HYPERTROPHIC OSTEOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH PULMONARY BLASTOMYCOSIS IN A DOG

Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) associated with pulmonary blastomycosis was diagnosed in a 5–year-old male mixed-breed dog. One year prior to referral, increased pulmonary opacity had been identified on radiographs made during an examination for a chronic cough. Although serologic tests for blastomycosis were negative, the dog was treated with oral ketoconozole on the basis of suspicious lesions seen on radiographs and clinical signs. Ten months after completing the ketoconozole therapy, the dog was presented for a persistent cough and lameness. Intrapulmonary masses and periosteat proliferation were observed radiographically. A biopsy of the pulmonary masses was done, and Blastomyces dermatitidis was identified. Amphotericin B and ketoconozole administration resulted in clinical improvement and partial resolution of the HO lesions five months after initiation of therapy.     

Granulosa thecal cell tumour in a mare causing hypertrophic osteopathy

Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) is a rare condition in the horse characterised by symmetrical proliferation of connective tissue and subperiosteal bone, along the diaphyses of limb bones. In this case, a 10‐year‐old Irish Draught cross Thoroughbred mare was presented for investigation of weight loss, lethargy and firm swelling of all 4 distal limbs. Radiographs of the distal limbs revealed palisade‐like periosteal new bone formation perpendicular to the cortex of the distal third metacarpal and metatarsal bones, proximal (P1) and mid (P2) phalanges. Rectal examination revealed a mass of approximately 20 x 30 cm in the right caudoventral abdomen. The mare was diagnosed with HO due to a granulosa thecal cell (GTC) tumour. The GTC tumour was removed and the diagnosis confirmed on histological examination. Clinical examination and radiographs of the distal limbs after surgery demonstrated reduction in size of the limb swellings and new bone formation. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of HO due to a GTC tumour in a mare.     

Feline cytauxzoonosis: a case report and literature review

A 5.5-year-old Siamese presented for evaluation of a three-day history of anorexia and lethargy. Upon physical examination, the cat was depressed, dehydrated, pyrexic, had injected conjunctiva and sclera, pale mucous membranes, and a grade II/VI systolic heart murmur. Thoracic radiographs revealed moderate to severe, diffuse, bronchointerstitial pulmonary changes with enlarged and tortuous pulmonary vessels. With continued hospitalization, the cat became dyspneic and died. The postmortem cytopathological examination of the liver, spleen, and lung impressions revealed reticuloendothelial cell infection with Cytauxzoon felis.     

Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma in a dog

A six-year-old intact female Maltese dog weighing 3.8 kg presented with a history of mild lameness and swelling on both forelimbs. Radiographic and computed tomographic views revealed an extensive periosteal reaction in all four limbs and a large round mass on the right middle lung lobe. A total lobectomy was performed and pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma was histologically confirmed. A diagnosis of hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) secondary to a lung tumor was made. Periosteal proliferation decreased significantly after surgery; however, there was evidence of dyspnea, mass recurrence, and periosteal reaction three months post-operatively. This is the first case report of pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma with HO in a dog in which we describe clinical, imaging, surgical, and histological findings.     

Primary pulmonary osteosarcoma in a dog

An 11-year-old mixed breed dog was referred because of coughing and painful swelling of the distal extremities which had not resolved with antibiotic treatment. A consolidated left cranial lung lobe and hypertrophic osteopathy were identified by radiographs. A unique feature of this report is the marked, rapid reduction in pain and lameness associated with hypertrophic osteopathy after treatment with corticosteroids. Histological examination of an 8 cm diameter, spherical mass found in the excised cranial lung lobe revealed osteosarcoma. No evidence of local or distant metastases was present. The dog survived one year after diagnosis.     

Cladosporium cladosporioides‐complex infection in a mixed‐breed dog

A 3‐year‐old female mixed‐breed dog was referred with a 2‐day history of serious dyspnea, coughing, lethargy, anorexia, and a low‐grade right anterior lameness. At presentation, the dog had an increased respiratory rate, dull heart and lung sounds, and cyanotic mucous membranes. It was hyperthermic and slightly dehydrated. Laboratory findings showed mild neutrophilia with a left shift, while serum biochemistry variables were in the normal range. However, urinalysis revealed mild proteinuria and rare erythrocytes and leukocytes on sediment examination. Thoracic radiographs showed a diffuse mixed interstitial and alveolar pattern with an air bronchogram, while appendicular radiographs showed a right humeral interrupted brush‐like periosteal reaction. Thoracic ultrasonography revealed mediastinal lymph node enlargement. Cytology from a fine‐needle aspirate of mediastinal lymph nodes revealed a pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis with numerous fungal hyphae. Culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar isolated dark fungal colonies with microscopic features consistent with Cladosporium spp. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region identified the fungus as a species of the Cladosporium cladosporioides‐complex.     

Idiopathic hypertrophic osteopathy in a cat

This report describes the first case of idiopathic hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) in a cat. No causes for the bone pathology were found following evaluation of the physical and laboratory examinations (complete blood count, albumin, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase and urinalysis), and after histopathological evaluation of organs at necropsy. Based on the radiographic, clinical and anatomopathological findings, idiopathic HO was diagnosed.     

Craniomandibular osteopathy in a bullmastiff

A 6-month-old bullmastiff was presented with bilateral painful swellings of the mandible. Craniomandibular osteopathy was diagnosed based on skull radiographs and histological findings from bone biopsies. Treatment consisted of meloxicam to alleviate the pain. Three months later, the dog was pain free without medication or palpable change in the mandible.     

Severe cardiac malformation with secondary polycythemia in a 5-month old calf

A 5-month old female Red-Holstein calf in poor condition was presented with a history of reduced appetite, respiratory disease and collapse. Clinical examination revealed an elevated heart rate and pronounced cyanosis of the mucous membranes. Heart and lung auscultation were normal. A complete blood count revealed profound polycythemia with severely increased values for packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte count. Cardiac ultrasonography revealed abnormal position of the great vessels with two arteries located in the right ventricle output tract and a high ventricular septum defect (VSD). Intracardial pressure and blood gas measurements confirmed pressure overload in the right heart, a left-to-right shunt through the VSD and a right-to-left-shunt leading to hypoxemia and secondary polycythemia. Based on poor prognosis, the animal was euthanized. Post-mortem examination confirmed the results of the further investigations conducted to determine the cause of polycythemia in this calf.     

Surgical repair of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a pregnant dog

Objective: To describe the surgical repair and pre‐ and postoperative management of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) in a pregnant dog. Case summary: A pregnant dog was presented for vomiting, lethargy, and pale mucous membranes. Pulsus paradoxus was noted on physical examination. The dog was diagnosed with a PPDH via thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, and an echocardiogram. The hernia was surgically repaired and the dog received supportive medical care until the puppies were old enough to be delivered via cesarean section. The mother and all puppies survived. New or unique information provided: This is the first report that describes the surgical repair and postoperative management of a PPDH in a pregnant dog.     

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE OF AN AORTICO-PULMONARY SEPTAL DEFECT IN A 4-DAY-OLD THOROUGHBRED FOAL

We describe the echocardiographic findings in a 4-day-old thoroughbred foal with an aortico-pulmonary septal defect. The foal had labored breathing, cyanotic mucous membranes and a continuous grade 5/6 heart murmur with point of maximal intensity over the base of the heart on the right side. Echocardiographically, there was a large communication between the aorta and the pulmonary artery just dorsal to the base of the heart. The cardiac anomaly seen during the echocardiographic exam was confirmed at necropsy where a large communication between the two great vessels was observed. These findings correlate with previous studies in humans, dogs, and cats. The possible failure in the embryologic development that led to this unusual cardiac anomaly is discussed.     

Surgical management of tetralogy of Fallot

A 3½-month-old female Wirehaired Fox Terrier was referred for diagnosis and treatment of a congenital heart disease. Examination revealed a pan-systolic murmur and cyanotic mucous membranes. A tentative diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot was confirmed by radiographs, ECG, cardiac catheteriza-tion, and angiograms. End-to-side anastomosis of the left subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery (the palliative Blalock shunt), performed when the patient was 7 months old, provided remission of the clinical signs for 1 ½ years. Physical stress then recurred and the animal died. Post-mortem examination revealed the classic anatomy of tetralogy of Fallot and evidence that the Blalock shunt, which had remained patent for 1½ years, had closed, causing the death of the animal.     

Jejunojejunal Intussusception and Colonic Impaction in a 12-Day-Old Orphan Foal

A 12-day-old, 14.4-kg, female foal of Australian Miniature Pony breed was presented at the National Chung Hsing University Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, Taiwan, with a history of weakness of 2 days’ duration. The mare died of unknown cause on the previous day. Abnormal findings during physical examination included an estimated dehydration of 3 to 5%, dark red oral mucous membranes, elevated heart and respiratory rates, stiffened feces, and absence of intestinal motility on auscultation. Continual nursing care was followed by intravenous fluid therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and antibiotic treatment. The foal's condition deteriorated rapidly, and feeding was refused. Subsequently, she developed signs of pyrexia and panting. In spite of oxygen supplement, she died 18 hours after admission. Postmortem examination revealed the presence of a jejunojejunal intussusception, 20 cm in length; a torsion of jejunum proximal to the intussusception also was noted. An ulcerative lesion, 3 cm in diameter, was found on the mucosa of duodenum. Large amounts of sand, coat hair, and hay mantling in bloody discharge were observed in a colonic impaction. That it was an acute case was evident by the involvement of intussusception and ulceration, indicating desquamation of the necrotic epithelial cells with edema and distinct infiltration of neutrophils. These results suggested that a practical management strategy for nursing an orphan foal should be performed to avoid a similar case in the future.     

Regression of hypertrophic osteopathy in a cat after surgical excision of an adrenocortical carcinoma

A 12-year-old, spayed, female domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with severe and extensive hypertrophic osteopathy of the appendicular skeleton. Diagnostic ultrasound detected a mass lesion in the right adrenal gland. A right adrenalectomy was performed, and histopathological examination confirmed an adrenocortical carcinoma. No radiographic evidence of pulmonary metastasis was found on initial presentation or recheck thoracic radiographs taken 15 weeks later. Almost complete regression of periosteal new bone formation occurred 15 weeks following the successful surgical removal of the adrenal tumor.     

Bilateral angular carpal deformity in a dog with craniomandibular osteopathy

A four-month-old West Highland White Terrier was presented to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital at the University of Liverpool with the complaint of a bilateral angular carpal deformity. A 20° valgus deformity was present in both thoracic limbs, centred on the distal radial physes. Both distal ulnas were grossly thickened and there was concomitant thickening of the rostral mandible and calvarium. The dog exhibited signs of resentment on palpation of the mandible and signs of pain were elicited on flexion and extension of both elbow joints. No signs of pain were evident on palpation of the ulnas or calvarium. Radiographic images of both ulnas showed marked amorphous periosteal new bone formation. The distal ulnar physes were closed centrally and both elbow joints had humeroulnar subluxation. Radiographic changes to the calvarium and mandibular rami were consistent with a diagnosis of craniomandibular osteopathy. A bilateral ulna ostectomy was performed to correct the angular limb deformity and elbow subluxations. Histology of the ostectomised pieces showed changes consistent with craniomandibular osteopathy.     

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia associated with a sarcoma in a flat-coated retriever

A seven-year-old flat-coated retriever presented with a history of lethargy, dyspnoea and inappetence of several days' duration. Clinical examination revealed pale mucous membranes and tachypnoea, and haematology demonstrated marked autoagglutination. Thoracic radiographs revealed an increased opacity in the perihilar region. The owners declined further evaluation and the dog was treated symptomatically with immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone and azathioprine. The dog's demeanour improved, although it was eventually euthanased seven weeks later because of dysphagia and worsening dyspnoea. Postmortem examination revealed a widespread, poorly differentiated sarcoma involving the lungs, pericardium, thoracic lymph nodes and spleen. Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia is a well recognised condition in dogs and is occasionally associated with neoplastic conditions. This is the first case report to describe immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia associated with a diffuse, poorly differentiated sarcoma.     

Pulmonary metastatectomy in the management of four dogs with hypertrophic osteopathy

The efficacy and outcome of pulmonary metastatectomy in the management of hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) secondary to metastatic osteosarcoma was retrospectively evaluated in four dogs. Metastatectomy was performed by subpleural enucleation, partial lung lobectomy or complete lung lobectomy through either a median sternotomy or thoracoscopically. Perioperative morbidity was minimal. Clinical signs associated with HO resolved within 24 h of pulmonary metastatectomy in all dogs. Durable remission of symptomatic HO was achieved in all dogs (range, 50–294 days), although recurrence of HO was noted in one dog, 246 days postmetastatectomy due to metastasis to the lungs and chest wall. Pulmonary metastatectomy resulted in a rapid and prolonged resolution of HO, and the clinical benefits of metastatectomy potentially exceed the morbidity associated with the surgical procedure.     

Xerostomia, xerophthalmia, and plasmacytic infiltrates of the salivary glands (Sjögren's-like syndrome) in a cat

A 2.5-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of dysphagia and weight loss of 4 weeks' duration. MIld blepharospasm and conjunctival hyperemia were evident in both eyes, oral mucous membranes were tacky on palpation, and salivary glands were enlarged. Results of a Schirmer tear test were 0 mm/min for both eyes. Administration of atropine did not cause salivation or caused secretion fo thick rope-like saliva. Examination of biopsy specimens of salivary glands revealed a plasmacytic infiltrate. Sj?gren's syndrome (SS) was diagnosed. Oral administration of prednisone was instituted but was discontinued after a minimal positive response was evident 6 weeks after initiation of treatment. Palliative treatment with a 6% solution of pilocarpine 4 to 5 times/d, cyclosporine, hylan A, and neomycin-polymyxin-bacitracin ophthalmic ointment resulted in clinical improvement in the cat. Although reported rarely in animals, SS may be more common than currently is recognized. Most treatment regimens for SS are aimed at alleviating clinical signs.     

Dermatosis and associated systemic signs in a cat with thymoma and recently treated with an imidacloprid preparation

A cat was presented with acute-onset exfoliative erythroderma and gross and histopathological lesions of erythema multiforme. Marked cardiovascular abnormalities including heart failure occurred concurrently and a dermatogenic enteropathy was also seen. Medical treatment resolved the dermatopathy and enteropathy but the heart failure progressed. A drug reaction was initially suspected to be the underlying cause with no neoplasia being detected, but repeat radiographs subsequently revealed a thymoma which had not been visible on the initial radiographs. The dermatopathy may have been a paraneoplastic disease associated with thymoma and, possibly, exacerbated by a drug reaction to imidacloprid. The cardiovascular and gastroenterological diseases were thought to be systemic effects associated with the exfoliative erythroderma. The thymoma was surgically removed but the cat subsequently died from heart failure.     

A review of 14 cases of hypertrophic osteopathy (Marie's disease) in horses in the Republic of Ireland

There are few reports describing hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) in horses and no reports describing this in the Irish equine population. This case series outlines the clinical, radiological and pathological features of HO in horses in Ireland and compares and contrasts the findings to previous reports. Overall, the prevalence of HO in Irish horses was found to be low with clinical signs similar to previous reports. Diagnosis of the primary lesion was low, largely due to the limited diagnostic evaluation in a large proportion of the horses evaluated. The horses had a low average age and a high prevalence (35.5%) of mandibular and facial involvement.