Brucellaspp. are facultatively intracellular bacteria that can infect, survive, and multiply in various host cell typesin vivoand/orin vitro. The genusBrucellahas markedly expanded in recent years with the identification of novel species and hosts, which has revealed additional information about the cell and tissue tropism of these pathogens.

Pseudoplacentational endometrial hyperplasia (PEH) and cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) are both hyperplastic conditions that may occur in the canine uterus during diestrus. CEH can impair fertility, and, although the consequences of PEH are poorly known, this condition is significantly associated with pyometra. The aim of this study was to investigate frequencies of both PEH and CEH in female dogs according to age, size, breed, and breed group. Uteri from 300 female dogs were sampled and processed for histopathologic analyses. Lesions were identified, and frequencies were statistically compared. PEH was significantly more frequent in dogs between 4 and 12 years of age and significantly less frequent in Yorkshires than Shih-tzus, as well as in the breed group that includes Brazilian Terriers and Yorkshires. CEH was significantly more frequent in dogs older than 12 years, but no breed predisposition was observed. The frequency of PEH was significantly higher than that of CEH. The frequency of pyometra in PEH cases was significantly higher than endometritis or uterus without inflammation. This study identified age, breed group, and size as predisposing factors for PEH and further demonstrated the association between this condition and pyometra in dogs.

This study describes the occurrence of reproductive changes in a mullet (Mugil curema) from the Babibtonga Bay, Santa Catarina. Gross and microscopic findings indicated changes in the reproductive system that were characterized by the presence of both male and female gonads, nearing sexual maturity, which was compatible with the diagnosis of intersex. It was not possible to identify predisposing factors that may have contributed to the development of this condition. However, as this species of fish may have their reproductive development affected by anthropogenic influence, it is important to permanently monitor this kind of environment. Considering the number of fish belonging to this species that was examined (n=433), the estimated prevalence for intersexuality was 0.23% (confidence interval: 0.00 to 0.68%, with confidence level of 95%). The findings in this study support the diagnosis of intersexuality in M. curema from the Babitonga Bay, which is the first documented case of this condition in this species on the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Birds, cartilaginous and teleost fish, reptiles, and some amphibians have intrascleral cartilage and/or bone; however, these are rarely reported in therian mammals. This study aimed to investigate and characterize a nonpathological formation of cartilage in the posterior sclera of sheep macroscopically, histologically, and by immunohistochemical exam (IHC). Ninety eyes from 45 domestic sheep were collected, underwent gross examination, fixed in formalin, and embedded in paraffin for the microscopical assessment. Sections with histological shreds of cartilage were selected to perform IHC to confirm the presence of cartilage. Intrascleral cartilage was detected in 60 eyeballs (66.66%) from 37 sheep (82.22%). A slight whitish thickening was grossly seen in the posterior sclera. The histologic exam revealed a few scattered, isolated chondrocytes to larger aggregates of cartilaginous islands in the posterior sclera. Eighteen (30%) of 60 eyeballs revealed marked anti-collagen type II immunolabeling. The development of cartilaginous structures in the eyes is considered rare in mammalian animals. The high occurrence of intrascleral cartilage in the examined sheep eyes suggests that this finding corresponds to an anatomical component of sheep sclera, despite the age, breed, or body condition.