We examined the presence of antibodies against the parasites Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leishmania spp., as well the presence of DNA from Leishmania spp., in dogs from Pirassununga -SP. The seropositivity rate was compared with the animals' originating location. Three hundred seventy-three blood samples from the county's kennel and local veterinary clinics were collected and analyzed. A total of 300 samples were tested for T. gondii and N. caninum using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT); 45% (135/300) were positive for T. gondii and 24.3% (73/300) were positive for N. caninum. Three hundred seventy-three samples were tested for Leishmania spp. using the IFAT. Of these, 4.6% (17/373) were positive. Additionally, 145 samples were tested using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR); of these samples, 0.7% (1/145) was positive. Considering the results, we conclude that these parasites are present in the city of Pirassununga -SP and that the animals have contact with the protozoan. It is therefore necessary to create methods for disease prevention to maintain both animal and human health in regard to leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis.Keywords: IFAT, PCR, dogs, epidemiology, Leishmania spp., Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii. ResumoAvaliou-se a presença de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leishmania spp.; assim como a presença de DNA de Leishmania spp. em cães de Pirassununga-SP, e associou-se sua soropositividade ao local de origem dos animais. Foram coletadas 373 amostras de sangue do canil municipal e de clínicas veterinárias locais, que foram analisadas pelo teste de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). Do total, 300 amostras foram testadas para T. gondii e N. caninum, das quais 45% (135/300) foram positivas para T. gondii e 24,3% (73/300) para N. caninum. Para Leishmania spp. foram avaliadas 373 amostras pela RIFI, sendo 4,6% (17/373) positivas. Adicionalmente, 145 amostras foram testadas utilizando-se a PCR e, dessas amostras, 0,7% (1/145) foi positiva. Considerando-se os resultados, pode-se concluir que esses parasitos estão presentes na cidade de Pirassununga -SP e que os animais tiveram contato com os protozoários. Faz-se, dessa forma, necessária a divulgação de meios de prevenção às doenças, com o intuito de manter o controle sobre as mesmas, tanto na saúde animal quanto na saúde humana, em relação à leishmaniose e à toxoplasmose.

No abstract

Objective To assess the efficacy of 0.1% oclacitinib as a single agent, and in combination with tacrolimus 0.01%, for the control of ophthalmic signs of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs. Animals studied Thirty‐two dogs (57 eyes) diagnosed with idiopathic KCS were included. Inclusion criteria were Schirmer Tear Test 1 (STT‐1) values <15 mm/min and concurrent clinical signs such as ocular hyperemia and discharge. Procedures The animals were submitted to a randomized, open‐label, 5‐week study and divided into 3 treatment groups treated with the following ophthalmic solutions: (a) 0.1% oclacitinib, (b) 0.1% oclacitinib +0.01% tacrolimus, and (c) 0.01% tacrolimus. Eye drops were instilled twice daily (12‐hour intervals). At each follow‐up examination, STT‐1, clinical signs, and potential drug side effects were assessed. Results Oclacitinib did not significantly improve STT‐1 values or clinical scores. Tacrolimus alone and in combination with oclacitinib increased mean STT‐1 values by 11.84 ± 5.2 and 12.46 ± 5.3 mm/min, respectively (P = 0.0001). Clinical scores of ocular discharge and hyperemia also improved significantly in both groups receiving treatment with tacrolimus (P < 0.05). However, addition of oclacitinib to tacrolimus provided no additional improvement over tacrolimus alone. Conclusions Topical 0.1% oclacitinib twice daily is not effective in controlling the ocular signs of KCS in dogs. 0.01% tacrolimus increased STT‐1 values significantly and could potentially be used as a treatment for mild‐to‐moderate cases of KCS. Synergism between drugs did not occur, and therefore the use of oclacitinib is not justified in cases of canine KCS.

The purpose of this study was to carry out a descriptive investigation of the Azara's agouti ( Dasyprocta azarae) eye and to establish reference values of select ophthalmic diagnostic tests and physiologic parameters. A total of 19 healthy agoutis were used. Select ophthalmic diagnostic tests were performed, including Schirmer tear test type I (STTI), analysis of the conjunctival bacterial microflora, corneal esthesiometry, and tonometry. B-mode ultrasonic biometry, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and gross and histologic analysis of two eyes were also performed. Reference range parameters found for the ocular diagnostic tests were esthesiometry, 4.50 ± 0.36 cm (0.7 ± 0.01 g/mm); tonometry, 11.61 ± 0.44 mm Hg; palpebral fissure length, 1.70 ± 0.25 mm; STTI, 9.73 ± 0.47 mm/min; corneal thickness, 0.8 ± 0.003 mm; anterior chamber depth, 1.71 ± 0.07 mm; lens thickness, 5.03 ± 0.05 mm; vitreous chamber depth, 5.12 ± 0.01 mm; and globe axial length, 14.02 ± 0.01 mm. A paurangiotic, retinal, vascular pattern with a conspicuous pigment-laden optic disc was observed. The most frequent bacteria isolated were nonhemolytic Streptococcus sp. (36.84%), followed by Enterobacter harfinia (31.58%) and Escherichia coli (28.95%). No significant differences between genders or between left and right eyes were found for any of the results. Gross and histologic evaluation of two eyes confirmed the presence of melanocytic pigment granules between optic nerve fibers. The diagnostic values and the morphologic observations described here provide a reference to veterinarians to aid in the diagnosis of ocular disease.

1 Correspondência: montiani@ufpr.br RESUMO: Atrofia progressiva de retina (APR) é o termo utilizado para generalizar uma variedade de condições hereditárias que causam distrofia ou degeneração retiniana em animais. Em gatos, doenças oculares hereditárias, tais como a APR, são incomuns quando comparadas às suas frequências em cães. O caso a ser relatado é de uma gata sem raça definida, 11 anos, que apresentou sinais clínicos muito semelhantes aos de Atrofia Progressiva de Retina. A paciente apresentava, também, histórico pregresso de tratamento intenso com antibioticoterapia no seu primeiro ano de vida. A Retinopatia Tóxica induzida pelo uso indiscriminado de enrofloxacina em gatos é um dos diagnósticos diferenciais de APR. O caso relatado se torna atípico por se tratar de uma gata sem raça definida, já que a Atrofia Progressiva de Retina é uma doença que, quando acomete gatos, fato este mais raro que em cães, geralmente acomete a raça Abssínio, Somali, Siamês e Persa. Apesar de o histórico da paciente não condizer com as características de uma retinopatia tóxica, não há como excluir completamente essa possibilidade, por mais que a droga tenha sido administrada há 10 anos, pois nos estágios finais da APR as alterações retinianas são semelhantes às de intoxicação por enrofloxacina. Para a confirmação definitiva do diagnóstico, seria necessário realizar um teste genético para a identificação do alelo responsável pela doença. Palavras-chave: gato, atrofia progressiva de retina, degeneração retiniana, retinopatia tóxica ABSTRACT:. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is the term used to generalize a variety of conditions that cause inherited retinal dystrophy or retinal degeneration in animals. In cats, hereditary eye diseases such as PRA are uncommon compared to their frequencies in dogs. The case to be reported is a mongrel cat, 11, who showed clinical signs very similar to Progressive Retinal Atrophy. The patient had also past history of intense treatment with antibiotics in the first year of life. The Toxic retinopathy induced by the use indiscriminate of enrofloxacin in cats is one differential diagnoses for PRA. The reported case becomes atypical because the Retina Atrophy Progressive is a disease that, when it affects cats, a fact rarer than in dogs, usually affects the Abssínio breed, Somali, Siamese and Persian. In this case, the patient is a mongrel cat. Although the patient's history isn't compatible with toxic retinopathy, this possibility isn't ruled out completely, even if the drug was given 10 years ago, because the final stages of the PRA the retinal changes are similar to intoxication for enrofloxacin . So, for the final confirmation of the diagnosis would be necessary to carry out a genetic test for identification of the allele responsible for the disease.

No abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between lacrimation and age in a homogeneous group of healthy beagle dogs during the first year of life. Materials and methods: Schirmer tear test I (STT I) was performed at an interval of 12-15 days in both eyes of 16 clinically healthy beagle dogs (eight males and eight females) from 94 to 361 days of age. Three different quadratic polynomial regression equations were estimated for the variation in lacrimation: (1) for the entire period (19 observations), (2) for observations 1-4 (days 94-136), and (3) for observations 5-19 (days 150-361).Results: By fitting quadratic regression equations to different phases of tear production during the dog's first year of life, it was possible to see that with each day of life, lacrimation increased 0.08 times (8%). From days 94 to 136, however, lacrimal production fell 1.1 times with each day of life. From day 150 to 361, production increased by 0.02 (2%) each day of life. In addition, there was a positive significant and moderate linear correlation between body weight and STT I values (p = .01). Conclusion:In dogs, during the first year of life, STT I data distribution is parabolic in shape. Age significantly affected tear production. STT I decreased at approximately 108-121 days of age and increased thereafter. Body weight was a significant factor for STT I in young dogs. The establishment of this normal pattern of lacrimation is important for both clinical practitioners and laboratory studies.

No abstract