Olfactory ganglioneuroblastoma in a dog: case report and literature review

A 7-y-old, intact male Alaskan Malamute was presented with a 3-mo history of stertor and epistaxis. Computed tomography of the skull revealed generalized loss of gas throughout both nasal passages with replacement by a soft tissue mass that traversed the cribriform plate. Histopathology revealed neoplastic neuroblast cells arranged in anastomosing cords, as well as separately located aggregates of ganglion cells. Both neoplastic cell populations demonstrated immunoreactivity to MAP-2, TuJ-1, and synaptophysin. Neuroblastic cells additionally exhibited punctate immunoreactivity to MCK and CK8/18. We document here both the positive neural immunohistochemical markers for this neoplasm, as well as propose possible histomorphologic variants.     

Pylorogastric intussusception in the dog: a case report and literature review

A 10-month-old, neutered male Saint Bernard presented for evaluation of acute, severe vomiting. A soft-tissue mass was noted within the stomach on survey abdominal radiographs. The diagnosis of pylorogastric intussusception was made during exploratory celiotomy. The intussusception was manually reduced at surgery, the pyloric antrum was enlarged, and the duodenum was permanently affixed to the abdominal wall in an attempt to prevent recurrence of the intussusception. The dog recovered, has gained weight (5 kg), and has had only one isolated episode of vomiting during the one year since discharge from the hospital. This report documents the fourth reported case of pylorogastric (i.e., duodenogastric, gastrogastric) intussusception in the veterinary literature and is the first report that details the surgical management of the disease.     

Synovial fluid eosinophilia: a case report in a dog and review of the literature

The first known report of synovial fluid eosinophilia in a dog is described here. The occurrence of eosinophils in joint fluid is rare. Sporadic cases have been recorded in humans and most can be related to immunemediated reactions, both parasitic and non- parasitic. The dog in this case report had 20-52% eosinophils in multiple joints, as well as hemarthrosis and marked mononuclear cell reactivity. An intense peripheral eosinophilia was demonstrated one week later. The associated lameness resolved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. Lack of remarkable history or other clinical symptoms led to a diagnosis of idiopathic, eosinophilic, polyarthritis, likely immune-mediated.     

Cerebral granular cell tumor (myoblastoma) in a dog: case report and literature review.

An infiltrative granular cell tumor (myoblastoma) occurred in the superficial parieto-occipital cortex of an ataxic 12-year-old dog. The neoplasm was characterized by cells with numerous small PAS-positive, diastase-resistant cytoplasmic granules. The neoplasm also had numerous cells with large globular PAS-positive bodies (angulate bodies). Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells were characterized by numerous homogenous electron-dense, sharply bounded granules and large pleomorphic, indistinctly bounded granules. The angulate bodies were composed of 8- to 10-nm fibrils, a few of which formed parallel arrays or tubule-like structures. This represents the first report of a granular cell tumor in the central nervous system of the dog.     

Malignant thymoma with widespread metastases in a dog: case report and brief literature review

A malignant thymoma of epithelial type with metastases to the liver, spleen and bone marrow in a 16 year old female Cocker Spaniel dog is described. Lesions were considered to be incidental findings at necropsy.     

Ectopic brain tissue in the retina of a beagle dog: a case report and literature review

Isolated ectopic brain tissue within the orbit is an extremely rare finding and has never been reported in dogs or other domestic species. In this case, a focal choristoma of ectopic grey matter-like tissue was present within the retina of a mature female beagle dog, and consisted of neurons and astrocytes as demonstrated respectively by microtubule-associated protein 2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunohistochemistry. The lesion was located within the optic fundus adjacent to the optic disk and surrounded by dysplastic retina. The case is presented with a review of literature on this rare entity.     

Chronic primary splenic torsion with peritoneal adhesions in a dog: case report and literature review

Primary splenic torsion in dogs is uncommon and can occur in acute or chronic form. The chronic form is difficult to diagnose because the clinical signs are vague and sometimes intermittent. A dog with a history of diaphragmatic hernia repair two years previously presented with chronic, vague clinical signs and an abdominal mass. The mass was revealed to be spleen on ultrasonography. On exploratory laparotomy, the dog was found to have a splenic torsion of approximately 180 degrees with mature, fibrous adhesions retaining the spleen in a torsed position. A splenectomy was performed, and the dog recovered uneventfully with complete resolution of prior clinical signs. Prognosis for dogs with splenic torsion is good, although complications are relatively common.     

Dermatitis in a dog induced by Straelensia cynotis: a case report and review of the literature

This case report describes a highly pruritic, papular and crusted dermatitis affecting the dorsum of a dog and microscopically diagnosed as dermatitis induced by Straelensia cynotis. Histologically, each papule was characterized by a dilated hair follicle with marked pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, perifollicular mucinosis and an abundant mononuclear infiltration by plasma and mast cells. Each dilated follicle contained a larval mite. A therapy including systemic ivermectins and oral antibiotic therapy was initiated, but the clinical response was poor. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of straelensiosis in Portugal, and the second in Europe.     

Systemic mycosis due to Aspergillus deflectus in a dog

A 4-year-old, entire female, German Shepherd Dog was referred with a 3-month history of right foreleg lameness that partially responded to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial therapy. The bitch lost weight, was polydipsic and had reduced exercise tolerance. On referral, the animal was in poor condition, pyrexic and exhibited moderate pain on full extension of the right shoulder. Blood, urine and joint fluid were obtained and radiographs were taken of the right shoulder and chest. The bitch was lymphopaenic, hyperfibrinogenaemic, hyperglobulinaemic, mildly azotaemic, mildly proteinuric and isosthenuric. Branching fungal hyphae were present in the urine. On radiography, the thorax contained a large ventral mediastinal mass and the humeral head had extensive areas of radiolucency. An aspirate from the right humeroscapular joint exhibited branched fungal hyphae and numerous neutrophils and macrophages. A diagnosis of disseminated mycosis was made and euthanasia was performed. At necropsy, numerous caseating granulomas were present, especially in the kidneys, adrenal glands, heart and lymph nodes. Extensive osteomyelitis involved the head of the right humerus, the sternebrae and the fifth intervertebral disc. Fungal hyphae were detected in sections of granulomas in all affected organs and a diagnosis of disseminated fungal granulomatosis was made. Aspergillus deflectus was readily isolated from affected lymph nodes, but confirming its identity as A deflectus using standard procedures proved difficult. The identity of the fungus was finally confirmed by sequencing part of the 185 rRNA of the isolate. This is the first report in Australia of a disseminated mycosis caused by A deflectus. Previously, the involvement of A deflectus as a cause of disseminated mycosis was limited to 5 cases from the West Coast of the USA, four of which occurred in German Shepherd Dogs.     

Feline cytauxzoonosis: a case report and literature review

A 5.5-year-old Siamese presented for evaluation of a three-day history of anorexia and lethargy. Upon physical examination, the cat was depressed, dehydrated, pyrexic, had injected conjunctiva and sclera, pale mucous membranes, and a grade II/VI systolic heart murmur. Thoracic radiographs revealed moderate to severe, diffuse, bronchointerstitial pulmonary changes with enlarged and tortuous pulmonary vessels. With continued hospitalization, the cat became dyspneic and died. The postmortem cytopathological examination of the liver, spleen, and lung impressions revealed reticuloendothelial cell infection with Cytauxzoon felis.     

P-60 Hypercalcaemia associated with disseminated Lagenidium spp. infection in a dog: case report

Opportunistic dermatoses can occur in case of immunosuppressive diseases. The first case was a 12-year-old domestic short-haired cat suffering from diabetes with a phaeohyphomycosis due to Scytalidium spp. associated with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. A painless and ulcerated nodule was observed on a digit with fistulous tracts over the metatarsal joint. Histopathological examination of the nodule revealed a hemangiosarcoma in which brownish fungal colonies were found. Itraconazole (5 mg/kg twice daily), then amputation, allowed 12 months of survival (pulmonary metastases). The second case concerned a 13-year-old Siamese cat with cheyletiellosis associated with spontaneous Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus. This cat exhibited scales and miliary dermatitis on the trunk associated with polyuria, polydipsia and a pot-belly. Acetate tape impression showed Cheyletiella blakei mites and eggs. Blood analysis revealed diabetes mellitus and spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism. The owner refused treatment. The third case was a 14-year-old domestic short-haired cat with generalized demodicosis associated with iatrogenic Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus. Long-acting glucocorticoids had been used for treatment of plasma cell stomatitis for 5 years. This cat exhibited erythema, scales, self-induced alopecia, thin skin and moderate pruritus associated with polyuria and polydipsia. Cutaneous lesions principally developed on the abdomen and flanks. Skin scrapings and trichogram showed numerous Demodex cati mites. Routine blood work demonstrated diabetes mellitus and iatrogenic Cushing's disease. Treatment was based on insulin therapy, milbemycin oxime (1 mg/kg once daily) and chlorambucil (0.2 mg/kg once daily). The demodicosis was cured after 4 months, but the cat died of cutaneous and ocular herpesvirus infection 10 months later.
Funding: Self-funded.     

Bovine pheochromocytoma: case report and review of literature.

A pheochromocytoma had partially replaced the left adrenal gland of a mature, grade Hereford cow and had penetrated the caval wall with resultant production of an intravascular nodule having a diameter of 2 cm. A few small neoplastic emboli were in thin-walled capsular and trabecular blood vessels. Metastasis to other tissues was not demonstrated.     

Meningioma in a dog in Iran: a case report, together with a review of the literature and special reference to the aetiology

Over a period of 1 year, a 9-year-old female Spitz developed ataxia, anorexia, insomnia, stiffness of the left fore and left hind legs, bilateral mydriasis, persistent torticolis to the left, tachycardia and tachypnea. At post-mortem, a meningioma was found protruding into the space between the left cerebellar hemisphere and medulla oblongata. This is the first report of canine meningioma in Iran.
Résumé. Une chienne de race 'loulou' de 9 ans, présentait depuis 1 an de l'ataxie, de l'anorexie, de l'insomnie et de la raideur des membres antérieur et postérieur gauches, une mydriase bilatérale, un torticolis persistant (tourné vers la gauche), de la tachycardie et de la tachypnée. A l'autopsie, on a trouvé un méningiome pénétrant dans l'espace entre l'hémisphère cérébelleux gauche et le bulbe. Il s'agit de la première observation d'un méningiome crânien en Iran.
Zusammenfassung. Im Zeitraum von 1 Jahr zeigte eine 9 Jahre alte Spitzhündin Ataxie, Anorexie, Schlaflosigkeit, Steifheit des linken Vorder- und Hinterbeins, bilaterale Mydriasis, persistenten Torticollis nach links, Tachycardie und Tachypnoe. Bei der Sektion wurde ein Meningiom gefunden, das in den Raum zwischen der linken Hirnhälfte und der Medulla oblongaia hineinragte. Dies ist der erste Bericht eines Meningioms bei einem Hund im Iran.     

Symptomatic granular cell tumor involving the pituitary gland in a dog: a case report and review of the literature

A granular cell tumor involving the pituitary gland, optic chiasm and ventral pyriform lobes was discovered in a 12-year-old Labrador Retriever. Clinical signs included acute blindness, seizures, ataxia, weakness, and behavioral changes. The diagnosis was established by histopathologic and ultrastructural examination of neoplastic tissues collected at necropsy. Granular cell tumors involving the central nervous system are well documented in humans but rarely have been described in dogs. The location of the neoplasm and the clinical symptoms seen in this dog closely parallel those of a rare syndrome in humans commonly described as symptomatic parasellar or pituitary granular cell tumors. The cell of origin for these tumors is still highly debated, and attempts to characterize human granular cell tumors through immunohistochemistry have produced conflicting results. An immunohistochemical profile of this neoplasm revealed focal positive staining for vimentin with a lack of staining for neuron-specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, S-100, and synaptophysin. All neoplastic cells were strongly positive with the periodic acid-Schiff reaction.     

Q fever osteomyelitis: a case report and literature review

Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. The clinical manifestations of Q fever include endocarditis, pneumonitis and hepatitis. Disease awareness and evolving diagnostic tests have enabled the recognition of unusual manifestations of Q fever. We report a case of Q fever osteomyelitis. A 51-year-old patient was admitted to hospital because of fever, leg weakness, and asthenia. His past medical history included surgery and a bone graft for the treatment of a giant cell tumor on the distal part of the femur. Blood and bone biopsy cultures were negative. Bone histological examination was consistent with a sub-acute or chronic inflammatory reaction that involved foci of epithelioid and gigantocellular infiltrates and necrosis. Serology testing revealed high antibody titers to C. burnetii antigens (phase I: IgG 3200; IgA 200; phase II: IgG 6400; IgA 400), which is indicative of chronic Q fever. The specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of the abscess sample from the femoral region was positive for C. burnetii. The patient was treated for chronic Q fever with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine for 18 months and recovered gradually without recurrence of pain or functional impairment. Q fever osteomyelitis is a rare and most likely underestimated disease. Epithelioid and gigantocellular granulomatous osteomyelitis in the context of culture-negative bone specimens should raise suspicion of Q fever. Serological tests, specific PCR and cell culture can provide evidence of a C. burnetii infection. Although bone diffusion may be a concern, the currently recommended treatment for Q fever was effective in this case.     

Malignant hyperthermia in a dog: case report and review of the syndrome

Malignant hyperthermia occurred in an adult Greyhound 24 hours after narcotic anesthesia and surgery. Stress was considered the most likely cause. Treatment with dantrolene, in conjunction with cooling techniques and other symptomatic and supportive therapy, was successful.     

Canine mycetoma: a case report and review of the literature

This paper describes a mycetoma of the fourth tarsal bone of a 5-year-old spayed Corgi-cross bitch caused by the eumycete Curvularia geniculata. The condition was treated successfully by surgical excision, followed by chemotherapy using iodine, trimethoprim-sulphadiazine, amphotericin B. dimethyl sulphoxide. thiabendazole and nystatin. An attempt was made to establish the in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration of various antifungal drugs on the causative organism. No clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence was found 3 years after initiation of treatment, despite the original poor prognosis.     

Ectopic ureterocele in a male dog: a case report and review of surgical management

A 16-week-old, male border terrier was presented for urinary incontinence. Intravenous urography demonstrated a right-sided, extravesical ectopic ureterocele. Neoureterocystostomy and ureterocele omentalization were performed. Urinary incontinence persisted after surgery. Retrograde urethrography revealed communication between the ureterocele and urethra. Urinary incontinence resolved following partial ureterocelectomy and reconstruction of the proximal urethra.