These results demonstrate the utility of an optimized PCR assay to detect CMtc in feline blood samples. We also report for the first time the prevalence of CMtc infection in domestic cats in Brazil.

Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', but not with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.

The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil; and to investigate their association with hematological abnormalities. Serum samples from 196 dogs were first tested using dot-ELISA for antibodies against Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia canis. Peripheral blood samples from 199 dogs were subjected to 16S rRNA nested PCR (nPCR) for A. platys and E. canis, followed by DNA sequencing to ensure pathogen identity. A total of 19/196 samples (9.69%) were positive for Anaplasma spp. using ELISA and 28/199 (14.07%) samples were positive for A. platys by nested PCR. All the dog samples were negative for E. canis, both in anti-E. canis antibody tests and in nested PCR. There were no significant differences in hematological parameters between A. platys-PCR positive and negative dogs and Anaplasma spp. serologically positive dogs, except for basophil counts, which were higher in nPCR-positive dogs. This is the first report showing A. platys presence in dogs in Southern Brazil. In conclusion, hematological parameters may not be sufficient to diagnose A. platys infection in dogs in Southern Brazil, probably due either to low pathogenicity or to chronic infection. On the other hand, E. canis may either have very low occurrence or be absent in dogs in Porto Alegre.

-The objective of this work was to evaluate hematological, biochemical and ruminant parameters for diagnosis and treatment of the left displaced abomasum (LDA) in dairy cows, in the Plateau Region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Ruminant fluid, blood and urine samples were collected from 20 cows suffering LDA and from 20 healthy cows (control). The cows with LDA showed lower values of daily milk production, body weight and corporal condition score. The use of pH reagent strips showed to be functional in the field, when compared to a digital pH meter. Ruminant dynamics was damaged in cows affected by LDA, as it was evidenced by the higher reduction time of methylene blue. Serum values of lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, urea, albumin, free fatty acids and cholesterol shows to be auxiliary tools in the LDA characterization.Index terms: abomasopexy, dairy production, ketosis, nonesterified fatty acids. Indicadores hematológicos, bioquímicos e ruminais no diagnóstico do deslocamento de abomaso à esquerda em vacas leiteiras do Sul do BrasilResumo -O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar indicadores hematológicos, bioquímicos e ruminais no diagnóstico e tratamento do deslocamento de abomaso à esquerda (DAE) em vacas leiteiras, na Região do Planalto do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de líquido ruminal, sangue e urina de 40 animais, dos quais 20 vacas com DAE e 20 vacas clinicamente sadias utilizadas como grupo controle. Os animais com DAE, quando comparados ao grupo controle, apresentaram diminuição da produção de leite diária, do peso corporal e do escore condição corporal. A utilização de fitas reagentes para medição do pH ruminal demonstrou-se eficaz em campo, em comparação ao potenciômetro digital. A dinâmica ruminal apresentou-se prejudicada nos animais com DAE, o que foi evidenciado pelos valores aumentados do tempo de redução de azul de metileno. Os valores séricos de lactato, beta-hidroxibutirato, uréia, albumina, ácidos graxos livres e colesterol apresentam-se como ferramentas auxiliares na caracterização da doença.Termos para indexação: abomasopexia, produção de leite, ácidos graxos não-esterificados, cetose.

RESUMO.-[Frequências dos tipos sanguíneos do sistema DEA em uma população de cães de raça doadores de sangue em Porto Alegre, RS.] O estudo da imunohematologia canina é muito importante para a medicina veterinária transfusional. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as frequências dos tipos sanguíneos do sistema DEA em uma população de cães de raça que fazem parte de um programa de cães doadores de sangue em Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Cem cães saudáveis de raça pura foram selecionados, vinte de cada raça (Dogue Alemão, Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, Pastor Alemão e Dogo Argentino). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em tubos contendo ACD-A e o teste de hemaglutinação em tubo de ensaio da MSU (MI, EUA) foi utilizado para determinar os tipos sanguíneos. A população estudada apresentou frequências gerais de 61% para DEA 1.1, 22% para DEA 1.2, 7% para DEA 3, 100% para DEA 4, 9% para DEA 5 and 16% para DEA 7. Uma associação significativa foi encontrada entre as raças e certas combinações de tipos sanguíneos nesta população. Os resultados estão de acordo com a literatura, visto que a maioria da população canina estudada foi positiva para DEA 1. The study of canine immunohematology is very important for veterinary transfusion medicine. The objective of this study was to determine the DEA blood type frequencies in a purebred canine blood donor population from Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. One hundred clinically healthy purebred dogs were chosen, 20 dogs from each breed (Great Dane, Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Argentine Dogo). Blood samples were taken in ACD-A tubes and the MSU hemagglutination tube test (MI, USA) was used to determine the blood types. The studied population presented general frequencies of 61% for DEA 1.1, 22% for DEA 1.2, 7% for DEA 3, 100% for DEA 4, 9% for DEA 5 and 16% for DEA 7. A significant association was found between breeds and certain combinations of blood types in this population. The results are in agreement with the literature since most part of the canine population studied was positive for DEA 1.1, the most antigenic blood type in dogs. Differences were found among the studied breeds and those should be considered when selecting a blood donor. The knowledge of blood types frequencies and their combinations in different canine populations, including different breeds, is important because it shows the particularities of each group, helps to keep a data bank of local frequencies and minimizes the risks of transfusion reactions.