Raqueli Teresinha França

Dermatophilosis is an exudative bacterial dermatitis generally associated with Dermatophilus congolensis , widely described in domestic ruminants and cervids from the Northern Hemisphere, but poorly documented in Neotropical cervids. To describe a case of dermatophilosis compatible with Dermatophilus spp. in a female brown brocket fawn ( Subulo gouazoubira ) undergoing rehabilitation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Clinical evolution, cytological and Gram-staining findings, ancillary diagnostic tests, therapeutic management and outcome were evaluated. Skin lesion material was examined by Giemsa-stained cytology and Gram staining. Skin scrapings and fungal culture were also performed. Treatment consisted of intramuscular long-acting penicillin, daily topical antisepsis with 1% povidone-iodine, dermatological ointment and strict environmental management. At admission, the animal presented with bilateral purulent ocular discharge, moderate dehydration and a low tick burden, with no evident skin lesions. After 12 days of hospitalization, alopecic, dry, erythematous and crusted lesions developed in the nasal region, distal limbs and pinnae. Cytology revealed marked suppurative inflammation associated with a high bacterial load, including structures arranged in parallel rows forming the characteristic “railroad track” pattern. Gram staining revealed similarly arranged Gram-positive structures compatible with Dermatophilus spp. Skin scrapings and fungal culture were negative. Because bacterial culture, histopathology and molecular assays were not performed, the diagnosis remained presumptive. Progressive lesion regression, hair re-growth and complete clinical recovery were observed. Dermatophilosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of crusting dermatopathies in Neotropical cervids, and cytology may be a useful initial diagnostic tool in wild animals undergoing rehabilitation.

This study reports a case of multiple congenital malformations in a burrowing owl ( Athene cunicularia ) rescued in southern Brazil. Clinical assessment revealed partial agenesis of the forelimbs, bilateral asymmetric syndactyly, and selective anonychia of the second digit in both pelvic limbs. Despite severe locomotor limitations and the inability to fly, the individual maintained a satisfactory body condition score, demonstrating the species’ adaptive and behavioural capacity. The integrity of the epithelial tissues and the symmetry of the digital alterations support a teratogenic etiology, distinguishing the condition from traumatic lesions. The absence of macroscopic chromosomal abnormalities suggests that these anomalies may be associated with environmental factors or point mutations. This report highlights the importance of wildlife rehabilitation and triage centers in detecting sentinel alterations, serving as an alert for wildlife conservation regarding potential environmental contaminants that may impair embryonic development in anthropogenic landscapes.

Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyme renale , a nematode that primarily affects the right kidney of domestic and wild mammals. This report describes the antemortem diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of a free-ranging lesser grison ( Galictis cuja ) infected with the parasite. An adult male weighing 1.85 kg was admitted after being struck by a vehicle and showed signs consistent with traumatic brain injury. During hospitalization, fecal parasitological examination revealed eggs consistent with D. renale , along with other parasitic structures. Urinalysis revealed mild proteinuria, hematuria, leukocyturia, marked bacteriuria, and numerous D. renale eggs. Abdominal ultrasonography showed multiple tubular and circular structures in the right kidney region, consistent with parasites, with no residual renal parenchyma identified. The left kidney was enlarged and showed mild changes in echogenicity. Given the extent of renal involvement, a right nephrectomy was performed, resulting in the removal of eight adult D. renale specimens, comprising seven females and one male. Histopathological examination confirmed complete destruction of the renal parenchyma, absence of viable glomeruli and tubules, and osseous and squamous metaplasia of the renal capsule. Serial hematological and biochemical evaluations showed no progressive increase in urea or creatinine concentrations. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, allowing the animal to recover and return to the wild. This case highlights the importance of combining urinalysis, ultrasonography, and clinical evaluation for the diagnosis and therapeutic planning of dioctophymosis in wild mustelids.

Species-specific physiological and clinicopathological information remains limited for many small Neotropical carnivores, including Conepatus chinga. This study aimed to provide preliminary descriptive observations of physiological measurements obtained under isoflurane anesthesia and hematological and biochemical results from rescued free-ranging Conepatus chinga individuals considered clinically healthy at the time of sampling. Seven individuals from an opportunistic convenience sample were evaluated as part of routine clinical and pre-release assessment at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of the Federal University of Pelotas. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were measured under isoflurane anesthesia. Blood samples were collected from the ventral coccygeal vein in pups and from the left or right jugular vein in juvenile and adult individuals for complete blood counts and biochemical analyses. Individual values, arithmetic mean ± sample standard deviation, and median with first and third quartiles were reported. Heart rate ranged from 152 to 240 bpm, with a median of 210 bpm; respiratory rate ranged from 15 to 28 mpm, with a median of 24 mpm; and rectal temperature ranged from 34.9 to 37.5 °C, with a median of 36.3 °C. Packed cell volume ranged from 19.4 to 42.3%, with a median of 29.6%, and total leukocyte counts ranged from 4800 to 14,000/µL, with a median of 7800/µL. Albumin, creatinine, and urea concentrations ranged from 2.44 to 3.70 g/dL, 0.20 to 0.83 mg/dL, and 6.31 to 101.60 mg/dL, with medians of 3.21 g/dL, 0.30 mg/dL, and 79.0 mg/dL, respectively. The findings constitute preliminary descriptive observations obtained under the clinical, anesthetic, and analytical conditions of this study. They should not be interpreted as reference intervals, clinically actionable baseline values or diagnostic thresholds for C. chinga, but may assist in the design of future studies involving larger and more representative samples.

Birds of prey play a crucial role in ecosystems as apex predators, making their conservation essential for environmental balance. However, they face numerous threats, with trauma being the leading cause of admission to rehabilitation centers. This study aimed to characterize fracture cases in birds of prey admitted to three wildlife rehabilitation centers in southern Brazil, describing their occurrence and distribution according to age, season, fracture type, anatomical location, and clinical outcome. Data from three centers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were compiled from 2018 to 2024, including species, age, season, reason for admission, and outcome. A total of 605 birds admitted due to trauma were evaluated, of which 265 (43.8%) presented one or more fractures. The proportion of fractures was 51.7% at Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre (NU), 50.9% at Zoológico Municipal de Canoas (ZC), and 37.2% at Clínica Veterinária Toca dos Bichos (TB). Strigiformes was the most affected order across all institutions. Adults accounted for most cases (63.4%), followed by juveniles (24.9%) and chicks (6.0%). Open fractures, often associated with poor prognosis, represented 45.1% at NU, 12.5% at ZC, and 14.8% at TB. Thoracic limbs were most frequently affected, especially the humerus. The summer season had the highest number of admissions (30.1%). Overall, 196 of 265 birds (74.0%) died or were euthanized, with higher frequency in cases involving open fractures. These findings highlight the need for improved fracture documentation and emphasize preventive measures to reduce trauma-related injuries, contributing to better management and rehabilitation strategies for birds of prey.

Lectins are carbohydrate‐binding proteins that recognize specific glycan patterns on cell surfaces and have been increasingly explored as analytical tools in reproductive biology. This study characterized the interaction of a lectin isolated from Abelmoschus esculentus seeds (AEL) with ovine spermatozoa and evaluated its compatibility with sperm functional parameters during short‐term refrigeration. Eighteen ejaculates were diluted in a Tris–egg yolk extender supplemented with 0, 1, or 3 µg/mL AEL and stored at 5°C for 24 h. Sperm motility (CASA) and flow cytometry were used to assess plasma membrane integrity and fluidity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species production. Confocal microscopy was performed to determine the localization pattern of AEL binding. AEL labeling was predominantly restricted to the sperm midpiece region. Supplementation with AEL at the tested concentrations did not affect motility patterns, membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, or ROS levels after 24 h of storage ( p > 0.05). These findings indicate that AEL exhibits a consistent midpiece‐associated binding pattern and does not compromise sperm functional parameters under refrigerated conditions. The results support the use of AEL as a compatible probe for investigating glycan distribution in the midpiece region of ram spermatozoa.

Spondylosis deformans is a chronic degenerative disorder of the vertebral column that has been extensively described in domestic dogs but remains poorly documented in wild canids. The crab-eating fox ( Cerdocyon thous ) is frequently admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centers, and the characterization of musculoskeletal disorders in this species is particularly relevant given its ecological plasticity and close association with anthropized environments. This report describes a case of spondylosis deformans affecting the lumbar and lumbosacral spine of an adult neutered male Cerdocyon thous maintained under human care, which presented self-mutilation behavior and clinical signs consistent with lumbosacral pain. Three radiographic examinations of the vertebral column were performed in October 2021, October 2024 and January 2026, allowing longitudinal assessment of the lesion progression and stabilization patterns. The initial examination revealed ventral osteophyte formation, narrowing of intervertebral disc spaces, and vertebral endplate sclerosis involving the caudal lumbar vertebrae and the lumbosacral segment. At the follow-up examination, progression of the degenerative changes was evident, characterized by extensive ventral bony proliferation, greater involvement of the lumbosacral region, and further reduction of intervertebral disc spaces. Longitudinal comparison demonstrated a marked increase in both the extent and severity of the lesions over a five-year follow-up period, consistent with the chronic progression of spondylosis deformans. Serial radiography proved to be a valuable tool for the recognition and monitoring of degenerative vertebral disorders and may support clinical management of wild canids under human care.

Autologous hemoconcentrates, such as leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin, have been widely used in regenerative medicine; however, standardized protocols for avian species of experimental and clinical relevance remain scarce. This study aimed to standardize the preparation of leukocyte- and thrombocyte-rich fibrin (L-TRF) membranes in domestic quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and to evaluate their clinical and laboratory characteristics. Fourteen adult quail underwent right jugular vein venipuncture, with whole blood collected into additive-free glass tubes and centrifuged at 400 g at approximately 24 °C for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. Membranes were obtained after partial serum absorption and characterized by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The mean blood volume collected was 0.89 ± 0.37 mL (~ 0.7% of body weight). Consistent viscoelastic membranes were formed between 10 and 20 min of centrifugation. The clots exhibited a layered organization composed of fibrin, a leukocyte–thrombocyte layer, and an erythrocyte-rich fraction. Microscopic analysis demonstrated a three-dimensional fibrin network containing embedded thrombocytes and leukocytes, predominantly heterophils and lymphocytes. In conclusion, centrifugation of domestic quail whole blood at 400 g for 20 min in plain glass tubes, followed by standardized serum absorption, consistently yields cohesive and manageable L-TRF membranes. This reproducible, low-cost protocol contributes to the standardization of hemoconcentrate preparation in avian species and supports future applications in avian regenerative medicine.

Purpose: To report a case of avian dermatitis associated with Microlichus sp. (Acari: Epidermoptidae) in a free-ranging Pitangus sulphuratus (Great Kiskadee) from southern Brazil, emphasizing the clinical presentation and parasitological diagnosis. Methods: A juvenile P. sulphuratus was rescued and admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center presenting feather loss and cutaneous lesions. Crust samples were collected from affected areas and examined microscopically after clarification in lactophenol. Mites were identified morphologically using classical and contemporary taxonomic keys. Topical ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg) was administered once daily for 10 consecutive days, and clinical evolution was monitored during rehabilitation. Results: Numerous mites morphologically consistent with Microlichus sp. were observed, supporting the diagnosis of epidermoptid infestation. Progressive resolution of dermatological lesions and complete feather regrowth were observed following treatment; however, no post-treatment parasitological reassessment was performed. To our knowledge, this represents the first clinical report of Microlichus sp. associated with dermatitis in P. sulphuratus in Brazil. Conclusion: This case highlights the relevance of integrating clinical and parasitological investigations in wildlife rehabilitation settings and contributes to expanding current knowledge on the host range and potential health impacts of epidermoptid mites in free-ranging Neotropical birds.

Semen cryopreservation is essential for the conservation and maintenance of germplasm stocks from several species, each of which has specific requirements for successful cryopreservation. The objective of this study was to develop a sperm preservation protocol for Prochilodus lineatus (curimba) using the sugars trehalose, sucrose, lactose, and raffinose. Because synergy among cryoprotectants is not always beneficial, each cryoprotectant was tested separately at three concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mM), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as the control. After thawing, sperm kinetic parameters were analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and cellular functional parameters were assessed by flow cytometry. In the sperm kinetic analyses, only the amplitude of lateral head displacement did not differ statistically from the control (p > 0.05), whereas the other parameters were lower than those of the control. In the motility-period analysis, 100 mM trehalose was superior to the control (p < 0.05), supporting its use in the protocol. However, the results for the different parameters analyzed showed that the other sugars tested were not superior to the control (10% DMSO), indicating that they were not effective for cryopreservation. Trehalose at 100 mM showed the most favorable response among the tested sugars for P. lineatus sperm cryopreservation.