Mycotic aneurysm caused by Graphium species in a dog

A 10-year-old castrated male mixed-breed dog exhibited vomiting, lethargy and anorexia. An abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a focal dilation of the abdominal aorta. The dog died 2 days after examination, and necropsy revealed a ruptured aneurysm at the abdominal aorta between the kidneys. Histological examination revealed severe granulomatous and necrotizing pan-arteritis with fungal organisms. Graphium species was identified through DNA sequence analysis of the PCR product from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report of aortic aneurysm caused by Graphium species in a dog.     

ACUTE DIFFUSE MYCOTIC PNEUMONIA IN A 7-MONTH-OLD COLT

A 7-month-old Quarter horse colt developed acute diarrhea, laminitis, bilateral uveitis, and severe respiratory distress after intramuscular injection with a bacterial vaccine. Thoracic radiographs revealed diffuse unstructured, nodular interstitial, and peribronchial opacities throughout the lung. Despite intensive supportive therapy, the colt became progressively hypoxemic and died. At postmortem examination, severe multifocal to coalescing hemorrhagic, necrotizing fibrinous pneumonia was found. Histologic study revealed numerous branched septate fungal hyphae diffusely distributed throughout the lung parenchyma. Fungal culture of lung tissue grew Aspergillus fumigatus. This report presents the radiographic, clinical, and pathologic features of acute mycotic pneumonia in horses.     

Multimodality imaging of primary ureteral hemangiosarcoma with thoracic metastasis in an adult dog

A 12‐year‐old spayed female standard Poodle was presented for investigation of severe hematuria. Abdominal ultrasound and thoracic and abdominal computed tomography identified severe hydronephrosis due to an obstructive ureteral mass with no evidence of metastasis. Histological examination after nephrectomy and ureterectomy confirmed an obstructive ureteral hemangiosarcoma. Forty days after surgery, the dog was presented with severe dyspnea. Survey radiographs of the thorax revealed a severe diffuse nodular interstitial pattern. Postmortem histological examination revealed pulmonary metastasis of hemangiosarcoma.     

Experimental reproduction of porcine respiratory disease complex in pigs inoculated porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and followed by inoculation with porcine circovirus type 2

The aim of this study was to reproduce severe pneumonic lesions, similar to those during naturally-occurring porcine respiratory disease complex, in pigs dually inoculated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae at 6 weeks of age, followed by inoculation with porcine circovirus type 2 at two weeks after. Time and sequence of infection with three pathogens mirror Asian field conditions. Microscopically, interstitial pneumonia and peribronchiolar lymphoid hyperplasia are considered the most characteristic lung lesions in infected pigs. The results of the present study demonstrate that inoculation of pigs with these three pathogens can lead to severe interstitial pneumonia with peribronchial or peribronchiolar lymphoid hyperplasia and fibrosis.     

B‐cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation in a cat

A 12‐year‐old, male castrated Domestic Shorthair cat was presented to Animal Medical Center of Gifu Univeristy with anorexia and vomiting. Physical examination revealed an enlarged left tonsil and right mandibular lymph node (approximately 2–3× the normal size), and a submucosal mass on the right side of the epiglottis (1.5 × 2.0 cm). On computed tomography images, an enlarged left tonsil, and enlarged right mandibular, right pharyngeal, and left and right cervical lymph nodes were observed. Cytologic examination of smears of tonsil and lymph nodes revealed numerous medium‐ to large‐sized neoplastic lymphoid cells, approximately half of which contained one or several light‐blue homogenous globoid cytoplasmic inclusions (5–10 μm), which stained magenta with periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain. Histopathologic examination of the left tonsil revealed diffuse proliferation of medium‐ to large‐sized neoplastic lymphoid cells effacing the original lymphoid architecture. Half of the cells contained one or several eosinophilic globoid cytoplasmic inclusions, which stained magenta with PAS and showed positive immunohistochemical reactions for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and λ light chain. Neoplastic lymphoid cells were also CD20⁺, Pax5⁺, and MUM1⁺, and CD3^?. Thus, the neoplastic lymphoid cells expressed a B‐cell immunophenotype, and the globoid cytoplasmic inclusions represented an aberrant IgM λ light chain accumulation, similar to Russell bodies. B‐cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation was diagnosed based on cytologic, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features. This is the first report of B‐cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation in a cat.     

Suspected natural lysosomal storage disease from ingestion of pink morning glory (Ipomoea carnea) in goats in northern Argentina

This study describes an occurrence of pink morning glory (Ipomoea carnea) intoxication in goats in northern Argentina. The clinical signs displayed by the affected animals were ataxia, lethargy, emaciation, hypertonia of the neck muscles, spastic paresis in the hind legs, abnormal postural reactions and death. The clinico-pathologic examination revealed that the affected animals were anemic and their serum level of aspartate aminotransferase was significantly increased. Cytoplasmic vacuolation in the Purkinje cells and pancreatic acinar cells was observed by histological examination. The neuronal lectin binding pattern showed a strong positive reaction to WGA (Triticum vulgaris), sWGA (succinylated T. vulgaris) and LCA (Lens culinaris). Although I. carnea is common in tropical regions, this is the first report of spontaneous poisoning in goats in Argentina.     

Histology,histochemistry and ultrastructure of the nasopharyngeal tonsil of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The light microscopic appearance and ultrastructure of the nasopharyngeal tonsil (tonsilla pharyngea), collected from 12 adult buffaloes of local mixed breed, were explored for the distribution of different types of epithelia, lymphoid tissue and high endothelial venules. The tonsillar mucosa was lined by pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium having goblet cells. The respiratory epithelium associated with the underlying lymphoid tissue formed the lymphoepithelium. The epithelium was further modified into follicle‐associated epithelium (FAE) characterized by reduced epithelial height, presence of a few dome‐shaped cuboidal cells equivalent of the M‐cells and absence of goblet and ciliated cells. The lymphoid tissue was distributed in the form of isolated lymphoid cells, diffuse lymphoid tissue and lymphoid follicles, mainly distributed within the propria‐submucosa along with the sero‐mucous glandular tissue. The goblet cells of the respiratory epithelium and the acinar cells contained different mucopolysaccharides. Scanning electron microscopy of the surface mucosa demonstrated a dense mat of cilia, island‐like arrangement of microvillus cells, M‐cells and a few brush‐like cells. The transmission electron microscopy revealed the different cell organelles of the respiratory epithelium and the FAE. Lymphocyte migration via the high endothelial venules in the propria‐submucosa was also observed.     

Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in a neonatal foal

A 13-day-old foal with profound tachypnoea and respiratory distress was examined. Thoracic radiographs revealed a severe, diffuse miliary pattern, and the foal was markedly hypoxaemic. It failed to improve with empirical treatment, and was euthanased. Lesions associated with Coccidioides immitis infection were identified at postmortem examination, and were limited to the lower respiratory tract.     

Renal encephalopathy in a cow

A 14-month-old Holstein heifer collapsed suddenly and died. Significant gross post mortem findings were limited to the kidneys. Histopathological examination revealed a severe, chronic, diffuse, interstitial nephritis. Microscopic examination of the brain revealed a multifocal spongiform encephalopathy, closely resembling that seen in cattle with hepatic encephalopathy. As is well recognized in man, this is a case of encephalopathy resulting from renal failure.     

Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis in a dog

An 8-year-old, spayed, female Shiba dog was presented to a referring veterinarian with a complaint of chronic diarrhea and anorexia. Ultrasound and radiographs revealed an irregular mass in the pelvic cavity. The mass and the affected section of colon were surgically removed. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal coalescing granulomas and effaced intestinal structures. Central necrotic debris surrounded by multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells and neutrophils was observed. Numerous, irregularly branched hyphae with pale basophilic, thin walls and occasional bulbous enlargements at the tips were present. Polymerase chain reaction identified Basidiobolus ranarum, successfully confirming a definitive diagnosis of basidiobolomycosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of intestinal basidiobolomycosis in a dog.     

Lymphosarcoma with leukemic blood profile in a Savannah monitor lizard (Varanus exanthematicus).

A 6-mo-old male Savannah monitor lizard (Varanus exanthematicus) was presented for lethargy and anorexia of 7 days duration. Physical examination revealed a slightly raised subcutaneous mass (1 cm diameter) in the left scapular area. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the mass revealed a population of immature, pleomorphic lymphoid cells consistent with lymphosarcoma. A hemogram indicated marked leukocytosis (465,000 cells/microl) characterized by extreme lymphocytosis and many circulating lymphoid blast cells. The lizard was euthanized at the owner's request. Necropsy revealed severe hepatomegaly and multiple raised, ulcerated mural masses in the gastrointestinal tract. There were many raised, poorly demarcated tan foci in all the parenchymal organs. Histopathologic examination confirmed infiltration of all parenchymal organs by neoplastic lymphoid cells. Transmission electron microscopic examination failed to identify viruses within the neoplastic cells. A literature review revealed few reports of squamate leukemia and lymphosarcoma and none in Savannah monitor lizards.     

Subclinical pneumonia associated with an experimental adenovirus infection in the domestic fowl and the effect of concurrent infectious laryngotracheitis virus.

A CELO-type adenovirus (AV) isolated from fowls with respiratory disease was inoculated experimentally into the tracheas of young birds. No symptoms referable to respiratory infection were evident. Post mortem examination between days 2 and 5 after inoculation revealed pneumonia involving up to 30 per cent of the surface of the lungs. Histologically, a focal to diffuse interstitial lymphocytic infiltration and bronchiolar degeneration were present. Concurrent infections with a mild strain of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILT) failed to enhance the pathogenicity of either the AV or ILT infections.     

Diffuse bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma in a dog

An eight-year-old female German wirehaired pointer was presented with signs of respiratory distress. Clinical examination, laboratory results, thoracic radiography and echocardiography indicated the presence of a diffuse interstitial lung disease with secondary appropriate erythrocytosis, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. Transthoracic fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lung suggested malignant epithelial neoplasia. A primary lung cancer with an unusually diffuse distribution of miliary/micronodular lesions was found at postmortem examination. Histological diagnosis was bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma. Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma can occasionally occur in a diffuse fashion involving most or all of the lung parenchyma. In man, diffuse bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma is considered a great imitator of other, more common diffuse interstitial forms of lung disease. This case report indicates that it is also a differential diagnosis to consider in dogs.     

Diffuse bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma in a dog

An eight-year-old female German wirehaired pointer was presented with signs of respiratory distress. Clinical examination, laboratory results, thoracic radiography and echocardiography indicated the presence of a diffuse interstitial lung disease with secondary appropriate erythrocytosis, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. Transthoracic fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lung suggested malignant epithelial neoplasia. A primary lung cancer with an unusually diffuse distribution of miliary/micronodular lesions was found at postmortem examination. Histological diagnosis was bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma. Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma can occasionally occur in a diffuse fashion involving most or all of the lung parenchyma. In man, diffuse bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma is considered a great imitator of other, more common diffuse interstitial forms of lung disease. This case report indicates that it is also a differential diagnosis to consider in dogs.     

A case of interstitial pneumonia associated with Pneumocystis carinii in a foal

Subacute interstitial pneumonia with diffuse alveolar damage, marked macrophage infiltration, and intracellular Pneumocystis carinii cysts is described in a 3-month-old Swiss warmblood foal. Clinically, the disease was characterized by sudden onset of respiratory distress with fatal outcome. Based on serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM values, no humoral immunosuppression was detected. Spleen, thymus, and bronchial lymph nodes did not reveal lymphoid depletion, as assessed by immunohistochemical staining of CD-3-positive cells. Immunopathogenesis of pulmonary infections with intracellular agents in foals is discussed.     

Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary pneumocystosis and concurrent infections in pigs in Jeju Island, Korea

Epidemiological characteristics of swine pulmonary Pneumocystis (P.) carinii and concurrent infections were surveyed on Jeju Island, Korea, within a designated period in 172 pigs submitted from 54 farms to the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University. The submitted cases were evaluated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, PCR/RT-PCR, and bacteriology. P. carinii infection was confirmed in 39 (22.7%) of the 172 pigs. Histopathologically, the lungs had moderate to severe lymphohistioctyic interstitial pneumonia with variable numbers of fungal organisms within lesions. Furthermore, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) co-infection was a common phenomenon (12.8%, 20.5%, and 48.7% were positive for PRRS, PCV-2, or both, respectively, as determined by PCR/RT-PCR). Infection was much more concentrated during winter (December to March) and 53.8% of the infected pigs were 7- to 8-weeks old. In addition, three pigs showed co-infection with bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus suis. The results of the present study suggest that the secondary P. carinii infection is common following primary viral infection in swine in Korea. They further suggest that co-infection of P. carinii might be enhanced by the virulence of primary pathogens or might have synergistic effects in the pigs with chronic wasting diseases.     

Vascular air embolisation and expansile sphenopalatine sinus haematoma secondary to a fracture of the rostral skull in a horse

A 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with acute onset respiratory distress, muscle fasciculations and ataxia during ridden exercise. On physical examination, the horse was extremely distressed and had a markedly increased respiratory rate of 92 breaths/min and heart rate of 82 beats/min. Auscultation of the thorax revealed adventitious sounds throughout the lung fields. A continuous, loud, splashing (‘water-wheel’) murmur was evident on cardiac auscultation. A diffuse, marked interstitial and patchy alveolar pattern was present on thoracic radiographs and comet tail artefacts were found on thoracic ultrasonography. Echocardiography showed air embolisation, with the right ventricle and atrium markedly opacified with air bubbles. The horse deteriorated despite treatment with intranasal oxygen therapy, anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials, diuretics and glycopyrrolate. Post-mortem examination identified an expansile haematoma of the sphenopalatine sinus secondary to a rostral fracture of the skull, a previously unreported differential for vascular air embolism in the horse.     

Respiratory infections in housed sheep,with particular reference to mycoplasmas

A commercial housed flock with an annual occurrence of pneumonia was investigated. The organism most commonly isolated from the respiratory tract of lambs up to 6 months old was Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae. Mycoplasma arginini, Mycoplasma conjunctivae, Acholeplasma laidlawii, ureaplasmas and Pasteurella haemolytica biotype A were also isolated: viruses were not isolated, but infection with parainfluenza virus type 3 (P13) was indicated by serology. Colostrum derived antibodies to M. ovipneumoniae and M. arginini declined to minimum levels by 50 days. The development of active immunity to mycoplasmas and P13 virus was associated with an increased incidence of clinical respiratory disease. Histopathological examination of the lungs from 34 lambs showed that 15 had lesions of a proliferative exudative (P.E.) pneumonia, a further 11 showed lymphoid hyperplasia sometimes associated with interstitial thickening, and eight showed no significant pathological changes. Isolations of M. ovipneumoniae were highest from animals with P.E. pneumonia, while M. arginini did not appear to be associated with any specific lung changes. P. haemolytica biotype A was isolated from all cases of P.E. pneumonia. M. ovipneumoniae, M. arginini and P. haemolytica were also isolated from the lower respiratory tract of a proportion of 31 ewes examined post-mortem, but P.E. pneumonia was not observed in these animals.     

A chronic indurative mastitis in sheep,associated with maedi/visna virus infection

Summary

A possible association of a chronic indurative mastitis with mvv (maedi visna virus) infection in sheep was investigated. Sheep of four flocks (group A), in which insufficient lamb growth apparently associated with insufficient milk production and probably related to udder induration, was a serious problem, were clinically examined in mid‐lactation. The results were compared with four mvv‐free flocks (group B) without such complaints.

The incidence of udder induration in group A (n = 263) was about eight times higher than in group B(n = 206): 63.1 versus 8.0%. The clinical picture differed essentially between the groups. In group A the udder abnormalities were of a diffuse and indurative nature, involving both udder halves, while in group B the udder lesions were mainly nodular and often limited to one udder half.

Bacteriological examination revealed a difference in infection rate of the udders (6.8% in group A versus 14.1% in group B). A substantial difference was observed in a comparison of the bacteriological infection rate of the clinically abnormal udders (5.4% in group A, versus 47.0% in group B). Serological examination with an indirect ELISA revealed 81%, seropositive sheep in group A, versus 0% in group B. Twelve sheep of group A and five of group B, culled for reason of mastitis, were selected for pathological examination. The gross and microscopic lesions showed a pronounced difference between both groups. In group A a diffuse interstitial mastitis with slight to moderate fibrosis and a pronounced lymphoid hyperplasia was observed. In group B the mastitis had a nodular character, with a chronic galactophoritis, extensive fibrosis, and in some cases chronic abscesses. The lesions were often limited to one udder half Among the necropsied ewes of group A, nine showed lesions characteristic of maedi, whereas in group B no such lesions were observed.

The possible causal relation of this chronic indurative mastitis with mvv infection is discussed.