Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, even when diagnosed at an early stage in humans and dogs. Dogs have a significant incidence of spontaneous prostate cancer, which is highly similar to human androgen-independent prostate cancer and represents a valuable model for comparative studies. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two main cannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa and have demonstrated antiproliferative and anti-invasive properties in different tumor types. In this study, CBD or THC-rich extracts inhibited the proliferation of two canine prostatic carcinoma cell lines, PC1 and PC2, showing an IC50 of 3.43 and 3.57 μM for CBD rich extracts, and 4.90 and 4.48 μM THC rich extracts, respectively. Cell death was also observed with both Annexin V and Propidium iodide staining for the canine cell lines. These results provide new information concerning the use of rich oil in canine PC and open a promising opportunity for further in vitro and in vivo studies to establish the mechanisms of action of these compounds using dogs as a natural model for prostatic carcinoma.

Bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) is an aggressive malignancy in both humans and dogs, with limited treatment options. Owing to their biological and environmental similarities with humans, dogs serve as a valuable model for UC research. Standard treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and anti-inflammatory agents, have shown limited efficacy. Curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from turmeric, has demonstrated anticancer properties, but its potential in canine UC remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of curcumin, D6 turmeric, and mitoxantrone hydrochloride on canine and human UC cell lines. Cell viability was assessed via the MTT assay, apoptosis via flow cytometry, and gene expression (β-catenin, β1-integrin, CDH1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2) via quantitative PCR. Migration capacity was analyzed using a Transwell assay. Curcumin and D6 turmeric reduced cell viability and migration, while mitoxantrone hydrochloride exhibited strong cytotoxicity, especially in canine cells. Curcumin also induced apoptosis and modulated genes involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition and invasion. The interindividual differences in response suggest underlying genetic variability and highlight the need for personalized therapeutic approaches. These findings suggest that curcumin and D6 turmeric hold promise as complementary therapies for canine UC, justifying further in vivo investigations.

Estudos recentes vêm demonstrando a eficácia de produtos naturais como agentes terapêuticos anti-tumorais, avaliando-se o mecanismo de ação frente a diferentes células neoplásicas na medicina humana e veterinária. Dentre eles, a cúrcuma, conhecida como açafrão, destaca-se por suas propriedades anti-inflamatórias, anti-proliferativas e pró-apoptóticas. A curcumina é o principal composto ativo da cúrcuma e possui efeito antiproliferativo e pró apoptótico satisfatório, já descrito em diferentes linhagens neoplásicas. Sua eficácia, quando associada a diversos quimioterápicos, tem sido avaliada na busca de aumentar seus efeitos e biodisponibilidade. No trato urinário, a bexiga é o órgão mais acometido por neoplasias, sendo 80% destas malignas, incluindo o carcinoma urotelial canino (CUB), que corresponde a cerca de 2% de todos os tumores malignos do trato urinário inferior e superior. Comumente apresentada como uma neoplasia invasiva de alto grau, localizada na região do trígono e metastática. Seu tratamento inclui excisão cirúrgica, quimioterapia, emprego de inibidores de cicloxigenase (COX), radioterapia, ou a combinação desses. Entretanto, a intervenção cirúrgica muitas vezes é inviabilizada pela localização da lesão. Além disso, estudos recentes demonstraram que esta neoplasia possui semelhança com CUB humano em diferentes aspectos, servindo como um modelo natural na busca de novas estratégias terapêuticas e diagnósticas. Abordamos a respeito do uso de curcumina na terapêutica do carcinoma de bexiga, buscando estimular o desenvolvimento de mais pesquisas acerca dessa temática.

Background: Renal neoplasms are a rare condition in felines, with metastatic lymphoma presenting the highest incidence rate. Secondary renal neoplasms are more frequent (88%) than primary renal tumors, with primary mesenquimal renal neoplasms accounting for 22% of the cases and the incidence of benign tumors not exceeding 5%. Myxomas are neoplasms in undifferentiated mesenchymal cells with abundant reproduction of the myxoid matrix, with few few case reports about this type of neoplasm in the veterinary literature. This study reports the first case of renal myxoma in a young feline afflicted by granulomatous nephritis and diagnosed with FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). Case: A 9-month-old, male, mixed breed feline, was admitted into the Veterinary Hospital maintained by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, Brazil, presenting symptoms such progressive weight loss and occasional episodes of emesis for one week, progressing to anorexia, hematochezia, vocalization, lack of coordination, spasms, anuria and inability to defecate. A physical examination revealed moderate dehydration, low temperatures (< 33ºC), dyspnea (36 mpm), slight hyperglycemia (187 mg/dL) and distension of the abdomen and of the urinary bladder. The hematological assay and the serum biochemistry assay revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia and slight uremia. In view of the severity of the neurologic signs and lack of response to the clinical treatment, the owner opted to euthanize the animal. The necropsy revealed diffused jaundice, with kidney injuries observed through the pale coloration of the tissue and irregular surface with multiple off-white small nodules distributed in a marked and diffuse way. The same injury pattern was observed markedly in the lungs and discretely in the spleen and liver. The material collected was fixed in a 10% formalin solution, and processed according to the routine technique (Hematoxylin & Eosin). The remaining samples were submitted to a histochemical analysis with the Alcian Blue and Masson’s Trichrome stains, in addition to an immunohistochemical expression test. The histopathological examination with H&E staining revealed multiple focuses of pyogranulomatous injuries in the kidneys, lungs, spleen, uvea and leptomeninges, corroborating the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). In addition, there was a neoplastic proliferation of fusiform cells among an abundant myxoid matrix, evident in Alcian Blue staining. Normal renal tissue, such as glomeruli or tubules, were occasionally observed inside the neoplastic proliferation. Masson’s Trichrome technique was used to exclude the possibility of a fibroblastic origin. In addition, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to confirm the diagnosis of myxoma using the Vimentin, pan-cytokeratin and p63 antibodies. Discussion: Kidney tumors are rare in veterinary medicine, but have an incidence rate four to five times greater in cats than in dogs. The veterinary literature describes myxomas located in joints, cardiac valves and ureter, but reports of myxomas afflicting the kidneys are more commons in human medicine. This tumor should be included in the differential diagnosis process for young cats with suspicions of renal neoplasms, however, to differentiate between neoplasms with a myxoid component in benign tumors. This is the first reported case of renal myxoma afflicting a young feline with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in the veterinary literature.

Background: Salmonellosis is an important cause of diarrhea in horses with zoonotic implications. Diagnosis depends on the isolation of the agent through serial cultures or molecular techniques. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical, laboratory, and microbiological aspects of salmonellosis in horses presenting diarrhea referred to a veterinary teaching hospital. Materials, Methods & Results: Horses presenting signs of diarrhea treated between January 2009 and December 2019, from which Salmonella spp. were isolated from feces, were included in this study. Epidemiological data, clinical and laboratory findings (hematology, serum biochemistry, and blood gas analysis), and in vitro antimicrobial resistance profiles were analyzed. During this period, 78 of the admitted horses presented diarrhea, and Salmonella spp. were isolated from 28% (22/78) of them. Among these patients, 41% (9/22) were younger than 3 months, 27% (6/22) were between 6 and 12 months, 14% (3/22) were between 2 and 7 years, and 18% (4/22) were older than 9 years. Clinical signs included tachycardia, tachypnea, mucous membrane congestion and liquid feces. Clinicopathological tests revealed hyperfibrinogenemia, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase serum activity and metabolic acidosis. In addition to feces, Salmonella spp. were isolated from 10% (2/22) and 5% (1/22) of lung and intestinal tissues and blood, respectively, from horses that did not survive. The isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (4/20; 20%) and gentamicin (3/20; 15%), along with partially resistant strains (5/20; 25%) and strains resistant (2/20; 10%) to ceftiofur. The mortality rate in the study population was 59%. Discussion: The study highlights the severe impact of equine salmonellosis, particularly in cases complicated by septic shock, which contributed to a high mortality rate and limited the assessment of hospitalization duration and prognosis. The confirmed etiology of diarrhea was based on the isolation of Salmonella spp. through fecal, tissue, and blood cultures, with systemic dissemination evident in some cases. Serial fecal culture remains the diagnostic gold standard, although a single positive sample can suffice in horses with gastrointestinal symptoms. The antimicrobial resistance profile revealed significant resistance to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, gentamicin, and ceftiofur. Notably, some isolates were partially sensitive (25%) or resistant (10%) to ceftiofur, reflecting concerns about the future efficacy of cephalosporins due to their widespread use in veterinary medicine. However, the absence of multidrug-resistant strains in this study contrasts with findings from other species and age groups, suggesting that antimicrobial use practices and regulatory differences may influence resistance patterns. Necropsy findings were consistent with equine salmonellosis and bacterial enterocolitis, indicating loss of intestinal barrier integrity, bacterial dissemination, and sepsis development. These findings underline the importance of early diagnosis, effective antimicrobial stewardship, and a better understanding of resistance mechanisms to improve outcomes in equine salmonellosis cases. This study confirms that salmonellosis is a prevalent cause of enterocolitis in horses and is responsible for a high mortality rate. We emphasize the importance of evaluating the antimicrobial susceptibility profile in all cases. Keywords: equines, diarrhea, nosocomial infection, antimicrobial susceptibility, sepsis, colitis.