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Background: Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is considered a rare condition in cats that is characterized by the obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow tract from the level of the small hepatic veins to the level of the termination of the inferior vena cava into the right atrium in the absence of cardiac or pericardial disease, or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. Case description: This report presents a 13-year-old cat with a two-week history of progressive lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, and abdominal distension. Findings/treatment and outcome: The radiological study was consistent with pleural effusion, as well as alveolar and interstitial pulmonary patterns. Ultrasonography confirmed hepatic venin congestion and ascites. Abdominocentesis revealed a modified transudate. A computed tomography (CT) angiography showed a mass at the level of the caudal mediastinum that compressed the caudal vena cava (CVC). Mediastinal lymphoma was considered the most likely differential diagnosis. These findings were interpreted as Budd-Chiari-like syndrome (BCLS) secondary to a mediastinal mass although, unfortunately, no further diagnostic or treatment procedures were accepted by the owners. BCLS is a rare condition in cats, where most of the reported cases occurred as a result of obstruction of the caudal vena cava. In this report, BCLS was caused by a mass located in the caudal mediastinum oppressing the caudal vena cava. Conclusion: This is the first report of BCLS in cats diagnosed by CT angiography, and it shows the value of this technique to define the origin and extent of the mass and to evaluate the presence or absence of metastatic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of alternative feeds for animal nutrition has widely been recommended in the last years. Banana (Musa acuminate) is a predominant culture in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world with an estimated world production of 116 million tons. Banana by-products could be used as alternative feeds for ruminant nutrition. The present study assessed the effects of replacing ryegrass hay with banana byproducts on carcass characteristic and composition in Canary hair sheep lambs. The animals (N=22, weighted 14.8±0.5 kg body weight (BW)) were divided into 2 groups receiving a mixture of fresh banana by-products and commercial ryegrass hay, respectively. A commercial concentrate feed was also added to both groups. After a 58-day trial, 14 animals (n=14) were slaughter at weights of 25.0 ± 0.6 kg BW. Carcass weight, dressing weight, composition and tissue weight were not significantly different for both groups, except for the weights of the empty digestive tracts (P=0.001) and livers (P=0.002). The results confirm that banana by-products could be used as alternative forage source for Canary hair sheep lambs raised in subtropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microanatomy of the intestinal epithelium in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (CST) was studied by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The small intestinal epithelium (SIE) was single layered or pseudostratified. The enterocytes contained mitochondria or mitochondria and lipid droplets. The enterocytes were arranged tightly in the apical parts of epithelium and connected by desmosomes and interdigitations. The large intestinal epithelium (LIE) was pseudostratified and the enterocytes did not contain lipid droplets. Enterocytes were arranged compactly in the apical part, forming spaces in the middle and basal parts of epithelium. Numerous mucous cells were scattered in the epithelium and there were intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) with their pseudopodia extended into the intestinal lumen. This study provides detailed features of intestinal epithelium in the Pelodiscus sinensis that could be related to function. In addition, these findings are discussed in relation to other vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first work that applies immunohistochemistry in the characterisation of the inflammatory infiltrate of verminous bronchopneumonia associated with lungworm parasites in stranded dolphins. Samples from three different species (Stenella coerulealba, Stenella frontalis and Delphinus delphis) stranded in the Canary Islands were used. The most common findings found in these animals varied from bronchitis to verminous bronchopneumonia with different degree of severity. The immunohistochemical study showed variable expressions of Lysozyme, MHC-II, iNOS and IgG. The main population presenting in the inflammatory infiltrates were CD3+ lymphocytes. However, moderate number of Foxp3+ lymphocytes was found in lymph nodes even though no Foxp3+ cells were found in lung lesions in any of the samples analysed. This study revealed that lung lesions showed a chronic inflammatory infiltrate mainly composed by lymphocytes CD3+. Deeper studies are needed in order to provide a more complete scope about the infiltrates involved in these types of lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper describes the immunophenotype of cellular inflammatory infiltrates in chronic cholangitis in six common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), four striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), three Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and one pygmy sperm whale (Kogia Breviceps) found stranded along the coasts of the Canary Islands (Spain). A panel of 5 antibodies previously tested in dolphins (anti-CD3, -IgG, -MHC class II, -S100 protein and -lysozyme) were used. The present work also reports cross reactivity with dolphin antigens of two antibodies not used to date in dolphins (anti-mouse iNOS and anti-mouse Foxp3). The most common type of cholangitis found was chronic granulomatous cholangitis, associated with the presence of the parasite Campula spp., or its eggs in bile ducts. The cellular composition of the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate associated to chronic parasitic cholangitis was closely similar to that found in the cortex of control lymph nodes, including the presence of S100+ and MHC class II+ dendritic- like cells in lymphoid follicles and interfollicular areas. Only occasional macrophages expressed iNOS, whereas Foxp3+ lymphocytes were not found in any of the lesions described in the different types of cholangitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle samples were examined post-mortem in 148 cetaceans over a 12-year period. Histological analysis included haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining with and without diastase digestion. In addition, histological muscle sections were immunostained for ubiquitin and fast and slow heavy-chain myosin isoforms. PAS-positive, diastase-resistant inclusions were detected in 26 animals from 11 different species. Older cetaceans were preferentially affected. These intrafibre inclusions varied from large aggregates to multiple coarse granules and were typically associated with type II fibres. All diastase-resistant inclusions were positive for ubiquitin. These features resembled those inclusions described as complex polysaccharide in horses. Based on these histological findings and the ubiquitin staining pattern, a morphological diagnosis of complex polysaccharide storage myopathy is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a unique case of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with concurrent abdominal cestodiasis in an African green monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) that presented with respiratory insufficiency and abdominal discomfort. There were multiple white-grey masses in the liver and colonic serosa alongside intra-abdominal parasitic cysts. Histopathologically, the liver masses were composed of poorly-differentiated epithelial cells that formed densely cellular solid areas and trabeculae. The neoplastic cells were strongly immunopositive for CK7 but negative for Hep-Par1 antigen, which confirmed a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Interestingly, there was strong and diffuse neoexpression in the tumour of the cell cycle regulator 14-3-3σ, which is not constitutively expressed in normal liver. There was aberrantly strong expression of E-cadherin, a key cell-cell adhesion protein, in neoplastic cells with evidence of cytoplasmic internalization. This is the first immunohistochemical analysis of 14-3-3σ and E-cadherin in a liver neoplasm in an animal species and the use of these markers requires further investigation in animal liver neoplasms., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In humans, apocrine gland tumours encompass a heterogeneous group of uncommon neoplasms with varied and unpredictable biological behaviour. They can be slow-growing lesions, recur after excision, produce lymph node metastasis in up to 50% of cases or lead to tumour-related death. We document a malignant scent adenocarcinoma in a wedge-capped capuchin monkey (Cebus olivaceus). Immunohistochemical labelling revealed complete absence of myoepithelial cells, a finding usually considered a hallmark of malignancy in humans; however, after a 2-year follow-up, the neoplasm had not recurred. This is the first detailed report of the pathology of a spontaneous scent (apocrine) gland adenocarcinoma in a non-human primate., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In human medicine, non-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is routinely used to assess the cardiovascular system. In this study, using non-contrast CMRI, we provide a thorough description of the normal appearance of the intrathoracic cardiovascular structures in one healthy cat using a magnet operating at a field of 1.5-Tesla. The CMRI protocol was based on the use of fast spin-echo double inversion recovery and steady-state free precession pulse sequences in oblique short-axis, vertical long-axis, and horizontal long-axis imaging planes. After imaging the feline heart, four cadaver cats injected with latex substance into their arterial and venous systems were sectioned to facilitate interpretation of the intrathoracic cardiovascular structures to the corresponding CMRI. The fast spin-echo double inversion recovery images showed the best evaluation of gross intrathoracic anatomy, giving excellent contrast of the myocardium and vessels walls as they appeared with intermediate signal intensity compared to the lumen that appeared with low signal intensity. By contrast, steady-state free precession images showed details of the heart cavities and vascular lumen due to the high signal intensity of fast-flowing blood. The results of this study provide some anatomic detail for the heart and associated vessels as seen by non-contrast CMRI in the domestic cat., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to describe the normal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the heart and associated vessels in a mature female cat using a 1.5-Tesla magnet. Non-contrast enhanced MRA was performed using a three-dimensional time of flight (TOF) sequence in parasagittal and dorsal aspects. Relevant cardiac and vascular structures were labelled on three-dimensional Time of flight images. Time of flight imaging showed details of the heart cavities and vessels lumen due to the high signal intensity of fast-flowing blood compared with bones, muscles, and lungs, which appeared with low signal intensity. Three-dimensional TOF sequences provided adequate anatomical details of the heart and good differentiation of the vascular structures that could be used for interpretation of cardiac images and to assist in future MRA studies., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Biliary cirrhosis produced by Campula spp. is described in 1 striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba and 4 harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena. The hepatic lesions consisted of severe proliferation of fibrous connective tissue with loss of the lobular pattern, nodular regeneration of the hepatic tissue, bile duct hyperplasia and severe inflammatory infiltrate composed of eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. These lesions were associated with severe infestation by Campula spp. Although inflammatory and degenerative hepatic lesions are frequently found in stranded dolphins, biliary cirrhosis has not been previously reported in cetaceans. Massive infestation by these parasites should be included as a cause of hepatic failure resulting in stranding of marine mammals.

The present work describes the distribution of S-100 protein in the intestinal tract of a Chinese soft-shelled turtle specimen (Pelodiscus sinensis). S-100 protein positive cells were located in the intestinal tract, from the proximal small to distal large intestine. S-100 protein positive dendritic cells had irregular shape and were positive in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Most of them were located both lamina propria and submucosa in the small intestine, while few were found in the large intestine. S-100 protein, C-kit positive ICCs and Silver staining glial cells were predominantly observed in three locations: (1) in the interspace between the submucosa and circular muscle layer; (2) in the circular muscle layer; and (3) between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the intestine. Fewer were found in the large intestinal lamina propria and submucosa. Three types of positive cells (S-100 protein positive cells, C-kit positive ICCs and Silver staining glial cells) with 1-2 long or 2-3 short processes were distributed as lace-like or surrounding blood vessels in the different locations mentioned above. In the lamina propria, all the positive cells with irregular processes were connected with each other and formed a network. In the submucosa, all the positive cells were found surrounding the blood vessels., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The cross-reactivity of monoclonal antibodies specific for human, porcine and bovine cytokines was evaluated for three cetacean species: Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Formalin-fixed and snap-frozen tissue sections of lung, spleen, liver and mesenteric lymph node were evaluated. T and B lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages were detected by use of anti-human CD3, IgG and lysozyme polyclonal antibodies (pAbs), respectively. These reagents were successfully applied to both fixed and frozen tissues. Anti-human interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and CD25, anti-porcine IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and anti-bovine IL-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma antibodies produced immunolabelling in cetacean snap-frozen lymph node sections similar to that obtained with tissue from the species of origin, but they did not react with formalin-fixed tissue sections. Anti-porcine IL-12 pAb did not react with snap-frozen cetacean tissue samples. Macrophages and lymphocytes were the most common cells immunolabelled with the anti-cytokine antibodies. This panel of anti-cytokine antibodies may be used to evaluate cytokine expression in snap-frozen tissue samples from the cetacean species tested., ((c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The expression of iNOS by macrophages in 33 dogs suffering from spontaneous leishmaniasis was analysed by immunohistochemistry in skin, liver and lymph nodes. A correlation study between the number of macrophages expressing iNOS and the number of macrophages containing leishmania amastigotes was carried out. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections from the skin (28 cases), popliteal lymph nodes (8 cases) and liver (3 cases) of dogs of different age, sex and breed suffering from leishmaniasis were included in the study. Dogs were referred as positive for Leishmania spp by serology and the diagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of leishmania amastigotes within macrophages by histopathology. Tissue samples of skin (3 cases), popliteal lymph nodes (5 cases) and liver (3 cases) from dogs seronegative for leishmaniasis with no histopathological changes were included in the study as controls. The immunohistochemical study revealed that macrophages containing a high number of leishmania did not express iNOS. Correlation between the number of macrophages expressing iNOS and the number of macrophages containing leishmania amastigotes was assessed using the Spearman test. High expression of iNOS in macrophages was related with low number of leishmania amastigotes in macrophages in all cases (r=-0.47, p=0.002). These results suggest that iNOS expression by macrophages plays an important role during the control of Leishmania infection in dogs.

This report describes a large cell immunoblastic lymphoma in a bottlenose dolphin found stranded alive in Gran Canaria, Spain. Diffuse infiltration of round neoplastic cells was observed in the splenic cords and sinuses and in hepatic sinusoids, resulting in moderate organ enlargement. The tumour cells (immunophenotype IgG+ and CD3-) showed scant, lightly eosinophilic or basophilic cytoplasm, distinct cell boundaries and hyperchromatic nuclei, each with one or more nucleoli. Mitoses were common. On the basis of histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features, the tumour was classified as an immunoblastic lymphoma. Eleven polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, 23 organochlorine pesticides and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in the blubber and liver. High concentrations of PCBs 153, 180, 138 and 187 found in the liver may have been associated with the hepatosplenic lymphoma.

This study evaluates the cross-reactivity of seven anti-human and one anti-bovine antibodies in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples of liver and mesenteric lymph nodes of 13 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). Four antibodies (CD3, IgG, lysozyme and S100 protein) reacted with striped dolphin lymph nodes in a similar pattern to that observed in the species of origin. The anti-human MHC class II mAb reacted strongly with macrophages and dendritic-like cells of striped dolphins, whereas a small number of lymphocytes were labelled with this antibody. These antibodies were used to study the immunophenotype of the inflammatory infiltrated in non-specific chronic reactive hepatitis (eight cases) and chronic parasite cholangitis (two cases) and normal liver (three cases) of striped dolphins. Non-specific chronic reactive hepatitis was composed of inflammatory infiltration of CD3+ T lymphocytes and IgG+ plasma cells in portal spaces and hepatic sinusoids. Lymphonodular aggregates observed in chronic parasitic cholangitis showed a cellular distribution similar to that found in lymph node cortex, including the presence of S100+ and MHC class II+ dendritic-like cells in lymphoid follicles and interfollicular areas. This result suggests that those inflammatory infiltrates are highly organised to enhance antigen presentation to B and T cells.

Of 14 common dolphins, 12 showed non-specific reactive hepatitis and three chronic parasitic cholangitis with lymphoid proliferation. Non-specific reactive hepatitis was shown immunohistochemically to be associated with small clusters of CD3(+) cells in portal areas and hepatic sinusoids. Polyclonal antibody against S100 protein reacted with a variable number of lymphocytes from portal areas and hepatic sinusoids, as well as with Kupffer cells and epithelial cells of the bile ducts. The majority of plasma cells observed in portal areas and hepatic sinusoids were IgG(+). In lymphonodular lesions of chronic parasitic cholangitis, the distribution of immunoreactive cells was similar to that found in the cortex of lymph nodes. The presence of stellate cells similar to follicular dendritic and interdigitating cells expressing S-100 protein and MHC class II antigen in lymphonodular lesions suggested that these were highly organized structures developed to enhance antigen presentation to B and T cells.