ABSTRACT We aimed to verify whether age influences the biochemical profile of healthy lambs during the first four months of life by characterizing the dynamics of its parameters and verifying whether there are differences between the profiles of growing animals and the reference values established for adults. Blood samples of 34 ½ White Dorper × ½ Suffolk female lambs were collected at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of age, and the serum concentrations of total proteins, total globulins, albumin, urea, creatinine, bilirubins (total, conjugated, and unconjugated), total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase were determined. Descriptive statistics of these parameters were performed to compare them with the reference intervals used for adult sheep. Age influenced the dynamics of all the biochemical parameters between 30 and 120 days of age. Moreover, except for the total, conjugated and unconjugated bilirubins, total cholesterol, and aspartate aminotransferase means, the values of the lambs differed from the reference intervals established for adults. In conclusion, there is an influence of age on biochemical parameters in healthy female lambs in the first four months of life, and often the biochemical parameters of young animals differ from those of adults. Therefore, the interpretation of tests performed on growing animals should be made based on specific reference intervals for this age group.

Resumo Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Sarcocystis neurona são protozoários intracelulares do filo Apicomplexa. O papagaio-de-cara-roxa (Amazona brasiliensis) é um psitacídeo endêmico da floresta atlântica, considerado uma espécie quase ameaçada de extinção e bioindicadora por sua sensibilidade às mudanças no ambiente. O objetivo do presente estudo foi detectar a presença de anticorpos contra T. gondii, N. caninum e S. neurona em filhotes de papagaios-de-cara-roxa (Amazona brasiliensis) de vida livre na Ilha Rasa, Brasil. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 51 papagaios e armazenadas a - 20ºC até a realização da Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). As lâminas de RIFI com os antígenos, foram preparadas com taquizoítos de T. gondii (cepa RH) e N. caninum (cepa NC-1) e com merozoítos de S. neurona (cepa SNR37). Os plasmas foram diluídos em PBS (Ph 7,2) nas diluições 1:16 para T. gondii, 1:50 para N. caninum e 1:5 para S. neurona. O conjugado anti-IgG de galinhas marcado com fluoresceína (FITC) foi utilizado na diluição de 1:50. Não foram detectados anticorpos para os três protozoários nas amostras sugerindo que os filhotes de papagaios-de-cara-roxa não foram expostos aos protozoários.

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis neurona are obligate intracellular parasites within the phylum Apicomplexa. The red-tailed Amazon parrot (Amazona brasiliensis) is a near-threatened species of psittacine that is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and has been designated as a bioindicator because of its sensitivity to environmental qualitative status and changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of antibodies against T. gondii, N. caninum and S. neurona in wild red-tailed Amazon parrot nestlings on Rasa Island, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 51 parrots and plasma samples were stored at – 20 °C until immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT) were performed. Antigen slides were prepared using tachyzoites of T. gondii (RH strain) and, N. caninum (NC-1 strain) and using merozoites of S. neurona (SNR37 strain). Plasma samples were tested at initial dilutions of 1:16 for T. gondii, 1:50 for N. caninum and 1:5 for S. neurona. An anti-chicken antibody conjugated with FITC was used as a secondary antibody at 1:50 dilution. No antibodies for any of these three protozoa were found, thus suggesting that these wild red-tailed Amazon parrot nestlings had not been exposed to these parasites.

Resumo Rangelia vitalii infecta eritrócitos, leucócitos e células endoteliais de cães. O presente estudo objetivou relatar a detecção molecular confirmada por sequenciamento de R. vitalii no estado do Paraná e descrever as alterações clínicas, hematológicas e bioquímicas dos cães infectados. Três cães doentes da região metropolitana de Curitiba, PR, Brasil, foram submetidos a exame físico e exames laboratoriais que incluíram hematologia, bioquímica, reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e sequenciamento genético. Os sinais clínicos incluíram apatia, anorexia e hemorragia. Piroplasmas intra-eritrocíticos e extracelulares foram encontrados em esfregaços de sangue periférico dos três cães. As amostras de sangue destes animais foram positivas para Babesia sp. pela PCR baseada no gene 18S rRNA. Os produtos de PCR dos três cães foram sequenciados e a análise de BLAST mostrou que as seqüências geradas por PCR eram altamente homólogas com as de R. vitalii previamente relatadas. Os achados hematológicos incluíram anemia grave, desvio de neutrófilos à esquerda regenerativo e trombocitopenia. Os níveis de uréia no soro aumentaram nos três cães, e os níveis de bilirrubina direta foram elevados em um cão.

Abstract Rangelia vitalii infects erythrocytes, leukocytes and endothelial cells of dogs. The present study aimed to report the molecular detection confirmed by sequencing of R. vitalii in the state of Paraná, as well as describe the clinical, hematological and biochemical alterations of the infected dogs. Three sick dogs from the metropolitan area of Curitiba, PR, Brazil, underwent a physical exam, and laboratory tests included hematology, biochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and gene sequencing. Clinical signs included apathy, anorexia, and hemorrhage. Intra-erythrocytic and extracellular piroplasms were found on peripheral blood smears from all three dogs. Blood samples from these animals were positive for Babesia sp. by PCR targeting 18S rRNA. PCR products from all three dogs were sequenced, and BLAST analysis showed that the PCR-generated sequences were highly homologous with those of R. vitalii previously reported. Hematologic findings included severe anemia, shift of neutrophils to the regenerative left, and thrombocytopenia. Serum urea levels were increased in all three dogs, and direct bilirubin levels were elevated in one dog.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a dinâmica de alguns parâmetros hematológicos em cordeiros recém-nascidos sadios, antes e após a ingestão de colostro. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 28 cordeiros recém-nascidos, determinando-se o eritroleucograma, as concentrações de proteína plasmática total (PPT) e de fibrinogênio nos momentos pré e pós-colostro. Os dados foram analisados comparando-se a variabilidade dos parâmetros entre os dois momentos. O hematócrito (P<0,001), a concentração de hemoglobina (P<0,05) e o volume globular médio (VGM) (P<0,05) diminuíram após a ingestão de colostro, enquanto a concentração de hemoglobina globular média (CHGM) aumentou (P<0,01) no momento pós-colostro. Houve aumento no número de leucócitos totais (P<0,001) e nas contagens absolutas de neutrófilos segmentados (P<0,05) e de linfócitos (P<0,01) após a ingestão de colostro. As concentrações de PPT e de fibrinogênio também aumentaram no momento pós-colostro (P<0,001 e P<0,01, respectivamente). O eritroleucograma, as concentrações de PPT e de fibrinogênio variam consideravelmente antes e após a ingestão de colostro, sendo modificados em função da própria ingestão do colostro e/ou da adaptação dos processos fisiológicos do animal à vida extrauterina. Portanto, recomenda-se que a interpretação de hemogramas realizados em cordeiros recém-nascidos seja feita com base em intervalos de referência específicos para o período neonatal.

Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize the dynamics of some hematological parameters in healthy newborn lambs before and after colostrum intake. Blood samples of 28 newborn lambs were collected, determining the erythro-leukogram, the total plasma protein (TPP) and fibrinogen concentrations in pre and post-colostrum moments. The data were analyzed comparing the variability of the parameters between the two moments. The packed cell volume (P<0.001), the hemoglobin concentration (P<0.05) and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (P<0.05) decreased after colostrum intake, while the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) increased (P<0.01) at the post-colostrum moment. There was an increase in the total white blood cell count (P<0.001) and in the absolute counts of segmented neutrophils (P<0.05) and lymphocytes (P<0.01) after colostrum intake. The TPP and fibrinogen concentrations also increased at the post-colostrum moment (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). The erythro-leukogram, the TPP and fibrinogen concentrations vary considerably before and after colostrum intake, being modified according to the own colostrum intake and/or the adaptation of the physiological processes of the animal to the extrauterine life. Therefore, it is recommended that the interpretation of complete blood cell counts performed in newborn lambs be made based on the specific reference intervals for the neonatal period.

Resumo O presente estudo objetivou contribuir com a identificação e o registro das espécies de carrapatos que parasitam cães de áreas rurais e urbanas de três mesorregiões do Paraná, Sul do Brasil, e estimar a taxa de ocorrência de cada espécie. Cinquenta e seis cães com carrapatos, provenientes das mesorregiões: Metropolitana de Curitiba (MC), Centro Oriental (COP) e Centro Sul Paranaense (CSP) foram utilizados no estudo. Dos 56 cães, foram coletados 253 carrapatos que foram identificados e caracterizados morfologicamente de acordo com a espécie. Do total de carrapatos, 69,6% foram identificadas como pertencentes à espécie Rhipicephalus sanguineus s. l.; 28,1% como Amblyomma aureolatum e 2,4% como Amblyomma ovale. Dentre os animais avaliados, provenientes da MC, 57,7% estavam parasitados por R. sanguineus s. l., 38,5% por A. aureolatum e 3,8% por A. ovale; enquanto na COP 72,4% dos cães foram parasitados por A. aureolatum e 27,6% por R. sanguineus s. l.. Na CSP foi obtido um carrapato, identificado como A. aureolatum.

Abstract The present study aimed to contribute towards identification and registration of tick species that parasitize dogs in rural and urban areas of three mesoregions of Paraná, southern Brazil, and to estimate the rate of occurrence of each species. Fifty-six dogs with ticks living in three mesoregions: Metropolitana de Curitiba (MC), Centro Oriental (COP) and Centro Sul Paranaense (CSP), were used in the study. From these 56 dogs, 253 ticks were collected and were identified and morphologically characterized according to the species. Among all the ticks, 69.6% were identified as belonging to the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s. l.); 28.1% as Amblyomma aureolatum and 2.4% as Amblyomma ovale. Among the dogs in MC that were evaluated, 57.7% were parasitized by R. sanguineus s. l., 38.5% by A. aureolatum and 3.8% by A. ovale; while in COP, 72.4% of the dogs were parasitized by A. aureolatum and 27.6% by R. sanguineus s. l.. In CSP, one tick was obtained, which was identified as A. aureolatum.

RESUMO: A laminite é uma grave afecção podal, que permanece com fisiopatogenia parcialmente conhecida. Sabe-se que mecanismos isquêmicos, enzimáticos, metabólicos e inflamatórios estão envolvidos no desenvolvimento das lesões laminares. No entanto, poucas medidas terapêuticas são eficazes para prevenir ou controlar a gravidade da laminite nas fases prodrômica e aguda, o que frequentemente determina sérias complicações como rotação ou afundamento da falange distal e até mesmo perda do estojo córneo. O objetivo deste trabalho é compilar os mais atuais conhecimentos sobre a fisiopatologia e tratamento da laminite em equinos.

ABSTRACT: Laminitis is a severe podal affection, which pathophysiology remains partially renowned. Ischemic, enzymatic, metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms are connected to the development of laminar lesions. However, few therapeutic measures are effective to prevent or control the severity of acute laminitis and its prodromal stage, which often determines serious complications such as rotation and/or sinking of the distal phalanx and even the loss of hoof. The purpose of this study is to compile the actual knowledge in respect to the pathophysiology and treatment of equine laminitis.

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION:Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii belong to the Sarcocystidae family, and both have one definitive and various intermediary hosts. Owing to their weak immune systems, immunocompromised persons might be prone to opportunistic infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti- N. caninum and anti- T. gondii antibodies in immunocompromised individuals.METHODS:This cross-sectional study investigated the rates of N. caninum and T. gondii , as assessed using immunofluorescent antibody reaction (IFAT) with 1:50 and 1:16 dilution, respectively, in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).RESULTS:The seropositivity for N. caninum was 26.1% (81/310) in Mato Grosso do Sul and 31.2% (10/32) in Paraná and for T. gondii was 76.8% (238/310) in Mato Grosso do Sul and 68.7% (22/32) in Paraná.CONCLUSIONS:There is evidence of anti- N caninum and anti- T. gondii antibodies in patients with HIV. Other aspects of T. gondii , which is a zoonosis, and N. caninum , which might affect immunodeficient individuals, need to be evaluated and reported.

Alcoholic liver disease is characterized by a wide spectrum of liver damage, which increases when ethanol is associated with high-fat diets (HFD). This work aimed to establish a model of alcoholic hepatic steatosis (AHS) by using a combination of 10% ethanol and sunflower seeds as the source of HFD. Male rats received water or 10% ethanol and regular chow diet and/or HFD, which consisted of sunflower seeds. The food consumption, liquid intake and body weight of the rats were monitored for 30 days. After this period, blood was collected for biochemical evaluation, and liver samples were collected for histological, mitochondrial enzyme activity and oxidative stress analyses. Our results indicated that the combination of 10% ethanol and HFD induced micro- and macrosteatosis and hepatocyte tumefaction, decreased the levels of reduced glutathione and glutathione S-transferase activity and increased the level of lipoperoxidation and superoxide dismutase activity. The mitochondrial oxidation of NADH and succinate were partially inhibited. Complexes I and II were the main inhibition sites. Hepatic steatosis was successfully induced after 4 weeks of the diet, and the liver function was modified. The combination of 10% ethanol and sunflower seeds as an HFD produced an inexpensive model to study AHS in rats.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a influência do colostro nos parâmetros bioquímicos séricos em cordeiros recém-nascidos. Foram colhidas amostras sanguíneas de 28 cordeiros, determinando-se os indicadores proteicos, energéticos, de função renal, bilirrubinas e as enzimas aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT) e creatina quinase (CK), nos momentos pré e pós-colostro. Os dados foram analisados comparando-se a variabilidade dos parâmetros entre os dois momentos. Houve elevação (P<0,001) das concentrações de proteínas totais, em resposta ao forte aumento (P<0,01) dos teores de globulinas totais e ao leve decréscimo (P<0,05) da concentração de albumina, após a ingestão colostral. Também foram observados maiores valores de bilirrubinas total e direta (P<0,001), e variação dos metabólitos renais, com elevação dos níveis de ureia (P<0,01) concomitante à redução dos valores de creatinina (P<0,001), no momento pós-colostro. Houve aumento (P<0,001) da glicemia, de colesterol total e triglicerídeos, bem como das atividades enzimáticas (P<0,001) de AST e GGT, entre os momentos avaliados. Conclui-se que a dinâmica do perfil bioquímico em cordeiros recém-nascidos sofre o efeito da ingestão de colostro e da adaptação das funções fisiológicas à vida extra-uterina. Os valores dos parâmetros variam marcadamente no período pós-natal, sendo recomendável a utilização de valores de referência próprios para esta fase.

This study aimed to verify the influence of colostrum in serum biochemical parameters in newborn lambs. Blood samples were taken of 28 lambs, determining the protein, energy and kidney function indicators, bilirrubins and the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatine kinase (CK), in pre and post-colostrum moments. The data were analyzed comparing the variability of the parameters between the two moments. There was an elevation (P<0.001) in total protein concentrations, in response to substantial increase (P<0.01) in total globulin levels, and a slight decrease (P<0.05) in albumin concentration, after colostral intake. We also observed higher values of total and conjugated bilirubins (P<0.001), and variation of kidney metabolites, with an elevation of urea levels (P<0.01) concomitant to decrease of creatinine values (P<0.001) in the post-colostrum moment. There was an increase (P<0.001) in glycemia, total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as of the enzymatic activities (P<0.001) of AST and GGT, between the moments evaluated. In conclusion, the dynamics of biochemical profile in newborn lambs suffers the effect of colostrum intake and of adaptations of physiological functions to extrauterine life. The parameters values vary markedly in the postnatal period, being recommended to use proper reference values for this phase.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito preventivo do bicarbonato de sódio sobre a acidose sistêmica em decorrência da acidose ruminal, a qual foi induzida pelo fornecimento de concentrado após jejum prolongado. Foram utilizados 14 ovinos, divididos em três grupos experimentais: grupo controle (Cg), contendo quatro ovinos, submetidos a jejum sem desenvolvimento de acidose ruminal; grupo não tratado (NTg), contendo cinco ovinos submetidos a acidose ruminal sem tratamento preventivo; e grupo tratado (Tg), contendo cinco ovinos, submetidos a acidose ruminal e tratados preventivamente com bicarbonato de sódio. Foram realizadas avaliações do pH ruminal e hemogasometria arterial, durante 48 horas após o fornecimento do concentrado. Houve redução do pH ruminal em todos os grupos, sendo que o Cg apresentou a redução apenas às 24 horas. Notou-se redução do pH arterial, bicarbonato e excesso de base em todos os grupos, indicando acidose metabólica sistêmica; no entanto, o NTg apresentou o quadro mais grave. Conclui-se que o bicarbonato de sódio possui efeito preventivo da acidose metabólica sistêmica, reduzindo a sua gravidade em ovinos submetidos à acidose ruminal.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of sodium bicarbonate on systemic acidosis due to ruminal acidosis, which was induced by ingestion of concentrate after prolonged fasting. Fourteen sheep were divided into three experimental groups: control group (Cg), with four sheep, submitted to fasting without development of ruminal acidosis; no-treated group (NTg), with five sheep with rumen acidosis without preventive treatment; and treated group (Tg), with five sheep with rumen acidosis and preventively treated with sodium bicarbonate. Assessments of ruminal pH and arterial hemogasometry were performed for 48 hours after ingestion of the concentrate. There was a reduction in the ruminal pH in all groups, whereas the Cg showed a reduction only after 24 hours. A reduction in the arterial pH, bicarbonate and base excess in all groups was also noted, indicating systemic metabolic acidosis, but the NTg presented the greatest alteration. It is concluded that sodium bicarbonate prevents systemic metabolic acidosis, reducing its severity in sheep subjected to ruminal acidosis.

As alterações no hemograma estão direta ou indiretamente relacionadas com câncer e são pouco descritas em cadelas com neoplasia mamária. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as alterações hematológicas em 161 cadelas portadoras de neoplasia mamária e correlacionar à progressão da doença. As principais alterações hematológicas encontradas foram anemia normocítica e normocrômica e leucocitose neutrofílica, sendo ambas mais frequentes em cadelas em estádio avançado (III, IV ou V) da doença. Conclui-se que as alterações laboratoriais de anemia e leucocitose verificadas em cadelas com neoplasia mamária estão correlacionadas positivamente com o estádio avançado da doença.

Complete blood cell (CBC) changes are directly or indirectly related to cancer and have not been reported in bitches with mammary tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate CBC changes in 161 bitches with mammary tumors, and to correlate them with disease progression. Normocytic and normochromic anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis were observed and correlated with disease stages III, IV and V. In conclusion, anemia and leukocytosis may be correlated with advanced stages of mammary tumors in bitches.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of early weaning and concentrate supplementation on performance and metabolic profile of lambs in four production systems on pasture: suckling lambs not supplemented until slaughter; suckling lambs supplemented with concentrate in creep feeding until slaughter; early weaned lambs not supplemented until slaughter; early weaned lambs supplemented with concentrate until slaughter. Performance was assessed by average daily gain (ADG) and body condition score (BCS) measurements. Metabolic profile was delineated by measuring serum albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, glucose and aspartate aminotransferase. Weaning reduced ADG by 92 g/d and the ADG for weaned and suckling lambs were 113 g/d and 205 g/d, respectively. Supplementation increased ADG by 117 g/d and the ADG was 99 g/d for non-supplemented and 216 g/d for supplemented lambs. Body weight and BCS at the end of trial were lower in weaned and non-supplemented animals (20.7 kg and 1.5 points), and higher in those on creep feeding (35.3 kg and 3.3 points). Weaning decreased serum levels of albumin, cholesterol and aspartate aminotransferase. Supplementation increased serum albumin and decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase. Serum urea was not affected by weaning or supplementation and remained high during the trial. Serum creatinine and glucose were lower in weaned and non-supplemented lambs. Early weaning generates unsuitable metabolic profile and low performance and may not be recommended as single strategy to produce lambs on pasture. Concentrate supplementation has similar response to suckling on the performance and metabolic profile of animals, and may be considered an efficient strategy to improve the nutritional status of early weaned lambs.

Na coturnicultura, os limites das variáveis climáticas, como temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, interferem no desempenho produtivo e bem estar das aves. A temperatura de conforto térmico para codornas está entre 18 e 22°C, sendo que o desconforto térmico pode causar estresse, alterando heterófilos e linfócitos circulantes e a relação heterófilo/linfócito. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer os níveis de estresse em codornas durante os ciclos de produção com diferentes temperaturas, por meio das alterações no leucograma e da relação heterófilo-linfócito. O presente estudo foi realizado durante quatro ciclos de produção de 200 codornas japonesas (Coturnix japonica) com duração de 22 dias cada (denominados de C1, C2, C3 e C4). As temperaturas médias foram de: 22,4°C (C1); 25,5°C (C2); 23,3°C (C3) e 21,5°C (C4). Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 80 codornas em cada um dos ciclos para determinação dos parâmetros hematológicos e dos valores da relação heterófilo-linfócito (H/L). As médias das relações heterófilo/linfócito foram 1,695 em C1; 2,424 em C2; 1,8 em C3 e 1,29 em C4. Comparando-se as médias das relações heterófilo/linfócito entre os quatro ciclos, tem-se que o valor de p foi inferior a 0,0001, exceto entre a primeira e a terceira coleta, cujo valor de p foi não significativo. A heterofilia e linfopenia verificadas e o aumento da relação heterófilo/linfócito nos ciclos, coincidindo com o aumento da temperatura, além do limite de conforto térmico para estas aves, principalmente em C2, é uma evidência de que esses animais foram submetidos a estresse térmico e que as codornas são aves extremamente suscetíveis a variações climáticas.

In quail raising the limits of climatic variables such as temperature and relative humidity, affect the performance and welfare of these birds. The thermal comfort temperature for quails is between 18 and 22oC and the discomfort can cause stress by changing circulating heterophils and lymphocytes and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. The objective of this study was to establish the stress levels in quails during the production cycles with different temperatures through changes in WBC and the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. This study was conducted in four production cycles of 200 Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica), during 22 days each one (referred as C1, C2, C3 and C4). Average temperatures were: 22.4°C (C1), 25.5°C (C2), 23.3°C (C3) and 21.5°C (C4). We collected blood samples from 80 quails in each cycle for determination of haematological parameters and values of the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio (H/ L). The heterophil / lymphocyte ratio average was 1.695 for C1, 2.424 for C2, 1.8 for C3 and 1.29 for C4. Comparing this average among the four cycles is noted that the p value was less than 0.0001, except between the first and third periods, in which the p value was not significant. The heterophilia and lymphopenia verified and the increase in the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in the cycle, coinciding with rising temperatures, beyond the limit of thermal comfort for these birds mainly in C2, is evidence that these birds were in heat stress and that the quails are highly susceptible birds to climate variations.

Neste estudo objetivou-se verificar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum e/ou Toxoplasma gondii em cães com sinais neurológicos. Foram coletadas 147 amostras de sangue, sendo 127 de animais domiciliados (atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Paraná (HV-UFPR) e em clínicas veterinárias da cidade de Curitiba) e 20 de cães errantes da região metropolitana de Curitiba. Os cães apresentavam um ou mais dos seguintes sinais neurológicos: convulsão, paresia ou paralisia, ataxia, alterações de comportamento, alterações sensoriais somáticas e coriorretinite. As amostras foram analisadas pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), na diluição de corte 1:50. Das 147 amostras obtidas, 17 (11,56%) foram positivas para N. caninum, 31 (21,08%) foram positivas para T. gondii e quatro (2,72%) foram reagentes para ambos os protozoários. Na titulação dos animais positivos, 54,83% (17/31) e 41,18% (07/17) apresentaram títulos >1:200 contra T. gondii e N. caninum, respectivamente. Diferença significativa (P = 0,021, OR = 2,87, IC = 1,1 > 2,8 > 7,4) foi observada para soropositividade ao T. gondii entre cães domiciliados (18,11%) e errantes (40%). Sugere-se a inclusão dos exames sorológicos de neosporose e toxoplasmose no diagnóstico de doença neurológica em cães.

This study aimed to evaluate occurrences of antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs. Blood samples from 147 dogs were collected: 127 from owned dogs (attended at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná (HV-UFPR) and at private veterinary clinics in the city of Curitiba), and 20 from stray dogs found in Curitiba's metropolitan region. The dogs presented one or more of the following neurological signs: seizures, paresis or paralysis, ataxia, behavioral abnormalities, sensory and somatic disorders and chorioretinitis. The samples were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), at a cutoff dilution of 1:50. Out of the 147 samples obtained, 17 (11.56%) were seropositive for N. caninum, 31 (21.08%) for T. gondii and four (2.72%) for both protozoa. Serum titration on the positive animals showed that 54.83% (17/31) and 41.18% (7/17) had titers > 1:200 against T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. A significant difference in seropositivity for T. gondii (P = 0.021; OR = 2.87; CI = 1.1 > 2.8 > 7.4) was observed between owned dogs (18.11%) and stray dogs (40%). Inclusion of serological tests for neosporosis and toxoplasmosis is recommended in diagnosing neurological diseases in dogs.

A avaliação do metabolismo de ferro associado aos resultados hematológicos constitui uma ferramenta importante para o diagnóstico, controle e diferenciação de estados anêmicos. O presente trabalho objetivou determinar os parâmetros utilizados na avaliação do metabolismo do ferro (ferro sérico, capacidade latente de ligação do ferro, capacidade total de ligação do ferro, índice de saturação do ferro, transferrina e ferritina) em cães sadios. Foram selecionados 120 cães, divididos em quatro grupos de sexo e faixa etária distintos (30 machos jovens e 30 adultos, 30 fêmeas jovens e 30 adultas). As amostras de sangue foram coletadas das 8h às 11h, com os cães em jejum. Os valores médios para as concentrações de ferro sérico, capacidade latente de ligação do ferro, capacidade total de ligação do ferro, índice de saturação do ferro e transferrina foram 138,2µl dl-1; 371µl dl-1; 232,6µl dl-1; 37,7% e 259,6mg dl-1, respectivamente. Esses índices foram avaliados quanto às variações entre sexo e idade. Os valores médios foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey e não apresentaram variação significativa (P<0,01). A concentração de ferro sérico apresentou-se mais elevada em cães machos adultos, comparados aos machos jovens (P<0,05). O valor de ferritina obtido foi inferior a 1ng mL-1 com reagente comercial de imunoensaio quimioluminescente para humanos.

The determination of iron metabolism rates associated with hematological findings is an important tool to diagnosis, control and differentiation of anemic states. This study has as objective to determine the iron parameters (serum iron, unsaturated iron binding-capacity, total iron binding-capacity, transferrin saturation rate (IST), transferrin and ferritin) in healthy dogs. It was selected 120 dogs, shared in four different groups of sex and age (30 young males and 30 adult males, 30 young females and 30 adult females). The blood samples were collected between 8 and 11h AM, with fasted dogs. The average values to serum iron, unsaturated iron binding-capacity, total iron-binding-capacity, transferring percent saturation and transferrin are 138.2µl dl-1; 371µl dl-1; 232.6µl dl-1; 37.7% e 259.6mg dl-1 respectively. These rates were evaluated according to sex and age variation. The average values submitted to Tukey test it were not significant (P<0,01). Considering a 5% level variation of error probability, the serum iron was higher in adult male dogs, comparing with young male ones (P<0,05). The ferritin values were 0ng mL-1 in human chemiluminescent immunoassay kit.