Based on necropsy and histopathology records from the Pathology Department of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro spanning the years 1990 to 2020, this study analyzed the factors influencing diagnostic conclusions. Cases with unclear or inconclusive results were compiled and categorized according to the pre-analytical (prior to necropsy), analytical (during necropsy), and post-analytical (histopathological analysis and ancillary testing following necropsy) phases. The data were categorized into production animals, companion animals, and wildlife, and subsequently subjected to statistical analysis. Over the study period, a total of 37,057 examinations were conducted, of which 3.9% resulted in inconclusive diagnoses. Among these inconclusive cases, 26.4% were attributed to failures in the pre-analytical phase, 34.8% in the analytical phase, and 38.8% in the post-analytical phase. Pre-analytical failures were identified in 37.17% of companion animal cases, 21.22% of production animal cases, and 18.15% of wildlife cases. In the post-analytical phase, failures were identified in 24.73% of companion animal cases, 59.18% of production animal cases, and 66.02% of wildlife cases. The findings indicate that companion animals had the highest prevalence of inconclusive diagnoses, primarily due to the higher volume of cases in this category at SAP. This was followed by wildlife animals, which frequently arrive at the facility in advanced stages of autolysis for necropsy. The lowest prevalence of inconclusive diagnoses was observed in production animals, owing to the smaller number of such cases and the limited availability of complementary diagnostic tests.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the agility exercise on blood biochemical variables (lactate, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and cortisol hormone), physiological variables (heart rate, respiratory rate, surface temperature, and rectal temperature), and morphometric parameters (body weight, body condition score, and morphometry) of Border Collie agility dogs. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement consisting of two treatments and two exercise times. Morphometry was evaluated using a measuring tape graduated in centimeters. The exercise was assessed by collecting blood samples and physiological parameters. For both sexes, exercise induced a significant difference (P<0.05) in all physiological parameters. Regarding biochemical variables, there was an increase in lactate concentration, whereas glucose decreased (P<0.05). Cholesterol, triglycerides, and cortisol were not affected. Males showed larger dimensions than females (P<0.05) for the morphometric variables of height and limb circumferences. There were no significant differences in zoometric indices. The Border Collie dogs showed high capacity for exercise, as their conformation facilitates this type of agility activity without changes in the evaluated parameters.

The skins discarded during the filleting process, when subjected to an appropriate tanning process, can be transformed into high-quality leather. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of salt concentration and acid swelling as a function of the exposure time of Nile tilapia skins acidified in salt-free water. To this end, three tests were conducted: Test I – Evaluation of pickled skins; Test II – Evaluation of the effect of salt concentration in the pickling stage; and Test III – Evaluation of the effect of pickled skins at different exposure times in salt-free water. The removal of acidified skins to salt-free water promotes acid swelling, which can significantly reduce the leather’s resistance, tear strength, elongation, and tensile strength. A salt concentration below the recommended level leads to acid swelling, while an excessive concentration prevents proper tanning, resulting in collagen fiber densification. Regarding the exposure time of skins in salt-free water, significant losses in their properties were already observed after ten minutes. It is concluded that salt is essential in the pickling stage, requiring a Baumé degree of 7. Skins should not be exposed to a salt-free solution to prevent acid swelling, which compromises their resistance quality. Exposure to salt-free water can reduce elasticity, tensile strength, and progressive tearing, regardless of the exposure duration.

The Wagyu breed is renowned for its exceptionally high marbling rate and abundant carcass fat content. Understanding the genetics of beef cattle relies heavily on comprehending the biological pathways regulating skeletal muscle development. Muscle development and lipid metabolism are crucial elements of biological regulation, particularly in beef cattle. Variation in relevant genes and the presence of desired genotypes play crucial roles in these processes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the genetic variation associated with skeletal muscle development and lipid metabolism in Wagyu cattle imported to Türkiye. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from 48 cattle using the phenol-chloroform isoamyl alcohol method. Genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP method, targeting a panel of genes, including OLR1, ANXA9, MYF5, IGF1, LGB, MYOD1, GHR, CAPN1, and LEP, recognized as strong candidates associated with beef yield and quality. Population genetic parameters, including heterozygosity (He), polymorphism information content (PIC), and effective allele number (Ne), were computed, and adherence to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was assessed. The ANXA9, IGF1, CAPN1, and LEP markers were in accordance with HWE (P>0.05). No animals were identified with OLR1-CC and CAPN1-CC genotypes. The CAPN1-GG allele exhibited the highest frequency in the population, calculated at 0.88. The LGB marker showed the highest heterozygosity (~0.50). To the best of our knowledge, this constitutes the inaugural genetic investigation conducted among Wagyu cattle reared in Türkiye. These findings provide valuable insights for studies on genetic diversity and breeding programs targeting the Wagyu breed.

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s syndrome (CS) or hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition characterized by loss of dopaminergic inhibition of the pituitary pars intermedia. A Crioulo mare was presented with progressive weight loss, incoordination when walking, polydipsia, and a coat with a hirsute appearance. Loss of tail tone and muscle mass in the lumbar and gluteal regions, as well as long hair with a hirsute, opaque, and brittle appearance, were observed on inspection. In addition, the mare had small abscesses in the thoracolumbar region, and there were no other abnormalities on physical examination. The low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was performed to confirm the suspicion of CS, demonstrating a level of 4.6 µg/dL higher than baseline after 19h, confirming the diagnosis of PPID. The treatment consisted of cyproheptadine, and the animal showed improvement, being discharged from the hospital after 10 days. Continuation of the treatment was recommended on the farm. According to the veterinarian on the farm, the animal had been showing improvement, but it developed respiratory complications 10 days after discharge and died three days later. The main findings of the necropsy included severe diffuse granulomatous pneumonia, in addition to pituitary pars intermedia adenoma, which confirmed the clinical suspicion of PPID.

Thirty non-lame Quarter Horses under athletic exercise training, aged between 2 and 23 years old, both males and females were evaluated in order to find ultrasonographic characteristics of distal interphalangeal joint’s (DIPJ) collateral ligaments (CLs) in their forelimbs. The horses were divided into three groups based on age. Group A consisted of horses aged between three and four years old; group B consisted of equines aged between five and ten years old; and group C consisted of animals that were over ten years old. Six parameters were assessed, including increase of the ligament area (LA), hypoechogenicity (HO), collapse of coronal vessels (CV), heterogeneity (HT), hyperechogenicity (HR) and irregularity of ligament borders (IB). Older horses were more prone to displaying ultrasonographic alterations in the CL-DIPJ. The prevalent ultrasonographic findings observed were alterations in the echogenicity of the fibers and ligament thickening, diagnosed in 73,33% (88/120) of the examined ligaments. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) displayed more frequent alterations than the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). In conclusion, this study provided a detailed characterization of the ultrasound examination of the CL-DIPJ in the forelimbs of clinically non-lame Quarter Horses subjected to intensive exercise routines. The findings demonstrate that even in non-lame horses, ultrasonographic alterations can be observed in the CL-DIPJ.

Dermatophytosis is a significant zoonosis in the world. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic dermatophytes carrier cats in high population density households in Lavras (MG) city and to analyze the epidemiological factors associated with this condition. A total of 160 cats were evaluated through coat samples collected by brushing. The coat samples were inoculated in Dermatophyte Test Medium culture. After colony growth, they underwent microscopic analysis to identify dermatophytes. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test or Fischer's Exact test to assess the association between variables, determining relative risk. Twenty-seven cats (16.9%) were asymptomatic carriers, with the species Nannizzia gypsea (66.7%) were the most prevalent. There was a significant association between age and the occurrence of dermatophyte carrier status, with cats over six years old were 1.8 times more likely to occur. Mixed-breed, females, long hair, mature adults and outdoor cats were more prevalent, although there was no significant association with dermatophyte carrier status. Only one owner and their cat had a previous history of dermatophytosis. The prevalence of asymptomatic dermatophytes carrier cats in high population density household in Lavras-MG city was low, with no evidence of harm to animal and human health.

The first 30 days of calves' life is a critical period for dairy farming due to the incidence of diseases that can result in high rates of mortality and morbidity. Fever is an early clinical sign of illness; however, the use of a rectal thermometer to measure body temperature in large herds is impractical. Research using a thermographic camera has demonstrated the availability of obtaining the superficial temperature without contact the evaluated local. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of infrared thermography to measure body temperature in calves ≤ 30 days old, identifying the body regions that present a high correlation between superficial infrared temperature (IRT) and rectal temperature. Nineteen Holstein calves were enrolled in this study. An infrared thermography camera was used to obtain thermographic images of the following body regions: hooves, eyes, forehead, muzzle, and mouth. Thermographic images were obtained at 3, 5, 10±2, 15±2 , 20±2, 25±2, and 30±2 days after birth. Maximum (Tmax), minimum (Tmin), and mean (Tmean) temperatures were obtained for each body region. Calves were categorized as hyperthermic or euthermic animals based on rectal temperature. Correlations between IRT and rectal temperature varied according to each body region and rectal temperature category. The maximum temperatures of left and right eyes measured by infrared thermography showed a higher correlation with rectal temperature, regardless of rectal temperature category (hyperthermia or euthermia). In general, Tmax and Tmean had a higher correlation with rectal temperatures than Tmin.

Canine transmissible venereal tumor is a contagious neoplasm typically found on the external genital mucosa of dogs of both sexes; however, it can also occur in extragenital areas, such as the nasal cavity. It spreads through contact with damaged tissues or mucous membranes containing viable neoplastic cells, or through the hemolymphatic system. This study aimed to report two cases of canine transmissible venereal tumor in the nasal cavity of two intact male mixed-breed dogs. Both animals exhibited neoplasm in the nasal septum with oral involvement. Diagnosis in both cases was made through clinical and radiological assessments; the neoplasia was confirmed through cytological analysis. Radiological assessment showed retraction of the alveolar bone adjacent to the right premolars in the animal in Case 1, whereas in the animal in Case 2, it revealed an increase in volume in the dorsal portion of the skull, with radiopacity, extending to the frontal, incisive, and nasal bones, confirming lysis in these bones. Animal in Case 1 was subjected to chemotherapy with doxorubicin, however, it experienced recurrence in the oronasal region after some time of tumor remission, requiring treatment with vincristine and subsequent surgical resection. Considering Case 2, the animal responded well to treatment with vincristine sulfate. The animal in Case 1 was discharged 6 months post-procedure, whereas the animal in Case 2 had a good response to the treatment of choice. Clinical information on cases of canine transmissible venereal tumors in the nasal region is essential, mainly regarding therapeutic success, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment duration.

Mining drives economic development, but it frequently alters the fertility of remaining soil or substrates. Increasing organic matter in these substrates has been a critical factor for the successful recovery and establishment of plants. In this study, the development of ‘Marandu’ Urochloa brizantha in a Cambisol substrate, a remnant of bauxite mining, was assessed in the municipality of Poços de Caldas-MG, in response to chemical and organic fertilizers derived from vermicomposting of residues from the production of shimeji mushrooms. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where six treatments, namely: conventional fertilizers (FertConv; FertConv + micro and Cal) and exclusively with the use of vermicompost (20, 40 and 60 t ha-1) were evaluated in a completely randomized design in four replications. Fertilization with vermicompost resulted in significant increases in nutrients. Stem and leaf elongation rates, leaf appearance rate, phyllochron, tiller density and dry matter were influenced by both organic and conventional fertilization. However, the greatest benefits were observed with the application of vermicompost. After 90 days of growth, using conventional fertilization, there were no significant increases in the mentioned variables. The use of vermicompost is effective in improving the fertility conditions of the post-mining substrate, with significant impacts on the development of ‘Marandu’ grass, a fact that can contribute to the recovery of areas impacted by mining. Chemical fertilization based only on chemical fertilizers did not result in increases in TAlC, TAlF, TApF, DPP and DM until 90 days of initial growth of ‘Marandu’ grass.