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This study aimed to determine the dynamics of natural infection in the transmission of Babesia spp. to cattle in an enzootic instability area in Northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 30 calves located on two dairy farms to determine the packed cell volume (PCV) and the timing of the primo-infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and their association with climatic factors and management practices. On Farm A, the determination of primo-infection was observed on average at 249.4 (±24.42) days of age for B. bigemina and at 252.6 (±17.07) days of age for B. bovis; there was no significant difference between the times of infection (P> 0.05). The infection coincided with a period of high rainfall in the region. On Farm B, primo-infection infection was not observed. There was no infection by Babesia spp. on Farm B due to the intensive use of acaricides that led to an absence of ticks. There was no significant difference between the average PCV of animals from Farms A and B (P> 0.05). The management practices on the properties, in addition to the weather conditions influenced the exposure of the animals to disease vectors and may have contributed to the maintenance of this enzootic area in Northeastern Brazil. Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a dinâmica da infecção natural na transmissão de Babesia spp. em bovinos de uma área de instabilidade enzoótica no Nordeste do Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 30 bezerras, proveniente de duas propriedades leiteiras para determinação do volume globular e da primo-infecção por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase associando aos fatores climáticos e medidas de manejo. Na fazenda A, o período médio da primo-infecção para B. bigemina, determinado por meio da PCR, foi de 249,4 (±24,42) dias de idade, enquanto que para B. bovis foi aos 252,6 (±17,07) dias de idade, não existindo diferença estatística. A infecção coincidiu com o período de alta precipitação pluviométrica na região. Não houve infecção por Babesia spp. na fazenda B, na qual o uso intensivo de acaricidas determinou ausência de carrapatos. Não houve diferença significativa entre médias de VG dos animais das fazendas A e B. O manejo adotado nas fazendas estudadas, associado às condições climáticas, interferem na exposição dos animais aos vetores, podendo favorecer a manutenção de uma área de instabilidade enzoótica no Nordeste do Brasil.

Leptospirosis is an endemic disease in Latin America, caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. It is considered one of the main causes responsible for the negative economic impact on global livestock by causing reproductive problems. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis in cattle, sheep, and goats at consorted rearing in the micro-region of Teresina, Piauí state, northeastern Brazil, as well as to identify prevalent serovars and risk factors associated with seroprevalence. Serum samples were analyzed in 336 sheep, 292 goats, and 253 cattle using microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Overall, 378 samples were positive to MAT, with seroprevalence of 42.9%. The prevalences in cattle, sheep, and goats were 50.5, 40.5, and 34.6%, respectively. All herds presented at least one seropositive animal; the Hardjo/Wolffi serovar association was the most common in cattle and Icterohaemorrhagiae in goats and sheep. Beef production (OR = 4.9), cattle herd over 35 animals (OR = 4.0), feeding on pasture (OR = 6.4), weir and/or stream as water source (OR = 2.1), and no veterinary services (OR = 2.9) were risk factors for cattle infection. For sheep, intensive management system (OR = 5.3), suspended slatted facilities (OR = 2.2), more than 20 sheep in reproductive age (OR = 1.9), and absence of deworming (OR = 3.5) were the risk factors, while for goats, the identified risk factors were sheep herd over 52 animals (OR = 1.9) and no veterinary services (OR = 1.8). We conclude that the infection was spreading in consorted herds in this region. Thus, it would be interesting and important to conduct educative activities to farmers on the economic impacts of this disease and the need of preventive and control strategies mainly focused on sanitary measures and animal handling.

RESUMO A fitoterapia, abrangendo o uso popular e empírico de plantas medicinais no combate e prevenção de doenças, deve ser aliada a estudos científicos que comprovem a eficácia e segurança desses compostos. No Brasil, a ampla biodiversidade vegetal da região nordeste favorece o uso e estudo de plantas com potenciais terapêuticos. A Aroeira do Sertão (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allem.) é uma espécie pertencente à família Anacardiaceae, comum no semiárido, desde o Piauí até Minas Gerais. Seu uso é diverso e disseminado por todo o País, sendo indispensáveis estudos de suas potencialidades e riscos. Devido à ampla utilização da Myracrodruon Urundeuva de forma empírica, este trabalho tem por objetivo a pesquisa de efeitos tóxicos com doses repetidas do extrato etanólico de Myracrodruon urundeuva Allem. (EEMU) e sua influência no ciclo estral de ratas Wistar. No protocolo de toxicidade subaguda foram utilizadas 25 ratas Wistar, divididas em 5 grupos (n=5), tratadas com diferentes doses do EEMU (125, 250, 500 e 1000 mg/kg) e água destilada (controle) por um período de 28 dias. Nesse período foram realizadas mensurações do consumo de água e ração e avaliação comportamental. Esses animais foram avaliados diariamente quanto a fase do ciclo estral, por meio de esfregaço vaginal a fresco, sendo observada a frequência de cada fase bem como o intervalo interestro. As ratas foram anestesiadas e o sangue foi coletado para a realização dos ensaios bioquímicos. Em seguida, foram eutanasiadas para coleta e avaliação dos órgãos internos. Durante o período de avaliação, não foram observadas alterações de comportamento, nem de consumo de água ou ração. A evolução ponderal dos animais não diferiu entre os grupos tratados. A concentração sérica de ALT foi maior nos animais tratados com EEMU 1000 mg/kg. As ratas tratadas com o extrato não apresentaram alterações significativas na frequência das fases do ciclo estral bem como duração do estro e intervalo entre estros, quando comparadas ao grupo controle. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo não apontam alterações tóxicas significativas, sistêmicas ou sobre o ciclo estral, de ratas Wistar tratadas com o extrato, nas doses avaliadas, por um período de 28 dias. ABSTRACT The herbal medicine, comprising the popular and empirical use of medicinal plants in combating and preventing diseases, should be combined with scientific studies that prove the effectiveness and safety of these compounds. In Brazil, the vast plant biodiversity of the Northeast favors the use and study of plants with therapeutic potential. Aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allem.) is a species of the Anacardiaceae family, common in the semiarid region, from Piauí to Minas Gerais. Its use is diverse and widespread throughout the country, making studies of its potential and risks necessary. Due to the wide use of Myracrodruon urundeuva in an empirical form, this paper aims to research toxic effects with repeated doses of Myracrodruon urundeuva Allem.ethanol extract (EEMU) and its influence on the estrous cycle of female Wistar rats. In a subacute toxicity protocol 35 female Wistar rats were used, divided into 5 groups (n=5) treated with different doses of EEMU (125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) and distilled water (control) for 28 days. In this period measurements of water intake, feed consumption were carried out and a behavioral assessment was performed. The estrous cycles of these animals were evaluated daily by fresh vaginal smear, it the frequency of each phase as well as the inter-estrus intervals were observed. The rats were anesthetized and blood was collected for the biochemical assays. Then they were euthanized for the collection and evaluation of internal organs. During the evaluation period, there were no observed behavioral changes nor were the water or food consumption variations. The weight gain of the animals did not differ between treatment groups. The serum ALT was higher in animals treated with EEMU 1000 mg/kg. The rats treated with the extract showed no significant changes in the frequency of the phases of the estrous cycle, estrus duration and estrus interval when compared to the control group. The results of this study do not indicate significant toxic alterations, neither systemic nor on the estrous cycle in female rats treated with the extract, at the evaluated doses, over a period of 28 days.

Resumo A leptospirose é uma zoonose mundial cuja transmissão está interligada por múltiplos fatores na interface homem-animal-ecossistema. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os fatores de risco para a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospira em cães na capital Teresina (PI), e determinar sua distribuição espacial. Amostras sanguíneas de 558 cães foram submetidas à prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Aplicou-se questionários semiestruturados para os proprietários dos cães e obteve-se a localização geográfica da residência para a sua projeção em mapas geográficos. A soroprevalência foi de 13,8%, no qual o sorogrupo mais frequente foi o Icterohaemorrhagiae com 49,2%. Foram considerados fatores de risco os cães com acesso à rua, o não recolhimento da vasilha de alimento e a baixa renda dos proprietários. Foi observado maior número de cães soropositivos no período chuvoso com 87,1%, sendo um possível fator de risco para a ocorrência de casos. A distribuição dos cães soropositivos na cidade se apresentou de forma dispersa, com predominância dos casos em área antropizada. Esses fatores de risco favorecem a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospiraem cães, os quais podem ser fontes de manutenção do agente na cidade e reforça a necessidade de vigilância epidemiológica e ambiental na prevenção da leptospirose.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of the ethanolic extract of leaves of Parkia platycephala Benth., Fabaceae, on systemic and reproductive parameters. In toxicity on the estrous cycle, four groups of not-pregnant Wistar rats received distilled water and the doses 250, 500 and 1000 mg.kg-1 of plant extract for thirty days, at the end of which they were examined as to the frequency of their phases. The systemic toxicity was assessed through the consumption of water and food and by measuring body mass. After the extract was administered, serum AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin (total, direct and indirect), urea and creatinine were dosed. The evaluation of the organs (brain, heart, hypophysis, adrenal glands, liver, spleen, uterus and ovaries) in their macroscopic aspects, relative and absolute masses and histological structure showed that the plant extract induced a decrease of water and food consumption and of body mass. It caused an increase in the luteal phase and a decrease in the follicular phase of the estrous cycle and rose serum alkaline phosphatase levels. The data exhibit systemic and reproductive toxicity induced by plant extract in female Wistar rats. Keywords: Parkia platycephala, Systemic toxicity, Reproductive toxicity, Estrous cycle, Biochemistry analysisl, Histopathology

Terminalia fagifolia Mart & Zucc is a typical plant from Brazilian savanna, whose stem bark is used in popular medicine for relief of gastrointestinal discomfort. A phytochemical study showed the presence of large amounts of antioxidants (flavonoids and triterpenes). In acute toxicity tests, five groups of female mice were orally treated with stem bark extract from T. fagifolia or fractions by gavage at doses 2 g/kg/day (n = 5) and general behavior, adverse effects and mortality were recorded for up to 14 days. In sub-acute toxicity assays, animals received T. fagifolia ethanol extract or fractions at doses of 80, 240 or 720 mg/kg/day (n = 6) for 30 days and biochemical and morphological parameters were determined. The acute treatment in mice produced 40% of death. The estimate for the median lethal oral dose was 2 g/kg (LD50

The goal of this study was to characterize the epidemiological situation and the factors involved in the prevalence of babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle in the dairy basin of Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil. The study was conducted in 22 farms, and collected blood samples from 202 cattle to study serological, molecular and determination of the packed cell volume (PCV). On the farms were applied surveys involving epidemiological aspects. Seroprevalence rates were: Babesia bigemina 52.5%, B. bovis 68.8%, and Anaplasma marginale 89.1%. Of the samples analyzed, 73.3% were reactive for Babesia spp. and A. marginale, showing co-infection. In PCR, B. bigemina and B. bovis were positive in 52.0% and 33.2% respectively, and A. marginale in 76.2%. Of these, 51.5% amplified DNA of Babesia spp. and A. marginale. The semi-intensive management predominated in 68.0% of the farms studied. The clinical history of babesiosis and anaplasmosis, was reported from 73% of the farms. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between age groups and for the PCV of positive compared with negative animals. The study indicates that in this region is enzootic instability for babesiosis and enzootic stability for anaplasmosis, reinforcing the fact that in Brazil there are areas of enzootic instability, even in tropical regions of the country. The PCR technique was a valuable tool for the diagnosis of these diseases and may be used to characterize a geographic region.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os possíveis efeitos tóxicos do extrato aquoso do fruto de Buchenavia sp. sobre o sistema reprodutivo de ratos impúberes, pesquisando as atividades androgênica e antiandrogênica e sinais de toxicidade sistêmica. Foi empregado o protocolo de curta duração (Teste de Hershberger)., Foram utilizados 64 ratos impúberes, divididos em oito grupos de oito animais: controle positivo, controle negativo, extrato 250mg/100g, extrato 500mg/100g, extrato 1000mg/100g, extrato 250mg/100g + testosterona, extrato 500mg/100g + testosterona, extrato 1000mg/100g + testosterona,. Os resultados mostram que durante o período de realização dos tratamentos, o extrato aquoso do fruto da Buchenavia sp não apresentou atividade androgênica ou antiandrogênica em ratos impúberes segundo o protocolo de curta duração, bem como, não influenciou no ganho de peso dos animais e não levou a observação de alterações degenerativas, inflamatórias ou necróticas dos órgãos analisados e não desencadeou toxicidade sistêmica.

O entendimento da (re)produção espacial sob a ótica das abordagens geográficas, possibilita o reconhecimento de funções que estão cotidianamente concorrendo para a existência de ações, cujas características conduzem a observações das diferenciações que integram o urbano, subsidiada pelas características assumidas pelo papel dos planos. Partindo das considerações, objetivou-se com o presente artigo, analisar proposições pensadas no plano diretor de Teresina e as implicações das intervenções para a reprodução espacial da área central da cidade. Para tanto, os procedimentos metodológicos foram compostos pela revisão de referencial teórico, observação, entrevistas, registro fotográfico e elaboração de mapas. A análise das proposições ensejadas na Agenda 2015 demonstrou um conjunto de contradições no atendimento dos objetivos. Conclui-se, portanto que foi verificada a efetivação de parcela das proposições iniciais, enquanto algumas não foram contempladas, carecendo de maior atuação para consolidação das metas pensadas no âmbito do plano diretor.

An outbreak of botulism was detected in goats in the semiarid region of Brazil. In a flock of 460 goats, 38 does were affected and 37 died. Kids and younger goats were not affected. The main clinical signs were flaccid tetraparesis leading to tetraplegia that was often accompanied by twisted neck, tongue paralysis, and muscle tremors. At the time of the visit, 4 out of 11 affected goats were recumbent. Ambulatory goats had uncoordinated and swaying gaits with hypometria and weakness, mainly of the hind limbs. Two recumbent and four ambulatory goats showed twisted neck. Two recumbent goats were euthanized and necropsied. Non-significant gross and histologic lesions were observed. Samples of the liver, gut and rumen content were collected from the two goats and examined for botulinum toxins using the mouse serum neutralization test. The three samples from one goat were positive for type C toxin. Marked osteophagia was observed when the goats had access to bones in the pasture, and the farmer mentioned that osteophagia was common among goats of the flock. A sample of the plant Hybantus ipecaconha , the most abundant forage available for the goats, contained 2800 mg/kg of Ca and 450 mg/kg of P. One soil sample contained 58.12 mg/kg of Ca and 2.02 mg/kg of P. It was concluded that in this outbreak, botulism was associated with osteophagia probably due to phosphorus deficiency.

As Leptospiroses são zoonoses graves de distribuição mundial que afetam o homem e outros animais. A infecção em animais, geralmente, é inaparente, ou os sintomas quando presentes são similares a outras infecções. Neste estudo foram colhidos soros de 119 ovinos e seus respectivos rins durante abate em feiras livres no município de Teresina-Piauí. Pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) obtiveram-se 34 amostras sorológicas positivas para um ou mais sorovares de Leptospira spp., com taxa de ocorrência de 28,6% de anticorpos anti-leptospiras, sendo 23 casos de infecção para um único sorovar e 11 com coaglutinações para dois ou mais sorovares. Dentre os sorovares patogênicos, o de maior ocorrência foi o Autumnalis (29,4%). A análise histopatológica de 36 fragmentos de rins revelou alterações túbulo intersticiais em 33 (91,7%) animais soro-reagentes. Lesões tubulares foram observadas em 20 (55,5%) animais soro-reagentes. A presença de leptospiras, pela técnica de Warthin Starry, foi observada em 8 (22,20%) amostras positivas. Pela técnica de imunoperixidase, de 20 casos analisados, foi verificada a presença de leptospira em 12 (60%) de 20 amostras positivas. Nos animais soro-reagentes, o infiltrado inflamatório foi significantemente mais evidente na região córtico-medular e cortical do que na região medular (p=0,000), mas não houve diferença entre animais soro-reagentes e soro não-reagentes. Cilindros hialinos nos túbulos proximais estavam presentes em quantidade significantemente maior nos animais soro-reagentes comparados aos não-reagentes (p=0,0001). Em glomérulos, foi observada lesão discreta. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que ovinos soro-reagentes para leptospiras apresentam lesões renais túbulo intersticiais, com presença de leptospiras nos túbulos, o que confere a esses animais a condição de disseminadores da infecção.

Conidiobolomycosis is an infection caused by fungi of the genus Conidiobolus spp. that is associated with a granulomatous rhinitis in humans and animals. In sheep, the disease is clinically characterized by respiratory changes, exophthalmia, craniofacial asymmetry, and fever. Microscopically, there are multifocal granulomas containing intralesional hyphae. For a long time, this disease was diagnosed as Enzootic Ethmoid Tumor. This report described three cases of conidiobolomycosis that had been previously diagnosed as Enzootic Ethmoid Tumor. Samples of nasal cavity, lung, parotid gland, and lymph node from three sheep submitted to histopathological examination in 1979 were retrieved in 2010 for a new histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical evaluations. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin, Grocott's Metanamine Silver, and Periodic Acid Schiff. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin embedded tissues using anti-cytokeratin primary antibody. Based on histopathology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry, the diagnosis of conidiobolomycosis was confirmed in three sheep, which had been previously diagnosed as Enzootic Ethmoid Tumor in 1979.

This paper reports diseases of the nasal cavity diagnosed in ruminants in the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, in Patos, state of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil, from 2003 to 2009. During that period three cases or outbreaks of diseases of the nasal cavity were reported in cattle, three in goats and nine in sheep (out of 404 diseases diagnosed in cattle, 330 in goats, and 338 in sheep). At all are reported one case of atopic rhinitis in cattle, seven outbreaks of conidiobolomycosis and two outbreaks of rhinofacial pythiosis in sheep, two cases of protothecosis and one of nasal aspergillosis in goats, and a myxoma and a fibrosarcoma in cattle. Additionally, other diseases of the nasal cavity reported in Brazil are reviewed, including oestrosis, rhinosporidiosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and enzootic ethmoidal tumor.

Foram realizados eritrogramas, leucogramas, dosagens séricas de proteínas totais, albumina, globulinas, cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, cloretos, uréia, creatinina, bilirrubina total, direta e indireta e atividade sérica de aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA) e gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT) de 56 ovinos afetados por conidiobolomicose e de 371 ovinos sadios provenientes dos mesmos rebanhos dos casos da doença. Os resultados revelaram que os ovinos com conidiobolomicose apresentam anemia arregenerativa normocítica normocrômica, leucocitose com neutrofilia e discreto desvio à esquerda regenerativo, com elevação da relação neutrófilo:linfócito, monocitose moderada, trombocitose, hipoproteinemia (hipoglobulinemia), hipomagnesemia, hipocalcemia e elevação dos teores de fósforo. As atividades séricas de AST e GGT estavam aumentadas e as de FA diminuídas. Não houve alteração nos níveis de uréia e creatinina, mas ocorreu hipoglicemia e hiperbilirrubinemia. Estes resultados podem ser utilizados para estudos experimentais da doença, em ensaios com tratamentos e para identificar casos precoces da enfermidade que não apresentem sinais clínicos. Além disso, os valores encontrados em 371 ovinos deslanados hígidos podem ser utilizados como valores referenciais para este tipo de ovinos na região semi-árida do Brasil.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis whose transmission is interlinked by multiple factors in the man-animal-ecosystem interface. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs in the capital Teresina (PI), and to determine their spatial distribution. Five hundred fifty-eight dog blood samples were submitted to the Microscopic Serum Agglutination (MSA) test. We applied semi-structured questionnaires to dog owners and obtained the area of residence for projection in geographical maps. Serum prevalence was 13.8%, in which the most common serovar was icterohaemorrhagiae, with 49.2%. Dogs with street access, failure to collect food bowl and low income of owners were risk factors. There was a higher number of seropositive dogs in the rainy season, with 87.1%, which is a probable risk factor for the occurrence of cases. The distribution of seropositive dogs was widely spread in the city, with predominance of cases in anthropized areas. These risk factors favor the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs that are agent maintenance sources in the city and reinforce the need for epidemiological and environmental surveillance to prevent leptospirosis.A leptospirose é uma zoonose mundial cuja transmissão está interligada por múltiplos fatores na interface homem-animal-ecossistema. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os fatores de risco para a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospira em cães na capital Teresina (PI), e determinar sua distribuição espacial. Amostras sanguíneas de 558 cães foram submetidas à prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Aplicou-se questionários semiestruturados para os proprietários dos cães e obteve-se a localização geográfica da residência para a sua projeção em mapas geográficos. A soroprevalência foi de 13,8%, no qual o sorogrupo mais frequente foi o Icterohaemorrhagiae com 49,2%. Foram considerados fatores de risco os cães com acesso à rua, o não recolhimento da vasilha de alimento e a baixa renda dos proprietários. Foi observado maior número de cães soropositivos no período chuvoso com 87,1%, sendo um possível fator de risco para a ocorrência de casos. A distribuição dos cães soropositivos na cidade se apresentou de forma dispersa, com predominância dos casos em área antropizada. Esses fatores de risco favorecem a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospiraem cães, os quais podem ser fontes de manutenção do agente na cidade e reforça a necessidade de vigilância epidemiológica e ambiental na prevenção da leptospirose.

Conidiobolomycosis is reported in the state of Piauí, in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Affected sheep had depression, weight loss, serous or mucohemorrhagic nasal discharge, and cranium-facial asymmetry from exophthalmos of 1 eye, generally with increased volume of the eyeball, keratitis, and corneal ulceration. At necropsy of 60 sheep, friable masses were observed in the posterior region of the nasal cavity, often destroying the ethmoturbinate bones. Frequently, the lesions invaded the nasal sinuses, cribiform plate, orbit, and brain. The masses were irregular, granular with moist surfaces, and soft and friable with white, yellow, or tan coloration. Dissemination of the lesion to lungs was observed in 27 sheep, to the brain in 26, to lymph nodes in 3, to the kidney in 2, and to the gallbladder and heart in 1. The microscopic examination showed granulomatous inflammation composed of central necrosis surrounded by lymphocytes, epithelioid and giant cells, and fibrous tissue. In all lesions, negatively stained structures representing hyphae were surrounded by Splendore-Hoeppli material. Coagulative necrosis, thrombosis, and vasculitis were also observed. Grocott methenamine silver stain showed 8–30-μm-thick hyphae, rarely septate or ramified, irregular in shape, and with black contoured wall, sometimes with bulbous dilatation in the extremities. On electron microscopy, the hyphae had a thick double wall surrounded by cellular remnants and an inflammatory exudate. Conidiobolus coronatus was isolated from the lesions of 6 sheep. Conidiobolomycosis is an important disease of sheep in the state of Piauí, and other regions of northeastern Brazil.

Foi realizado um estudo de ocorrência da conidiobolomicose ovina em 25 rebanhos no Estado do Piauí, de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2004. A enfermidade acometeu apenas ovinos e ocorreu principalmente em abril-julho. A incidência média anual foi de 2,80% e a incidência semestral foi significativamente mais alta (P

RESUMO: O carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) é uma neoplasia rara nos animais domésticos e em espécies selvagens foi relatado somente em antílopes, veado, cães da pradaria e furões, mas não existem relatos em Leopardus pardalis (jaguatirica). Este trabalho descreve um caso de carcinoma hepatocelular metastático em uma fêmea felina de aproximadamente 18 anos de idade, da espécie Leopardus pardalis, proveniente do Parque Zoobotânico de Teresina-PI, com histórico de anorexia, apatia e evolução ao óbito que foi encaminhada ao Setor de Patologia Animal da Universidade Federal do Piauí para exame anatomopatológico. À necropsia foram observadas duas nodulações de aproximadamente 8,0cm de diâmetro no fígado, de coloração variando da brancacenta ao vermelhado claro, amarelada a vermelho escuro, subdivididas em lóbulos por tecido conjuntivo. No pâncreas foram observadas múltiplas nodulações de aproximadamente 1,0 cm de diâmetro, com superfície lisa, consistência firme, coloração vermelho-amarelada. A superfície de corte dos rins também apresentava várias nodulações milimétricas de distribuição multifocal, na região córtico-medular, consistência firme, coloração branco-acinzentada ou amarelada, sugerindo metástase. Os fragmentos das lesões de fígado foram coletados e no exame microscópico observaram-se proliferação de hepatócitos em cordões bem diferenciados, formando trabéculas com espessura de três ou mais células. Os hepatócitos apresentavam-se volumosos, pleomórficos, com citoplasma eosinofílico. Na coloração com PAS constataram-se, regularmente, acúmulo de glicogênio nos hepatócitos neoplásicos. A confirmação foi feita pela técnica de imunoistoquímica, utilizando-se anticorpo monoclonal (Hepatocyte Specific Antigen). Os achados anatomohistopatológicos, e o auxilio da imunoistoquímica permitiram concluir pelo diagnóstico de hepatocarcinoma trabecular metastático em Leopardus pardalis criado em cativeiro. ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare neoplasm in domestic and wildlife animals and has been reported only in antelope, deer, prairie dogs and ferrets; but there are no reports in Leopardus pardalis (ocelot). This paper describes a case of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in a female of an about 18-year-old Leopardus pardalis from the Zoological Garden of Teresina, Piauí, after a history of anorexia, apathy and fatal outcomes, forwarded to the Department of Animal Pathology at the Federal University of Piaui for pathological examination. Necropsy revealed two nodules of about 8.0cm in diameter in the liver, of whitish to bright red or yellow to dark red color divided into lobes by connective tissue. In the pancreas were found multiple nodules of about 1.0cm diameter, with smooth surface, firm consistency, and yellowish-red color. The cut surface of the kidneys also presented multiple whitish-gray or yellowish millimeter small nodules in the corticomedullary region, of firm consistence, suggesting metastases. Fragments of the liver lesions examined microscopically revealed hepatocyte proliferation in well differentiated strands, forming trabeculars of three or more cells. The hepatocytes were large and pleomorphic, with eosinophilic cytoplasm. In PAS staining glycogen accumulation was found in neoplastic hepatocytes . The confirmation of the diagnosis was made by immunohistochemistry, using monoclonal antibody hepatocyte specific antigen. The findings allowed us to characterize the neoplasm as a trabecular metastatic hepatocarcinoma in Leopardus pardalis bred in captivity.

A 21-yr-old female jaguar (Panthera onca) died in a zoo in Teresina, Piaui, Brazil, following a history of abdominal distension, ascites, anorexia, and dyspnea. At necropsy, a dark red, watery, blood-tinged serous fluid was present in the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum was thick with firm, yellow, villous projections. Histologically, the tumors were composed of a biphasic population of cells, which reacted to anti-cytokeratin and anti-vimentin antibodies, consistent with a biphasic benign mesothelioma of peritoneal origin. This is the first reported case of mesothelioma in a captive jaguar.

Hybanthus calceolaria, also known as “papaconha” or “ipepacuanha,” is a herbaceous plant found in northeastern Brazil, which is often implicated by farmers as the cause of neurological signs in livestock grazing. Several poisoning outbreaks associated with the ingestion of this plant were observed in cattle in the municipalities of Colônia de Gurguéia in the state of Piauí and Sirinhaém in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The main clinical signs were ataxia, recumbency, and myokymia. No significant lesions were observed during necropsy or on histological examination. The disease was experimentally reproduced by the administration of 2 daily doses of 40 g/kg/body weight of the fresh green plant containing fruits. The plants without fruits were nontoxic, which is in accordance with the farmers’ information, as it was stated that the poisoning only occurs when the plant is fruiting.

PURPOSE: To compare the biomodulatory effects of LED and ultrasound combined with semipermeable dressing in the repair of cutaneous lesions.METHODS:Eighty-four Wistar rats were submitted to surgical injury (2.5 cm) and divided into four groups (n=21): Group I (control), Group II (LED therapy, LED), Group III (LED therapy + dressing, LED+D) and Group IV (ultrasound + dressing, US+D). At seven, 14 and 21 days, the animals were euthanized, and the specimens of interest removed for histological analysis.RESULTS:Histological and histomorphometric analysis revealed a greater percent wound regression in animals receiving the dressing (group III: 55.97; group IV: 53.06), as well as a greater reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate (group III: 29.14; group IV: 31.71) since day 7. A later effect, with progression of the tissue repair process only after 14 and 21 days, was observed in the LED group intense fibroblast proliferation and greater collagen fiber production and organization were seen in the LED+D and US+D groups compared to the other groups.CONCLUSION:LED combined with a dressing was more effective at accelerating in the repair of cutaneous lesions.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar o uso de terapia neoadjuvante (auto-hemoterapia) no tratamento de um caso demastocitoma canino. O tratamento desta neoplasia pode ser cirurgico, quimioterapico ou com a associacao destes doismetodos. A auto-hemoterapia (AHT) e utilizada com sucesso no tratamento de algumas enfermidades em animais. O cao dopresente relato foi diagnosticado com mastocitoma e submetido a tratamento com AHT (10 ml de sangue, via intramuscularretirados da jugular), associado a tratamento cirurgico. O uso dessa terapia possibilitou prolongar a sobrevivencia do animalcom qualidade de vida e satisfacao do proprietario.

Com o objetivo de avaliar os possiveis efeitos toxicos sistemicos e reprodutivos do extrato etanolico de Buchenavia sp. (EEtOH-B), em ratas e sua prole, foram executados os protocolos gestacionais de pre-implantacao, com 8 dias de tratamento, e pos-implantacao, com 34 dias de administracao, desde o 8o dia gestacional ate o desmame e a avaliacao da prole, e por fim, o protocolo de toxicidade cronica com 30 dias de tratamento. Em todos os protocolos, as ratas receberam o extrato etanolico nas dosagens de 250, 500 e 1000 mg/kg/dia (n=8/grupo) e para cada protocolo foi instituido um grupo controle (n=8/grupo) no qual foi administrada agua destilada (10ml/kg/dia). Os resultados mostram que durante o periodo de realizacao dos tratamentos, nao foram observados efeitos nocivos significativos ou obitos que pudessem ser atribuidos ao extrato utilizado. Concluiu-se que o EEtOH-B nao induz abortamento em ratas.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a soroprevalência de pseudorraiva, peste suína clássica (PSC) e brucelose suína em suínos do estado do Piauí, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 384 suínos de criações intensivas e extensivas do estado. Anticorpos anti-Brucella spp. foram detectados pelo teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e confirmados pelo teste 2-mercaptoetanol, enquanto a detecção de anticorpos contra os vírus da PSC e pseudorraiva foi realizada por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), utilizando-se kits comerciais específicos. Anticorpos anti-Brucella spp. foram detectados em 1,04% (2/192) dos suínos de criações intensivas. Dos rebanhos avaliados, 0,78% (3/384) dos animais exibiram anticorpos contra o vírus da PSC, sendo 1,04% (2/192) de criações intensivas e 0,52% (1/192) de criações extensivas. Anticorpos contra o vírus da pseudorraiva foram detectados apenas em suínos de criação extensiva, com prevalência de 5,2% (10/192). Esses são os primeiros dados sobre a soroprevalência da brucelose suína, pseudorraiva e PSC em rebanhos do Piauí. A detecção de 10 amostras positivas para pseudorraiva causa preocupação sobre a possibilidade da circulação viral na população suídea desse estado e revela uma necessidade premente de realização de estudos mais extensos para melhor compreender a importância dessas enfermidades de notificação obrigatória em estados da região Nordeste brasileira. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Pseudorabies, Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and Swine Brucellosis in swine in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 384 pigs from intensive and small outdoor systems in the state. Anti-Brucella spp. antibodies were detected by Buffered Acidified Antigen Test and positive results confirmed by 2-Mercaptoethanol Test. Detection of antibodies against CSF and Pseudorabies virus were performed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) using specific commercial kits. Only two samples (1.04% - 2/192) from the intensive system were seropositive to Brucella spp. In the evaluated herds, 0.78% (3/384) of animals had antibodies against CSF virus, two from outdoor pigs (1.04% - 2/192) and one from intensive systems (0.52% - 1/192). Antibodies against the Pseudorabies virus were detected only in outdoor pigs, with seroprevalence of 5.2% (10/192). This is the first report on seroprevalence of Pseudorabies, CSF and Brucellosis in hog farms in Piauí, Brazil. The detection of 10 positive cases raises a concern regarding Pseudorabies virus circulation in the swine population in the state and reveals a need for further studies to better understand the real situation and status of obligatory notified diseases in the swine herds in the Northestern states of Brazil.

Este trabalho tem por objetivo relatar um surto de raiva ocorrido em bovinos da bacia leiteira de Parnaiba, Piaui. Um total de 127 animais veio a obito com sintomatologia nervosa. Tres animais foram necropsiados e amostras de encefalo e cerebelo foram colhidas para realizacao de Imunofluorescencia Direta (RIFD), Prova Biologica em Camundongo (PBC) e exame histopatologico. Alem disto, 16 morcegos (Desmodus rotundus) foram capturados na propriedade e em cavernas circunvizinhas e submetidos a RIFD e PBC. As amostras provenientes dos bovinos e morcegos foram positivas a RIFD e PBC. Alem disso, o exame histopatologico das amostras bovinas revelou lesoes compativeis com a doenca. Este trabalho relata o primeiro surto de raiva em bovinos da bacia leiteira do estado do Piaui e demonstra a necessidade de adocao de medidas de prevencao e controle da raiva em locais onde ha a presenca de morcegos hematofagos e evidencia a importância da vacinacao como metodo de controle da doenca e cuidados de conservacao e aplicacao de vacinas.

The atrophic rhinitis (AR) and pneumonia are among the most frequently diagnosed respiratory diseases in swine production systems and can lead to significant economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and degree of AR and pneumonia in hybrids and undefined breed swine herds submitted to intensive farming system and check if there is an association between the occurrence of these diseases in the herds. For this, we used 30 swines hybrids (Group I) and 30 undefined breed swines (Group II) from intensive farming system. The index of atrophic rhinitis (IAR) of herds for Groups I and II were, respectively, 1.00 and 0.57. In Group I, 20.8% (5/24) of the pigs presented pneumonia, while none of the animals in Group II exhibited this pathology. There was no correlation between the presence of atrophic rhinitis and pneumonia for the studied animals. These are the first data on the occurrence of these diseases in swines of Piauí State, Brazil. We demonstrated that these pathologies are present in animals from intensive farming systems and that occurrence varied according to racial type, being the hybrid swines the most affected animals by AR and pneumonia., A rinite atrófica (RA) e as pneumonias estão entre as doenças respiratórias mais frequentemente diagnosticadas nos sistemas de produção de suínos, aos quais causam prejuízos econômicos significativos. Objetivou-se determinar a ocorrência e o grau de RA e pneumonias em rebanhos de suínos híbridos e sem raça definida de criações intensivas, além de verificar se há associação entre a ocorrência dessas enfermidades nos rebanhos estudados. Para isso, foram estudados 30 suínos híbridos (Grupo I) e 30 suínos sem raça definida (Grupo II) de criação intensiva. O Índice de Rinite Atrófica (IRA) dos rebanhos dos grupos I e II foi, respectivamente, 1,00 e 0,57. No grupo I, 20,8% (5/24) dos suínos apresentaram pneumonia, enquanto nenhum dos animais do grupo II exibiu esta patologia. Não houve correlação entre presença de rinite atrófica e pneumonia nos animais deste estudo. Estes são os primeiros dados sobre a ocorrência destas enfermidades em suínos no Estado do Piauí e demonstram que as doenças estão presentes em animais de criação intensivas, com ocorrência variando com o tipo racial, sendo os suínos híbridos mais afetados por ambas.

Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida para avaliar o desempenho produtivo e a histomorfometria dos segmentos do intestino delgado em frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes aditivos melhoradores de crescimento: ração controle (sem melhorador de crescimento); ração controle + antibióticos (colistina e bacitracina de zinco); ração controle + probiótico; ração controle + prebiótico; ração controle + probiótico + prebiótico. As aves foram distribuídas em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as variáveis de desempenho, consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar e as características morfométricas, altura, perímetro e profundidade de vilos, dos segmentos do intestino delgado no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade. O desempenho das aves e as características morfométricas dos segmentos dos intestino não apresentaram diferença entre os grupos. O uso de probiótico, prebiótico, probiótico + prebiótico e antibiótico em rações para frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade em condições de baixo desafio sanitário não interfere no desempenho e nas características histomorfométricas dos segmentos do intestino delgado. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance and intestinal histomorphometry of small intestine segments in broiler chickens in 1 to 21-day of age period, fed diets with different growth promoter additives: control diet (without growth promoter); control diet + antibiotic (colistin and zinc bacitracin); control diet + probiotic (Protexin); control diet + prebiotic (Bio moss); control diet + probiotic + prebiotic. The birds were distributed in a random block design, with five treatments and four replications. It was evaluated variables of performance, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion and the morphometric characteristics, height, circumference and depth of the villus of small intestine segments in 1 to 21-day of age period. Performance and morphometric traits of small intestine did not present differences among groups. The use of probiotic, prebiotic, probiotic + prebiotic and antibiotic in diets for broiler chickens in 1 to 21-day of age period, in conditions of low health challenge, does not interfere in the performance and in the histomorphometric characteristics of the segments of the small intestine.

Conidiobolus lamprauges , a soil and plant entomophthoralean fungus, has been reported only in a horse and, more recently, in sheep with rhinopharyngeal entomophthoramycosis. Thus, little information is available to enable proper identification of this pathogen and its differentiation from other saprotrophic and pathogenic Conidiobolus species. Using classical mycological tools and molecular methodologies, we report for the first time the taxonomic and phylogenetic description of three C. lamprauges isolates recovered from sheep with rhinopharyngeal entomophthoramycosis. The distinctive clinical and pathological features of C. lamprauges are compared with those of other Conidiobolus spp. affecting sheep, as well as with those of the stramenopilan ovine agent Pythium insidiosum . The comparative morphological attributes of Conidiobolus spp. are also diagramed; along with the sequence data generated, they should assist laboratories in the identification of these uncommon species.

Farmers report that the pods of Luetzelburgia auriculata cause digestive signs and death when ingested by goats. To demonstrate the toxicity of the pods of this plant 12 goats were divided into 4 groups of 3 goats each. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were administered 2.5, 1, 0.5 and nil g of pods per kg body weight, respectively. Goats in Groups 1 and 2 developed decreased ruminal movements followed by anorexia, depression and soft feces or diarrhea. Goats in Group 1 died 59–106 h after first showing clinical signs. Goats in Group 2 also regurgitated rumen content, but all recovered 65–90 h after first showing clinical signs. The only clinical sign shown by goats in Group 3 was regurgitation of rumen content, and all goats recovered 5.5–24 h after first regurgitating. All goats in Group 4 remained normal. The goats that died were necropsied and found to have a reddish mucosa of the forestomachs that detached easily from the underlying tissues. Other lesions included diffuse reddening of the mucosa of the abomasum and intestine. Histological examination of the mucosa of the forestomachs showed diffuse ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes, with necrosis and vesicle and pustule formation in the epithelium. In some areas there was sloughing of the ruminal epithelium. These results demonstrate that the pods of L. auriculata are toxic and responsible for field outbreaks of poisoning in goats in the state of Piaui.

Fifteen symptomatic and seven asymptomatic dogs infected naturally with Leishmania chagasi were examined in order to identify the presence of parasites and changes in heart and lung. Histopathological, cytological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on samples of heart and lung tissues. An inflammatory reaction characterized by inflammatory mononuclear, perivascular and intermuscular infiltrates was observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic animals on histopathological analysis of the heart. In the lung, there was thickening of the alveolar septa due to congestion, edema, inflammatory infiltrate, and fibroblast proliferation. A focal reaction was observed although a diffuse reaction was present in both groups. On cytological examination, heart and lung imprints revealed amastigotes in two symptomatic animals and heart imprints were found in 1 asymptomatic dog. Immunoperoxidase staining showed amastigotes in the lung and heart of only 1 of 6 symptomatic animals examined. Within the ethical principles and limits of this research, it can be inferred that the study of heart and lung alterations in canine visceral leishmaniasis is increasingly important for understanding the problem related to humans. Dogs with visceral leishmaniasis were a good experimental model, since infection was caused by the same agent and the animals developed clinical, pathological and immunological alterations similar to those observed in humans.

Background Immune complex deposition is the accepted mechanism of pathogenesis of VL glomerulopathy however other immune elements may participate. Further in the present study, no difference was seen between immunoglobulin and C3b deposit intensity in glomeruli between infected and non-infected dogs thus T cells, adhesion molecules and parameters of proliferation and apoptosis were analysed in dogs with naturally acquired VL from an endemic area. The dog is the most important domestic reservoir of the protozoa Leishmania (L.) chagasi that causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The similarity of VL manifestation in humans and dogs renders the study of canine VL nephropathy of interest with regard to human pathology. Methods From 55 dogs with VL and 8 control non-infected dogs from an endemic area, kidney samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for immunoglobulin and C3b deposits, staining for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, ICAM-1, P-selectin and quantified using morphometry. Besides proliferation marker Ki-67, apoptosis markers M30 and TUNEL staining, and related cytokines TNF-α, IL-1α were searched and quantified. Results We observed similar IgG, IgM and IgA and C3b deposit intensity in dogs with VL and non-infected control dogs. However we detected the Leishmania antigen in cells in glomeruli in 54, CD4+ T cells in the glomeruli of 44, and CD8+ T cells in 17 of a total of 55 dogs with VL. Leishmania antigen was absent and T cells were absent/scarse in eight non-infected control dogs. CD 4+ T cells predominate in proliferative patterns of glomerulonephritis, however the presence of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were not different in intensity in different patterns of glomerulonephritis. The expression of ICAM-1 and P-selectin was significantly greater in the glomeruli of infected dogs than in control dogs. In all patterns of glomerulonephritis the expression of ICAM-1 ranged from minimum to moderately severe and P-selectin from absent to severe. In the control animals the expression of these molecules ranged from absent to medium intensity. It was not observed any correlation between severity of the disease and these markers. There was a correlation between the number of Leishmania antigen positive cells and CD4+ T cells, and between the number of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. In dogs presenting different histopathological patterns of glomerulonephritis, parameters of proliferation and apoptosis were studied. Ki-67, a proliferative marker, was not detected locally, but fewer apoptotic cells and lower TNF-α expression were seen in infected animals than in non-infected controls. Conclusion Immunopathogenic mechanisms of VL glomerulonephritis are complex and data in the present study suggest no clear participation of immunoglobulin and C3b deposits in these dogs but the possible migration of CD4+ T cells into the glomeruli, participation of adhesion molecules, and diminished apoptosis of cells contributing to determine the proliferative pattern of glomerulonephritis in VL.

Two outbreaks of zigomycosis with rhinofacial and two other with rhinopharyngeal lesions involving fungi with filamentous coaenocytic hyphae characteristic of entomoph-thoramycetous fungi are reported in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. One outbreak of rhinofacial zygomycosis occurred during the rainy season affecting 5 sheep. Another outbreak of the clinical form affected one out of 40 sheep during the dry season. Common clinical signs of the rhinofacial infection were bilateral serosanguineous nasal discharge with swelling of nostrils, upper lip, and the skin of the face. At necropsy the nasal mucosa showed dark brownish ulcerated areas which extended from the mucocutaneous region to 10cm inside the nasal vestibule. The mucosa of the hard palate was also ulcerated. The cutting surface of nostrils and palate showed a brownish or red spongeous tissue of friable consistency. One outbreak of rhinopharyngitis took place on an irrigated coconut farm; 7 out of 60 adult sheep were affected. Another outbreak affected a sheep in a flock of 80 during the dry season. Clinical signs as noisy respiration and dyspnoea due to mechanical blockage of the nasal cavities, swelling of the nostrils, and serosanguineous nasal discharge were observed. Six out of 8 sheep in this group showed exophthalmia, keratitis and unilateral corneal ulceration of the eye. The sheep either died of their infection or were euthanized after a clinical course of 7-30 days. At necropsy there was a dense yellow exudate in the nasopharyngeal area affecting the ethmoidal region, turbinate bones, paranasal sinuses, hard and soft palates, orbital cavity, pharynges, regional muscles and lymph nodes. Histopathologically both forms of the disease showed multifocal granulomas with an eosinophilic necrotic reaction (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon) containing ribbon-type coenocytic hyphae with 7-30mum in diameter similar to hyphae of zygomycetous fungi, possibly Conidiobolus spp. Outbreaks of both forms of mycotic rhinitis are common in northeastern Brazil and in other regions of the country. Dois surtos de lesões rinofaciais e dois de lesões rinofaríngeas causadas por fungos com hifas filamentosas, raramente septadas, semelhantes às dos fungos entomophthorales, são descritos no Estado da Paraíba. Um surto da forma rinofacial afetou 5 ovinos durante a estação chuvosa. Outro surto desta forma clínica afetou um ovino de um grupo de 40, durante a época seca. Os sinais clínicos da forma rinofacial foram de corrimento serosanguinolento bilateral, com aumento de volume das narinas, lábio superior, e pele da face. Na necropsia, a mucosa nasal apresentava áreas ulceradas de cor marrom escuro, que se estendiam desde a região muco-cutánea até 10cm dentro do vestíbulo nasal. A mucosa do palato duro estava, também, ulcerada. A superfície de corte das narinas e palato apresentava-se marrom ou avermelhada de aspecto esponjoso e friável. Um surto de rinofaringite micótica ocorreu em uma plantação de coco irrigado, afetando 7 ovinos de um rebanho de 60 ovinos adultos. Outro surto desta forma da enfermidade afetou um único animal de um rebanho de 80, durante a época seca. Os animais apresentavam dispnéia, com respiração ruidosa devida ao bloqueio parcial das narinas, e corrimento nasal serosanguinolento. Seis dos oito animais afetados por esta forma da enfermidade apresentaram, em um olho, exoftalmia, ceratite e ulceração da córnea. Todos os ovinos morreram ou foram sacrificados após um curso clínico de 7-30 dias. Na necropsia exsudato amarelo consistente foi observado na região etmoidal, ossos turbinados, seios paranasais, palatos duro e mole, órbita, faringe, e músculos e linfonodos regionais. No estudo histológico, ambas as formas da doença mostraram granulomas multifocais com áreas necróticas eosinofílicas (material de Splendore-Hoeppli) contendo hifas com 7-30mim de diâmetro, raramente septadas, semelhantes às dos fungos entomophthorales, possivelmente Conidiobolus spp. Surtos de ambas as formas de rinite micótica são freqüentes na região semi-árida e em outras regiões do Brasil.

The gross and histological examinations of testis and epididymis of 53 crossbred hairy rams in the semi-arid region of Piaui State showed 34 (64.1%) animals with pathologic changes: one animal presented (1.9%) testicle hipoplasia; 35 (66%) degenerative changes, being 13 (24.5%) related to testicular degeneration, three (5.7%) to intraepithelial cysts in the epididymal epithelia and 19 (35.8%) to retention cysts in the epididymis; 11 (20.7%) inflammatory alterations, being five (9.4%) related to epididymitis, four (7.5%) to orchitis and two (3.8%) to spermatic granulomas. The animals with hypoplasic testicle, testicular degeneration and inflammatory alterations were classified as sub-fertile. Os exames macroscópico e microscópico de testículos e epidídimos de 53 ovinos deslanados da região semi-árida do estado do Piauí revelaram34 (64,1%) animais acometidos por processos patológicos, assim distribuídos: um animal (1,9%) apresentou hipoplasia testicular, 35 (66,0%) mostraram alterações degenerativas, sendo 13 (24,5%) casos de degeneração testicular, três (5,7%) de cisto intraepitelial no epidídimo e 19 (35,8%) de cisto de retenção congênita no epidídimo; 11 (20,7%) de alterações inflamatórias, sendo cinco (9,4%) de epididimite, quatro (7,5%) de orquite e dois (3,8%) de granuloma espermático. Os animais com hipoplasia testicular, degeneração testicular e alterações inflamatórias foram classificados como subférteis.

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido visando contribuir com informações a respeito de aspectos biométricos e patológicos em testículos de catetos (Tayassu tajacu). Utilizaram-se doze animais, com idades superior a dez anos, provenientes do Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres CEMAS/ESAM. Após a coleta, os testículos foram submetidos a biometria e em seguida fixados em solução de Bouin. Posteriormente, conservou-se a amostra em álcool a 70% e submeteu-se ao processamento histológico de rotina. A leitura das lâminas foi realizada em microscópio óptico e os resultados obtidos analisados estatisticamente através dos testes "t" e "Z". Os valores médios de comprimento, circunferência e peso, entre o testículo direito e esquerdo, não revelam diferença estatística, ao se aplicar o teste "t". Porém, o mesmo teste demonstrou correlação com significância a 1% de probabilidade entre a gônada direita e esquerda, ao se comparar cada variável biométrica. Dos 12 animais utilizados, oito (67%) apresentaram alterações testiculares, as quais corresponderam a degeneração (63%), rarefação do epitélio (25%) e orquite (12%). Através do teste "Z" houve significância, a 2,5%, ao se compararem às freqüências entre degeneração e rarefação, assim como degeneração e orquite. Verificou-se que, à medida que uma das variáveis biométricas de um testículo apresenta modificação, há uma correspondência com o órgão contralateral. A patologia mais frequente foi à degeneração testicular, a qual demonstrou correlação com as demais alterações. This research was developed with the purpose to contribute with the information regarding biometric and pathological aspects in testicles of collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu). Twelve animals were used, with age superior than ten years, coming from the Center of Multiplication of Wild Animals CEMAS/ESAM. After the collection, the testicles were submitted to biometry and soon afterwards fixed in Bouin's solution. Later on, the samples were conserved in alcohol 70%, and underwent the routine histological processing. The reading of the lamina was accomplished in optical microscope and the obtained results were statistically analyzed through the T- and Z-tests. The medium values of the length, circumference and weight, among the right and left testicle, don't reveal statistical difference if the T-test is applied. However, the same test demonstrated a correlation with a significance of 1% probability among the right and left gonad, when comparing each biometric variable. Of the 12 used animals, eight (67%) presented testicular alterations, which corresponded to a degeneration (63%), epithelium rarefaction (25%) and orchitis (12%). Through the Z-test there was a significance of 2.5%, when the frequencies between degeneration and rarefaction were compared, as well as between degeneration and orchitis. It was verified that, when one of the testicle biometric variables presented a modification, there was a correspondence with the contralateral organ. The most frequent pathology was the testicular degeneration, which demonstrated correlation with the other alterations.

Although the nephropathy of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is known both in humans and dogs, histopathologic alterations have not been thoroughly studied. We examined renal alterations in 55 dogs with naturally acquired VL compared with five noninfected dogs from an endemic area in northeastern Brazil. Glomerulonephritis was found in 55 dogs, interstitial alterations in 53 dogs, and tubular changes in 43 dogs with VL. The glomerular alterations found were minor glomerular abnormalities ( n = 8, 14.5%), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis ( n = 10, 18.2%), mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis ( n = 17, 32.7%), membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis ,(n = 18, 30.9%), crescentic glomerulonephritis ( n = 1, 1.8%), and chronic glomerulonephritis ( n = 1, 1.8%). Morphometric and ultrastructural studies complemented the analysis. The five control animals exhibited no glomerular alterations. The glomerular lesions were related to functional alterations. Considering that the alterations of canine and human nephropathy in VL are very similar, the data obtained in this study constitute an important contribution to the understanding of canine and human VL nephropathy.

BackgroundVisceral leishmaniasis in Brazil is caused by the protozoanLeishmania (Leishmania) chagasiand it is transmitted by sandfly of the genusLutzomyia. Dogs are an important domestic reservoir, and control of the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) to humans includes the elimination of infected dogs. However, though dogs are considered to be an important element in the transmission cycle ofLeishmania, the identification of infected dogs representing an immediate risk for transmission has not been properly evaluated. Since it is not possible to treat infected dogs, they are sacrificed when a diagnosis of VL is established, a measure that is difficult to accomplish in highly endemic areas. In such areas, parameters that allow for easy identification of reservoirs that represents an immediate risk for transmission is of great importance for the control of VL transmission. In this study we aimed to identify clinical parameters, reinforced by pathological parameters that characterize dogs with potential to transmit the parasite to the vector.ResultsThe major clinical manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs from an endemic area were onicogriphosis, skin lesions, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, and weight loss. The transmission potential of these dogs was assessed by xenodiagnosis usingLutzomyia longipalpis. Six of nine symptomatic dogs were infective toLutzomyia longipalpiswhile none of the five asymptomatic dogs were infective to the sandfly.Leishmaniaamastigotes were present in the skin of all clinically symptomatic dogs, but absent in asymptomatic dogs. Higher parasite loads were observed in the ear and ungueal region, and lower in abdomen. The inflammatory infiltrate was more intense in the ears and ungueal regions of both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. In clinically affected dogs in which few or noneLeishmaniaamastigotes were observed, the inflammatory infiltrate was constituted mainly of lymphocytes and macrophages. When many parasites were present, the infiltrate was also comprised of lymphocytes and macrophages, as well as a larger quantity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs).ConclusionDogs that represent an immediate risk for transmission ofLeishmaniain endemic areas present clinical manifestations that include onicogriphosis, skin lesions, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, and weight loss. Lymphadenopathy in particular was a positive clinical hallmark since it was closely related to the positive xenodiagnosis.