Membranous nephropathy in the cat: a clinical and pathological study

A series of 13 cases of feline membranous nephropathy is presented. Two groups were distinguished clinically; eight cats had the nephrotic syndrome and five others were in renal failure but not nephrotic. The definitive diagnosis was based on histological, immunofluorescence and ultrastructural examinations of renal tissue obtained at renal biopsy or necropsy. Glomerular lesions were classified according to the degree of glomerular change into three distinct groups; mild, moderately severe and advanced. A relationship was established between the mild and moderately severe groups and cats with the nephrotic syndrome, and the advanced group and cats in renal failure. Diuretic therapy was satisfactory in initial control of oedema in the nephrotic cases. Monitoring of previously nephrotic cats for up to three years indicated that the disease is progressive, although in some cases it is sufficiently slow for a cat to live a relatively normal life without continuing treatment. The prognosis for cats presented in renal failure is hopeless.     

Experimental immune complex glomerulonephritis and the nephrotic syndrome in cats immunised with cationised bovine serum albumin

Membranous nephropathy was induced in four cats by repeated intravenous injections of 120 mg cationic bovine serum albumin (BSA, pI 9.5). All four cats developed diffuse granular deposits of IgG and C3 along the glomerular capillary walls as early as five weeks which persisted until the end of the experiment at 17 weeks. Ultrastructural studies revealed many subepithelial electron dense deposits. Two cats developed severe proteinuria and the nephrotic syndrome characterised by hypoalbuminaemia and oedema. An additional four cats received repeated injections of unmodified native BSA (pI 4.5) and remained basically normal. This is the first report of membranous nephropathy and the nephrotic syndrome in an experimental animal model which, unlike other animal models, is subject to the spontaneously occurring disease.     

The possible role of Ostertagia circumcincta, coccidiosis and dietary protein level in the development of swelling disease in Angora goat kids

A trial was carried out to investigate the possible role of Ostertagia circumcincta, coccidiosis and level of protein in the diet in the development of swelling disease in Angora goat kids. Eighty Angora goat kids were bought from 5 producers whose flocks had a history of swelling disease. These kids were kept in enclosures at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute near Middelburg (Eastern Cape) for the duration of the experiment. The animals received a combination of the following treatments: (a) high protein vs normal protein diet; (b) Ostertagia circumcincta infection or no O. circumcincta infection; (c) coccidial infection or no coccidial infection. Data recorded included weekly body weight, weekly total plasma protein levels (TPP), weekly faecal egg counts, weekly coccidial oocyst counts and haematology at Weeks 1, 5, 9, 13 and 16. The goats were also monitored daily for any clinical symptoms. There was no specific trend in any of the parameters measured among the different treatment groups at any stage during the experimental period. The goats were shorn during Week 10 of the experiment. On Monday 6 September 2004 (Week 12 of the study), 19 of the goats developed some subcutaneous oedema. The Saturday (4 September 2004) was rather hot (30 degrees C), followed by very cold rainy conditions (11 degrees C) on Sunday (5 September 2004). Twelve of the goats developed what can be described as little oedema, while 7 developed moderate oedema. The number of goats that developed oedema was fairly evenly distributed among the various treatment groups. As far as the specific treatments are concerned, more goats on the normal protein diet developed moderate oedema than the goats on the high protein diet. Body weights of goats that developed moderate oedema were lower throughout the experimental period than body weights of goats that developed little or no oedema, while TPP of goats that developed moderate oedema were lower from Week 5 of the study onwards. There were also no significant differences at any stage throughout the experimental period in faecal egg counts, faecal coccidial oocyst counts or any of the blood parameters between goats that developed moderate oedema, little oedema and those that did not develop any oedema. No goats developed full-blown swelling disease during the course of the experiment. It is possible that the treatments applied in this study are not inductive of the disease, or the effects of the treatments were not severe enough to induce swelling disease.     

Persistent haematuria and proteinuria due to glomerular disease in related Abyssinian cats

Eight cases of glomerular disease in young, related Abyssinian cats are described. Haematuria was the most consistent feature. Six cats developed the nephrotic syndrome. The short-term prognosis was good for cats with haematuria and fair for cats with the nephrotic syndrome as oedema resolved in three of the six cats. Light microscopic examination of renal biopsies from three cats was considered normal or revealed only mild abnormalities. In the three cases subjected to necropsy, histological abnormalities included mild mesangial hypercellularity and adhesions between the glomerular tuft and Bowman's capsule consistent with a focal proliferative glomerulopathy. Further investigation into this glomerulopathy will require ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies to characterise the glomerular abnormality and genetic analyses to investigate its potential to be an inherited disease. Glomerular disease, potentially a familial one, should be considered in the investigation of persistent haematuria or proteinuria in Abyssinian and related cats.     

Treatment of Membranopr oliferative Glomerulonephritis and Nephrotic Syndrome in a Dog with a Thromboxane Synthetase Inhibitor

A 2-year-old spayed female Whippet with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome was treated with a specific thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (3-methyl-2[3-pyridyl]-1-indoleoctanoic acid), resulting in decreased proteinuria and resolution of ascites and edema. Glomerular histology, however, appeared unaffected by treatment. Discontinuation of treatment for 10 weeks resulted in increased proteinuria and decreased serum albumin concentrations that were again attenuated when treatment was reinitiated. Thromboxane synthetase inhibitors have been used successfully to treat experimentally induced glomerulonephritis in several species and this treatment appears to hold promise for naturally occurring glomerulonephritis in dogs.     

Naturally occurring canine nephrotic syndrome is a potentially hypercoagulable state

Fourteen dogs with naturally occurring nephrotic syndrome were evaluated for abnormalities in the hemostatic system. Histopathologic diagnoses included 8 dogs with membraneous glomerulonephritis, 1 dog with acute glomerulon-ephritis, 2 dogs with idiopathic glomerulopathy, and 2 dogs with amyloidosis. The coagulation protein assays performed included concentrations of factors V, VII, VIII: C, IX, X, fibrinogen (I), anti-thrombin III, and plasminogen. Thrombocyte counts were also performed. All of these analytes were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) with the exception of ATIΠ which was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Five of the dogs had histologic evidence and 1 dog had angiographic evidence of thrombosis and thromboembolism. Naturally occurring canine nephrotic syndrome thus represents a potentially hypercoagulable state and may serve as a valuable model in the study of certain components of the human disease.     

Development of canine nephrotic syndrome model

To develop an experimental animal model for immune-mediated glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome, nine healthy dogs were sensitized by intravenous injection with 1 microg of endotoxin and 5 mg of native bovine serum albumin. After 1 week, 120 mg of cationized bovine serum albumin was injected intravenously 5 times a week. Among nine dogs, five dogs were confirmed as having developed glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome by increase of urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (>1.0), hypoalbuminemia (<1.5 g/dl), hypercholesterolemia (>240 mg/dl), and edema. This model should be useful for studying immune-mediated glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome.     

Membranous nephropathy in the dog

Membranous nephropathy, a disease syndrome characterized by severe proteinuria and often accompanied by the nephrotic syndrome, was identified in 29% of a population of 46 proteinuric dogs. Renal lesions were characterized by the presence of subepithelial immunoglobulin deposits distributed diffusely along the glomerular capillary wall. Advanced stages were associated with progressive thickening of capillary basement membranes and incorporation of the immune deposits. These changes were followed by either glomerulosclerosis or recovery. Characteristic morphologic stages were correlated with clinical pathologic findings which showed that the level of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and consequent nephrotic syndrome was most severe in the initial stages of membranous nephropathy while the level of azotemia increased in the more advanced stages of the syndrome.     

Serum sickness in a dog associated with antivenin therapy for snake bite caused by Crotalus adamanteus

Objective: This case report describes antivenin‐associated acute and delayed hypersensitivity reactions in a dog envenomated by an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), specifically reviewing the syndrome of antivenin‐associated serum sickness. Clinician awareness of this syndrome is important in order to allow for its recognition and appropriate treatment. Case summary: A Boxer dog was envenomated by an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Shock, echinocytosis, and coagulopathy were manifested, and the dog was given antivenin crotalidae polyvalent therapy and supportive care. The early onset of an anaphylactoid reaction was attributed to antivenin therapy and was managed with diphenhydramine and subcutaneous epinephrine therapy. Fever, chemosis, and limb edema occurred during the 3rd through 6th hospital days following antivenin therapy and were consistent with serum sickness syndrome as described in humans. Further immunoassay support reflecting complement activation and response to treatment were characteristic. New information provided: To our knowledge, this describes the first reported case of antivenin‐associated serum sickness in a dog.     

补饲不同蛋白水平日粮对北川白山羊生产性能和屠宰性能的影响

本试验旨在研究放牧补饲不同蛋白水平日粮对北川白山羊生产性能和屠宰性能的影响。选择60只(6月龄)北川白山羊作为研究对象,随机分成4组,即14%蛋白组、16%蛋白组、18%蛋白组和对照组(不补饲),每组15只,测定生产性能、血液生化指标和屠宰性能。结果显示:补饲组北川白山羊平均日增重、血清总胆固醇、尿素氮含量、葡萄糖含量、谷草转氨酶活性、宰前活重、胴体重、屠宰率、眼肌面积以及羊肉粗蛋白含量均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。随着补饲蛋白水平的增加,血清尿素氮含量呈线性增加(P<0.05),而羊肉水分含量呈线性减少(P<0.05);平均日增重、血清总胆固醇含量、血清葡萄糖含量和羊肉粗蛋白呈二次曲线变化(P<0.05)。结果表明:补饲不同蛋白水平日粮可以提高血清中血糖、尿素氮、总胆固醇浓度和谷草转氨酶活性,可以在一定程度上改善和提高北川白山羊的生产性能、屠宰性能及肉品质等,北川白山羊的补饲料适宜蛋白水平为16%。     

Turkey syndrome 65, oedema syndrome and Mycoplasma meleagridis.

Comparisons of liver histology and serum protein characteristics from cases of oedema syndrome and from poults with Mycoplasma meleagridis induced ascites revealed that the two conditions, though presenting grossly similar post mortem appearances, are different entities. Serum albumin concentrations, but not total serum protein levels, were markedly reduced in poults with M meleagridis induced ascites and in those with turkey syndrome 65. Poults which were infected with M meleagridis but which failed to develop either of these conditions had more normal serum protein characteristics. It is argued that M meleagridis induced ascites may be an acute manifestation of a pathological process of which TS65 is the chronic form. It is also suggested that low serum albumin concentrations may play a primary role in the pathogenesis of TS65.     

Nephrotic syndrome in a dog

The occurrence of the nephrotic syndrome in a dog is reported. The outstanding clinical feature was oedema; profuse proteinuria and hypo-proteinaemia were also observed. Steroid therapy, use of a high protein diet and administration of diuretics failed to halt the course of the disease. The renal lesions were morphologically similar to those of membranous glomerulonephritis in man.
Résumé. Les auteurs décrivent un cas de syndrome néphrotique chez un chien; le signe le plus important était l'oedème, et on a également noté une albuminurie considérable et une hypo-protéinémie. Le traitement par les stéroïdes et les diurétiques ainsi qu'un régime riche en protéines n'ont pas empêché la progression de la maladie. Les lésions morphologiques du rein étaient semblables à celles que l'on observe dans la glomérulonéphrite membraneuse de l'homme.
Zusammenfassung. Es wird über das Auftreten des nephrotischen Syndroms bei einem Hund berichtet. Das auffällige klinische Merkmal war Ödem; es wurden auch profuse Proteinurie und Hypoproteinaemie beobachtet. Steroidtherapie, die Verabreichung proteinreichen Futters und die Anwendung von Diuretica konnten den Verlauf der Krankheit nicht beeinflussen. Die ren-alen Läsionen waren morphologisch ähnlich denen bei membranöser Glomerulonephritis beim Menschen.     

Udder oedema associated with adrenocortical insufficiency in a herd of Holstein/Friesian cows

The possible involvement of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis with severe pre- and post partum udder oedema was studied in a herd of 60 Holstein/Friesian cows. The prevalence of udder oedema in this herd was about 75 per cent. The animals were fed a diet containing high levels of potassium (average daily potassium intake 410 g per cow). The concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride and total protein in the plasma of the cows were within their normal ranges. In one animal a very low plasma cortisol concentration (2.30 ng/ml) was accompanied by normal plasma glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. The adrenal responsiveness of two heifers with severe udder oedema was impaired one month after parturition in comparison with 11 normal animals (increases from 3.27 to 38.8 and 23.2 to 37.8 ng cortisol/ml compared with 8.02 +/- 1.19 to 146 +/- 16.7 ng cortisol/ml but returned to normal spontaneously after 175 days. One cow was diagnosed as having primary adrenocortical insufficiency.     

Noncongophilic fibrillary glomerulonephritis in a cat

This report describes an uncommon case of nonamyloidotic fibrillary glomerulonephritis. A 5-year-old female European cat was presented with nephrotic syndrome. Serum biochemistry and urinalysis revealed a mild increase in cholesterol, low total protein, severe hypoalbuminemia, and high proteinuria with a high protein-to-creatinine ratio. An histologic examination revealed an interstitial nephritis and a diffuse glomerulonephritis, with multifocal thickening of the Bowman's capsule. Transmission electron microscopy showed widespread fibrillary deposits in the glomerular basement membrane and in the mesangium. These fibrils ranged between 18 and 26 nm in diameter and were Congo red negative, which allowed their differentiation from amyloid. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated expression for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) within the mesangium. Renal deposits of Congo red-negative amyloid-like fibrils have been described in humans, horses, monkeys, and dogs. This is the first report of noncongophilic fibrillary glomerulopathy in a cat.     

江西省萍乡市某羊场布鲁菌病的流行病学分析

江西省萍乡市某山羊场妊娠母羊散发流产,为了分析该羊场流产的发生是否与布鲁菌感染有关,同时掌握该羊场布鲁菌病的流行情况,随机抽样采血共分离得到100份山羊血清,首先使用虎红平板凝集试验进行初步鉴定,然后通过试管凝集试验重新检测阳性血清。结果表明,该羊场布鲁菌病阳性率为20％。由此可以得出,该羊场的布鲁菌病防控工作存在较严重的问题,应制定有效的防治措施,将山羊布鲁菌病的检测纳入日常疾病监测工作中,最终达到净化该病的目的。     

Ventral oedema in exotic Angora goats

Abstract A syndrome characterised by ventral oedema and referred to by many goat farmers as "water belly". has been recognised in New Zealand in Angora goats of South African and Texan origin. It occurs most frequently in young animals in the immediate post-shearing period, when as many as 10-15% of the flock may be affected to varying degrees. Affected animals are usually bright and alert and most will recover spontaneously within 3-4 days. The syndrome may also occur in goats suffering from one of a variety of diseases but in some cases there is no apparent predisposing cause.     

Nephrotic syndrome: a platelet hyperaggregability state

Nephrotic syndrome characterized by hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolism and increased platelet hyperaggregability. Although plasma coagulation proteins are also abnormal, changes are too inconsistent to attribute thromboembolic complications to the coagulation cascade alone. Antithrombin III (ATIII) has been shown to be deficient in nephrotic syndrome. There is, however, an increase in alpha 2 macroglobulin. It is clear that platelet to platelet interactions require exposure of platelet fibrinogen receptors, the binding of fibrinogen to these receptors, platelet crossbridging, and subsequent platelet aggregation. Fibrinogen is consistently elevated in nephrotic syndrome. Hyperlipidemia and hypoalbuminemia in nephrotic syndrome increases the availability of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) by increasing the availability of TxA2 precursors and the removal of TxA2 inhibitors. Thromboxane A2 is a known inducer of platelet aggregation probably through the exposure of platelet fibrinogen receptors. Recently, fibronectins a group of adhesive proteins, were implicated in platelet to platelet interactions. Since thrombin increases the expression of platelet surface fibronectin, fibronectin may be involved in thrombus formation in nephrotic syndrome. Thromboembolic formation in nephrotic syndrome is a composite mechanism involving the coagulation cascade, platelet-platelet interactions, and platelet-surface interactions.     

Intraocular hemorrhage in a goat with thrombocytopenia and metastasis of an adenocarcinoma in the iris

This case report describes the findings in a 10-year-old goat with metastasis of an adenocarcinoma in the iris. Two weeks before admission, the owner had noticed blepharospasm of the left eye. Clinical examination by the referring veterinarian revealed unilateral intraocular hemorrhage. The goat was referred to our clinic for further work-up. The rectal temperature was 40 degrees C. The most important haematological result was severe thrombocytopenia. There was mild corneal oedema of the left eye. Approximately 75 per cent of the anterior chamber was filled with non-coagulated blood. The fluid in the anterior chamber dorsal to the blood was cloudy, and the corpora nigra could not be seen clearly. All other internal parts of the eye could not be seen. Ultrasonography of the left eye confirmed cloudiness of the anterior chamber and revealed moderate thickening of the iris. The right prescapular lymph node was markedly enlarged. Cytological examination of a fine needle aspirate of the lymph node showed a mixed population of neoplastic cells. Based on immunohistochemical evaluation of the cells metastasis of a carcinoma was diagnosed. The goat was subjected to euthanasia, and a postmortem examination was carried out. The anterior chamber of the left eye contained blood, and the iris was thicker than normal and adhered to the posterior surface of the cornea. There were neoplastic alterations in the iris, the oesophagus, the lung lobes, the liver, the kidney and in the prescapular, retropharyngeal, mediastinal and hepatic lymph nodes. Histologically, a diagnosis of carcinoma was confirmed, but the origin of the tumour could not be determined.     

猪皮炎肾病综合征诊断与防治

猪皮炎肾病综合症是由圆环病毒二型感染引起的一种以猪皮肤表面出现红疹、丘疹、结痂或坏死,肾脏严重肿大为主要临床特征的常见传染性疾病。皮炎肾病综合症主要危害生长猪和育肥猪。受病毒感染后,患病猪表现为生长发育不良,免疫功能受到严重抑制,易继发感染其他传染性疾病,表现出复杂的临床症状,给生猪养殖业造成严重损失和危害。防范疾病的发生流行,需要掌握猪皮炎肾病综合症的具体流行特点、临床表现,并采取针对有效措施进行诊断,然后构建有效的防控措施,短时间内控制病情,避免损失进一步加大。该文主要论述猪皮炎肾病综合症的流行特点、临床症状、病理变化、诊断方法和防治措施。