El objetivo del estudio fue realizar una evaluación hematológica a perros y gatos en Lima, Perú. Se colectaron 460 muestras de sangre (410 perros y 50 gatos) entre diciembre de 2017 y mayo de 2018. Los frotis se colorearon con Wright y las láminas de reticulocitos con Azul de cresil brillante. Se realizó estadística descriptiva para variables cuantitativas en las series eritroide, mieloide y linfoide, así como el análisis de frecuencias de variables cualitativas entre especies indicadoras de tipo de anemia y leucemia, capacidad de regeneración medular, cambios morfológicos anormales, salida de rango fisiológico y presencia de microorganismos extra e intracelular. Predominaron la anemia normocítica normocrómica (23.2% perro, 10% gato), anemia megaloblástica (5.1% perro), anemia severa microcítica hipocrómica (4% gato), leucemia mieloide crónica de neutrófilos (7.1% perro, 8% gato), monocitosis con vacuolización citoplasmática en monocitos (4.9% perro), trombocitosis severa con agregados plaquetarios (6% gato), policromatofilia (6.3% perro), los dacriocitos (54.4% perro, 64% gato), acantocitos (11.7% perro, 40% gato), macrocitos (14.6% perro, 6% gato), leucocitos pequeños (10% perro, 6% gato), Cytauxzoon felis (20% gato), Anaplasma spp (0.2% perro) y Mycoplasma spp (2% perro, 20% gato). Solo se evidenciaron diferencias significativas entre sexos en las plaquetas totales (p=0.0087) y los eosinófilos (p=0.0260) siendo mayor en perros machos. Se concluye que la prevalencia de C. felis en los gatos estudiados es relativamente baja y existe un riesgo de zoonosis de Anaplasma spp y Mycoplasma spp en los propietarios de animales afectados en Lima, Perú.

The pituitary gland regulates essential physiological processes in mammals. Despite its importance, research on its anatomy and ultrastructure in dolphins remains scarce. Using non-invasive imaging technology (MRI) and a novel skull-opening and dissection protocol, this study characterizes the dolphin pituitary through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A total of 47 pituitaries were collected from stranded common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). as well as from captive common bottlenose dolphins. MRI allowed visualization of the gland’s anatomy and its spatial relationship with the hypothalamus and surrounding structures. A modified skull-opening and pituitary extraction protocol ensured the preservation of the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis for detailed analysis. Histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies confirmed the gland’s structural organization, identifying eight distinct adenohypophyseal cell types: corticotrophs (ACTH), somatotrophs (GH), gonadotrophs (FSH and LH), lactotrophs (LTH), melanotrophs (MSH), thyrotrophs (TSH), follicular cells, and capsular cells. This study presents the first immunolabelling of thyrotrophs in cetacean adenohypophysis and the first detailed ultrastructural characterization of adenohypophyseal cells in cetaceans, providing baseline data for future research. By integrating multidisciplinary techniques, it advances the understanding of dolphin neuroendocrinology and highlights broader implications for cetacean health, welfare, and conservation.

Avian haemosporidians are globally distributed protozoan parasites transmitted by hematophagous vectors, yet information on their occurrence in the Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), particularly from the Canary Islands, is scarce. Between 2020 and 2024, 47 Stone-curlews were examined for Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon spp. using nested PCR targeting the cytochrome b gene, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Histopathological examination was performed on formalin-fixed tissues. Leucocytozoon sp. DNA was detected in one individual (case FS415/23), with identical sequences amplified from multiple organs. Phylogenetic analysis placed this isolate within lineage CIAE02, previously reported in raptors and other avian taxa. Microscopic evaluation revealed megalomeronts in the liver, kidney, and skin, consistent with Leucocytozoon infection. Despite concurrent infection with Avipoxvirus and Aspergillus fumigatus, no prominent inflammatory reaction surrounded the haemosporidian tissue states. The only prior haemosporidian reported in Burhinus is Haemoproteus burhinus, described from B. oedicnemus saharae in Iraq, and no Leucocytozoon infections have previously been recorded in this genus. Therefore, this represents the first evidence of Leucocytozoon infection in the Stone-curlew, extending the known host range of lineage CIAE02. These findings highlight the relevance of integrative diagnostic approaches for detecting latent or cryptic haemosporidian infections in non-passerine avian hosts.

La investigación que se presenta muestra una encuesta malacológica de la zona sur de Cienfuegos enmarcada, desde playa “Rancho Luna” hasta la desembocadura del “río Arimao”. Los estudios malacológicos abarcaron desde el mes de enero del 2018 hasta diciembre del mismo año. Durante la investigación se seleccionaron un total de ocho biótopos en el área a estudiar, y se constató la presencia de 52 especies de gastrópodos marinos, pertenecientes a siete órdenes y 16 familias, donde el orden Sorbeoconcha posee el mayor número de especies. Las familias mejores representadas fueron Neritidae y Littorinidae, con ocho especies respectivamente. Se identificaron especies presentes solo en uno de los puntos de muestreo como es el caso de Bulla striata (Bruguière, 1792); Smaragdia viridis (Linnaeus 1758), Supplanaxis nucleus (Bruguière, 1789) y Bursa cubaniana (d´Orbigny, 1842). A partir de su identificación y clasificación se confeccionó un listado sistemático que comprende variada información; como, por ejemplo, distribución de la especie, biotopo donde se detectó y datos ecológicos. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se pusieron en práctica los métodos convencionales para la colecta de los moluscos en estrecha relación con otros métodos teóricos y empíricos. Se realizó el montaje de sendas colecciones malacológicas con fines docentes e investigativos y se confeccionó una clave dicotómica ilustrada. Se concluye que la temática resulta apropiada para el tratamiento de la Educación Ambiental y el Desarrollo Sostenible y que la zona constituye un excelente polígono para la realización de las prácticas de campo por parte los estudiantes de la Licenciatura en Educación. Biología. Palabras clave: Biotopo - Cienfuegos - gastrópodos – moluscos – Rancho Luna

The mortality of birds resulting from collisions and electrocutions with overhead lines, such as power lines, and phone line among others, has been implicated in the decline of various avian species globally. Specifically, overhead line collisions pose a significant threat to the conserva-tion of the Canarian houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae), an endangered sub-species endemic to the Canary Islands. This study centres on the postmortem findings of Canarian houbara bustards that have collided with overhead lines, providing insights into the post-collision outcomes for these birds. A com-plete standardized necropsy of nine Canarian houbara bustards revealed that polytrauma was the cause of death in all cases. The most notable gross lesions associated with trauma included bone fractures, soft tissue lacerations, haemorrhages, luxations, and hemocoelom, with certain body regions being more frequently affected. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and en-tomology analysis confirmed that numerous birds survived the initial trauma, exhibiting varia-ble survival intervals before succumbing to their injuries. We concluded that when a houbara bustard collide with an overhead line it frequently survives the initial trauma. The histopathology, immunohistochemistry, or entomologic analysis may be helpful to approximate the timing interval between trauma and death.

The adrenal glands are central regulators of endocrine function and stress physiology, yet detailed species-specific anatomical baselines remain limited in cetaceans. This study provides a comprehensive gross, histological, morphometric, and ultrastructural characterization of the adrenal glands in 55 short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) examined postmortem in the Canary Islands. Adrenal glands were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically, and histological corticomedullary ratios were calculated from mid-transverse sections. Associations with body length, sexual maturity, and cause-of-death category were assessed statistically. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to characterize cortical and medullary cellular ultrastructure. Adrenal weight showed a positive correlation with body length. Histological corticomedullary ratio showed no lateral asymmetry but differed significantly between sexually immature and mature individuals, indicating ontogenetic remodeling of adrenal architecture. In contrast, corticomedullary ratio did not differ significantly between adult dolphins that died from acute events and those with more progressive pathological conditions. Ultrastructural analysis identified characteristic steroidogenic cortical cells and two chromaffin cell populations in the medulla. These findings establish the first integrated anatomical baseline for the adrenal gland in Delphinus delphis, providing essential reference data for comparative anatomy, veterinary pathology, and interpretation of endocrine-related findings in cetaceans.