Reoccurrence of a paranasal osteoma following surgical removal in a 6-month-old Warmblood filly

A 6-month-old Warmblood filly presented for evaluation of a left sided unilateral mucopurulent discharge of 5 weeks' duration. Upper airway endoscopy revealed a large, smooth mass in the region of the ethmoturbinates. Dorso-ventral and lateral radiographs of the head revealed a large osseous mass in the left paranasal area. A biopsy was performed under general anaesthesia and an osteoma was diagnosed. A computed tomography (CT) examination was performed to guide surgical removal. Surgery was performed under general anaesthesia and a large mass was removed ~15 × 9 cm. A CT examination 3 months following surgery revealed three small areas of mineralisation. It was difficult to differentiate if these were areas of regrowth or portions of the original mass that were not entirely removed. A CT examination 8 months later revealed one of the areas had increased moderately in size. A second surgery was performed standing to remove the growth. A final CT 8 months later revealed no further evidence of a bone growth. This report describes the successful removal of an osteoma regrowth following initial surgical removal and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first to describe the reoccurrence of an osteoma after surgical intervention. It also describes a successful rhinotomy in the standing equine patient. This case highlights the importance of serial follow-up imaging after surgical removal as osteoma regrowth occurred in this case.     

Teat characteristics in relation to animal temperament during milking in buffaloes,and comparison of buffalo and cow teat morphology

This study aimed to examine the teat characteristics in relation to the animal temperament during milking in the Anatolian buffaloes using ultrasonographic, histomorphological and immunohistochemical methods. The teat canal length (TCL), teat wall thickness (TWT), teat cisternal diameter (TCD), teat diameter (TD), teat length (TL), and teat circumference (TC) values in docile (n = 5) and nervous (n = 7) buffaloes were measured at the 0th, 3rd and 6th minute of stimulation. In additional experiments, comparative histomorphology and immunohistochemical examinations of buffalo (n = 7) and cow teats (n = 8) were performed. It was determined that post-stimulation mean TCL values were significantly higher in nervous buffaloes than those of teats in docile buffaloes (p < .05). A significant positive correlation between TCD and TD, TL and TC in both docile and nervous buffaloes was noted (p < .05). Unlike nervous buffaloes where only 3/14 teat canals were open by 3rd minute of milking stimulation, almost all (9/10) teat canals were observed opened in docile buffaloes. There were fewer muscle but more collagen bundles in buffalo teats compared with cow teats. It seems that temperament of animal during milking effects the milking efficiency, and in nervous buffaloes, probably the stimulation alone may not be sufficient for opening of the teat canal and hence achieve complete milking.     

Surgical treatment of a mammary gland comedocarcinoma in an Arabian mare: Post-operative management,and histopathological and immunohistochemical features

A lactating 20-year-old, brown, Arabian mare, weighing about 300 kg, presented for bleeding from one teat and severe swelling of the entire mammary gland. The mare had untreated mastitis 10 months before. Consequently, a gangrenous teat developed after chronic bloody and purulent discharges. The teat was removed surgically by the field veterinarian. At that time, the mammary gland increased in size. Bloody and purulent discharges restarted 10 days previously. Under general anaesthesia, the entire mammary gland was removed. Comedocarcinoma was diagnosed by histopathological assessment. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for pan-cytokeratin and vimentin. Microscopic examination of immunohistochemical stained slides revealed expression of pan-cytokeratin. In conclusion, this report describes clinical, macroscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of comedocarcinoma that did not metastasise to regional lymph nodes. Reports in the field of equine oncology contribute to improved general knowledge in equine medicine, contributing to better diagnosis and treatment.     

Lack of Correlation Between Papillomaviral DNA in Surgical Margins and Recurrence of Equine Sarcoids

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 (BPV-1) and 2 (BPV-2) are causally associated with the development of equine sarcoid tumors. Recurrence rates after surgical excision of sarcoids are estimated to be 30%–40%. We hypothesized that the presence of BPV DNA in histologically tumor-free surgical margins of sarcoids is associated with risk of recurrence, and increased quantity of BPV DNA is associated with increased risk of recurrence. Formalin-fixed sarcoids classified as “completely excised” histologically were obtained from two institutions. A total of 25 tumors were included, eight of which recurred within 1 year of excision. Qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for detection of BPV-1 and BPV-2 were performed on neoplastic tissue and tumor-free surgical margins in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens following DNA extraction. Bovine papillomavirus-1 was found in all tumor samples and in histologically “clean” margins of 21 samples, whereas BPV-2 was found in only two tumor samples. Although quantitative PCR was more sensitive than qualitative PCR in detecting BPV DNA in surgical margins, there was no significant difference in the presence of BPV-1 or BPV-2 DNA in margins of tumors that recurred versus those that did not recur for either test. Although this study is limited by sample size, our results suggest that PCR analysis of surgical margins for BPV DNA is not a reliable method to predict equine sarcoid recurrence after resection.     

Evaluation of Locally Injected Mycobacterium Cell Wall Fraction in Horses with Sarcoids

A reformulation of Mycobacterium cell wall fraction immunotherapeutic can be used to successfully treat sarcoids in horses. Sarcoids are reported to be the most common equine skin tumors with tumor type and location influencing the choice of treatment. Wide surgical excision is curative for many tumors, but may not always be feasible. Previous studies have reported sarcoid regression after injection with mycobacterial cell wall immunotherapeutics. A new formulation of the Mycobacterium phlei cell wall fraction immunostimulant (Immunocidin Equine) was used to treat cutaneous tumors in horses. Equids with skin tumors diagnosed as sarcoids were enrolled in the study. Sarcoids were injected at the initial visit with Immunocidin Equine and subsequently at approximately 2-week intervals. Of 17 cases, nine cases were completely resolved at the end of the study period evaluation or at the time of final follow-up (52.9%). Three cases were reported as improved (smaller), but not resolved (17.6%). Three cases were discontinued from the study as the respective masses were growing larger or not resolving (17.6%). One case (5.8%) with two masses had resolution of one mass, whereas the other tumor had a small regrowth 5 months after the last treatment. One case (5.8%) was lost to follow-up. All cases had mild to moderate swelling of the injection site, and some cases had discharge after the second, third, or fourth injections. No serious systemic side effects or complications were encountered during the study.     

Chondrosarcoma Associated With the Appendicular Skeleton of 2 Domestic Ferrets

A 5-year-old male neutered ferret (Mustela putorius) and a 2-year-old male neutered ferret were evaluated for fast growing immobile swellings involving the left hock and the right scapula, respectively. In both cases, serum chemistry was unremarkable and a complete blood count demonstrated mild anemia. In case 1, radiographic evaluation demonstrated increased soft tissue density in the region of the distal tibia and fibular tarsal bone. A fine-needle aspirate demonstrated atypical mesenchymal cells, and an incisional biopsy revealed irregular partly mineralized proliferations of cartilage consistent with chondrosarcoma. Computed tomography was performed, demonstrating attachment of the mass to the distolateral tibial epiphysis. A limb-sparing surgery was performed; however, 5 months following resection local reoccurrence was noted. At 18 months, the ferret underwent a left hind limb amputation. No sign of metastatic disease was reported at 27 months. In case 2, radiographic evaluation demonstrated a poorly organized mineralized soft tissue mass extending from the right acromion to the area surrounding the neck of the scapula. Microscopic evaluation of an incisional biopsy revealed a chondrosarcoma. A forequarter amputation was performed. The ferret died 4 years later with no evidence of local recurrence or the development of metastatic disease. These 2 cases represent the first reports of chondrosarcoma in the appendicular skeleton of 2 ferrets. Based on these 2 cases, local recurrence may be expected unless adequate surgical margins are achieved. The metastatic potential of chondrosarcoma in this species appears to be low.     

Surgical treatment of a large congenital cavernous haemangioma on the thorax of a foal

A 3‐day‐old male foal was presented with a fluctuant 25 × 15 cm mass on the thorax. The mass had increased in size since birth. The mass did not respond to conservative treatment consisting of aspiration of serohaemorrhagic contents and compression bandages, and it was therefore surgically removed when the foal was approximately 2½ weeks. A histopathological diagnosis of cavernous haemangioma was made. Healing progressed without complications despite a large surgical wound left to heal by second intention. Recurrence was not observed during the 1.5‐year follow‐up period.     

Vestibulovaginal leiomyosarcoma in a mare

A 14-year-old Quarter Horse mare presented for a mass within the vestibule and vagina resulting in external compression and incomplete occlusion at the external urethral opening with subsequent difficulty urinating. Examination revealed an approximately 15 × 10 cm lobulated mass within the vestibule and caudal vagina attached via a broad base dorsally. Histopathology of the mass identified a low-grade leiomyosarcoma. Complete resection was not possible, and surgical debulking of the mass was performed during standing sedation using a vessel-sealing and dividing device. The mare was discharged 3 days post-operatively without any complications. Recheck examinations performed at 1 month and 8 months’ post-surgery revealed excellent healing of the surgical site and no apparent tumour regrowth.     

Chronic obstructive mastitis in the camel. A clinicopathological study

Unilateral chronic mastitis in three she camels was due to obstruction of the teat canal by keratin. This lead to dilatation of the ducts, retention of milk and secondary bacterial infection. The teat canals and dilated ducts were lined by stratified squamous epithelium. There was excessive periductal fibrosis. Pasteurella hemolytica was isolated from one animal and Staphylococcus aureus from another. The fluid from the third animal was sterile. The condition was treated successfully by surgical amputation of the affected halves of the udder.     

Forelimb amputation for treatment of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor in an African pygmy hedgehog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old female African pygmy hedgehog was evaluated because of a mass of unknown duration on the lateral aspect of the right shoulder region. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A fine-needle aspirate of the mass was collected for cytologic examination; findings were consistent with a spindle cell tumor. A CBC, plasma biochemical analyses, and whole-body radiography revealed no other abnormalities. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: An initial surgery performed in an attempt to remove the mass with preservation of the limb failed in that tumor-free surgical margins were not obtained. Histologically, the mass was identified as a peripheral nerve sheath tumor (neurofibrosarcoma). A second surgery to amputate the forelimb was successful. After 1 year, there had been no further development of peripheral nerve sheath tumor at this or other sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In African pygmy hedgehogs, potential differential diagnoses for a subcutaneous mass should include peripheral nerve sheath tumor. If necessary, forelimb amputation can be performed successfully in this species with procedures modified from those used in dogs. Information gathered during the treatment and recovery of the hedgehog of this report may assist practicing veterinarians in counseling owners of hedgehogs that are undergoing forelimb amputation with regard to the course of recovery that may be expected following this procedure.     

Aryepiglottic lymphoma in a 19-year-old Paint gelding treated with excision and adjunctive radiotherapy

This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of an aryepiglottic tumour in a 19-year-old Paint gelding. Diagnostic work-up included physical examination, endoscopic evaluation of the upper airway, and histopathology of the mass following removal. Treatment consisted of surgical excision of the aryepiglottic mass under endoscopic guidance followed by a 100 Gy dose of radiation delivered with strontium-90 plesiotherapy to the surgical bed at 72 h post-operatively. The radiation applicator was passed through the left nostril and the application area was confirmed via endoscopic evaluation. Histopathology, including immunohistochemistry, confirmed that the aryepiglottic tumour was T cell lymphoma. Recheck examination, including physical examination and upper airway endoscopy, was performed 1, 3 and 6 months following treatment and local recurrence was not observed. Local control with minimal morbidity can be achieved with surgical excision of equine lymphoma followed by strontium-90 plesiotherapy.     

Resection of the incisive bone and rostral maxillae for removal of an ossifying fibroma in an 18‐year‐old Warmblood gelding

A 510 kg, 18‐year‐old Warmblood gelding used for high level dressage was presented with a 6 week history of a growing mass at the rostral aspect of the incisive bone. Radiographic examination of the maxillae showed an osteolytic lesion between the left maxillary central and intermediate teeth spreading caudally into the hard palate. Biopsy of the mass was consistent with an aggressive oral fibrosarcoma. Diagnostic work‐up ruled out metastatic lesions. An amputation of the incisive bone and part of the rostral maxillae was performed with the intent of removing the mass in healthy margins. However, the neoplastic tissue extended to the rostral aspect of the ventral nasal conchae and a resection in healthy margins was not performed to avoid surgical complications due to communication with the nasal conchae. After surgery, the horse's appetite and food uptake were not impaired and cosmetic appearance was excellent. Active drains were used in order to prevent any submucosal collection of fluids. Histopathological examination of the surgical margins of the removed maxillae confirmed the presence of tumoural tissue. Even though excision of the tumour was not complete, no macroscopic local recurrence was reported post operatively at 36 months' follow‐up. Based on histological re‐evaluation of the removed tissue and the absence of recurrence a definitive diagnosis of ossifying fibroma was made.     

Tracheal rupture following general anaesthesia in a horse

A Dutch Warmblood, with no other underlying clinical disease, presented for surgical excision of a sarcoid tumour on the distal right pinna under general anaesthesia. At the end of the procedure, immediately before being moved to recovery, the horse became light and made repeated attempts to move whilst attached to the hoist. Anaesthesia was deepened with intravenous thiopental sodium (Thiopentone)¹ and the horse was moved into the recovery room. The trachea was extubated with the cuff of the endotracheal tube inadvertently left partially inflated. Recovery was smooth and the horse stood uneventfully. The following day subcutaneous emphysema was noted along the neck and tracheoscopy revealed an abnormal dorsoventrally flattened trachea and a 5 cm tear in the dorsal aspect of the trachea. Symptomatic treatment resulted in progressive healing of the lesion and the horse recovered fully with no evidence of respiratory complications.     

Sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma in the mandible of a horse

A 15-year-old Cob mare was presented for investigation of a mandibular mass. Radiography identified an oval-shaped mass occupying the intramandibular space, with a heterogeneous osseous opacity throughout the left hemimandible. Histopathology combined with immunohistochemistry was consistent with a diagnosis of sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma, which to date has only been described, rarely, in human patients. The mass was removed using a mandibular-sparing surgical technique allowing preservation of the dental arcade. Follow-up 5 years after surgery confirmed no signs of regrowth. This case report describes the successful treatment of a previously unreported mandibular neoplasm in the horse.     

Effect of vacuum level on milking efficiency, somatic cell counts (SCC) and teat end wall thickness in ewes of Greek mountain Boutsiko breed

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of vacuum level of machine milking on milk yield, milk composition, milking efficiency, somatic cells counts (SCC), and teat end thickness of the Greek mountain breed Boutsiko ewes. Seventy two ewes after a suckling period of 45 ± 5 days were divided into three equal groups of 24 animals for level of milk production, prolificacy and lactation number. The overall experiment lasted 14 weeks. All groups were milked with a pulsation rate of 120/min, pulsator ratio of 50/50, and three vacuum levels of 38, 44 and 50 kPa, respectively, were applied for the three groups. Every two weeks, in a.m. and p.m. milking, measurements were taken for machine milk (MM) and machine stripped milk (MSM), milk composition, SCC, milk emission characteristics (only in a.m. milking) and teat end wall thickness (TEWT) before and after milking. The results have shown that the lower vacuum level of 38 kPa increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of machine milk (82.9%). There were no significant differences among the groups for milk composition, milk flow rate and SCC, but there was a difference in log SCC (P < 0.05) between 38 and 50 kPa. The teat end wall thickness was lower at the lower vacuum level (38 kPa) after milking, and increased (P < 0.001) as the vacuum level was raised to 50 kPa. The findings of this study suggest that with a lower vacuum level of 38 kPa, the ewes are milked better than those with 44 or 50 kPa. Also, the irritation of teats is considerably reduced, while no differences were seen regarding the health of the udder.     

A modified surgical technique for penile amputation and preputial ablation in the horse

The aim of this study was to describe a modified surgical technique for treatment of severe penile pathology, and the long‐term outcome. The surgery consisted of subischial urethrostomy and penile amputation with preputial ablation, with the horse in dorsal recumbency. A redundant section of the penis root and body was left in situ, rather than being retroflexed as described elsewhere. Follow‐up was obtained using a structured owner telephone questionnaire. The 15 cases included: 11 squamous cell carcinomas (73.3%); 2 melanomas; one chronic preputial discharge with no associated neoplasia; and one paraphimosis following routine sedation. Length of survival ranged from 0.9 to 74.6 months (median 25.1 months). From the 14 horses with follow‐up, 9 survived >18 months (64.3%) [Correction added on 17 August 2015, after first online publication: The percentage in the preceding sentence was wrong and has been corrected to '64.3%' from '69.2%']. Four euthanasias were due to presenting or post operative complications, while 2 were unrelated to the procedure. This procedure presents a simplified, viable option for treatment of extensive mixed penile lesions; reducing surgical complexity and time in comparison to previously described techniques requiring retroversion.     

The influence of iodine teat dipping and an external teat sealant in heifers on bacterial isolation from quarter milk culture obtained post-calving

A longitudinal observational 2 year field study including 178 dairy herds was conducted in Norway. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of iodine post milking teat dipping (PMTD) and an external teat sealant (ETS) in first calvers (heifers) on bacterial isolation from milk culture post-calving. Every heifer was either sampled in connection with a clinical mastitis (CM) event at calving or otherwise approximately 6 days post-calving. Milk culture results were available from 3218 individual heifers and 12,872 quarter milk samples. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were used for each bacterium. Neither use of PMTD nor ETS did decrease the risk of bacterial isolation post-calving. However, if iodine PMTD had been used, there was an increased risk of clinical mastitis (Odd ratio (OR) = 1.6 (0.9–2.7)) and an increased risk of isolation of coagulase negative staphylococci OR = 1.5 (1.0–2.1). If ETS had been used, there was an increased risk of isolation of coliform bacteria (coliform and Escherichia coli) (OR = 2.9 (1.2–7.3)). There was significantly less Streptococcus dysgalactiae during the summer and autumn compared to the winter and spring. There was a significant herd effect for Streptococcus uberis and for coliforms with an OR = 5.1 (2.1–12) and 4.5 (2.7–7.6) respectively.     

Chalastospora gossypii in a Maine Coon cat: case report and literature review

A 15-y-old castrated male Maine Coon cat was evaluated for an ulcerated soft tissue mass on the right hindlimb that had been observed for 4 mo and had grown rapidly. A 3 × 3 cm soft, raised, amorphous, and ulcerated subcutaneous mass was observed on the lateral right metatarsus. In-house cytology via fine-needle aspiration was nondiagnostic. Incisional biopsy of the mass and further staging was declined, and amputation was elected. The amputated limb was submitted for histopathology, which revealed severe chronic nodular granulomatous dermatitis and multifocal granulomatous popliteal lymphadenitis with large numbers of intralesional fungal hyphae. Fungal PCR and sequencing on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue identified Chalastospora gossypii. No adjunctive therapy was elected at the time. The patient has done well clinically 1 y post-operatively. C. gossypii is a rare microfungus found worldwide and is considered a minor pathogen of several plants. To our knowledge, infection by this fungus has not been reported previously in veterinary species. Features in our case are comparable to other mycotic infections. Nodular granulomatous mycotic dermatitis and cellulitis, although uncommon, should be a differential for soft tissue masses in veterinary species; C. gossypii is a novel isolate.