Diagnosis and treatment of a primary splenic lymphoma in a mule

The case reported here describes a transthoracic approach for removal of a splenic lymphoma from a 5‐year‐old mule. Nine months prior to presentation at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISUCVM), abdominal ultrasound was performed as part of a work‐up to investigate the cause of lethargy, anorexia and anaemia. Ultrasound examination identified a haemoabdomen and multiple splenic masses. Transabdominal biopsies were collected for histopathological evaluation and lymphoma diagnosed. Based on a number of clinical and laboratory examinations there was a lack of support for multicentric involvement and all results suggested solitary splenic involvement. Surgical removal of the spleen was accomplished via a transthoracic approach without complications. Histopathology of the splenic masses revealed a B cell lymphoma. Bone marrow was collected during surgery and submitted for cytology and was found to contain a normal lymphoid population with no evidence of neoplastic cells. The mule was discharged from the hospital 11 days after surgery.     

Molecular and cytogenetic paternity testing of a male offspring of a hinny

An alleged male foal of a female mule, whose sire and grandparents were unknown, was identified for its pedigree. Parentage testing was conducted by comparing polymorphism of 12 microsatellite DNA sites and mitochondrial D‐loop sequences of the male foal and the female mule. Both the sequence analysis of species‐specific DNA fragments and a cytogenetic analysis were performed to identify the species of the foal and its parents. The results showed that the alleged female mule is actually a hinny, and the male foal, which possesses 62 chromosomes, qualifies as an offspring of the female hinny and a jack donkey.     

Sand colic in a mule: A case report

A 25-year-old mule was showing signs of colic. Clinical examination revealed acute pain, bilateral abdominal distention, stretching out and standing in this position. Rectal palpation revealed a hardened mass in the ventral region of the pelvic inlet. Surgical intervention was accomplished and faecaliths removed by colotomy. The mule died unexpectedly and postmortem examination revealed sand masses within the right ventral and right dorsal colon which caused obstruction of the intestinal tract in sternal and diaphragmatic flexures, respectively. This appears to be the first report of sand colic in a mule in Iran.     

Disseminated lymphoma with large granular lymphocyte morphology diagnosed in a horse via abdominal fluid and transtracheal wash cytology

A 22‐year‐old Tennessee Walking Horse mare was presented to the Auburn University Large Animal Teaching Hospital with a 3‐day history of lethargy, anorexia, and mild signs of colic. The mare had a several‐month history of weight loss and refractory cough. Physical examination revealed an increased respiratory rate, and crackles and wheezes were heard on thoracic auscultation. Thoracic ultrasonographic examination showed disseminated, minor, bilateral comet tail‐like lesions on the parietal pleural surfaces. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination was unremarkable. Trans‐rectal palpation revealed a firm small colon impaction with concomitant diarrhea. Laboratory data were characterized by a very pronounced acute inflammatory leukogram with severe neutropenia and significant left shift, evidence of hepatocellular damage/necrosis, cholestasis, and possibly mixed metabolic alkalosis and acidosis. On cytologic evaluation of a peritoneal fluid sample, there were many large granular lymphocytes (LGL). Large numbers of LGL were also observed on cytologic examination of a subsequent transtracheal wash. The final cytologic interpretation was disseminated lymphoma with LGL morphology. Due to worsening of the clinical signs and poor prognosis, the mare was euthanized. On necropsy and in histopathologic examination, disseminated lymphoma with LGL morphology was noted in a mesenteric lymph node, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and right dorsal colon. Lymphoma with LGL morphology is rarely diagnosed in the horse. This report provides unique cytologic findings of a case of disseminated lymphoma with LGL morphology in a horse, confirmed with histopathologic evaluation.     

Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma of Prepuce in the Mule

Here we present a case of preputial benign fibrous histiocytoma in a 7‐year‐old mule. This case was treated surgically. Pathologic analysis and diagnosis of these lesions were based on a combination of light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Histologically, the tumour was composed primarily of a storiform pattern of fibroblastic and poligonal cells. In immunohistochemistry, except for consistent immunoreactivity for vimentin, nearly all tumour cells were positive for CD68, S‐100 protein, pan‐cytokeratin, alpha‐smooth muscle actin, and desmin. Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the prepuce in mule is rarely reported in veterinary literature.     

Testosterone concentrations,testes weight and morphology of mule drakes (Muscovy drake X Khaki Campbell)

1. Mule ducks were produced by naturally mating Muscovy drakes and Khaki Campbell ducks. 2. Semen was collected from 6-month-old mule drakes via an artificial vagina. The fluid was clear without any spermatozoa or spermatids. 3. Testes from 27-week-old mule drakes were smaller in size than those of Khaki Campbell drakes but heavier than Muscovy males of the same age. Histological sections of these testes revealed that spermatogenesis was not complete. 4. Testosterone concentration in the mule drakes was higher than in Muscovy males but similar to Khaki Campbell drakes. 5. Mule drakes have strong sexual drives as a result of high concentrations of testosterone, but, because spermatogenesis is incomplete, their semen had no sperm.     

Cerebral malacia in a mule with ependymoma

Ependymoma is a rare tumour of the central nervous system that can vary in anatomical location and produce a broad range of clinical signs. Sporadically described in dogs, cats, cattle and horses, this disease has never previously been reported in a mule. This report describes a case of a 12‐year‐old mule showing neurological signs, including blindness, dysphagia, incoordination, sternal recumbency, depression, apathy and emaciation. Because of the worsening health conditions, the animal was subjected to euthanasia for humane reasons. At necropsy, an area of malacia in the right subcortical region of the frontoparietal area of the cerebrum and an ovoid, firm, grey, 2.4 × 1.0 × 0.7 cm nodule in the right lateral ventricle was observed. Histopathology revealed that the nodule was a densely cellular mass with cells arranged in nests and cords, formations of pseudorosettes with perivascular deposition of fibrillar eosinophilic material and the presence of a few lymphocytes. The cells had rounded and moderately hyperchromatic nuclei, punctate chromatin, distinct nucleoli, and indistinct cytoplasmic margins. Based on the histopathological features, the nodule was diagnosed as an ependymoma, a tumour considered rare, but that may be included in the differential diagnosis for diseases with neurological signs.     

Ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in the investigation of a pony with intestinal lymphoma

A 21‐year‐old New Forest pony presented for evaluation of lethargy and colic. Transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography revealed a cavitary, thick walled, mass‐like lesion that appeared continuous with the small intestine. The thick walls of the mass‐like lesion were of heterogeneous echogenicity with hyperechoic foci extending from the hyperechoic luminal surface to within the wall and there was loss of normal wall layering. These findings were confirmed grossly at exploratory celiotomy and histopathological examination of affected tissues confirmed lymphoma. The ultrasound findings facilitated a preoperative presumptive diagnosis that allowed informed decision‐making and aided case management.     

Mediastinal lymphoma in a young Turkish Angora cat

An 8-month old intact male Turkish Angora cat was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), Seoul National University, for an evaluation of anorexia and severe dyspnea. The thoracic radiographs revealed significant pleural effusion. A cytology evaluation of the pleural fluid strongly suggested a lymphoma containing variable sized lymphocytes with frequent mitotic figures and prominent nucleoli. The feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus tests were negative. The cat was euthanized at his owner''s request and a necropsy was performed. A mass was detected on the mediastinum and lung lobes. A histopathology evaluation confirmed the mass to be a lymphoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed the mass to be CD3 positive. In conclusion, the cat was diagnosed as a T-cell mediastinal lymphoma.     

Luteoprotective Role of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) During Pregnancy in the Mare

The effects of repeated cloprostenol administration were compared in mares impregnated by horses and mares impregnated by donkeys in order to assess the role of eCG on the development of pregnancy‐associated resistance to the luteolytic and abortifacient effects of PGF2α. Eleven mares impregnated by donkey (mule pregnancy) and 9 mares impregnated by horse (horse pregnancy) were used. Six mares with mule pregnancy and four with horse pregnancy were injected with cloprostenol (0.25 mg) when they were between day 65 and day 75 of pregnancy, and the treatment was repeated 48, 72 and 96 h latter. The rest of the mares remained as controls. Concentrations of eCG were 10 times higher (p < 0.001) in mares impregnated by horses than in mares impregnated by donkeys, and they were not affected by cloprostenol treatment. Luteolysis was completed 30 h after the first cloprostenol injection in mule pregnancies, while mares with horse pregnancies required 96 h and three cloprostenol injections to complete luteolysis. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between eCG concentrations at time 0 and the time required for completion of luteolysis (p < 0.001), foetal death (p < 0.01) and foetal expulsion (p < 0.05). It is concluded that high eCG concentrations in mares impregnated by horses protect the corpora lutea of pregnancy against the luteolytic effects of PGF2α. Low eCG concentrations in mares carrying mule foetuses afford them less protection against the luteolytic effect of PGF2α, and this may be a cause of the increased foetal mortality that occurs between days 60 and 90 of pregnancy in these mares.     

Cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma with dissemination to the liver in an eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus)

Cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma with liver metastasis was diagnosed in a 10‐year‐old eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus). Physical findings included intracutaneous swellings, ulcerated plaques and nodules, hypotrichosis and erythema of the skin. Fine needle aspiration from the skin lesions showed a population of large lymphocytes and lymphoblasts, and was helpful in establishing the diagnosis antemortem. The post‐mortem examination revealed epitheliotropic lymphoma with liver metastasis. Immunohistochemistry proved the T‐cell origin both in the liver and skin tumours. Electron microscopy did not reveal any viral particles within the tumour. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of lymphoma described in this species.     

Large anaplastic spinal B‐cell lymphoma in a cat

Abstract: A 5‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of tetraparesis. The neurologic lesion was localized to the cervical spinal segment (C1–C6). A left axillary mass was identified, and the results of fine needle aspiration cytology indicated malignant round cell neoplasia of possible histiocytic origin. The cells were large, had marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, occasional bi‐ and multinucleation, and cytoplasmic vacuolation. Euthanasia was performed due to the poor prognosis associated with severe, progressive neurologic signs and a malignant neoplasm. Postmortem examination revealed spinal cord compression and an extradural mass at the C1–C2 spinal segment, with neoplastic cells in the adjacent vertebral bodies, surrounding skeletal muscle, left axillary lymph node, and bone marrow from the right femur. The initial histologic diagnosis was anaplastic sarcoma, but immunohistochemical results indicated the cells were CD20+ and CD45R+ and CD3?, compatible with a diagnosis of B‐cell lymphoma. CD79a staining was nonspecific and uninterpretable. Weak to moderate CD18 positivity and E‐cadherin positivity were also observed. Clonality of the B‐cell population could not be demonstrated using PCR testing for antigen receptor gene rearrangement. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a feline spinal anaplastic B‐cell lymphoma exhibiting bi‐ and multinucleated cells. The prognostic significance of this cell morphology and immunophenotype is unknown.     

Retrobulbar lymphoma associated with a ballistic foreign body in a cat

A seven‐year‐old domestic shorthair cat, adopted 5 years previously with a corneal perforation of the left eye, was presented for investigation of a left orbital mass. Computed tomography revealed a metallic foreign body within a contrast‐enhancing, heterogeneous orbital mass. Large cell lymphoma was diagnosed from a fine needle aspirate. The cat staged negatively and was treated with l‐asparaginase, prednisolone and three fractions of radiation therapy. A rapid clinical remission was obtained and the cat remained in remission for 3 years after therapy. This is the first report of large cell lymphoma likely occurring secondary to a foreign body.     

Conformity and controversies in the diagnosis,staging and follow‐up evaluation of canine nodal lymphoma: a systematic review of the last 15 years of published literature

Diagnostic methods used in the initial and post‐treatment evaluation of canine lymphoma are heterogeneous and can vary within countries and institutions. Accurate reporting of clinical stage and response assessment is crucial in determining the treatment efficacy and predicting prognosis. This study comprises a systematic review of all available canine multicentric lymphoma studies published over 15 years. Data concerning diagnosis, clinical stage evaluation and response assessment procedures were extracted and compared. Sixty‐three studies met the eligibility criteria. Fifty‐five (87.3%) studies were non‐randomized prospective or retrospective studies. The survey results also expose variations in diagnostic criteria and treatment response assessment in canine multicentric lymphoma. Variations in staging procedures performed and recorded led to an unquantifiable heterogeneity among patients in and between studies, making it difficult to compare treatment efficacies. Awareness of this inconsistency of procedure and reporting may help in the design of future clinical trials.     

半番鸭羽色性状AFLP标记初步研究

本研究初步利用AFLP标记对半番鸭及其母本-北京鸭进行检测。结果显示,AFLP标记扩增带丰富,10对引物组合共检测到2046条扩增带,平均每对引物组合/每个池DNA可产生60.15条。半番鸭白羽性状特有的扩增带共有15条,分布在E AAC/M CTA、E AAC/M CTT、E AAG/M CAG、E ACA/M CTC、E ACT/M CTA和E ACT/M CTC等6对引物组合上,为半番鸭个体羽色与AFLP标记相关分析和验证提供了素材。     

Cervical thymoma originating in ectopic thymic tissue in a cat

Abstract: An 11‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was referred to The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (OSU‐VTH) for evaluation of a 6 × 4 × 3.5 cm mass in the left midcervical region causing increased respiratory sounds and lateral deviation of the trachea. A fine needle aspirate of the mass was obtained before referral and the cytology results were compatible with a reactive lymph node. Immunocytochemistry showed increased numbers of CD3+ T lymphocytes and small numbers of CD20+ and CD79a+ medium to large lymphocytes. Differential diagnoses from the referral pathologist were T‐cell‐rich B‐cell lymphoma and feline Hodgkin's‐like lymphoma. A subsequent fine needle aspirate performed at the OSU‐VTH showed similar results. On flow cytometry the majority of cells were CD3+ T lymphocytes that were double positive for CD4 and CD8 (73%), compatible with either a double‐positive (CD4+CD8+) T‐cell lymphoma or lymphocytes from ectopic thymic tissue. The mass was surgically removed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the mass revealed a predominant population of CD3+ small lymphocytes and small numbers of medium to large lymphocytes with moderate anisocytosis and anysokaryosis. A population of cytokeratin‐positive epithelial cells surrounded small microcystic structures filled with eosinophilic material and structures interpreted as Hassall's corpuscles. These findings were consistent with thymic tissue and a diagnosis of ectopic thymoma was made. PCR results for lymphocyte antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) were negative. The cat had no evidence of disease 16 months after removal of the mass. To our knowledge this is the first report of an ectopic cervical thymoma in a cat. The clinical and diagnostic features of this unusual case will be useful in helping veterinarians and pathologists obtain a presurgical diagnosis and establish a prognosis for similar lesions.