Mycetoma in a grand Eclectus (Eclectus roratus roratus) parrot

A Grand Eclectus parrot with central nervous system disturbances and wing paralysis was necropsied. There were two grayish-black nodules in the upper left thoracic cavity and one nodule in the lower left lung. In addition, several nodules were present in the cerebral hemispheres and optic lobes. The cerebellum had extensive areas of granulomatous lesions. Microscopically, brown-staining hyphae were observed in the nodules. Curvularia geniculata was isolated from the lesions. A diagnosis of mycetoma was based on histologic lesions and isolation of fungus from the lesions.     

Epidemiology of teat lesions in a dairy herd. I: Description of the incidence, location and clinical appearance

Teat lesions in dairy cows occur with a higher frequency than previously reported. The lesions are often small and superficial. Most lesions involve the teat ends and more are observed in the left hind teat than in any of the other teats. Cows with injured teats usually exhibit nervous reactions indicating a painful condition.     

The effect of an acidified, ionized copper sulphate solution on digital dermatitis in dairy cows

Digital dermatitis (DD) is the most important infectious claw disorder in dairy cattle and herd-based foot bathing with antibacterials, such as 4% formalin, is often used to prevent it. However, there is a lack of long-term studies of the effectiveness of such regimes and in this study the preventive and curative effect of 4% formalin was compared with that of an acidified, ionized copper sulphate solution over a 4-month period on a commercial 120-cow dairy farm. The cows were walked through a split-leg footbath where left claws were treated with an acidified copper solution twice daily for 5days/week, while right claws were treated with 4% formalin twice daily for 1day/every second week. Hind claws were scored for the presence and severity of DD in a trimming chute at the start of the study and every 4weeks throughout the study period. At the start of the study 21/110 cows had ulcerative DD lesions with 10 on the left hind foot, 8 on the right and 3 on both. These lesions, as well as any new lesions which arose during the study, were treated with chlortetracycline spray. During the study 440 observations were made and seven new DD lesions were recorded on left feet (copper treated) and 20 on right feet (formalin treated). Based on survival analysis, the risk of developing a new ulcerative DD lesion on copper-treated (left hind) feet was almost three times less (RR=0.37, 95% CI 0.16-0.91) than formalin-treated (right hind) feet. Cure rates of DD lesions were not different between copper and formalin.     

Ultrastructural and molecular changes in the left and right ventricular myocardium associated with ascites syndrome in broiler chickens raised at low altitude

The present study examines ultrastructural and molecular changes in ventricular myocardium associated with ascites cases in fast-growing broilers raised at low altitude. Extensive ultrastructural lesions were seen in the left and right ventricular myocardium of broilers with fulminant heart failure and ascites. Significant changes included lesions in the myofibril contractile apparatus, altered mitochondria, marked reduction in the myofibril component, and changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture. No lesions were observed in hearts of slow growing broilers, but mild to moderate changes (predominantly in the left ventriculum) were apparent in the hearts from some clinically normal, fast-growing broilers. SDS-PAGE profiles of washed myofibrils showed several distinctly different bands in preparations from left ventricular myocardium of ascitic birds. Western blot analysis of these samples revealed several fragments of myosin heavy chain, M-protein, and titin. Based on gelatinolytic activity, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in the cytosolic fraction of ventricular myocardium homogenates were identified as MMP-2. The relative activity of this enzyme appears to be considerably higher in preparations from broilers, particularly in the preparations from the left ventriculum of fast-growing broilers, in comparison to leghorns or slow growing broilers. The nature and distribution of the changes in the heart indicate that chronic cardiomyopathic process in the left ventricular myocardium occurs during the development of ascites. It is postulated that progressive deterioration of the left heart pump function caused by initial lesions in the left ventricular myocardium is a significant factor in the development of pulmonary hypertension and the pathogenesis of ascites in broilers raised at low altitude.     

Some aspects of the pathogenesis of canine arteriosclerosis

A simple grading system was devised to classify arteriosclerotic lesions in the heart and major blood vessels. This paper correlates the frequency and severity of these lesions with the ages of each of the 200 dogs in this series.
The results showed that fibrous plaques in the posterior aorta and hyalin disease in the intramural coronary vessels of the left heart increased in frequency and severity with advancing age.
The distribution and nature of these lesions is compared with similar lesions in man.     

Dilated cardiomyopathy of Doberman pinschers: retrospective histomorphologic evaluation of heart from 32 cases.

Dilated cardiomyopathy of Doberman Pinschers (DCDP) is a progressive disease often presenting with a history of episodic weakness and syncope, or with clinical signs of predominantly left-sided congestive heart failure. A systematic dissection and histomorphologic evaluation of the heart from 32 Doberman Pinschers with a clinical diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy revealed a highly specific location for the characteristic myocardial lesions. The lesions of DCDP were found only in the left ventricular free wall, and in 30 cases, the lesions were characterized by myofiber degeneration and atrophy, and replacement of myocardium by dense bundles of collagen and clusters of adipocytes. In the two remaining hearts, myofiber atrophy and degeneration were accompanied by collagen deposition, but not adipocytes. In stained longitudinal (base to apex) tissue sections of the left ventricle, the lesions of DCDP were usually apparent to the unaided eye; appearing as a central linear pale zone, aligned in the long axis of the ventricular free wall. The lesions did not contain inflammatory cell infiltrates and often involved > 50% of ventricular wall.     

Developmental orthopaedic disease and early osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint in a 15-month-old Quarter Horse filly

A 15-month-old Quarter Horse filly presented for evaluation of hard swellings over the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the right metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). The TMJ swelling had been noted since she was weaned at 4 months of age and had slowly enlarged since then. Radiographs of both TMJs and the right MTPJ were performed, which revealed severe osteoarthrosis associated with osteochondrosis-like lesions. The filly was subjected to euthanasia due to the poor prognosis for performance. Computed tomography and post-mortem examination, including histopathology of the left TMJ, revealed early osteoarthritis (OA) associated with osteochondrosis-like lesions of the left TMJ and the right MTPJ, while the right hind proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) was diagnosed with early OA.     

Conjunctival lipid granulomas in a cat

A 12-year-old, neutered male cat was examined because of a persistent serous ocular discharge from the left eye. Three, pale cream, 1-4 mm lesions were detected in the palpebral conjunctivae of the left eye. The surgical excision of the lesions resulted in complete resolution of the epiphora. Histological examination confirmed that the lesions were lipid granulomas but the aetiology and pathogenesis of them were not determined. No disease conditions which result in primary or secondary hyperlipoproteinaemia were detected.     

Delayed diagnosis of fungal osteomyelitis with early scintigraphic lesions in a dog

A 4-year-old neutered male golden retriever was diagnosed with osseous blastomycosis of the distal left forelimb by means of radiographs and histopathology. Presumptive bacterial pneumonia and left forelimb lameness had been diagnosed 2 y previously, at which time bone scintigraphy revealed increased uptake in the distal left forelimb, but radiographs showed no detectable lesion. Though not specific, bone scintigraphy appears more sensitive than radiography in identifying early lesions of fungal osteomyelitis in dogs.     

Use of chemical ablation with trichloroacetic acid to treat eyelid apocrine hidrocystomas in a cat

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-year-old Persian cat was evaluated for recurrence of multiple cystic periocular masses. A number of cyst-like lesions had been resected from the left eyelids 18 months earlier, with lesions recurring within 6 months after surgery. The cat had blepharospasm and signs of discomfort following rupture of the largest cyst the day prior to examination. Previous histologic examination of the cysts had revealed apocrine hidrocystomas. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Multiple pigmented nodules were seen around the skin of the upper and lower left eyelids. The nodules were brownish to black, round, soft, and fluid-filled. Signs of pain were not evident during palpation of the nodules. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The largest cyst on the upper eyelid was removed by means of a V-shaped full-thickness excision. Histologic and immunohistochemical examination of the excised tissue confirmed the diagnosis of apocrine hidrocystoma. The remaining periocular cysts were surgically debrided and then treated topically with 20% trichloroacetic acid. All lesions healed rapidly without any signs of discomfort. During a recheck examination 12 months later, the upper and lower left eyelids appeared morphologically normal, and there was no evidence of recurrence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that chemical ablation with trichloroacetic acid may be a useful treatment for apocrine hidrocystomas in cats.     

Feline caries in two cats from a 13th century archeological excavation

Mandibles of two cats containing carious lesions were discovered among the previously published findings of feline dental resorptive lesions from materials examined at an archaeological museum. These lesions were too small to be noted on radiographs, and consisted of two inconspicuous enamel lesions in a mandibular left first molar tooth (309), a clinically visible white spot area containing an enamel lesion in a mandibular left fourth premolar tooth (308), and a root surface caries in the 308 of a different specimen. Histologic examination using special stains and polarized light revealed both initial and early initial stage enamel caries, as well as root surface caries. Knoop hardness measurements confirmed these findings, considered the first documented cases of feline caries.     

Unexpected death in an adult dog with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk

A two-year-old female miniature poodle died unexpectedly while romping with its owner. Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the left pulmonic sinus was discovered at necropsy. Histologically, the right ventricle was unremarkable, but multifocal to coalescing necrosis and fibrosis occurred in the myocardium and endocardium of the left ventricle. Medial hypertrophy of small muscular pulmonary arteries was observed in the lung. The cardiac lesions were similar to those of children with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk. Pulmonary hypertension, which is suggested by the pulmonary arterial medial hypertrophy, could have increased left ventricular myocardial perfusion and delayed the ischemic myocardial damage that resulted in the death of this dog.     

Correlation between leukocytosis and necropsy findings in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: 34 cases (1994-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether severity of leukocytosis correlates with severity of postmortem lesions in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 34 dogs with IMHA that had CBC performed within 48 hours prior to death and complete necropsy examinations. PROCEDURE: Dogs were independently assigned to 4 leukocytosis groups (within reference range; mild leukocytosis, moderate leukocytosis, marked leukocytosis) and 3 lesion severity groups (mild lesions, moderate lesions, severe lesions). RESULTS: Moderate to marked leukocytosis correlated with moderate to severe postmortem lesions. Ischemic necrosis within liver, kidney, heart, lung, and spleen attributable to thromboembolic disease or anemic hypoxia were the most common important lesions found at necropsy. None of the dogs with mild lesions had moderate or marked leukocytosis. Four of 14 severely affected dogs had WBC counts within reference range, but all 4 had neutrophilic left shifts. Three of these 4 dogs had toxic change in neutrophils. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Moderate to marked leukocytosis, neutrophilic left shift, and toxic change in neutrophils in dogs with IMHA should alert clinicians to the potential for moderate to severe tissue injury, which could complicate treatment and worsen prognosis. Lesions appear to be secondary to anemic hypoxia, thromboembolic disease, or both; therefore, treatment objectives should focus on improving blood oxygen-carrying capacity and monitoring for thromboembolic disease.     

Angles of branching and the diameters of pulmonary arteries in relation to the distribution of pulmonary lesions in canine dirofilariasis

Latex casts were made of the pulmonary arteries in 10 normal dogs. These casts were used to measure the angles of deviation of the right and left pulmonary arteries from the pulmonary trunk. The measurements were made in three projections. In both craniocaudal and dorsoventral projections the right pulmonary artery deviated more from the axis of the pulmonary trunk than did the left pulmonary artery. In the lateral projection, the right artery deviated ventrally and the left deviated dorsally, but the angles of deviation were similar. The diameter of the right pulmonary artery was significantly larger than that of the left. This difference in size of the major arteries could be a major determinant in the distribution of lesions in dirofilariasis. However the curved pathway taken by the blood as it is ejected from the right ventricle and the angles of deviation of the arteries as they branch from the pulmonary trunk could also play a part in the distribution of the lesions.     

Subchondral cystic lesions (osteochondrosis) of the femoral heads in a horse

Bilateral subchondral cystic lesions of the femoral head in a horse resulted in lameness. The lesions had resulted in degenerative disease in the left coxofemoral joint. The cause of lameness was confirmed by use of intra-articular anesthesia, joint fluid analysis, and radiography. Subchondral cystic lesions involving the femoral head should be considered in the differential diagnosis of equine lameness localized in the upper portion of the hind limb.     

Experimental production of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis

The left eyes of 10 conventional dairy cross calves were inoculated with a pathogenic strain of Moraxella bovis and lesions of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis developed in nine of these eyes. M bovis was isolated from all inoculated eyes and lesions developed in five out of 10 eyes which had become naturally infected. The clinical and microbiological findings were similar to those described in field cases.     

Arteriolar nephrosclerosis in the Syrian hamster

Syrian hamsters developed spontaneous renal lesions that resembled those of arteriolar nephrosclerosis in man, and differed from other spontaneously occurring or virus-induced renal diseases in other rodent species. Morphologic changes were mainly degenerative with little cellular exudation and were associated with histologic changes in the intrarenal vasculature. The renal lesions were progressive, often fatal and sometimes were complicated by glomerular amyloidosis with the nephrotic syndrome and uremia. Endstage kidneys often had fibrinoid necrosis of intrarenal arterioles and thus resembled lesions characteristic of the malignant phase of human essential hypertension. Fibrinoid necrosis of small arterioles was common in the uterus, ovaries or testes of affected animals; it was less frequent in mesenteric or coronary vessels. Cardiac thrombosis, often involving the left atrium or left atrioventricular valves, also was common. Changes occurred earlier and often were more severe in females than in males. This disease was a major cause of morbidity and mortality and hampered life-span studies.     

A literature review and investigation of staphylococcal necrotic dermatitis in sheep

An outbreak of necrotic dermatitis in sheep was intensively investigated. Initially 19 of 147 Letelle (Merino-type) ewes were identified but closer inspection revealed 57 sheep that had skin lesions, some very slight, and that the majority (46 or 80%) had lesions only above the lips. A small number of them had multiple lesions on the legs or vulvae apart from lip lesions. Seven had only vulvar lesions and 2 only leg lesions. Among the sheep with lip lesions, twice as many had lesions on the right as on the left. Electron micrographs did not reveal any virus particles from the lesions, but all bacterial swabs yielded pure cultures of beta-haemolytic, Gram-positive cocci that were catalase, coagulase and DNase positive. The organism was identified as Staphylococcus aureus. Histopathology was consistent with a dermotoxic insult. A review of available literature indicated that this outbreak was consistent with a diagnosis of ovine necrotic (staphylococcal) dermatitis, supported by data on signalment, lesions, distribution, size, number, epidemiology as well as specific tests. The range of differential diagnoses and possible confusers are discussed.     

Surgical enucleation of unilateral mandibular radicular cysts in an 11-year-old Thoroughbred mare

An 11-year-old Thoroughbred broodmare was diagnosed with extensive radicular cysts that affected the left horizontal mandibular ramus. A left mandibular swelling was present clinically, and mandibular lesions appearing cystic in nature were identified with successive radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. Surgical enucleation of the cysts was performed under a standing sedation protocol and the excised cystic structures submitted for histopathological analysis. Histological examination of the cystic structures confirmed a diagnosis of multiple radicular cysts.