Roberio Gomes Olinda

Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) affects Psittaciformes worldwide. In Brazil, PBFD is an emerging disease that has threatened exotic and native Psittaciformes in captivity; however, reports in the country are still scarce. The aim of this study was to describe a natural outbreak of PBFD in rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) from breeding facilities in the state of Ceará, Northeast of Brazil. Six fledgling parakeets presented progressive feather loss and apathy and were euthanized due to a presumptive diagnosis of PBFD. Samples from the organs were collected in 10% formalin. Feathers and fragments of the organs were frozen and later tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a conserved sequence of the viral genome, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Grossly, multifocal to coalescent apteria were observed in rectrices and covering feathers. Microscopically, multiple areas showed a disordered increase of epithelial cells in the stratum germinativum of the skin’s epithelial layer, as well as epithelial and follicular necrosis with botryoid inclusion bodies. In addition, cellular necrosis was noted in the thymus and bursa. All samples tested positive for beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) and were confirmed by sequence analysis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of BFDV infection in the State of Ceará. Considering the risk of Psittacula krameri as a potential spreader of BFDV, we emphasize the need to establish control measures to prevent viral dissemination to neotropical psittacine birds.

The clinical, epidemiological and anatomopathological findings of anthelmintic poisoning in small ruminants diagnosed at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, from January 2000 to December 2022 are described. A total of 1,928 necropsies were carried out on small ruminants, of which 1,032 were goats and 896 sheep. Four outbreaks of anthelmintic poisoning were identified in these species: one outbreak of ivermectin in sheep, one outbreak of disophenol in goats and sheep and two outbreaks of nitroxinil in goats. These intoxications accounted for 0.78% and 0.23% of goat and sheep diseases diagnosed routinely. In the case of ivermectin poisoning, the animal had neurological clinical signs, and no macroscopic or histopathological alterations were observed. In the outbreaks of disophenol and nitroxinil, the animals showed anorexia, hyperthermia, tachycardia, tremors, dyspnea, incoordination and limb rigidity. Macroscopically, there were liver and kidney lesions associated with circulatory alterations, such as hemorrhages and edema. Microscopically, necrosis and degeneration of hepatocytes and tubular epithelial cells associated with hemorrhage and congestion were observed. The prevalence of these intoxications in small ruminants is considered low in the Semi-arid Northeast, but outbreaks can occur with high lethality in herds. The main risk factor for the occurrence of intoxications was overdose, combined with other factors such as the age of the animals, high environmental temperature, constant exercise and low body score, which increased the toxicity of anthelmintics.

Mammary carcinomas are common malignant tumors encompassing the main diagnostic mammary gland tumor cause in female dogs and cats. Few reports in wild animals are, however, available. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the clinical and histological aspects of a mammary tubular carcinoma case in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). A four-year-old non-spayed female guinea pig was seen at a veterinary clinic in the municipality of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Upon clinical examination, the animal was active, with a normal body condition, weighing 660 grams, hydrated, and presenting normal-colored mucous membranes. Increased left breast volume was observed, about 3.5 cm in diameter, non-adherent and with an ulcerated surface located medially to the mammary papilla, about 1.8 cm in diameter. The observed clinical findings indicated a presumptive neoplastic lesion diagnosis. A unilateral mastectomy was performed (left breast) and breast tissue fragments were histologically evaluated, confirming the tubular mammary carcinoma diagnosis. The surgical procedure and post-surgical treatment recommended in this report were proven efficient. Knowledge of diseases that affect non-conventional pets, such as the tubular mammary carcinoma reported herein, is paramount in improving the quality of life of these animals.

This study describes the epidemiological and clinical-pathological aspects of outbreaks of avian pox diagnosed in poultry associated with fungal co-infections. A retrospective study was carried out, and cases of avian pox with suspected associated fungal infection were selected. The slides were subjected to routine and special histochemical staining in cases of suspected fungal infection, in addition to performing the immunohistochemical technique. Macroscopically, there were nodular lesions with crust formation, and histologically, the lesions were characterized by hyperplasia of the spinous layer associated with multiple eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions. In seven cases, morphologically compatible structures with fungi were verified through black impregnation with GMS and strongly stained in pink with PAS. The morphotintorial aspects were suggestive of fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus sp. and Candida sp. The diagnosis of fungal co-infections was confirmed through immunohistochemistry, with positive immunostaining for fungi of the genus Aspergillus sp. (five cases) and Candida sp. (two cases). It is concluded that the occurrence of fungal co-infections secondary to the cutaneous lesions of avian pox represents a complicating factor of the disease, favoring the weakness of these animals and death. Therefore, the investigation of associated secondary agents is necessary.

This study discusses the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of two outbreaks of ocular infection in ostriches (Struthio camelus) caused by the trematode Philophthalmus sp. The outbreaks occurred in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. Ostrich farming was categorized as semi-intensive farming with free access to the weir and river. The clinical symptoms for infection included nictitating membrane inflammation, epiphora (tearing), eyelid edema, ocular congestion, eyeball destruction, emaciation, and death, and the infection period ranged from 8 to 16 months. Macroscopically, thickening of the eyelids and conjunctiva were observed, with orange parasites infestation. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, chronic conjunctivitis associated with hyperplasia and ectasia of the Harderian gland, and numerous parasites. The parasites were oval and flattened with an oral suction cup, acetabulum, and thick cuticle containing spicules. The diagnosis of philophthalmiasis was based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings associated with the morphological characteristics of the parasites present in the conjunctival sacs which were similar to the trematode Philophthalmus sp. Philophthalmiasis can occur in ostriches raised on urban and rural properties in Northeastern Brazil, probably associated with the contact of birds with contaminated water, and is characterized by severe conjunctivitis that can result in the loss of the eyeball and death of the animals.

Animais com sinais clínicos de intoxicação são atendidos com cada vez mais frequência nas clínicas veterinárias do país e representam uma emergência clínica na maioria dos episódios. Com o objetivo de determinar os principais agentes tóxicos e a frequência das intoxicações em cães e gatos no município de Fortaleza e região metropolitana, esse estudo epidemiológico foi realizado em cem clínicas veterinárias com cem profissionais médicos veterinários acerca dos casos de intoxicação em cães e gatos ocorridos entre o período de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2020. No período estudado foram registrados 9.951 casos. Desses, 7.039 casos foram de intoxicação em cães (70,7%) e 2.533 de intoxicação em gatos (25,5%). As principais categorias de agentes intoxicantes em ordem decrescente de prevalência foram alimentos (31,7%), pesticidas (25,5%), medicamentos (16,2%), animais venenosos e peçonhentos (14,5%), plantas tóxicas (4,6%), produtos de limpeza (3,7%) e drogas de abuso (2,9%). Diante disso, conclui-se que casos de intoxicação exógena permanecem frequentes na clínica médica de pequenos animais. Nesse contexto, foi possível delinear um perfil de alerta acerca dos casos de intoxicação em cães e gatos e salienta-se a importância da prática de métodos de prevenção de intoxicações em animais domésticos.

Background: In birds, neoplasms are more frequently observed in Psittaciformes and Galliformes and rarely seen in Columbiformes and Anseriformes, with few reports of the occurrence of mesenchymal neoplasms such as leiomyosarcoma affecting birds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe a case of metastatic leiomyosarcoma in an African goose (Anser cygnoides), analyzing the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects. Case: A 10-month-old male African goose, was referred to the Veterinary Hospital, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, Paraiba, Brazil, whit ataxia, tremors of intention in the head, and nystagmus about one month ago, progressing to lateral decubitus. Due to the unfavorable prognosis, animal was euthanized. Samples of the organs of the coelomic cavity and central nervous system were collected for histologic examination. The samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin. After fixation, the organs were embedded in paraffin, cut into 4-5 μm sections, and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Paraffin blocks with liver, kidney and encephalon fragments were selected and sent for immunohistochemical analysis. The primary antibodies used were: alpha-smooth muscle actin (monoclonal 1A4), anti-vimentin (monoclonal, V9), CD57 (monoclonal, NK1) and cytokeratin (monoclonal, AE1/AE3) and incubated for 18 h at 4Cº. As an amplification and detection system polymer and labeled by addition of the liquid diaminobenzidine+substratechromogen system and counterstained with Harris hematoxylin. Macroscopically were observed in the liver nodular multifocal areas yellowish, sometimes coalescing, firm, and elevated to the surface that at the cut deepened to the parenchyma. In the left kidney there was a similar tumor mass. In the left frontal lobe, there was nodular focal area, well circumscribed, yellowish and protruding. To cutting surface it compressed the parietal and temporal lobe and showed surface yellowish and smooth. Microscopically, the liver was diffusely infiltrated by mesenchymal neoplasia, expansive, infiltrative, poorly circumscribed and not encapsulated, constituted by spindle cells arranged in interlaced bundles. The cells were elongated with sparse cytoplasm, slightly eosinophilic and indistinct borders with rounded to elongated nuclei, with coarse chromatin and evident nucleoli. In fragments of kidney and brain, neoplastic infiltration similar to that described in the liver was observed. In immunohistochemistry, neoplastic cells were positive with antibodies anti-vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. Discussion: The diagnosis of metastatic leiomyosarcoma in an African goose was based on epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Reports of neoplasms in birds are relatively rare, however the occurrence of metastatic leiomyosarcoma affecting goose in the most varied locations has been described, from skin to organs of the coelomic cavity like kidney, ovary and intestinal wall. In this case, there is the unusual occurrence of dissemination in the liver, kidney and cerebral cortex, progressing to a neurological clinic condition. There are rare cases of metastatic leiomyosarcoma in geese African goose (Anser cygnoides). The main differential diagnoses include fibrosarcomas, neurofibrosarcomas and histiocytic sarcomas, which are similar macroscopically and histologically. Keywords: ornithopathology, mesenchymal neoplasms, anseriformes. Descritores: ornitopatologia, neoplasias mesenquimais, anseriformes. Título: Leiomiossarcoma metastáticoem ganso africano (Anser cygnoides)

Background: Melanosis is a blackened pigmentation resulting from the accumulation of melanocytes in tissues that are not normally pigmented. This change in the color of the organs occurs due to the agglomeration of melanocytes originating from abnormal migration during embryogenesis and does not cause dysfunction to the affected organ. Although melanosis frequently occurs in several species and affects several organs such as the brain and spinal cord leptomeninges, involvement in the thalamus region is unusual. The objective of this work was to report two cases of thalamic melanosis in goats, determining the pathological and histochemical aspects that assist in the diagnosis of this condition. Cases: Two cases of thalamic melanosis in goats were diagnosed. In both cases, the animals had no nervous history disease and clinical signs. The cause of death in cases 1 and 2 was established based on anatomopathological findings and clinical signs being diagnosed with mycoplasmosis and asphyxia, respectively. After fixing and making cross-sections of the brain, a focal lengthy blackened area was observed on the thalamus surface in both cases. Microscopically, lesions in the brain were similar in both cases and exclusively affected the thalamus. These cells had abundant cytoplasm, well delimited with brownish granular pigment. The nuclei were difficult to visualize and in some cells, it was rounded, well-defined, morphologically compatible with melanocytes. Melanocytes were mainly distributed around neurons and often distended the perivascular space of multiple blood vessels. In Fontana Masson staining, the granules in the cytoplasm of these cells stained strongly black. The Prussian Blue, Periodic Acid- Schiff's, Von Kossa, and Giemsa stains were negative, and the pigment remained brown. In the unstained slides, assembled after the deparaffinization and clarification process, it was observed the permanence of cells with blackish-brown pigment in the cytoplasm. In immunohistochemistry, strong immunostaining of pigmented cells with the Anti-MelanA antibodies was observed in both cases. Discussion: The diagnosis of thalamic melanosis in goats was carried out based on the characteristic pathological findings, in which melanin pigments were demonstrated and identified through HE, Fontana-Masson staining, and unstained slides and confirmed by the IHC. The use of complementary histochemical techniques was fundamental for the classification of the pigment as melanin, demonstrating to be an accessible and reliable tool for the diagnosis of pathological processes that lead to the accumulation of pigments and or material in the tissues. The occurrence of melanin in the thalamus may be associated with a failure in the migration of melanoblasts, which would go to the optical pathways or to the thalamus. This erratic migration of melanoblasts can be explained by the fact that the forebrain is the embryogenic origin of the optic and diencephalon pathways. Macroscopically, thalamic melanosis must be differentiated mainly from neoplastic processes such as melanoma and hemangiosarcoma, pigmented fungus infections, Phalaris angusta poisoning, listeriosis, neurocutaneous melanosis, and neuromelanin. It was concluded that thalamic melanosis is an uncommon alteration in goats and although it has been diagnosed as an incidental necropsy finding, should be included in the differential diagnosis of diseases that affect the central nervous system, especially those that have a color change associated with the deposition of pigments in the tissues. Keywords: melanin, necropsy findings, pigment, thalamus. Descritores: melanina, achados de necropsia, pigmento, tálamo. Título: Melanose talâmica em caprinos.

This article presents important data on the diagnosis of nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) in sheep reared in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, with a focus on medical clinic data, nutritional management, anatomopathological aspects and quantification of serum selenium by highly sensitive analytical methodology. The semiarid region of Brazil is of great importance in the creation of small ruminants and many diseases that affect herds are related to failures in nutritional management, sanitary measures, periods of greater drought or low rainfall, little availability of native forage at certain times of the year and lack of supplementation with energy nutrients, proteins and minerals. The lack of publications on outbreaks of selenium deficiency demonstrates the importance of diagnosing in this area. The mean concentration of Se in the serum from the lambs was very low (2.52±1.02µg/L). The findings in the skeletal muscles are compatible with the characteristics observed in NMD, characterized by necrosis and calcification of myofibrils. In addition, necrotizing vasculitis in hepatic arterioles and hepatocellular coagulation necrosis in hepatocytes were observed, probably triggered by lipid peroxidation of cell membranes. The lambs from this outbreak, reared on pasture in the semiarid region, presented low serum Se concentration, with clinical and anatomopathological manifestation of NMD. Thus, supplementation with Se in the diet should be recommended regularly to avoid the appearance of new cases. Serum Se levels are useful indicators for the diagnosis of nutritional muscular dystrophy in lambs, associated with clinical and anatomopathological data.