Estudo retrospectivo (2007-2011) da casuística de cães com mastocitomas cutâneos atendidos em um hospital-escola

Neoplasms of mast cell origin are uncommon in most animal species. Although cases of cutaneous mastocitoma (CM) are rare in humans, it is the second most diagnosed cancer in dogs, accounting for approximately 20% of cutaneous tumors in this species. The age group most frequently affected is between eight and nine years, but it may occur in animals up to three weeks old. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, hematological and histopathological characteristics of 73 dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumors attended between 2007 and 2011 by the Oncology Service of a teaching hospital in the state of São Paulo. Data collected included race, age, sex, weight, skin region affected, blood tests results at the first consultation and histopathological grading of dogs diagnosed with this neoplasia.

Meningite supurativa secundária a otite média e interna em um gato: relato de caso

Suppurative meningitis are rarely reported in dogs and cats. The present study aims to report the occurrence of suppurative meningitis secondary to otitis media and interna in a five-year-old female Persian cat examined at the Veterinary School of Unesp-Botucatu with acute progressive multifocal neurological alterations. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated predominance of neutrophils (90%) and the presence of bacteria. Therapy with antibiotics was initiated, but the animal came to die. beta-hemolytic Staphylococcus, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus and Proteus mirabilis were detected in fragments sent to culture. The present report demonstrates the importance of performing more specific exams such as complete CSF analysis in cases of otitis media and interna. This way, central nervous infections can be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, as those are acute diseases with poor prognosis.

Hipotireoidismo em cães: revisão

Hypothyroidism is one of the most frequent endocrinopathies in dogs, affecting preferentially middle-aged, pure breed animals. Associated clinical signs are variable and often non-specific, including metabolic, dermatological or cardiovascular alterations. The main laboratorial findings are non-regenerative anemia and hypercholesterolemia. Hyponatremia and an increase in alanine transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities can also be observed with lower frequency. There are specific diagnostic tests that can be used to help diagnose hypothyroidism, and those should be interpreted in the light of the animal´s clinical symptoms. The levels of thyroxine stimulating hormone (TSH) and both free and total thyroxine (T4) are the most used hormonal tests. It is important to differentiate between hypothyroidism and the euthyroid sick syndrome, a condition that may be caused by severe diseases such as hyperadrenocorticism and lead to decreased TSH and T4 levels as well. Levothyroxine sodium is the standard treatment. The main objective of this paper is to review hypothyroidism in dogs, since this is a very common disease in small animal clinics, but with difficult diagnosis.

Lissencefalia em cães e gatos: revisão

Lissencephaly is a condition characterized by a lack of cerebral convolutions and sulci, which results from defective migration of nervous cells precursors in the telencephalus. The cause is presumably genetic. Lhasa-Apso dogs are most frequently affected, even though it may also occur in association with cerebellar hypoplasia in the Irish Setter, Wire-Haired Terrier and Samoieda breeds. This association was also reported in a cat. Clinical signs consist of dementia, aggressiveness, seizures, visual and olfactive dysfunctions, slow postural reactions and reduced menace response. Definitive diagnosis requires exams such as magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral biopsy or necropsy. There is no specific therapy for this disease, and seizures must be treated with anticonvulsants. The aim of this study is to review the literature regarding lissencephaly.

Fasceíte necrotizante: relato de dois casos

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare dermatopathy that promotes subcutaneous tissue damage, associated to substantial morbidity and mortality if treatment is not initiated at the beginning of the condition. The objective of the present study is to report the occurrence of two cases of necrotizing fasciitis, one in a miniature female Pinscher and the other one in a female Poodle, both attended at the Veterinary Hospital of FMVZ/Unesp-Botucatu. The animals presented ulcerated, erythematous lesions with secretion and points of necrosis along fascial planes. Bacterial culture was positive for Streptococcus spp. The animals were treated with enrofloxacin, associated to topical cleaning of the lesions with saline solution and triclosan-based soap and rifampicin spray. Both animals presented total remission of lesions after approximately 15 days of treatment. The present report aims to alert veterinary clinicians to the severity of Streptococcus spp infections.