Actinomycosis of the mandible, mimicking a malignancy in a horse

Osteomyelitis of the mandible with Actinomyces species was diagnosed in a 4-year-old sports horse with radiographic changes suggestive of neoplasia. Surgical debridement, intravenous and local iodine solution treatment were administered. Mandibular Actinomyces infections are reported in humans and ruminants; they have not been previously reported in the horse.     

Actinomycosis of the digestive tract in cattle

Extract

The following is the history of actinomycosis in a beef herd of approximately 400 Hereford Cross BlackPoll steers of average age about 3 ½ to 4 years, over a period of 14 months, during which time some 16 cases of actinomycosis-like infections have occurred.     

Computed tomographic anatomy of the canine temporal bone

This study aims to identify and describe structures of the temporal bone in normal dogs that can be depicted using computed tomography (CT). Five normal dogs of different breeds and both sexes ranging from 0.5 to 8 years were used as the study material. CT images of 2 mm thickness without abnormalities in the temporal bone were reviewed and analysed in bone and soft tissue settings. All images were compared with corresponding E 12 plastic-embedded cross sections of 3 mm thickness, which were acquired from anatomic cross sections of frozen beagles. The sections were provided from the Department of Pathobiology (Institute of Anatomy). CT is able to image all relevant bony structures within the temporal bone. Concerning soft tissue structures, CT allows their localization by using bony markers, i.e. the internal acustic meatus for the cranial nerves VII and VIII or the canals for the internal carotid artery and the temporal sinus. The provided reference images are meant to improve orientation within the complex anatomy of the temporal bone. On condition that slice thickness is equal to or smaller than 2 mm and bony setting is supplied, CT is able to visualize all relevant structures within the temporal bone. However, in clinical settings the combined look on air, liquids and bone as well as the contrast enhancement of soft tissues might prefer magnetic resonance imaging to CT.     

Hydrosalpinx in a goat

A two year old Swiss Alpine goat was referred to our clinic because of sterility. Ultrasound examination revealed a nonechogenic area cranially to the urinary bladder. As hydrometra was suspected, the goat was treated repeatedly with PGF2 alpha. Success of this therapy, however, was unsatisfactory and estrus was therefore induced by progesterone in combination with eCG and the goat mated. As conception failed and ultrasonography remained unchanged, laparoscopy was performed and a fluid filled structure could be located in the region of the right oviduct. After ovariohysterectomy and histo-pathological examination of the genital organs hydrosalpinx was diagnosed on both sides.     

Actinomycosis in a one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

An actinomycotic granuloma caused by Actinomyces viscosus is reported in a dromedary camel. Two hard, cutaneous, large granulamatous nodules were present on both sides of the postero-ventral side of the mandible exhibiting exudation and necrosis. After radical excision of the lesion, the daily treatment with penicillin-streptomycin combination was continued for 4 weeks. About 8 and 24 weeks from the initial treatment, no new nodules were noticed.     

Nonossifying fibroma in the mandible of a goat

An 8-year-old male Nubian goat was presented with a peracute history of straining to urinate and unilateral mandibular swelling. At necropsy, the rostral half body of the left mandible was distorted by fusiform swelling that, on sagittal section, had marked medullary bone loss and replacement with a well-demarcated fibrous mass. Histologically, the mass comprised streaming spindloid cells with whorls and storiform patterns, interspersed with numerous multinucleated giant cells. Bone formation was not present in the neoplasm. The mandibular mass was diagnosed as nonossifying fibroma, a relatively common tumor in children but seldom reported in domestic animals.     

一例竹鼠放线菌病的诊治

放线菌为厌氧菌或微氧菌,是人体中的一种正常菌丛, 特别是在口腔中常可见到。若有外伤、外科手术后,也可能发生感染。由放线菌引起的慢性化脓性肉芽肿性疾病。病变好发于面颈部及胸腹部,以向周围组织扩展形成瘘管并排出带有硫磺样颗粒的脓液为特征。大剂量、长疗程的青霉素治疗对大多数病例有效,亦可选用四环素、红霉素、林可霉素及头孢菌素类抗生素;同时还需外科引流脓液及手术切除瘘管。     

Abdominal mesothelioma in a goat

CASE HISTORY: An 8-year-old female Toggenburg goat was presented with a history of reduced appetite, ruminal tympany, and abdominal enlargement of 2 weeks' duration.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: The abdomen was markedly distended and contained a large amount of fluid, demonstrated using ultrasonography, along with echogenic masses on the ventral ruminal and reticular walls. The findings were confirmed at exploratory laparotomy, where together with excessive peritoneal fluid, numerous nodules were found blanketing the peritoneum.

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: Numerous partially coalescing, white-grey nodules up to 3 cm in diameter covered the peritoneum. A biphasic mesothelioma consisting of epithelial and mesenchymal components was demonstrated by histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Primary tumours of the peritoneum are rare and occur in many animal species. They must be differentiated from chronic granulomatous peritonitis caused by bacteria (e.g. tuberculosis or ‘pearl disease’), parasites and metastatic tumours.     

Paucibacillary paratuberculosis in a goat

A 5-year-old Saanen doe was presented with emaciation, good appetite, normal feces, and a dry flaky hair coat. Johne's disease was tentatively diagnosed. Gross postmortem findings were a thickened, corrugated ileum and enlarged edematous mesenteric lymph nodes. Histologically, there was extensive lymphocytic infiltration of the ileal lamina propria. Mycobacterium paratuberculosis could not be identified or cultured.