Alopecia in a black Labrador retriever associated with focal sub‐follicular panniculitis and sebaceous adenitis

A 6‐year‐old entire male black Labrador retriever was presented with nonpruritic multicentric, well‐demarcated alopecia of 12‐weeks duration. Skin biopsies from the margins of alopecic regions showed sebaceous adenitis and sub‐follicular panniculitis. Biopsies from alopecic areas showed severe follicular atrophy with residual fibrous tracts, loss of sebaceous glands and lymphohistiocytic panniculitis beneath individual atrophic hair follicle groups. These features differed from previous reports of pilosebaceous diseases of dogs and appeared to extend the spectrum of inflammatory patterns in presumed immune‐mediated adnexal diseases of this species. During the 12‐month follow‐up, there was partial hair regrowth without treatment but alopecia was permanent in the centre of larger lesions.     

Pyogranulomatous panniculitis in a domestic cat associated with Pseudomonas luteola infection

Pseudomonas luteola, a pathogen causing disease in humans, has in animals been reported only in rainbow trout and ferrets. This case report describes pyogranulomatous panniculitis in a cat associated with P. luteola infection. Organisms were seen histologically and identified with PCR and sequencing. Lesions resolved after treatment with marbofloxacin.     

Age‐associated changes to pathogen‐associated molecular pattern‐induced inflammatory mediator production in dogs

Objective – To determine whether older dogs will have a more pronounced pro‐inflammatory response and blunted anti‐inflammatory response to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) compared with younger dogs. Design – Prospective. Setting – University teaching hospital. Animals – Thirty‐eight privately owned sexually altered dogs of various ages. Interventions – Blood was collected for HCT, WBC count, plasma biochemical analysis, and whole blood culture. Whole blood was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or, lipoteichoic acid or, peptidoglycan or, addition of phosphate‐buffered saline. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐10 production from whole blood were compared among young, middle aged, and geriatric dogs. Measurements and Main Results – LPS, lipoteichoic acid, and peptidoglycan stimulated significant TNF, IL‐6, and IL‐10 production from canine whole blood compared with phosphate‐buffered saline. Whole blood from geriatric dogs had a blunted IL‐10 response to LPS stimulation and middle‐aged dogs had increased LPS‐induced TNF production compared with the other groups. Conclusion – PAMPs from gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria stimulate TNF, IL‐6, and IL‐10 production from canine whole blood. The inflammatory mediator response to PAMPs from gram‐negative bacteria alters with age and may be one factor contributing to mortality in geriatric dogs with sepsis.     

Bovine focal proliferative fibrogranulomatous panniculitis (Lechiguana) associated with Pasteurella granulomatis.

In southern Brazil, cattle are affected by a disease known locally as Lechiguana and characterized by large subcutaneous swellings. Eighteen cases were examined clinically; 17 of the cattle had a single swelling, and one had two swellings. In 14 of the 18 cases, the swellings were located over the scapula and adjacent regions. The subcutaneous masses reached maximum dimensions of 45 x 50 cm, with heights above the skin surface of 5-25 cm. Growth was rapid, often taking place in 15 to 60 days. Histologically, all lesions were focal proliferative fibrogranulomatous panniculitis and consisted of focal proliferation of fibrous tissue that was infiltrated by plasma cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and sometimes neutrophils. An eosinophilic lymphangitis was also present, which sometimes resulted in the destruction of the lymphatics and the formation of eosinophilic microabscesses. Small granulomas, sometimes containing radiating clubs, and Splendore-Hoeppli material were present in the regional lymph node. Pasteurella granulomatis was isolated from the subcutaneous masses of 14 of the 18 natural cases. All 11 of these cases recovered following treatment with 3 g of chloramphenicol daily for 5 days. Untreated animals died. Because the area of anatomic distribution is similar to that infested by Dermatobia hominis, we postulate that this insect may transmit the causative agent. In one steer, a subcutaneous injection of P. granulomatis caused a large subcutaneous swelling consisting of interlacing bundles of collagen infiltrated by neutrophils, eosinophils, and some lymphocytes. Microabscesses, but not lymphangitis and granulomas, were detected. In all 11 cattle inoculated either intramuscularly or subcutaneously with P. granulomatis, purulent abscesses were produced at the sites of the injection, and P. granulomatis was recovered from all lesions.     

Feline cutaneous and visceral necrotizing panniculitis and steatitis associated with a pancreatic tumour

The association of pancreatic disorders with fat necrosis in domestic animals is rare. This report concerns a case of cutaneous/subcutaneous necrotizing panniculitis and steatitis associated with a pancreatic adenocarcinoma in an 11-year-old male Siamese cat. Clinical investigation revealed variably sized nodules on the trunk, limbs and abdomen. Some of them were ulcerated; others showed a shiny yellow necrotic background featuring irregular sinus tracts. The cat was euthanized at the owner's request before a diagnosis could be made. At necropsy, abundant oily material resembling mustard replaced the subcutaneous tissue and small yellow nodules were disseminated in the omentum, mesentery and serosa of the abdomen. A multilobulated mass arising from the anterior pancreatic head was found along with liver and lymph node metastasis. Histopathology showed wide fistulous tracts draining necrotic fat from the subcutis toward the surface and multifocal areas of necrotic adipocytes replacing the panniculus. Duct-like structures and tubules lined by neoplastic epithelial cells were observed in the primary pancreatic tumour and in the metastatic sites. The aetiology of the fat necrosis was possibly the result of systemic release of lipolytic pancreatic enzymes.     

Thymoma‐associated lymphocytosis in a dog

A 9‐year‐old female spayed English Springer Spaniel was evaluated for a cranial mediastinal mass and lymphocytosis. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes revealed 97% as CD3 positive, confirming a T‐cell lineage. Additionally, T‐cell subset assessment showed 53.2% to be double‐negative T‐lymphocytes, expressing neither CD4 nor CD8 surface markers. The number of double‐negative lymphocytes in circulation coincided with the number of T‐cell receptor (TCR) γδ‐expressing T‐cells in circulation. Molecular T‐cell clonality analysis of TCR Gamma (TCRG) gene rearrangement showed a polyclonal expansion of T‐lymphocytes. Histopathology confirmed the mass to be a thymoma, supporting the diagnosis of thymoma‐associated T‐cell lymphocytosis. Resolution of the lymphocytosis after removal of the thymoma provided further evidence for this diagnosis. To the authors' knowledge, this case is only the second report of thymoma‐associated peripheral lymphocytosis in the veterinary literature, and is the first to report a confirmed thymoma‐associated peripheral γδ T‐cell lymphocytosis in a dog.     

Pyogranulomatous panniculitis in a cat associated with infection by the Mycobacterium fortuitum/peregrinum group

A 6-year-old, spayed female, American domestic shorthair was presented with a 10-month history of nodules on the dorsum. Diagnosis of pyogranulomatous panniculitis caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum/peregrinum group was achieved by using tissue culture, chromatography, and histopathologic examination. Pathological findings, diagnosis, and clinical management of the condition are discussed.     

Immunogenicity of Murein‐associated Proteins from Temperature‐stressed Streptococcus suis Cultures

We compared immunogenicity in pigs of whole cell lysate proteins (WCP) with murein‐associated proteins (MAP) obtained from a virulent serotype 2 strain of Streptococcus (S.) suis grown at 32 or 42°C. Protein fractions were tested for their ability to induce antibodies in 3‐week‐old piglets by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. We found a significant increase in the antibody levels in all sera irrespective of the preparation used for immunization. However, α‐WCP sera showed higher reactivities than α‐MAP sera, and piglets immunized with 32°C preparations (α‐32 sera) showed higher responses than those immunized with 42°C preparations (α‐42 sera). Western blot analysis revealed that α‐WCP sera in part reacted with different proteins when compared with α‐MAP sera. Furthermore, some proteins were only detected by α‐32 but not by α‐42 sera. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the immunogenicity of cell wall MAP of S. suis, and highlight the importance of considering growth conditions in the preparation of subunit vaccines.     

Carbimazole‐associated hypersensitivity vasculitis in a cat

Feline hyperthyroidism can be treated medically, surgically or with radioactive iodine. Carbimazole inhibits both triiodothyronine and thyroxine synthesis in the thyroid gland and reported side effects include mild eosinophilia, leucopenia and lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzyme activities, gastrointestinal signs and skin abnormalities. This case report describes a cat with carbimazole‐associated apparent hypersensitivity vasculitis causing digital and tail necrosis, with multiple renal infarcts. Withdrawal of carbimazole resulted in stable disease .     

Diet‐associated hepatic failure and immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia in a Weimaraner

Objective: To describe the medical and nutritional management of a 4‐year‐old Weimaraner with acute hepatic failure and immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) associated with consuming a commercial dog food. Case summary: A 4‐year‐old male castrated Weimaraner developed signs of IMHA, hepatic failure, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and malnutrition after consuming a commercial dog food. During the course of hospitalization, medical management included immunosuppressive therapy and supportive care. Nutritional support consisted of both enteral and parenteral nutrition. The dog was discharged after 19 days of hospitalization and fully recovered by 6 months. An investigation by the Food and Drug Administration was not able to determine the exact cause of the acute hepatic failure and IMHA. New information provided: This is the first case report documenting the medical and nutritional management of a critically ill animal associated with ingestion of this commercial dog food.     

Potential of saprophage Diptera to acquire culturable livestock‐associated antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance among bacteria is one of the most intractable challenges in 21st‐century public health. Dipterans that associate with livestock, livestock waste products and cadavers have the potential to acquire livestock‐associated antibiotic‐resistant bacteria (LA‐ARB) and transmit them to humans. In this study, piglet cadavers were used to attract saprophage dipterans from the environment and those dipterans were sampled for the presence of LA‐ARB. In the first trial, culturable microbes resistant to both aminoglycoside and β‐lactam antibiotics were found in all cadavers and masses of dipteran larvae, and in three‐quarters of adult dipterans. In the second trial, over 130 culturable bacterial colonies resistant to β‐lactams were isolated from the cadavers, larval and adult dipterans. Over 100 of those colonies were coliform or metabolically similar bacteria. Adult dipterans carried β‐lactam resistant staphylococci, whereas those bacterial types were absent from larval dipterans and cadavers, suggesting they were picked up from elsewhere in the environment. This research indicates that LA‐ARB are ubiquitous in pig farms, and dipterans have the potential to carry medically important microbes. Further research is encouraged to determine the extent to which dipterans acquire microbes from animal agriculture relative to other environments.     

Molecular characterization of community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus from pet dogs

Community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious public health concern and in Australia, one that disproportionately affects Aboriginal people. Paralleling MRSA in human medicine, methicillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) is an increasingly prevalent pathogen in veterinary medicine. We aimed to characterize the carriage of MRSA and MRSP in dogs and cats from predominantly Aboriginal communities in a very remote region of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Pets (303 dogs and 80 cats) were recruited from six communities in western NSW. Three swabs were collected from each animal (anterior nares, oropharynx and perineum) and from skin lesions or wounds (if present) and cultured on selective media for methicillin‐resistant staphylococci. Human host‐adapted community‐associated MRSA representing four multilocus sequence types (ST1‐IV, ST5‐IV, ST72‐IV, ST93‐IV) were isolated from eight dogs (prevalence 2.6%, 95% confidence interval 1.3%–5.1%). Two ST5‐IV isolates from a single dog were phenotypically trimethoprim‐resistant, harbouring trimethoprim‐resistant gene dfrG within the SCCmec type IVo mobile genetic element. MRSA was not isolated from any cats and MRSP was not isolated from any dogs or cats. This study estimated a high prevalence of human host‐adapted community‐associated MRSA carriage in dogs despite an absence of MRSP. This suggests MRSA carried by dogs in remote NSW originate from human hosts. The cycle of transmission between people, dogs and common environmental sources warrants further investigation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of trimethoprim‐resistant ST5‐IV in eastern Australia and the first report of trimethoprim‐resistant ST5‐IV from a dog.     

Breed‐associated variability in serum biochemical analytes in four large‐breed dogs

Background: Genetic background can influence the expected values of hematologic and serum biochemical analytes in domestic animal species. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are breed‐related differences in serum biochemical variables in healthy purebred dogs of 4 breeds and to develop appropriate reference intervals. Methods: Alaskan Malamutes (n=59), Siberian Huskies (n=78), Golden Retrievers (n=90), and English Setters (n=77) were included in the study. The dogs had a median age of 42 months (range 10–112 months) and each breed included a mix of intact and neutered dogs of both sexes. Serum biochemical profiles (Olympus AU400e) were performed along with physical examinations, CBCs, and urinalyses to ensure dogs were clinically healthy. Differences in the values of biochemical analytes were assessed nonparametrically and reference intervals for all breeds combined were calculated as the central 95% percentile. Results: Significant differences were observed between breeds for all serum biochemical analytes except alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and chloride. The analyte ranges had a large degree of overlap between the different breeds. Conclusions: Although many statistically significant breed‐related differences in serum biochemical values were observed, the differences were small and unlikely to have clinical relevance or impact medical decision making.     

Keratitis and periocular lesions associated with equine herpesvirus‐3 in a 3‐month‐old filly

A 3‐month‐old Quarter Horse filly presented with corneal ulceration in the right eye with extensive coalescing periocular ulcerations, erosions, and cutaneous crusts. Similar periocular lesions were present around the left eye, on the gingival mucosa, and on the cutaneous and mucosal surfaces of the lips. Based on the severity of the filly's corneal lesions, expense and duration of treatment, euthanasia was elected. Histological post mortem examination revealed numerous hyperplastic and/or dysplastic epithelial cells adjacent to areas of ulceration and erosion with intranuclear viral inclusion bodies. Equine herpesvirus‐3 (EHV‐3) was identified by polymerase chain reaction from the right cornea and lip. The virus was isolated from the right cornea, right eyelid and lip. The dam presented with multifocal to coalescing perineal vesicles. EHV‐3 was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction from the vulvar lesions and the mare recovered spontaneously. This is the first case of EHV‐3 corneal infection reported in horses and emphasises that EHV‐3 should be included as a differential diagnosis for vesicular lesions involving the equine periocular and oronasal epithelium.     

Comparative proteomic analysis of high‐ and low‐fertile buffalo bull spermatozoa for identification of fertility‐associated proteins

The present study identified few potential proteins in the spermatozoa of buffalo bulls that can be used as an aid in fertility determination through comparative proteomics. The sperm proteome of high‐fertile buffalo bulls was compared with that of low‐fertile buffalo bulls using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE), and the differentially expressed proteins were identified through mass spectrometric method. The protein interaction network and the functional bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed proteins were also carried out. In the spermatozoa of high‐fertile bulls, 10 proteins were found overexpressed and 15 proteins were underexpressed at the level of twofold or more (p ≤ 0.05). The proteins overexpressed in high‐fertile spermatozoa were PDZD8, GTF2F2, ZNF397, KIZ, LOH12CR1, ACRBP, PRSS37, CYP11B2, F13A1 and SPO11, whereas those overexpressed in low‐fertile spermatozoa were MT1A, ATP5F1, CS, TCRB, PRODH2, HARS, IDH3A, SRPK3, Uncharacterized protein C9orf9 homolog isoform X4, TUBB2B, GPR4, PMP2, CTSL1, TPPP2 and EGFL6. The differential expression ranged from 2.0‐ to 6.1‐fold between the two groups, where CYP11B2 was high abundant in high‐fertile spermatozoa and MT1A was highly abundant in low‐fertile spermatozoa. Most of the proteins overexpressed in low‐fertile spermatozoa were related to energy metabolism and capacitation factors, pointing out the possible role of pre‐mature capacitation and cryo‐damages in reducing the fertility of cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa.