Melanocytic glaucoma in a cairn terrier

Melanocytic glaucoma, previously known as pigmentary glaucoma, is characterized by diffuse intraocular infiltration of heavily pigmented melanocytes. This unusual ocular disorder has been documented only in the cairn terrier and is considered familial. Treatment strategies are based on evidence that the condition is slowly progressive but not neoplastic.     

Melanocytic neoplasia in the cat

Clinical features and histopathological details from 13 cases of melanocytic neoplasia in the cat are presented. The series includes cases of intraocular melanoma (n=5), limbal melanoma (n=2), dermal melanoma (n=5) and one case of metastatic melanoma for which a primary site was not identified. In the case of the intraocular tumours, there was apparent correlation between the degree of cellular pleomorphism, the mitotic rate and the extent of local infiltration. Such an association was not identified for the melanomas arising from the limbus or skin.     

Splenosis in a dog

A 6-year-old male Rhodesian Ridgeback dog developed splenosis following splenectomy for a rupture of the spleen. The dog did well for 4 years following splenectomy but then developed progressive hepatomegaly, leading to the death of the animal. Grossly the abdomen was filled with masses of tissue arising from the liver. Multiple nodules of various sizes were seen in the remainder of the liver and attached to the mesentery, diaphragm and peritoneal wall. Histologically, the lesions contained splenic tissue consisting of both red and white pulp, and were characterized by all the normal cell elements of the spleen, including erythropoietic tissue. The proportion of red to white pulp was, however, abnormal, and the fibromuscular septae and sheath arteries were not obvious. In the smaller lesions, and in the margins of the large lesions, splenic tissue replaced the hepatic tissue except for the bile ducts. The multiple, intrahepatic nodules indicated splenic vein embolism.     

Hypocalcemia in a dog

A case of hypocalcemia was presented with a concurrent hyperphosphatemia. Normal renal function tests excluded primary renal insufficiency. The diet was thought to contain a normal ratio of calcium and phosphorus and, therefore, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism was not considered. The radiographs showed normal bone density and the dog was not lame. Concentrations of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone were measured in an attempt to classify the etiology. The dog was successfully managed with calcium supplementation and vitamin D(3) or oral calcium alone.     

Phycomycosis in a dog

SUMMARY A case of phycomycosis, with skin lesions, in a dog is reported. Hyphomyces destruens (Pythium gracile) was identified from aspirate collected from a regional lymph node, and characteristic hyphae were seen in stained sections of a biopsy specimen of affected skin. Incidence, pathogenesis and therapy are discussed.     

Protothecosis in a dog

A case of a disseminated algal infection is reported in a young rough-coated collie dog with progressive neurologic deficits, blindness, and hemorrhagic diarrhea. Prototheca zopfii organisms were cultured from feces, urine, and blood. At necropsy, granulomas containing typical organisms were identified within the proximal colon, heart, kidneys, and eyes.