurate staging of canine LSA patients, but more studies evaluating the pattern of BM infiltration in dogs with high-grade MCTs are warranted.

Recombinant adenovirus vectors (Ad) have been recognized as effective in vivo gene delivery vehicles and utilized as gene therapy agents for a number of cancers. The elucidation of viral entry mechanisms has allowed the development of recombinant vectors that exploit existing cell surface receptors to achieve entry into the cell. B lymphocytes are normally resistant to infection by adenovirus 5, likely due to the lack of the Coxsackie and Adenovirus receptor (CAR). Using reverse-transcriptase PCR and flow cytometry, the CD40 receptor has been shown to be expressed on many lymphoma cells. We exploited this finding to develop a gene therapy strategy for treatment of canine B cell lymphoma. Ad5 was targeted to cells expressing CD40 via CD40 ligand (CD40L) and was effective in infecting CD40-expressing control cells; however, both primary canine lymphoma cells and cell lines demonstrated limited evidence of transduction. Following receptor binding, adenovirus entry into cells may require interaction with α(v)β(3/5) integrins; we demonstrate that canine lymphoma cells are deficient in these integrins. Reduced α(v)β(3) integrin expression may render these cells incapable of internalizing Ad vectors. Thus, any viral targeting approaches for treatment of canine lymphoma must also take into account the potential lack of internalization signals.

Background: Platelet size is relatively uniform in mammals except for domestic cats. Uniform platelet production by megakaryocytes can be disrupted if microtubule assembly or dynamics is impaired. Mutations in the gene encoding β1-tubulin have been documented in dogs and people, and the resulting microtubule effects have been associated with production of large platelets. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate morphology of platelets on feline blood smears, determine the gene sequences encoding β1-tubulin in members of the family Felidae, and compare the findings with those in other mammalian species to determine whether predicted structural differences in β1-tubulin that might affect microtubule stability or assembly were present. Methods: At least 100 platelets/smear on blood smears from 15 domestic cats and 88 big cats were evaluated to assess platelet size variability. Platelet-derived cDNA obtained from a domestic cat and genomic DNA isolated from blood samples of domestic cats and other members of the family Felidae were analyzed by PCR using primers specific for β1-tubulin. Gene sequences obtained were compared with those of other common mammals. Results: Two differences in gene sequence were found in a highly conserved region encoding the M loop of β1-tubulin in members of the family Felidae compared with sequences from other species. Platelet size variation was present in big cats and domestic cats. In addition, a rare amino acid change was documented in the C-terminal region encoding the H11 helix in domestic cats. Conclusion: Members of the family Felidae have an altered M loop region in β1-tubulin compared with other mammals. This variation may contribute to the observed platelet size variability.

Gray-scale ultrasonography is often used to screen for involvement of the liver and spleen in canine lymphoma patients but the utility of sonography for staging lymphoma has not been evaluated quantitatively. We performed abdominal sonography in 28 dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma. Needle aspirates were obtained for cytology from three separate sites in the liver and three sites in the spleen and the sonographic appearance was noted at each site. Our hypothesis was that in dogs newly diagnosed with lymphoma, abnormal appearance of the liver or spleen on ultrasound examination is an indication that lymphoma is present in that organ. Cytologic evaluation was used as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of hepatic and splenic abnormalities seen on ultrasound for diagnosis of lymphoma were 72.7%, 80.6%, 77.4%, 76.3%, and 76.8% for the liver, respectively, and 100%, 23.3%, 64.6%, 100%, and 68.1% for the spleen, respectively. Based on these results, we recommend that aspirates be performed for detection of lymphoma in the spleen of dogs only when the spleen appears abnormal ultrasonographically and that cytology of the liver be performed, regardless of ultrasonographic appearance, to determine the presence or absence of lymphoma.

Objective—To evaluate use of infrared spectroscopy for diagnosis of traumatic arthritis in horses. Animals—48 horses with traumatic arthritis and 5 clinically and radiographically normal horses. Procedures—Synovial fluid samples were collected from 77 joints in 48 horses with traumatic arthritis. Paired samples (affected and control joints) from 29 horses and independent samples from an affected (n = 12) or control (7) joint from 19 horses were collected for model calibration. A second set of 20 normal validation samples was collected from 5 clinically and radiographically normal horses. Fourier transform infrared spectra of synovial fluids were acquired and manipulated, and data from affected joints were compared with controls to identify spectroscopic features that differed significantly between groups. A classification model that used linear discriminant analysis was developed. Performance of the model was determined by use of the 2 validation datasets. Results—A classification model based on 3 infrared regions classified spectra from the calibration dataset with overall accuracy of 97% (sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 100%). The model, with cost-adjusted prior probabilities of 0.60:0.40, yielded overall accuracy of 89% (sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 100%) for the first validation sample dataset and 100% correct classification of the second set of independent normal control joints. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The infrared spectroscopic patterns of fluid from joints with traumatic arthritis differed significantly from the corresponding patterns for controls. These alterations in absorption patterns may be used via an appropriate classification algorithm to differentiate the spectra of affected joints from those of controls.

End-to-end fusion of critically shortened telomeres in higher eucaryotes is presumed to be mediated by nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ). Here we describe two PCR-based methods to monitor telomere length and examine the fate of dysfunctional telomeres in Arabidopsis lacking the catalytic subunit of telomerase (TERT) and the DNA repair proteins Ku70 and Mre11. Primer extension telomere repeat amplification relies on the presence of an intact G-overhang, and thus measures functional telomere length. The minimum functional telomere length detected was 300-400 bp. PCR amplification and sequence analysis of chromosome fusion junctions revealed exonucleolytic digestion of dysfunctional ends prior to fusion. In ku70 tert mutants, there was a greater incidence of microhomology at the fusion junction than in tert mutants. In triple ku70 tert mre11 mutants, chromosome fusions were still detected, but microhomology at the junction was no longer favored. These data indicate that both Ku70 and Mre11 contribute to fusion of critically shortened telomeres in higher eucaryotes. Furthermore, Arabidopsis processes critically shortened telomeres as double-strand breaks, using a variety of end-joining pathways.

Objective: To describe the cross-sectional relationship between an objective measure of walking (pedometer-determined steps/day) and general indicators of health, a prior diagnosis of one or more components of the metabolic syndrome, and self-reported occupational activity in a generally sedentary working population. Research Methods and Procedures: Steps/day were compared with previous diagnosis of one or more components of the metabolic syndrome (by self-administered questionnaire) and with general health indicators including BMI, waist circumference, resting heart rate, and blood pressure in 182 subjects in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Study participants were volunteer employees recruited from five workplaces where, in general, the job types were moderately or highly sedentary. Results: Steps/day were 7230 ± SD 3447 for women (n = 153) and 8265 ± 2849 (n = 21) for men. Pedometer-determined steps/day were associated inversely with BMI (r = −0.4005, p < 0.0001) in all participants and waist circumference in females only (r = −0.4303, p < 0.0001). There was a low correlation between steps/day and diastolic blood pressure in the whole sample (r = −0.2140, p = 0.0383). Participants who reported a prior diagnosis of one or more components of the metabolic syndrome (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes) took fewer steps/day than healthy participants (p = 0.0254). Pedometer-determined steps/day were positively associated with self-reported occupational activity (p = 0.0002). Discussion: Fewer steps/day are associated with increased BMI, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and components of the metabolic syndrome. Low occupational activity is a contributing factor to low total ambulatory activity.

To describe the clinical features of prostate cancer in Senegalese men and compare these features with those found in African-American and white American men.We identified an unselected series of 121 patients with prostate cancer diagnosed at two hospitals in Dakar, Senegal between 1997 and 2002. Medical record abstractions were undertaken to evaluate the prostate tumor characteristics, patient age at diagnosis, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and reason for referral. In addition, these characteristics were compared with a sample of 455 U.S. white men and 60 African-American men with prostate cancer who were studied as part of a prostate cancer case-control study.Senegalese men had a significantly worse tumor stage than Americans (41.3% versus 18.8%, P0.001), a significantly worse mean PSA level at diagnosis (mean PSA 72.7 ng/mL versus 9.0 ng/mL in Americans; P0.001), and were diagnosed at a significantly later age than U.S. men (69 years versus 61 years, P0.001). U.S. men were most likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer after an elevated PSA test, and Senegalese men were most often diagnosed after presenting for prostate-related symptoms.These observations are not unexpected given the differences in the patterns of prostate cancer screening and health care in the United States compared with Senegal. However, our data provide descriptive information about the characteristics of prostate cancer diagnosed in Senegal and highlight differences in the characteristics and detection of these tumors across populations with very different healthcare systems.

The characteristics of 227 biting dogs, their homes, and their victims were gathered in a detailed telephone survey of general veterinary clientele in the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. All of the dogs had bitten either someone living in the same household, or someone who was a frequent visitor and was well known to the dog. There were 117 male and 110 female dogs included in this case series. Significantly more female dogs were neutered (P=0.03), 58% of the dogs were purebred, and the most commonly reported breed was the Labrador Retriever (n=15). The mean number of people living in each home was 3.13 (S.D.±0.08). Aggression which would traditionally be defined as dominant or possessive had been demonstrated by 75.6% of the dogs in at least one of 17 specific situations outlined in the questionnaire. Dogs with a history of this type of aggression were significantly older (P=0.02) and of lower body weight (P

A retrospective cross-sectional survey of dog-owning veterinary clients was undertaken in 1996 in the three Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, to generate a population of dogs for future use in a more detailed survey on canine behaviour. The questionnaire was designed to detect which dogs had or had not bitten a person living in the same household, and included both demographic and behaviour questions. Twenty veterinary clinics were enlisted to administer the questionnaire to their clientele. Data was collected on 3226 dogs, a response rate of 81.4%. Dogs were predominantly purebred (60.1%) and neutered (71.6%). The Labrador Retriever was the most commonly reported of 110 breeds. There were slightly more female than male dogs, and significantly more female dogs were neutered (P

In order to determine risk factors for biting behaviour by dogs in a household setting, a detailed telephone survey of dog owners was undertaken using individuals selected from a cross-sectional population of veterinary clientele in the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Interviews were successfully completed with 515 of 640 individuals selected from a study population of 3226 dogs by a formal random process. For the purpose of risk factor analysis, 227 biting and 126 non-biting dogs were selected according to strict criteria to evaluate the association of potential risk factors with biting behaviour. Biting behaviour was carefully defined in the telephone interview to avoid including activity associated with playful mouthing by the dog. All dogs were at least 6 months of age. Both the mean weight and age of biting dogs were significantly lower ( P

We describe 4 years of an experimental rotation in ecosystem health offered to senior veterinary students in Canada. Faculty from the four Canadian veterinary colleges collaborated in offering the rotation once annually at one of the colleges. The first rotation was held in Guelph, Ontario, in 1993, followed in successive years by rotations at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The rotation is a predominantly field-based experience that allows students to work with veterinary and other role models who are actively engaged in clinical research related to ecosystem health. Five specific field studies that worked particularly well during the rotations are presented. These studies involved investigating mortality in wildlife due to botulism, designing an environmental surveillance system around herds of beef cattle, using belugas to evaluate the health of the St. Lawrence River, dealing with competition for water use by aquaculture and agriculture, and exploring the role of veterinarians during major coastal oil spills. The experience has resulted in our developing the subject matter, field examples, teaching approach, and confidence necessary to make ecosystem health the focus of a productive clinical rotation for senior year veterinary students.

Experimental infections with Piscirickettsia salmonis via intraperitoneal (IP), oral (PO) and gill (GS) routes were compared, and the importance of physical contact in the horizontal transmission of this organism was investigated. Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., under-yearling parr raised in fresh water were used in this study. Samples of liver, kidney, spleen, gill and brain were collected weekly for 5 weeks after challenge, and were examined using the indirect fluorescent-antibody technique (IFAT). The pathogen was transmitted horizontally to fish with and without physical contact. However, transmission of P. salmonis occurred significantly more rapidly among fish with physical contact. Mortalities occurred in 50% of fish experimentally challenged with P. salmonis and their cohabitants. The estimates of the relative risk of dying demonstrated that fish challenged by the IP and GS routes had a significantly higher probability of dying than fish challenged by the PO route (P < 0.005). Contact cohabitants with infected fish had a higher probability of death than non-contact cohabitants (P < 0.005). The sequential studying using IFAT indicated that a haematogenous pattern of infection occurred among fish infected by oral and gill routes, or by cohabitation. This was different from the capsular (serosal) infection pattern observed in intraperitoneally inoculated fish. Piscirickettsia salmonis was observed within the cytoplasm of leucocytes and renal tubules, the latter indicating that elimination of this pathogen through the urine may be possible. Aeromonas salmonicida was also detected (by IFAT) in some of the fish exposed to P. salmonis, suggesting that P. salmonis may cause immunosuppression, and thus, increase the susceptibility of the host to other pathogens.

HistoGel™ is an aqueous specimen-processing gel that encapsulates and suspends histologic and cytologic specimens in a solidified medium. HistoGel-embedded specimens can then be processed and evaluated by routine histologic and immunohistochemical methods. This methodology has been used in human diagnostic pathology and is especially useful for small, friable, or viscous tissue samples that are difficult to process. In addition, special histochemical stains or immunohistochemistry can be performed on HistoGel-embedded cytologic specimens using standardized methods developed for histopathology. The current report describes several applications for HistoGel, including use with cytologic specimens, bone marrow aspirates, retention of tissue orientation for endoscopic biopsy specimens, and evaluation of friable tissues. Samples were encapsulated in HistoGel, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, routinely processed, paraffin embedded, and sectioned for histochemical and immunohistochemical evaluation. The results of this study support the use of HistoGel in veterinary diagnostic pathology.

Tests that evaluate many aspects of platelet function have been applied in both human and veterinary medicine for the monitoring of treatment with platelet function inhibitors and for detection of platelet function abnormalities (inherited or acquired). Interspecies variation in the response to various platelet agonists is an important consideration when methods that have been developed for people are applied in other species. At the present time, many of these assays are not readily available in standard veterinary practice. Advanced platelet function testing for veterinary patients is offered at select academic institutions. Discussion with a specialist is recommended when considering the use of these tests, and the relative strengths and limitations of each assay should be considered in the interpretation of test results.

Gray-scale ultrasonography is often used to screen for involvement of the liver and spleen in canine lymphoma patients but the utility of sonography for staging lymphoma has not been evaluated quantitatively. We performed abdominal sonography in 28 dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma. Needle aspirates were obtained for cytology from three separate sites in the liver and three sites in the spleen and the sonographic appearance was noted at each site. Our hypothesis was that in dogs newly diagnosed with lymphoma, abnormal appearance of the liver or spleen on ultrasound examination is an indication that lymphoma is present in that organ. Cytologic evaluation was used as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of hepatic and splenic abnormalities seen on ultrasound for diagnosis of lymphoma were 72.7%, 80.6%, 77.4%, 76.3%, and 76.8% for the liver, respectively, and 100%, 23.3%, 64.6%, 100%, and 68.1% for the spleen, respectively. Based on these results, we recommend that aspirates be performed for detection of lymphoma in the spleen of dogs only when the spleen appears abnormal ultrasonographically and that cytology of the liver be performed, regardless of ultrasonographic appearance, to determine the presence or absence of lymphoma.

Multicentric cutaneous neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) carcinoma was diagnosed in a 5-year-old castrated male Keeshond dog with multiple firm nodular cutaneous masses. The neoplastic tissue locally effaced the periadnexal and deep dermis and consisted of densely cellular confluent clusters of round to polygonal cells supported by a delicate fibrovascular stroma. The cells were moderately immunoreactive with chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and cytokeratin. Ultrastructurally, the cells had characteristic membrane-bound dense-core neuroendocrine granules approximately 120 nm in diameter and randomly dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. Effacement of dermal structures and multicentric distribution suggested low-grade malignant phenotype. These findings contrast with the typical benign behavior of canine cutaneous neuroendocrine tumors.

Here we examine the function of ATM and ATR at telomeres in Arabidopsis. Although plants lacking ATM or ATR display wild-type telomere length homeostasis, chromosome end protection is compromised in atm atr mutants. Moreover, atm tert Arabidopsis experience an abrupt, early onset of genome instability, arguing that ATM is required for protection of short telomeres. ATR, by contrast, is required for maintenance of telomeric DNA as telomere shortening is dramatically accelerated in atr tert mutants relative to tert plants. Thus, ATM and ATR make essential and distinct contributions to chromosome end protection and telomere maintenance in higher eukaryotes.

Bulk tank milk selenium (Se) concentration was compared with mean serum Se concentration in 15 herds and was found to be an accurate reflection of the herd Se status. The Se status of 109 Prince Edward Island (PEI) dairy herds was monitored for 1 year using bulk tank milk Se concentration. Fifty-nine percent of the herds surveyed were, at some point, found to be marginal or deficient in Se, putting them at risk of disease and suboptimal production. The periods of greatest risk of deficiency were fall and winter, at which time 5% and 4%, respectively, of herds sampled fell in the range considered truly deficient in Se. Herds in which Se supplementation was provided in the form of a commercial dairy concentrate were over 4 times more likely to be Se-adequate than herds not using this method, and adjusted average daily milk yield was 7.6% greater in herds determined to be Se-adequate when compared with Se-marginal herds. We conclude that many dairy producers in PEI are providing insufficient supplementary Se in the ration to meet the recommended Se intake for lactating cows.

The effect of pentavalent meglumine antimoniate (glucantime) on the growth kinetics of promastigotes of 13 South American Leishmania strains isolated from patients, sylvatic reservoirs, and vectors was studied. Four of five L. (Viannia) braziliensis human isolates were obtained from drug-responsive patients and one was isolated from an unresponsive mucocutaneous-type infection. Studies involved the cell yield at the late log phase, the growth rate, and the growth-curve patterns of promastigotes in vitro. Restriction-fragment-length polymorphism, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and hybridization with the gene coding for a P-glycoprotein from L. (V.) guyanensis were used in an attempt to correlate the resistance phenotype with gene amplification. Consistent differences observed in both cell yield and growth rate among the isolates in the presence of glucantime indicated these parameters to be good criteria for the estimation of susceptibility to glucantime. Drug susceptibility varied widely between strains, indicating a great genetic heterogeneity of the isolates. Five L. (V.) braziliensis strains and three L. (V.) guyanensis strains were shown to be susceptible to glucantime. Five isolates were resistant, four of which were obtained from sylvatic vectors and one, from a patient with an unresponsive mucocutaneous infection. Molecular analyses of total DNA indicated the presence of a pgpA-related gene in all strains tested. No amplified sequence could be detected, suggesting that pgpA amplification is not involved in glucantime resistance in these wild Leishmania strains.

Herd prevalence and incidence of mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae was determined for dairy cattle on Prince Edward Island during December 1992 and June 1994. For each census, bulk tank milk samples from all dairy herds (n = 452) in the province were tested on two occasions, and the results were interpreted in parallel. The combined sensitivity of the testing protocol was estimated to be 91%. The confirmatory latex agglutination test had previously reported specificities approaching 100%. Therefore, the estimated specificity of the testing protocol was assumed to be 100%. The apparent prevalence of S. agalactiae in December 1992 and in June 1994 was 17.7 and 13.1%, respectively. Based on the characteristics of the test, the estimated true prevalence was 18.9% in December 1992 and 14.4% in June 1994. Infection with S. agalactiae was associated with elevated bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) and elevated standard plate counts. Economic losses associated with S. agalactiae were attributed to production losses (associated with bulk tank SCC), milk quality penalties (associated with bulk tank SCC and standard plate count), and decreases in milk quality (associated with bulk tank SCC). For herds that had been negative for S. agalactiae in December 1992, evaluation in June 1994 yielded an incidence of new infections of 3.51 per 100 herds per year.

Growth inhibition of Leishmania promastigotes by glucantime was compared in three different media. Glucantime inhibited the growth of Leishmania cultured in complex medium but did not affect parasite growth when added to cells cultured in defined or semi-defined media. Supplementation of the complex medium with biopterin partially reversed the glucantime effect in sensitive strains, although the addition of folic acid or oleic acid did not alter the activity of glucantime. Differences in fatty acid composition were observed between strains showing different degrees of glucantime susceptibility.

To develop an animal model for sickle cell anemia, we have created transgenic mice that express a severe naturally occurring human sickling hemoglobin, Hb S Antilles. Due to its low solubility and oxygen affinity, Hb S Antilles has a greater propensity to cause red cell sickling than Hb S. To make transgenic animals that express a high level of Hb S Antilles, the erythroid-specific DNAse I hypersensitive site II from the human beta-globin cluster was linked independently to the human alpha 2-globin gene and to the beta S Antilles gene. Embryos were injected with both constructs simultaneously and seven transgenic mice were obtained, three of which contained both the human alpha and the human beta S Antilles transgene. After crossing the human transgenes into the mouse beta-thalassemic background a transgenic mouse line was derived in which approximately half the beta-globin chains in the murine red cells were human beta S Antilles. Deoxygenation of the transgenic red cells in vitro resulted in extensive sickling. An increase of in vivo sickling was achieved by placing these transgenic mice in a low oxygen environment. This murine model for red cell sickling should help to advance our understanding of sickle cell disease and may provide a model to test therapeutic interventions.

A diet containing 11.5% (dry matter basis) of a moderately high Cd sewage sludge was fed to six Hereford steers for 106 days to simulate a high sludge intake from sludge-amended soils. At a mean live weight of 460 kg, the steers were slaughtered and liver, kidney, bone, muscle, lung, brain and spleen tissues were collected for heavy metal determinations; tissues were also collected at this time from six control steers fed the same diet with no sludge. The sludge-fed cattle consumed an average of 8.95 kg of diet dry matter/day and gained 1.13 kg/day. This feed intake was slightly higher, but the gain lower than that of control cattle. All gains were equal to those expected from intake of non-sludge diet components. This indicated that the sludge had approximately zero energy value and was acting as a dietary diluent. The sludge metal content (ppm, dry basis) was: Cd, 98; Hg, 18; Pb, 466; Cu, 1,733, and Zn, 1,733. Addition of sludge increased metal contents of the feedlot diet to 30 to 100 times that of the control. Retention of heavy metals in the total animal from sludge ingestion averaged .09%, .06% and .3% for Cd, Hg and Pb; no retention was noted from Cu and Zn. These low fractional retentions increased tissue Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations of liver and kidney tissues by five to 20-fold. Estimates of levels that would enter the human diet from average beef tissue consumption if all feedlot steers were fed sludge are presented for Cd, Hg and Pb. The data indicate that cattle are a moderately effective screen against the entry of these potentially toxic metals into the human diet.

A telephone survey of three sub-populations in Ohio was conducted to compare the utilization of veterinary services in 1982 with 1983 and to characterize animal ownership. A response rate of approximately 90% was achieved for all three sub-populations namely (1) food-animal producers, (2) horse owners and (3) pet owners. There was no significant difference between the percentage of respondents using veterinary services in 1982 and 1983. In both years, over 85% of dairy producers purchased veterinary services compared with approximately 62% for beef producers, approximately 70% for swine producers, and over 97% for horse owners. In 1983, approximately 69% sheep producers, 50% of goat producers, 81% of dog owners, 67% of cat owners, 12% of bird owners and none of the fish owners used veterinary services during the previous year. The 1983 median expenditures for veterinary services per farm or household using veterinary services were $465 for horses, $450 for dairy cattle, $111 for beef cattle, $115 for swine, $66 for sheep, $0 for goats, $75 for dogs, $44 for cats and $18 for pet birds. The average number of times animals were seen by a veterinarian varied by species but did not vary much from year to year. For all three groups, preventive services were used more frequently than were treatment and surgical services.

The effect of feeding pattern on energy balance and activity of rats was investigated with four treatment groups. Two groups were fed two meals per day at one of two levels (ad libitum or 1.25 times maintenance) and the other two groups were allowed to nibble either unrestricted or in 12 small meals per day. Four-day total collection digestion trials were conducted on individual rats. Pairs of rats were used for simultaneous activity and respiration calorimetry measurements. Meal-eaters gained less weight, digested and metabolized an approximately 4% greater fraction of their gross energy intake and had a 21% lower maintenance energy requirement. Ad libitum nibblers were about 23% more active during the average 24-hour period than high level meal-eaters, although this difference was not statistically significant. The energetic cost of activity as a percent of maintenance energy ranged from 60% to 18%. These estimates are higher than others in the literature and may have been affected by the activity measurements method, but indicate that differences in activity contributed to observed differences in energetic efficiency between meal-fed and nibbler rats.

CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior O fenômeno das fake news ganhou visibilidade atualmente no mundo inteiro. Nota-se tais construções de falsificações em jornais e mídias digitais diversas. Pesquisadores sobre o assunto apontam uma “era de pós-verdade” como a responsável pelo crescimento do fenômeno. As fake news na área científica e médica têm gerado desconforto social devido ao impacto negativo em saúde pública. O letramento científico pode ser uma estratégia para combater o surgimento de fake news. Com o objetivo de trabalhar conteúdos curriculares sobre a Febre Amarela e a sua prevenção, promovendo o letramento científico, o presente trabalho traz uma proposta atual de abordagem desse assunto. Tomando como ponto de partida informações presentes em fake news, desenvolveu-se uma sequência didática com viés investigativo, na qual alunos de ensino médio analisaram diferentes textos para solucionar um problema: quais informações são científicas e quais são falsificações, incorreções e/ou equívocos científicos. Nessa sequência didática, os alunos, dentro do trabalhado em grupo, puderam participar de discussões; construir coletivamente novos conhecimentos; sistematizar e testar conhecimentos com as produções de texto e as questões de avaliação formativa; e desenvolver um material de divulgação contra as fake news trabalhadas. As aprendizagens atitudinal e procedimental foram observadas em todos os momentos da sequência didática, através da participação, das discussões, dos textos e materiais produzidos. Tal aprendizagem pode contribuir para formação de alunos com um perfil mais investigativo, autônomo, cético e crítico. Assim, espera-se contribuir com a formação de estudantes menos vulneráveis e mais capazes de lidar com o fenômeno das fake news. The phenomenon of fake news has become visible worldwide today. It is remarkable the presence nowadays of such falsified versions in newspapers and diverse digital medias. Researchers on the subject point to a "post-truth era" as responsible for the growth of the phenomenon. Fake news in the scientific and medical area has generated social discomfort due to the negative impact on public health. Scientific literacy can be a strategy to combat the emergence of fake news. With the objective of working on curricular contents on Yellow Fever and its prevention, promoting the scientific literacy, the present work presents a current proposal to approach this subject. Taking as a starting point the information presented in fake news, a didactic sequence was developed with investigative approach, in which high school students analyzed different texts to solve a problem: which information is scientific and what is false, misrepresentation and / or scientific misunderstanding. In this didactic sequence, the students were grouped, and the participation in discussions; collectively construction of new knowledge; systematization and challenge of the knowledge was stimulated by demanding text productions and training assessment questions. Attitudinal and procedural learning were observed at all moments of the didactic sequence, through participation, discussions, texts and materials produced. Such learning can contribute to the formation of students with a more investigative, autonomous, skeptical and critical profile. Therefore, may increase the probability to have students less vulnerable and more capable of properly dealing with the fake news phenomenon.

A imobilização de enzimas é um processo que busca acrescentar qualidade à catálise enzimática aumentando a eficiência, estabilidade, resistência e possibilitando uma futura reutilização das enzimas. A utilização de novos processos de imobilização é tema recente de vários trabalhos e atualmente novos suportes enzimáticos vêm sendo criados e testados para os mais variados fins. Os nanotubos de carbono são uma nova alternativa que vem sendo testada por muitos pesquisadores para imobilização de enzimas com resultados promissores, devido a suas propriedades notáveis como elevada relação área/volume, alta resistência mecânica e possibilidade de ser utilizado em substratos hidrofóbicos ou hidofílicos. As lipases são enzimas que possuem dupla função, possuindo atividade lipolítica em substratos hidrofílicos e de esterase em ambientes hidrofóbicos devido a sua versatilidade são amplamente utilizadas em diversos setores da indústria. Lipase de Candida rugosa tipo VII foi imobilizada em alginato de sódio, nanotubos de carbono de parede única (SWNT) e de parede múltipla (MWNT) e os resultados foram analisados. A partir dos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que a imobilização de lipase em MWNT apresenta-se como uma alternativa promissora, pois a enzima continua ativa após o processo de imobilização com 22% de sua atividade preservada. The enzyme immobilization is a process that it searches to add quality to the enzymatic catalysis increasing the efficiency, stability, resilience and making possible one future to reuse the enzymes. The use of new processes of immobilization is recent subject of some works and currently new enzymatic supports have being bred and tested for the most varied goals. The carbon nanotubes are a new alternative that have being tested for many researchers for enzyme immobilization with promising results, had its notables properties as raised relation area/volume, high mechanics resistance and possibility of being used in hydrophobic or hydrophilic substrata. Lipases are enzymes that possess pair function, possessing lipolitic activity in hydrophilic substrata and esterase in hydrophobic environments had its versatility widely they are used in diverse sectors of the industry. Candida rugosa type VII lipase was immobilized in sodium alginate, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) and the results had been analyzed. From the gotten results the enzyme can be concluded that the immobilization of lipase in MWNT is presented as a promising alternative, therefore continues active after the process of immobilization with 22% of its preserved activity.

Objetivando determinar a microbiota presente em abscesso solear, perfil de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos e de lesões de dermatite digital emprego da PCR para detectar bactérias espiraladas em bovinos de aptidões leiteira. Foi feita a coleta de nove espécimes clínicos de bovinos acometidos de abscesso solear e foi possível a identificação de 108 amostras bacterianas obtidas de bovinos de três fazendas leiteiras (1, 2, e 3). Os anaeróbios facultativos, representados por 107 amostras, a família Enterobacteracae foi mais prevalente, representando (75,0%) das amostras identificadas. Destacam-se, Escherichia coli, que representou (35,2%) do total de amostras identificadas, Klebsiella oxytoca (12,1%) e Enterobacter cloacae (8,3%). Também foram identificados Proteus vulgaris, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter agglomerans, Cronobacter sakazakii, Escherichia fergusoni, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Dos bacilos Gram-positivo anaeróbios facultativos, destacaram-se Bacillus spp (9,2%), Corynebacterium aquaticum (3,7%) e, com menor freqüência, C. minutissimum, Brevibacterium spp e Listeria grayi. Entre os cocos Gram-positivo, foram identificados Enterococcus faecalis. (2,7%), também foi identificado o bacilo Gram-negativo Fusobacterium sp. anaeróbio obrigatório. A variedade de microrganismos presente nos abscessos de sola confirma sua etiologia polimicrobiana. Quanto ao perfil de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos, a partir de 67 amostras isoladas dos animais procedentes de duas fazendas (2,3), foi verificado que das amostras isoladas na fazenda 2, foram testadas 13 amostras de E.coli das quais 12 eram resistentes a ampicilina /sulbactam e tetraciclina, enquanto que, na fazenda 3, das 25 amostras de E.coli submetidas a testes 22 foram sensíveis para ampicilina /sulbactam e apenas 11 para tetraciclina. Na fazenda 3, testadas 14 amostras de K. oxytoca, 8 foram sensíveis para ampicilina /sulbactam, assim como 11 para tetraciclina. Também nesta fazenda, foram testadas 9 amostras de E. cloacae, das quais 8 mostraram-se resistentes a ampicilina /sulbactam e 7 foram sensíveis para a tetraciclina, já as 3 amostras de C. sakazakii, 2 foram resistentes para ampicilina /sulbactam e 3 sensíveis para tetraciclina. Das 3 amostras testadas de E. faecalis 2,da fazenda 2 e uma da fazenda 3 foram sensíveis para ampicilina /sulbactam e resistentes para tetraciclina. Foram observadas variações quanto ao perfil de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos ampicilina/ sulbactam e tretraciclina em uma mesma fazenda e em fazendas diferentes. O DNA extraído de cultura pura de duas amostras de microrganismos espiralados isolados de biópsias de dois animais, acometidos de dermatite digital, da fazenda 1 foi amplificado por PCR e obtido um fragmento de 900 pb. As análises dos nucleotídeos dos seqüenciamentos somadas aos resultados obtidos pela construção da árvore filogenética permitem-nos afirmar que os animais pesquisados são portadores de dermatite digital causada por microrganismos de difícil cultivo. Foi encontrada uma similaridade de 99% destas amostras seqüenciadas com microrganismos não cultiváveis, 75% de similaridade para Treponema denticola, 70% para Treponema phagedenis e 68% para Treponema pedis. Também foi feita PCR, utilizando DNAs extraídos de biópsias de 6 animais acometidos de dermatite digital na fazenda 4 e foi amplificado um fragmento de 900pb para estas amostras. Os dados obtidos permitem sugerir a aplicação da PCR para a confirmação do diagnóstico de dermatite digital. With the purpose to determine the microorganisms present in the sole abscess, the profile of antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial samples isolated and for the digital dermatitis lesions a PCR to deteced spirochaetes, from 9 clinical specimens collected from dairy cattle affected by sole abscess, from three distinct farms it was possible to identify 108 bacterial samples. Among the facultative anaerobes, representing 107 samples, the Enterobacteriaceae family was the most prevalent, representing 75.0% of the samples identified. Among them, Escherichia coli represented (35.2%) of the samples identified, Klebsiella oxytoca (12.1%) and Enterobacter cloacae (8.3%). Proteus vulgaris, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter agglomerans, Cronobacter sakazakii, Escherichia fergusoni, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Of the Gram-positive bacilli facultative anaerobes, it could be highlighted the presence of the Bacillus spp (9.2%), Corynebacterium aquaticum (3.7%) and, less frequently, C. minutissimum, Brevibacterium spp and Listeria grayi. Among the Gram-positive cocci, Enterococcus faecalis (2.7%) was identified. Fusobacterium spp was also identified among the Gram-negative bacilli, strict anaerobe. The diversity of microorganisms present in sole abscesses indicates its polymicrobial etiology. Concerning the profile of antimicrobial susceptibility from 67 samples of animals coming from 2 farms (2 and 3), it was found that 12 out of 13 E. coli samples from farm 2 showed to be resistant to ampicillin / sulbactam and tetracycline, while 22 out of 25 samples of E. coli from farm 3 were sensitive to ampicillin / sulbactam and 11 out of 25 samples were sensitive to tetracycline. In this farm, it was also seen that 8 out of 14 samples of K. oxytoca tested were sensitive to ampicillin / sulbactam and 11 over 14 were sensitive to tetracycline; 8 from 9 samples of E. cloacae proved to be resistant to ampicillin / sulbactam and 7 were sensitive to tetracycline; the 3 samples of C. sakazakii 2 were resistant to ampicillin / sulbactam and 3 were sensitive to tetracycline. The 2 samples of E. faecalis from farm 2 and one sample form farm 3 were sensitive to ampicillin / sulbactam and resistant to tetracycline. The were found variations in the susceptibility profile to ampicillin / sulbactam and tetracycline among samples originated from the same farm and from two different farms. The DNA extracted from pure cultures of two samples of spirochaetes isolated from biopsies of 2 animals with digital dermatitis, from farm 1, was amplified by PCR and a 900 bp fragment was obtained. The analyses of the nucleotide sequences added to the results obtained by the construction of phylogenetic trees allow us to say that the animals had digital dermatitis caused by microorganisms difficult to cultivate. It was found a similarity of 99% of these sequenced samples with non-cultivable microorganisms, 75% similarity to Treponema denticola, 70% with Treponema phagedenis and 68% with Treponema pedis. PCR was also performed using DNA samples extracted from biopsies of 6 animals affected by digital dermatitis in the farm 4 and a 900pb fragment was also amplified. Data obtained allow suggesting that specific PCR would be useful to confirm the diagnosis of digital dermatitis.