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Luis Fidalgo

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University of Zagreb

Uppsala University

University of East London

University of Leicester

Gwen Robbins Schug

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Gabriel Gutierrez-Alonso

University of Salamanca

Macquarie University

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Swansea University

Jesper Hoffmeyer

University of Copenhagen

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Papers by Luis Fidalgo

Sensory Adaptations: Insights into the Vomeronasal System of the Iberian Wolf

ABSTRACTWolves, like other canids, extensively use chemical signals for various aspects of commun... more ABSTRACTWolves, like other canids, extensively use chemical signals for various aspects of communication, including territory maintenance, reproductive synchronization, and social hierarchy signaling. Pheromone-mediated chemical communication operates unconsciously among individuals, acting as a mysterious sixth sense that regulates both their physiology and behavior. Despite their crucial role in the life of the wolf, there is a surprising lack of comprehensive research on the neuroanatomical and physiological bases of chemical communication in wolves.This study delves into the Iberian wolf vomeronasal system (VNS) and examines potential changes brought about by dog domestication. Our findings show that the Iberian wolf possesses a fully functional VNS vital for pheromone-mediated communication. While macroscopic similarities between the wolf and domestic dog VNS are observed, there are notable microscopic differences. These include the presence of neuronal clusters associated with...

Análisis inmunohistoquímico de citoesqueleto y ubiquitina en cerebelo de bovinosintoxicados con Solanum bonariense

VI Reunión Argentina de Patología Veterinaria (UNNE, Corrientes, 16 y 17 de julio de 2008), 2008

Expresión de calbindina 28k en cerebelos de bovinos normales e intoxicados con Solanum bonariense L

VI Reunión Argentina de Patología Veterinaria (UNNE, Corrientes, 16 y 17 de julio de 2008), 2008

Can domestication shape Canidae brain morphology? The accessory olfactory bulb of the red fox as a case in point

Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, 2022

BACKGROUND The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is the first integrative center of the vomeronasal ... more BACKGROUND The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is the first integrative center of the vomeronasal system (VNS), and the general macroscopic, microscopic, and neurochemical organizational patterns of the AOB differ fundamentally among species. Therefore, the low degree of differentiation observed for the dog AOB is surprising. As the artificial selection pressure exerted on domestic dogs has been suggested to play a key role in the involution of the dog VNS, a wild canid, such as the fox, represents a useful model for studying the hypothetical effects of domestication on the AOB morphology. METHODS A comprehensive histological, lectin-histochemical, and immunohistochemical study of the fox AOB was performed. Anti-Gαo and anti-Gαi2 antibodies were particularly useful, as they label the transduction cascade of the vomeronasal receptor types 1 (V1R) and 2 (V2R), respectively. Other employed antibodies included those against proteins such as microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), olfactory marker protein (OMP), calbindin, and calretinin. RESULTS The cytoarchitecture of the fox AOB showed a clear lamination, with neatly differentiated layers; a highly developed glomerular layer, rich in periglomerular cells; and large inner cell and granular layers. The immunolabeling of Gαi2, OMP, and GAP-43 delineated the outer layers, whereas Gαo and MAP-2 immunolabeling defined the inner layers. MAP-2 characterized the somas of AOB principal cells and their dendritic trees. Anti-calbindin and anti-calretinin antibodies discriminated neural subpopulations in both the mitral-plexiform layer and the granular cell layer, and the lectin Ulex europeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) showed selectivity for the AOB and the vomeronasal nerves. CONCLUSION The fox AOB presents unique characteristics and a higher degree of morphological development compared with the dog AOB. The comparatively complex neural basis for semiochemical information processing in the fox compared with that observed in dogs suggests loss of AOB anatomical complexity during the evolutionary history of dogs and opens a new avenue of research for studying the effects of domestication on brain structures.

Cephenemyia stimulator 1

Raw Data from Illumina sequencing

The complete mitochondrial genome of Cephenemyia stimulator (Diptera: Oestridae)

Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 2021

Cephenemyia stimulator parasitizes roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) throughout its geographical dis... more Cephenemyia stimulator parasitizes roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) throughout its geographical distribution. The complete circular C. stimulator mitogenome was assembled, which is 16,407 bp in length, and encodes 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic tree was built with mitogenome sequences, including C. stimulator and 13 related Oestridae species, using Sarcophaga tuberosa as an outgroup.

Secondary poisoning of non-target animals in an Ornithological Zoo in Galicia (NW Spain) with anticoagulant rodenticides: a case report

Veterinární medicína, 2013

The use of anticoagulants has increased in recent times as a method for controlling rodent popula... more The use of anticoagulants has increased in recent times as a method for controlling rodent populations. However, this increased use also provokes accidental and intentional ingestion for both animals and humans, triggering poisoning of non-target organisms. In the present report, a clinical case of secondary-poisoning of birds with anticoagulant rodenticides, which took place after a general rodenticide treatment in an Ornithological Zoological Park, is described. Three birds died as a result and samples were submitted to the Veterinary Hospital in Lugo (Galicia, NW Spain). After necropsy, samples of the birds, together with molluscs and faeces, were submitted to the Toxicology Unit of Caceres (Extremadura, W Spain) in order to detect possible chemicals. Results from HPLC analyses revealed the presence of the rodenticides difenacoum and brodifacoum. The present report shows that the risk of secondary exposure resulting from the scavenging of molluscs is likely to be significant. The...

Metal content in the liver, kidney, and feathers of Northern gannets, Morus bassanus, sampled on the Spanish coast

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2019

The value of birds as bioindicators for monitoring the environmental inorganic elements has been ... more The value of birds as bioindicators for monitoring the environmental inorganic elements has been globally recognized. In this context, due to its well-known ecology and population stability, the Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) could be particularly useful. Dead Northern gannets (n = 30) were collected and samples from the liver, kidney, and feathers were taken, dried, mineralized, and finally analyzed via ICP-MS. Metals and metalloids, namely As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn, associated with environmental pollution and toxicity on living organisms, were evaluated. The mean highest concentrations of As, Hg, and Zn were found in the liver (0.916, 7.026, and 89.81 mg/kg dry weight, respectively). For Cd, the kidney showed the highest mean concentration (17.51 mg/kg dry weight), whereas for Pb, this value corresponded to the feathers (0.399 mg/kg dry weight). Significant differences were found between the age classes in terms of contaminant concentrations, with the adults exhibiting higher metal levels. This difference was significantly relevant for Pb and Hg, where the effect of age was observed for all the considered tissues. When considering the effect of gender, no significant differences were observed, in agreement with similar studies performed in other geographical regions. Finally, positive correlations between the concentrations of Hg and Pb in the feathers and in the liver (r = 0.688, p < 0.001 and r = 0.566, p < 0.001, respectively) were observed, as well as between the feather and kidney concentrations (r = 0.685, p < 0.001) indicating the possibility to use feathers, a non-invasive biomonitoring tissue, for better understanding Hg and Pb exposure in seabirds.

Zinc poisoning associated with separation anxiety in an Argentinean bulldog

Veterinary and human toxicology, 2002

Separation anxiety in dogs is a complex behavioral syndrome produced by many causes. A hunter 4y-... more Separation anxiety in dogs is a complex behavioral syndrome produced by many causes. A hunter 4y-old male Argentinean Bulldog had dental disturbances and gastrointestinal and cutaneous symptoms due to high plasma zinc and low copper and calcium plasma concentration. His behavior made him bite galvanized wire fences in his cage and bunk that contained his food, both of a Zn-containing material. Specific treatment resulted in complete recovery.

Clinico-pathological findings and coagulation disorders in 45 cases of canine babesiosis in Spain

The Veterinary Journal, 2007

A retrospective study of clinical cases of babesiosis in dogs examined at the Veterinary Teaching... more A retrospective study of clinical cases of babesiosis in dogs examined at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Rof Codina, from January 2003 to October 2004 is presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by direct observation of large piroplasms in stained blood smears. Dogs with concurrent diseases were excluded from the study. Clinical signs, complete blood count, serum biochemistry and hemostasis profiles were obtained. The observed clinical signs were due to hemolytic anemia and inflammatory responses but the most relevant clinico-pathological findings were related to alterations in hemostasis. All dogs presented with thrombocytopenia and 20% had disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. Anemia of variable severity was observed in most of the dogs.

Acetylcholinesterase activity in seabirds affected by the Prestige oil spill on the Galician coast (NW Spain)

Science of The Total Environment, 2007

In November 2002, the tanker Prestige broke in two and sank at the bottom of the ocean spilling a... more In November 2002, the tanker Prestige broke in two and sank at the bottom of the ocean spilling about 70,000 t of fuel oil, which reached the coast of Galicia. It was considered the largest spill in maritime history, greatly affecting marine and related avian species. The spilled fuel oil contained high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many species were affected and were found dead, although ongoing research is still being carried out on the sublethal effects. In this sense, little is known about the action of PAHs on Cholinesterase activity in seabirds. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to provide more information on the neurotoxicity of fuel oil on the seabirds most affected by the Prestige accident: common guillemot, Atlantic puffin and razorbill. On the other hand, data on normal values of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were obtained to supply non-exposed values in seabirds. The oil spill produced a clear inhibitory effect on brain AChE activity in common guillemot (16%, p ≤ 0.01) and razorbill (22%, p ≤ 0.01), but not in Atlantic puffin (4%). Physiological levels of brain AChE, expressed in nmol acetylcholine hydrolysed min -1 mg -1 protein were similar in non-exposed common guillemot (388.6 ± 95.0) and Atlantic puffin (474.0 ± 60.7), however, razorbill values were higher (644.6 ± 66.9).

Xanthine Nephrolithiasis in a Galician Blond Beef Calf

Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 2010

A six-month-old female Galician Blond beef calf presented signs of apathy, anorexia and weight lo... more A six-month-old female Galician Blond beef calf presented signs of apathy, anorexia and weight loss. The analysis of a blood sample confirmed renal failure. Bilateral nephrolithiasis was diagnosed at necropsy. Quantitative analysis revealed the nephroliths to be composed of 100 per cent xanthine. In cattle, xanthinuria has only been described in the Japanese Black breed, but never before in other breeds. Clinical history suggested a naturally occurring xanthinuria.

Quantification of pericaudal adipocyte diameter in dairy cattle during peripartum: a complementary method to study energetic status using conventional histology

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2011

The energetic status of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle was studied during peripartu... more The energetic status of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle was studied during peripartum under field conditions using body condition score (BCS), glycemia, seric ß-hydroxybutyrate and adipose tissue cellularity. This last method was tested as a complementary tool for energetic status assessment. Biopsies of pericaudal subcutaneous adipose tissue were obtained from 25 multiparous animals at 28 days before and 21 days after parturition. Samples were routinely processed for histological examination and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E). The mean diameter of adipocytes (MDA) was measured with the aid of a digital image processor. During the same period, blood samples were collected weekly for metabolite determinations. The MDA at 28 days pre-partum and 21 days post-partum were 72.1 vs. 66.2 μm respectively (p = 0.055), and the corresponding BCS at these moments was 3.32 vs. 3.19 (p = 0.068). At -28 days pre-partum, the BCS was positively correlated with MDA (Pearson&#39;s r = 0.521, p = 0.016) and with glycemia (Pearson&#39;s r = 0.404, p = 0.056). Correlations between BCS and MDA, and between BCS and glycemia, with ß-hydroxybutyrate although not significant, suggest that routine histological preparations of biopsies from subcutaneous adipose tissue could be included as an easy and valuable tool for research purposes to evaluate metabolic adaptation of dairy cows to peripartum, as well as the incidence of metabolic disorders and productive performance.

Noninvasive heavy metal pollution assessment by means of Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) hair from Galicia (NW Spain): a comparison with invasive samples

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2013

The current study represents the first investigation of the suitability of wolf hair as indicator... more The current study represents the first investigation of the suitability of wolf hair as indicator tissue for metal exposure and accumulation within NW Spanish ecosystems. Dead animals, which were not specifically killed for these purposes, were necropsied, and further toxicological analyses were performed in order to establish the heavy metal content (Pb, Cd, and Zn) in liver, kidney, and hair, by means of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Two different factors, gender and age, were considered in order to determine their influence on heavy metal accumulation. Mean liver, kidney and hair concentrations of both toxic element, Cd (0.528, 2.692, and 0.026 ppm) and Pb (4.108, 0.031, and 0.196 ppm) considered on a dry weight basis, were situated below the established as acute toxicity levels for mammals. The highest concentrations were quantified for Zn, with means ranging from a maximum in hair samples (150.9 ppm) to a minimum in kidney samples (25.81 ppm). When the variable of gender and age were considered, female and adult wolves had higher concentrations of Cd in all the considered organs, although differences were only statistically significant for kidney. Neither the sex nor the age had a significant effect on Pb and Zn concentrations. A significant positive correlation (p<0.05) was identified between hair and liver Pb concentrations, as well as between hair and kidney Cd concentrations, thus suggesting the interest of the noninvasive sample for future ecotoxicological biomonitoring studies.

Seropathotypes, Phylogroups, Stx Subtypes, and Intimin Types of Wildlife-Carried, Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains with the Same Characteristics as Human-Pathogenic Isolates

Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2012

The objectives of this study were to investigate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichi... more The objectives of this study were to investigate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains in wildlife that have spread in Europe, living near human settlements; to analyze their epidemiological role in maintenance and transmission to domestic livestock; and to assess the potential health risk of wildlife-carried strains. STEC strains were recovered from 53% of roe deer, 8.4% of wild boars, and 1.9% of foxes sampled in the northwest of Spain (Galicia). Of the 40 serotypes identified, 21 were classified as seropathotypes associated with human disease, accounting for 81.5% of the wildlife-carried STEC strains, including the enterohemorrhagic serotypes O157:H7-D- eae -γ1, O26:[H11]-B1- eae -β1, O121:H19-B1- eae -ε1, and O145:[H28]-D- eae -γ1. None of the wildlife-carried strains belonged to the highly pathogenic serotype O104:H4-B1 from the recent Germany outbreak. Forty percent of wildlife-carried STEC strains shared serotypes, phylogroups, intimin types, a...

A novel pathogenic mechanism for cerebellar lesions produced by Solanum bonariense in cattle

Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc, Jan 21, 2015

Intoxication with Solanum bonariense in cattle causes cerebellar cortical degeneration with perik... more Intoxication with Solanum bonariense in cattle causes cerebellar cortical degeneration with perikaryal vacuolation, axonal swelling, and death primarily of Purkinje cells, with accumulation of electron-dense residual storage bodies in membrane-bound vesicles. The pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. Previously, we proposed that inhibition of protein synthesis in Purkinje cells among other altered metabolic pathways could lead to cytoskeletal alterations, subsequently altering cell-specific axonal transport. In the present study, immunohistochemical and histochemical methods were used to identify neuronal cytoskeletal alterations and axonal loss, demyelination, and astrogliosis in the cerebellum of intoxicated bovines. Samples of cerebellum from 3 natural and 4 experimental cases and 2 control bovines were studied. Immunoreactivity against neurofilament (NF)-200KDa confirmed marked loss of Purkinje neurons, and phospho-NF protein, β-tubulin, and affinity reaction aga...

Expresión de calbindina 28k en cerebelos de bovinos normales e intoxicados con Solanum bonariense L

by aldo calliari and Luis Fidalgo

Sensory Adaptations: Insights into the Vomeronasal System of the Iberian Wolf

ABSTRACTWolves, like other canids, extensively use chemical signals for various aspects of commun... more ABSTRACTWolves, like other canids, extensively use chemical signals for various aspects of communication, including territory maintenance, reproductive synchronization, and social hierarchy signaling. Pheromone-mediated chemical communication operates unconsciously among individuals, acting as a mysterious sixth sense that regulates both their physiology and behavior. Despite their crucial role in the life of the wolf, there is a surprising lack of comprehensive research on the neuroanatomical and physiological bases of chemical communication in wolves.This study delves into the Iberian wolf vomeronasal system (VNS) and examines potential changes brought about by dog domestication. Our findings show that the Iberian wolf possesses a fully functional VNS vital for pheromone-mediated communication. While macroscopic similarities between the wolf and domestic dog VNS are observed, there are notable microscopic differences. These include the presence of neuronal clusters associated with...

Análisis inmunohistoquímico de citoesqueleto y ubiquitina en cerebelo de bovinosintoxicados con Solanum bonariense

VI Reunión Argentina de Patología Veterinaria (UNNE, Corrientes, 16 y 17 de julio de 2008), 2008

Expresión de calbindina 28k en cerebelos de bovinos normales e intoxicados con Solanum bonariense L

VI Reunión Argentina de Patología Veterinaria (UNNE, Corrientes, 16 y 17 de julio de 2008), 2008

Can domestication shape Canidae brain morphology? The accessory olfactory bulb of the red fox as a case in point

Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, 2022

BACKGROUND The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is the first integrative center of the vomeronasal ... more BACKGROUND The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is the first integrative center of the vomeronasal system (VNS), and the general macroscopic, microscopic, and neurochemical organizational patterns of the AOB differ fundamentally among species. Therefore, the low degree of differentiation observed for the dog AOB is surprising. As the artificial selection pressure exerted on domestic dogs has been suggested to play a key role in the involution of the dog VNS, a wild canid, such as the fox, represents a useful model for studying the hypothetical effects of domestication on the AOB morphology. METHODS A comprehensive histological, lectin-histochemical, and immunohistochemical study of the fox AOB was performed. Anti-Gαo and anti-Gαi2 antibodies were particularly useful, as they label the transduction cascade of the vomeronasal receptor types 1 (V1R) and 2 (V2R), respectively. Other employed antibodies included those against proteins such as microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), olfactory marker protein (OMP), calbindin, and calretinin. RESULTS The cytoarchitecture of the fox AOB showed a clear lamination, with neatly differentiated layers; a highly developed glomerular layer, rich in periglomerular cells; and large inner cell and granular layers. The immunolabeling of Gαi2, OMP, and GAP-43 delineated the outer layers, whereas Gαo and MAP-2 immunolabeling defined the inner layers. MAP-2 characterized the somas of AOB principal cells and their dendritic trees. Anti-calbindin and anti-calretinin antibodies discriminated neural subpopulations in both the mitral-plexiform layer and the granular cell layer, and the lectin Ulex europeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) showed selectivity for the AOB and the vomeronasal nerves. CONCLUSION The fox AOB presents unique characteristics and a higher degree of morphological development compared with the dog AOB. The comparatively complex neural basis for semiochemical information processing in the fox compared with that observed in dogs suggests loss of AOB anatomical complexity during the evolutionary history of dogs and opens a new avenue of research for studying the effects of domestication on brain structures.

Cephenemyia stimulator 1

Raw Data from Illumina sequencing

The complete mitochondrial genome of Cephenemyia stimulator (Diptera: Oestridae)

Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 2021

Cephenemyia stimulator parasitizes roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) throughout its geographical dis... more Cephenemyia stimulator parasitizes roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) throughout its geographical distribution. The complete circular C. stimulator mitogenome was assembled, which is 16,407 bp in length, and encodes 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic tree was built with mitogenome sequences, including C. stimulator and 13 related Oestridae species, using Sarcophaga tuberosa as an outgroup.

Secondary poisoning of non-target animals in an Ornithological Zoo in Galicia (NW Spain) with anticoagulant rodenticides: a case report

Veterinární medicína, 2013

The use of anticoagulants has increased in recent times as a method for controlling rodent popula... more The use of anticoagulants has increased in recent times as a method for controlling rodent populations. However, this increased use also provokes accidental and intentional ingestion for both animals and humans, triggering poisoning of non-target organisms. In the present report, a clinical case of secondary-poisoning of birds with anticoagulant rodenticides, which took place after a general rodenticide treatment in an Ornithological Zoological Park, is described. Three birds died as a result and samples were submitted to the Veterinary Hospital in Lugo (Galicia, NW Spain). After necropsy, samples of the birds, together with molluscs and faeces, were submitted to the Toxicology Unit of Caceres (Extremadura, W Spain) in order to detect possible chemicals. Results from HPLC analyses revealed the presence of the rodenticides difenacoum and brodifacoum. The present report shows that the risk of secondary exposure resulting from the scavenging of molluscs is likely to be significant. The...

Metal content in the liver, kidney, and feathers of Northern gannets, Morus bassanus, sampled on the Spanish coast

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2019

The value of birds as bioindicators for monitoring the environmental inorganic elements has been ... more The value of birds as bioindicators for monitoring the environmental inorganic elements has been globally recognized. In this context, due to its well-known ecology and population stability, the Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) could be particularly useful. Dead Northern gannets (n = 30) were collected and samples from the liver, kidney, and feathers were taken, dried, mineralized, and finally analyzed via ICP-MS. Metals and metalloids, namely As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn, associated with environmental pollution and toxicity on living organisms, were evaluated. The mean highest concentrations of As, Hg, and Zn were found in the liver (0.916, 7.026, and 89.81 mg/kg dry weight, respectively). For Cd, the kidney showed the highest mean concentration (17.51 mg/kg dry weight), whereas for Pb, this value corresponded to the feathers (0.399 mg/kg dry weight). Significant differences were found between the age classes in terms of contaminant concentrations, with the adults exhibiting higher metal levels. This difference was significantly relevant for Pb and Hg, where the effect of age was observed for all the considered tissues. When considering the effect of gender, no significant differences were observed, in agreement with similar studies performed in other geographical regions. Finally, positive correlations between the concentrations of Hg and Pb in the feathers and in the liver (r = 0.688, p < 0.001 and r = 0.566, p < 0.001, respectively) were observed, as well as between the feather and kidney concentrations (r = 0.685, p < 0.001) indicating the possibility to use feathers, a non-invasive biomonitoring tissue, for better understanding Hg and Pb exposure in seabirds.

Zinc poisoning associated with separation anxiety in an Argentinean bulldog

Veterinary and human toxicology, 2002

Separation anxiety in dogs is a complex behavioral syndrome produced by many causes. A hunter 4y-... more Separation anxiety in dogs is a complex behavioral syndrome produced by many causes. A hunter 4y-old male Argentinean Bulldog had dental disturbances and gastrointestinal and cutaneous symptoms due to high plasma zinc and low copper and calcium plasma concentration. His behavior made him bite galvanized wire fences in his cage and bunk that contained his food, both of a Zn-containing material. Specific treatment resulted in complete recovery.

Clinico-pathological findings and coagulation disorders in 45 cases of canine babesiosis in Spain

The Veterinary Journal, 2007

A retrospective study of clinical cases of babesiosis in dogs examined at the Veterinary Teaching... more A retrospective study of clinical cases of babesiosis in dogs examined at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Rof Codina, from January 2003 to October 2004 is presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by direct observation of large piroplasms in stained blood smears. Dogs with concurrent diseases were excluded from the study. Clinical signs, complete blood count, serum biochemistry and hemostasis profiles were obtained. The observed clinical signs were due to hemolytic anemia and inflammatory responses but the most relevant clinico-pathological findings were related to alterations in hemostasis. All dogs presented with thrombocytopenia and 20% had disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. Anemia of variable severity was observed in most of the dogs.

Acetylcholinesterase activity in seabirds affected by the Prestige oil spill on the Galician coast (NW Spain)

Science of The Total Environment, 2007

In November 2002, the tanker Prestige broke in two and sank at the bottom of the ocean spilling a... more In November 2002, the tanker Prestige broke in two and sank at the bottom of the ocean spilling about 70,000 t of fuel oil, which reached the coast of Galicia. It was considered the largest spill in maritime history, greatly affecting marine and related avian species. The spilled fuel oil contained high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many species were affected and were found dead, although ongoing research is still being carried out on the sublethal effects. In this sense, little is known about the action of PAHs on Cholinesterase activity in seabirds. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to provide more information on the neurotoxicity of fuel oil on the seabirds most affected by the Prestige accident: common guillemot, Atlantic puffin and razorbill. On the other hand, data on normal values of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were obtained to supply non-exposed values in seabirds. The oil spill produced a clear inhibitory effect on brain AChE activity in common guillemot (16%, p ≤ 0.01) and razorbill (22%, p ≤ 0.01), but not in Atlantic puffin (4%). Physiological levels of brain AChE, expressed in nmol acetylcholine hydrolysed min -1 mg -1 protein were similar in non-exposed common guillemot (388.6 ± 95.0) and Atlantic puffin (474.0 ± 60.7), however, razorbill values were higher (644.6 ± 66.9).

Xanthine Nephrolithiasis in a Galician Blond Beef Calf

Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 2010

A six-month-old female Galician Blond beef calf presented signs of apathy, anorexia and weight lo... more A six-month-old female Galician Blond beef calf presented signs of apathy, anorexia and weight loss. The analysis of a blood sample confirmed renal failure. Bilateral nephrolithiasis was diagnosed at necropsy. Quantitative analysis revealed the nephroliths to be composed of 100 per cent xanthine. In cattle, xanthinuria has only been described in the Japanese Black breed, but never before in other breeds. Clinical history suggested a naturally occurring xanthinuria.

Quantification of pericaudal adipocyte diameter in dairy cattle during peripartum: a complementary method to study energetic status using conventional histology

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2011

The energetic status of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle was studied during peripartu... more The energetic status of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle was studied during peripartum under field conditions using body condition score (BCS), glycemia, seric ß-hydroxybutyrate and adipose tissue cellularity. This last method was tested as a complementary tool for energetic status assessment. Biopsies of pericaudal subcutaneous adipose tissue were obtained from 25 multiparous animals at 28 days before and 21 days after parturition. Samples were routinely processed for histological examination and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E). The mean diameter of adipocytes (MDA) was measured with the aid of a digital image processor. During the same period, blood samples were collected weekly for metabolite determinations. The MDA at 28 days pre-partum and 21 days post-partum were 72.1 vs. 66.2 μm respectively (p = 0.055), and the corresponding BCS at these moments was 3.32 vs. 3.19 (p = 0.068). At -28 days pre-partum, the BCS was positively correlated with MDA (Pearson&#39;s r = 0.521, p = 0.016) and with glycemia (Pearson&#39;s r = 0.404, p = 0.056). Correlations between BCS and MDA, and between BCS and glycemia, with ß-hydroxybutyrate although not significant, suggest that routine histological preparations of biopsies from subcutaneous adipose tissue could be included as an easy and valuable tool for research purposes to evaluate metabolic adaptation of dairy cows to peripartum, as well as the incidence of metabolic disorders and productive performance.

Noninvasive heavy metal pollution assessment by means of Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) hair from Galicia (NW Spain): a comparison with invasive samples

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2013

The current study represents the first investigation of the suitability of wolf hair as indicator... more The current study represents the first investigation of the suitability of wolf hair as indicator tissue for metal exposure and accumulation within NW Spanish ecosystems. Dead animals, which were not specifically killed for these purposes, were necropsied, and further toxicological analyses were performed in order to establish the heavy metal content (Pb, Cd, and Zn) in liver, kidney, and hair, by means of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Two different factors, gender and age, were considered in order to determine their influence on heavy metal accumulation. Mean liver, kidney and hair concentrations of both toxic element, Cd (0.528, 2.692, and 0.026 ppm) and Pb (4.108, 0.031, and 0.196 ppm) considered on a dry weight basis, were situated below the established as acute toxicity levels for mammals. The highest concentrations were quantified for Zn, with means ranging from a maximum in hair samples (150.9 ppm) to a minimum in kidney samples (25.81 ppm). When the variable of gender and age were considered, female and adult wolves had higher concentrations of Cd in all the considered organs, although differences were only statistically significant for kidney. Neither the sex nor the age had a significant effect on Pb and Zn concentrations. A significant positive correlation (p<0.05) was identified between hair and liver Pb concentrations, as well as between hair and kidney Cd concentrations, thus suggesting the interest of the noninvasive sample for future ecotoxicological biomonitoring studies.

Seropathotypes, Phylogroups, Stx Subtypes, and Intimin Types of Wildlife-Carried, Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains with the Same Characteristics as Human-Pathogenic Isolates

Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2012

The objectives of this study were to investigate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichi... more The objectives of this study were to investigate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains in wildlife that have spread in Europe, living near human settlements; to analyze their epidemiological role in maintenance and transmission to domestic livestock; and to assess the potential health risk of wildlife-carried strains. STEC strains were recovered from 53% of roe deer, 8.4% of wild boars, and 1.9% of foxes sampled in the northwest of Spain (Galicia). Of the 40 serotypes identified, 21 were classified as seropathotypes associated with human disease, accounting for 81.5% of the wildlife-carried STEC strains, including the enterohemorrhagic serotypes O157:H7-D- eae -γ1, O26:[H11]-B1- eae -β1, O121:H19-B1- eae -ε1, and O145:[H28]-D- eae -γ1. None of the wildlife-carried strains belonged to the highly pathogenic serotype O104:H4-B1 from the recent Germany outbreak. Forty percent of wildlife-carried STEC strains shared serotypes, phylogroups, intimin types, a...

A novel pathogenic mechanism for cerebellar lesions produced by Solanum bonariense in cattle

Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc, Jan 21, 2015

Intoxication with Solanum bonariense in cattle causes cerebellar cortical degeneration with perik... more Intoxication with Solanum bonariense in cattle causes cerebellar cortical degeneration with perikaryal vacuolation, axonal swelling, and death primarily of Purkinje cells, with accumulation of electron-dense residual storage bodies in membrane-bound vesicles. The pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. Previously, we proposed that inhibition of protein synthesis in Purkinje cells among other altered metabolic pathways could lead to cytoskeletal alterations, subsequently altering cell-specific axonal transport. In the present study, immunohistochemical and histochemical methods were used to identify neuronal cytoskeletal alterations and axonal loss, demyelination, and astrogliosis in the cerebellum of intoxicated bovines. Samples of cerebellum from 3 natural and 4 experimental cases and 2 control bovines were studied. Immunoreactivity against neurofilament (NF)-200KDa confirmed marked loss of Purkinje neurons, and phospho-NF protein, β-tubulin, and affinity reaction aga...

Expresión de calbindina 28k en cerebelos de bovinos normales e intoxicados con Solanum bonariense L

by aldo calliari and Luis Fidalgo