Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia. The aims of this study were to detect the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in the blood of dogs in Ituberá, Bahia, and to compare the sensitivities and specificities of blood smear, serological, and molecular examinations. Furthermore, this study identified factors associated with exposure to the agent in dogs in this locality. Blood samples were collected from 379 dogs and submitted for indirect immunofluorescent assay and polymerase chain reaction testing for the detection of Ehrlichia spp. antibodies and DNA, respectively. Additionally, a peripheral blood smear was obtained from the ear tip for parasite identification. Of the 379 animals, 12.4%, 32.7%, and 25.6% were identified as positive on the blood smear, serological, and molecular tests, respectively. The dogs positive in one of the three techniques were considered exposed (46.9%). Younger dogs and rural habitat were protective factors and presence of ticks and contact with other dogs were the risk factors associated with exposure to the agent. It was concluded that dogs of Ituberá have high positivity for Ehrlichia spp. and that the diagnostic methods used for detection are complementary.Keywords: Diagnosis, dog, Ehrlichia canis, Indirect Immunofluorescence, nested PCR. ResumoErliquiose é uma doença zoonótica causada por bactérias do gênero Ehrlichia. O objetivo desse estudo foi detectar a presença de Ehrlichia spp. no sangue de cães em Ituberá-BA, e comparar as sensibilidades e especificidades do esfregaço sanguíneo, e testes sorológico e molecular. Além disso, esse estudo identificou fatores associados com a exposição ao agente em cães desta localidade. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 379 cães e submetidas à Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta e Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase para detecção de anticorpos e DNA de Ehrlichia spp., respectivamente. Adicionalmente, sangue periférico de ponta de orelha foi coletado para identificação do parasita. Dos 379 animais, 12,4%, 32,7% e 25,6% foram identificados como positivos no esfregaço sanguíneo, teste sorológico e molecular, respectivamente. Cães positivos em uma das três técnicas foram considerados expostos (46,9%). Cães mais novos e hábitat rural foram fatores de proteção e presença de carrapatos e contato com outros cães foram os fatores de risco associados à exposição ao agente. Foi concluído que, os cães do município de Ituberá têm alta positividade para Ehrlichia spp. e que os diferentes métodos diagnósticos utilizados para sua detecção são complementares.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

ABSTRACT. Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Two distinct forms are recognized: visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In the Americas, the causative agent of VL is L. infantum chagasi, whereas L. braziliensis is principally responsible for CL. Domestic dogs constitute the main source of VL in urban environments, and have also been implicated in CL epidemiology. We carried out molecular and serological surveys to detect Leishmania infection in dogs from the municipality of Ituberá in Bahia, Brazil. Furthermore, we identified risk factors associated with illness in dogs from this locality. Blood samples were collected from 399 dogs and tested using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Leishmania spp antibodies and L. infantum chagasi and L. braziliensis DNA, respectively. Dogs were clinically evaluated and tissue samples from those exhibiting skin lesions were examined for parasites. In addition, the dog owners completed an epidemiological questionnaire to identify factors associated with infection. Skin lesions consistent with CL were found on 37 (9.3%) of the evaluated animals, but parasitological examination was negative for all samples. The IFA returned positive results for 60 (15%) dogs. PCR identified DNA from L. braziliensis in 86 (21.6%) animals, where as all samples proved negative for L. infantum chagasi. The 134 dogs (33.6%) testing positive using IFA and/ or PCR were considered infected, and of these, only 13 demonstrated skin lesions. Animals from rural areas were 3.39-times more likely to be infected compared to those in urban environments.

The sand flea Tunga penetrans is one of the zoonotic agents of tungiasis, a parasitic skin disease of humans and animals. The dog is one of its main reservoirs. This negatively controlled, randomized, double-masked clinical trial evaluated the therapeutic and residual efficacy of fluralaner for treatment of dogs naturally infested with T. penetrans. Sixty-two dogs from an endemically affected community in Brazil were randomly assigned to either receive oral fluralaner (Bravecto chewable tablets) at a dose of 25 to 56 mg fluralaner/kg body weight, or no treatment (31 dogs per group). Dogs were clinically examined using a severity score for acute canine tungiasis (SCADT), parasitological examinations as defined by the Fortaleza classification, and pictures of lesions on days 0 (inclusion and treatment), 7 ± 2, 14 ± 2, 21 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 60 ± 7, 90 ± 7, 120 ± 7 and 150 ± 7. The percentage of parasite-free dogs after treatment was >90% between days 14 and 90 post-treatment with 100% efficacy on study days 21, 28 and 60. Sand flea counts on fluralaner treated dogs were significantly lower (p<0.025) than control dogs on all counts from day 7 to 120. The number of live sand fleas on treated dogs was reduced by > 90% on day 7, > 95% on days 14 and 90, and 100% from day 21 to 60, and with a significant difference between groups from day 7 to 120. From day 7 to day 120, mean SCADT scores were significantly reduced in treated dogs with a mean of 0.10 compared to 1.54 on day 120 in untreated dogs. Therefore, a single oral fluralaner administration is effective for treating and achieving long lasting (> 12 weeks) prevention for tungiasis in dogs.

Background:Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm rarely described in the veterinary routine. The aim of this study was to report a case of GIST accompanied by a periosteal reaction, suggestive of hypertrophic osteopathy, in a dog. Case: An 11-year-old male dog had a history of progressive weight loss, difficulty in locomotion, and dyspnea. During clinical care, increased bone volume was observed. Blood samples were collected for a complete blood count and biochemical analysis. The dog also underwent thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasonography. The test results revealed anemia, leukocytosis, hypocalcemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypocholesterolemia. The radiographic images of the limbs showed a generalized periosteal reaction, and thoracic radiography indicated changes compatible with mild chronic lung disease. Ultrasonographic findings indicated a neoformation in the intestinal loop of the right mesogastric region and increased volume in the left testicle, both of which were indicative of neoplasia. Therefore, the dog was referred for surgery, wherein the intestinal mass and both testes were removed; the intestinal mass and left testicle were subjected to histopathological diagnosis. The results of the biopsies confirmed that the testicular neoplasm was a seminoma, whereas the intestinal nodule was compatible with GIST, and immunohistochemical analysis was necessary to confirm the diagnosis. On the basis of positive labeling for the antibodies vimentin, desmin, S100, and c-kit, the diagnosis of GIST was confirmed. Therefore, the animal underwent metronomic chemotherapy with 12 mg/m 2 cyclophosphamide every 24 h for 3 months, and thereafter every 48 h for 6 months. Moreover, the dog was periodically monitored via imaging (radiography of the anterior and posterior limbs, abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomography). A few months after the surgical resection of the intestinal nodule, radiography revealed that the periosteal reactions had disappeared, but ultrasonography revealed nonspecific alterations of mild thickening and enlargement of the intestinal loops. Computed tomography revealed two nodular areas of soft-tissue attenuation in the right mesogastric region. Although the possibility of tumor recurrence was raised, the animal's owner chose only to perform palliative treatment. After 4 months, ultrasonography revealed a neoformation in the right mesogastric region. On July 29, 2018 the animal had a worsening of its clinical condiction, with tumor recurrence by ultrasound exam. The owners didn´t accept returning to the oncologist and made an option for a conservative treatment with tramadol (3 mg/kg/TID), dipirone (25 mg/kg/TID), and vitaminic supplement based on docosahexaenoic acid plus eicosapentaenoic acid (30 mg/kg, once daily). On August, 28, 2018 he was euthanized. The dog's postsurgical survival time was 15 months. Discussion: The dog described in the present report was large and elderly, both of which are predisposing factors for GIST development. Although...

Background: Mammary neoplasms in dogs are commonly observed in veterinary clinical routine, most of which being malignant. Hormonal stimulation, endogenous or exogenous, may possibly influence its development. In addition to clinical evaluation, ultrasound analysis can provide information about the characteristics of breast lumps. The association between clinical-epidemiological and pathological data is important for diagnosis. Therefore, given the importance of this pathology for the health of affected dogs, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and ultrasound alterations, along with the factors associated with the development of benign and malignant mammary neoplasms in female dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: We examined 47 samples from the mammary tumors of 35 female dogs at the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Hospital (HV) of the Santa Cruz State University (UESC). The dogs underwent a complete clinical examination, with clinical staging, via TNM classification, followed by hematological, biochemical, radiological and ultrasound, abdominal, and breast exams. Breast ultrasound examination was used to evaluate the shape parameters such as, limits, margins or contour, ecotexture, echogenicity, hyperechoic halo, posterior acoustic shading, surrounding changes, and nodule components. These criteria were associated with the histopathological classification of neoplasms. Epidemiological data was studied through an adapted questionnaire containing information on risk factors associated with breast cancer. The same questionnaire was applied to tutors of 19, age-matched, female dogs with no history of breast cancer. The results revealed that most female dogs with neoplasia were over eight years of age, with no specific breed and were not castrated, and 31.4% of them had already been administered with contraceptives during the reproductive period. Ovariohysterectomy acted as a protective factor (OR 0.06) to the development of breast tumors, while contraceptive use was considered as a risk factor (OR 6.99). The average time reported between tumor perception and clinical care was 13.2 months. The caudal and inguinal abdominal breasts were the most affected. Among the samples evaluated, 76.6% were malignant, with mixed tumor carcinoma being the most frequent type and 69.4% graded in grade I. Nodules classified as malignant showed the largest diameter (P < 0.05). Breast ultrasound results revealed that tumors with heterogeneous echotextures and mixed components were associated with malignancy (P < 0.05). Discussion: The fact that the average age of female dogs with breast cancer was over eight years of age corroborates the literature. Considering that a greater age would mean a longer exposure to the carcinogenic initiators responsible for mutations, and to promoters, such as hormonal changes. Contraceptives increase the risk of breast lumps, while reduce that of ovariohysterectomy, in female dogs, even when performed after the second heat. The size of the nodules and ultrasound criteria related to echotexture and the type of component of the neoplasia may be used as prognostic parameters of female breast nodules. Additionally, most nodules evaluated in this study were malignant (mixed tumor carcinoma was the most common subtype), possibly due to the owners' delay in seeking veterinary care after tumor observation. Although malignant, most nodules presented with a low histopathological grading.Background: Mammary neoplasms in dogs are commonly observed in veterinary clinicalroutine, most of which being malignant. Hormonal stimulation, endogenous or exogenous,may possibly influence its development. In addition to clinical evaluation, ultrasound analysiscan provide information about the characteristics of breast lumps. The association betweenclinical-epidemiological and pathological data is important for diagnosis. Therefore, given theimportance of this pathology for the health of affected dogs, we aimed to evaluate the clinicaland ultrasound alterations, along with the factors associated with the development of benignand malignant mammary neoplasms in female dogs.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: We examined 47