This study was conducted to investigate the participation of Toxoplasma gondii in reproductive failure in small ruminants raised in the Litoral/ Zona da Mata and Agreste of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Twelve ϐlocks were selected from which 262 samples were collected, 167 from goats and 95 from sheep. Indirect Imunoϐluorescent Antibody Reaction (IFA) technique was used to detect antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii. A questionnaire was applied in ϐlocks to identify risk factors associated with infection. Positive animals were found in 100% of the farms. Among 167 samples of goat serum analyzed, 31.7% were positive, whereas from 95 samples of sheep, 16.9% were positive. Results of brucellosis tests were negative for 100% of analyzed samples. For sheep, no signiϐicant association was found; however, for goats, there was a signiϐicant association (p<0.05) for intensive handling (OR=2.40), milk exploration (OR=2.10), animals originating from other states (OR=7.89) and natural breeding (OR=5.69). It was concluded that infection for T. gondii is spread in studied goat and sheep ϐlocks and that sanitary measures must be adopted to control risk factors for infection.INDEX TERMS: Indirect imunoϐluorescent antibody reaction, Toxoplasma gondii, risk factors.

ABSTRACT.-Pereira M.F., Peixoto R.M., Piatti R.M., Medeiros E.S., Mota I.O., Azevedo S.S. & Mota R. A. 2009 The study aimed to identify risk factors associated with Chlamydophila abortus infection in sheep and goats from the Litoral/Zona da Mata and Agreste region of Pernambuco state, Brazil. Serum samples (n=290) were analyzed to detect Chlamydophila spp. antibodies in 12 farms. Questionnaires were applied to identify risk factors. Frequency of serum-reactive animals were 10.3% (12.0% in ewes and 8.1% in goats) and 1/12 (91.6%) infection focuses were identified. This is the first report on anti-Chlamydophhila abortus antibodies in goats and sheep in Pernambuco and Brazil, respectively. Risk factors associated with goat infection were breed (OR=9.10) and management (OR=6.41). No significant associations in any of the analyzed factors were found for sheep. In summary, Chlamydophila sp. infection is disseminated in sheep and goat herds in the region. Control measures should be established, focusing primarily risk factor identified in this study, to reduce the possibility of infection by the agent.INDEX TERMS: Complement Fixation Test, Chlamydophila abortus, risk factors.

PURPOSE:To develop an experimental model of acute inflammation, like aphthous ulcers, in oral cavity of rabbits, and also, to evaluate the results of the application of a polysaccharide spongy film of molasses from sugar cane as assist treatment in the healing process. METHODS:Twenty adult rabbits weighting between 2.5 kg and 3.9 kg were divided into two groups: experimental and control infected ulcers were induced on the jugal mucosa by surgical excision. They were treated at the experimental group by curettage and dressing with spongy film of cellulosic polysaccharide film, whereas saline solution was used in the control group. Temporal evolution of the healing area, histopathology and bacteriological analysis were used to evaluate the healing process on the 3 rd (D3), 7 th (D7) and 11 th days (D11). RESULTS:The healing time and bacteriological study showed no statistical differences on the group means. Analyzing the histopathology of the experimental group we verified epithelial hyperplasia from D3 to D11, instead in the control group there was a greater clutter of the epithelial cells from the D3 to D11. CONCLUSION:The experimental model used caused aphthous ulcers and the polysaccharide sponge film can be used as an aid in the symptomatic treatment and healing of the ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa.

Background: Gastroesophageal intussusception is characterized by the invagination of the stomach into the esophagus, with or without the involvementof adjacent organs such as the spleen, pancreas, and omentum. In dogs, this condition has no breed or sex predisposition. As it is an infrequent disease in routine veterinary medical practice, this study reports a case of gastroesophageal intussusception in a dog necropsied at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (HOVET - UFRPE), Recife, Brazil.Case: The body of a 12-year-old black mixed breed male dog was sent to the Pathology Department (Necropsy Sector of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE) for a necropsy. The animal had a previous 4-year history of recurrent emesis and limb weakness, primarily in the anterior limbs, that worsened in the previous months and progressed to death. No previous treatments were reported by the owner. On external examination, the animal had a low body score (cachectic), forelimb joints with great flexibility, congested oral and ocular mucous membranes, enophthalmos, and increased volume in the perianal region. At the opening of the thoracic cavity, the final third of the esophagus was dilated and gastroesophageal intussusception, edema, and pulmonary congestion were noted. In the abdominal cavity, there was hepatic and renal congestion and large intestine and rectal ampoule dilation, with a large amount of solid and retained feces (fecaloma), perianal hernia, and testicular neoformation. These findings were consistent with those observed in death caused by cardiorespiratory failure secondary to gastroesophageal intussusception.Discussion: The pathophysiology of gastroesophageal intussusception is still not elucidated and is probably multifactorial. This condition causes reverse gastric peristalsis associated with a sudden and sustained increase in abdominal pressure. Some probable predisposing factors for this pathological condition are esophageal motility disorders, lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction, and hiatal enlargement. In dogs, gastroesophageal intussusception is associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure owing to emesis or blunt trauma, negative intrathoracic pressure caused by respiratory, and previous esophageal diseases, especially megaesophagus. Partial or total obstruction caused by intussusception leads to circulatory disorders in the organs, especially decreased venous return. Persistence of this condition can lead to gastric necrosis and rupture followed by endotoxic (or septic) shock and release of inflammatory mediators that can cause cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction and rapid death. Impaired circulation is macroscopically evident in several organs, characterized by mucosal, lung, liver, and kidney congestion, in addition to cardiac dilation and mitral valve endocardiosis. The occurrence of stomach invagination into the esophagus dilated in the final portion is characteristic of gastroesophageal intussusception. Moreover, death owing to cardiorespiratory failure is related to cardiac (dilatation and endocardiosis) and pulmonary (edema and congestion) involvement secondary to gastroesophageal intussusception. Since thispotentially fatal condition has a low incidence in small animals and often goes unnoticed by professionals, early and correct diagnosis along with surgical treatment are essential for a good prognosis and favorable progression.

Background: Cryptococcosis is an important zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide. The disease is caused by a soilborne opportunistic fungus of the genus Cryptococcus, which can also be found in the feces of birds, especially pigeons. In Brazil, the geographical distribution of the agent is fairly defined, with the species C. gattii predominantly found in thenorth-eastern states. Diagnosis is based on the clinical history, physical examination findings, and results of complementary testing, such as cytopathological and histopathological examinations. This report aims to describe the clinical and anatomopathological findings in a case of systemic cryptococcosis in a dog.Case: A 4-year-old female Miniature Schnauzer was referred for necropsy. For 3 months prior to death, the dog had displayed generalized alopecia, pruritus, and severe weight loss, Initially, a private veterinarian had suspected leishmaniasis. Gross examination was performed and samples for cytopathology, histopathology, and fungal culture were obtained. Themacroscopic examination revealed generalized alopecia, congested mucosa, cachexia, hyperemia of the brain, and multiple white nodules measuring 0.5 cm to 4 cm in the lungs and the kidneys. None of the other organs showed significant lesions. Cytopathological examination of the nodules revealed a highly cellular sample, with a severe chronic inflammatory response, characterized by multinucleated giant cells and round-to-elliptical, yeast-shaped structures (5-10 μm), suggestive ofCryptococcus organisms. Histopathological examination of the lungs, kidneys, and brain revealed a severe diffuse chronic inflammatory process, with lymphocytic infiltration and multinucleated giant cells; countless yeast-shaped, round-to-ovoid structures (similar in appearance to “soap bubbles”) that were negative in hematoxylin-eosin stain were also present.Grocott’s methenamine silver stain was then applied, which positively stained the organism capsules black, confirming Cryptococcus. For mycological diagnosis, samples from the lungs nodules were cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol 0.4% and incubated for 7 days at 25-30ºC. Abundant small, smooth, irregular-sized,cream-colored colonies were obtained, and a mycological smear, stained by India ink, was performed.Discussion: Considered an uncommon disease, canine cryptococcosis can be misdiagnosed. Clinical findings, such as alopecia, lymphadenopathy, and cutaneous nodules that may be ulcerated, are commonly seen in these patients due to the hematogenous spread of the organism. In the case described, the dog’s owner was contacted and asked to provide epidemiological information. The owner reported that the dog had lived in an apartment, with little access to the street; however, pigeons were frequently observed on the balcony, along with pigeon feces in the dog feeder. The presence of pigeon feces is a risk factor for the development and spread of the fungus, which may be problematic to public health. Cytopathological examination is a simple, quick diagnostic tool with good sensitivity for some infectious agents. Mycological culture can provide results due to the characteristic of the Cryptococcus sp., since the encapsulated yeast produces a mucous-like colony. Cryptococcosis has a relevant role in public health, so a precise diagnosis is imperative. Its diagnosis is based upon culture, cytology and serological tools. When the animal does not survive to the ilness, the association between necropsyfindings and histopathological examinations is essencial.Keywords: canine, diagnostic, yeast, anatomopathology.

Background: The chemodectoma is a rare neoplasm that originates from chemoreceptors located mainly in the aortic body, and carotid body and sinus, and responsible for detecting variations in blood pH, oxygen pressure and carbon dioxide. Dogs of brachiocephalic breeds and aged between 7 and 15 years have greater propensity. A neoplasm involves infiltrative growth in the vessels at the heart base, which leads to Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). The definitive diagnosis is performed by histopathological and/or immunohistochemical examination. The aim was to report a case of chemiodectoma in a dog, showed the disease clinical characteristics.Case: A 13-year-old male undefined breed dog was examinated in the medical clinic of small animal of Veterinary Hospital, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) with respiratory effort, hyporexia, and edema in face, cervical, ventral thorax and thoracic limbs, with thirty days evoluted. About physical examination, we observed cachexia, orthopneic position, cyanosis and edema with a positive Godet sign, as well as 8% dehydration degree. Thoracic auscultation presented mixed dyspnea and muffled heart sounds. Chest radiography detected an radiopacity increase in pulmonary section and metastatic neoplastic process associated with pleural and pericardial effusion. Fluid therapy with lactated ringer and posterior thoracentesis in the right hemithorax region was performed for greater respiratory comfort for the patient. Hematological count and biochemical profiles stated normochromic normocytic anemia, relative and absolute lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, as well as increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The patient died after 12 hours when was submitted to necroscopic examination and histopathological evaluation. An infiltrative tumor of cardiac base was observed invading the light of the right atrium, obstructing the venous return, as well as a large thrombus located in the left ventricle and diffuse nodules in the lungs. Hydrothorax and hydroperitoneum were observed with serous fluid, with hepatic, renal and brain congestion, and duodenum hemorrhage. Histologically, the tumor was characterized as a chemodectoma with pulmonary metastasis.Discussion: Cardiac tumors are uncommon for canine population. A study sampled 729,265 dogs with observed incidence reaching 0.19%. The most common type is hemangiosarcoma with 69%, followed by chemiodectoma and lymphoma. Authors describe predisposed brachycephalic breeds such as Boxer, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog. In our case, the patient had elongated snout and undefined breed. Deregulation of chemoreceptors, which detect changes in pH and partial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures, can result in hyperpnea and dyspnoea. Edema represents a deficit in venous return from the cranial and cervical regions, with consequent increase in hydrostatic pressure and liquid leakage into the thoracic cavity and subcutaneous tissue, thus inferring the Caudal Vena Cava Syndrome (CVCS). Tumors from the cardiac base, integrated with the large arteries insertion and adjacent to the atria, can cause pericardial effusion observed in this case. Chemodectomas are described as essentially benign tumors with low metastatic potential. In this case, pulmonary metastasis was detected. Surgical treatment is recommended when feasible. In this case, the patient had late veterinary care, in addition to the contraindication for surgery by the lung metastasis presence.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on advancement skin flaps in dogs regarding improvement of vascularization, with focus on increasing its viable area, since there are reports that it is a potential angiogenesis stimulator. The experimental group was composed of eight adult bitches, in which two advancement skin flaps were made in the ventral abdominal region. No product was applied in the control flap (CF), while PRP was used in the contralateral flap, called treated flap (TF). The areas were clinically evaluated every two days until the 7th postoperative day regarding skin color and presence of necrosis. At 10 days, both flaps were removed and submitted to histological examination and blood vessel morphometry. The vessels counted in each group were statistically analyzed by the F-test at 1% probability. Results showed no significant difference in macroscopic changes in the wound, or CF and TF vascularization, thus suggesting that PRP gel did not improve advancement skin flap angiogenesis in bitches under the experimental conditions in which this research was developed.

Background: Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a neoplasm originating from plasmacytes with benign behavior, although it can present malignant characteristics such as local invasion and metastases in some cases. Primary extramedullary plasmacytoma in the third eyelid is rare in humans and animals and has not yet been described in cats. Thus, the goal of the present study is to describe the cytological and histopathological findings of an extramedullary plasmacytoma in a cat's third eyelid.Case: A 5-year-old female feline patient with a history of ocular alteration for approximately 30 days was referred to the ophthalmology service. Upon ophthalmic examination of the left eye, an increase in volume with tissue proliferation was identified in the third eyelid's conjunctiva. A collection of material for cytopathological examination was performed. Numerous plasmocytes and atypical lymphocytes with anisocytosis and anisokaryosis were observed, with a possible neoplastic injury being suggested and referred to the patient for surgical removal of the third eyelid. In the histopathological analysis, it was possible to observe several plasma cells and vascular neoformation along the entire conjunctive margin below the epithelium. The glands, serous and mucous, present in the fragment, revealed areas of intervening plasmacytic infiltrate and a large area close to the hyaline cartilage containing intense plasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate with rare neutrophils and macrophages. There was also a structural breakdown of glandular components and lymphocyte cells with mitosis figures and discrete cellular pleomorphism.Discussion: Plasmacytoma is a rare neoplasm in both dogs and cats. The anatomical regions most frequently affected are the digits, lips, and pinna. Concerning the 3rd eyelid tumor involvement, numerous types of neoplasms have been reported in dogs in the veterinary literature, including transmissible venereal tumor, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanocytoma melanoma, lymphoma, plasmacytoma, hemangioma, hemangiosarcoma, mastocytoma, and myoepithelioma. In cats, the third eyelid is the third site most affected by primary tumors. Adult and elderly animals are the most affected; however, an extramedullary plasmacytoma (PEM) has been reported in an eight-month-old male cat's skeletal muscle. Plasmacytoma aspirates, like other round cells, tend to be highly cellular, the cell morphology has a plasmacytoid aspect, resembling mature cells, the cytoplasm is intensely basophilic, and the round nucleus with an eccentric disposition has thin chromatin and indistinct nucleolus. Binucleate and multinucleate cells are common, and the absence of lymphoglandular corpuscles helps differentiate extramedullary plasmacytoma from lymphomas. Histologically, PEM is similar in dogs, humans, and felines, and variations in mature and immature plasma cells can be seen. The diagnosis of extramedullary plasmacytoma is fundamentally histological, and immunohistochemical analysis can also be performed. Surgical excision with safety margins is the primary type of treatment for neoplasms in the 3rd eyelid, being considered an effective method, as seen in this report, during the patient's follow-up for 13 months, no recurrence or metastasis of the neoplasm was seen. When signs of malignant neoplasms are found, it is recommended to evaluate the indication for chemotherapy before surgery and monitor the case after treatment due to recurrence risk.