Ichthyosis in two dogs.

Ichthyosis in 2 dogs was characterized by extreme hyperkeratosis on all or part of the skin and by extreme thickening of the digital and metapodial pads. The skin disorder closely resembled human lamellar ichthyosis, in which the histologic features include a thickened granular layer, mitotic figures, and dense collections of coarse keratohyaline granules. The disease was believed to be inherited, probably autosomal recessive, inasmuch as none of the parents was affected. Treatment of 1 dog with 5% lactic acid in hydrophilic ointment reduced the hyperkeratosis and decreased the shedding of scales.     

Dermatosparaxis in two Limousin calves

Background

An unusual presentation of skin disease was identified in two related neonatal Pedigree Limousin calves presented to University Veterinary Hospital, University College Dublin, following detailed post mortem examination a diagnosis of dermatosparaxis was made. Dermatosparaxis in animals or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which is the analogous condition seen in humans, is a connective tissue disorder characterised by extreme skin fragility. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of such a diagnosis in the Limousin breed and the features of this lethal phenotype were severe in comparison to previous reports of the condition.

Case presentation

Two calves, which were full siblings, a pedigree Limousin bull (Calf A) and pedigree Limousin heifer (Calf B) were examined clinically after presenting collapsed since birth, both had grossly abnormal skin with multiple skin fissures visible and both calves were subsequently euthanised. Both calves underwent gross post mortem examination, after which histological samples were reviewed and electron microscopical examination of selected skin samples was carried out. Histological features of dysplastic dermal collagen were identified. The diagnosis of dermatosparaxis in the Limousin breed was confirmed. Genetic testing was conducted to determine if the current cases had the same mutation as has previously been described in Belgian Blue cattle. Some common parentage was traced but genetic testing did not show a similar mutation to that previously described in cattle. The specific genetic cause in this case is unknown.

Conclusions

This is the first report of dermatosparaxis in the Limousin and the presentation of the dermatosparaxis phenotype has some noteworthy features thus further genetic testing is required to pinpoint the causative mutation or other genetic defect. Given the popularity of the breed and the lethal nature of the phenotype in this case it is important to raise awareness of the condition.

     

Dandy-Walker malformation in two calves

Two calves with unusual malformations of the skull and brain are described. Both calves showed doming of the posterior skull due to enlargement of the posterior fossa and cyst-like dilatation of the fourth ventricle. The cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle formed a meningocoele in one calf. Aplasia of the cerebellar vermis was present in both calves. One calf showed agenesis of the corpus callosum. These features are consistent with the Dandy-Walker malformation of man.     

Brachyspina syndrome in two Holstein calves

Brachyspina syndrome, a rare lethal skeletal malformation, is described in two Italian Holstein calves. Both calves were stillborn and had shortened trunks with long legs. Radiography demonstrated several abnormalities of the cervical and thoracolumbar vertebral column. Visceral malformations involving the heart, kidney, genital tract and gastrointestinal system were also found. Both calves were traced back to the same sire and an inherited basis was strongly suspected.     

Adenovirus infection in two calves.

Two 2-week-old calves with pyrexia, diarrhea, and subsequent dehydration were treated symptomatically for 1 week, but without favorable response. At necropsy, foci of necrosis were found in the abomasum and rumen of each calf. The small and large intestineswere dilated by grayish, turbid fluid. Numerous large amphophilic, intranuclear inclusions in endothelial cells of blood vessels in the abomasum and rumen, in endothelial cellsof the adrenal cortical sinusoids and renal glomeruli, and in intestinal epithelial cells were identified as adenovirus particles.     

Doxycycline toxicity in calves in two feedlots

Doxycycline toxicity caused by a large overdose (10 times the therapeutic dosage) in two feedlots is described. The clinical symptoms occurred after 2-3 days and mortality 5 days after the onset of the medication which was added to the milk replacement. Mortality reached 25% (five calves) and 27% (seven calves) in herds A and B, respectively. Pathological and histological findings revealed pulmonary oedema, myocardial degeneration and necrosis. These findings confirm the cardiovascular toxicity, caused apparently by doxycycline administration to the calves, and indicate the potential side-effects of this drug in cattle.