Imatinib mesylate treatment in a dog with gastrointestinal stromal tumors with a c-kit mutation

A 13-year-old spayed mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after histopathological examination of an abdominal mass. Five months after surgical resection of the tumor, we detected the recurrence of GIST with multiple disseminated abdominal lesions. A sequence analysis of cDNA obtained from a biopsy of the recurrent tumors revealed a mutation within exon 9 of the c-kit gene (1523A>T, Asn⁵⁰⁸Ile), which has been shown to cause ligand-independent phosphorylation of the KIT protein in GISTs and canine mast cell tumors (MCTs). Upon detection of the recurrent tumors, we initiated treatment with imatinib mesylate (10 mg/kg, q 24 hr). After 2 months, the dog achieved complete remission. Our findings indicate that canine GIST, and possibly MCT, may be responsive to molecular-targeted therapy.     

Long-term survival in a dog with primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor treated with toceranib phosphate

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNETs) are rare in dogs, and limited information exists about the treatment of these tumors. A 12-year-old castrated male French bulldog was presented to our clinic with gastrointestinal signs. Diagnostic tests revealed increased hepatic enzyme levels, a mass in the hepatic quadrate lobe, multiple intrahepatic nodules, and enlarged hepatic hilar lymph nodes. The liver mass was diagnosed cytologically as a malignant epithelial tumor suspected to be of neuroendocrine origin. The dog was treated with single-agent toceranib phosphate (TOC) and survived 25.1 months after the initial presentation. On necropsy, a liver mass was found and was subsequently diagnosed as a PHNET on histopathology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of long-term survival in a dog with PHNET treated with TOC.     

Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis in a dog

An 8-year-old, spayed, female Shiba dog was presented to a referring veterinarian with a complaint of chronic diarrhea and anorexia. Ultrasound and radiographs revealed an irregular mass in the pelvic cavity. The mass and the affected section of colon were surgically removed. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal coalescing granulomas and effaced intestinal structures. Central necrotic debris surrounded by multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells and neutrophils was observed. Numerous, irregularly branched hyphae with pale basophilic, thin walls and occasional bulbous enlargements at the tips were present. Polymerase chain reaction identified Basidiobolus ranarum, successfully confirming a definitive diagnosis of basidiobolomycosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of intestinal basidiobolomycosis in a dog.     

Localized pulmonary histiocytic sarcomas in Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Nineteen cases of histiocytic sarcomas in Pembroke Welsh Corgi were examined histopathologically. Focal or multiple masses were detected in the lung or in regional lymph nodes, or in both lung and nodes. All neoplastic lesions had common histological features characterized by the proliferation of pleomorphic histiocytic cells combined with various inflammatory cells. Most of the pleomorphic neoplastic cells were immunopositive for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and Iba-1. The median survival time for all dogs was 133 days. In the present study, several prognostic factors, such as gender, age, single or multiple lesions, lymph node involvement at the time of diagnosis, surgical resection status and additional chemotherapy, were examined, although none of these factors approached statistical significance. Histiocytic sarcoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs with pulmonary masses, especially in the canine breed.     

罗布麻总黄酮含量的研究

对罗布麻不同器官和不同月份的叶、茎中总黄酮含量进行比较分析。结果表明,罗布麻叶与茎中总黄酮含量有显著的差异,叶中的含量明显高于茎中的含量。不同月份之间茎和叶的总黄酮含量变化也较明显。罗布麻不同器官总黄酮类化合物含量从低到高的顺序为:茎、花、果、根、叶。     

Occurrence and distribution of larval and juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus at sandy beaches in eastern Hiuchi-Nada, central Seto Inland Sea, Japan

ABSTRACT:   The occurrence and distribution of larval and juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and major demersal fish from May to September were examined at seven sandy beaches at the central Seto Inland Sea. The flounder appeared from late May to August and were mainly collected at a depth of 2–5 m. Settlement of larval flounder was seen from late May to late June. A total of 6412 individuals of 17 species representing 12 families were collected in the study area. The dominant fish species were Favonigobius gymnauchen (56.0%), Tarphops oligolepis (8.1%), Rudarius ercodes (7.8%), P. olivaceus (7.3%), Repomucenus spp. (7.0%) and Heteromycteris japonica (3.3%). The catches of flounder differed among beaches and months. The number of flounder in June at Ohama Beach, where the most flounder were collected, was 22.6 individuals per haul (400 m²). The density of the flounder correlated negatively to that of F. gymnauchen .