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- A Nationwide Seroepidemiologic Study on Q Fever Antibodies in Sheep of PortugalPublication . Cruz, Rita; Esteves, Fernando; Nóbrega, Carmen; Santos, Carla; Ferreira, Ana S.; Mega, Cristina; Coelho, Ana C.; Vala, Helena; Mesquita, JoãoIntroduction: Q fever is an almost global zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. Human infections can produce acute and chronic disease that can lead to abortions and stillbirths in pregnant women, usually infected by the inhalation of C. burnetii-contaminated aerosols or through consumption of contaminated products. Sheep are one of the primary animal reservoirs with disease being associated with vast shedding of bacteria in placentas, feces, milk, and birth fluids. Although almost neglected in the past, recent outbreaks of sheep origin have alerted the public and the scientific community. Materials and Methods: An epidemiologic survey to estimate the seroprevalence of Q fever antibodies was performed in a representative number of sheep of all regions of continental Portugal (n = 1068), using a commercial ELISA (ID Screen Q Fever Indirect Multi-species Kit; IDvet, Montpellier, France). Results and Discussion: An anti-C. burnetii seroprevalence of 11.4% (95% confidence interval 9.6–13.5) was found, with a clear distinction between the Center region with highest seroprevalence, and the rest of the territory. Sheep traditional farming is widely present in Portugal and is part of the cultural and gastronomical background of the country. This close proximity to small ruminants may contribute to the zoonotic transfer to humans.
- Outbreaks of abortions byCoxiella burnetiiin small ruminant flocks and a longitudinal serological approach on archived bulk tank milk suggest Q fever emergence in Central PortugalPublication . Cruz, Rita; Esteves, Fernando; Vasconcelos-Nóbrega, Carmen; Santos, Carla; Ferreira, Ana S.; Mega, Cristina; Coelho, Ana C.; H, Vala; Mesquita, João R.Q fever is a worldwide zoonotic infectious disease caused by Coxiella burnetii and sheep and goats are known to be the main reservoir for human infection. This study describes the epidemiological and laboratory findings of C. burnetii outbreaks affecting sheep and goat flocks and also provides the results of a prospective serosurvey in bulk tank milk samples to assess C. burnetii circulation in a population of sheep living in close contact to the human population in Central Portugal. In the epizooties, C. burnetii was identified in tissues of the resulting abortions by qPCR. As for the serological survey, 10.2% (95%CI: 4.5‐19.2) of the 78 bulk tank milk samples collected in 2015 presented IgG antibodies against C. burnetii. The same farms were visited and sampled in 2016 and 25.6% (95%CI: 16.4‐36.8) were positive. This steep increase in the number of anti‐C. burnetii farms between the 2015 and 2016 collections showed to be statistically significant (p = 0.020) and is strongly suggestive of Q fever emergence in Central Portugal. Measures on animal health and on disease spread control to the human population should be considered.
- Hepatic histopathological lesions in acute controled haemorrhage followed by volume replacement with a crystalloid or colloid solutionPublication . Vala, Helena; Pina, R.; Cruz, R.; Venâncio, C.; Esteves, Fernando; Silva, A.; Mesquita, João; Ortiz, A. L.; Ferreira, D.Introduction: severe hemorrhage remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality in trauma victims or surgical intervened animals, despite of all the advances in the therapeutic approach. The resulting injuries, or even death, are due to the deficit in intravascular volume and subsequent development of hypovolaemic fluid state, leading to poor tissue perfusion and consequent decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues, often with compromise of organ function. Objective: the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different intravenous solutions used for volume replacement following acute controlled haemorrhage, one crystalloid (RL) and one colloid (HES130/0.4) in the integrity of the hepatic tissue in a pig animal model. Material and methods: hepatic samples were collected from animals submitted to passive arterial blood bleeding and reperfusion with a crystalloid (RL) (G1) and with a synthetic colloid (HES 130/0.4) (G2). Samples were also collected from animals that were not subjected to acute bleeding nor volume replacement (G3, control group). All procedures were carried out under personal and project licenses approved by the Ethical Committee of the national regulatory office. Samples were collected and fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin, for a maximum of 24hours, embedded in paraffin wax and 3µm sections were stained for routine histopathology with haematoxylin and eosin. Results: the histopathological assessment revealed no statistically significant differences between the three groups. However, some lesions were more often expressed in some groups. More severe hepatocellular hydropic degeneration and hepatocellular steatosis was seen in G1, which is the only group in which haemorrhage was observed and within which oedema was not present. Hyperaemia was only observed in G2 and G3. Necrosis was not present in any of the groups. Conclusion: hepatic histopathological lesions following controlled bleeding and intravenous volume replacement with RL or HES130/0.4 were subtle. However, more pronounced hydropic degeneration and hepatocellular steatosis was seen in G1 (RL), which suggests that HES130/04 may be associated with better hepatic perfusion when used for intravenous volume replacement when compared to RL.
- Inspecção do sistema nervoso central em pequenos ruminantesPublication . Vala, Helena; Mesquita, João; Esteves, Fernando; Pinho, FátimaO Scrapie é uma doença neurodegenerativa fatal que afecta ovinos e caprinos e é a forma mais comum das Encefalopatias Espongiformes Transmissíveis (EET's), que incluem a doença de Creutzfeldt – Jakob (CJD), em humanos, e a Encefalopatia Espongiforme Bovina (BSE). O Plano de Vigilância Activa do Scrapie, em aplicação na União Europeia desde 2002, permitiu determinar uma prevalência de Scrapie superior ao esperado. De forma a efectuar uma avaliação preliminar da incidência desta patologia em Portugal, foram recolhidos os troncos cerebrais e cerebelos de 4822 pequenos ruminantes abatidos num matadouro no centro de Portugal e, posteriormente, enviados para pesquisa laboratorial de EETs. Após análise laboratorial, detectaram-se 8 casos de Scrapie atípico em ovinos. A percentagem de casos positivos (0,17%) detectados em pequenos ruminantes com mais de 18 meses, durante o período de realização deste estudo, foi baixa e, segundo os resultados laboratoriais, enquadram-se no perfil de Scrapie atípico.
- A case of vascular tumour mimicking lymphangiomaPublication . Vala, Helena; Mega, Cristina; Santos, C.; Cruz, Rita; Santos, M.; Esteves, Fernando; Nóbrega, Carmen; Mesquita, JoãoIntroduction Sarcomas, particularly vascular tumours, can mimic other neoplastic conditions or even inflammatory diseases. Objectives The authors describe an unusual case of vascular tumour, histologically overlapping with benign lymphangioma and liposarcoma. Medical History A 8 year old Shar Pei male dog was presented with a subcutaneous nodule in the chest, measuring 3x2 cm. Material and Methods The sample was fixed in 10 % buffered formalin solution and processed for routine histopathological diagnosis with Haematoxylin and Eosin. A standard Streptavidin-Biotin Complex technique for immunohistochemical evaluation was also performed, using a Polyclonal Rabbit Anti-Human Von Willebrand Factor. Results Macroscopic examination revealed a well circumscribed nodule with homogeneous and brownish appearance and moderate consistency on a cut surface. Microscopic examination revealed clefts and variably-sized vascular spaces, lined by a single layer of spindle cells, with round-to-oval nuclei, small or indistinct nucleoli, small amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm, with endothelial appearance – areas like hemangiosarcoma, interspersed with areas, where these cells appeared to grow directly on thick bundles of dermal collagen, occasionally with erythrocytes – areas like lymphangioma. The stroma was also interspersed with vacuolar cells – areas like liposarcoma. No mitotic figures were seen, however, the presence of very rich cellular areas, with more prominent cells revealing pleomorphism and anisocariosis, were more favour to malignancy Conclusion The authors suggested the diagnosis of vascular neoplasia with unusual features, based on the histopathological diagnosis and immunohistochemistry results, and submit to the discussion, especially for assessment of histological grade and prognosis.
- Epidemiology and Emergence of Schmallenberg Virus Part 1: Origin, Transmission and Differential DiagnosisPublication . Esteves, Fernando; Mesquita, João; Nóbrega, Carmen; Santos, Carla; Monteiro, António; Cruz, Rita; Vala, Helena; Coelho, Ana CláudiaSchmallenberg virus (SBV) is a novel Orthobunyavirus causing mild clinical signs in cows and malformations in aborted and neonatal ruminants in Europe. SBV belongs to the family Bunyaviridae and is transmitted by biting midges. This new virus was identified for the first time in the blood samples of cows in the city of Schmallenberg in NorthRhine-Westphalia in November 2011. Since then the virus spread to several European countries. Here we describe the origin and emergence, as well as the transmission and the differential diagnosis of this virus, now known to be a serious threat to Veterinary Public Health.
- Aplicação de estratégias para minimizar o erro em Anatomia PatológicaPublication . H, Vala; Bernardo, Sónia; Esteves, Fernando; Garcia, CarlaA conceção de equipas multiprofissionais na área veterinária, permite, como noutros setores, introduzir e implementar dinâmicas que não se esgotam na própria empresa.Os principais riscos identificados como potenciadores de colocar em causa a qualidade e confiança do diagnóstico laboratorial, prendem-se com a escassa informação nas respetivas fichas de requisição de análise e o seu incorreto preenchimento, com falhas no acondicionamento e no envio de amostras para o laboratório, bem como com a ausência de indicações para a correta orientação das peças cirúrgicas.Foram também identificadas as principais regras de conduta e de boas práticas que o Enfermeiro Veterinário pode ajudar a implementar, em contexto clínico, e que contribuem para a minimização do erro laboratorial.
- Bioética e experimentação animalPublication . Nóbrega, Carmen; Oliveira, P. A.; Mesquita, João; Santos, C.; Arantes, R.; Themudo, D.; Esteves, Fernando; Cruz, Rita; Mega, Cristina; Vala, Helena- Introdução: O contributo da experimentação animal para a ciência é inegável. Dificilmente os meios médicos e profiláticos teriam atingido o presente estado de evolução sem a sua contribuição. O objectivo deste trabalho é a apresentação do conceito de experimentação animal, como uma prática válida e eticamente correta, desde que devidamente planeada e executada. - Estado da Arte: O recurso a animais vivos em investigação, tem desempenhado um papel importante no avanço científico, particularmente na área da saúde. Este facto dá origem a um dilema ético: se por um lado a maior parte dos animais utilizados são seres sencientes, por outro lado, a investigação pode ser de vital importância para a prevenção, cura ou melhoria significativa de doenças em humanos. Não sendo um tema consensual, é geralmente alvo de intenso debate. Opositores a qualquer tipo de investigação com recurso a animais, afirmam que a experimentação animal é cruel e desnecessária porque os animais não existem para serem usados segundo o nosso critério. No entanto, a generalidade da sociedade aceita que os animais possam ser utilizados em experimentação mas não a qualquer preço. Nos últimos anos, têm ocorrido progressos na criação de alternativas à experimentação animal, nomeadamente as culturas celulares, de tecidos e órgãos, fazendo com que, em certas situações, os animais possam já ser substituídos por alternativas eticamente mais aceitáveis, não podem, contudo, ser inteiramente eliminados da investigação. - Novas perspetivas/diretrizes Uma investigação ética e cientificamente válida com aplicabilidade na saúde humana, exige a seleção de modelos adequados para a acção estudada e o cumprimento do princípio dos 3Rs: Replace; Reduce; Refine. A estes, deve juntar-se ainda o R da responsabilidade, que deve prevalecer desde o delineamento da experimentação e acompanhar o decurso dos trabalhos experimentais. - Implicações teóricas e práticas Pesando os prós e contras, os benefícios da experimentação animal pesam mais no que se refere ao impacto na melhoria da saúde humana. Se esta prática fosse abandonada, certamente existiriam severas consequências a nível da investigação e da saúde pública.
- Mammary neoplasms in dogs and cats. Contribution for promotion of well-beingPublication . Soares, Marta; Almeida, Rui Gomes; Esteves, Fernando; Cruz, Rita; Santos, Carla; Mega, Cristina; Nóbrega, Carmen; Mesquita, João; Vala, HelenaIntrodução: Nos últimos anos tem-se verificado um crescimento significativo da incidência de neoplasias humanas a nível mundial, sendo esta também uma das principais causas de morbilidade e mortalidade nos animais de companhia, destacando-se as neoplasias mamárias como processo neoplásico que mais acomete os nossos animais. Objetivos: Analisar o paradigma atual das neoplasias em animais de companhia; Intervir na sensibilização de tutores e profissionais da equipa de saúde animal para uma gestão mais assertiva, nomeadamente no que respeita à sua deteção e exérese precoce. Métodos: estudo retrospetivo contemplando uma amostragem de canídeos (n=20) e felídeos (n=12) com massas mamárias submetidas a excisão cirúrgica e diagnóstico histopatológico. Resultados: Na amostra analisada foi observada uma maior frequência de neoplasias mamárias em cadelas de raça Indeterminada e em gatas de raça Europeu Comum, sendo a idade média, para ambas as espécies, próxima dos 10 anos de idade. Foi ainda registada uma maior frequência de neoplasias mamárias malignas, 75% em cadelas e 66,7% nas gatas, em relação às benignas. Conclusões: Foi possível verificar que na região do país contemplada neste estudo foram diagnosticadas mais neoplasias mamárias malignas do que benignas, provavelmente motivado pela excisão cirúrgica tardia de massas mamárias grandes, por vezes ulceradas.
- Hormones and their Functions in the Dog. From the Cell to Hormone and from Hormone to ActionPublication . Vala, Helena; Mesquita, João; Esteves, Fernando; Cruz, Rita; Mega, Cristina; Nóbrega, CarmenAnimal bodies represent one of the more complex and perfect systems of nature but despite its complexity and functionality, the control of its basic functions is performed by only two systems: the nervous system and the endocrine system. Reproduction, gestation, muscle contraction, nutrient digestion and absorption, hydroelectrolytic balance, haematopoiesis and so many other bodily functions, are directly or indirectly controlled by these systems. In a simplistic way, we can say that the nervous system is responsible for rapid organic activities, while the endocrine system is responsible for a slower, more durable activity, the metabolic functions of the organism. The endocrine system is essential for growth and development, sexual function, reproductive processes and metabolism. In the present work the authors describe the main endocrine glands in the dog, namely anterior and posterior pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands, referring their location, macroscopic and histologic features, using original figures. Main endocrine hormones and hormonal functions will also be addressed in a simple, straightforward and original manner, using cutting-edge, innovative schemes that will contribute for an easy and direct understanding of the complex endocrine mechanisms. The endocrine system is often subjected to pathological changes. Improving knowledge in the field of endocrinology will allow for a better clinical approach to animal patients, enhancing, without doubt, the provision of better medical veterinary care and its advancement towards excellence.
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