IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS OF INTRATHORACIC HISTIOCYTIC SARCOMA IN DOGS

In this retrospective study, two observers independently reviewed thoracic imaging studies of 39 dogs with confirmed histiocytic sarcoma. The most common findings were intrathoracic lymphadenopathy, identified by the first and second observers in 82.1% and 87.2% of dogs, respectively, and pulmonary masses (74.4% and 82.1%). Right middle lung lobe masses were significantly more common than masses in any other lung lobe (P<0.0013), with the majority having a ventral distribution. Sternal and tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy were significantly more common than cranial mediastinal lymphadenopathy (P‐values of 0.0002 and 0.012, respectively). Interobserver agreement regarding distribution of lymphadenopathy and pulmonary masses was good (κ=0.64 and 0.75, respectively). Other findings included pulmonary nodules, pleural effusion, and abnormal pulmonary patterns. In patients with CT examinations, the majority of masses were mildly to moderately enhancing and heterogeneous, poorly marginated, and bronchocentric. Lymphadenopathy and pulmonary masses are the most common intrathoracic findings in dogs with histiocytic sarcoma, and the strong predilection for the ventral aspect of the right middle lung lube may help to differentiate it from other types of neoplasia.     

Medical management of a large intra-abdominal mass caused by Rhodococcus equi in a foal

A 4-month-old Thoroughbred filly presented with pyrexia, inappetence and diarrhoea. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a multilobulated abdominal mass that was determined to be associated with the caecum using computed tomography. Computed tomography also identified mesenteric lymphadenopathy and a pulmonary mass in the left caudal lung lobe. Percutaneous aspiration of the abdominal mass yielded pure growth of Rhodococcus equi. The filly responded in a positive fashion to the administration of clarithromycin, rifampin and gallium maltolate. Follow-up computed tomography revealed complete resolution of the abdominal mass and lymphadenopathy. Extrapulmonary disorders associated with R. equi should be considered even when thoracic ultrasonography reveals no evidence of pulmonary pathology. Although intra-abdominal abscesses have a grave prognosis, successful treatment is possible. Gallium maltolate can be safely administered to foals and may improve patient outcomes.     

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RADIOGRAPHIC PATTERN AND OUTCOME IN FOALS WITH PNEUMONIA CAUSED BY Rhodococcus equi

Our objective was to characterize the association between types of radiographic findings and outcome in foals with pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi. Admission lateral thoracic radiographs of 62 foals with culture‐confirmed R. equi pneumonia were reviewed retrospectively. A scoring system was developed to individually assess the severity of alveolar pattern, interstitial pattern, tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion, and the number of nodular opacities and cavitary lesions. Individual scores were added to obtain a total radiographic score ranging from 0 (normal) to 22. Forty‐three of 62 foals (69%) survived to discharge. The median total radiographic score of nonsurvivors (14; range, 9–16) was significantly (P = 0.007) higher than that of survivors (11; range, 4–15). Foals with a total radiographic score of greater than or equal to 15 were 6.15 times (95% CI: 1.35 to 28.2) less likely to survive than foals with a lower score (P = 0.019). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the potential associations between specific types of radiographic lesions and outcome. The model was statistically significant (P = 0.002) and correctly classified 75.8% of foals. Only severity of alveolar pattern and number of cavitary lesions made statistically significant contributions to the model. There was no significant association between concurrent isolation of other bacteria along with R. equi and the types or severity of radiographic lesions. Based on the results of this study, severity of alveolar pattern and number of cavitary lesions are the radiographic findings significantly associated with a poor outcome in foals with R. equi pneumonia.     

Phycomycosis in a dog

SUMMARY A case of phycomycosis, with skin lesions, in a dog is reported. Hyphomyces destruens (Pythium gracile) was identified from aspirate collected from a regional lymph node, and characteristic hyphae were seen in stained sections of a biopsy specimen of affected skin. Incidence, pathogenesis and therapy are discussed.     

COMPARISONS AMONG COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF ADIPOSE MASSES IN DOGS AND CATS

A better understanding of the CT features of different forms of canine and feline adipose tumors would be valuable for improving patient management and treatment. The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to describe and compare the CT features of pathologically confirmed lipomas, infiltrative lipomas, and liposarcomas in a sample of canine and feline patients. A total of 50 animals (46 dogs, four cats) and a total of 60 lesions (23 lipomas, 20 infiltrative lipomas, and 17 liposarcomas) were included in the study. Lipomas appeared as round to oval‐shaped (n = 21), well‐marginated (n = 20) fat‐attenuating lesions. Infiltrative lipomas appeared as homogeneous, fat‐attenuating masses but, unlike lipomas, they were most commonly characterized by an irregular shape (75%; P < 0.001), and linear components, hyperattenuating relative to the surrounding fat (100%; P < 0.05). Liposarcomas were represented exclusively by heterogeneous lesions with soft tissue attenuating components with a multinodular appearance (76.5%; P < 0.05). Regional lymphadenopathy (n = 10) and amorphous mineralization (n = 4) were also observed in association with liposarcomas. Computed tomography can provide useful information regarding disease location, extent, and involvement of the adjacent structures. Tumor definition and shape were the most useful parameters to differentiate between lipomas and infiltrative lipomas. The presence of a heterogeneous mass, with a multinodular soft tissue component and associated regional lymphadenopathy and mineralization, were features favoring a diagnosis of liposarcoma.     

Comparison of results of computed tomography and radiography with histopathologic findings in tracheobronchial lymph nodes in dogs with primary lung tumors: 14 cases (1999-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of computed tomography (CT) and radiography with histopathologic findings in tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLNs) in dogs with primary lung tumors. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 14 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Criteria for inclusion were diagnosis of primary lung tumor, use of thoracic radiography and CT, and histologic confirmation of TBLN status. Medical records were reviewed for signalment; history; and physical examination, clinicopathologic, radiographic, CT, surgical, and histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy was not identified via radiography in any dogs. Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy was diagnosed in 5 dogs via CT. Six dogs had histologic confirmation of metastasis to TBLNs. Radiographic diagnosis yielded 6 false-negative and no false-positive results for tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography yielded 1 false-negative and no false-positive results. Sensitivity of CT for correctly assessing TBLN status was 83%, and specificity was 100%. Positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value was 89%. Dogs with lymphadenopathy via CT, histologic confirmation of TBLN metastasis, or primary tumors with a histologic grade > 1 had significantly shorter survival times than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of CT evaluation of TBLN status were in agreement with histopathologic findings and more accurate than use of thoracic radiography for evaluating TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors. Computed tomography imaging should be considered as part of the staging process to more accurately assess the TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors.     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RADIOGRAPHIC HILAR LYMPHADENOPATHY AND SEROLOGIC TITERS FOR COCCIDIOIDES SP. IN DOGS IN AN ENDEMIC REGION

Hilar lymphadenopathy is a common radiographic finding in coccidioides infections. Serologic studies are used most often for the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis in endemic areas, with IgG titers ≥1:8 considered positive for infection and lower IgG titers of <1:8 considered indicative of exposure and not necessarily related to organism presence. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of hilar lymphadenopathy to coccidioidomycosis titers for dogs in an endemic area. A positive association between these parameters would allow treatment to be initiated before obtaining titer results. Thoracic radiographs of 131 dogs from an endemic area were reviewed for evidence of hilar lymphadenopathy. These results were compared with serology results. There was a significant association between hilar lymphadenopathy and a positive serology result (P<0.001). With hilar lymphadenopathy as a predictor of a positive titer result, sensitivity was 28.0%, specificity was 91.5%, the positive predictive value was 43.8%; and the negative predictive value was 84.4%. There was no association between the titer result and gender, age, or weight. The radiographic finding of hilar lymphadenopathy appears to be a useful indicator of coccidioidomycosis infection in an endemic population of dogs supporting the treatment of patients for coccidioidomycosis when hilar lymphadenopathy is present and before obtaining serology results.     

Canine Subcutaneous Zygomycosis Caused by Conidiobolus sp.: A Case Report and Review of Conidiobolus Infections in other Species

Résumé— Un chien, jeune adulte, a été présenté pour une masse sous-cutanée évoluant depuis un mois sur la partie droite du thorax et une masse ulcérée sous-cutanée sur la cuisse droite. L'examen histo-pathologique a révélé une inflammation pyogranulomateuse du derme et du tissu sous-cutané avec de larges hyphes fongiques. De nouvelles lésions sont apparues. Un traitement à base d'itraconazole pendant 2 semaines a été inefficace. L'euthanasie a été pratiquée 10 semaines après la première consultation. La culture fongique faite à partir de prélèvements chirurgicaux a permis d'isoler un Conidiobolus sp. Des infections àConidiobolus sp. ont été rapportées chez l'homme, le cheval, le mouton et le lama. Histologiquement, les hyphes sont difficiles à différencier de ceux d'autres zygomycètes ou de Pythium insidiosum. La culture est nécessaire pour une identification définitive. Une discussion sur les aspects comparés des infections cutanées àConidiobolus sp. est développée. [Hiller, A., Kunkle, G. A., Ginn, P. E., Padhye, A. A. Canine subcutaneous zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus sp.: a case report and review of Conidibolus infections in other species. (Zygomycose sous-cutanée àConidiobolus sp. chez un chien: cas clinique et revue des infections àConidiobolus dans les autres espèces). Resumen— Un perro adulto joven presentaba una masa subcutánea en la región torácica derecha y otra ulcerada en la parte proximal de la extremidad posterior derecha, ambas de un mes de duración. El exámen histopatológico mostró una inflamación piogranulomatosa de la dermis y del tejido subcutáneo con grandes hifas füngicas. A pesar de que la enfermedad cutánea presentó un curso oscilante, aparecieron nuevas lesiones. Un tratamiento de dos semanas con itraconazol no alteró el curso de la enfermedad. El animal fue eutanasiado a las 10 semanas de la primera visita. Se ais lóConidiobolus sp. a partir de las muestras quirúrjicas. Las infecciones por Conidiobolus sp. estan descritas en la especie humana, la equina, la ovina y en las llamas. Las hifas no se diferencian fácilmente a nivel histológico de otros cigomicetales o de Pythium insidiosum y es necesaria la identificatión mediante un cultivo fúngico para establecer un diagnóstico definitive Se discuten las caracteristicas de la infección cutánea por Conidiobolus sp. y se describen las caracteristicas de la pitiosis cutánea. [Hillier, A., Kunkle, G. A., Ginn, P. E. and Padhye, A. A. Canine subcutaneous zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus sp.: a case report and review of Conidibolus infections in other species (Cigomcosis subcutánea canina causada por Conidibolus sp.: un caso clinico y revisién de las infecciones por Conidibolus sp. en otras especies). Zusammenfassung— Ein junger ausgewachsener Hund wurde vorgestellt, der seit einem Monat an der rechten Thoraxwand ein subkutanes Gebilde und proximal an der rechten Hintergliedmaße eine ulzer-ierende, subkutane Masse aufwies. Bei der histopathologischen Untersuchung wurde eine pyogranulomatöse Entzündung der Dermis und Subkutis mit breiten Pilzhyphen entdeckt. Trotz des “Auf und Ab” der Hautkrankheit erschionon laufend neue Hautveränderungen. Eine zweiwöchige Behandlung mit Itrakonazol veränderte den Verlauf der Krankheit nicht. 10 Wochen nach der Erstvorstellung des Patienten wurde en euthenesiert. In der Kultur von chrirugischen Proben wurde Conidiobolus sp. isoliert. Conidiobolus sp.-Infektionen sind bei Menschen, Pferden, Schafen und Lamas beschrieben. Die Hyphen können histologisch schlecht von denen anderen Zygomyzeten oder von Pythium insidiosum unterschieden werden. Für die endgültige Diagnose ist eine Identifizierung mittels Pilzkultur notwendig. Die Erscheinungsbilder von kutanen Conidiobolus sp.-Infektionen werdon diskutiert und mit denen kutaner Phytiosis verglichen. [Canine subcutaneous zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus sp.: a case report and reviews of Conidiobolus infections in other species (Subkutane Zygomykose des Hundes durch Conidiobolus sp.: Fallbericht und übersicht über Conidioblus-Infektionen bie anderen Tierarten). Abstract— A young adult dog was presented with a 1-month history of a subcutaneous mass on the right thoracic wall and an ulcerative, subcutaneous mass of the proximal right hindlimb. Pyogranulomatous inflammation of the dermis and subcutis with broad fungal hyphae were found on histopathologic examination. Despite some waxing and waning of the skin disease, new lesions continued to appear. A 2-week course of itraconazole did not alter the course of the disease. Euthanasia was performed 10 weeks after initial presentation. Conidiobolus sp. was isolated in culture from surgical specimens. Conidiobolus sp. infection has been reported in humans, horses, sheep and llamas. The hyphae cannot be easily distinguished histologically from those of some other zygomycetes or Pythium insidiosum and fungal culture identification of the organism is required for definitive diagnosis. A discussion of the features of cutaneous Conidiobolus sp. infection is given and comparative features of cutaneous pythiosis are presented.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY CHARACTERISTICS OF CANINE TRACHEOBRONCHIAL LYMPH NODE METASTASIS

Tracheobronchial lymph node evaluation is critical for accurate staging of canine thoracic neoplasia and is more accurately achieved with computed tomography (CT) than radiography. Thoracic CT scans of 18 canine patients with known tracheobronchial lymph node histopathology and 10 clinically normal dogs were compared to establish if enlargement or contrast enhancement pattern correlated with metastatic status. Absolute lymph node size and three anatomically normalized lymph node ratios were significantly correlated with metastasis or severe granulomatous lymphadenitis (P<0.0003). Transverse maximum lymph node diameter of 12 mm or lymph node to thoracic body ratio of 1.05 are proposed cutoffs, above which metastatic involvement is very likely; however, only minimal accuracy was gained with normalized ratios. Lymph node contrast enhancement pattern was also significantly correlated to disease. A heterogenous and/or ring pattern was related to metastatic disease (P=0.03). Recommended protocol for CT examination of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes is 1–1.5 mm slices and intervals, intravenous contrast, and control of respiratory motion.     

Gastrointestinal pythiosis in two cats.

Two young adult male Domestic Shorthair cats living in the southeastern United States were evaluated for signs attributable to partial intestinal obstruction. Physical examination indicated a palpable abdominal mass in each animal. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large extraluminal mass involving the ileum and mesentery with adjacent mesenteric lymphadenopathy in cat No. 1 and an abscessed mass in the distal duodenum in cat No. 2. Mass resection and intestinal anastomosis were performed in both cats. Histologic evaluation indicated that the intestinal lesions involved primarily the outer smooth muscle layer and serosa and consisted of eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation with multifocal areas of necrosis. In Gomori methenamine silver-stained sections, broad (2.5-7.5 microm), occasionally branching, infrequently septate hyphae were observed within areas of necrosis. A diagnosis of Pythium insidiosum infection was confirmed in both cats by immunoblot serology and by immunoperoxidase staining of tissue sections using a P. insidiosum-specific polyclonal antibody. Cat No. 1 was clinically normal for 4 months after surgery but then died unexpectedly from an unknown cause. Cat No. 2 has been clinically normal for at least 9 months after surgery and appears to be cured on the basis of follow-up enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay serology.     

What is your diagnosis? Lymph node cytology from a dog

Abstract: A 2‐year‐old, castrated male, mixed‐breed dog was presented to the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center with swelling, edema, ulceration, and draining tracts in the region surrounding the left hock. The dog had mild monocytosis and moderate hyperglobulinemia. Fine‐needle aspirate specimens of the left popliteal lymph node revealed pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis with hyphal organisms. The diameters of the hyphae were variable, ranging from 11 to 22 μm. The organism was considered as most consistent with Lagenidium caninum; although Pythium insidiosum or Lagenidium karlingii were not conclusively excluded, hyphal diameter in these organisms is typically smaller (6.6–8.8 and 2.5–11 μm, respectively). A positive Western blot confirmed the presence of serum antibodies reactive against Lagenidium sp. and the absence of antibodies to P. insidoisum, Basidiobolus, and Conidiobolus antibodies. Careful assessment of hyphal diameter in cytologic specimens may be useful in differentiating L. caninum from P. insidiosum or L. karlingii.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF CANINE GASTROINTESTINAL PYTHIOSIS

Pythiosis is a chronic pyogranulomatous infection of the gastrointestinal tract or skin caused by the water borne pathogen Pythium insidiosum. The ultrasonographic features of nine dogs with gastrointestinal pythiosis are reported. The stomach, duodenum, jejunum or colon were affected. All dogs had thickening of the gastrointestinal wall and areas with obliteration of the normal layered appearance. In one dog an eccentric mass was found arising from the serosal surface of the wall of the colon with mild diffuse wall thickening. Regional lymph node enlargement was seen in seven of the nine dogs. One dog had invasion of the pancreas and signs compatible with extrahepatic biliary obstruction. When compared to previous reports of gastrointestinal neoplasia, the features of wall thickening, loss of layering and regional lymphadenopathy are not considered specific for gastrointestinal pythiosis. Histological examination of tissue specimens is required for diagnosis.     

THORACIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN FELINE PATIENTS WITHOUT USE OF CHEMICAL RESTRAINT

Computed tomography (CT) and thoracic radiography were performed in nonsedated, nonanesthetized, cats with thoracic disease. The final diagnosis was obtained with echocardiography, cytology, histopathology, necropsy, or response to therapy. For CT imaging, cats were in a positioning device using a 16 multislice helical CT system. Fifty‐four cats had CT imaging of which 50 had thoracic radiography. The most common diagnoses were lung neoplasia, lower airway disease, and cardiomyopathy (nine each). Other disease groups included mediastinal mass (eight), infection (seven), trauma (four), and hernia (three). CT provided additional correct diagnoses in 28% (14/50) and additional information in 74% (37/50) of the cats. Additional correct diagnoses achieved only with CT were most common for cats with lower airway disease. The most common additional findings with CT were lung nodules (n=4), lung masses (n=4), bronchiectasis (n=4), and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (n=3). Survey CT led to a significant different diagnosis or different prognosis in 20 of the 50 cats that were imaged both modalities. Contrast CT was performed in 19 cats, most commonly in cats with lung neoplasia (n=6), a mediastinal mass (n=4) or an infection (n=3), and provided additional correct diagnosis in two cats not achieved with survey CT. Thoracic CT using a positioning device in diseased awake cats is feasible, safe, and clinically useful.     

Pine branch of Araucaria angustifolia in horse bronchi: A series of four cases

Horses at pasture are susceptible to the aspiration of foreign bodies. In Curitiba, southern Brazil, four horses of different breeds and ages were examined with regards to a persistent cough that lasted for several months, fetid breath, and no fever. The animals were referred for bronchoscopic examination performed under sedation and tracheobronchial topical anaesthesia. Bronchoscopies in all four horses revealed a pine branch of the species Araucaria angustifolia, native to southern Brazil, in the lumen of a third to fifth generation bronchus. Complete removal of the branch was possible in one case using a polypectomy loop inserted through the biopsy channel of the bronchoscope. In two cases, partial removal was possible. In one case the branch was adhered to the swollen mucosa and could not be extracted; this animal is being kept at pasture with intermittent antibiotic treatment as necessary. In conclusion, foreign bodies consisting of pine branches in the tracheobronchial tree of horses may be more common than currently recognised, as Araucaria genus is present in other countries and should be suspected in horses with chronic coughing associated with fetid breath and a history of reoccurrence following symptomatic treatments.     

Cytologic patterns of lymphadenopathy in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis

Background: Recognition of different cytologic patterns in lymph nodes (LNs) from dogs with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and noninfectious causes of lymphoid reactivity may have diagnostic utility. Objectives: The aims of the present study were to compare cytologic patterns in LNs of dogs with different phases of CME, to investigate the association of cytologic pattern and presence of Ehrlichia spp. morulae, and to compare patterns of lymphoid reactivity between dogs with CME and those with noninfectious causes of lymphoid hyperplasia. Methods: Cytologic preparations of LNs from 35 dogs with nonmyelosuppressive CME (group A), 16 dogs with myelosuppressive CME (group B), 26 dogs with noninfectious diseases (group C), and 15 healthy dogs (group D) were evaluated. Percentages of lymphocyte types, plasma cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils were determined. Samples from dogs in groups A and B were evaluated for the presence of morulae. Results: Cytologic abnormalities in LNs were recorded in 54% of dogs in group A, 88% in group B, 39% in group C, and 0% in group D and were more frequent (P=.02) in dogs with myelosuppressive CME than those with nonmyelosuppressive CME. Plasma cell hyperplasia was more frequent in CME than in noninfectious diseases (P=.03). An association between the presence of cytologic abnormalities and morulae in group A dogs was not found. Conclusions: Dogs with myelosuppressive CME have more lymphoid cytologic abnormalities than dogs with nonmyelosuppressive CME. LN plasmacytosis is the major pattern of lymphadenopathy in dogs with CME and is found more frequently in dogs with CME than in dogs with noninfectious causes of lymphadenopathy.     

IMAGING FINDINGS IN 14 DOMESTIC FERRETS (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO) WITH LYMPHOMA

Lymphoma is the most common malignant neoplasia in domestic ferrets, Mustela putorius furo. However, imaging findings in ferrets with lymphoma have primarily been described in single case reports. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe imaging findings in a group of ferrets with confirmed lymphoma. Medical records were searched between 2002 and 2012. A total of 14 ferrets were included. Radiographs (n = 12), ultrasound (n = 14), computed tomography (CT; n = 1), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 1) images were available for review. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 5.2 years (range 3.25–7.6 years). Clinical signs were predominantly nonspecific (8/14). The time between the first imaging study and lymphoma diagnosis was 1 day or less in most ferrets (12). Imaging lesions were predominantly detected in the abdomen, and most frequently included intra‐abdominal lymphadenopathy (12/14), splenomegaly (8/14), and peritoneal effusion (11/14). Lymphadenopathy and mass lesions were typically hypoechoic on ultrasound. Mild peritoneal effusion was the only detected abnormality in two ferrets. Mild pleural effusion was the most common thoracic abnormality (3/12). Expansile lytic lesions were present in the vertebrae of two ferrets with T3‐L3 myelopathy and the femur in a ferret with lameness. Hyperattenuating, enhancing masses with secondary spinal cord compression were associated with vertebral lysis in CT images of one ferret. The MRI study in one ferret with myelopathy was inconclusive. Findings indicated that imaging characteristics of lymphoma in ferrets are similar to those previously reported in dogs, cats, and humans.     

PCR-based detection of Pythium and Lagendium DNA in frozen and ethanol-fixed animal tissues

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of previously described Pythium insidiosum‐ and Lagenidium‐specific nested PCR assays to the detection of oomycete DNA in animal tissues. DNA was extracted from 15 frozen and 10 ethanol‐fixed tissues obtained from six animals with pythiosis, five animals with lagenidiosis, one animal with nonoomycotic skin disease and two animals without skin disease. First‐round PCR, which utilized universal fungal primers ITS1 and ITS2P, amplified a single product of the expected size for each of the P. insidiosum‐ and Lagenidium‐infected tissues, but not for tissues obtained from animals without fungal disease. Second‐round PCR using the P. insidiosum‐specific primers PI1 and PI2 produced a single 105‐bp product for the P. insidiosum‐infected tissues, but not for any of the other tissues. Second‐round PCR using the Lagenidium‐specific primers LAG1 and LAG2 produced a single 76‐bp product for the Lagenidium‐infected tissues, but not for any of the other tissues.     

Macroscopic Anatomy of the Ringed Seal [Pusa (Phoca) hispida] Lower Respiratory System

This investigation serves to document the normal anatomical features of the lower respiratory tract of the ringed seal [Pusa (phoca) hispida]. Evaluation of embalmed specimens and tracheobronchial casts showed that the right lung of this seal consists of four lobes while the left has only three lobes. The ventral margins of the lungs do not reach the sternum causing them to form the boundary of the broad recessus costomediastinalis. Lung lobation corresponds with bronchial tree division. Pulmonary venous drainage includes right and left common veins draining ipsilateral cranial and middle lung lobes, and one common caudal vein draining both caudal lobes and the accessory lobe. The right and left pulmonary arteries divide into cranial and caudal branches at the level of the principal bronchus. The ringed seal has three tracheobronchial lymph nodes. The trachea has an average of 87 cartilages that exhibit a pattern of random anastomoses between adjacent rings. The trachea exhibits to a small degree the dorsoventrally flattened pattern that is described in other pinnipeds. The tracheal diameter is smaller than that of the canine.     

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Muscularis Propria in Cats with Diffuse Small Intestinal Lymphoma or Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: An ultrasonographic pattern of thickened muscularis propria in the small intestine and lymphadenopathy have been associated with gastrointestinal lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in cats. Objectives: To investigate the association of these imaging biomarkers with IBD and lymphoma in cats. Animals: One hundred and forty‐two cats with a histologic diagnosis of normal small intestine (SI) (n = 56), lymphoma (n = 62), or IBD (n = 24). Methods: Retrospective case review. Pathology records from 1998–2006 were searched for cats with a diagnosis of normal, IBD, or lymphoma, an ultrasonographic examination <28 days before surgery, and without ultrasonographic evidence of a mass. Multinomial regression analysis was used to determine the association of imaging biomarkers with disease status. Results: Cats with thickening of the muscularis propria detected by ultrasonographic examination were more likely to have lymphoma compared with normal SI cats (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.2–13.1, P= .021) and those with IBD (OR = 18.8, 95% CI 2.2–162.7, P= .008). Histologic samples of cats with muscularis propria thickening were more likely to have disease infiltrates in both the mucosal and submucosal layers (OR = 8.1, 95% CI 1.7–38.4, P= .008) than cats with normal SI. Cats with ultrasonographic evidence of lymphadenopathy were more likely to have a diagnosis of lymphoma (OR = 44.9, 95% CI 5.1–393.0, P= .001) or IBD (OR = 10.8, 95% CI 1.1–106.3, P= .041) than normal SI. Fifty‐six of 62 cats had confirmed or presumptive diagnosis of diffuse T‐cell lymphoma. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Older cats with muscularis layer thickening are more likely to have T‐cell lymphoma than IBD. The ultrasonographic pattern is associated with histologic infiltrates in the mucosal and submucosal layers of small intestine. Lymphadenopathy is associated with lymphoma or IBD.