Pancytopenia in a cat with visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract: A 4‐year‐old, domestic shorthair, female spayed cat was presented for decreased appetite and depression. Severe pancytopenia with erythrocyte autoagglutination was found. The cat was seronegative for feline immunodeficiency and leukemia viruses. Immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia was suspected but no response to treatment with a blood transfusion, enrofloxacin, and prednisone was observed. Blood and bone marrow smears obtained 11 days later contained Leishmania amastigotes in the cytoplasm of neutrophils and macrophages, respectively. Serologic and PCR testing of peripheral blood confirmed infection with Leishmania infantum. Despite treatment, the cat worsened clinically and was euthanized. At necropsy, visceral dissemination of the parasite was confirmed. The findings in this case indicate that visceral leishmaniasis should be considered as a differential diagnoses in cats with pancytopenia in areas endemic for Leishmania. In addition, amastigotes may be observed in peripheral blood neutrophils.     

Macroglobulinemia in a Dog

This report describes a case of macroglobulinemia in a six year old castrate male Collie cross dog with clinical signs of epistaxis, anemia, retinopathy and high serum viscosity. The highest total serum protein was 12 g/dl with approximately 60% monoclonal beta globulin. Proteinuria, Bence Jones protein and osteolytic lesions were not detected.Chemotherapy and partial removal of the plasma protein by withdrawal of whole blood and transfusion with packed red cells from a DEA negative donor resulted in transient clinical remission.     

Pancytopenia caused by bone marrow aplasia in a horse

Pancytopenia was evaluated in a mature Quarter Horse gelding. A diagnosis of bone marrow aplasia was made on the basis of bone marrow hypocellularity. History of drugs administered included penicillin, oxytetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, phenylbutazone, dipyrone, flunixin meglumine, and isoxsuprine. Clinical remission was observed after treatment with glucocorticoids, androgens, and broad-spectrum antimicrobials.     

Protein-Losing Enteropathy in a Dog

Abstract— —A protein-losing enteropathy in a dog is described. There was a history of chronic gastrointestinal upset and examination revealed hypoproteinaemic oedema and ascites. Antemortem laboratory findings indicated a protein-losing enteropathy and these, together with the results of clinical and necropsy examination, are described.     

Cutaneous Hemangiosarcoma in a Dog

A male golden retriever of unknown age presented with multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous masses from the left elbow to the digits. Histopathologically, multiple tumor foci had formed from the dermis to the subcutaneous tissue. Tumor foci consisted of a vascular structure, alveolar structure and solid proliferative area. The borders among these areas were not clear. Some neoplastic cells resembled a mature endothelium, while others were large pleomorphic cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were usually strongly positive for CD31 and often positive for PROX-1, the lymphatic endothelial cell marker. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a hemangiosarcoma with lymphatic differentiation.     

Mushroom Poisoning in a Dog

The false morel (Gyromitra esculenta), a mushroom responsible for occasional fatalities in man, caused a fatal hemolytic episode in a ten week old dog. The clinical symptoms observed and the gross and histopathological findings, are discussed.     

Multiple Myeloma in a Dog

Abstract— Multiple myeloma, a rare tumour of the hemopoietic system, is reported in a 10-yr-old female Poodle. Clinical signs included anemia, weakness, cachexia and pain when the dog was forced to move. Radiographs revealed demineralization of the skeleton; circular radiolucent foci were evident, especially in the long bones, and the sixth thoracic vertebra was compressed. Numerous cells of the plasma cell type were evident in bone marrow smears. Blood electrophoresis revealed hypergammaglobulinemia. Bence-Jones proteinuria was not detected. The animal was destroyed and the clinical diagnosis confirmed at necropsy. Plasma cells were found in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and kidney. The bones were porous and numerous old fractures of the ribs and vertebrae were found. Résumé— Un mytlome multiple, rare tumeur du systtme hématopoiésique est observée chez une caniche femelle de 10 am. Les signes cliniques incluent l'anémie, la faiblesse, la cachexie et des douleurs lorsque la chienne était obligée de faire des mouvements. Des radiographies ont révélé la déminéralisation du squelette; des foyers circulaires translucides aux Rayons X sont évidents, spécialement dans les os longs, et la sixième vertèbre toraxique est compressée. De nombreuses cellules du type des cellules à plasma étaient évidentes dans les macules de moelle. L'électrophorèse du sang a révélé de I'hypergammaglobulinémie. La présence Bence-Jones de protéine dans l'urine n'a pas été détectée. L'animal a été détruit et le diagnostic clinique confirméà la nécropsie. Dies cellules de plasma ont été trouvées dans la moelle, le foie, la rate et les reins. Les os étaient poreux et de nombreuses vieilles fractures des cbtes et des vertèbres ont été trouvtes. Zusammenfassuug—Berichterstattung über das Auftreten von multiplex Myelom, ein seltener Tumor im hämopoietischen System einer zehnjährigen Pundelhündin. Klinische Anzeichen umfassen Anämie, Schwäche, Kachexie und Schmerzen, wenn der Hund zur Bewegung gezwungen wurde. Radiogramme zeigten Demineralisierung des Skelettes; kreisförmige radiotransparente Herde traten besonders in den langen Knochen klar hervor und der sechste Brustwirbel war kompressed. Zahl-reiche Zellen der Plasmakategorie wurden in Knochenmarkabstrichen augenscheinlich. Blut-Elektrophoresis brachte Hyper-Gammaglobulinamie zum Vorschein. Bence-Jones Albuminurie wurde nicht gefunden. Das Tier wurde vernichtet und die klinische Diagnose bei der Obduktion bestätigt. Im Knochenmark, der Leber, der Milz und in den Nieren wurden Plasmazellen festgestellt. Die Knochen waren porös und zahlreiche alte Rippen-und Rückenwirbelbrüche zeigten sich.     

Basophilic Leukemia in a Dog

Basophilic leukemia with thrombocytosis was diagnosed in a 4-year-old Shih Tzu. This diagnosis was based on cyto-chemical staining and cytologic examination of blood and bone marrow smears. Hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis, at a dose of 50 mg/kg PO bid induced hematologic remission after 7 days of treatment. Adverse effects observed included pruritus, erythema of the ventral abdomen, generalized alopecia, and possibly, diabetes mellitus. The dog remained in remission for 21 months before becoming lethargic, at which time the owners requested euthanasia but did not allow a necropsy.     

Synovial Hemangioma in a Dog

Objective— To report arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of synovial hemangioma in a dog.
Study Design— Case report.
Animal— Standard Poodle (8-year-old neutered male).
Methods— A soft tissue density mass observed radiographically in the left stifle joint of a dog with a 2-month history of recurrent lameness, hemarthrosis, and a slight cranial drawer sign, was located by diagnostic arthroscopy and surgically excised via arthrotomy.
Results— Histologic evaluation revealed tissue composed of variably sized cavernous vascular spaces filled with erythrocytes that were considered compatible with synovial hemangioma.
Conclusions— In this dog, synovial hemangioma evident as a soft tissue mass on radiographs was associated with chronic lameness and hemarthrosis, and resolved with surgical excision.
Clinical Relevance— Synovial hemangioma, although seemingly rare in dogs, should be considered in the differential diagnosis for nontraumatic, recurrent lameness, and unresponsive to anti-inflammatory therapy when there is a circumscribed intracapsular soft tissue mass evident radiographically together with hemarthrosis.