Immunohistochemical Expression of Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in Feline Endometrial Adenocarcinoma and in Normal and Hyperplastic Endometria

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is overexpressed in several human and animal neoplasms, including the human endometrial carcinoma. It has been suggested as a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target. This study aimed to (i) clarify histological aspects of feline endometrial adenocarcinomas (FEA) of the papillary serous type and (ii) characterize COX‐2 immunohistochemical expression in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic endometrium in this species. Archived paraffin‐embedded tissue samples of 33 FEA, eight cystic endometrial hyperplasias (CEHs) and 21 samples of normal, healthy endometrium in the follicular (FS; n = 10) and luteal (LS; n = 11) stages were evaluated. Histological evaluation of haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections of the FEA revealed a papillary proliferation of neoplastic cells of serous type, accompanied by clear and multinucleated cells. Other architectural arrangements mainly included solid and tubular growth. Randomly distributed areas of necrosis within the tumours were commonly observed. Invasion of the myometrium, of the serosa and of the vascular and/or lymphatic vessels was not constant features. The mean number of mitoses was higher in FEA compared to non‐neoplastic endometrium. COX‐2 scores were lower in FEA (p = 0.003) and CEH (p = 0.05) when compared to normal epithelium (NE). The loss of the membrane apical reinforcement in epithelial cells was observed in FEA samples, which was accompanied by the dislocation of COX‐2 labelling into the cytoplasm and the perinuclear area; in contrast, in epithelial cells in the healthy and hyperplastic endometria, the immunoreaction showed the characteristic pattern of apical membrane reinforcement, suggestive of the membrane polarization. COX‐2 epithelial scores were higher in the FS than in the LS. No differences were found in stromal COX‐2 expression between normal, CEH and FEA groups, but it was higher in the LS than in the FS. In summary, loss of COX‐2 compartmentalization in neoplastic epithelial cells might be one of the molecular events underlying endometrial carcinogenesis.     

Feline Leprosy: A Review of Forty-four Cases from Western Canada

Forty-four files of cats diagnosed as having feline leprosy were reviewed. All except one were from along the Pacific coast in the Province of British Columbia. The majority of cats were between one and three years of age and there was an increase in the number of diagnosis during the winter months.

Two types of granulomatous responses similar to the tuberculoid and lepromatous phases of human leprosy were recognized. In spite of the overall similarities in the cellular response to human leprosy there were, however, significant differences such as areas of caseous necrosis and constant lack of nerve involvement. Still as there is presently no way to prove that Mycobacterium leprae is not the cause of feline leprosy the public health significance remains uncertain

The treatment of choice would appear to be surgical removal.

     

Cervical Hypoplasia in Jennets: A Description of Two Cases

The authors describe two cases of cervical hypoplasia in jennets, detected during the gynaecological evaluation of two purebred females of the Portuguese donkey breed Asinina de Miranda. These jennets aged 10 and 15 years were referred for consultation by the local breeders association because of infertility detected during an artificial breeding programme. In both jennets the cervix was small, shorter than the usual and closed. In one of the females, outflow of semen during artificial insemination was reported. Clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation of the genital tract demonstrated that both ovaries were normally sized in both animals and presenting structures suggestive of regular ovarian activity. In one of the jennets, a small amount of air in the uterus was evidenced. In the other, signs indicative of atresia of the cervical canal were found. Vaginal examination showed that the cervix was reduced in size and shallowed in both animals. A diagnosis of congenital cervical hypoplasia was made in both cases and the animals were excluded from reproduction.     

Feline Cutaneous Melanocytic Neoplasms: A Retrospective Analysis of 43 Cases (1979–1991)

Abstract— Forty-three cases of cutaneous melanocytic neoplasia in cats were reviewed. Twenty-eight of the 43 neoplasms were histologically benign and 15 were malignant. Behavior was independent of site except that tumors of the eyelid were malignant. Histologic findings of epidermal ulceration, cleanliness of tissue borders, degree of melanization, tumor cell type, and the presence or absence of theques did not differentiate benign from malignant tumors. Junctional activity indicated a high probability of benign behavior while malignant behavior was predicted by a high mitotic index and infiltration of the tumor by lymphoid cells. Résumé— Quarante trois cas de tumeurs mélaniques félines ont été revus. Vingt huit de ces 43 tumeurs étaient histologiquement bénignes et 15 malignes. Le comportement était indépendant de la localisation de la tumeur, à l'exception des tumeurs des paupières, toujours malignes. L'observation histologique d'ulcération épidermique, de propreté des bords des tissus, du degré de mélanisation, du type cellulaire et de la presence ou de l'absence de thèques ne différait pas qu'il s'agisse de tumeur bénigne ou maligne. L'activité jonctionnelle indiquait une forte probabilité de bénignité, alors qu'un comportement malin était prédit par un index mitotique élevé et une infiltration de la tumeur par des cellules lymphoïdes. Zusammenfassung— Es wird ein überlick über 43 Fälle von kutanen melanozytären Neoplasien bei Katzen gegeben. Achtundzwanzig der 43 Neoplasmen waren histologisch gutartig, 15 waren bösartig. Das Verhalten der Tumore war unabhängig von der Lokalisation, abgesehen von Tumoren der Augenlider, die stets maligne waren. Histologische Befunde wie epidermale Ulzeration, scharfe Begrenzung der Gewebsränder, Grad der Melanisierung, Tumorzelltyp und Vorhandensein oder Fehlen von Thequen unterschieden die benignen von den malignen Tumoren nicht. Verbindungsaktivität bedeutete eine hohe Wahrscheinlichkeit für gutartiges Verhalten, während bösartiges Verhalten durch einen hohen Mitoseindex und Infiltration des Tumors mit lymphoiden Zellen vorhersagbar war. Resumen En éste artículo se analizan cuarenta y tres casos de neoplasia melanocítica cutánea en gatos. Veintiocho de loa cuarenta y tres casos, resultaron cánceres benignos histológicamente y quince, malignos. El grado de malignidad no tenia relación con el sitio de procedencia con la excepción de que los tumores de párpados que resultaron malignos. Las características histológicas de las ulceraciones epidérmicas, limpieza de tejidos circundantes, grado de melanización, tipo de célula tumoral, y presencia o ausencia de the zeques, no sirvió para la diferenciación entre maligno y benigno. La actividad de la zona delimitante fué un indicador de alta probabilidad de benignidad, mientras que la el tipo maligno se predijo por un índice mitótico alto e infiltración del tumor por celulas de tipo linfoide.     

Treatment Abandonment in Feline Sporotrichosis – Study of 147 Cases

This study describes the epidemiological, clinical and mycological aspects of feline sporotrichosis cases attending the Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonosis in Domestic Animals – Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute (LAPCLIN‐DERMZOO/IPEC/FIOCRUZ), from 1998 to 2005. It was possible to get in contact with 147 (19.2%) cat owners. One hundred and thirteen (76.9%) cats were male, 117 (79.6%) had no defined race and 87 (59.2%) were sexually intact. The age ranged from 72 to 216 months (median = 108 months). Nineteen cats were reassessed: eleven (57.8%) were male, thirteen (36.8%) were breed and fifteen (47.3%) castrated. Fourteen (52.6%) animals lived at home and did not roamed the streets. Seven (36.8%) had normal clinical findings and negative mycological examination. Twelve (63.1%) cats had skin lesions compatible with sporotrichosis. Thirty‐one (21%, n = 147) cats disappeared after abandoning treatment, 36 (24.5%, n = 147) were alive and 80 (54.4%, n = 147) had died. Causes of death informed by the owners were: sporotrichosis in 35 (43.7%, n = 80), accidental death in 27 (33.7%, n = 80) and other diseases in 18 (22.5%, n = 80). Withdrawal of treatment occurred mainly at the time of clinical improvement and may represent a serious obstacle to the control of sporotrichosis.     

Feline Onychectomy at a Teaching Institution: A Retrospective Study of 163 Cases

One hundred sixty-three cats underwent onychectomy from January 1985 to November 1992. Onychectomy was performed with guillotine-type nail shears (62%), surgical blade (24.5%), or both (8.6%), and wound closure consisted of bandages alone (61.3%), bandages after suture closure (26.4%), or tissue adhesive application (9.2%). The duration of surgery was significantly longer when onychectomy was performed with a blade or when suture closure was used instead of bandages alone ( P < .05). Fifty percent of the cats had one or more complications immediately after surgery. Early postoperative complications included pain (38.1%), hemorrhage (31.9%), lameness (26.9%), swelling (6.3%), or non-weight-bearing (5.6%), and were observed more frequently after blade onychectomy ( P < .001). Follow-up was available in 121 cats; 19.8% developed complications after release. Late postoperative complications included infection (11.6%), regrowth (7.4%), P2 protrusion (1.7%), palmagrade stance (1.7%), and prolonged, intermittent lameness (0.8%). Late postoperative complications were observed more frequently after shears onychectomy ( P = .018). Use of tissue adhesive was associated with more postoperative lameness ( P < .02) and, when used after shears onychectomy, with more infections ( P = .049).     

Comparison of Feline Brain Anatomy in 0.25 and 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Images

The intention of the comparison of both low and high field was to examine which anatomical brain structures of cats were visible on low field images, as in clinical veterinary practice, 3 Tesla (T) magnets were of limited availability. The research was performed on 20 European short‐haired male and female cats, aged 1–3 years, with body weight of 2–4 kg. 0.25 T magnetic resonance images of neurocranium were acquired in all using T2‐weighted fast spin echo sequences with repetition time (TR) of 4010 ms and echo time (TE) of 90 ms in dorsal and transverse plane, and T2‐weighted fast spine echo sequences with TR of 4290 ms and TE of 120 ms in sagittal plane. Based on a detailed catalogue of feline brain structures visible at 3 T in previously published studies, it was examined which structures were visible on low field images. Anatomic structures were identified and compared to assess the reliability of diagnoses made based on low‐field magnetic resonance imaging. In low‐field scans, 92 structures were identified. Elements of auditory, visual, motor pathways, hippocampus and cerebral ventricular system were distinguished. Low‐field as well as high‐field magnetic resonance imaging support the identification of local tissue lesions, metastasis, focal ischaemia and haemorrhage, disorders associated with ventricular system dilation and hydrocephalus. It also produced accurate images of the hippocampus, which contributes to reliable diagnoses of various forms of epilepsy in cats. Due to technical limitations, a low‐field scanner is unlikely to visualize microtraumas, local inflammations, small haematomas or metastatic tumours.     

Survival in Dogs with Nasal Adenocarcinoma: 64 Cases (1981–1995)

Case records of 64 dogs with nasal adenocarcinoma were reviewed. The effects of age, gender, tumor stage, presence of metastatic lesions, and treatment method on survival time were examined. Surgery groups included rhinotomy (n = 9), transnasal curettage (n = 29), and no surgery (n = 26). Chemotherapy groups included fluorouracil-cyclophosphamide combination therapy (n = 15), mitoxantrone (n = 7), and no chemotherapy (n = 42). Fifty-three dogs received fractionated cobalt 60 radiation therapy. Surgical procedure, chemotherapy group, and stage of primary tumor were not significantly associated with survival time ( P > .05). Dogs that received radiation therapy had a significantly longer median survival time (424 days) than dogs that did not (126 days) ( P = .0001). The presence of either regional lymph node or pulmonary metastasis was associated with significantly shorter median survival time (109 days) when compared to dogs without metastases (393 days) ( P = .0125). When only dogs that had received radiation therapy were considered, neither surgical treatment nor chemotherapy group was associated with significant changes in median survival time. An alternate staging system emphasizing the presence or absence of metastases is proposed. Key words: Chemotherapy; Metastasis; Radiotherapy.     

A Comparison of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Thyroid Adenocarcinoma in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 38 Cases

The medical records of 38 dogs with thyroid neoplasia that were treated by surgical excision of the tumor, or had an incisional biopsy performed as a diagnostic procedure, were reviewed. Of the 38 dogs, 21 (55%) had resectable tumors, whereas 17 (45%) had an incisional biopsy as the tumors were nonresectable. All dogs had an initial diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. The type of carcinoma was confirmed in 33 dogs by histological and immunohistochemical examination. Twelve dogs (36%) had medullary thyroid carcinoma, and 21 dogs (64%) had thyroid adenocarcinoma. Of the 12 dogs with medullary thyroid carcinoma, 10 (83%) had resectable tumors. Of the 10, three (30%) had at least a 1-year survival. None had radiographic evidence of metastasis at the time of surgery. Of the 21 dogs with thyroid adenocarcinoma, 11 (52%) had resectable tumors. Of the 11 dogs, five (45%) had at least a 1-year survival. Three dogs had radiographic evidence of metastasis at the time of surgery. Of 10 dogs with nonresectable thyroid adenocarcinoma, two dogs (20%) had at least a 1-year survival. In the dogs in this study, medullary thyroid carcinoma was more prevalent than previously reported. Most of the medullary thyroid carcinomas were well circumscribed and resectable. Medullary thyroid carcinoma may possess gross and histological characteristics of a less malignant nature when compared with other thyroid carcinomas.     

2013年-2015年西安宠物门诊家养猫泛白细胞减少症病例调查

猫泛白细胞减少症(FP)是由猫泛白细胞减少症病毒(FPV)引起的猫科动物的急性高度接触性传染病,临床上常以发热、呕吐、腹泻、脱水、肠炎以及白细胞极度减少为主要特征.本病传播速度快,对猫科动物危害极大.近年来,西安地区家养猫数量不断增加,患FP的病例也随之增多.为了解西安地区家养猫FPV感染和发病情况,为本病的防控提供基础资料,2013年7月~2015年7月,用猫泛白细胞减少症病毒检测试剂盒,对西安市部分宠物(动物)医院接诊的疑似FP病猫的467份粪便进行FPV检测,共检出阳性样品71份,占15.2%(71/467),其中2013年5份,2014年57份,2015年9份;阳性患猫中未免疫接种FPV疫苗的有70份,占98.6%(70/71).确诊病例中47.9%(34/71)临床出现呕吐症状,71.8%(51/71)出现腹泻症状.血液分析发现,84.51%的FPV感染猫的白细胞低于正常值;对71个患猫进行对症和支持治疗后存活率为83.1%(59/71).     

Involvements of Estrogen Receptor,Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen and p53 in Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Development in Donryu Rats

Involvements of estrogen receptor (ER)α, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p53 in the uterine carcinogenesis process in Donryu rats, a high yield strain of the uterine cancer were investigated immunohistochemically. ERα was expressed in atypical endometrial hyperplasia, accepted as a precancerous lesion of the uterine tumors, as well as well- and in moderately-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinomas, and the intensities of expression were similar to those in the luminal epithelial cells of the atrophic uterus at 15 months of age. The expression, however, was negative in the tumor cells of poorly differentiated type. Good growth of implanted grafts of the poorly-differentiated adenocarcinomas in both sexes with or without gonadectomy supported the estrogen independency of tumor progression to malignancy. PCNA labeling indices were increased with tumor development from atypical hyperplasia to adenocarcinoma. The tumor cells in poorly-differentiated adenocarcinomas were positive for p53 positive but negative for p21 expression, suggesting accumulation of mutated p53. These results indicate that the consistent ERα expression is involved in initiation and promotion steps of uterine carcinogenesis, but not progression. In addition, PCNA is related to tumor development and the expression of mutated p53 might be a late event during endometrial carcinogenesis.     

Old Friends in New Places: Exploring the Role of Extraintestinal E. coli in Intestinal Disease and Foodborne Illness

The emergence of new antibiotic‐resistant Escherichia coli pathotypes associated with human disease has led to an investigation in terms of the origins of these pathogens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unspecified agents are responsible for 38.4 million of the 48 million (80%) cases of foodborne illnesses each year in the United States. It is hypothesized that environmental E. coli not typically associated with the ability to cause disease in humans could potentially be responsible for some of these cases. In order for an environmental E. coli isolate to have the ability to cause foodborne illness, it must be able to utilize the same attachment and virulence mechanisms utilized by other human pathogenic E. coli. Recent research has shown that many avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) isolated from poultry harbour attachment and virulence genes also currently found in human pathogenic E. coli isolates. Research also suggests that, in addition to the ability to cause gastrointestinal illnesses, APEC may also be an etiological agent of foodborne urinary tract infections (FUTIs). The purpose of this article was to evaluate the evidence pertaining to the ability of APEC to cause disease in humans, their potential for zoonotic transfer along with discussion on the types of illnesses that may be associated with these pathogens.     

Effect of a Pheromone on Stress‐Associated Reactivation of Feline Herpesvirus‐1 in Experimentally Inoculated Kittens

Background

Stress contributes to reactivation of feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1). The usage of pheromones to decrease stress in FHV‐1 experimentally inoculated kittens has not previously been investigated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether a feline pheromone would lessen stress, resulting in decreased recurrence of FHV‐1‐associated illness in kittens.

Animals

Twelve 5‐month‐old, purpose‐bred kittens.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Kittens previously infected with the same dose of FHV‐1 were randomized into 2 separate but identical group rooms. After a 2‐week equilibration period, a diffuser containing either the pheromone or placebo was placed in each of the rooms, and the kittens acclimated for an additional 2 weeks. Every 2 weeks thereafter, for the 8‐week study period, housing was alternated between kennel‐ and group housing. Blinded observers applied a standardized clinical and behavioral scoring rubric daily. After each 2‐week period, serum cortisol concentrations and quantitative PCR for FHV‐1 and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) ratios were evaluated. Clinical, behavioral, and laboratory test results were compared between groups within individual and combined study periods.

Results

Sneezing occurred more frequently in the placebo group during individual (P = 0.006) and combined study periods (P = 0.001). Sleep at the end of observation periods occurred more frequently in the pheromone group during individual (P = 0.006) and combined study periods (P < 0.001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The findings suggest that the pheromone decreased stress, and the decrease in stress response may have resulted in decreased sneezing associated with FHV‐1.     

Effects of Ethanol on Synthesis of Prostaglandin F2α in Bovine Females

Ethanol stimulates the production of prostaglandins in many species. The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of ethanol on the production of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and luteolysis in bovine females. In the first experiment, Holstein cows at day 17 of the oestrous cycle were treated with 100% ethanol (0.05 ml/kg of body weight, IV; n = 5), saline (0.05 ml/kg of body weight, IV; n = 4) or synthetic prostaglandin (150 μg of D‐cloprostenol/cow, IM; n = 4). The plasma concentrations of 13, 14‐dihydro‐15‐keto PGF2α (PGFM; the main metabolite of PGF2α measured in the peripheral blood) were assessed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). There was an acute release of PGFM in response to ethanol comparing to other treatments (p ≤ 0.05). However, only cows treated with PGF2α underwent luteolysis. In the second experiment, endometrial explants of cross‐bred beef cows (n = 4) slaughtered at day 17 of the oestrous cycle were cultured for 4 h. During the last 3 h, the explants were cultured with medium supplemented with 0, 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 μl of 100% ethanol/ml. Medium samples were collected at hours 1 and 4 and concentrations of PGF2α were measured by RIA. Ethanol did not induce PGF2α production by the endometrium. In conclusion, ethanol does not cause luteolysis in cows because it stimulates production of PGF2α in extra‐endometrial tissues.     

Genetic and Environmental Risk Indicators in Canine Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas: Breed Associations and Geographic Distribution of 608 Cases Diagnosed throughout France over 1 Year

Background: The etiology of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) is multifactorial. Environmental and genetic factors are frequently incriminated both in humans and dogs.
Objectives: Our purpose was to study the geographic distribution of canine NHL (CNHL) in France and to evaluate genetic and environmental influences.
Animals: Six hundred and eight cases of CNHL, diagnosed throughout France over 1 year, were collected from 7 Veterinary Histopathologic Laboratories.
Methods: Retrospective study. Breeds affected by lymphomas were compared with the national population and associations between breed and immunophenotype were studied. The distribution of CNHL and canine T-cell NHL per 100,000 dogs per department was compared with the distribution of waste incinerators, polluted sites, and radioactive waste.
Results: The breeds significantly overrepresented among lymphoma cases were Boxer, Setter, and Cocker Spaniel ( P < .001). There was a significant association between Boxer and T-cell NHL ( P < .001), and between German Shepherd and Rottweiler and B-cell NHL ( P < .01). The geographic distribution of CNHL and canine T-cell NHL indicated significant heterogeneity. Significant association between distributions of CNHL and waste incinerators (ρ= 0.25, P < .05), polluted sites (ρ= 0.36, P < .001), and radioactive waste (ρ= 0.51, P < .001) was found.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Influence of genetics in the development of CNHL was supported by the existence of an association between breed and immunophenotype. Waste incinerators, polluted sites, and radioactive waste could just be considered as risk indicators of CNHL, but not as risk factors. Case-control studies around critical sites are necessary to confirm the implication of those environmental factors in the development of CNHL.