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Summary: This report describes a rare case of chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIPO) in a 12‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding, caused by lymphocytic myenteric ganglionitis (MG) associated with equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV‐1) and equine herpesvirus 5 (EHV‐5) infection. The horse presented with recurrent colic and weight loss over 1.5 years. Repetitive transrectal examinations consistently revealed small colon impaction and enlargement. During postmortem examination alternating segments of enlarged and reduced luminal diameter were observed throughout the entire intestinal tract. MG with lymphocytic infiltrates and neuronal degeneration of the large intestine were found on histopathological analysis. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed the presence of EHV‐1 and EHV‐5 DNA in affected intestinal tissues. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of MG and its association with herpesviruses. Early recognition and diagnosis of MG‐associated CIPO may improve treatment approaches and outcomes for future cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A 5-year-old castrated male Labrador Retriever was presented to a referring veterinarian for a swelling in the neck region. Based on the results of histopathology, a carotid body tumor, was diagnosed. The dog was referred to a medical imaging unit for further staging and follow up. This report describes the magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomographic (CT) appearance of a carotid body tumor.

Objective--To correlate gene transcription of cytokines and chemokines with histologic inflammation in nasal biopsy specimens of cats. Animals--25 study cats and 4 specific pathogen-free cats. Procedure--One nasal biopsy specimen from each cat was submitted for routine histologic evaluation; a second was submitted for evaluation by use of a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis with a fluorogenic probe (ie, TaqMan) for detection of cytokines and chemokines (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 p40, IL-16, IL-18, interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and the regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted [RANTES] protein). Specimens were grouped histologically by degree of inflammation (none, mild, moderate, or severe). Linearized TaqMan signals for each gene were compared among histologic groups. Results--Nasal biopsy specimens from specific pathogen-free cats were histologically normal, and cytokine transcription was low in these samples. As nasal inflammation in study cats worsened from absent (n = 3) to mild (4) to moderate (8) or severe (10), progressively and significantly increasing transcription of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 p40, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and the RANTES protein was detected. Transcription of IL-4, IL-5, IL-16, and IL-18 did not correlate with worsened histologic inflammation. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Transcription of specific cytokines and chemokines in nasal tissue of cats progressively increased with severity of histologic evidence of inflammation, and IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 p40, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and the RANTES protein were markers of inflammation. Our data suggest that the nasal cavity of cats is biased toward a Th1 cytokine profile that is augmented by inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To assess the use of a caudal external thoracic artery axial pattern flap to treat sterna) cutaneous wounds in birds. Animals--16 adult Japanese quail. Procedure--A cutaneous defect in the region of the mid-sternum was surgically created in all quail. In 6 quail (group I), an axial pattern flap was created from the skin of the lateral aspect of the thorax and advanced over the sterna) defect. In 8 quail (group II), a flap was similarly created and advanced but the flap vasculature was ligated. All quail were euthanatized at 14 days after surgery and had necropsies performed. Sections of the flap and the surrounding tissue were examined histologically to assess flap viability. Results--All axial pattern flaps in group-I quail had 100% survival. In group II, mean percentage area of flap survival was 62.5%; mean area of necrosis and dermal fibrosis of flaps were significantly greater than that detected in group I. In flaps of group-II quail, neovascularization in the deep dermis and profound necrosis of the vascular plexus in the superficial dermis were observed. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Results indicated that the caudal external thoracic artery axial pattern flap could be used successfully in the treatment of surgically created sterna) cutaneous defects in quail with no signs of tissue necrosis or adverse effects overall. Use of this technique to treat self-mutilation syndromes or application after surgical debulking of tumors or other masses might be beneficial in many avian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A skin lesion classified as a vascular malformation is reported in a young-adult, female guinea pig. The physical examination revealed a 3 × 2-cm irregularly shaped violaceous plaque located on the left caudal flank. The surface of the plaque was ulcerated and bled intermittently, resulting in fatal blood loss. On histology the mass consisted of variably sized vascular spaces filled with red blood cells and variable amounts of extramedullary haematopoietic cells, lined by well-differentiated endothelial cells often surrounded by one layer of spindle-shaped cells. Based on immunohistochemistry, the spindle cell population was confirmed to be smooth muscle cells and no proliferation of endothelial cells was found with the Ki67 proliferation marker. Histological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a vascular malformation. Classification of vascular malformations and potential treatments are discussed. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a cutaneous vascular lesion in a guinea pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective—To determine detection rates for feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), Mycoplasma spp, fungi, and bacteria in flush samples and biopsy specimens from the nasal cavities of cats with and without chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Design—Prospective study. Animals—10 CRS-affected cats and 7 cats without signs of respiratory tract disease. Procedures—-Nasal flush samples and biopsy specimens were collected from all cats for bacterial (aerobic and anaerobic), fungal, and mycoplasmal cultures; additional biopsy specimens were collected for virus isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (to detect FHV-1 DNA). Results—Aerobic bacteria were detected in flush samples from 5 of 7 control cats; culture of flush samples from CRS-affected cats yielded aerobic bacteria (9⁄10 cats), anaerobic bacteria (3/10), and Mycoplasma spp (2⁄10). No fungal organisms were isolated from any cat. Potential pathogens were isolated significantly more often from CRS-affected cats than from control cats. Bacterial culture of biopsy specimens yielded aerobic bacteria (2⁄7 control cats and 4⁄10 CRS-affected cats) and anaerobic bacteria (2⁄10 CRS-affected cats). Although FHV-1 was not detected in nasal biopsy specimens from control or CRS-affected cats, FHV-1 DNA was detected via PCR assay in specimens from 4 of 7 control cats and 3 of 10 CRS-affected cats. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Compared with findings in control cats, anaerobic bacteria, Mycoplasma spp, and a variety of potentially pathogenic organisms were detected more commonly in samples from cats with CRS. In both groups, FHV-1 was detected via PCR assay as a nonviable organism or in noncultivable amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares the pathologic findings and results of adrenalectomy for adrenal gland tumors in dogs with and without vena caval tumor thrombi. Risk factors associated with a caudal vena caval thrombus in dogs with adrenal gland tumors; Use of abdominal ultrasonography in locating and evaluating adrenal lesions; Long-term prognosis for dogs with adrenocortical tumor and tumor thrombus.

Abstract: Bovine papillomavirus (BPV)-1 and -2 is linked to equine sarcoids, a commonly observed skin tumor in horses that is of considerable veterinary importance. Previous studies using in situ hybridization have detected BPV DNA only in fibroblasts and not in keratinocytes of sarcoids. In contrast, normal equine skin latently infected with BPV shows a dysplastic epithelium without dermal changes, similar to lesions induced by other papillomavirus types infecting the epithelium. The first goal of our study was to describe the epidermal and dermal characteristics of several stages in sarcoid development. Next, we explored whether BPV can infect epidermal cells in the horse using real-time PCR on laser-micro-dissected keratinocytes and fibroblasts. We found that latently infected normal skin samples and a subset of early stage sarcoids show dysplastic, koilocyte-like epithelial changes. BPV DNA was detected in keratinocytes in 40% of the samples with these particular epithelial properties, whereas advanced sarcoids only had BPV DNA in the fibroblasts. These data may indicate a novel and intriguing pathway of BPV infection in the horse composed of a first step of keratinocyte infection, followed by migration of viral material towards the dermis resulting in infection of sub-epidermal fibroblasts and their fully transformed phenotype. Additionally, an example of co-existence of a dermal BPV-1 and an epidermal BPV-2 infection in the same lesion is shown, indicating that horses can harbor infection with more than one BPV type at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives-To evaluate use of an ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) for treatment for single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSSs) and identify factors associated with postoperative death, continued portosystemic shunting, and long-term outcome in dogs. Design-Retrospective study. Animals-168 dogs with a single extrahepatic PSS. Procedure-Medical records of dogs that had a single extrahepatic PSS and were treated with an ARC were reviewed. Signalment, history, clinical signs, results of preoperative blood analyses and portal pressure measurements, PSS location, ARC size, postoperative complications, and postoperative scintigraphy results were recorded. Owners were interviewed 6 months to 6 years after surgery. Results-Postoperative complications developed in 10% of dogs. Postoperative mortality rate was 7.1%. Predictive factors for postoperative death included high preoperative WBC count and postoperative complications. Twenty-one percent of dogs in which portal scintigraphy was performed 6 to 10 weeks after surgery had continued shunting. Predictive factors for persistent shunting included low preoperative plasma albumin concentration, high portal pressure after complete occlusion, and high portal pressure difference (postocclusion minus baseline). Clinical outcome in 108 dogs was classified as excellent (80%), good (14%), or poor (6%). Predictive factors for excellent long-term clinical outcome included high preoperative plasma albumin concentration, low preoperative leukocytosis, low portal pressure after complete occlusion, absence of postoperative seizures, and absence of continued shunting. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Use of an ARC for treatment for a single extrahepatic PSS resulted in low morbidity and mortality rates. Certain preoperative factors were associated with increased risk of postoperative death, continued portosystemic shunting, and long-term outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective—To investigate the correlation of cumulative rhinoscopic findings of hyperemia, mucus accumulation, and turbinate destruction with the type and severity of inflammatory infiltrates in nasal biopsy specimens of cats with or without upper respiratory tract disease. Design—Prospective study. Animals—Cats with (n = 11) and without (6) upper respiratory tract disease and cats with unknown medical histories (27). Procedures—Lesions of hyperemia, mucus accumulation, and turbinate destruction detected rhinoscopically were each scored (scale, 0 [absent] to 3 [severe]), and a cumulative rhinoscopic score for each nasal cavity was calculated. Fifty biopsy specimens were examined histologically, and inflammatory infiltrates (lymphoplasmacytic or neutrophilic) were graded as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. Cumulative rhinoscopic scores and inflammation grades were compared for each specimen-cavity combination. Results—In cats of known disease status, there was a positive but weak correlation between cumulative rhinoscopic scores and inflammation grades in biopsy specimens. In cats of unknown disease status, there was no similar correlation. Biopsy specimens with minimal inflammation were commonly obtained from nasal cavities with Iow rhinoscopic scores; specimens with moderate or severe inflammatory changes were frequently obtained from cavities that appeared normal rhinoscopically. Type of inflammatory infiltrates was not correlated with rhinoscopic signs of inflammation. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The correlation of rhinoscopic findings with inflammation severity in nasal biopsy specimens (determined histologically) was weak or lacking in cats of known and unknown disease status, respectively. Results indicared that rhinoscopy with biopsy provides more complete evaluation of nasal disease than rhinoscopy alone in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine clinical signs and rhinoscopic, computed tomographic, and histologic abnormalities in dogs with idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—37 dogs. Procedure—Clinical information was obtained from medical records. Nasal computed tomographic images and histologic slides of biopsy specimens were reviewed. Results—Dogs ranged from 1.5 to 14 years old (mean, 8 years); most (28) were large-breed dogs. Nasal discharge was unilateral in 11 of 26 (42%) dogs and bilateral in 15 of 26 (58%) dogs. in dogs with unilateral disease, duration of clinical signs ranged from 1.5 to 36 months (mean, 8.25 months; median, 2 months), and in dogs with bilateral disease, duration of signs ranged from 1.25 to 30 months (mean, 6.5 months; median, 4 months). Computed tomography (n = 33) most often revealed fluid accumulation (27/33 [82%]), turbinate destruction (23/33 [70%]), and frontal sinus opacification (14/33 [42%]). Rhinoscopy (n = 37) commonly demonstrated increased mucus and epithelial inflammation; turbinate destruction was detected in 8 of 37 (22%) dogs. Bilateral biopsy specimens from all 37 dogs were examined. Four dogs had only unilateral inflammatory changes. The remaining 33 dogs had bilateral lesions; in 20, lesions were more severe on 1 side than the other. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings suggest that idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis is a key contributor to chronic nasal disease in dogs and may be more common than previously believed. In addition, findings suggest that idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis is most often a bilateral disease, even among dogs with unilateral nasal discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine distemper has been observed infrequently in Belgian wildlife, mainly stone martens (Martes foina) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). This report describes an outbreak in the Brussels urban red fox population, characterized by its high density. The identified virus matched those within a cluster of viruses found previously in red foxes in Germany. Different canine distemper virus (CDV) strains, found in Belgian wild carnivores, share relationships with viruses found farther east. This and other reports indicate an endemic distribution of CDV in wild carnivores in Europe whereby the complex interplay of population density, group immunity, and infection of metapopulations determines the pattern of spatiotemporally alternating outbreaks., (© Wildlife Disease Association 2024.)

Background: Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is a relatively novel technique that can aid surgeons during intraoperative tumour identification., Methods: Nine canine oncology patients (five mammary gland tumours, three mast cell tumours and one melanoma) received intravenous indocyanine green (ICG). After 24 hours, tumours were resected and fluorescence intensities of tumours and surroundings were evaluated. Additional wound bed tissue was resected if residual fluorescence was present after tumour resection. Ex vivo, fluorescence-guided dissection was performed to separate tumour from surrounding tissue., Results: Intraoperative NIRF-guided tumour delineation was feasible in four out of nine dogs. Wound bed imaging after tumour removal identified nine additional fluorescent lesions, of which four contained tumour tissue. One of these four true positive in vivo lesions was missed by standard-of-care inspection. Ex vivo fluorescence-guided tumour dissection showed a sensitivity of 72 per cent and a specificity of 80 per cent in discriminating between tumour and surrounding tissue., Conclusion: The value of ICG for intraoperative tumour delineation seems more limited than originally thought. Although NIRF imaging using ICG did identify remaining tumour tissue in the wound bed, a high false positive rate was also observed., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© British Veterinary Association 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Tumor-targeting contrast agents may facilitate resection of solid neoplasms during fluorescence-guided surgery. Preliminary safety and imaging efficacy of the near-infrared fluorescent probe DA364 were evaluated during surgical resection of spontaneous solid tumors in 24 dogs. Intra-operative imaging was performed in situ and on excised specimens to evaluate fluorescence intensities of tumor and adjacent tissues. After standard-of-care tumor resection, the wound bed was imaged again, and additional tissue was excised if residual fluorescence was detected. DA364 was well tolerated after intravenous administration. The median tumor-to-background ratio in situ for mammary tumors, mast cell tumors and sarcomas was 1.8 (range 1.2-3.9), 2.2 (range 1.0-5.6), and 4.2 (range 2.0-4.3), respectively. Qualitative intra-operative tumor identification was feasible in half of the cases. Remaining fluorescence was detected in four wound beds that contained residual disease, and in11 tumor-free wound beds, confirmed by histopathology. Overall, DA364 did not raise safety concerns and showed accumulation in different types of spontaneous tumors, showing potential to pinpoint residual disease. Larger clinical trials are necessary to select accurate dosing and imaging protocols for specific indications to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the agent., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST This manuscript is based on our original research and had neither been published, nor is being considered elsewhere for publication. CB, AC, LM, PO, CA, IT, AM, FT, FB are employees of Bracco Imaging spa. All the other authors declare no commercial or financial conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Favril et al.)

The mRNA expression pattern of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) 8 and DPP9, two DPP4 homologs, was studied previously and showed a broad tissue distribution. In this study, protein expression and activity of DPP8 and DPP9 were investigated in male reproductive tissues of different mammals. Based on specific DPP activities and inhibition profiles, the proline-selective DPP activity in the bovine and rat testis could predominantly be attributed to DPP8/9 and not to DPP4. This is in contrast to the epididymis, where most of the activity was caused by DPP4. Bovine sperm preparations had very low or undetectable DPP8/9 activity. After characterization of polyclonal antibodies specific for DPP8 or DPP9, we could localize both enzymes in seminiferous tubules of the testis. A specific staining for DPP9 was found associated with spermatozoids embedded in the epithelium, just before their release into the lumen, and in spermatids. DPP8 was localized in spermatozoids in an earlier stage of maturation. These findings help to provide insight into the physiological role of DPP4-like enzymes in the male reproductive system. This manuscript contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org. Please visit this article online to view these materials.

Lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (LPR) is a common histologic finding in dogs with chronic nasal disease; however, potential etiologies of this disorder have not been examined. We investigated the hypothesis that specific microbes contribute to clinical disease in dogs with LPR. Paraffin-embedded nasal biopsies were obtained from 19 dogs with LPR, 10 dogs with nasal neoplasia, and 10 dogs with nasal aspergillosis. Nucleic acids were extracted from paraffin blocks, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for detection of target genes for bacterial and fungal DNA, canine adenovirus 2 (CAV-2), parainfluenza virus 3 (PI-3), Chlamydial Chlamydophila spp., and Bartonella spp. Conventional PCR was used for detection of Mycoplasma spp. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test for nonparametric data, and significance was set at P < 0.05. DNA or RNA for CAV-2, PI-3, Bartonella, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydophila was not detected in any nasal biopsy. DNA loads for bacterial DNA did not differ among disease groups. Detection of fungal DNA in nasal biopsies was highest in dogs with aspergillosis (P < 0.0001); however, nasal biopsies of LPR dogs also displayed higher fungal DNA levels than samples from dogs with nasal neoplasia (P = 0.016). Detection of high levels of fungal DNA in nasal biopsies of dogs with LPR suggests that fungal organisms may be causally associated with the inflammation observed, although the possibility of entrapment or accumulation of fungi in the nasal cavity due to chronic inflammation cannot be excluded. Further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying etiopathogenesis of LPR.

Background: Chronic progressive lymphedema in Clydesdale and Shire draft horses causes severe disability of the limbs which leads to premature death of these horses. Since appropriate function of lymph vessels is dependent on the presence of viable elastin fibers, the goal of this study was to document differences in skin elastin fibers in affected horse breeds, compared to a nonaffected draft horse breed., Methods and Results: Biochemical analysis of cutaneous desmosine, a cross-linking amino acid found only in elastin, was used to measure elastin in the skin from 110 draft horses. This included 7 normal, 38 mildly affected, 30 moderately, and 15 severely affected horses, and 20 horses of a nonaffected draft breed. Desmosine concentrations in neck, considered a nonaffected skin region, and left forelimb, an affected skin region, were compared between the groups. A significantly lower desmosine concentration was found in the skin of the neck and limb of clinically normal animals of affected draft breeds compared to a nonaffected draft horse breed. During the progression of the disease in the affected breeds, cutaneous desmosine concentrations most prominently increased in the skin of the distal limbs., Conclusions: Chronic progressive lymphedema in draft horses was associated with an initially systemic lower cutaneous elastin level and a deposition of elastin during the progression of the disease. A failure of elastic fibers to appropriately support the skin and its lymphatics is proposed as a possible contributing factor for chronic progressive lymphedema in Shires and Clydesdales.

A 13-year-old Morgan gelding was evaluated because of a mass in the caudal region of the abdomen. The horse had been presumed to be a gelding, but necropsy findings revealed a retained testis in the right retroperitoneal space. Histologically, the retained testis contained neoplastic cells; metastases were identified in the liver, spleen, lungs, and sublumbar lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical examination of the testis and metastatic tissues confirmed the diagnosis of malignant Sertoli cell tumor. Testicular neoplasms are infrequently reported in stallions. Seminomas are most commonly reported, whereas Sertoli cell tumors are considered to be rare. Typical biological behavior of Sertoli cell tumors in horses is unknown. To the authors' knowledge, there have been 2 reports of Sertoli cell tumors in horses; the tumors developed in descended testes, and 1 tumor was malignant.

Background: A condition characterized by progressive swelling, hyperkeratosis, and fibrosis of the distal limbs has been recognized in Shire, Clydesdale, and Belgian draft horses. This chronic progressive disease starts at an early age, progresses throughout the life of the horse, and often ends in disfigurement and disability of the limbs that inevitably leads to the horse's premature death. This study was undertaken to better characterize this disease., Methods and Results: Six affected horses were donated for diagnostic workup. A detailed clinical, radiologic, gross, and histologic description is given in this report. The lesions in the limb consisted of progressive development of thick-walled lymphatics, associated with chronic dermal edema, inflammation, fibrosis, neovascularization, and elastin degeneration. In the end stages, arteriosclerosis and fibrosed veins were also present. The clinical signs and pathologic changes in this disease closely resemble the human condition of elephantiasis nostras verrucosa, a state in which chronic lymphedema plays a pivotal pathogenic role.