Hindlimb lameness caused by systemic lymphosarcoma in a Warmblood mare

Equine lymphosarcoma is rare but has been reported in mediastinal lymph nodes, cutaneous nodules, the gastrointestinal system and peripheral lymph nodes. This report describes the clinical presentation of lymphosarcoma characterised by weight shifting, reluctance to ambulate or peripheral oedema. This case is extremely atypical in clinical presentation and justifies the need for consideration of lymphosarcoma when formulating a differential diagnosis of lameness with atypical presentation.     

Clinical Updates II: Topics of Interest Pertaining to the Distal Limb

Regional limb perfusion is used to treat infections of the distal limb and can be performed using a peripheral vein or the intraosseous route; the peripheral vein is the preferred technique. Other distal limb entities of clinical importance include foot conformation problems, bruising, heel pain, navicular disease, degenerative joint disease, tendonitis and desmitis. Specific clinical problems of the distal limb seen in the foal and aged horse are frequently managed with good foot care.     

Recurrent demyelination and remyelination in 37 young Bengal cats with polyneuropathy

Background: With the exception of diabetic neuropathy, polyneuropathy associated with hyperchylomicronemia, and a few inherited polyneuropathies, peripheral neuropathies are poorly characterized in cats. A chronic polyneuropathy is described in a cohort of young Bengal cats. Objective: To characterize the clinical and histopathological features of a chronic‐relapsing peripheral neuropathy in young Bengal cats. Animals: Thirty‐seven young Bengal cats with clinical weakness consistent with peripheral neuropathy. Methods: Bengal cats were included in this study after a diagnosis of polyneuropathy was confirmed by muscle and peripheral nerve biopsy specimens. Pathological changes were characterized at the light and electron microscopic level and by morphometry. Clinical information and long‐term outcome from case records of Bengal cats with histologically confirmed peripheral neuropathy were then assessed. Results: Nerve fiber loss within distal intramuscular nerve branches was a consistent finding in young Bengal cats with polyneuropathy. The most common abnormalities in peripheral nerve biopsies included inappropriately thin myelin sheaths and thinly myelinated fibers surrounded by supernumerary Schwann cell processes, indicative of repeated cycles of demyelination and remyelination. Recovery was common. Response to treatment could not be determined. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A chronic‐relapsing form of polyneuropathy associated primarily with episodes of demyelination and remyelination was identified in young Bengal cats. The prognosis for recovery is good, although relapses are possible and there can be residual motor deficits.     

Pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia

A seven-month-old collie and a four-year-old Jack Russell terrier were presented with coughing and dyspnoea of varying duration. A peripheral and pulmonary eosinophilia was detected in both dogs. After ruling out heartworm disease, lungworms, fungal pneumonia and drug reactions, a diagnosis of pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia was made. Dramatic relief of clinical signs, radiographic infiltrate and peripheral eosinophilia occurred after administration of glucocorticoids.     

Lymphosarcoma with conjunctival manifestation in a guinea pig

A guinea pig with multicentric lymphosarcoma and conjunctival manifestation is described. Primary clinical signs were bilateral infiltrative conjunctival masses. Antemortem diagnosis was based on the cytology of biopsies of conjunctival tissue, fine-needle aspirates of peripheral lymph nodes, and peripheral blood smears.     

SPONTANEOUS PANCREATIC ISLET CELL ADENOMA WITH PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN A PET RAT (RATTUS NORVEGICUS)

A pancreatic islet cell adenoma was suspected in a 2.5-year-old pet rat that was presented for lethargy and progressive paraparesis. Hypoglycemia was confirmed using a handheld glucometer. Mild improvement was noted after initial corticosteroid treatment. No evidence of a pituitary mass was identified on magnetic resonance imaging. Although a slight treatment response was observed following drug administration the patient's clinical condition deteriorated to the point that the owners elected to have the rat euthanized. Histopathologically, an islet cell adenoma was identified within the pancreas, along with peripheral neuropathy and muscle atrophy, which were consistent with clinical findings. Immunohistochemical staining of neoplastic cells was positive for insulin. Pancreatic islet cell adenomas are not commonly reported, and their clinical prevalence in pet rats is undetermined. The current report describes a case of pancreatic islet cell adenoma in a rat with concurrent peripheral neuropathy secondary to hypoglycemia.     

An interesting neurologic case in a lovebird (Agapornis fisheri).

The pathogenic agent of proventricular dilatation disease causes a lymphoplasmacytic inflammation of the central peripheral nervous systems. Usually, the splanchnic nerves are affected, with resultant gastrointestinal dysfunction and clinical signs related to this. When the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves are affected, neurologic signs may be present in various degrees. This case emphasizes the importance of necropsy and histopathologic examination in making a diagnosis and treatment.     

Hematologic changes after total body irradiation and autologous transplantation of hematopoietic peripheral blood progenitor cells in dogs with lymphoma

Dogs with and without lymphoma have undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation in a research setting for decades. North Carolina State University is currently treating dogs with B- and T-cell lymphoma in a clinical setting with autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplants, using peripheral blood CD34+ progenitor cells harvested using an apheresis machine. Complete blood counts were performed daily for 15 to 19 days posttransplantation to monitor peripheral blood cell nadirs and subsequent CD34+ cell engraftment. This study documents the hematologic toxicities of total body irradiation in 10 dogs and the subsequent recovery of the affected cell lines after peripheral blood progenitor cell transplant, indicating successful CD34+ engraftment. All peripheral blood cell lines, excluding red blood cells, experienced grade 4 toxicities. All dogs had ≥ 500 neutrophils/μl by day 12, while thrombocytopenia persisted for many weeks. All dogs were clinically normal at discharge.     

Neurofibroma of the ulnar nerve in the carpal canal in a dog: treatment by marginal neurectomy

Peripheral nerve sheath tumours arising in the plexus or peripheral nerves can be treated by limb amputation. There are few reports of these tumours affecting peripheral nerves in the distal regions of the limbs. Here we describe a case of neurofibroma affecting the palmar branch of the ulnar nerve in an Irish setter. Surgical treatment in the region of the carpus by ulnar neurectomy resulted in resolution of chronic thoracic limb lameness. At 11 months following the surgery, clinical examination and MRI did not detect any evidence of recurrence. Neurectomy may be a feasible option for management of selected cases of distally located peripheral nerve sheath tumours.     

Clinical peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus in 3 dogs

Clinical and electrodiagnostic findings in 3 spontaneously diabetic dogs with clinical peripheral neuropathy (PN) are reported. Clinical signs of a PN may develop in diabetic dogs with adequate glycemic control. In addition, laryngeal paralysis may develop in association with diabetes mellitus in dogs with clinical PN.     

Generalised peripheral oedema associated with amlodipine therapy in two dogs

This report details two cases of adverse drug reactions to amlodipine. The first case presented with diffuse peripheral oedema and a history of amlodipine therapy. Haematology, clinical chemistry, endocrine testing, thoracic, abdominal and cardiac imaging revealed no cause for oedema. Amlodipine therapy was discontinued and oedema diminished markedly within 72 hours. The second case presented for bilateral retinal detachments secondary to systemic hypertension. Haematology, clinical chemistry, thoracic and abdominal imaging were unremarkable and amlodipine therapy was begun. Within 72 hours, diffuse peripheral oedema developed that was unresponsive to therapy and the dog was euthanised. Veterinarians should be aware of the potential serious adverse events associated with commonly used drugs; severe, diffuse oedema is a possible adverse drug event in dogs treated with amlodipine .     

Oxidant/antioxidant balance, minerals status and apoptosis in peripheral blood of dogs naturally infected with Dirofilaria immitis

The present study was aimed to examine lipid peroxides, antioxidants, zinc, copper, iron panels and apoptosis in peripheral blood of dogs with clinical dirofilariosis. In comparison to healthy control, erythrocytic lipid peroxides level and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly (P<0.01) higher in diseased dogs. However, level of reduced glutathione and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase were significantly (P<0.01) lower in diseased dogs. Blood zinc, copper and iron levels in dogs with dirofilariosis were significantly (P<0.01) lower than the healthy control. The percent apoptotic peripheral leukocytes were significantly higher in dogs with dirofilariosis in comparison with healthy control. From the present study, it is concluded that significant alterations in oxidant/antioxidant balance, mineral status and rate of apoptosis in peripheral blood may be implicated in the pathogenesis of clinical canine dirofilariosis.     

Isolation of parapoxvirus from a cow treated with interferon-gamma

A virus was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes of a cow which was kept in an isolated pen after it was injected with recombinant bovine interferon-γ. The virus was identified as a member of genus Parapoxvirus in the family Poxviridae on the basis of electron microscopic observations and serological tests. Parapoxvirus has seldom been isolated other than from papular lesions, the characteristic sign of parapoxvirus infection. This is the first report of parapoxvirus isolation from the peripheral blood of a cow without any clinical signs. These results show that parapoxviruses are capable of causing persistent infection in cattle without clinical signs and can be activated by stress factors that induce modification of immune reactions. Relationships between the isolated virus and other parapoxviruses isolated previously from cattle in Japan were investigated and discussed.     

Peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the equine maxillary sinus

This case report describes an 8‐year‐old Belgian Warmblood mare that was initially diagnosed and treated for a dental sinusitis. Despite removal of the diseased teeth and appropriate treatment, the sinusitis did not resolve. Over time, growth of a peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the left maxillary sinus became apparent, with recurrence after surgical removal. The clinical, radiographic, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and pathological (gross and histological) findings of the first reported peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the equine paranasal region are described and illustrated.     

Investigation of the possible role of endotoxin, TXA2, PGI2 and PGE2 in experimentally induced rumen acidosis in cattle

Rumen acidosis was induced experimentally with 70 g barley/kg b.w. in 2 rumen fistulated cows. The cows were followed for 80 h after the grain engorgement. Endotoxin was monitored in cell-free ruminal fluid and peripheral plasma together with inflammation mediators TXA2, PGI2 and PGE2 and several clinical and clinical-chemical parameters. The results do not support the theory of systemical endotoxemia due to a large increase in rumen endotoxin concentration in cattle suffering from rumen acidosis. However, both clinical and clinical-chemical data suggest that an endotoxicosis developed, but the levels of inflammation mediators TXB2, FGI2 and PGE2 were not significantly elevated in the peripheral circulation. An absorbtion of endotoxins and synthesis of inflammation mediators are therefore suggested to take place prehepatically.     

Electrophysiological evidence of peripheral nerve dysfunction in six dogs with botulism type C

In six dogs with botulism type C electrophysiological examinations showed: fibrillation potentials and prolonged insertional activity; low amplitude of the evoked muscle action potential; decrease in amplitude of the compound muscle action potential with slow repetitive stimulation; slowing of motor and sensory velocities in the peripheral nerve; and restoration of velocity and amplitude corresponding to clinical improvement. These findings indicate peripheral nerve dysfunction which cannot be explained adequately by current knowledge of the action of botulinum toxin on cholinergic nerve endings. It is therefore suggested that botulinum toxin also interferes with peripheral nerve conduction.     

The use of muscle relocation techniques in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries in dogs and cats

The authors describe certain muscle relocation techniques for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries (radial and peroneal) in small animals. Six clinical cases are related illustrating the usefulness of the techniques. It is stressed that only a functional muscle can be relocated and that the majority of peripheral nerve lesions in the dog and cat are too extensive, involving a number of nerves, to allow the application of such techniques. However, the procedures can be of great value in certain selected cases, avoiding limb amputation or euthanasia of the patient.     

Evaluation of Abdominal Fluid: Peripheral Blood Creatinine and Potassium Ratios for Diagnosis of Uroperitoneum in Dogs

Objective: To determine the clinical efficacy of abdominal fluid to peripheral blood ratios of creatinine and potassium concentrations to diagnose uroperitoneum in dogs.
Design: Records of 13 dogs with confirmed uroabdomen were retrospectively analyzed. Prospective evaluation of 8 dogs with nonrenal ascites provided data for a control population.
Setting: Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
Animals: Client owned dogs.
Interventions: None
Measurements and Main Results: Abdominal fluid potassium (mEq/L) and creatinine concentrations (mg/dl) were recorded. Peripheral blood potassium and creatinine concentrations were also recorded. Ratios were calculated based on these values. An abdominal fluid creatinine concentration to peripheral blood creatinine concentration ratio of > 2:1 was predictive of uroabdomen in dogs (specificity 100%, sensitivity 86%). An abdominal fluid potassium concentration to peripheral blood potassium concentration of > 1.4:1 is also predictive of uroabdomen in dogs (specificity 100%, sensitivity 100%). All dogs with uroabdomen had an abdominal fluid creatinine concentration that was at least 4 times normal peripheral blood levels.
Conclusion: Abdominal fluid to peripheral blood potassium and creatinine ratios provide a means to diagnose uroperitoneum in dogs without elevated peripheral blood creatinine.     

In vitro evaluation of the effect of a novel immunosuppressive agent, FTY720, on the function of feline neutrophils

OBJECTIVE: To use in vitro assays to evaluate the effects of a novel immunosuppressive agent, FTY720, on biological functions (migration, phagocytosis, and production of reactive-oxygen species [ROS]) of feline peripheral neutrophils and determine the cytotoxic effects of FTY720 on feline peripheral neutrophils. SAMPLE POPULATION: Peripheral neutrophils obtained from 8 healthy cats. PROCEDURE: Peripheral neutrophils were isolated from blood samples obtained from the 8 cats and exposed to the phosphorylated form of FTY720 (FTY720-P). A fluorescence-based in vitro evaluation of migration was performed. Phagocytosis of microbes and production of ROS were evaluated by use of a 2-color flow cytometry system. Samples of whole blood obtained from the cats were incubated with various concentrations of FTY720-P, fluorescein-labeled Staphylococcus aureus, and dihydroethidium. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated by use of propidium iodide staining. RESULTS: Addition of FTY720-P caused a slight non-significant decrease in phagocytosis and production of ROS by feline peripheral neutrophils. Migration activity of feline peripheral neutrophils was significantly increased by the addition of FTY720-P. Addition of FTY720-P at concentrations considered for clinical use did not increase the death rate of feline peripheral neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FTY720 does not inhibit critical functions of feline peripheral neutrophils in vitro.