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An 8-year-old crossbred thoroughbred chestnut stallion was suspected to an autoimmune mediated skin disease based on history, clinical observations, microbiological and clinicopathologically findings. The clinical signs disappeared completely after five weeks of treatment with PO prednisolone. However, approximately eight months later, the lesions recurred in a more severe form. There was no improvement despite the repeating previous treatment by horse's owner; therefore, oral azathioprine was added to prednisolone after skin biopsy. A significant therapeutic effect was observed by this combination, however; the use of azathioprine was discontinued after fifteen days due to diarrhea, while prednisolone continued for another week. After improvement of the symptoms, oral prednisolone was also stopped with a decreasing trend. Vesiculobullous to pustular lesions with acantholytic characteristic of the stratum corneum and stratum granulosum of epidermis were the histopathological findings, characteristics of pemphigus foliaceus. This is the first reported case of recurrent pemphigus foliaceus in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing activity of an ointment containing the hydroethanolic extract of Salvia Tomentosa (S. tomentosa) in a dermal wound model using rabbits. Ointments with concentrations of 2.5% (w/v) and 5% (w/v) were prepared using the hydroethanolic extracts of S. tomentosa. An in vivo excisional wound model was embloyed with New Zealand rabbits (n = 35) to assess the wound healing activity of these ointments. Rabbits were randomly divided into five experimental groups: negative (received no treatment), vehicle (received only the ointment vehicle), positive control (treated with Fitokrem®), and those treated with 2.5% (w/v) and 5% (w/v) S. tomentosa ointments. Wound diameters were measured using calipers on the 4th, 8th, and 14th days, and histopathological examinations were conducted on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days of treatment. The total phenolic content of the S. tomentosa hydroethanolic extract was determined to be 61.52 ± 2.33 µg of Gallic Acid Equivalents per mg of dry plant material. The total phenolic content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of the hydroethanolic extract of Salvia tomentosa were determined spectrophotometrically. In terms of wound closure, both 2.5% and 5% S. tomentosa ointments demonstrated wound healing activity comparable to that of Fitokrem®. In conclusion, S. tomentosa exibits a positive effect on dermal wound healing in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eyelid tumours are uncommon in dogs. In the present study, out of 102 ocular and adnexal samples from the dogs examined for a period of 2.5 years, 11 cases (10.78 per cent) were neoplastic in nature. The major location of the neoplasms was eyelids (8/11). One case (0.98 per cent) was diagnosed as pigmented sebaceous gland epithelioma. The tumour mass was present in the palpebral conjunctiva of the lower eyelid near the medial canthus of the left eye in a five-yearold Labrador dog. Grossly, the tumour mass appeared to be a greyish-black, firm, cauliflower-like growth. The mass was resected and submitted for histopathology. Microscopic examination of the mass showed a preponderance of basaloid reserve cells in the tumour tissue. The proliferating reserve cells formed irregular islands or trabeculae separated by thin fibrous connective tissue. They showed minimal to no pleomorphism, scanty amphophilic cytoplasm and oval nuclei. Melanin-containing cells were frequent, while mature sebocytes were infrequent. Mitotic figures were occasional. Pigmented sebaceous gland epithelioma was diagnosed based on gross and histopathological features. Apart from this, neoplasms such as fibrosarcoma, meibomian gland adenocarcinoma, well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, papilloma and non-pigmented sebaceous gland epithelioma involving eyelids, histiocytoma of third eyelid, periglobular lymphoma and leukemic infiltration of choroid were also recorded. The present research underlines the lower incidence of eyelid tumours in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global brain ischaemia following cardiopulmonary arrest is uncommonly reported in veterinary medicine yet neurologic injury after arrest is a known morbidity. Case report: An 18‐week‐old male entire Cavalier King Charles Spaniel‐Poodle was referred following 3 days of neurologic abnormalities after cardiopulmonary arrest. After resuscitation, the animal had decerebrate rigidity, a stuporous mentation and intermittent episodes of vocalisation and apnoea. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was undertaken 4 days after cardiopulmonary arrest, with standard sequences (T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery) as well as diffusion‐weighted imaging to better discern ischaemic injury and cytotoxic oedema for prognostic reasons. MRI findings were consistent with global brain ischaemia affecting the hippocampus, cerebellum and substantia nigra, the latter two not previously identified in canine cases of global brain ischaemia. The patient was euthanased on day eight post‐cardiopulmonary arrest due to a lack of neurological improvement and developing sepsis as a complication. Ante‐mortem identification of affected areas of the brain was confirmed on histological examination, with evidence of ischaemic injury seen in the cerebrum, hippocampus, cerebellum, basal nuclei and thalamus. Conclusion: This report describes ante‐mortem MRI and postmortem findings in a dog with global brain ischaemia following cardiopulmonary arrest. A multimodal approach to neuroprognostication in patients recovering from cardiopulmonary arrest is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the utility of measurement of the computed tomography (CT) attenuation value (CTav) in predicting tumor necrosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who achieve a complete response (CR), defined using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), after lenvatinib treatment. Method: We compared CTav in arterial phase CT images with postoperative histopathology in four patients who underwent HCC resection after lenvatinib treatment, to determine CTav thresholds indicative of histological necrosis (N-CTav). Next, we confirmed the accuracy of the determined N-CTav in 15 cases with histopathologically proven necrosis in surgical specimens. Furthermore, the percentage of the tumor with N-CTav, i.e., the N-CTav occupancy rate, assessed using Image J software in 30 tumors in 12 patients with CR out of 571 HCC patients treated with lenvatinib, and its correlation with local recurrence following CR were examined. Results: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an optimal cut-off value of CTav of 30.2 HU, with 90.0% specificity and 65.0% sensitivity in discriminating between pathologically identified necrosis and degeneration, with a CTav of less than 30.2 HU indicating necrosis after lenvatinib treatment (N30-CTav). Furthermore, the optimal cut-off value of 30.6% for the N30-CTav occupancy rate by ROC analysis was a significant indicator of local recurrence following CR with 76.9% specificity and sensitivity (area under the ROC curve; 0.939), with the CR group with high N30-CTav occupancy (≥30.6%) after lenvatinib treatment showing significantly lower local recurrence (8.3% at 1 year) compared with the low (<30.6%) N30-CTav group (p < 0.001, 61.5% at 1 year). Conclusion: The cut-off value of 30.2 HU for CTav (N30-CTav) might be appropriate for identifying post-lenvatinib necrosis in HCC, and an N30-CTav occupancy rate of >30.6% might be a predictor of maintenance of CR. Use of these indicators have the potential to impact systemic chemotherapy for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal diverticula are very common in human medicine, being the most common location in the colon (35-75%) and duodenum (15-42%). In veterinary medicine they are rare. The present report aims to describe the presence of a duodenal diverticulum in a Boxer breed canine, weighing 25 kg, with brown fur, two years old, whose history reflected sporadic vomiting, weight loss and hyporexia. Undergoing exploratory laparotomy due to the presence of a foreign body in the descending duodenum, the patient presented in situ, a deformation compatible with diverticula, with confirmation of it as histopathological result. Given the presence of gastrointestinal signs in canines, young people in general and Boxer breed in particular, it is suggested to consider the intestinal diverticulum as a pathological entity, within the differential diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leptospirosis has been little studied in Ecuador, where it is highly prevalent in the coastal provinces. Aim. To identify histopathological patterns in the kidney, and their association to Leptospira spp. prevalence in pigs at the municipal Portoviejo canton slaughterhouse. Methods: The histological sections of 420 kidneys from slaughtered pigs were studied, which demonstrated an association between renal lesions and Leptospira seroprevalence. Comparison of the proportion method was performed and risk analysis using EPIDAT, version 3.1, for epidemiological analysis of tabulated data. Results: The presence of serovars Australis, Bratislava, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Canicola was demonstrated to circulate in slaughter pigs, with an intermediate seroprevalence in these animals, thus posing a potential latent danger to susceptible humans. The seroprevalence detected in pigs corroborates the high percentage of lesions caused by Leptospira spp. in the kidneys of slaughter pigs. This evidence creates a significant alert to the personnel that handle and work with slaughtered pigs in the facility. Conclusions: Glumerulonephritis, tubular nephritis, interstitial nephritis, and glomerulitis appear in the kidneys of asymptomatic pigs, which are positive or not to Leptospira. spp, with a broad spectrum of lesions caused by the infection in these animals. Pigs with apparent interstitial nephritis were 3.5 more likely to test positive for MAT than the ones that showed no lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The trematode Heterobilharzia americana (HA) causes granulomatous gastrointestinal and hepatic disease in dogs. Before 2008, diagnosis relied on saline fecal sedimentation or histopathology, and earlier reports primarily described dogs with advanced disease or cases diagnosed incidentally at necropsy. The advent of a fecal PCR test has facilitated the diagnosis of HA and provided insights into manifestations and response to treatment. Objectives: Describe the clinical findings, response to treatment, and outcome for dogs infected with HA. Animals Sixty dogs diagnosed with HA between 2010 and 2019. Methods: Retrospective study. Medical records were searched for dogs diagnosed with HA by fecal PCR testing, identification of ova in feces, or histopathology. Results: Mean age was 7.5 (±4.1) years and weight was 23.2 (±10.18) kg. Clinical signs included diarrhea (55.8%), vomiting (46.2%), and weight loss with or without anorexia (15.4%). Laboratory abnormalities included hyperglobulinemia (42.6%) and increased liver enzyme activities (30%). More than 40% of dogs had an eosinophil count >500/μL. Hypercalcemia attributable to HA was identified in only 4 dogs. Pinpoint hyperechoic foci were noted in intestines, liver, or mesenteric lymph nodes during transabdominal ultrasonography in 64.4% of dogs. Survival data was available for 34 dogs, of which 73.5% (25) were alive 6 months after diagnosis. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Hyperglobulinemia, high eosinophil count, and ultrasonographic evidence of visceral mineralization were suggestive of infection. Hypercalcemia was uncommon. Combination treatment with praziquantel and fenbendazole was variably effective, and 17.6% of treated dogs with known outcome died as a result of HA infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction of the likely histopathological diagnosis of canine splenic masses can guide appropriate decision‐making. This study explores the predictive effect of breed and clinical presentation on the diagnosis of a canine splenic mass. Records from the Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom (2007‐2017) were reviewed. Dogs with a histopathologic or cytologic diagnosis from a splenic mass, or imaging findings consistent with disseminated metastatic disease, were included. Signalment, physical examination, haematology results, imaging findings and pathology reports were recorded. Breeds were grouped according to several permutations of their phenotype and then by clustering of breeds based on single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of malignancy and haemangiosarcoma. Two hundred and eighty‐eight dogs were identified: 27% female and 63% male, 21% entire and 79% neutered; German Shepherd was the most common breed (11%). Median age was 10 years and median bodyweight 25 kg. Thirty‐eight percent of dogs presented with haemoabdomen; a splenic mass was found incidentally in 28%. Sixty percent had a malignant tumour of which haemangiosarcoma comprised 66%. On multivariable analysis, genotype‐based breed group (P =.004), haemoabdomen (P <.001) and neutrophil count (P =.025) predicted malignancy, and genotype‐based breed group (P <.001) and haemoabdomen (P <.001) predicted haemangiosarcoma. Genotype‐based breed group and occurrence of haemoabdomen may have predictive value to diagnose malignant splenic masses and more specifically haemangiosarcoma. The effect of genotype‐based breed grouping was a superior predictor of the diagnosis of a canine splenic mass lesion compared with all phenotype‐based groupings tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anatomic pathology is a vital component of veterinary medicine but as a primarily subjective qualitative or semiquantitative discipline, it is at risk of cognitive biases. Logistic regression is a statistical technique used to explain relationships between data categories and outcomes and is increasingly being applied in medicine for predicting disease probability based on medical and patient variables. Our aims were to evaluate histologic features of canine and feline bladder diseases and explore the utility of logistic regression modeling in identifying associations in veterinary histopathology, then formulate a predictive disease model using urinary bladder as a pilot tissue. The histologic features of 267 canine and 71 feline bladder samples were evaluated, and a logistic regression model was developed to identify associations between the bladder disease diagnosed, and both patient and histologic variables. There were 102 cases of cystitis, 84 neoplasia, 42 urolithiasis and 63 normal bladders. Logistic regression modeling identified six variables that were significantly associated with disease outcome: species, urothelial ulceration, urothelial inflammation, submucosal lymphoid aggregates, neutrophilic submucosal inflammation, and moderate submucosal hemorrhage. This study demonstrated that logistic regression modeling could provide a more objective approach to veterinary histopathology and has opened the door toward predictive disease modeling based on histologic variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary forensic pathology plays a crucial role in animal death investigations. Recent years have seen increased attention given to this field in Taiwan. Here we report a grave crime that aroused public indignation in Taiwan, when in December 2015, a missing free-roaming cat was allegedly strangled by a suspect, according to witnesses. Surveillance video footage of the cruel incident surfaced that showed the cat, without visible signs of struggle, strangled by both hands of the suspect and kicked in the abdomen's left side. The body was stored in a travel bag when found in the suspect's motorcycle trunk three days after the cat had been missing. The radiographs revealed a suspected luxation of cervical vertebrae 6 and 7 (C6-C7). At forensic necropsy and histopathology, neck compression with subcutaneous hemorrhage at the left submandibular area, bruising of the neck, tears in the wall of the left external jugular vein, and pulmonary lesions were identified, all consistent with asphyxiation. Hemorrhages of the epidural space of the C7 vertebra, the spinal nerve at the level of C7, and surrounding soft tissues were noted. The pathological findings were in line with the suspect's confession, the witnesses' statements, and the video footage. The process and outcome of this case reflected society's growing awareness of animal welfare and the increased attention that the authorities are giving crimes against animals in Taiwan, and the link between pathologic findings and the crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria Lepstospira spp, of high worldwide prevalence, related to the circulation in multiple domestic and peridomestic reservoirs. The present review aimed to provide data on infection by Leptospira spp in possible animal reservoirs. A narrative review of the literature was developed where maximum prevalence values were found in canines up to 63%, in felines 68%, in swine 86%, in equines 75% and in bovines 89%. According to the prevalence of Leptospirosis, they should be taken into account from the routine diagnosis of pathology in animals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A 14‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare presented for a mass within the vestibule and vagina resulting in external compression and incomplete occlusion at the external urethral opening with subsequent difficulty urinating. Examination revealed an approximately 15 × 10 cm lobulated mass within the vestibule and caudal vagina attached via a broad base dorsally. Histopathology of the mass identified a low‐grade leiomyosarcoma. Complete resection was not possible, and surgical debulking of the mass was performed during standing sedation using a vessel‐sealing and dividing device. The mare was discharged 3 days post‐operatively without any complications. Recheck examinations performed at 1 month and 8 months' post‐surgery revealed excellent healing of the surgical site and no apparent tumour regrowth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: True thymic hyperplasia has been reported sporadically in the human literature as an immunological rebound phenomenon following immunosuppressive treatment or disease. There are limited accounts in domestic species, mainly following vaccination, and thymic hyperplasia has not been a recognised condition in the horse to date. This report details a case of true thymic hyperplasia in a 10‐week‐old Arabian colt diagnosed by histopathology of core biopsy samples. The colt developed pulmonary stenosis caused by compression due to a space occupying lesion in the cranial mediastinum following a 3‐month history of hospitalisation for treatment of traumatic oesophageal rupture with perioesophageal abscess formation. Diagnostic imaging of the cranial mediastinum was indicative of a thymic mass, and histopathology confirmed the mass was normal (hyperplastic) thymic tissue. The colt was treated with a tapering dose of corticosteroids, which led to involution of the hyperplastic tissue and resolution of pulmonary artery compression. Thymic hyperplasia may be an unrecognised sequela to chronic inflammation in horses and was only identified in this case when the size was sufficient to compress right cardiac outflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of an aryepiglottic tumour in a 19‐year‐old Paint gelding. Diagnostic work‐up included physical examination, endoscopic evaluation of the upper airway, and histopathology of the mass following removal. Treatment consisted of surgical excision of the aryepiglottic mass under endoscopic guidance followed by a 100 Gy dose of radiation delivered with strontium‐90 plesiotherapy to the surgical bed at 72 h post‐operatively. The radiation applicator was passed through the left nostril and the application area was confirmed via endoscopic evaluation. Histopathology, including immunohistochemistry, confirmed that the aryepiglottic tumour was T cell lymphoma. Recheck examination, including physical examination and upper airway endoscopy, was performed 1, 3 and 6 months following treatment and local recurrence was not observed. Local control with minimal morbidity can be achieved with surgical excision of equine lymphoma followed by strontium‐90 plesiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinobacillosis usually is a sporadic infection that affects the tongue in cattle ("wooden tongue") with possible spread to the digestive tract. Two 4‐year‐old Rouge‐des‐Prés cows from a single French beef herd were referred for chronic (2‐6 months) swelling and cutaneous nodules in the distal hind limbs. In addition to cutaneous signs, physical examination disclosed cachexia, lameness, lymphadenitis of the hind limbs, and pneumonia in both cows. Cytologic examination of direct skin smears was inconclusive, and no parasites were observed in examination of multiple skin scrapings. Histopathological examination of skin and lung biopsy specimens identified chronic, diffuse, severe pyogranulomatous dermatitis, associated with Splendore‐Hoeppli phenomenon and intralesional Gram‐negative bacteria. Cultures from skin, lymph nodes, and lungs (both cows were euthanized for welfare reasons) identified a Pasteurellaceae organism, confirmed as Actinobacillus lignieresii by partial sequencing of the rpoB gene. This report emphasizes that actinobacillosis can appear as a small outbreak in cattle with cutaneous and respiratory signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A novel equine parvovirus (EqPV‐H) was recently discovered in the equine liver with Theiler's disease. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of EqPV‐H infection in naturally occurring Theiler's disease cases and in‐contact horses in the absence of historical equine biologic product administration. Animals Ten cases of Theiler's disease from 6 separate properties were included in the study, based on the criteria of acute onset of clinical signs of liver failure with laboratory or histopathologic findings characteristic of Theiler's disease and no history of receiving an equine biologic product within the preceding 4 months. In addition, 37 in‐contact horses from 4 of the 6 properties were screened for EqPV‐H infection and hepatitis. Methods: In prospective case series, cases were diagnosed with Theiler's disease by the attending veterinarian and were tested for EqPV‐H by PCR of liver or serum. In‐contact horses were assessed via serum chemistry and PCR at the attending veterinarian's discretion. Hepatitis was defined as serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase activity above reference interval. The association of EqPV‐H with hepatitis was determined by Fisher's exact test. Results: Nine of 10 (90%) Theiler's disease cases and 54% of tested in‐contact horses were EqPV‐H positive. Hepatitis was significantly associated with EqPV‐H infection (P = .036). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Although further study is required to identify EqPV‐H as the causative agent of Theiler's disease, EqPV‐H appears strongly associated with cases of fatal Theiler's disease and subclinical hepatitis in horses in contact with those cases. The prevalence of EqPV‐H infection on affected properties can be high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding RNAs that act as regulators of posttranslational gene/protein expression and are known to play a key role in physiological and pathological processes. The objective of our study was to compare expression of miR-21 in renal tissue from dogs affected with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by X-linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN), a disease equivalent to human Alport syndrome, to that from unaffected dogs. Additionally, we sought to characterize changes in relative mRNA expression of various genes associated with miR-21 function. miRNA was isolated from kidney tissue collected from both affected dogs and unaffected, age-matched littermates at defined milestones of disease progression, including end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Additionally, autopsy samples from affected dogs at ESRD and corresponding unaffected dogs were evaluated. Samples were scored based on histological changes, and relative expression of miR-21 and kidney disease-related genes was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In affected dogs, significant upregulation of kidney miR-21 was first detected at the milestone corresponding with increased serum creatinine. Furthermore, miR-21 expression correlated significantly with urine protein: urine creatinine ratio, serum creatinine concentration, glomerular filtration rate, and histologic lesions (glomerular damage, tubular damage, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis). At end-stage disease, COL1A1, TGFB1 and its receptor, TGFB2, and Serpine1 were upregulated, while PPARA, PPARGC1A, ACADM, SOD1, and EGF were downregulated. In conclusion, miR-21 is abnormally upregulated in the kidneys of dogs with CKD caused by XLHN, which may play an important pathologic role in the progression of disease by dysregulating multiple pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe Perkinsea infection (SPI) is an emerging disease of frogs responsible for mass mortalities of tadpoles across the United States. It is caused by protozoa belonging to the phylum Perkinsozoa that form a distinct group referred to as the Pathogenic Perkinsea Clade of frogs. In this work, we provide detailed description of gross and histologic lesions from 178 naturally infected tadpoles, including 10 species from 22 mortality events and 6 amphibian health monitoring studies from diverse geographic areas. On external examination, we observed abdominal distension (10, 5.6%), cutaneous erythema and petechia (3, 1.7%), subcutaneous edema (3, 1.7%), and areas of white skin discoloration (3, 1.7%). On macroscopic examination of internal organs, we found hepatomegaly (68, 38.2%), splenomegaly (51, 28.7%), nephromegaly (47, 26.4%), ascites (15, 8.4%), segmental irregular thickening and white discoloration of the intestine (8, 4.5%), pancreatomegaly (4, 2.2%), and pancreatic petechia (1, 0.6%). Histologically, over 60% of the liver (148/165, 89.7%), kidney (113/147, 76.9%), spleen (96/97, 99%), and pancreas (46/68, 67.6%) were invaded by myriad intracellular and extracellular Perkinsea hypnospore-like and trophozoite-like organisms. Numerous other tissues were affected to a lesser extent. Mild histiocytic inflammation with fewer lymphocytes or eosinophils was commonly observed in areas of infection that were not obscured by lympho-granulocytic hematopoietic tissue. In light of these observations, we suggest a logical pathogenesis sequence. Finally, we propose a "case definition" for SPI to promote standardized communication of results and prevent misdiagnosis with epidemiological and pathologically overlapping diseases such as ranavirosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus (PCV) infection has emerged as an alarming threat to the pig population of India, especially in the Northeastern region (NER) over the last 10 years. The present study is a comprehensive report of the seroepidemiology of PCV2 and its incidences in the pig population from organized and unorganized farms of the entire NER of India from 2011 to 2017. A total of 5697 serum samples were screened by ELISA and the mean positivity of PCV2 antibodies in suspected sera was 31.27%. A total of 22 confirmed cases of PCV2 infection were recorded during the years 2014–2017. Seroprevalence of PCV2 infection in sows causing reproductive disorders in NER suggested its higher incidence in organized farms (65.7%) as compared to unorganized farms (17.6%). A detailed pathological and histopathological examination of the tissue samples collected from the affected animals indicated the presence of PCV2. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of four PCV2 isolates depicted the circulation of PCV2d genotype in the states of Meghalaya and Assam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 11‐year‐old neutered male Labrador retriever‐cross dog was presented to the University of Missouri‐Columbia Veterinary Ophthalmology Service for subtle visual deficits. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed a smooth, bullous elevation in the superior‐temporal retina OU. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) performed OU showed inner retinal separation consistent with retinoschisis. Electroretinography (ERG) revealed markedly reduced b‐wave amplitudes in the more severely affected eye (OD) compared with the less severely affected eye (OS). The most notable reductions were in the rod response and 30‐Hz flicker b‐waves OD which were approximately 50% of the corresponding amplitudes OS. Implicit times, particularly the a‐wave implicit times, were noticeably longer OD compared with OS. Lesions remained unchanged over 4 months at which time the dog was humanely euthanized for reasons unrelated to the ocular disease. Significant light microscopic ocular findings were bilateral superior temporal peripheral retinoschisis. The separation of the retinal tissue was similar between eyes and effectively divided the outer plexiform layer. In addition, thinning of the surrounding retinal layers was present. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of canine retinoschisis diagnosed with OCT, evaluated with electroretinography, and confirmed with light microscopic examination. History, clinical, and diagnostic findings, with the absence of disease progression over time, are analogous with cases of acquired senile retinoschisis in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the clinical, microbiologic, and histopathologic features of Capnocytophaga keratitis in dogs. Animals studied: Seven dogs with naturally acquired Capnocytophaga keratitis. Procedures: Medical records of dogs with a clinical diagnosis of keratitis and corneal cultures positive for Capnocytophaga spp. were reviewed. Dog signalment, medical history, clinical findings, and diagnostic assay results were recorded. Results: Breeds included Boston terrier (n = 3 dogs), Rat terrier (n = 2), and single cases of mixed breed and Pug. All dogs examined had expansive corneal ulceration involving the majority of the corneal surface. Marked corneal infiltrates, keratomalacia, and hypopyon were present. Progression of corneal disease was rapid with extensive dissolution of the corneal stroma. Corneal lesions progressed to catastrophic perforations within 24 h of the initial examination in three dogs, requiring enucleation. One globe was enucleated after failure to resolve with long‐term medical therapy. Globes and vision were retained in three dogs following aggressive medical therapy (two dogs) or 360° conjunctival graft surgery (one dog). Capnocytophaga cynodegmi, Capnocytophaga canimorsus, or unspeciated Capnocytophaga spp. were cultured from corneal samples of all dogs. Long, thin, gram‐negative rods were present during cytological evaluation of the cornea in some dogs. Histopathologic evaluation of enucleated globes revealed severe and diffuse neutrophilic and collagenolytic keratitis. Conclusions: Capnocytophaga keratitis is a severe, rapidly progressive corneal infection in dogs that is associated with diffuse corneal involvement, extensive keratomalacia, and a relatively poor prognosis. Clinical features of canine Capnocytophaga keratitis are similar to human cases of this infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sino‐nasal aspergillosis is a common nasal disease in dogs. Recommended treatment protocols typically involve trephination of the frontal sinuses or the use of an antifungal solution instilled into the frontal sinus under anesthesia, both of which have associated morbidity and complications. Objectives: To assess a minimally‐invasive topical treatment protocol for sino‐nasal aspergillosis in dogs. Animals: Twelve client‐owned dogs diagnosed with sino‐nasal aspergillosis that completed recommended treatment. Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs with sino‐nasal aspergillosis that received treatment. Fungal plaques were manually debrided and irrigated via frontal sinuscopy in 12 dogs that then were treated topically with 1% topical clotrimazole cream. Irrigation and topical medication application was achieved using a catheter placed retrograde directly into the frontal sinuses using the Seldinger technique over a guidewire, thereby avoiding the need for frontal sinus trephination. Invasion into the calvarium was recorded before treatment but was not considered a criterion for exclusion. Debridement and cream deposition was repeated every 2 weeks as needed until negative culture and histopathologic findings were obtained. Results: All dogs were cured (negative results for Aspergillus on endoscopy, fungal culture, and histopathology) with a median of 2 treatments. Treatments were well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects reported. Three dogs had evidence of erosion into the calvarium on computed tomography imaging. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: This protocol appears to be an effective and well‐tolerated minimally invasive treatment for sino‐nasal aspergillosis, including in dogs with erosion into the calvarium. Only mild adverse effects were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and imaging characteristics of canine splenic tumors and to establish guidelines for the presurgical assessment of splenic tumors in dogs. Fifty-seven dogs that underwent total splenectomy for the treatment of splenic tumors were evaluated by examining medical records, hematologic results, diagnostic imaging results, and histopathologic results. The maximum lesion size from ultrasonography was significantly different between malignant and benign tumors (p = 0.002). There was a correlation between tumor margination and type of splenic tumors (p = 0.045). Precontrast lesion attenuation on computed tomography was significantly different between splenic malignant and benign tumors (p = 0.001). The mean ± SD precontrast lesion attenuation of malignant tumors was 40.3 ± 5.9 Hounsfield units (HU), and for benign tumors, it was 52.8 ± 6.8 HU. In conclusion, some variables of the imaging examination could be used to distinguish the type of splenic tumor. Based on the study results, using a diagnostic flowchart would be effective in increasing the survival rate of patients with splenic malignant tumors. In addition, fine needle aspiration or magnetic resonance imaging prior to surgical exploration and histopathologic examination may be useful in achieving a more accurate diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donkeys in developing countries are usually used in transport and agriculture. They usually receive less attention compared to horses and little information is available about the pathology of many diseases including respiratory ones. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the incidence and pathological finding of airway inflammation in donkeys. A 73 of variable ages and sexes donkeys were used in the current study. They were subjected to postmortem examination of the lungs. Histopathological examination of lungs and lesion scoring for 7 variables including epithelial hyperplasia, Goblet cell metaplasia, basement membrane thickening, submucosal inflammatory cells, smooth muscle hyperplasia, peribronchiolar fibrosis and hemosiderin in small sized bronchi and bronchioles was performed. Presence of cartilaginous degeneration and bronchial associated lymphoid follicles (BALT) was also recorded. Airway inflammation in donkeys were reported in 87.6% of examined donkeys. .Lesion scoring was high in epithelial hyperplasia (1.96 ± 0.08) smooth muscle hyperplasia (1.81 ± 0.09) and inflammatory cells infiltration (1.5 ± 0.08). Other variables had less severity. Peribronchial fibrosis was observed in 17 (26.56%) cases affected with a mild severity (0.32 ± 0.07). Cartilage degeneration and loss was found in 6 cases (9.37%) and BALT hyperplasia was found in 9 cases (14.06%). Presence of hemosiderin pigment around bronchioles was less frequently observed. The donkeys exhibits a high incidence of lower airway inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to compare the potential repair efficacy of using either skin xenograft or allograft on the treatment of induced skin defects. The study was conducted on twelve stray dogs. Their weight and age ranges were 12-18 kg and 10-15 months, respectively. Animals were randomly allocated into two equal groups. In the first group, a 10 cm of full-thickness skin piece was harvested aseptically from a 4-monthaborted fetus. Along with, in the experimental animals, comparable skin defects were created at the lateral aspect of the forelimb. The grafts were fixed firmly to the wound bed by suturing. In the second group, the skin grafts (10 cm) were harvested from the lower abdomen of dogs and were firmly fixed over induced wounded beds at the forelimb of other dogs. In the first group, a few days postoperatively, the operative site demonstrated dryness, scar tissue formations, delayed wound healing, and local inflammation. However, after one-month post-surgery, there was a separation of the grafted tissue from the wound bed and signs of tissue rejection. In first group, histopathological examination revealed extensive infiltration of the inflammatory cells and separation of the grafted tissue from the subdermal layer. In the second group, the repaired site exhibited inflammatory signs and skin ulcers during the first postoperative week. After one month of the operation, formations of granulation tissue and restoration of normal skin coloration without hair formation were revealed on the allograft site. Complete skin healing and union of the graft with the recipient host were determined after two months of surgery. Histopathological examination demonstrated fibrocystic hyperplasia of the grafted tissue one month post-operatively, while deposition of collagen fibers was the main feature at the second month. In conclusion, unlike using of skin from the aborted bovine fetuses, the study specified the successful outcomes of using skin allograft in tissue repairing in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study which examined the effects of orthodontic movement of teeth into artificially produced infrabony lesions. The study used two female rhesus monkeys with adult dentitions as subjects in this study. Clinical signs of marginal gingivitis were observed in the animals during the first week of the experiment. Orthodontic bands were fitted on the maxillary first molars and canines of the animals after forty-two weeks. Histological analyses showed that there were great numbers of fibroblasts in the periodontal ligament spaces. It also found that the periodontal ligament fibers are under compression and that there is a loss of fiber orientation. Evidence of cementogenesis was also observed on the tension sides of the cemental surface.

The article discusses a study on the use of the principle of guided tissue regeneration as a method for treating exposed implant threads in mongrel dogs, conducted by William Becker and colleagues. The dogs' teeth were scaled and then brushed with chlorhexidine one week before implant placement. The test and control sites were examined under light and fluorescent microscopy in order to determine the quality and quantity of new bone formation. It cites the complications that resulted after the surgery. It states that the radiographs of the test and control sites revealed clinical evidence of proper bone healing adjacent to all fixtures. It discusses the histologic findings for one of the test sites.

Anatomic pathology is a vital component of veterinary medicine but as a primarily subjective qualitative or semiquantitative discipline, it is at risk of cognitive biases. Logistic regression is a statistical technique used to explain relationships between data categories and outcomes and is increasingly being applied in medicine for predicting disease probability based on medical and patient variables. Our aims were to evaluate histologic features of canine and feline bladder diseases and explore the utility of logistic regression modeling in identifying associations in veterinary histopathology, then formulate a predictive disease model using urinary bladder as a pilot tissue. The histologic features of 267 canine and 71 feline bladder samples were evaluated, and a logistic regression model was developed to identify associations between the bladder disease diagnosed, and both patient and histologic variables. There were 102 cases of cystitis, 84 neoplasia, 42 urolithiasis and 63 normal bladders. Logistic regression modeling identified six variables that were significantly associated with disease outcome: species, urothelial ulceration, urothelial inflammation, submucosal lymphoid aggregates, neutrophilic submucosal inflammation, and moderate submucosal hemorrhage. This study demonstrated that logistic regression modeling could provide a more objective approach to veterinary histopathology and has opened the door toward predictive disease modeling based on histologic variables.

Introduction: This study investigated short- and long-term effects of khat (Catha edulis) on hypophyseal, epididymal and testicular morphology, body weight and temperature changes and haematological parameters of rabbits. Materials and Methods: Twenty five male New Zealand White rabbits, divided into five groups were used. First four groups were administered, via intra-gastric tube, 1.5, 4.5, 13.5 and 40.5 g/kg body weight respectively of khat extract thrice a week for 8 weeks while controls received normal saline. Short-term and long-term effects were evaluated for hypophyseal, epididymal and testicular morphology, body temperature as well as body weight changes, food consumption and haematological parameters. Data on haematological parameters, body weight changes, body temperature and food consumption was done using one-way ANOVA at 95% confidence interval using SPSS version 12.0. Results: There was vacuolation in spermatogonia and spermatocytes at high doses while epididymides and hypophyses were unaffected. A significant decrease (P<0.05) in body weight of treatment groups correlated with reduced food intake with increasing doses and chronicity of exposure. Packed cell volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration decreased while white blood cell count increased with increasing doses. Conclusion: Khat extract had direct effects on spermatogenesis compounded by poor body weight gain, hyperthermia and blood volume loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this study was to compare the histopathologic change in uterus as well as the findings of clinical and bacteriological of twentyfour bitches with pyometra. Uterine lesions were grouped as acute endometritis, subacute endometritis, acute metritis, subacute metritis. Complete blood-count, blood biochemical parameters and toxin levels were determined. Only alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly different between all groups (P<0.01). Blood endotoxin level was different between the acute and subacute endometritis groups (P<0.01), and subacute endometritis and acute metritis groups (P<0.01). All bitches in the subacute endometritis group recovered. Three bitches in the acute endometritis group, two bitches in the acute metritis group and one bitch in the subacute metritis group died. The blood endotoxin level was determined to be quite high in the dead bitches. There was a difference in the levels of blood urea nitrogen (P<0.05), creatinine (P<0.01), and toxin (P<0.0001) between the dead and surviving bitches. In conclusion, the prognosis of pyometra may be recovered in bitches diagnosed with subacute endometritis associated with low levels of circulating endotoxin. The endotoxemic bitches that have blood endotoxin level above 0.96 EU/mL along with significantly increased alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentration would likely end up with a mortality outcome for acute endometritis, acute metritis, or subacute metritis. These parameters may serve as good prognostic markers in bitches with pyometra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Previous studies have reported that repeated administrations of linear gadolinium‐based contrast agents lead to their accumulation in the brain and other tissues in individuals with normal renal functions. The purpose of this prospective animal study was to investigate the effect of multiple administrations of macrocyclic ionic (gadoteric acid) and linear nonionic (gadodiamide) gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) on rat testis tissue and to compare these molecules in terms of tissue damage. Thirty‐two male Sprague‐Dawley rats were kept without drugs for 5 weeks after administration of 0.1 mmol mg−1 kg−1 (0.2 ml/kg) gadodiamide and gadoteric acid for 4 days over 5 weeks. Biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in testis tissue were evaluated at the end of 10 weeks. When used in repeated clinical doses, gadolinium was observed to increase apoptosis in the Leydig cells of the rat testis, and to increase serum Ca+2 levels and reduce testosterone levels (p < .05). Although the difference was not statistically significant, a greater loss of spermatozoa and immature germinal cell accumulation were observed in the seminiferous tubule lumen in the GBCA groups compared with the control and saline groups (p > .05). Both linear and macrocyclic contrast agents have toxic effects on testis tissue, irrespective of the type of drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 44 adult or juvenile nutrias were necropsied for disease survey. A large nodule was found in the liver of a nutria. The histopathological specimen of the hepatic nodule was microscopically examined, and sectional worms were found in the bile duct. The worms showed a tegument with spines, highly branches of vitelline glands and intestine. Finally, we histopathologically confirmed fascioliasis in a wild nutria. In the present study, a case of fascioliasis in a wild nutria is first confirmed in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To data, small animal Pestivirus H infection models have not been established. In order to develop a new infection model, BALB/c mice were inoculated with Pestivirus H strain HN1507. The virus-inoculated mice displayed nasal discharge and fever clinical signs. Histopathological changes in Pestivirus H -infected mice included alveolar septa thickening and alveolar atrophy in the lungs from 1 to 11 days post-inoculation (PI). Furthermore, we observed tracheal epithelial cell abscission and inflammatory cell infiltration in the tracheas from 1 to 9 days PI, infiltration of eosinophils in the spleens from 1 to 9 days PI, intestinal villi abscission and lysis of epithelial cells in the intestines from 1 to 11 days PI. The results of virus isolation showed that Pestivirus H replicated well in the lungs, tracheas, spleens, and intestines of infected BALB/c mice, and peak viral titers were observed 3 days PI. RT-PCR and immunofluorescence results were in agreement with the virus isolation results; however, the hearts of infected mice from 1 to 3 days PI were positive while virus isolation results were negative. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting Pestivirus H detection in BALB/c mice. Our findings indicated that Pestivirus H strain HN1507 was pathogenic to BALB/c mice and caused clinical signs and histopathological lesions in Pestivirus H -infected BALB/c mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10-year-old female German shepherd dog was presented with a large pendulous mass which was located in the area of the right inguinal mammary gland extending from M5-M2 with no marked lymphadenomegaly. The mass has progressively increased in size without regression over a period of 1 year. Radiography revealed a radiodense mass of tissue with no apparent metastasis to regional lymph nodes, no pulmonary metastases, and no abdominal viscera metastases. The tumor was staged as T3N1M0 after diagnostic clinical and radiological examinations based on WHO standards for tumor stage. Unilateral radical mastectomy with total mammary gland extirpation was performed and all glands from M5 to M1 on the right side were removed. The extirpated mass was 24 × 8 cm in size, weighed 2.25 kg, and was very firm. The tumor was lobular and was surrounded with thick band of fibrous capsule. Histology revealed numerous chondroblasts in the lacunae with moderate basophilic cytoplasm. These cells were monomorphic and pleomorphic (> 75% pleomorphic). There was anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. A good short-term clinical outcome was observed after surgical treatment and chemotherapy with tamoxifen and prednisolone for 21 days. Following clinical examinations, no pulmonary metastasis or recurrence of tumoral tissues was observed during 1-year post-surgery. Also, because the pathology of mammary gland tumors in dogs is similar to that of humans, it is strongly advocated that dogs are considered as natural animal model of human breast cancer research especially for testing new drugs and development of prophylactic and therapeutic measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydiae have a worldwide distribution causing a wide range of diseases in human hosts, livestock, and companion animals as well as in wildlife and exotic species. Moreover, they can persist in their hosts as asymptomatic infections for extended periods of time. The introduction of molecular techniques has revolutionized the Chlamydia field by expanding the host range of known chlamydial species but also by discovering new species and even new families of bacteria in the broader order Chlamydiales. The wide range of hosts, diseases, and tissues affected by chlamydiae complicate the diagnosis such that standard diagnostic approaches for these bacteria are rare. Bacteria of the Chlamydiales order are small and their inclusions are difficult to detect by standard microscopy. With the exception of avian and ovine chlamydiosis, macroscopic and/or histologic changes might not be pathognomic or indicative for a chlamydial infection or even not present at all. Moreover, detection of chlamydial DNA in specimens in the absence of other methods or related pathological lesions questions the significance of such findings. The pathogenic potential of the majority of recently identified Chlamydia-related bacteria remains largely unknown and awaits investigation through experimental or natural infection models including histomorphological characterization of associated lesions. This review aims to summarize the historical background and the most important developments in the field of animal chlamydial research in the past 5 years with a special focus on pathology. It will summarize the current nomenclature, present critical thoughts about diagnostics, and give an update on chlamydial infections in domesticated animals such as livestock, companion animals and birds, as well as free-ranging and captive wild animals such as reptiles, fish, and marsupials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-year-old male Japanese Shiba exhibited muscle wasting and a stiff gait. A low-amplitude myotonic discharge was recorded by needle electromyography (EMG). A histopathological examination on a tru-cut biopsy sample from the muscle revealed myofiber size variations. Internal nuclei and cytoplasmic vacuoles were observed in many fibers. A type 1 fiber predominance and many hybrid type fibers were observed immunohistochemically. On the basis of these EMG and histopathological findings, myotonic dystrophy (DM) was suspected as tentative diagnosis. The cytoplasm around the vacuoles was immunopositive for cytochrome c, tom 20 and SOD-1, suggesting that these vacuoles might occur within mitochondria. Collectively, these results indicate that a mitochondrial abnormality partly play the role on the pathogenesis of present case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-year-old male (neutered) Labrador with a history of erythematous skin lesions and exercise intolerance for a prolonged period was suddenly found dead. Necropsy findings revealed an infiltrative, focally extensive mass which occupied 25% of the cardiac interventricular septum. Severe endocardiosis was also found on the bicuspid and tricuspid valves. The submandibular lymph nodes and kidneys were bilaterally enlarged, and the pre-hepatic lymph node and spleen were also enlarged. Multiple dermal pustules were present around the mouth and on the ear, and small ulcers were present on the tongue. Histopathological examination detected the presence of neoplastic lymphocytes with a plasmacytoid morphology in these tissues as well as in the tongue and skin lesions. Immunohistochemical (CD3+/CD18+) evaluation was consistent with a T-cell lymphoma, which could be classified as a peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filarial nematodes of the Eulimdana genus inhabit subcutaneous tissue of various avian species, mostly Charadriiforme birds. In domestic pigeons, E. clava is the only species recorded in the subcutaneous tissue in a number of isolated cases. In the present study, we discuss the morphology and histopathology of filarial nematodes recovered from subcutaneous tissue of domestic pigeons in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In total 110 pigeons were submitted to necropsy at the Department of Pathology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Sarajevo. At necropsy, in four pigeons (3.6%) numerous thread-like 0.9–2.1 cm long nematode parasites were observed in the subcutaneous tissue, peritracheal and periesophageal connective tissue. In one pigeon, the parasites were also found free in the body cavity around the heart and lungs. In addition, several 80–90 μm long microfilariae were noted in the tissue cross-sections. No significant lesions were observed associated with adult parasites or microfilariae. Based on morphology, host species and localization detected parasites were identified as E. clava . Molecular analyses of the cox 1 and 12S rRNA nucleotide sequences herein generated revealed the close genetic relationship to other filarioid nematodes. The importance of the nematodes in pigeons and the lack of sequences in genetic databases for comparison of avian filarial parasites are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, cytological, and histopathological adverse effects of intra-articularly injected botulinum toxin A in dogs and to study whether the toxin spreads from the joint after the injection. Methods: A longitudinal, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted with six healthy laboratory Beagle dogs. Stifle joints were randomized to receive either 30 IU of onabotulinum toxin A or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Adverse effects and spread of the toxin were examined by evaluating dynamic and static weight-bearing of the injected limbs, by assessing painless range of motion and pain on palpation of joints, and by performing synovial fluid analysis, neurological examination, and electrophysiological recordings at different examination time-points in a 12-week period after the injections. The dogs were then euthanized and autopsy and histopathological examination of joint structures and adjacent muscles and nerves were performed. Results: Intra-articular botulinum toxin A did not cause local weakness or injection site pain. Instead, static weight-bearing and painless range of motion of stifle joints decreased in the placebo limbs. No clinically significant abnormalities associated with intra-articular botulinum toxin A were detected in the neurological examinations. Electrophysiological recordings showed low compound muscle action potentials in two dogs in the botulinum toxin A-injected limb. No significant changes were detected in the synovial fluid. Autopsy and histopathological examination of the joint and adjacent muscles and nerves did not reveal histopathological adverse effects of the toxin. Conclusion: Intra-articular botulinum toxin A does not produce significant clinical, cytological, or histopathological adverse effects in healthy dogs. Based on the electrophysiological recordings, the toxin may spread from the joint, but its clinical impact seems to be low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic fibrosis is commonly diagnosed in dogs, often as a sequela to chronic hepatitis (CH). The development of fibrosis is a crucial event in the progression of hepatic disease that is of prognostic value. The pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis in human patients and rodent models has been studied extensively. Although less is known about this process in dogs, evidence suggests that fibrogenic mechanisms are similar between species and that activation of hepatic stellate cells is a key step. Diagnosis and staging of hepatic fibrosis in dogs requires histopathological examination of a liver biopsy specimen. However, performing a liver biopsy is invasive and assessment of fibrotic stage is complicated by the absence of a universally accepted staging scheme in veterinary medicine. Serum biomarkers that can discriminate among different fibrosis stages are used in human patients, but such markers must be more completely evaluated in dogs before clinical use. When successful treatment of its underlying cause is feasible, reversal of hepatic fibrosis has been shown to be possible in rodent models and human patients. Reversal of fibrosis has not been well documented in dogs, but successful treatment of CH is possible. In human medicine, better understanding of the pathomechanisms of hepatic fibrosis is leading to the development of novel treatment strategies. In time, these may be applied to dogs. This article comparatively reviews the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis, its diagnosis, and its treatment in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the basic pathophysiology is the same in both cervical and thoracolumbar intervertebral disk (IVD) extrusions, there are considerable clinical differences that have only been partially explained. Hypothesis/Objectives: The epidural inflammatory response differs between cervical and thoracolumbar IVD extrusions. Animals: Fifty‐five dogs with cervical and 80 dogs with thoracolumbar IVD extrusions. Methods: Clinical data and histopathologic variables were investigated. Associations between severity of epidural inflammation and clinical and pathologic variables, impact of chondrodystrophic phenotype, and localization (cervical versus thoracolumbar) were evaluated statistically. Results: Dogs with cervical IVD extrusion were significantly older (P < 0.001), had less severe and longer duration of neurologic signs (both P < 0.001), were more painful (P = 0.038), and had a better outcome (P = 0.005) than dogs with a thoracolumbar IVD extrusion. On histopathology, cervical epidural material had less severe calcification (P = 0.002) and inflammation (P < 0.001). No significant differences regarding chondrodystrophic phenotype were found. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: There was significantly less intensive inflammatory response in the cervical epidural space. This observation correlated positively with less nucleus pulposus calcification in cervical extrusions indicating biochemical, metabolic, and biomechanical differences between the 2 locations, which remain to be characterized in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-ossified unilateral subcutaneous fibroma was diagnosed in the distal femoral region of a 5-year-old Nooitgedacht mare. Histopathological examination of the excised mass revealed long interweaving bundles of semi-mature monotonous collagenous connective tissue with fusiform nuclei without mitotic figures. The mare made an uneventful recovery following surgical removal of the neoplasm. Subcutaneous fibromas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin swellings associated with the limbs of horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Mycoplasma pulmonis (MP) remains potentially important rodent pathogen causing murine respiratory mycoplasmosis (MRM) which may go undiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature. In the present study, we carried out clinical, pathological, and molecular investigations of MP-induced MRM in a rat colony. Materials and Methods: Two female Wistar rats were observed to be diseased in animal facility of NISER, Bhubaneswar, and were kept in isolation for further investigation. Both the animals were found to be positive for MP after serological and molecular tests. Thereafter, whole rat colony comprising of 36 animals was segregated based on clinical symptoms and further sampled for histopathological, serological, and molecular investigations. Tracheal washing and infected lung tissue were collected during necropsy examination for DNA extraction. Molecular diagnosis was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using species-specific primers. Result: Classical symptoms of MP-associated respiratory tract infection were observed in only 2 of 36 infected animals, and most of the animals were found asymptomatic to the disease; however, all the animals were found to be carrier after necropsy and PCR assay. Gross and histopathological finding suggested severe congestion of the lungs along with suppurative and necrotizing pneumonia. The disease is confirmed by molecular diagnosis using species-specific primers in PCR assay. Conclusion: MRM may go undiagnosed due to asymptomatic nature. Detailed study of clinical symptoms, pathology, serology, and PCR-based molecular approach may aid in health monitoring and detection of MRM in a rodent colony reared for experimental purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Dublin (Salmonella Dublin) is a host-adapted bacterium that causes high morbidity and mortality in dairy cattle worldwide. A retrospective search of archives at the New York Animal Health Diagnostic Center revealed 57 culture-confirmed Salmonella Dublin cases from New York and Pennsylvania in which detailed histology of multiple tissues was available. Tissues routinely submitted by referring veterinarians for histologic evaluation included sections of heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Of the 57 Salmonella Dublin-positive cases, all were Holstein breed, 53 were female (93%), and 49 (86%) were <6 mo of age. Specifically, in calves <6 mo of age, >90% (45 of 49) of lungs, 90% (28 of 31) of livers, 50% (11 of 22) of spleens, and 62% (18 of 29) of lymph nodes examined had moderateto-severe inflammation with or without necrosis. Inconstant lesions were seen in 48% (10 of 21) of hearts examined, and consisted of variable inflammatory infiltrates and rare areas of necrosis. We propose a histopathology case definition of Salmonella Dublin in <6-mo-old Holstein cattle that includes a combination of pulmonary alveolar capillary neutrophilia with or without hepatocellular necrosis and paratyphoid granulomas, splenitis, and lymphadenitis. These findings will assist in the development of improved protocols for the diagnosis of infectious diseases of dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histochemical techniques used in examination of muscle biopsies typically require frozen sections. Given that most of the specimens submitted to a veterinary laboratory for diagnosis are formalin-fixed, the choice of staining methods is limited. We aimed to further advance the diagnostic capabilities of pathologists presented with formalin-fixed muscle samples and to describe the differences in immunohistopathologic findings between neurogenic and myogenic muscle disorders. Based on hematoxylin and eosin staining, we defined in dogs the histologic lesions in 4 neurogenic disorders (degenerative myelopathy and polyneuropathy) and 2 myogenic disorders (dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy). In cats, we defined the lesions in 2 neurogenic disorders (lymphoma of nerve roots and spinal cords) and 1 myogenic disorder (laminin a2-deficient muscular dystrophy). Immunohistochemistry for slow and fast myosins revealed angular and group atrophy of type 1 and type 2 fibers in dogs and cats, and fiber type grouping in dogs. These immunohistopathologic findings were specific to neurogenic muscle disorders. Immunohistochemistry for nestin and myogenin revealed nestin-positive fibers and myogenin-positive nuclei in dogs and cats. They were not specific, but these fibers in myogenic disorders can be interpreted as regenerating fibers. The immunohistochemical method described herein appears to be useful for discriminating neurogenic and myogenic disorders in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded muscle tissue of dogs and cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]