Multiple perianal infundibular follicular cysts in a dog

This case report describes a 7‐year‐old male cocker spaniel dog with multiple perianal infundibular follicular cysts. Clinically the dog had moderate anal sacculitis, peri‐anal pruritus causing it to ‘scoot’ and lick the area. On examination of the perianal area, there were over 100 firm, well circumscribed papules, ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 cm in diameter with a central pore, and were found in the perianal region. Alopecia was present in the perianal region. The skin tissue in the perianal region resected surgically was submitted for histological examination. Microscopically, the tissue revealed multiple dilated cysts filled with keratins and the papules corresponded to infundibular follicular cysts. The affected dog showed moderate anal sacculitis. Anal sacculitis commonly causes repeated scooting or licking the area around the anus. Therefore, the multiple follicular cysts in the present case appear to be primarily a sequela to chronic external trauma to the perianal area, probably in response to anal sacculitis. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present report is the first documented case of multiple perianal infundibular follicular cysts in a dog.     

Black-hair follicular dysplasia in a New Zealand Huntaway dog

CASE HISTORY: A 6-year-old intact male New Zealand Huntaway dog had slowly progressive alopecia that was first observed at 12 weeks of age.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Patchy alopecia was confined to the black-haired areas of the body, and was most evident on the head and dorsum of the body; tan-haired areas of skin appeared normal. Histological examination of black-haired skin revealed distended melanocytes and large aggregates of melanin within, and surrounding, the hair follicles and the epidermis. Macrophages distended with melanin were also visible within the perifollicular and superficial dermis, and follicular lumina were often plugged by keratin that contained aggregates of melanin. The follicles were dysplastic and few hair shafts were visible emerging from follicular infundibula within the sections.

DIAGNOSIS: The clinical and histological findings were consistent with black-hair follicular dysplasia (BHFD).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first report of BHFD in a dog in New Zealand, and is the first report in a Huntaway. The most significant effect of BHFD is a predisposition to follicular plugging and secondary bacterial skin infections. Due to the hereditary nature of the follicular dysplasias, breeding from affected dogs should be discouraged. Histological examination of the skin is required to differentiate between the different follicular dysplasias as well as differentiating between follicular dysplasia and follicular atrophy due to endocrinopathy.     

Reticuloendotheliosis in a dog.

A case of reticuloendotheliosis in a 7-year-old Gordon Setter is reported. Progressive weakness, debility, and diarrhea with melena were the presenting complaints. Clinical evaluation revealed splenomegaly, severe nonregenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia with many large blast cells in the peripheral blood. Necropsy revealed extensive involvement of bone marrow, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, kidneys, and adrenals. Gastric and duodenal ulcers were also present. The course, clinical findings and cellular characteristics of the case presented, closely resemble those reported in the syndrome of reticuloendotheliosis in cats.     

Cholangiohepatitis in a dog.

Cholangiohepatitis was diagnosed in a dog with a 4-day history of anorexia, vomiting, fever, and icterus. Additional findings included signs of depression, dehydration, hepatosplenomegaly, and abdominal discomfort. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and specimens of liver, spleen, and bile were obtained. Histologic evaluation of liver and spleen revealed acute, suppurative cholangio-hepatitis and splenitis, respectively. Cultures of liver and bile yielded Klebsiella sp. The dog responded to rehydration and intravenous administration of chloramphenicol. Although uncommon, cholangiohepatitis should be suspected in dogs with anorexia, fever, vomiting, icterus, and signs of abdominal discomfort. Definitive diagnosis requires bacterial cultures of liver and bile. Administration of an appropriate antibiotic should resolve clinical signs.     

Phycomycosis in a dog.

Chronic vomiting in a 2-year-old dog was suspected to be due to a neoplasm of the stomach wall. During exploratory laparotomy, a lymph node from the pyloric area was examined microscopically. Inasmuch as neoplastic cells or evidence of metastasis were not found, all visibly involved tissue was removed surgically. A diagnosis of phycomycosis was then established by histologic evaluation of the tissue removed. It was concluded that diagnosis of this disease is important inasmuch as it may be treated successfully, in contrast to the situation with malignant neoplastic conditions, which it grossly resembles.     

Development of multiple cutaneous and follicular neoplasms associated with canine papillomavirus type 3 in a dog

A 12‐year‐old spayed English pointer dog developed multiple skin lesions including pigmented viral plaques, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and trichoblastomas. Canine papillomavirus type 3 was detected in multiple lesions suggesting common aetiology.

     

Uterine angiolipoleiomyoma in a dog.

An 11-year-old crossbred Pomeranian bitch displayed a large intramural, well-delineated uterine mass in one horn, near the junction with the uterine body. The mass was composed largely of mature adipose tissue, smooth muscle cells singly and in small clusters, anomalous medium-size and large arteries, and multifocal islands of cartilaginous and osseous tissues. Smooth muscle cells stained positively for desmin, and adipocytes and chondrocytes were positive for S-100 protein. This tumor has histologic and immunohistochemical features compatible with human uterine angiolipoleiomyoma, a rare tumor that has never been reported in the veterinary literature. This benign tumor is believed to be of a choristomatous nature.     

Streptococcal meningoencephalitis in a dog.

A 5.5-year-old French bulldog was presented with acute neck pain and a short history of central vestibular syndrome. A marked neutrophilic pleocytosis and numerous gram-positive cocci were evident on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology. Streptococcus pneumoniae, a pathogen of humans, was isolated upon CSF microbiological culture. Treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotics, supportive care, and anticonvulsants for the generalized seizures which developed shortly after admission. The dog responded to therapy and two years later exhibited only a mild, residual head tilt. The pathogenesis and treatment of bacterial meningoencephalitis in dogs are reviewed.     

Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism in a dog.

Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism in a 3-year-old dog was manifested clinically as periodic episodes of depression, vomiting, and tetanic convulsions. Hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia were detected late in the course of the illness, but the dog died before corrective measures could be instituted. The pathologic features were similar to those reported in dogs in which hypoparathyroidism was induced by injection of homologous parathyroid tissue, thus suggesting an auto-immune pathogenesis.