Congenital tumours and tumour-like lesions in domestic animals. 3. Horses. A review

The literature on congenital tumours and tumour-like lesions in horses was reviewed. Included were embryonic tumours and teratomas. Special attention was paid to the ubiquitous adenomatous hyperplasia of the placenta. It appears that temporal teratomas, interstitial hamartomas and placental adenomatous hyperplasia are unique in the horse. Benign teratoma of the undescended testis is far more frequent in the horse than in other species. In horses, as in calves and pigs, congenital skin tumours were of papillomatous, vascular and melanocytic types. The sporadic occurrence of congenital tumours in the horse did not provide an etiologic or pathogenetic clue. The possibility of oncogenic viruses in cases of congenital skin papilloma or malignant lymphoma could neither be proven, nor be excluded. Hereditary tumours were not encountered.     

Congenital and hereditary tumours in domestic animals. 2. pigs. A review

The literature on congenital and hereditary tumours in pigs was reviewed. One hitherto unreported own case was added. Sporadic cases of congenital tumours included several types found in newborn piglets. Embryonic tumours (nephroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma) occurred either in newborn or in juvenile animals. Cardiac rhabdomyomas were provisionally classified as hamartomas. The hereditary tumours, melanomas and lymphomas, were reproducible by experimental matings. These tumours are particularly interesting as models to elucidate genetic and immunologic mechanisms of tumour diseases. Striking is the high degree of regression in porcine melanomas and the associated melanosis.     

An ultrastructural study of malignant mesotheliomas in two cows

Malignant mesotheliomas of two Holstein cows were examined by light and electron microscopy. These tumours were derived from peritoneal surfaces and were of biphasic type composed of mesothelial lining cells and submesothelial mesenchymal cells. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic mesothelial cells were characterized by intermediate filaments, microvilli, desmosomes, tight junctions and basal laminae. The neoplastic submesothelial cells were closely associated with collagen filaments and some cells had several resemblance to the neoplastic mesothelial cells. The ultrastructural features of the mesotheliomas are discussed in comparison with those of adenocarcinomas and fibroblastic neoplasms. In one case of malignant granulosa cell tumour involved the left ovary and its morphology was apparently different from that of the mesothelioma. Multiple primary tumours are uncommon in cattle.     

Canine cutaneous neoplasms: prevalence and influence of age, sex and site on the presence and potential malignancy of cutaneous neoplasms in dogs from Zimbabwe

Histopathological examination was performed on cutaneous biopsies from 900 dogs with skin lesions from Zimbabwe, collected from 1996 to 2000. Clinical data were collected from medical records. Sixty per cent (540/900) of the cases were tumours and 40% (360/900) were non-neoplastic inflammatory or degenerative diseases. Thirty different histological types of tumour were diagnosed. The prevalence of epithelial, mesenchymal, lymphohistiocytic and melanocytic tumours was 39.4%, 44.4%, 7.4% and 8.7%, respectively. The 10 most common tumours, comprising 73.7% of all cutaneous neoplasms, were mast cell tumours, squamous cell carcinomas, perianal gland adenomas, lymphomas, benign melanomas, haemangiosarcomas, sebaceous gland adenomas, fibrosarcomas, lipomas and malignant melanomas. The prevalence of various neoplasms, age of affected dogs and sites of occurrence were similar to surveys in other countries, except that in Zimbabwe there was a greater prevalence of lymphomas and of tumours associated with increased exposure to ultraviolet light (squamous cell carcinomas, haemangiosarcomas and melanomas). For all classes of tumours the sex of the dog did not have any significant influence on the likelihood of developing a tumour. For a dog diagnosed with a tumour located on the trunk, the tumour was significantly more likely to be an epithelial tumour than a non-epithelial tumour The occurrence of melanocytic tumours on the trunk was significantly lower than at other sites. Lymphohistiocytic tumours were 10 times more likely to occur at multiple locations as opposed to single locations.     

Quantification,risk factors,and health impact of natural congenital infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus in dairy calves

OBJECTIVES: To estimate risk and identify risk factors for congenital infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) not resulting in persistent infection and examine effect of congenital infection on health of dairy calves. ANIMALS: 466 calves. PROCEDURES: Calves from 2 intensively managed drylot dairies with different vaccination programs and endemic BVDV infection were sampled before ingesting colostrum and tested with their dams for BVDV and BVDV serum-neutralizing antibodies. Records of treatments and death up to 10 months of age were obtained from calf ranch or dairy personnel. Risk factors for congenital infection, including dam parity and BVDV titer, were examined by use of logistic regression analysis. Effect of congenital infection on morbidity and mortality rates was examined by use of survival analysis methods. RESULTS: Fetal infection was identified in 10.1% of calves, of which 0.5% had persistent infection and 9.6% had congenital infection. Although dependent on herd, congenital infection was associated with high BVDV type 2 titers in dams at calving and with multiparous dams. Calves with congenital infection had 2-fold higher risk of a severe illness, compared with calves without congenital infection. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The unexpectedly high proportion of apparently healthy calves found to be congenitally infected provided an estimate of the amount of fetal infection via exposure of dams and thus virus transmission in the herds. Findings indicate that congenital infection with BVDV may have a negative impact on calf health, with subsequent impact on herd health.     

Feline nasal and paranasal sinus tumours: clinicopathological study, histomorphological description and diagnostic immunohistochemistry of 123 cases

Histological examination was performed in 123 cats with primary nasal and paranasal sinus tumours; 117 had undergone surgical biopsy and six necropsy. Special stains and immunohistochemistry were performed on poorly differentiated cases. Ninety-two percent (113/123) of the tumours were malignant. There was an increased risk for old cats (mean age of 10.9 years), and a male predilection (59% males). Clinical signs and breeds varied with the histological type of tumour. Thirty-nine percent (48/123) of the cases presented with nasal discharge, 21% (26/123) with dyspnea, 20% (24/123) with facial swelling, and 15% (19/123) with epistaxis. Forty-three percent (53/123) of the tumours were of epithelial origin. Adenocarcinomas (18/53) and squamous cell carcinomas (17/53) were the most common epithelial tumours. Fifty percent (26/53) of the epithelial tumours originated from the pseudo-stratified respiratory epithelium of the nasal cavity, 28% (15/53) from the stratified squamous epithelium of the vestibule, 9% (5/53) from olfactory epithelium, 9% (5/53) from submucosal glands and 4% (2/53) from minor salivary glands. Malignant lymphoma (35/123) was the most common tumour. Seventy-one percent (25/35) of the malignant lymphomas were B-cell tumours and 29% (10/35) were T-cell tumours. Six cases of malignant lymphomas were proved to be epitheliotropic T-cell lymphomas. This is the first report of a primary nasal epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in cats.     

Inherited congenital myoclonus of polled Hereford calves (so-called neuraxial oedema): a clinical, pathological and biochemical study

Thirty-four newborn polled Hereford and polled Hereford cross calves affected with a condition previously described as neuraxial oedema and six normal calves were examined. None of the affected calves were seen to stand after birth and when first examined the calves were in lateral recumbency, with extension and crossing of the hindlimbs. All the affected calves were bright and alert, could lift their heads and apparently could see and hear. When the calves were encouraged to stand spontaneous and stimulus-responsive myoclonic extensor spasms, with whole body rigidity, were consistently observed. Thirty-two of the affected calves had macroscopic lesions in the coxae. No significant pathological or biochemical lesions were observed in the central nervous system of any of the calves. The water content of the cerebellum did not differ between normal and affected calves. As oedema of the central nervous system is not a feature of this condition it is more appropriate to describe it as inherited congenital myoclonus.     

Efficacy of an inactivated respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in calves.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an inactivated bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) vaccine would protect calves from infection with virulent BRSV. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS: 27 nine-week-old calves seronegative for BRSV exposure. PROCEDURE: Group-1 calves (n = 9) were not vaccinated. Group-2 calves (n = 9) were vaccinated on days 0 and 21 with an inactivated BRSV vaccine containing a minimum immunizing dose of antigen. Group-3 calves (n = 9) were vaccinated on days 0 and 21 with an inactivated BRSV vaccine containing an amount of antigen similar to that in a commercial vaccine. All calves were challenged with virulent BRSV on day 42. Clinical signs and immune responses were monitored for 8 days after challenge. Calves were euthanatized on day 50, and lungs were examined for lesions. RESULTS: Vaccination elicited increases in BRSV-specific IgG and virus neutralizing antibody titers and in production of interferon-gamma. Virus neutralizing antibody titers were consistently less than IgG titers. Challenge with BRSV resulted in severe respiratory tract disease and extensive pulmonary lesions in control calves, whereas vaccinated calves had less severe signs of clinical disease and less extensive pulmonary lesions. The percentage of vaccinated calves that shed virus in nasal secretions was significantly lower than the percentage of control calves that did, and peak viral titer was lower for vaccinated than for control calves. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the inactivated BRSV vaccine provided clinical protection from experimental infection with virulent virus and decreased the severity of pulmonary lesions. Efficacy was similar to that reported for modified-live BRSV vaccines.     

Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis in a newborn calf

Previously reported cases of congenital cutaneous mast cell tumours in calves were characterized by multiple discrete nodules. The calf presented herein is, to the authors' knowledge, the first documented case of congenital diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis. The entire skin was thickened and wrinkled with particularly prominent skin folds on the head, ventrum, and legs. Histological examination of two haired skin specimens (eyelid, muzzle margin) revealed that the dermis was diffusely infiltrated by sheets of neoplastic mast cells.     

Morphological variation of "complex vertebral malformation" in Holstein calves.

A study was performed to investigate the morphological expression of the inherited syndrome "complex vertebral malformation" (CVM) in Holstein calves. A total of 107 late-term aborted, premature, or neonatal calves suspected of having CVM were necropsied and retrospectively analyzed for the causal mutation in the gene SLC35A3. Sixty-two calves were homozygous affected, 16 were heterozygous, and 29 were homozygous normal. Calves affected by CVM were growth retarded. Vertebral lesions identified by radiography were present in 61 cases, of which 58 also had costal malformation. Malformation of the head, primarily in the form of dysplasia or palatoschisis, was present in 15 cases. Bilateral symmetric flexion of the carpal and metacarpophalangeal joints was present in all cases, whereas posterior arthrogryposis was found in 54 cases. Interventricular septal defects occurred in 33 calves, often in combination with other cardiac malformations. A wide spectrum of additional malformations was found. Other congenital syndromes were in most cases distinguishable from CVM on a morphological basis. However, a calf with a prenatal infection with bovine virus diarrhea virus constituted a phenocopy. The study demonstrated that the morphological expression of CVM is wide, but certain aspects, i.e., growth retardation, vertebral malformation, and symmetric arthrogryposis, are almost constant findings. However, cases without vertebral defects and phenocopies constitute a diagnostic problem. A presumptive diagnosis of CVM can in most cases be based on necropsy findings combined with information on descent and paternal CVM genotype, whereas a definitive diagnosis requires genotyping.     

Naturally occurring Mycoplasma bovis-associated pneumonia and polyarthritis in feedlot beef calves.

Mycoplasma bovis is perceived as an emerging cause of mortality in feedlot beef cattle. This study examined the lesions and infectious agents in naturally occurring M. bovis-associated bronchopneumonia and arthritis and the relationship of this condition with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection. Standardized pathologic, immunohistochemical, and microbiologic investigations were conducted on 99 calves that died or were euthanized within 60 days after arrival in 72 feedlots. Cranioventral bronchopneumonia with multiple foci of caseous necrosis was identified in 54 of 99 calves, including 30 with concurrent fibrinosuppurative bronchopneumonia typical of pneumonic pasteurellosis. Mycoplasma bovis was consistently identified in these lesions by culture and immunohistochemistry, but also commonly in healthy lungs and those with pneumonia of other causes. Focal lesions of coagulation necrosis, typical of pneumonic pasteurellosis, were often infected with both Mannheimia haemolytica and M. bovis. Arthritis was present in 25 of 54 (46%) calves with M. bovis pneumonia, and all calves with arthritis had pneumonia. BVDV infection was more common in calves with lesions of bacterial pneumonia than in those dying of other causes, but BVDV infection was not more common in calves with caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia than those with fibrinosuppurative bronchopneumonia. Retrospective analysis identified cases of M. bovis pneumonia in the early 1980s that had milder lesions than the current cases. The findings suggest that, in at least some calves, M. bovis induces caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia within the lesions of pneumonic pasteurellosis.     

Progesterone receptors in normal,dysplastic and tumourous feline mammary glands. Comparison with oestrogen receptors status

The aims of the study were to standardise an immunohistochemical (IHC) method for the detection of progesterone receptors (PR) on formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded tissue sections of feline mammary gland tumours and dysplasias, comparing the results with those obtained using the radiolabelled ligand dextran coated charcoal (DCC) assay applied to frozen tissue samples from the same cases. Also, to define the immunohistochemical distribution of PR in the different cellular compartments of the lesions and to compare the oestrogen receptor (ER) and PR status of the feline mammary lesions. Proliferative mammary lesions collected from 34 cats were studied; 25 malignant tumours and 9 benign tumours and dysplasias. PR protein was present at a concentration of 5 fmol mg(-1) (positivity threshold) in 37.5 per cent of malignant tumours and 66.7 per cent of benign tumours and dysplasias while immunoreative products to PR antibody were found in the nuclei of tumour cells in 38.5 per cent and 66.7 per cent of the cases, respectively. Concordance between DCC-PR and IHC-PR was 88.5 per cent (P<0.001). The specificity (true negatives) and sensitivity (true positives) of the IHC method were 89.4 per cent and 87.5 per cent respectively. The presence of PR was linked to the absence of ovariectomy (P<0.02). Oestrogen receptors, detected by either method, were also detected in half the cases in which PR had been detected. In malignant tumours, the most prevalent groups were the ER + PR + and ER-PR + groups.     

Correlation between cytopathology and histopathology of the skin, lymph node and spleen in 500 dogs and cats

The results of 382 cytological examinations in dogs and 118 in cats were retrospectively compared with the correlating histological results.The histological diagnosis represented the gold standard. The investigation comprised skin, lymph node and spleen samples. The aim was to estimate the diagnostic value and the limits of cytological examinations in relation to the type of the changes. The cases were grouped in six categories: Corresponding diagnoses were formulated in 201 cases. In lymph node samples, they were reached almost twice as frequently than in skin and spleen samples. Round cell neoplasias (mast cell tumours, canine cutaneous histiocytomas and malignant lymphomas) were most often subclassified. Cytological diagnoses lacking subclassification were reached in 98 cases. The lesions were cytologically less precisely characterized than histologically. Provisional cytological diagnosis or differential diagnosis were formulated in 112 cases. Most commonly, the distinction between neoplastic and non-neoplastic character of a lesion was not possible (especially in mesenchymal spindle-cell proliferations). In 53 cases, the cytological diagnosis could not be established. In 22 cases, the relevant lesion was diagnosed only histologically whereas the cytological picture revealed another, usually secondary tissue reaction. Cytologically incorrect diagnoses were formulated in 14 cases.     

Variability in limb malformations and possible significance in the pathogenesis of an inherited congenital neuromuscular disease of Charolais cattle (syndrome of arthrogryposis and palatoschisis)

Limb abnormalities in 30 calves with an inherited congenital neuromuscular disorder known as syndrome of arthrogryposis and palatoschisis were classified according to the range of severity of joint deformity in either flexion or extension, and restricted joint movement. Joint movement was variably affected; it was either normal, lax, restricted in the range of mobility, or occasionally, fixed. The characteristic findings were: bilateral hyperextension of the hind fetlock, flexion deformity of the forelimb that particularly involved the fetlock and the carpus, with restricted articular movement and complete rigidity in some cases. One-third of calves also had medial deviation of the forelimb due to angular deformity of articular surfaces in the carpus. All nine live calves were floppy due to marked generalized muscular hypotonia. Birth weight of deformed calves was reduced. In some calves muscle development was impaired as judged by muscle weight, and histological examination. In some calves the gross appearance, muscle weight and histological examination revealed no abnormal development and indicated that the effects on skeletal muscle were secondary. No lesions were found in the spinal cord of 23 of 24 calves examined histologically. The remaining calf had a localized cavitation in the dorsal white matter at T2-3. Based on the observations in calves in this study it is proposed that both primary and secondary factors contribute to the phenotypic expression of this congenital deformity. The primary lesion is considered to be a neurogenic abnormality of differentiation in the central nervous system. Cytogenetic analysis of 16 carrier cows and two deformed calves showed normal karyotypes. Serology for Akabane virus in 16 carrier cows was negative.     

Comparison of four methods of calf confinement. II. Behavior

Holstein bull calves (N = 46) were blocked by birth order and randomly assigned to be individually reared in stalls, pens or hutches (trials I and II) or as a group in a 3.6 X 7.9 m yard (trial II only). Treatments differed by the degree of restraint and social isolation imposed, with stalls the most restrictive and yard the least. Stalls and pens had wooden slatted floors; hutches and yard were on ground. Calves were placed on treatment within 24 h of birth and remained on treatment 6.5 wk. Total time standing or lying per 24 h in situ at 5 wk was not affected by treatment (P greater than .05), but hutch calves changed position between standing and lying more often than others (P less than .05), in order to remain in sun or shade. At 6.5 wk, calves (N = 24) in trial II were individually open-field tested for 20 min in the presence of alien calves. Stall and pen calves performed more actions utilized in locomotion and defense and engaged in more social behavior than hutch or yard calves (P less than .05). Only stall and pen calves stumbled and fell, but observations were insufficient to allow statistical analysis of these incidents. Treatment effects were found with respect to vocalizations: stall and pen calves emitted more "baaocks," while yard calves emitted more "moos." Results of this study and of a companion physiological study of the calves suggest that the intensification of drives induced by chronic suppression of their release may be accompanied by physiological responses associated with chronic stress.     

The clinical diagnosis and management of rectal and pararectal tumours in the dog

Forty-two dogs bearing tumours of the rectum or the pararectal tissues were examined over a 3 year period. The presenting clinical signs, diagnostic techniques and management are described. The prognosis was found to be guarded irrespective of the histological type. The mean survival times for malignant epithelial tumours of the rectal wall was 6–9 months, for rectal lymphomas 6-5 months and for pararectal tumours 10-6 months. The major limiting factor was found to be local recurrence after surgery for rectal epithelial tumours, resistance to chemotherapy and local recurrence for rectal lymphomas and metastatic disease for pararectal tumours.     

Distribution of bovine virus diarrhoea viral antigens in the central nervous system of cattle with various congenital manifestations.

Distribution of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) antigens in the central nervous system (CNS) of 26 cattle persistently BVDV infected, 11 cattle with mucosal disease (MD), and 32 calves with congenital brain malformations was studied using monoclonal antibodies against BVDV epitopes. In persistently infected cattle and in cattle with MD, a widespread infection of neurons was present. Predilection sites for BVDV antigens were the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. In calves with congenital encephalopathies, viral antigen-containing neurons could only be detected in the CNS of four animals. From the topographical distribution of BVDV antigens in these four postnatal cases with end-stage lesions, no conclusions could be drawn concerning the pathogenesis of BVDV-induced encephalopathies.     

Association between changes in eating and drinking behaviors and respiratory tract disease in newly arrived calves at a feedlot

OBJECTIVE: To investigate eating and drinking behaviors and their association with bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) and to evaluate methods of diagnosing BRDC. ANIMALS: 170 newly arrived calves at a feedlot. PROCEDURE: Eating and drinking behaviors of calves were recorded at a feedlot. Calves with clinical signs of BRDC were removed from their pen and classified retrospectively as sick or not sick on the basis of results of physical and hematologic examinations. Pulmonary lesions of all calves were assessed at slaughter. RESULTS: Calves that were sick had significantly greater frequency and duration of drinking 4 to 5 days after arrival than calves that were not sick. Sick calves had significantly lower frequency and duration of eating and drinking 11 to 27 days after arrival but had significantly greater frequency of eating 28 to 57 days after arrival than calves that were not sick. Calves at slaughter that had a higher percentage of lung tissue with pneumonic lesions had significantly lower frequency and duration of eating 11 to 27 days after arrival but had significantly higher frequency and duration of eating 28 to 57 days after arrival. Agreement for calves being sick and having severe pulmonary lesions at slaughter was adequate. Agreement for calves being removed and having pulmonary lesions at slaughter was low. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Eating and drinking behaviors were associated with signs of BRDC, but there was not an obvious predictive association between signs of BRDC in calves and eating and drinking behaviors. Fair to poor agreement was observed between antemortem and postmortem disease classification.     

Occurrence and economic importance of congenital hernia in German Fleckvich calves

The frequency of congenital hernia was investigated in German Fleckvieh calves being driven up for sale on livestock markets for breeding and fattening calves in Miesbach and Traunstein. Data were collected on 77 livestock auctions in the years 1996 and 1997. Altogether 53,105 calves were examined and 1.8% of these calves showed a congenital umbilical hernia. The incidence of umbilical hernia was significantly influenced by the sex of the calf, the occurrence of multiple births, the market place/market date, the sire and the sire line. Red Holstein blood proportion, lactation number, duration of pregnancy and 305 day milk performance were not of significant importance. Herd milk level did not influence the incidence of congenital umbilical hernia, however, herdmate averages for calves differed significantly in their incidence. The average difference of the market price between male calves affected by congenital umbilical hernia and not affected male calves amounted to 75 DM, in female calves, however, only to 38 DM. The risk, that a congenital umbilical hernia is not closing within an age of 15 months, depends on the width of the hernial opening in the newborn calf. An opening of 4 cm and more has only a healing chance of 50% and less. However, negative effects on fattening and carcass traits could be not found. The genetic influence on congenital umbilical hernia was obvious. The analyses indicated that the incidence of congenital umbilical hernia observed could not be explained by one autosomal recessive gene locus, but it seemed much more likely that more than one gene locus is involved or a mixed multifactorial monogenic mode of inheritance may be the underlying genetic mechanism. Breeders should be aware of the implications of congenital hernias and thus, congenital hernia should get more attention in the selection process of young sires.