Fábio Luiz da Cunha Brito

Prevalence of anti-Leishmania spp antibodies in dogs from Garanhuns, in the middle scrub zone (Agreste) of Pernambuco

INTRODUCTION Considering the unknown situation regarding canine visceral leishmaniasis in Garanhuns, this study had the aim of investigating occurrences of anti-Leishmania spp antibodies in domesticated and partially domesticated dogs, and the possible risk factors involved. METHODS In the first phase of the study, 256 blood samples were collected from dogs and subjected to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) reaction at a dilution of 1:40. Additionally, 23 IFAT-positive samples were tested using an immunochromatographic dipstick test. In the second phase, new blood samples were collected from 18 dogs that were IFAT-positive in the first phase. These animals were retested using IFAT (1:40 and 1:80) and, additionally, by means of the polymerase chain reaction to investigate the Leishmania infantum DNA. Furthermore, 16 of these samples were retested using the immunochromatographic dipstick test. RESULTS In the first phase of the study, 16% of the samples were IFAT-positive (1:40) and only three (13%) were positive in the immunochromatographic dipstick test. In the second phase, 12 samples were IFAT-positive at the dilution of 1:40, and seven were also positive at 1:80. None of the samples were positive in the polymerase chain reaction testing or in the immunochromatographic dipstick test. Clinical signs suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis were observed in 4.9% of the IFAT-positive dogs. There were no statistical differences in relation to age, sex or clinical status of the dogs, but there was a difference in relation to place of origin. CONCLUSIONS The domesticated and partially domesticated dogs living in Garanhuns present anti-Leishmania spp antibodies, but are mostly asymptomatic.

A and B mode ultrasonography in preoperative evaluation of lens and posterior segment of dogs eyes with cataract

ABSTRACT.- Martins B.C., Rodrigues Jr E.F., Souza A.L.G., Almeida D.E., Brito F.L.C.,Canola J.C., Brooks D. & Laus J.L. 2010. A and B mode ultrasonography in preopera-tive evaluation of lens and posterior segment of dogs eyes with cataract. PesquisaVeterinaria Brasileira 30(2):121-126 . Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinaria,Faculdade de Ciencias Agrarias e Veterinarias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboti-cabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: jllaus@fcav.unesp.brUltrasonography of the lens and posterior segment is an indispensable step in thepreoperative evaluation of dogs with cataracts, since ophthalmoscopy is not feasible whenthere is opacification of the lens. This study evaluated the echographic conditions ofcataractous lens and fundus of the eye in dogs affected by cataracts. The study wasconducted in 30 dogs (56 eyes), 10 males and 20 females, with different types of cataractsat different stages of development. Echography in A and B modes, simultaneously, wascarried out for the examination of the lens and posterior segment. The examinations revealedanterior cortical, posterior cortical and nuclear cataract in 12 eyes (21.4%), anterior cortical,posterior cortical, nuclear and posterior capsular in 23 eyes (41%), anterior cortical, posteriorcortical and posterior capsular cataract in one eye (1.7%), anterior cortical and nuclearcataract in one eye (1.7%), anterior cortical, nuclear and posterior capsular cataract in fiveeyes (8.9%), and anterior cortical cataract in seven eyes (12.5%). Abnormal ultrasonographicalterations were observed in the posterior segment in 26 eyes evaluated (46.4%). Vitrealdegeneration was detected in 12 eyes (21.4%), images of vitreal exudate or hemorrhage inseven eyes (12.5%), persistence of hyaloid artery in four eyes (7.1%) and lens subluxationin three eyes (5.3%). The results obtained reiterate the importance of ultrasonography incanine patients presented for cataract surgery given that alterations of the posterior segmentare difficult to identify in a clinical examination when the lens is opacified.

Conjunctival effects of canine distemper virus-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

OBJECTIVE This study compared the histopathology of canine distemper virus (CDV)-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) to non-infectious KCS in conjunctival tissues. ANIMALS STUDIED Forty mongrel dogs were assigned to three distinct groups: (i) non-infectious KCS (G1, n = 10), (ii) CDV-induced KCS (G2, n = 20), and (iii) healthy animals without any ocular alterations (G3, n = 10). PROCEDURE IgG titers and physical and ophthalmic examinations (e.g. Schirmer tear test [STT], tonometry, biomicroscopy, indirect biomicroscopy, and fluorescein test) were performed on all dogs. Conjunctival biopsies were collected and examined microscopically. RESULTS Non-infectious and CDV-induced KCS demonstrated similar histopathological changes. Both types of KCS correlated with low STT, conjunctival hyperemia, mucopurulent ocular discharge, predominant lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, and acantholysis and keratinization of the ocular surface. G1 had lower conjunctival goblet cell counts than G3. Inclusion bodies were sporadically found in conjunctival samples of dogs from G2. The severity of ocular lesions in G1 and G2 did not correlate with the histopathological findings. CONCLUSIONS Dogs with non-infectious and CDV-induced KCS had very similar conjunctival histopathology. Our findings suggest that the pathophysiology of CDV-induced KCS is likely to be the same as non-infectious KCS, that is, a result of lacrimal deficiency and inflammation of the ocular surface.

Qualitative and quantitative tear film abnormalities in dogs

Tear film disorders in dogs can be classified into quantitative or qualitative abnormalities, or both, and are commonly observed in daily clinical practice. Inadequate production of one or more tear film components can lead to variable degrees of ocular disorders, called keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs has several causes, but in most cases the disease is idiopathic, with T lymphocytes playing a role. In veterinary medicine, the diagnosis is made based on the results of the Schirmer tear test. In this article, we review aspects related to the etiopathogenesis and diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs and discuss new therapeutic modalities for this disease.

Qualidade do percolado de solos que receberam vinhaça em diferentes doses e tempo de incubação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of percolation from three soil classes that received vinasse doses with different incubation times. The soils, classified as Haplic Nitosol, Yellow Argisol and Carbic Spodosol, were reproduced in twenty-seven 20 × 110 cm PVC columns (diameter × height) with horizons, thickness and densities similar to original soil. The soils were treated with vinasse doses equivalent to 0 (control), 350 and 700 m3 ha-1, and submitted to 30 and 60 days incubation. The collected effluents were analyzed for BOD5, COD, EC, TDS and pH. The results indicated that variations in the analyzed parameters, due to vinasse application in the soil, do not bring concerns in relation to environmental quality. Despite different textures and consequently, different physiochemical properties, the comparison of percolates with natural vinasse data indicated that the soils presented high retention power, reducing the possibility of this waste causing pollution to the subsurface waters.

Histopathological findings and detection of parasites in the eyes of dogs infected naturally with Leishmania chagasi

The objective of the present study was to investigate the histopathological alterations and detection of parasites that occur in the eyes of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi. The eyes of 25 dogs with a positive parasitological and serological exam for L. chagasi were submitted to routine ophthalmic examination. Fragments were obtained from the eyeball and were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and histopathology. Among the structures studied, the conjunctiva of the third eyelid was the tissue most frequently stained for L. chagasi. Histopathological analysis revealed a predominantly mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate whose intensity ranged from discrete to intense in the various ocular structures. Vascular congestion and perivasculitis were also observed. The histopathological alterations that occur in the eyeball of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis might be related to the presence of antibodies.

Amastigota forms resembling Leishmania sp. on corneal ulceration in a dog: case report

One dog with visceral leishmaniasis is reported presenting cutaneous lesions, cachexia, and corneal ulceration. Parasitological and serological diagnoses were performed by exam of contents of the aspirative punction of the bone marrow and by immunofluorecence, respectively. Amastigota forms resembling Leishmania sp. were visualized by citology.

Limbal autograft transplantation in a dog with alkali-induced ulceration

Descreve-se um caso de um animal da especie canina, femea, sem raca definida, de tres meses de idade, com historico de apatia, contato previo com produto alcalino (hidroxido de sodio) e relutância em abrir o olho direito. Ao exame oftalmico, foram observados blefarospasmo, fotofobia, epifora, quemose discreta, hiperemia conjuntival, e edema corneal difuso com comprometimento do limbo. Foram realizados o teste da fluoresceina positivo e o Teste Lacrimal de Schirmer 32mm min-1. Com base nos achados, firmou-se o diagnostico de ulcera por alcali e realizou-se transplante autogeno do limbo. No pos-operatorio, observou-se vascularizacao corneal a partir do terceiro dia e sua intensificacao, em numero e calibre, nos dias subsequentes. Tambem foram observadas minimas areas de transparencia corneal. Os resultados obtidos permitem admitir que o transplante autogeno de limbo e procedimento factivel para o manejo da terapia de ulceras de cornea por alcali.

Microalterations in the third eyelid gland of dogs with keratoconjunctivits sicca secondary to distemper

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is characterized by qualitative or quantitative abnormalities in the aqueous component of the tear film and is frequent in dogs with distemper. Twenty-eight third eyelid glands of end-stage dogs that died from distemper were analyzed by light microscopy. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca was diagnosed based on ophthalmic findings regarding alterations in the ocular surface and by the Schirmer tear test. The excised glands were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and processed for embedding in paraffin. The blocks were cut into 4µm sections and the sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Massons trichrome. Analysis revealed tubuloacinar gland atrophy, thickening of connective tissue, and mild to intense inflammatory exudation mainly characterized by the presence of plasma cells and histiocytes and by compensatory hypertrophy of some glands. The glandular lumen was hypertrophied and contained shedded epithelial cells, polymorphonuclear cells and red blood cells, in addition to mucus.