O crescimento exponencial das populações de animais domésticos tem consequências como o aumento da suscetibilidade a infecções por inúmeros parasitas. A giardíase, uma importante zoonose em cães e humanos causada por Giardia duodenalis, é transmitida pela via fecal-oral pela ingestão de alimentos e água contaminados com cistos ou por contato direto com humanos ou animais infectados. A falta de uma vacina aprovada comercialmente disponível para giardíase e o desenvolvimento de resistência aos antiparasitários devido ao uso incorreto e indiscriminado desses, tornam o tratamento um desafio significativo. Este estudo teve como objetivo relatar uma ocorrência anormalmente maior de Giardia spp. em cães de Jataí, Goiás, Brasil. Amostras fecais de 94 cães de diferentes idades e ambos os sexos foram adquiridas de uma clínica veterinária privada entre janeiro e setembro de 2022 com um surto relatado por veterinários em cães. O exame direto, flutuação simples e centrífugo sedimentação em solução de formalina-éter foram utilizados para identificar cistos e oocitos de parasitas protozoários e ovos de helmintos parasitas. Giardia spp. foi o parasita mais frequentemente detectado, com 20,21%, em contraste com as infecções por ancilostomídeos, com 12,77% (10/94), divergindo da prevalência relatada para esta localidade em estudos com amostras randomizadas: 29,53% para Ancylostoma spp. e 3,34% para Giardia spp. É importante ressaltar que as amostras do presente estudo foram de animais que já apresentavam sinais clínicos. No entanto, um estudo no local exato em Jataí mostrou que medicamentos antiparasitários são prescritos sem solicitação de exame coproparasitológico e até mesmo sem consulta ao médico veterinário, evidenciando o uso indiscriminado desses medicamentos. A maior ocorrência de Giardia spp. é evidente, e devido à importância da resistência aos medicamentos anti-helmínticos, este deve ser um fator a ser observado e investigado. Isso ressalta a necessidade de práticas veterinárias adequadas para prevenir a disseminação da giardíase e outras doenças zoonóticas. | The exponential growth of domestic animal populations has increased their susceptibility to infections caused by numerous parasites. Giardiasis, an important zoonosis in dogs and humans caused by Giardia duodenalis, is transmitted via the fecal-oral route by ingesting food and water contaminated with cysts or through direct contact with infected humans or animals. The lack of a commercially available approved vaccine for the treatment of giardiasis and the development of resistance to antiparasitics because of their incorrect and indiscriminate use make its treatment challenging. Herein, we report an abnormally high occurrence of Giardia spp. in dogs in veterinary care in Jataí, Goiás, Brazil. Fecal samples were acquired from 94 dogs of different ages and sexes in a private veterinary clinic between January and September 2022, with a giardiasis outbreak reported by veterinarians. Direct fecal examination, flotation, and centrifugal sedimentation in formalin ether solution were used to identify the cysts and oocysts of protozoan parasites and the eggs of parasitic helminths. Giardia spp. were the most frequently detected parasites (20.21%), as opposed to hookworm infections (12.77%, 10/94), which diverged from the prevalence reported for this locality in studies with randomized samples, being 29.53 and 3.34% for Ancylostoma spp. and Giardia spp., respectively. It is important to emphasize that the samples in the present study were from animals that had presented with clinical signs. However, a previous study conducted in the same locality in Jataí reported that antiparasitic drugs are prescribed without requesting a fecal examination and without consulting a veterinarian, evidencing the indiscriminate use of these drugs. The relatively high occurrence of Giardia spp. in the studied locality is evident. Considering growing anthelmintic drug resistance and the potential threats it may pose, the high occurrence of Giardia spp. is a factor that needs to be observed and investigated. The results obtained in this study highlight the need for appropriate veterinary practices to prevent the spread of giardiasis and other zoonotic diseases.

Part of the success in the treatment of diabetic animals can be due to the emotional and financial commitment of their owners. However, the identification of the values that determine this compromise, mobilize, and motivate pet owners in decision-making has not yet been explored. Such aspects were analyzed during the clinical care of 15 diabetic canine patients under treatment using a qualitative assessment. The information obtained from each owner during the clinical anamnesis was converted into five codes, which were used to grade the owners’ levels of perception and involvement from the moment of diabetes mellitus diagnosis, stance, and expectations regarding the proposed therapy. The frequency of these codes allowed the construction of a square matrix of implication and a hierarchical map of values, and a clarification of the factors that influenced the perception and decision-making by the evaluated owners. The most evident personal values were insecurity and pity related to the daily management of insulin therapy, followed by restricted diet and physical exercise. The feelings of dedication, responsibility, safety, and comfort associated with the partnership between the veterinarian and the client were present. Discouraged owners of diabetic dogs should be frequently followed up on and encouraged without strict demands. Insecure owners require constant training and close treatment follow-up. Dissatisfied owners must be listened to and not have their anxieties and frustrations ignored. Calm, dedicated, and committed owners deserve to be congratulated and recognized for their commitment to the treatment of their animals. Approaching the owner through their strengths and allowing them to feel safe and their weaknesses understood can be helpful in the therapeutic success of diabetes mellitus in dogs. | Parte do sucesso no tratamento de animais diabéticos pode ser devido ao comprometimento, disponibilidade emocional e financeira de seus proprietários. No entanto, a identificação dos valores que determinam o compromisso, mobilidade e motivação dos proprietários de animais de estimação na tomada de decisões, ainda não foram explorados. Tais aspectos foram analisados durante o atendimento clínico de 15 caninos diabéticos em tratamento, por meio de avaliação qualitativa. As informações obtidas de cada proprietário durante a anamnese clínica foram convertidas em cinco códigos, a partir dos quais subclassificações puderam graduar os níveis de percepção e envolvimento dos mesmos, desde o momento do diagnóstico do diabetes mellitus, como também sua postura e expectativas em relação à terapêutica proposta. A frequência desses códigos permitiu a construção de uma matriz quadrada de implicação e um mapa hierárquico de valores e um esclarecimento dos fatores que influenciaram a percepção e a tomada de decisão dos proprietários avaliados. Os valores pessoais mais evidentes foram a insegurança e a pena relacionadas ao manejo diário da insulinoterapia, seguidos de dieta restrita e prática de exercícios físicos. Os sentimentos de dedicação, responsabilidade, segurança e conforto, associados à parceria entre o veterinário e o cliente, estiveram presentes. Os donos de cães diabéticos desanimados devem ser frequentemente acompanhados e encorajados sem exigências rígidas. Proprietários inseguros exigem treinamento constante e acompanhamento rigoroso do tratamento. Os proprietários que estão insatisfeitos, devem ser ouvidos e não ter as suas ansiedades e frustrações ignoradas. Proprietários calmos, dedicados e comprometidos, merecem ser parabenizados e reconhecidos pelo bom comprometimento com o tratamento de seu animal. Abordar o proprietário através de seus pontos fortes e permitir que ele se sinta seguro e compreendido em seus pontos fracos, pode ser útil no sucesso terapêutico do diabetes mellitus em cães.

Goat farming is a significant economic activity in the semi-arid northeastern region of Brazil, and an infectious disease that significantly affects dairy goat farming is Lentivirus capartenc, known previously as Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV). The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency and specificity of an Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) test with CAEV antigens produced through untreated and detergent-treated bovine cells and compare it with the CAE-AGID -Biovetech® commercial test. Culture of primary bovine ear (CFBov) cells was propagated at a concentration of 4x104 cells/mL and incubated at 37°C. To evaluate the treatments of bovine cells, 270 samples of goat serum from herds in the state of Pernambuco were used and tested against 30 μL of each detergent for the possible diagnosis of Lentivirus capartenc. Two hundred seventy goat serum samples from herds in Pernambuco state were used, and 30 μL were tested against each detergent. For viral particle production, CFBov were inoculated with 0.5 mL of CAEV Cork viral sample with a titer of 10-4.5 for 30 min. After 30 min of adsorption, supplementation was performed with DMEM containing 2% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). The culture supernatant was collected and frozen, and then concentrated using PEG 6,000. Afterwards, concentrate was submitted to treatment with the following detergents: 0.1% Triton X-100, 0.1% SDS, 0.1% Tween 20. Antigens were evaluated by specific line production in Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID). Positive serum from the CAE Diagnostic Kit (AGID) was used as a control. The results were evaluated at 94.7% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity for pure antigen, 97.4% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity for SDS, 97.2% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity for Triton X-100, and 97.3% sensitivity and 99.1% specificity for Tween 20. The CFBov cell line has been cultured for over 3 years, with more than 40 passages, and has shown no noticeable change in morphology or cell multiplication rate. The study shows that the use of treatment in bovine cells with SDS, Triton 100, and Tween 20 improved sensitivity and efficiency of the test for detecting Lentivirus capartenc. | A caprinocultura é uma importante atividade econômica para a região semiárida do nordeste do Brasil, e uma doença infecciosa que afeta significativamente a caprinocultura leiteira é o Lentivirus capartenc, anteriormente conhecido como Vírus da Artrite Encefalite Caprina (CAEV). O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a eficiência e especificidade de um teste de imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA) com antígenos de CAEV produzidos por meio de células bovinas não tratadas e tratadas com detergente e compará-lo com o teste comercial CAE-IDGA -Biovetech®. A cultura de células primárias de orelha bovina (CFBov) foi crescida a uma concentração de 4x104 células/mL e incubada a 37°C. Para avaliação dos tratamentos das células bovinas, foram utilizadas 270 amostras de soro caprino de rebanhos do estado de Pernambuco e testados contra 30μL de cada detergente para o possível diagnóstico de Lentivirus capartenc. Para produção de partículas virais, os CFBov foram inoculados com 0,5mL de amostra viral CAEV Cork com título de 10-4,5 por 30 minutos. Após 30 minutos de adsorção foi realizada suplementação com DMEM contendo 2% de Soro Fetal Bovino (FBS). O sobrenadante das culturas foi coletado, congelado e, posteriormente submetido à concentração de antígeno utilizando PEG 6.000. Posteriormente, o concentrado foi submetido ao tratamento com os seguintes detergentes: Triton X-100 0,1%, SDS 0,1%, Tween 20 0,1%. Os antígenos foram avaliados pela produção de linhagens específicas na Técnica de Imunodifusão em Gel de Agar (IDGA). O soro positivo do kit de diagnóstico para Lentivirus capartenc (IDGA) foi utilizado como controle. Os resultados avaliados foram sensibilidade de 94,7% e especificidade de 99,6% para antígeno puro; sensibilidade de 97,4% e especificidade de 98,7% para SDS; sensibilidade de 97,2% e especificidade de 98,7% para Triton X-100; e 97,3% de sensibilidade e 99,1% de especificidade para Tween 20. CFBov foi cultivada por mais de 3 anos, por mais de 40 passagens, sem nenhuma alteração perceptível na morfologia ou na taxa de multiplicação celular. O estudo mostrou que a utilização do tratamento em células bovinas com SDS, Triton 100 e Tween 20 melhorou a sensibilidade e eficiência do teste para detecção de Lentivirus capartenc.

Mastitis severely affects dairy farmers’ profitability. Total cost (Tc) of mastitis is the sum of failure costs (Fc) and preventive costs (Pc), but there is a substitutive relationship between these components. The objective was to estimate the Tc of mastitis in Uruguayan dairy herds and to evaluate the economic benefit of improving their udder health plans. A survey and a financial model were developed to estimate the total cost of mastitis. They were applied in a convenience sample from a previous cohort study of 12 dairy farms in southern Uruguay. The survey collected general data from the farm, mastitis records, milking routine, and mastitis management. For each herd, Fc, Pc, and Tc were determined using farm data collected from the survey, the previous study, and market information. A stochastic Monte Carlo simulation using @Risk (Lumivero) was carried out for each farm to evaluate the economic benefit of implementing a complete udder health plan, according to dairy research standards. The new Fc, Pc, and Tc were estimated, and each farm’s marginal substitution rate (MRS) was calculated. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the assumptions. The mean of Fc was 294 US$/cow/year, mainly due to subclinical mastitis yield losses. Pc was 47 US$/cow/year, and Tc was 341 US$/cow/ year. All cost components showed a significant variability between farms, suggesting the potential room for improving udder health. The simulation model showed that improving the udder health plans in most farms was cost-effective. The MRS was high in most farms, indicating that the improvement was convenient. Taking this into account and the fact that Fc is much greater than Pc, advice with a preventive approach could be economically efficient for Uruguayan herds. However, the measure to be adopted must consider the herd, farm, and economic specificities. | A mastite afeta gravemente a lucratividade dos produtores de leite. O custo total (Tc) da mastite é uma soma dos custos de falha (Fc) e dos custos preventivos (Pc), mas há uma relação de substituição entre esses componentes. O objetivo foi estimar o Tc da mastite nos rebanhos leiteiros uruguaios e avaliar o benefício econômico de melhorar os planos de saúde mamária. Uma enquete foi aplicada em uma amostra de conveniência de um estudo de coorte anterior de 12 fazendas leiteiras no sul do Uruguai e um modelo econômico foi desenvolvido para estimar Tc da mastite. A pesquisa coletou dados gerais da fazenda, registros de mastite, rotina de ordenha e manejo da mastite. Para cada rebanho, Fc, Pc e Tc foram determinados com base nos dados da fazenda coletados na pesquisa, no estudo de coorte anterior e nas informações de mercado. Para cada fazenda, foi realizada uma simulação estocástica de Montecarlo usando o @Risk (Lumivero) para avaliar o benefício econômico da implementação de um plano de saúde mamária completo, de acordo com os padrões de pesquisa de laticínios. Os novos Fc, Pc e Tc foram estimados e a taxa marginal de substituição (MRS) foi calculada para cada fazenda. Foi realizada uma análise de sensibilidade para testar as premissas. A média de Fc foi de 294 US$/vaca/ano, principalmente devido a perdas de rendimento por mastite subclínica. O Pc foi de 47 US$/vaca/ ano e o Tc foi de 341 US$/vaca/ano. Todos os componentes de custo apresentaram uma grande variabilidade entre as fazendas, o que sugere a possibilidade de melhorar a saúde mamária. O modelo de simulação mostrou que, na maioria das fazendas, a melhoria dos planos de saúde mamária foi economicamente conveniente. A MRS foi alta na maioria das fazendas, indicando que a melhoria foi conveniente. Levando isso em conta e o fato de que o Fc é muito maior do que o Pc, o aconselhamento com uma abordagem preventiva pode ser economicamente conveniente para os rebanhos uruguaios, embora a medida a ser adotada deva considerar as especificidades econômicas, do rebanho e da fazenda.

Cor triatriatum sinister is an uncommon congenital condition characterized by an aberrant membrane that divides the left atrium into two chambers due to an abnormal incorporation of the pulmonary veins. This anomaly obstructs blood flow to the left atrium, leading to pulmonary hypertension and, consequently, congestive heart failure. This case report presents a cat that was treated in the veterinary cardiology service for dyspnea. An echocardiogram revealed an intra- atrial membrane within the left atrium. Due to the patient´s deteriorating condition, euthanasia was performed, and subsequent necropsy and histopathology examination also confirmed the diagnosis of cor triatriatum sinister. | O cor triatriatum sinister é uma condição congênita rara caracterizada por uma membrana aberrante que divide o átrio esquerdo em duas câmaras devido a uma incorporação anormal das veias pulmonares. Esta anomalia obstrui o fluxo sanguíneo para o átrio esquerdo, resultando em hipertensão pulmonar e, consequentemente, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva. Este relato de caso descreve um paciente felino que foi atendido no serviço de cardiologia veterinária devido a quadro de dispneia. O ecocardiograma revelou a presença de uma membrana intra-atrial no átrio esquerdo. Devido à deterioração da condição do paciente, foi realizada a eutanásia e a necropsia subsequente, bem como o exame histopatológico, que confirmaram o diagnóstico do cor triatriatum sinister.

As necropsias são um instrumento essencial para a determinação da causa das mortes de animais selvagens, incluindo espécies marinhas, tais como as tartarugas marinhas. Por meio da análise laboratorial de tecidos bem preservados, os especialistas em doenças de animais selvagens podem investigar diversas causas de sua mortalidade. O objetivo primário é assistir os especialistas na correta identificação dos órgãos de tartarugas e de reunir as amostras necessárias para os testes de patologia e de outros testes vitais. O presente protocolo delineia os métodos necessários para a colheita dos resíduos ingeridos por tartarugas marinhas com meticulosa reunião de tartarugas marinhas mortas. A seguir, são escolhidos os tecidos de acordo com o respectivo nível de decomposição. As necropsias de tartarugas devem ser realizadas em instalações adequadas e equipadas para a realização de tais procedimentos, de modo a garantir a adequação com os protocolos e delineamentos estabelecidos. Por outro lado, o protocolo aqui delineado fornece um guia detalhado dos métodos indicados para a preservação das amostras de tecidos de acordo com o tipo de contaminante a ser analisado (microplástico, metais pesados, pesticidas ou poluentes orgânicos persistentes). Estes procedimentos contribuem para a compreensão da saúde e dos desafios a que a vida selvagem marinha está exposta. | Necropsies are essential tools for determining the cause of death in wildlife, including marine species like sea turtles. Through laboratory analysis of well-preserved tissues, wildlife disease specialists can investigate various potential causes of mortality in wildlife. The primary goal is to assist specialists in accurately identifying turtle organs and gathering the samples required for pathology and other vital tests. This protocol outlines methods for collecting ingested waste from sea turtles, as well as organizing and storing data related to these samples. The procedure starts with the meticulous gathering of deceased sea turtles, after which tissue samples are sorted according to their level of decomposition. Turtle necropsies should be conducted in certified facilities equipped for these procedures, ensuring compliance with established protocols and guidelines. Moreover, the protocol outlined here provides detailed guidance on the optimal methods for preserving tissue samples, tailored to the type of contaminant (microplastics, heavy metals, pesticides, or persistent organic pollutants) being analyzed. This contributes to a deeper understanding of the health and survival challenges faced by marine wildlife.

peer reviewed | [en] OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of ultrasound-guided intervertebral disc (IVD) injection of contrast medium and methylene blue to aid in intraoperative identification of cervical IVD spaces in dogs. METHODS: This was a single-center experimental cadaver study using randomly chosen skeletally mature dog cadavers from January 2, 2023, to March 23, 2023. For each cadaver, 1 cervical IVD was randomly selected. The ventral cervical region was ultrasonographically examined, pushing the trachea leftwards. A 50/50 contrast medium (iohexol, 300 mgI/mL) and methylene blue mixture was injected under ultrasound guidance in the IVD and ventral soft tissues. The x-rays and CT scans were performed before and after injection. Each cadaver was dissected using a ventral slot procedure. The cadavers and IVD characteristics, the success rate in ultrasonographically identifying the correct IVD space, time to injection, most caudal IVD space feasibly injectable, and semiquantitative imaging and surgical scores were recorded. RESULTS: 20 canine cadavers were used. The IVD injections were successfully performed in the correct IVD space in all cadavers. The median time to injection was 3.95 minutes (Q1 to Q3, 3.22 to 5.88 minutes). The contrast medium was clearly visible on at least 1 radiographic projection in all but 1 case and on the CT in all cases. During surgical dissection, the dye was clearly visible in all but 1 case. The dogs' weight was significantly different between most caudal IVD spaces feasibly injectable. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographical cervical IVD space identification and mixture injection are feasible and might help intraoperative cervical IVD space identification in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This technique could be used presurgically in patients with cervical IVD diseases.

peer reviewed | A male long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) was found to have a severe tail injury during a clinical examination prior to vasectomy at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. The injury involved an open wound with areas of necrosis and fracture. Based on the tail condition, the animal was treated with a partial caudectomy. Prophylactic treatment prior to surgery with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory was carried out using amoxicillin and ketorolac tromethamine, respectively. Anesthesia was maintained using propofol. Postoperatively, the anesthesia reversal agent atipamezole was administered. After the macaque exhibited clear signs of recovery from anesthesia, it was transported in a cage back to the capture site and released into its original social group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case report describing partial caudectomy in macaques.

International audience | OBJECTIVE To report clinical signs, biological anomalies, treatment, and outcome in domestic ferrets with cholecystitis, describe the ultrasonographic features of cholecystitis, and compare the ultrasonographic appearance of the hepatobiliary system between diseased and healthy ferrets. METHODS 11 ferrets with confirmed cholecystitis and abdominal ultrasonography were retrospectively included. Ten healthy ferrets were prospectively recruited to undergo hepatobiliary abdominal ultrasonography. Comparisons of explanatory variables (group, age, body weight, and sex) were performed. RESULTS The most common clinical signs were nonspecific, and icterus was observed in 1/4 of diseased ferrets. Compared with healthy individuals, diseased ferrets showed a larger common bile duct (CBD; ≥ 2.8 mm), a thicker CBD wall (≥ 0.7 mm), a thicker gallbladder (GB) wall, more frequent echoic GB luminal content, visible intrahepatic bile ducts, and a greater GB volume. Bile culture was positive in 9/11 mostly for Escherichia coli (8/9). Bile cytology indicated septic purulent cholecystitis in 7/7 ferrets. Survival time after antibiotic treatment ranged from 6 to 104 weeks, with a median of 36 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Ferrets with cholecystitis presented with nonspecific clinical signs and frequently showed hyperbilirubinemia. Ultrasonography findings such as enlarged CBD, thickened CBD wall, thicker GB wall, GB sludge, visible intrahepatic bile ducts, and enlarged GB may suggest cholecystitis. Escherichia coli was commonly isolated from bile. The medium-term mortality rate was high despite targeted antibiotherapy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This is the first study describing the clinical signs, biological anomalies, ultrasonographic findings, and outcomes after treatment in a series of domestic ferrets with cholecystitis.

In a controlled experiment, we compared renal-hepatal, haematological and organ histopathology responses in chickens treated with Crude extracts of Capsicum annuum L. and Carica papaya L. to those treated with synthetic anthelmintics. Twenty-one indigenous seven-week-old chickens were fed on Nuvita® feeds Uganda limited and adlib tap municipal water. They were divided into seven groups of three chickens per group. The treatments were; CPLe (Carica papaya L. ethanol extract), CPLa (Carica papaya L. acetone extract), CAFe (Capsicum annuum L. ethanol extract), CAFa (Capsicum annuum L. acetone extract), levamisole, piperazine and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). CPLe, CPLa, CAFe, CAFa were given at a dose of 0.48 g per bird (1.37 g/kg body weight) as determined from a previous in-vitro experiment. Levamisole hydrochloride was given at 25 mg/kg body weight and piperazine citrate at 100 mg/kg body weight. The control group received 0.2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in PBS. The treatments were individually administered orally and repeated on the second day. The birds were bled and sacrificed one week after treatment. Blood was submitted for haematology and harvesting of serum for renal-hepatal function tests. The heart, kidneys and liver were also harvested for histological examinations. CPLe caused significantly raised albumin compared to CAFe (p = 0.02), levamisole caused significantly raised AST compared to CAFe (p = 0.04). All extracts and synthetic anthelmentics increased the number of eosinophils, indicating an increased inflammatory response. CPLa, CAFe, CAFa and levamisole were toxic to the kidneys. All extracts were toxic to the liver except CPLe. Piperazine and levamisole were as well toxic to the liver.Contribution: Plant extracts are not necessarily safer than synthetic anthelmintics and should be used with caution.