Laboratory findings, histopathology, and immunophenotype of lymphoma in domestic ferrets

Lymphoma is a common tumor in ferrets, but anatomic distribution, histomorphology, immunophenotype, laboratory abnormalities, and response to chemotherapy are incompletely defined. In this study, lymphoma was diagnosed by histopathology of tumor tissue in 29 ferrets ranging in age from 0.8 to 8.5 years, including 12 males and 17 females. Tumors involved the viscera of the abdominal cavity (n = 11), thoracic cavity (n = 1), or abdominal and thoracic cavities (n = 7); the skin (n = 2); or the viscera of both body cavities plus other sites (n = 8). Microscopically, all tumors had diffuse architecture. Assessment by histomorphology and immunophenotype classified tumors as peripheral T-cell lymphoma (n = 17), anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (n = 5), anaplastic large B-cell lymphoma (n = 4), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 1), and Hodgkin-like lymphoma (n = 2). Cytologic evaluation of tumor tissue was diagnostic in 11 of 13 cases. Twenty-two of 27 ferrets had anemia, 2 had leukemia, and 5 were neutropenic. Common comorbid disorders were adrenal disease (n = 27) and insulinoma (n = 6). Tumors most frequently involved mesenteric lymph nodes, while enlargement of peripheral lymph nodes was uncommon (n = 3). Ferrets with Hodgkin-like lymphoma had massive enlargement of single lymph nodes. Mean survival of ferrets not immediately euthanized was 5.0 months (T-cell lymphoma) and 8.4 months (B-cell lymphoma). Ferrets treated with chemotherapy survived an average of 4.3 months (T-cell lymphoma, n = 9) or 8.8 months (B-cell lymphoma, n = 4). Results indicate that lymphomas in ferrets most commonly affect abdominal viscera, may be amenable to cytologic diagnosis, are frequently associated with anemia and, in some cases, may be chemosensitive, resulting in relatively long survival times.     

Acute Gastrointestinal Disease in 27 New World Camelids: Clinical and Surgical Findings

Objective—To describe clinical and surgical findings from New World camelids with acute gastrointestinal disease.
Study Design—Retrospective study.
Animal Population—20 llamas and 7 alpacas.
Methods—Camelids were grouped based on surgical lesions. Clinical and surgical findings were compared between groups and between surviving and nonsurviving camelids.
Results—Twelve of 27 initial celiotomies and 3 of 4 repeat celiotomies were successful. Death occurred from euthanasia during surgery (nine camelids), peritonitis or sepsis (five), aspiration pneumonia (one), and respiratory distress (one). Survival was lowest after celiotomy for proximal obstruction (3 of 10 camelids), ruptured viscus (0 of 4), and necrotizing enteritis (0 of 2) and highest after celiotomy for distal obstruction (10 of 13) and septic peritonitis without ruptured viscus (2 of 2). Before surgery, camelids with proximal obstruction had significantly lower ( P < .05) serum chloride concentrations (median, 97 mEq/L) than those with distal obstruction (median, 109 mEq/L) or ruptured viscus (median, 117 mEq/L). Serum bicarbonate concentration also was highest (median, 34.6 mEq/L) and often greater than 28 mEq/L in camelids with proximal obstruction. Camelids with distal obstruction had significantly lower ( P < .05) nucleated cell counts in peritoneal fluid (median, 700 cells/μL) than those with ruptured viscus (median, 20,600 cells/μL) or septic peritonitis (median, 88,300 cells/μL).
Conclusions—Camelids with proximal obstruction often had hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Camelids with distal obstruction had less metabolic derangement and tissue compromise and a higher survival rate.
Clinical Relevance—Awareness of the characteristics of the various types of acute gastrointestinal disease in camelids will augment veterinarians' ability to diagnose and treat these disorders.     

Clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic features of equine lymphoma

Clinical, laboratory and tissue findings from 37 horses with lymphoma were investigated. Horses ranged in age from 0.3 to 20.5 years (median 5.0 years) and included 18 females and 19 males. Weight loss (n = 25) and ventral edema (n = 21) were the most common historical and physical abnormalities. The most common laboratory abnormalities were hyperfibrinogenemia (n = 26), hypoalbuminemia (n = 19), anemia (n = 19), leukemia (n = 14), hyperglobulinemia (n = 13), and thrombocytopenia (n = 13). Thirty-four tumors involved multiple lymphoid tissues and abdominal or thoracic organs, and 3 tumors were restricted to cutaneous and subcutaneous sites. Histopathologically, all tumors diffusely effaced normal lymph node architecture. Tumor cell morphology was heterogeneous in 17 tumors, and 8 tumors had marked histiocytic and multinucleated giant cell infiltrates. Extensive necrosis or focal fibrosis was present in 22 and 4 lymphomas, respectively. Staining of tumor sections with antibodies against CD3 and CD79alpha molecules resulted in classification of T-cell (n = 26) or B-cell (n = 7) origin. Four tumors could not be classified. Most T-cell tumors comprised small to medium CD3(+) lymphocytes, whereas 5 of 7 B-cell tumors were infiltrated by numerous small T lymphocytes and classified as T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma. Neither estrogen nor progesterone receptor expression was consistently identified by immunochemical assessment of tumor tissues. Fresh tumor cells from 6 horses bound antibodies reactive with equine CD4, CD5, CD8, CD21, or major histocompatibility class II molecules, confirming T-cell (n = 5) or B-cell origin (n = 1). These findings suggest that T-cell lymphoma is more common than B-cell lymphoma in horses and that inflammation, possibly from tumor cytokine production, is frequent.     

Radiographic, computed tomographic, and ultrasonographic findings with migrating intrathoracic grass awns in dogs and cats.

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical, radiographic, and computed tomographic findings in dogs and cats with migrating intrathoracic grass awns. Thirty-five dogs and five cats with visual confirmation of a grass awn following surgery, endoscopy or necropsy, and histology were assessed. The medical records and all diagnostic imaging studies were reviewed retrospectively. Labrador Retrievers or English Pointers < 5 years of age, with a history of coughing and hyperthermia, were the most common presentations. Seventeen animals had an inflammatory leukogram of which 14 had a left shift or toxic neutrophils. Radiographs were performed in 38 animals and computed tomography (CT) in 14. Thoracic radiographs were characterized by focal pulmonary interstitial to alveolar opacities (n = 26) that occurred most commonly in the caudal (n = 19) or accessory lobes (n = 8). Additional findings included pneumothorax (n = 9), pleural effusion (n = 8), and pleural thickening (n = 7). Pulmonary opacities identified on radiographs correlated to areas of pneumonia and foreign body location. CT findings included focal interstitial to alveolar pulmonary opacities (n = 12) most commonly in the right caudal lung lobe (n = 9), pleural thickening (n = 11), mildly enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes (n = 10), soft tissue tracking (n = 7) with enhancing margins (n = 4), pneumothorax (n = 6), pleural effusion (n = 4), and foreign body visualization (n = 4). Histologic diagnoses included pulmonary and mediastinal granulomas or abscesses, bronchopneumonia, and pleuritis. Migrating intrathoracic grass awns should be considered as a differential diagnosis in coughing, febrile animals with focal interstitial to alveolar pulmonary opacities, pleural effusion, pleural thickening, and/or pneumothorax on radiographs or CT.     

Clinical and anatomical features of lymphosarcoma in 118 cats

Objective To determine patients' characteristics and anatomical distribution of lesions in cats with lymphosarcoma. Design Prospective multi-institutional study of naturally occurring feline lymphosarcoma. Methods Veterinarians in Sydney were provided with free diagnostic laboratory services for suspect cases of feline lym-phosarcoma. Lymphosarcoma was diagnosed based on physical findings, radiographic and/or ultrasonographic images and results of cytological or histopathological examination. When owners were not interested in pursuing an antemortem diagnosis, suspect cases were collected for necropsy. Patients' characteristics and physical findings were recorded. A modified scheme for anatomical classification of lesions was devised including a ‘mixed’ category for cases which involved two or more anatomical forms. Results One hundred and eighteen cases were accrued over an 18 month period. The median age was 120 months and range 5 to 212 months. Age distribution was bimodal, with a small peak for cats less than 24 months, and a normal distribution centred on 97 to 120 months. Eighty cats were domestic crossbreds, 22 were Siamese or Oriental cats (including crosses), 6 were Burmese, 5 were purebred longhairs and the remaining 5 were one of a number of purebred shorthaired breeds. In comparison to 1017 consecutive cases admitted to our hospital for conditions other than lymphosarcoma, Siamese/Oriental cats were over-represented amongst lymphosarcoma cases (P = 0.0006). Male cats were also over-represented, accounting for 72 of 118 cases (P = 0.05). Abdominal lymphosarcoma was the most common anatomical form (43 cats), followed by mixed (39), nodal (20), mediastinal (9) and atypical (involving non-lymphoid organs, 7) forms. When analysed for specific organ involvement, 29 (25%) had mediastinal involvement, 71 (60%) had abdominal involvement including 60 (51%) with involvement of the intestinal tract and/or mesenteric lymph nodes and 36 (31%) with bilateral renal involvement, and 47 (40%) had peripheral lymph node involvement. No case of primary lymphoid leukaemia was identified. A noticeable subgroup of cats younger than 24 months had involvement of the anterior mediastinum with or without concurrent enlargement of cervical or axillary lymph nodes; Siamese/Oriental cats were over-represented in this subgroup. Among cases with nodal involvement, lymph nodes of the head and neck were frequently involved, mandibular nodes most commonly, followed by superficial cervical nodes. In seven cases a solitary node was affected. Conclusions Compared with similar surveys overseas, our cats were older and male cats were over-represented. There was a notable subgroup of young cats with mediastinal involvement. Siamese/Oriental cats were over-represented in this subgroup as well as in the larger population of cats with lymphosarcoma. Compared with overseas surveys, renal involvement, mixed cases and atypical cases (including nasal lymphosarcoma) were more common. A new subcategory of nodal lymphosarcoma, with involvement restricted to node(s) of head and neck, was identified.     

Clinical evaluation of axial pattern skin flaps in dogs and cats: 19 cases (1981-1990).

Nineteen axial pattern skin flaps were used in 16 dogs and cats to provide skin for repair of extensive cutaneous defects. Retrospective evaluation of medical records was used to determine percentage flap survival, postoperative complications, and long-term outcome of axial pattern skin flaps. The most common indication for use of axial pattern flaps was to augment wound closure following tumor resection (n = 7). Other indications included trauma (n = 5), chronic nonhealing wounds (n = 4), urine-induced cellulitis (n = 1), idiopathic dermal necrosis (n = 1), and chronic lymphoplasmocytic dermatitis (n = 1). Mean flap survival (+/- SD) was 96% (+/- 8). Postoperative complications included wound drainage (n = 15), partial dehiscence of the sutured flap (n = 7), distal flap necrosis (n = 6), infection (n = 3), edema (n = 3), and seroma formation (n = 2). After a median follow-up time of 5 months, evaluation of animals indicated that surgery provided successful wound reconstruction with good cosmetic results. Reconstruction of large cutaneous defects is facilitated by axial pattern flap application regardless of cause of wound. Postoperative complications are common but amenable to standard wound management techniques such as drain placement and surgical debridement of devitalized distal flap skin.     

Causes of uveitis in dogs: 102 cases (1989-2000)

Uveitis is one of the most common ocular diseases and one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to correlate the signalment, history, clinical signs and ophthalmic findings of dogs with uveitis with the underlying etiology. We conducted a retrospective study of 102 dogs presented to the NCSU-VTH from 1989 to 2000 with clinical signs of uveitis. Medical records of dogs presented for uveitis were reviewed. Dogs were included in the study only if a complete diagnostic work-up database was collected, if sufficient follow-up was documented, and if the uveitis was not secondary to trauma or a hypermature cataract. The mean age +/- SD of all dogs in this study was 6.2 +/- 3.6 years. There were 33 intact and 16 castrated males, and 14 intact and 27 neutered females. Fourteen breeds were represented, with the Golden Retriever (n = 14) most common. Fifty-nine dogs (58%) were diagnosed with idiopathic/immune-mediated uveitis, neoplasia was diagnosed in 25 dogs (24.5%) and 18 dogs (17.6%) were diagnosed with infectious causes of uveitis. Aqueous flare was the most common clinical sign, occurring in 88 dogs (86%). The most common infectious organisms associated with uveitis in the dogs of this study were Ehrlichia canis (n = 7). Lymphosarcoma (n = 17) was the most common neoplasm. In approximately 60% of dogs presenting for uveitis an underlying cause was not found, and a diagnosis of immune-mediated or idiopathic uveitis was made. However, approximately 25% of dogs had ocular and/or systemic neoplasia (with 17% of cases having lymphosarcoma) and 18% with an underlying infectious cause for uveitis. Because of the high percentage of systemic disease associated with uveitis in dogs, extensive diagnostic testing is recommended before instituting symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of canine mast cell tumors

Mast cell tumors (MCT) are the most common cutaneous tumors in dogs. Our purpose was to describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of cutaneous MCT and to identify imaging characteristics that allow differentiation of metastatic from normal lymph nodes. Eight dogs with a total of nineMCT were imaged as were their presumed draining and associated contralateral lymph nodes. The signal intensity of tumors and lymph nodes was compared to adjacent musculature. On T2-W images, 7/9 MCT were hyperintense to muscle and 2/9 were isointense. On T1-W images, 8/9 MCT were isointense and 1/9 were mildly hypointense. All tumors were strongly contrast enhancing; 5/9 were homogeneous and 4/9 heterogeneous in their enhancement patterns. Six lymph node pairs were included in the evaluation (five sentinel lymph nodes with metastases, one without, and six contralateral lymph nodes). Metastatic lymph nodes were significantly larger than their contralateral lymph nodes (P = 0.039). All lymph nodes were isointense on T1-W images and hyperintense on T2-W images. 5/5 metastatic and 2/7 normal lymph nodes were heterogeneously T2-hyperintense. All lymph nodes were moderately to strongly contrast enhancing. 4/5 metastatic and 2/7 normal lymph nodes had heterogeneous enhancement patterns. While heterogeneity was more common in metastatic than in normal lymph nodes, this difference was not significant (P = 0.058 for T2-W images; P = 0.234 for postcontrast images). MR imaging may be useful in the presurgical evaluation and clinical staging of cutaneous MCT.     

Epidemiological,pathological and immunohistochemical aspects of 125 cases of feline lymphoma in Southern Brazil

A retrospective study compiling cases of feline lymphoma diagnosed during 12 years (2004‐2016) in Southern Brazil was performed. A total of 125 cases of lymphoma diagnosed in cats were reviewed, and information including age, breed, sex and tumour topography were collected. FeLV and FIV immunohistochemical tests were performed, as well as immunophenotyping of lymphomas. The alimentary form represented the most common presentation (42/125), followed by mediastinal lymphoma (35/125). Out of 125 cases, 79 presented positive retroviral immunostaining in tumour tissue (52 FeLV alone, 14 FIV alone and 13 presented FIV and FeLV co‐infections), 66/125 of the cases were of T‐cell origin and 59/125 of the cases were of B‐cell origin. The median age of cats with T‐cell lymphoma was 120 months (10‐240 months), and 60 months (6‐204 months) for cats with B‐cell lymphoma. The most frequent alimentary tumour presentation was the enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphoma (type 1), and the major type of mediastinal tumour observed was diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Considering only mediastinal and alimentary lymphomas (n = 77), the prevalence of mediastinal lymphoma in FeLV‐positive cats was 2.21 times higher than the prevalence of this type of tumour in FeLV‐negative cats (P = .036). Mediastinal lymphoma was more frequently observed in younger cats, and the prevalence of mediastinal tumours in these animals was 3.06 times higher than the prevalence of this tumour form in old cats (P = .0125). The present study indicates that retroviral infections still play an important role in the development of feline lymphomas in southern Brazil.     

Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for characterization of focal splenic lesions.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to study focal and multifocal lesions of the spleen in 26 dogs and two cats affected by 11 benign and 18 malignant splenic diseases. A second-generation microbubble contrast medium (Sonovue) was injected into the cephalic vein and enhancement patterns were subjectively described and time intensity curves calculated. Final diagnosis was obtained by histopathologic examination after splenectomy (n=19) or by needle aspiration and sonographic follow-up after 4 and 8 weeks (n=9). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters, improving the characterization between benign and malignant lesions, were established. The most useful criterion was the hypoechogenicity of the lesion in the wash-out phase combined with the presence of tortuous feeding vessels, which was observed in association with malignancy. All malignant lesions were hypoechoic to the surrounding spleen 30s after starting the contrast medium injection. Lymphosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma had characteristic perfusion patterns. Lymphosarcoma had rapid time to peak and early wash-out phase with a honeycomb pattern during the wash-out. Hemangiosarcomas were large nonperfused masses in all phases surrounded by hypervascular splenic parenchyma. Benign lesions except one hematoma and a benign histiocytoma had the same perfusion pattern as the surrounding spleen. Ultrasonographic and contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings of an accessory spleen are reported. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can improve the characterization of focal or multifocal lesions of the spleen.     

Characterisation of the signalment, clinical and survival characteristics of 41 cats with mast cell neoplasia

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are relatively common tumours of cats, and are the second most common cutaneous tumours in cats in the USA. While the primary splenic form of the disease is far less common, it is usually associated with more severe clinical signs. Signalment, clinical and survival characteristics of mast cell neoplasia were characterised in 41 cats. The most common tumour location was cutaneous/subcutaneous head and trunk. Stage 1a was the most common tumour stage at first diagnosis (n=20), followed by stage 4 (both stage 4a and stage 4b; n=10). Of 22 cats that underwent excisional biopsy, mast cell neoplasia recurred in four cats during the study period. Three of the 41 cats presented with simultaneous cutaneous and either splenic or lymph node tumours. A comparison between cats with only cutaneous tumours (n=30) and those with tumours involving the spleen or lymph nodes (n=11) showed longer survival times for the cutaneous-only group (P=0.031). Twelve of the 41 cats died of mast cell neoplasia during the study period. When a subgroup of cats with only cutaneous tumours (no lymph node or visceral involvement) were divided according to whether there were multiple (five or more) tumours (n=6) or a single tumour (n=19), cats with single tumours survived longer than those with multiple tumours (P=0.001). Solitary cutaneous feline MCTs without spread to the lymph nodes usually manifest as benign disease with a relatively protracted course. However, multiple cutaneous tumours, recurrent tumours and primary splenic disease should receive a guarded prognosis due to the relatively short median survival times associated with these forms of the disease.     

Gastric Neoplasia in Horses

Background: Gastric neoplasia of horses is incompletely described.
Objective: Provide history, clinical signs, and clinicopathological and pathological findings associated with gastric neoplasia in horses.
Animals: Twenty-four horses with gastric neoplasia.
Methods: Retrospective study. History, clinical signs, and clinicopathological and pathologic findings in horses diagnosed histologically with gastric neoplasia were reviewed.
Results: Horses ranged in age from 9 to 25 years (median 18 years at presentation). There was no apparent breed or sex predisposition. The most common presenting complaints were inappetance (17/24), weight loss (14/24), lethargy (7/24), hypersalivation (7/24), colic (5/24), and fever (5/24). The most consistent clinical signs were tachypnea (10/19), decreased borborygmi (8/19), and low body weight (7/17). Useful diagnostic tests included rectal examination, routine blood analysis, gastroscopy, abdominocentesis, and transabdominal ultrasound examination. Anemia was the most common hematologic abnormality encountered (7/19), and hypercalcemia of malignancy was seen in 4/16 horses. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common tumor identified (19/24), and was most often (14/19) found as a single ulcerated, necrotic mass in the nonglandular portion of the stomach. Other gastric neoplasms encountered were leiomyoma (n=2), mesothelioma (n=1), adenocarcinoma (n=1), and lymphoma (n=1). Metastatic neoplasia was found in 18/23 horses. The median time from onset of clinical signs to death was 4 weeks, and all horses died or were euthanized because of gastric neoplasia.
Conclusions: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common primary gastric neoplasia in horses. The survival time after diagnosis of gastric neoplasia in horses is short.     

Feline paediatric oncology: retrospective assessment of 233 tumours from cats up to one year (1993 to 2008)

Objectives : To determine which types of tumour occur in cats up to the age of 12 months based on biopsies submitted to Idexx Laboratories, Wetherby, UK. Methods : Retrospective review of histopathological diagnoses of tumours in cats up to the age of 12 months from biopsies received between September 1993 and March 2008. Results : A total of 4196 submissions from cats 12 months old or younger were identified; 233 biopsies (6%) were neoplastic and fulfilled the search criteria. Tumours were categorised as haematopoietic (n=73, 31%), malignant epithelial (n=44; 19%), malignant mesenchymal (n=38; 16%), benign epithelial (n=37; 16%), benign mesenchymal (n=30, 13%) and miscellaneous (n=11; 5%). The most frequent tumours were lymphoma (n=51; 22%), soft-tissue sarcoma (n=34; 15%), mast cell tumour (n=22; 9%) and squamous cell carcinoma (n=16; 7%). The most common tumour site was the skin and soft tissues (41% of tumours). In all, 164 neoplasms (70%) were malignant or had malignant potential. Clinical Significance : These data provide unique epidemiological information on a poorly characterised subgroup of feline cancer patients in the UK.     

Tooth root abscesses in llamas and alpacas: 123 cases (1994-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine features, outcome, and complications of surgical treatment of camelid tooth root abscesses. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 123 camelids with tooth root abscesses. PROCEDURES: Signalment, history, teeth involved, surgery performed, ancillary diagnostic tests, and short-term complications were recorded from each medical record. An owner questionnaire was used to obtain long-term (> 1 year) follow-up information. RESULTS: The most common surgical treatments included tooth extraction (n = 106) and apicoectomy (13). Owners provided follow-up information on 84 animals. Postoperative complications were reported in 42 of 84 animals. The most common complications included reinfection (n = 15), chronic draining tract (14), and osteomyelitis (14). Significantly more camelids that were in good or obese body condition at the time of surgery were alive at the time of follow-up, compared with those with thin body condition at the time of surgery. Camelids with 2 teeth extracted had significantly more complications than those with 1 tooth extracted. Thirty-four of 47 owners reported that they were completely satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Owners of camelids in poor body condition should be forewarned that such animals are at greater risk for complications following dental surgery. Clinicians should recognize that the number of teeth affected was not associated with a poorer outcome.     

Trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcome associated with trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Alpacas (7) and 1 llama. METHODS: Historical and clinical data were obtained from the medical records of New World camelids with a diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction confirmed by surgical exploration or necropsy. RESULTS: Seven camelids were <1 year old. Abnormal clinical findings included anorexia, reduced fecal output, recumbency, colic, abdominal distension, regurgitation, decreased serum chloride concentration, increased serum bicarbonate concentration, and/or elevated first gastric compartment chloride concentration. Survey abdominal radiographs obtained (4 animals) revealed gastric distension (4) and/or visualization of the obstruction (2). Diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy (1) or surgery (7). Right paracostal celiotomy was performed on all animals and duodenotomy (3) or retropulsion of the trichophytobezoar combined with third compartment gastrotomy (4) was used to remove the obstruction. Six animals survived to discharge and 5 were healthy at follow-up, 8-20 months later. The remaining discharged alpaca was healthy at 12 months but subsequently died of unrelated causes. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction should be considered in juvenile New World camelids with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Right paracostal celiotomy can be used for access to the descending duodenum and third gastric compartment for surgical relief of obstruction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Duodenal obstruction from bezoars should be considered in New World camelids <1year of age with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Surgical relief of the obstruction by right paracostal celiotomy has a good prognosis.     

Morphological features of the seminiferous epithelium in cat (Felis catus, L. 1758) testes

The aim of the present study was to assess the changes in the germinal epithelium in cats of different ages. Routine histological staining was applied to perform morphological and stereological examinations. The animals were divided into five groups according to age: under 8 months (n=28), 8-12 months (n=30), 12-36 months (n=33), 3-6 years (n=14) and older than 6 years (n=13). The appearance of the gonads of the males in the first group varied the most. The seminiferous tubules of the youngest cats consisted of a monolayer of supporting cells and a few spermatogonia. No tubular lumina were present, and the diameters of the seminiferous tubules reached 132.5 microm. We noted the typical arrangement of gametogenic cells with a tubule diameter of 191.83 microm in the second group. We observed multilayer germinal epithelia with the most significant production of gametes and a seminiferous tubule diameter of 202.61 microm in the third group. The diameters of the seminiferous tubules of the forth and fifth groups were 193.38 microm and 191.84 microm, respectively. The obtained data revealed that the most intensive morphological diversification of the seminiferous epithelium in cats occurs at about 7-8 months of age. The diameters of seminiferous tubules were highest in the third group of cats, and the activity of spermatogenesis of this group, expressed as the number of sperm per 10 mm(2), was also the most distinctive. The spermatogenesis process was most evident in cats between 12 and 36 months of age, which was also when the sperm concentration was highest per estimated surface.     

Neoplasia associated with feline immunodeficiency virus infection in cats of southern California.

Between 1988 and 1991, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection status was evaluated in 1,160 cats examined at an oncology referral and general practice in Los Angeles, California. Twenty-nine (2.5%) cats were FIV positive. Neoplasia was present in 18 of the 29 (62%) cats. Sampling for neoplasia was intentionally biased in the oncology referral group. However, 33% (6/18) of FIV-infected cats with neoplasia originated from the general practice. Three neoplastic processes were observed; myeloproliferative disease (MPD; 5/18), lymphoma (LSA; 5/18), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 7/18). One cat had LSA and SCC. Extranodal sites of LSA were common (66%) in FIV-infected cats. Sites of LSA were submandibular and mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, kidneys, periorbital area, and diffuse (heart, pancreas, bladder). Sites of SCC were sublingual (n = 2), nasal planum (n = 3), nasal planum and eyelids (n = 1), and mandible (n = 2). Feline leukemia virus co-infection was observed in 17% (5/29) of FIV-infected cats. The FIV-infected cats with MPD were young (range, 8 months to 13 years; median, 4 years) and had short survival duration (2, 6, 21, 134, 249 days) even in response to aggressive treatment. The FIV-infected cats with LSA were older (median age, 8 years; range, 4 to 14 years) and survived 60 days if untreated. Cats administered chemotherapy survived 39, 45, 217, and 243 days; the latter 2 cats had partial remission of 2 months' duration. Older FIV-infected cats had SCC (median age, 12 years; remission range, 7 to 16 years) because of more frequent association of both diseases in older cats with outdoor environment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Historical and clinical features of 200 cases of equine sinus disease

The historical and clinical findings in 200 referred cases of equine sinus disease were reviewed retrospectively. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to detect significant differences in historical or clinical features between various categories of sinus disease. The causes of sinus disease were classified as subacute primary (less than two months duration) (n=52), chronic primary (more than two months duration) (n=37), dental (n=40), sinus cyst (n=26), traumatic (n=13) or mycotic sinusitis (n=7), sinus neoplasia (n=10), dental-related oromaxillary fistula (n=8) and intrasinus progressive ethmoid haematoma (n=7). The majority of sinus disorders were of chronic duration at the time of referral and most (including 97 per cent of chronic primary sinusitis cases) had not responded to previous antibiotic therapy and/or sinus lavage in some cases. Clinical signs included unilateral nasal discharge in most cases, including purulent or mucopurulent discharge in all horses with primary, dental and mycotic sinusitis. Haemorrhagic nasal discharge was a feature of traumatic sinusitis and intrasinus progressive ethmoid haematomas. Firm facial swellings and nasal airflow obstruction were features of sinus cysts and neoplasms. Ipsilateral lymphadenitis was a more prominent feature of sinus disease with active infections such as primary, dental or mycotic sinusitis.     

Retrospective study of 28 cases of cholecystoduodenostomy performed using endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis stapling equipment

Medical records were reviewed of 24 dogs and four cats that underwent cholecystoduodenostomy to relieve extrahepatic biliary obstruction. These procedures had been performed using a 30-mm endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. At presentation, most animals had clinical signs of vomiting and anorexia, and total bilirubin was elevated in both dogs (n=21) and cats (n=4). Pancreatitis (n=13), cholangiohepatitis (n=7), and neoplasia (n=6) were the most common underlying conditions. Sixteen dogs and two cats survived to their 2-week reevaluation. The most common cause of death was euthanasia (n=9) secondary to neoplasia (n=4), peritonitis (n=3), or respiratory arrest (n=2).