Onychobiopsy without onychectomy: description of a new biopsy technique for canine claws

Biopsies of the claw and microscopic examination of the claw matrix epithelium are usually necessary to achieve a specific diagnosis for most onychopathies in the dog. When claw biopsy specimens are required, distal onychectomy has been the method advocated. Distal onychectomy often meets with owner reluctance, necessitates a prolonged surgical procedure and results in postoperative pain and discomfort for the animal. The technique described herein yields appropriate samples of the claw epithelium. This procedure is rapid, elementary and avoids unnecessary amputation of the distal digits.     

Chronic vomiting associated with a gastric carcinoid in a cat.

A geriatric domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of chronic vomiting. Chronic renal failure was diagnosed on the basis of physical examination findings and results of a serum biochemical profile and urinalysis. Endoscopically obtained gastric biopsies were suggestive of a carcinoid tumor. Subsequently, an exploratory celiotomy with partial gastrectomy was performed. Histopathological and electron microscopic analysis of surgical biopsy specimens confirmed the diagnosis of a gastric carcinoid, which has not been previously reported in the cat. Following complete excision, the cat remained clinically stable and free of signs of gastrointestinal disease for 4 months before requiring treatment for progressive renal failure.     

The utility of intraoperative impression smear cytology of intracranial granular cell tumors: Three cases

Two adult male dogs (a 7‐year‐old shorthaired Chihuahua and 14‐year‐old Shih Tzu) and one adult female dog (a 9‐year‐old Maltese) presented for evaluation of new‐onset seizure activity. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated a large, poorly marginated T2‐weighted hyperintense, and strong contrast enhancing extra‐axial mass in each case. A surgical biopsy for histopathologic evaluation was elected in all cases, and intraoperative impression smears were successfully obtained. Intraoperative cytology identified a homogenous population of round to polygonal cells with central to eccentric nuclei, coarse chromatin, and variably amphophilic to eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. Cytologic findings led to a suspected diagnosis of granular cell tumor (GCT) in all cases. Histopathologic review identified a densely cellular, unencapsulated neoplastic mass comprised of sheets of large round to polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm containing numerous eosinophilic intracytoplasmic granules, confirming the diagnosis of GCT in all cases. The cases reported here are unique in that they reveal an accurate intraoperative cytologic diagnosis of a rare canine central nervous system neoplasm. Intraoperative cytology of the intracranial masses could provide clinicians with important and quick diagnostic and prognostic information; therefore, expediting decisions made intraoperatively. Further research is warranted to determine the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative cytology for neoplasia in veterinary patients.     

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of malignant tumors in dogs and cats: a report of 102 cases

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a fast and inexpensive technique well tolerated by animals. Its efficacy for the diagnosis of malignancy and determination of cellular origin was investigated for 97 malignant tumors and five benign lesions in 83 dogs and 19 cats. Histological examination of the lesions was performed in each case. Malignancy was detected by cytology in 69% of the malignant tumors. The cellular origin of the lesion was determined in 74% of the cases. Confirmation of malignancy and determination of cellular origin permitted an early diagnosis and prognosis. Since fine needle aspiration biopsy and cytology cannot definitely rule out malignancy, a surgical biopsy and histopathology should be done when malignancy is suspected clinically and not confirmed cytologically. Specimens of good quality, adequate collaboration between the cytologist and clinicians, and sufficient knowledge of pathology and cytology are basic requirements for obtaining good results with fine needle aspiration biopsy and cytology.     

Thoracic actinomycosis (arcanobacteriosis) or nocardiosis causing thoracic pyogranuloma formation in three dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe three cases of canine thoracic actinomycosis (arcanobacteriosis) or nocardiosis in which the primary pathological lesion was a pyogranulomatous abscess in the mediastinum. Clinical signs, difficulties in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are examined. Comparisons are made between human and veterinary literature to assist in formulating a rational treatment plan. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. PROCEDURE: Review of case records from 1984 to 1998. RESULTS: Three dogs presented with large intrathoracic pyogranulomas producing variable clinical signs, not necessarily associated with the respiratory tract. Ages ranged from 2 to 5 years old. Two dogs responded to surgical opening and passive drainage of the abscess, or surgical excision of the granuloma with associated structures, and medical therapy. One dog died intra-operatively. CONCLUSION: A combination of surgical and antimicrobial therapy may carry a fair-to-good prognosis for thoracic granuloma caused by actinomycosis (arcanobacteriosis) or nocardiosis. The extent of surgery should be based on assessment of individual cases and must include surgical biopsy for histology and culture to enable a specific diagnosis to be made. Complete surgical excision is not necessarily required. Prolonged antimicrobial therapy is indicated.     

The intravenous administration of johnin in the diagnosis of paratuberculosis in practice

The diagnostic value of the intravenous injection of 1.6 or 3.2 ml of johnin was evaluated in a total of 116 cattle. The sensitivity was 84% with clinically suspect cattle. A general reaction occurred frequently as well as elevation of body temperature (average 1.47 degrees C). The observance of a general reaction was a good additional source of information when evaluating the test. There was no significant difference in elevation of temperature between the cattle injected with 1.6 ml and those injected with 3.2 ml. A combination of diagnostic techniques such as the complement fixation test, intravenous johnin test, microscopic examination of the faeces and a biopsy examination of the rectal mucosa were necessary, in order to confirm the diagnosis of Johne's disease. In this manner a diagnosis can be confirmed with clinically suspect cattle in 96% of the cases. The sensitivity of the intravenous johnin test was considerably lower in cases of non-clinical Johne's disease.     

Spinal meningiomas in dogs: Description of 8 cases including a novel radiological and histopathological presentation

Clinical, imaging, and histological features of 8 canine spinal meningiomas, including a cervical cystic meningioma with imaging and intraoperative features of an arachnoid cyst, are described. All meningiomas were histologically classified and graded following the international World Health Organization human classification for tumors. Six meningiomas were located in the cervical spinal cord. Myelography showed intradural/ extramedullary lesions in 3/4 cases. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintense intradural/extramedullary masses on pre-contrast T1-weighted and T2-weighted images with homogeneous contrast enhancement in 7/8 cases. One dog had a cerebrospinal fluid-filled subarachnoid cavity dorsal to the cervical spinal cord. A spinal arachnoid cyst was diagnosed on imaging, but the histopathological study of the resected tissue revealed a grade I meningothelial cystic meningioma. There were no differences in outcome associated with tumor grade and surgical treatment (6/8). Cystic meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraspinal cystic lesions, and biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis.     

Diagnostic techniques for dermatophytosis

This article reviews the use of common diagnostic tools for the identification and isolation of dermatophyte infections in small animals. The use of the Wood's lamp as a screening tool is discussed, along with its usefulness as an aid in the microscopic examination of hairs for fungal elements. Tests for the definitive diagnosis of dermatophytosis are highlighted and include: direct examination of hair for ectothrix spores, fungal cultures, and skin biopsy. Sampling techniques, procedures, and interpretation of test results are also detailed.     

猫股骨髁粉碎性骨折的手术内固定

为诊断1只高处坠落导致跛行的患猫,采取了临床基本检查、实验室检查及DR影像学检查,确诊为左后肢股骨髁粉碎性骨折。根据检查结果制定手术治疗方案,采用交叉克氏针配合拉力螺钉进行手术内固定。后期回访患猫骨折断端愈合良好,运动功能逐步恢复,表明上述骨折固定方法有效。     

Renal biopsy: methods and interpretation.

Renal biopsy most often is indicated in the management of dogs and cats with glomerular disease or acute renal failure. Renal biopsy can readily be performed in dogs and cats via either percutaneous or surgical methods. Care should be taken to ensure that proper technique is used. When proper technique is employed and patient factors are properly addressed, renal biopsy is a relatively safe procedure that minimally affects renal function. Patients should be monitored during the post biopsy period for severe hemorrhage, the most common complication. Accurate diagnosis of glomerular disease, and therefore, accurate treatment planning,requires that the biopsy specimens not only be evaluated by light microscopy using special stains but by electron and immunofluorescent microscopy.     

Branchial cyst in a dog

A 7-year-old spayed German Shorthaired Pointer was determined to have a branchial cyst in the subcutaneous tissues of the cervical/facial area. Treatment had been attempted by aspiration and placement of drains, but without success; the final diagnosis was made after microscopic examination of the wall of the excised cyst. The means by which fluctuant swellings in this region may be differentiated are anatomic location and examination of full-thickness biopsy specimens of cyst walls.     

Jamshidi needle biopsy for diagnosis of bone lesions in small animals

Sixty-two bone lesions in 59 small animals were biopsied using a Jamshidi-type biopsy needle. In all instances, the Jamshidi needle biopsy diagnosis was confirmed or disputed by results of histologic examination of specimens obtained by surgical resection or by amputation or at necropsy. In 57 of 62 bone lesions, biopsy resulted in an accurate diagnosis of tumor vs nontumor, yielding an accuracy rate of 91.9%. The specific tumor type or lesion type was identified accurately by Jamshidi needle biopsy in 51 of 62 lesions, yielding an accuracy of 82.3%. Of the 62 bone lesions, 48 were intramedullary osteosarcoma and 62.5% of these were subclassified correctly by Jamshidi needle biopsy results as osteoblastic, chondroblastic, fibroblastic, osteoclastic, or poorly differentiated osteosarcoma. Jamshidi needle biopsy was easy, quick, and safe, and its high accuracy rate of diagnosis indicated that it should be a valuable aid for diagnosis of bone lesions in small animals.     

The intravenous administration of johnin in the diagnosis of paratuberculosis in practice

Summary

The diagnostic value of the intravenous injection of 1.6 or 3.2 ml of johnin was evaluated in a total of 116 cattle. The sensitivity was 84% with clinically suspect cattle. A general reaction occurred frequently as well as elevation of body temperature (average 1.47° C). The observance of a general reaction was a good additional source of information when evaluating the test.

There was no significant difference in elevation of temperature between the cattle injected with 1.6 ml and those injected with 3.2 ml. A combination of diagnostic techniques such as the complement fixation test, intravenous johnin test, microscopic examination of the faeces and a biopsy examination of the rectal mucosa were necessary, in order to confirm the diagnosis of Johne's disease. In this manner a diagnosis can he confirmed with clinically suspect cattle in 96% of the cases.

The sensitivity of the intravenous johnin test was considerably lower in cases of non‐clinical Johne's disease.     

Cytological diagnosis of mandibular salivary gland adenocarcinoma in a dog

A case of mandibular salivary gland adenocarcinoma in a 9-year-old female dog is described. Material collected by fine needle aspiration underwent cytological examination and after the diagnosis of salivary carcinoma the mass was surgically excised and then was processed for histological examination. The aim of this work is to describe the cytopathological features of this carcinoma and to emphasize the usefulness of fine needle aspiration technique, which is an effective, inexpensive and minimally invasive method of diagnosis that can be performed before incisional biopsy or even before surgical excision.     

Haemangiosarcoma in the uterine remnant of a spayed female dog

A 11-year-old, female, spayed greyhound was presented with a haemorrhagic discharge from the vulva. Clinical examination, vaginoscopy and a computed tomography scan showed an irregular egg-sized mass in the region of the cervix and uterine stump. An endoscopic grab biopsy (incisional) suggested a malignant mesenchymal tumour. Following this, surgical excision of the cranial vagina, cervix and the uterine remnant was performed. The final diagnosis of haemangiosarcoma was based on histological examination of the larger excisional biopsy specimen and was confirmed by positive immunolabelling of the neoplastic endothelial cells for the von Willebrand factor.     

Lameness Associated with Coxofemoral Soft Tissue Masses in Six Dogs

Six cases of mechanical lameness involving the coxofemoral joint are presented. All dogs had a history of chronic rear leg pain and lameness, and decreased range of motion of the hip. On physical examination, ventral subluxation of the coxofemoral joint during extension was present in three dogs. A radiographic diagnosis of subluxation was made in five dogs. In each dog, surgical exploration of the area caudal to the coxofemoral joint revealed a fibrous mass between the lesser or third trochanters and the ischium, diagnosed as a nonneoplastic fibrous reaction by microscopic examination. The clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic signs were similar to previously described cases of myositis ossificans. Five dogs returned to normal function after excision of the soft tissue mass, and one dog was normal when lost to follow-up 4 weeks postoperatively.     

Renal biopsy and pathologic evaluation of glomerular disease

Presence of suspected primary glomerular disease is the most common and compelling reason to consider renal biopsy. Pathologic findings in samples from animals with nephritic or nephrotic glomerulopathies, as well as from animals with persistent subclinical glomerular proteinuria that is not associated with advanced chronic kidney disease, frequently guide treatment decisions and inform prognosis when suitable specimens are obtained and examined appropriately. Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy techniques generally are satisfactory; however, other methods of locating or approaching the kidney, such as manual palpation (e.g., in cats), laparoscopy, or open surgery, also can be used. Visual assessment of the tissue content of needle biopsy samples to verify that they are renal cortex (i.e., contain glomeruli) as they are obtained is a key step that minimizes the submission of uninformative samples for examination. Adequate planning for a renal biopsy also requires prior procurement of the fixatives and preservatives needed to process and submit samples that will be suitable for electron microscopic examination and immunostaining, as well as for light microscopic evaluation. Finally, to be optimally informative, renal biopsy specimens must be processed by laboratories that routinely perform the required specialized examinations and then be evaluated by experienced veterinary nephropathologists. The pathologic findings must be carefully integrated with one another and with information derived from the clinical investigation of the patient's illness to formulate the correct diagnosis and most informative guidance for therapeutic management of the animal's glomerular disease.     

Positive intraoperative cultures and canine total hip replacement: risk factors,periprosthetic infection,and surgical success

The results of closing intraoperative cultures from 27 canine total hip replacements (THR) were reviewed. The relationship between these culture results and presurgical and surgical factors, and the short- and long-term success of THR were assessed. Eleven out of 27 cases had a positive culture, but none of these 11 cases were diagnosed with periprosthetic infection at follow-up examination. The duration of the clinical signs of hip disease prior to THR was significantly greater for those cases with a positive culture (P=0.034). The incidence of positive cultures was not related to surgical success.     

Evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of cytologic examination: 269 cases (1999-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine sensitivity and specificity of cytologic examination used in a clinical setting. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 216 dogs, 44 cats, 4 horses, 2 ferrets, 1 llama, 1 rat, and 1 mouse. PROCEDURE: Records were reviewed of cases in which a cytologic diagnosis was followed by a surgical biopsy or postmortem examination within 3 days with subsequent histopathologic diagnosis. Diagnoses were compared for agreement at various levels, including complete agreement, partial agreement, no agreement, or no comparison possible because of insufficient or incorrect cytologic specimen. Levels of agreement were compared for different categories of lesions, including neoplastic, inflammatory, dysplastic-hyperplastic-other, and normal tissue. Additionally, levels of agreement for neoplastic lesions were categorized with regard to cell type, degree of malignancy, and location. Sensitivity and specificity of cytologic examination were calculated. RESULTS: At the level of general agreement (complete and partial agreement), the sensitivity of cytologic examination ranged from 33.3 to 66.1%, depending on the location of the lesion. Cytologic examination was most accurate when used to diagnose cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions and least accurate for diagnosis of liver lesions. Cytologic examination was most effective in diagnosis of neoplastic disease and least effective in diagnosis of dysplastic or hyperplastic conditions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cytologic examination is a valuable diagnostic tool, although our results indicated lower accuracy than previously reported. False-negative results (missing a diagnosis) were far more common than false-positive results (categorizing a healthy animal as diseased): therefore, if the clinical index of suspicion is high, cytologic examination should be repeated or another technique should be selected to rule out the suspected condition.     

Moh’s micrographic surgery for the management of a periocular mast cell tumor in a dog

A 3‐year‐old neutered male boxer dog presented with a 6‐month history of a waxing and waning mass of the left dorsotemporal eyelid margin. Cytology and biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of mast cell neoplasia. Systemic staging of the dog failed to reveal any evidence of metastatic neoplasia. Owing to the location of the tumor within the eyelid margin and the wide surgical margins recommended for excision of mast cell tumors, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) was chosen for its potential to conserve tissues while providing intraoperative confirmation the tumor was completely excised. Utilizing MMS horizontal sectioning technique, 100% of the surgical margins were assessed prior to closure of the surgical wound. This represents the first time a comprehensive MMS protocol was used in a veterinary patient under general anesthesia.