Histological and immunohistochemical features of cutaneous mast cell tumor in six captive four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

This report described the histopathological and immunohistochemical features of cutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) in six hedgehogs. The hedgehogs presented single cutaneous mass with ulcer and crusting. Histologically, the neoplastic lesions were characterized by the proliferation of well-differentiated mast cells (3 cases), and atypical mast cells (3 cases) with one atypical histiocytic morphology. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for KIT and mast cell tryptase, and were negative for Iba-1. In well-differentiated MCT, all patients were clinically improved and survived more than 365 days after surgical excision, whereas an atypical histiocytic MCT showed aggressive behavior with re-recurrence, and the animal died 115 days after surgery. These findings suggest that, compatible with other animals, well-differentiated MCT has a better prognosis in hedgehogs.     

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic chordoma in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

A Bengal tiger was presented for evaluation of weakness, ataxia and inappetance. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass extending from the T7-8 vertebral body to the left rib and compressing the spinal cord. On CT, the bone destruction and sequestrum were shown. On MRI, the multilobulated mass appeared hypo- to isointense in T1-weighted and hyperintense in T2-weighted images. The tiger died after imaging, most likely from renal failure. Chordoma without metastasis was diagnosed on necropsy. The imaging characteristics were similar to those found in chordoma in humans. This report describes the use of CT and MRI in an exotic species.     

A histomorphologic and immunohistochemical study of chordoma in twenty ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

The histomorphologic and immunohistochemical features of chordoma in 20 ferrets were evaluated. The mean age was 3.4 years, and, in the cases for which sex was known, females (n = 10) outnumbered males (n = 5) two to one. All 20 tumors occurred on the tip of the tail. Nineteen of 20 tumors (95%) were composed of three tissue components, often arranged concentrically with lobules of physaliferous cells at the periphery, trabecular bone in the center, and cartilage in between. The bone often contained marrow and hematopoietic cells. One tumor lacked chondromatous or osseous tissue. Immunohistochemical results were consistent with previous studies of chordoma. All 20 tumors (100%) were positive for keratin and vimentin intermediate filaments; 15 (75%) were positive for S-100 protein; and 17 (85%) were positive for neuron specific enolase. This neoplasm shares morphologic and immunohistochemical features with "classic," as well as chondroid chordoma, of human beings, making it a potential animal model.     

Pathological and immunohistochemical features of 45 cases of feline meningioma

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor in cats, although there are few reports about their pathological features. To investigate the histopathological subtypes and immunohistochemical features including expression of cytokeratin and cell adhesion molecules, 45 cases of feline meningioma were examined. The mean age was 12.5 years (range 6–21 years). No statistically significant sex predilection was observed. Regarding the anatomical location of meningioma, tumors mostly developed in the cerebrum, followed by spinal cord and cerebellum, and multiple meningioma was observed in one cat. Microscopically, linear or focal mineralization was observed in 40 cases and cholesterol cleft was observed in 14 cases. Based on histopathological subtypes, there were 15 fibrous, 22 transitional, 2 meningothelial, 5 atypical, and 1 anaplastic meningiomas. These subtypes are classified into grade 1 (39 cases), grade 2 (5 cases), and grade 3 (1 case). There was no significant difference in the Ki-67 index among histological subtypes or grades. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin in 5 cases (12.8%), vimentin in 17 cases (43.6%), E-cadherin in 36 cases (92.3%), β-catenin in 21 cases (53.8%), and N-cadherin in 1 case (2.6%), demonstrating the utility of E-cadherin-immunohistochemistry for the diagnosis of feline meningiomas.     

Evaluation of the degree and distribution of lymphangiectasia in full-thickness canine small intestinal specimens diagnosed with lymphoplasmacytic enteritis and granulomatous lymphangitis

Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is often observed in dogs with chronic small intestinal diseases. Hypoplasia of the lymphatic vessel due to decreased lymphangiogenesis, which has been suggested in human idiopathic IL, may contribute to the pathogenesis of canine IL. This study aimed to evaluate the diameter and number of lymphatic vessels in full-thickness small intestinal specimens of dogs with IL. Immunohistochemical labeling of lymphatic endothelial cell markers was performed on retrospectively retrieved full-thickness small intestinal specimens. Sixteen dogs with histologically confirmed IL were included, of which 10 had lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE), and six had granulomatous lymphangitis (GL). Nine dogs that died from non-gastrointestinal disorders and with little or no abnormalities in the small intestine were used as controls. Lymphatic vessel diameters in dogs with IL were significantly increased in all layers of the small intestine, including the villus lacteal, lamina propria, submucosa, muscularis, and mesentery, compared with controls (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the lymphatic vessel diameters between dogs with LPE and GL (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of lymphatic vessels between dogs with IL and the controls in all layers of the small intestine (all P>0.05). This study demonstrated that IL was observed in all layers of the small intestine, including the submucosa, muscularis, and mesentery, independent of the underlying disease. Factors other than reduced lymphatic vessels would contribute to the pathogenesis of IL in dogs.     

Expression of NG2 proteoglycan in the degenerated intervertebral disc in dachshunds

The pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is not fully understood. The biomolecular signaling pathways involved in the IVD degeneration require further investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of NG2 proteoglycan in the degenerated IVD. IVD samples were obtained from 16 Dachshunds that were confirmed to have IVD herniation and subsequently underwent hemilaminectomy. The samples were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations. IHC revealed positive results for the expression of NG2 proteoglycan in all examined samples. The results showed the expression of NG2 proteoglycan by the degenerated IVDs.     

Classification of feline intraocular neoplasms based on morphology, histochemical staining, and immunohistochemical labeling

The objectives of this study were to evaluate morphologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical characteristics of well-differentiated and anaplastic intraocular neoplasms of cats, and to develop a diagnostic algorithm for, and investigate the association of ruptured lenses with these neoplasms. Seventy-five feline globes with intraocular neoplasms were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined by light microscopy. Morphologic diagnoses included 33 intraocular sarcomas, 17 diffuse iris melanomas, 15 lymphosarcomas, three ciliary adenomas, one metastatic carcinoma, and six undifferentiated intraocular neoplasms. Sections of these globes were then stained with periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and immunohistochemical (IHC) labels for various cellular markers. Histochemical staining and IHC labeling confirmed cellular differentiation in 73/75 neoplasms but was discordant with morphologic diagnoses in 8/75. These included four neoplasms morphologically diagnosed as lymphosarcomas but which expressed differentiation antigens consistent with melanoma (n = 3) or ciliary adenocarcinoma (n = 1), and four tumors morphologically diagnosed as intraocular sarcomas that expressed differentiation antigens for melanoma (n = 2), metastatic carcinoma (n = 1), or remained undifferentiated (n = 1). Immunohistochemical labeling suggested a diagnosis in 5/6 morphologically undifferentiated neoplasms including one intraocular sarcoma, two diffuse iridal melanomas, and two ciliary adenocarcinomas. Based upon morphologic, histochemical, and IHC characterization, ruptured lens capsules were detected in 28/30 intraocular sarcomas, 3/24 diffuse iris melanomas and 1/11 lymphosarcomas, but not in ciliary epithelial neoplasms, metastatic carcinomas, or undifferentiated intraocular neoplasms. An algorithm is provided that facilitates stain and IHC label selection for differentiating anaplastic intraocular feline neoplasms.     

Histologic and immunohistochemical characterization of thymic epithelial tumours in the dog

Thymic epithelial tumour (TET) histologic subclassification has not been well described in the veterinary literature as it has in humans. The objective of this study was to identify and describe TET subtypes in dogs and to determine the utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in differentiating these subtypes. Samples were reviewed and classified according to a modified World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for human tumours of thymic origin. Signallment, presenting signs, treatment and survival data was collected from medical records. Histologic review confirmed the same subtypes as described in humans. Presence of high stage disease, pleomorphism, mitotic figures and capsular invasion was more common in atypical thymomas and thymic carcinomas than in thymomas. IHC was performed for GLUT‐1, CD5, CD117 and CK8/18; however, this was not useful in classifying the tumours.     

Immunohistochemical and histoplanimetrical study on the endothelial receptor involved in transportation of minute chylomicrons into subepithelial portal blood in intestinal villi of the rat jejunum

A portion of the minute chylomicrons less than 75 nm in diameter are transcytosed from the extravascular tissue into the subepithelial blood capillaries (sBC) in the villous apices of the rat jejunum. However, the details of the transportation mechanism have not been clarified. In this study, the endothelial receptor involved in the transportation of minute chylomicrons into the sBC’s lumina was immunohistochemically and histoplanimetrically examined in intestinal villi of the rat jejunum. Immunopositivity for very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor was detected on the luminal and basal surfaces of the endothelial cells of sBC in approximately 68% of those apices of jejunal villi that possessed numerous chylomicrons in the lamina propria, while VLDL receptor was detected on the endothelial cells of sBC in only approximately 8% of intestinal villi that possessed few or no chylomicrons in the lamina propria. No immunopositivity for LDL receptor was detected in the sBC of all intestinal villi. These findings suggest that VLDL receptor is expressed by the endothelial cells of the sBC in conjunction with the filling of the lamina propria of jejunal villi with many chylomicrons produced by the villous columnar epithelial cells and that the VLDL receptor mediates the transportation of minute chylomicrons, maybe VLDL, into the subepithelial portal blood from the extravascular tissue of the rat jejunal villi.     

Cytomorphological and immunohistochemical features of lymphoma in ferrets

Twenty ferrets with histopathologically diagnosed lymphoma were classified cytomorphologically and immunohistochemically. According to site of origin, multicentric, gastrointestinal, mediastinal and cutaneous lymphomas accounted for 8 (40%), 9 (45%), 2 (10%) and 1 case (5%), respectively. According to the National Cancer Institute Working Formulation (NCI-WF), low-, high- and intermediate-grade lymphomas accounted for 4 (20%), 4 (20%) and 12 cases (60%), respectively. The 4 low-grade lymphomas showed no mitotic figures, whereas all 4 high-grade lymphomas exhibited > or = 3 mitotic figures (median,6). Higher grade thus appears to be associated with a higher number of mitotic figures. Immunohistochemical examination of 18 specimens, excluding 2 insufficient specimens, showed that 16 (88.9%) and 2 (11.1%) lymphomas were of T-cell origin and B-cell origin, respectively. According to the combination of the NCI-WF and immunophenotypes, all 4 low-grade lymphomas (2 multicentric, 1 gastrointestinal, and 1 cutaneous lymphoma) were classified as diffuse small lymphocytic lymphoma of T-cell origin. Of the 12 intermediate-grade lymphomas (6 multicentric, 4 gastrointestinal, and 2 mediastinal lymphomas), 11 were classified as diffuse mixed-cell lymphoma, and 1 as diffuse large cell lymphoma. Of these 11 lymphomas, 2 (both multicentric) were of B-cell origin, 7 (3 multicentric, 3 gastrointestinal, 1 mediastinal) were of T-cell origin, and 2 (1 multicentric, 1 mediastinal) were of unknown cell origin. The remaining 1 lymphoma (gastrointestinal) was of T-cell origin. All 4 high-grade lymphomas (gastrointestinal) were classified as diffuse immunoblastic lymphoma of T-cell origin.     

Comparative immunohistochemical characterization of canine seminomas and Sertoli cell tumors

Primary testicular tumors are the most common causes of cancer in male dogs. Overall, the majority of canine patients should be cured by testicular surgery. However, tumor markers are not well-known in veterinary medicine. We sought to determine using immunohistochemistry whether the combined human testicular tumor markers (placental alkaline phosphatase, OCT3/4, CD30, alpha-fetoprotein, inhibin-alpha, vimentin, c-KIT, and desmin) are expressed in canine seminomas and Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs). We examined 35 canine testicular tumors, 20 seminomas and 15 SCTs. c-KIT was expressed markedly in canine seminomas. Both inhibin-alpha and vimentin were expressed significantly in canine SCTs. The results of this study demonstrate differences and similarities between tumor marker expression of testicular tumors in dogs and humans. All the main markers in current routine use are discussed as well as potential useful markers for benign and malignant tumors, and tumor progression.     

Cytologic and immunohistochemical characterization of a lung carcinoid in a dog

An 11-year-old neutered male Yorkshire Terrier was presented to the Haemaru Referral Animal Hospital with a history of unresponsive tracheal collapse and an incidental finding of a lung nodule in the left caudal lung lobe on radiography. Thorough physical examination and imaging studies revealed no other masses. Cytologic examination of C-arm mobile fluoroscopy-guided fine-needle aspirates revealed numerous free nuclei and a low number of small round cells with moderate to abundant pale basophilic cytoplasm. Some cells contained indistinct basophilic granules in their cytoplasm, and extracellular pink material was noted. A caudal lung lobectomy was performed, and histologic evaluation of the mass revealed round to polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and round nuclei with mild anisokaryosis and 0-3 mitotic figures per high-power field. Cells were arranged in packets separated by fine fibrovascular stroma, suggestive of a pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasm, specifically a carcinoma/carcinoid. The cells were immunoreactive for chromogranin A and neuron-specific enolase, and negative for cytokeratin, synaptophysin, calcitonin, thyroglobulin, parathyroid hormone, CD79a, light lambda, and vimentin. With these findings the tumor was diagnosed as a primary lung carcinoid. Eleven months after resection, there was no evidence of tumor regrowth or metastasis. The absence of necrosis, few mitotic figures, minimal pleomorphism, and benign behavior of this tumor resembled those of a typical carcinoid in humans.     

Haemangiopericytoma: histological spectrum, immunohistochemical characterization and prognosis

Canine haemangiopericytoma (CHP) is a vascular neoplasm thought to be derived from pericytes. The histological pattern and immunohistochemical profile were studied in 31 CHPs. Twenty-three subjects were followed for 2 years to evaluate the correlation among tumour location, histotype, immunostaining and outcome of the disease. Of the 31 CHPs examined, 20 exhibited a perivascular whorled pattern, 8 were storiform and 3 were epithelioid. All tumours were positive for vimentin and negative for cytokeratin, factor VIII-related antigen, glial fibrillary acidic protein and S-100 protein. Seventeen CHPs were positive for actin and nine co-expressed desmin. Six CHPs were also positive for CD34 antigen. The panel of immunohistochemical markers used confirmed the vascular lineage of CHP and aided in the exclusion of other mesenchymal tumours. Of the 23 dogs submitted to follow-up, 6 had recurrence or metastases of the primary tumour. The epithelioid pattern or a noncutaneous location were associated with a poorer prognosis.     

Enzyme Histochemical Studies of the Normal Pig Kidney

The activity and localization of NAD(P)H-tetrazolium reductase, lactate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, glueose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase in the kidney of 11 female pigs were examined.The pig kidney showed a higher activity of NAD (P) H-tetrazolium reductase in the distal tubules compared with the kidney of rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, cat, and man. The activity of succinate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase was the same in the pig kidney as in the kidney of other examined species. In the pig kidney glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase precipitated in situ, while in rat and mouse this enzyme has proved to be highly diffusible.     

Comparison of endotracheal intubation techniques in llamas

This study evaluated a retrograde orotracheal intubation technique and compared it to the traditional normograde intubation technique used in llamas. Oral anatomical features, which can impair visualization of the epiglottis and laryngeal structures, and the production of excessive salivary secretions make it difficult to establish an airway under emergency conditions. Normograde intubation involves placing a stylet through the mouth into the trachea and advancing the endotracheal tube over the stylet into the trachea. For retrograde intubation, a nested trochar with cannula is placed into the cervical trachea and a stylet is advanced through the cannula and out the mouth. The endotracheal tube is advanced over the stylet back into the trachea. Our evaluation of both techniques found no statistical difference in time to place the stylet or endotracheal tube; however, fewer attempts were needed to place the tube using the retrograde technique. We found the retrograde technique to be a viable option for intubating llamas.     

Pathologic and immunohistochemical findings in an outbreak of systemic toxoplasmosis in a mob of red kangaroos

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan pathogen that infects many endothermic vertebrates, including humans; the domestic cat and other felids serve as the definitive host. Macropodids are considered highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis. Here, we describe the clinical, pathologic, and immunohistochemical findings of an outbreak of systemic toxoplasmosis in a mob of 11 red kangaroos (Macropus rufus), with high morbidity (73%) and mortality (100%) rates. Affected animals had either severe and rapidly deteriorating clinical conditions or sudden death, which was correlated with widespread necrotizing lesions in multiple organs and intralesional T. gondii organisms identified via MIC3-specific immunohistochemistry and confirmed by REP529-specific rtPCR. Quantification of parasites demonstrated the highest parasite density in pulmonary parenchyma compared with other tissues. Our study highlights the continued importance of this severe condition in Australian marsupials.     

Medetomidine/midazolam/ketamine anaesthesia in ferrets: effects on cardiorespiratory parameters and evaluation of plasma drug concentrations

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cardiorespiratory effects and plasma concentrations of medetomidine-midazolam-ketamine (MMK) combinations administered by intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injection in sable ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).Study designProspective randomized experimental study.AnimalsEighteen adult ferrets: weight median 1.19 (range 0.81–1.60) kg.MethodsAnimals were allocated to one of three groups: group IM07 received 20 μg kg^?1 medetomidine, 0.5 mg kg^?1 midazolam and 7 mg kg^?1 ketamine IM; group IM10 20 μg kg^?1 medetomidine, 0.5 mg kg^?1 midazolam and 10 mg kg^?1 ketamine IM; and group SC10 20 μg kg^?1 medetomidine, 0.5 mg kg^?1 midazolam and 10 mg kg^?1 ketamine SC. Following instrumentation, cardiorespiratory parameters and plasma drug concentrations were measured every 5 minutes (T5–T30) for 30 minutes Ferrets were then euthanased. Data were analysed using anova for repeated measures. p < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsResults are mean ± SD. Induction of anaesthesia (minutes) in IM07 and IM10 [2 (1)] was significantly faster than in SC10 [5 (2)]. All groups demonstrated the following: results given as groups IM07, IM10 and SC10 respectively. Mean arterial blood pressures (mmHg) were initially high [186 (13); 174 (33) and 174 (9) at T5] but decreased steadily. Pulse rates were initially 202 (20), 213 (17) and 207 (33) beats minute^?1, decreasing with time. PaO₂ (mmHg) was low [54.0 (8), 47.7 (10) and 38.5 (1)] at T5, although in groups IM07 and IM10 it increased over time. Plasma concentrations of all drugs were highest at T5 (36, 794 and 8264 nmol L^?1 for medetomidine, midazolam and ketamine, respectively) and decreased thereafter: for both midazolam and ketamine, concentrations in IM07 and IM10 were higher than SC10.Conclusions and clinical relevanceMMK combinations containing either 7 or 10 mg kg^?1 ketamine and given IM are suitable combinations for anaesthetising ferrets, although the observed degree of hypoxaemia indicates that oxygen administration is vital.