Escherichia coli in dogs and cats and its zoonotic potential – a review

While diseases in humans seem to be an isolated concern, many are caused by zoonotic agents. The increasingly close contact between pets and their guardians must be considered, and investigations related to pathogens that are frequently found in humans and other animals must be carried out. Escherichia coli, in addition to being a commensal bacterium found in the intestinal tract of many animals, is one of the most frequent causes of several bacterial infections. Recent studies indicate that contact between humans and animals could contribute to the transmission between species of E. coli strains that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC-type lactamases, which are antimicrobial-resistant (multi-resistant). However, more studies are needed for these assumption to be confirmed. This review addresses the zoonotic potential of E. coli based on research related to the finding of pathogenic strains in animals and humans.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in a bitch – case report

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cutaneous asthenia or dermatosparaxis, is a rare genetic disorder that causes alterations in the synthesis of collagen fibers, resulting in hyperextensibility and dermal fragility. This paper reports the case of a nine-year-old bitch, of no defined breed. The diagnosis was obtained by the history of the animal and clinical examination. The cutaneous extensibility test resulted in an index value of 23.5% extensibility, higher than the normal value for canines (14.5%). To confirm the diagnosis, skin samples were taken for histopathological studies. For this syndrome, treatment is palliative, prioritizing the quality of life of the animal and environmental management.

Pyometra in Puma (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771) – case report

Pyometra in felines may present with a vaginal discharge or no vaginal discharge, depending on the opening of the uterine cervix. The most obvious clinical signs of a closed uterine cervix pyometra are loss of appetite, apathy, lethargy, polydipsia, polyuria, hyperthermia and abdominal enlargement. The veterinary approach depends on numerous factors, but the patient is invariably submitted to an ovariohysterectomy. This case report discusses a puma (Puma concolor), aged over 16 years and under human care in a zoo in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with clinical suspicion of closed pyometra. The patient underwent ultrasound examination, laboratory analysis and an ovariohysterectomy. The animal recovered well and returned to the display enclosure at the zoo.

Acquired megaesophagus in a dog – case report

Acquired megaesophagus is an uncommon cause of regurgitation in dogs. Diagnosis is confirmed by simple or contrast radiographs, endoscopy, tomography, scintigraphy, or magnetic resonance imaging. Esophagography with barium sulphate contrast is the most commonly used method, however, it may be inconclusive if dilation marking does not occur. This paper reports the case of a 9-year-old female dog, with a history of regurgitation over six months, simple and contrast radiographic exams showing no evidence of megaesophagus. The esophagography exam was repeated with the addition of barium contrast mixed with commercial dry pet food, which verified esophageal dilatation and confirmed megaesophagus. Although this technique is not widely used, it is an effective alternative method for diagnosis of canine megaesophagus, particularly when other radiographic approaches are inconclusive.

Evaluation of bone mineral density through radiographic optical densitometry in 42 canine femures

This study evaluates the bone mineral density of 42 canine femurs using radiographic optical densitometry and validates radiographic optical densitometry as a parameter to standardize bone tissue samples used in biomechanical tests, contributing to the diagnosis of osteoporosis in dogs. The ImageJ 1.46r® program was used for the radiographic optical densitometry. After selecting the aluminum steps and the area of interest in the femur, the data obtained were stored in a table and converted into mm/Al using the MS Excel® trend function. Statistical analysis demonstrated the absence of atypical values (outiliers) in the samples analyzed. The samples evaluated were homogeneous and the densitometric data obtained may contribute to reducing the scarcity of densitometric references in the veterinary literature. Ex vivo biomechanical studies may benefit from the method used in this study to standardize their sample when evaluating bone mineral density, validating their respective projects

Maropitant citrate as an adjunct to visceral analgesia in dogs and cats – review

Pain is a complex multifactorial experience associated with tissue damage that causes suffering and reduces an animal’s quality of life. Maropitant citrate is a antagonist specific to the NK-1 receptor which selectively inhibits the production of substance P, a mediator involved in the signals responsible for emesis. For this reason, maropitant was initially developed for the treatment of vomiting in dogs and cats. However, substance P also has a role in the neural pathways responsible for the modulation of harmful stimuli involved in nociception and inflammation. Recent research into this role shows that maropitant citrate may be an alternative treatment for visceral pain in dogs and cats. Most of these studies have shown a reduction in the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of allogenated anesthetics agents with the use of maropitant citrate. This review describes studies into the potential use of maropitant citrate in anesthetic protocols in animals.

Citologic characteristics of hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats – review

Precise diagnosis and treatment of hemolytic anemia is a challenge to veterinarians. Toxins, infectious, and autoimmune diseases can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats. Blood smears provide information that can assist in the diagnosis and help to identify the possible etiology of the condition. In many veterinary clinics, the introduction of automated blood cell count has led to abandoning the routine of evaluating blood smears. This article reviews the citologic characteristics of different types of hemolytic anemias in dogs and cats.

Pseudohermaphroditism in a female French Bulldog

Pseudohermaphroditism is a sexual anomaly, rare in dogs, in which the individual has both male and female characteristics; normally ambiguous external genitalia and male or female gonads. This report concerns a 5-month-old female French Bulldog, where the principal concern was the presence of a structure in the internal region of the genitalia with evolution of approximately 2 months. Upon clinical examination, it was found that the patient had a characteristically female phenotype and a vagina with no apparent changes, despite the presence of a hypertrophied structure inside, similar to a clitoris and a probable penile bone. A right lateral abdominal radiography revealed the presence of a probable atrophied penile bone located inside the vulva. An ultrasound examination showed the presence of two oval, coarse and hypoechogenic structures in the inguinal (subcutaneous) region, suggesting ectopic testicles; ovaries and uterus were not observed. However, during laparotomy the absence of ovaries and the presence of uterus and testicles in the subcutaneous tissue were observed.

Management of lesser grison (Galictis cuja) pups

The lesser grison (Galictis cuja) is a mammal that belongs to the Mustelidae family and is found in a number of countries in South America. This article describes the nutritional and biometric data and clinical parameters for four G. cuja pups cared for at the Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Nurfs/Cetas) [Nucleus for the Rehabilitation of Wild Fauna and Wild Animal Evaluation Centre] of Universidade Federal de Pelotas, RS, Brazil. The pups were assessed clinically and subject to nutritional and biometric monitoring in order to learn more about the species and its development rate, given the lack of information available in the literature. All the pups demonstrated gradual body growth from arrival until the moment of release, and the nutritional management regime was shown to be appropriate for raising G. cuja in captivity.

Pharmacological treatment of canine epilepsy – review

Epilepsy is relatively common in dogs and is characterized by recurring seizures. In order to treat such cases effectively, the veterinarian must first clarify the etiology of the reported episodic events, investigate the cause of the seizures, carry out a detailed clinical evaluation of the patient from the start of the treatment, decide on the drug to be used, monitor the patient appropriately, and ensure that the dog’s owners understand and collaborate with the treatment. Reasons for treatment failures include the prescription of drugs unsuitable for use in dogs or the use of low doses. This article reviews factors related to the use of phenobarbital, potassium bromide and levetiracetam – drugs available in Brazil for which there is stronger evidence of safety and effectiveness in the treatment of canine epilepsy.