Marina Paula Lorenzett

GASTRIC PYTHIOSIS IN A BACTRIAN CAMEL (BACTRIANUS CAMELUS)

Abstract Pythium insidiosum, an aquatic oomycete, causes chronic lesions in the skin and digestive tract of multiple species. A captive-bred Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) showed clinical signs of lethargy and weight loss in a clinical course of 30 days, with no response to treatment. At necropsy, the abdominal cavity had approximately 32 L of a yellow, turbid fluid with fibrin. The third compartment of the stomach (C-3) showed a focal area of rupture covered with fibrin. Close to this area, the C-3 wall was thickened and firm, demonstrating irregular, yellow, and friable areas on cut surface (kunkers). Microscopically, these corresponded to necrosis, characterized by a central amorphous eosinophilic material, surrounded by a pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis. Negatively stained hyphae were observed at the periphery of the necrotic areas, which showed marked immunostaining for P. insidiosum. Pythiosis in camelids may involve the stomach, resulting in peritonitis and death.

Secondary Biliary Hepatic Fibrosis Caused by Cholelithiasis in Two Horses

ABSTRACT Cholelithiasis is a rare condition in horses that may cause biliary obstruction and consequent hepatic fibrosis. Two horses with a history of icterus were presented for clinical examination. Horse #1, an 18‐year‐old crossbred gelding, presented inappetence, head pressing, and abnormal gait in both pelvic limbs. Horse #2, a 14‐year‐old crossbred stallion presented severe cachexia. At necropsy, the liver was firm with prominence of the lobular pattern and a reticular whitish aspect. The common hepatic duct of horse #1 and horse #2 contained, respectively, a 6 cm diameter and numerous 2.5–5 cm diameter choledocholiths. Bile ducts proximal to these were distended with numerous choleliths. Microscopically, diffuse bridging portal fibrosis, feathery degeneration of hepatocytes and bile microgranulomas were observed, besides Alzheimer type II astrocytes in the telencephalic cortex. Secondary biliary hepatic fibrosis may cause hepatic encephalopathy and icterus in horses. Histologically, bridging portal fibrosis, feathery degeneration of hepatocytes and bile microgranulomas are characteristic of this condition. HIGHLIGHTSCholelithiasis is a rare condition in horses that can cause hepatic fibrosis.Two horses with a history of icterus were presented; and at necropsy, the liver was firm.The common hepatic duct contained a 6 cm and multiple 2.5–5 cm diameter choledocholiths.Microscopically, bridging fibrosis, feathery degeneration, and bile microgranulomas were observed.Secondary biliary hepatic fibrosis may cause hepatic encephalopathy.

Intoxicação natural por Baccharis megapotamica var.weirii em caprinos

Poisoning by the toxic species of Baccharis is an important cause of death in farm animals. Baccharis coridifolia and Baccharis megapotamica are the most common and most important of this genus. Epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of a natural outbreak of intoxication by Baccharis megapotamica var. weiriiare described in goats. Eleven young goats from a herd of 152 goats were affected by an acute fatal disease. The cases occurred in a small farm in the municipality of Viamao, State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Large patches of blooming Baccharis megapotamica var. weirii were observed in the pastures where the goats were held, especially in wet and flooded spots. Affected goats were between six months to one year old and all showed signs including apathy, anorexia, weakness, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain, bloat, decubitus and death. The clinical course was 12-24 hours. Three out of the eleven goats dead from the toxicosis were necropsied. Changes present in all necropsied goats included dehydration, liquid contents in the rumen, reddening, erosions and ulcers in the mucosae of the forestomachs, abomasum, and intestine. One goat had marked hemorrhage of mesenteric lymph nodes. Histological lesions of all animals included hyperemia as well as degenerative, necrotic, and ulcerative changes in the epithelial lining of rumen, reticulum, and omasum. Mucosae of the abomasum and of some sections of small and large intestines were also affected. Necrosis of lymphoid tissue was observed in mesenteric lymph nodes and in the lymphoid aggregates in intestine and in the follicles of spleen.