Mast cell tumors of the gastrointestinal tract in 39 dogs

Mast cell tumors (MCTs) of gastrointestinal origin that had been surgically removed from 39 dogs were examined to evaluate their pathologic features. Miniature breeds, especially Maltese, were most frequently affected. The average age of affected dogs was 9.7 +/- 2.6 years. No sex difference was apparent. The most frequently affected sites were in the upper digestive tract, and the prognosis was very poor. Grossly, the gastrointestinal wall was prominently thickened, and the lumen of the affected gut was usually narrowed. Microscopically, there was diffuse transmural invasion of round to pleomorphic tumor cells. Tumor cells had moderate to abundant cytoplasm, round to ovoid nuclei with scattered chromatin, and mitotic figures. Fibrous stroma was observed in about half of the tumors. There was variable infiltration of eosinophils. In all tumors, cytoplasmic granules showed weak metachromasia, but the number of granules was very small. Immunohistochemical staining for c-kit and mast cell tryptase was positive in 77% and 62% of tumors, respectively. All tumors were positive for at least two of these markers. Immunohistochemical staining for p53 was positive in 13% of the tumors. Reactivity for staining markers and p53 was unrelated to cell pleomorphism, vessel invasion, or survival time. Gastrointestinal MCTs have histologic and immunohistochemical features completely different from those of other primary or metastatic gastrointestinal tumors. The combination of immunostaining for mast cell tryptase and c-kit and histochemical staining for metachromasia appears to be a powerful tool for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal MCTs.     

Immunohistochemical and histochemical stains for differentiating canine cutaneous round cell tumors

Immunohistochemical and histochemical stains are useful adjunct techniques in the diagnosis of canine cutaneous round cell tumors, which can appear histologically similar. We applied a panel of monoclonal antibodies (recognizing tryptase, chymase, serotonin for mast cells; CD1a, CD18, MHC class II for histiocytes; CD3 for T lymphocytes; CD79a for B lymphocytes and plasma cells) and one histochemical stain (naphthol AS-D chloroacetate for chymase activity) to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors, histiocytomas, lymphosarcomas, plasmacytomas, and unidentified round cell tumors. Of 21 tumors with a histologic diagnosis of mast cell tumor, 7/7 (100%) grade I, 6/7 (85.7%) grade II, and 3/7 (42.9%) grade III tumors were diagnosed as mast cell tumors based on positive staining for tryptase antigen and chymase activity. Mast cells were positive for both tryptase antigen and chymase activity, indicating equal efficacy of tryptase immunohistochemistry and chymase histochemistry. Chymase was detected immunohistochemically in both tumor and nontumor cells, while serotonin was not detected in most mast cell tumors, and thus, neither was useful in the diagnosis of mast cell tumors. Immunohistochemistry to detect CD18 and MHC class II was equally effective in staining histiocytomas, although lymphosarcoma must be ruled out through the use of CD3 and CD79a immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry using three different monoclonal antibodies to human CD1a showed no cross-reactivity in canine histiocytomas and was not useful. A final diagnosis was obtained for 4/5 (80%) of the unidentified tumors, indicating the usefulness of multiple stains in poorly differentiated round cell tumors.     

Identification of c-kit mutations-independent neoplastic cell proliferation of canine mast cells

Gain-of-function mutations in the proto-oncogene c-kit have been considered the molecular mechanism of neoplastic proliferation of mast cells. However, the importance of c-kit gene mutations is not well evaluated in canine mast cell tumors (MCTs). In the present study, we established and characterized a mast cell line, HRMC, derived from a dog with MCT. We also examined c-kit mutations in HRMC cells and assessed an inhibitory effect of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, STI571, on HRMC cells. HRMC cells had cytoplasmic metachromatic granules, chymase and tryptase, and expressed both KIT and FcepsilonRI on the cell surface. HRMC cells contained histamine and released beta-hexosaminidase through FcepsilonRI cross-linking and calcium ionophore stimulation. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated no mutations in an open reading frame of c-kit cDNA and genomic DNA of the juxtamembrane domain of c-kit in HRMC cells. STI571 did not show any inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HRMC cells. These findings clearly demonstrated the existence of c-kit mutations-independent neoplastic canine mast cell proliferation. The growth factor-independent mast cell line established in this study might be valuable to explore novel mechanisms of c-kit mutations-independent neoplastic proliferation of mast cells in dogs.     

Mucinous adenocarcinoma and T-cell lymphoma in the small intestine of 2 Vietnamese potbellied pigs (Sus scrofa)

Small intestinal T-cell lymphoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma are rarely reported in the pig, with most lymphomas being of B-cell origin and only a single report of mucinous adenocarcinoma. Two aged Vietnamese potbellied pigs had concurrent T-cell lymphoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. The lymphomas formed polypoid masses that projected into the intestinal lumen, whereas the mucinous adenocarcinomas were mural masses that bulged from the serosal surface. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells within the lymphomas were positive for CD3 and negative for CD79a. Mucicarmine stain highlighted the abundant cytoplasmic and extracellular mucin in the adenocarcinomas.     

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.     

Spontaneous Malignant T-cell Lymphoma in a Young Adult Crl:CD (SD) Rat

We investigated a case of spontaneous malignant T-cell lymphoma observed in a 19-week-old male Crl:CD (SD) rat. The rat showed paralysis beginning 1 week before euthanasia. Hematological examination revealed marked lymphocytosis without distinct atypia. Macroscopically, hepatosplenomegaly and partial atrophy of the thoracic spinal cord were observed. Microscopically, neoplastic cells infiltrated into the liver, splenic red pulp, bone marrow and epidural space of the thoracic spinal cord, while no neoplastic cells were observed in the thymus and lymph nodes. Moreover, the spinal cord showed focal degeneration due to compression by marked infiltration of neoplastic cells in the subdural space. The neoplastic cells were generally small-sized round cells that had a round nucleus with/without a single nucleolus and scanty cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for CD3 and CD8 and negative for CD79α. Judging from these results, the present tumor in this young adult rat was diagnosed as malignant T-cell lymphoma.     

Paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia in a dog with intestinal T-cell lymphoma

A 9-year-old, intact male Doberman Pinscher was examined because of anorexia and weakness. Results of a CBC showed severe, microcytic, hypochromic anemia with mild eosinophilia (2944 cells/microL, reference interval 100-1250/microL) and thrombocytosis. Hypoferremia, hypoferritinemia, and a positive fecal occult blood test supported a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia secondary to chronic intestinal hemorrhage. Abdominal ultrasound evaluation showed a thickened small intestinal loop, of which representative specimens were obtained during exploratory laparotomy. Histologically, the intestinal wall was infiltrated by a neoplastic population of large, round, lymphoid cells with vesicular chromatin, 1 or more prominent nucleoli, and a high number of mitotic figures. The cells were closely admixed with mature eosinophils, but were negative for metachromatic granules with toluidine blue. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for CD3, and negative for CD21, Pan B, and CD79a. A diagnosis of intestinal T-cell lymphoma was made. Chemotherapy was begun, with 30 mg/m;2 of doxorubicin administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Eosinophil concentration was 880/microL 2 weeks after surgery (on day 15 after presentation) but increased markedly to 62,914/microL on day 30, 62,400/microL on day 37, and 39,444/microL on day 58 after presentation. An association between hypereosinophilia and T-cell lymphoma is well established in human patients, in whom production of IL-5 by neoplastic T cells has been demonstrated. Hypereosinophilia has been reported only rarely with intestinal lymphoma in cats and horses, and with T-cell lymphoma in dogs.     

Immunohistochemical detection of multiple myeloma 1/interferon regulatory factor 4 (MUM1/IRF-4) in canine plasmacytoma: comparison with CD79a and CD20

Multiple myeloma oncogene 1/interferon regulatory factor 4 (MUM1/IRF4) is involved in lymphoid cell differentiation, particularly in the production of plasma cells. We examined the immunoreactivity of mouse monoclonal antibody Mum-1p to MUM1/IRF4 and compared it with expression of CD79a and CD20 in 109 plasmacytomas in 107 dogs. Tissues had been fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. One hundred one of 109 (93.5%) tumors were positive for MUM1/IRF4. The staining was nuclear with weak cytoplasmic reaction. Fifty-nine of 105 (56.2%) plasmacytomas were positive for CD79a; only 21 of 108 (19.4%) cases were positive for CD20. MUM1/IRF4 staining was performed on 139 other tumors including B- and T-cell lymphomas, histiocytic proliferations, mast cell tumors, and melanocytic tumors. The only MUM1/IRF4-positive nonplasmacytic tumors were 10 B-cell lymphomas and 1 anaplastic lymphoma. We conclude the following: 1) Antibody Mum-1p is very specific for canine plasmacytomas, 2) antibody Mum-1p is superior in sensitivity and specificity to CD79a and CD20 for the identification of canine plasmacytomas in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, 3) canine lymphomas that express MUM1/IRF4 are few and usually of B-cell origin, 4) other canine leukocytic and melanocytic tumors do not express MUM1/IRF4, and 5) prospective studies are needed to determine whether the expression of MUM1/IRF4, particularly in lymphomas, has prognostic significance.     

Histopathologic classification of 171 cases of canine and feline non-Hodgkin lymphoma according to the WHO

A retrospective collection of 171 lymphoid neoplasms (123 dogs and 48 cats) was classified according to the Revised European–American Lymphoma (REAL) classification, adopted in 2002 by the World Health Organization (WHO), to evaluate the WHO system for categorization of canine and feline neoplasms. Microscopic examination was performed after standard hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemical labelling for B (CD79a) or T (CD3) cell phenotypes. B-cell lymphomas were prevalent in dogs and T-cell lymphomas in cats. B-Large cell lymphoma (B-LCL) frequently showed plasmacytoid differentiation; notably, two canine plasma cell tumours (PCT) expressed both CD79 and CD3. There were difficulties in differentiating B-lymphoblastic lymphoma (B-LBL) from Burkitt-type lymphoma. Furthermore, intestinal T-cell lymphoma (ITCL) exhibited a huge morphologic variability. Finally, multicentric mature small and thymic T-cell lymphomas were diagnosed, although these categories are not codified by the WHO classification.     

Characterization of mast cell numbers and subtypes in biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract of dogs with lymphocytic-plasmacytic or eosinophilic gastroenterocolitis

It has been suggested but not proven that hypersensitivity type I reactions are involved in the pathogenesis of canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The main effector cells in type I hypersensitivity reactions are mast cells (MCs). Canine MCs, as human MCs, can be subdivided into three subtypes according to their content of mast cell-specific proteases: tryptase (MC_T), chymase (MC_C), or tryptase and chymase bearing MCs (MC_TC). In this study, numbers and subsets of mast cells were investigated in biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract of dogs with histopathologically confirmed lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis (LPE) (n = 4), lymphocytic-plasmacytic colitis (LPC) (n = 1) and eosinophilic gastroenterocolitis (EGE) (n = 11). Paraffin sections of formalin-fixed samples from the stomach, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and colon were stained by using a metachromatic staining method (kresylecht-violet; KEV) and a combined enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical technique for chymase and tryptase. Additionally, immunohistochemistry with antibodies against T cells (CD3), macrophages (myeloid/histiocyte antigen) and IgA, IgG and IgM bearing cells was conducted. Quantitative evaluation of mast cells and semiquantitative scoring of immunohistochemically stained cells were performed. Between the two histopathologically defined groups clear differences concerning mast cell numbers were detected. In most affected intestinal tissue locations of dogs with LPE/LPC a decrease in metachromatically (kresylecht-violet) stained granule-containing MCs and immunohistochemically stained MC_T,C,TC was found. This reduction could be due to mast cell degranulation, a T helper cell 1 dominated reaction pattern or a “thinning out” due to increasing T cells, IgA and IgG bearing cells. Dogs with EGE displayed higher variability in mast cell numbers but most of the affected large and small intestinal locations had increased numbers of MCs. In these cases, T cells, IgA bearing cells and macrophages also increased. Increased numbers of MCs and eosinophils seen in the intestinal mucosa of dogs with EGE could indicate the presence of a type I hypersensitivity reaction (T helper cell 2 pattern) in response to dietary antigens. Changes in cell numbers occurred also in unaffected locations of dogs with LPE/LPC and EGE which showed reduced MC_T,C,TC, increased KEV positive cells and partially increased leucocytes and macrophages.     

T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma in a ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta).

A 13-yr-old ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) was evaluated for depression, anorexia, polyuria, and polydipsia. The lemur was in poor body condition and was anemic, hypoalbuminemic, and hyponatremic. Cytologic examination of aspirates of the spleen, liver, and bone marrow and histopathologic examination of liver and bone marrow biopsies revealed a disseminated round cell tumor. After euthanasia, necropsy revealed hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and mesenteric lymphadenomegaly. Neoplastic cells were present within the spleen, liver, kidneys, multiple lymph nodes, bone marrow, lung, small intestine, pancreas, and testicle and were composed of large anaplastic round cells in a background of small well-differentiated lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the small well-differentiated lymphocytes labeled for the anti-human T-cell marker, CD3, and the large anaplastic round cells labeled with the anti-human B-cell marker, CD79a. On the basis of the immunohistochemical staining results and morphologic appearance, a diagnosis of a T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma was made.     

B‐cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation in two young adult dogs

Abstract: Two young adult dogs with gastrointestinal signs were each found to have an intra‐abdominal mass based on physical examination and diagnostic imaging. On exploratory laparotomy, small intestinal masses and mesenteric lymphadenopathy were found in both dogs; a liver mass was also found in dog 1. Cytologic and histologic examination of intestinal and liver masses and mesenteric lymph nodes revealed 2 distinct lymphoid cell populations: lymphoblasts and atypical Mott cells. With Romanowsky stains, the atypical Mott cells contained many discrete, clear to pale blue cytoplasmic inclusions consistent with Russell bodies that were positive by immunohistochemistry for IgM and CD79a in both dogs and for IgG in dog 2. The Mott cells and occasional lymphoblasts stained strongly positive with periodic acid‐Schiff. Using flow cytometric immunophenotyping in dog 1, 60% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and 85% of cells in an affected lymph node were positive for CD21, CD79a, IgM, and MCH II, indicative of B‐cells. With electron microscopy, disorganized and dilated endoplasmic reticulum was seen in Mott cells in tumors from both dogs. Antigen receptor gene rearrangement analysis of lymph node and intestinal masses indicated a clonal B‐cell population. Based on cell morphology, tissue involvement, and evidence for clonal B‐cell proliferation, we diagnosed neoplasms involving Mott cells. To the authors' knowledge, this is the second report of Mott cell tumors or, more appropriately, B‐cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation, in dogs. More complete characterization of this neoplasm requires further investigation of additional cases. This lymphoproliferative disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis for canine gastrointestinal tumors.     

Cytologic and immunohistochemical characterization of a primitive neuroectodermal tumor in the brain of a dog

A 6-year-old intact female Pointer dog was presented for evaluation of acute onset of ataxia, circling, and head tilt. Neurologic assessment revealed overall decreased postural reaction, left-sided hemiparesis with incoordination, rigidity of fore- and hindlimbs, strabismus of the right eye, and bilateral horizontal nystagmus. Using magnetic resonance imaging, a mass lesion was identified in the cerebrum adjacent to the left side of the cerebellum compressing the brain stem ventrally. The mass was incompletely resected, and during surgery fine-needle aspiration and biopsy of the mass were performed. Cytologically, smears were highly cellular and contained predominantly small to medium-sized discrete round cells with high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios and round nuclei with rare deep clefts or indentation, smooth chromatin, and indistinct nucleoli. Numerous cytoplasmic fragments were noted in the background. The primary diagnosis was lymphoma; other differential diagnoses included neuroendocrine tumor and poorly differentiated tumor of neural origin. The histologic diagnosis was lymphoma, and the lesion was presumed to be metastatic. On immunohistochemical analysis, the cells expressed neither CD3 nor CD79a. Re-examination of the histologic section revealed disorganized sheets of cells with multifocal palisading and perivascular arrangements of rosette-like structures. An expanded panel of antibodies to vimentin, cytokeratin, glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin (SYN), S-100, and CD45 was applied to histologic sections. Neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, NSE, and S-100. Based on the histologic appearance and immunophenotype of the tumor, a diagnosis of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) was made. PNET, although rare in dogs, should be considered as a differential diagnosis for round cell tumors in the brain.     

Changes in Regulatory T Cells in Dogs with Cancer and Associations with Tumor Type

Background: Regulatory T cells (Treg) have been shown to suppress antitumor immunity and often are increased in humans and rodents with cancer. However, Tregs have not been well studied in dogs with cancer and it is not known if certain tumor types are associated with increased Tregs.
Hypothesis: We hypothesized that Treg percentages would be increased in dogs with cancer and that Treg percentages would be higher in dogs with certain types of cancer.
Animals: The percentages and numbers of Tregs and nonregulatory T cells and B cells were assessed in 34 dogs with cancer and 9 age-matched control dogs. Dogs evaluated included 14 dogs with sarcoma, 7 dogs with carcinoma, 7 dogs with lymphoma, and 6 dogs with mast cell tumor.
Methods: Numbers and percentages of Tregs, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ T cells and B cells were determined using flow cytometry and compared between control dogs and dogs with cancer.
Results: The percentage of Tregs was significantly increased overall in dogs with cancer compared with control dogs. When tumor types were compared, Treg percentages were significantly increased in dogs with carcinoma. The Treg/CD8 T cell ratio was significantly higher in dogs with cancer compared with control dogs and was also significantly increased in 2 dogs with T-cell lymphoma.
Conclusions: Treg percentages in blood were increased in dogs with cancer, particularly in dogs with carcinoma. The Treg/CD8 ratio also identified tumor-specific abnormalities in dogs with cancer. These findings indicate that tumor-specific factors may affect Tregs in dogs.     

Characterization of immune cell infiltration into canine intracranial meningiomas

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors in dogs. A variety of inflammatory cells have been shown to invade these tumors in people, but little is known about interactions between the immune system and naturally occurring brain tumors in dogs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of a variety of immune cell subsets within canine intracranial meningiomas. Twenty-three formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples were evaluated using immunohistochemistry with antibodies specific for CD3, CD79a, CD18, CD11d (αD), CD45RA, forkhead box P3, and Toll-like receptors 4 and 9. Immune cell infiltration was evident in all samples, with a predominance of CD3(+) T cells. Large numbers of CD18(+) microglia and macrophages were noted surrounding and infiltrating the tumors, and a subset of these cells within the tumor appeared to be CD11d(+). Scattered macrophages at the tumor-brain interface were TLR4(+) and TLR9(+). Rare CD79a(+) B cells were noted in only a small subset of tumors. Lesser numbers of lymphocytes that were CD11d(+), CD45RA(+), or FoxP3(+) were noted in a number of the meningiomas. Although the function of these cells is not yet clear, work in other species suggests that evaluation of this immune cell infiltrate may provide important prognostic information and may be useful in the design of novel therapies.     

Identification of a c-kit exon 8 internal tandem duplication in a feline mast cell tumor case and its favorable response to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate

The gain-of-function mutations within c-kit, a protooncogene encoding KIT, induce constitutive ligand-independent kinase activation and are important for the pathogenesis of mast cell proliferative disease in humans as well as in dogs. Despite the clinical importance of feline mast cell tumors, no mutation has been shown within the c-kit gene in cats. In the present report, we analyzed the c-kit nucleotide sequence in the case of a cat that showed systemic mastocytosis and mastocytemia. Within the c-kit cDNA prepared from the malignant mast cells, we identified an 12-bp internal tandem duplication at the region corresponding to exon 8, resulting in a four amino acid insertion between residues Thr418 and His419 within the fifth immunoglobulin-like domain of KIT. The cat underwent therapy with the kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) at a dose of 10mg/kg. The tumor masses greatly responded and were undetectable after 5 weeks of treatment. Correspondingly, the number of mast cells in the peripheral blood was markedly reduced. It is, therefore, considered that the internal tandem duplication within the domain contributes to the neoplastic transformation of mast cells in the cat by increasing KIT phosphorylation.     

Feline intestinal sclerosing mast cell tumour: 50 cases (1997–2008)

This case series presents a unique and unreported variant of feline intestinal mast cell tumour recognized at the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Fifty cases of feline intestinal mast cell tumours described as having a significant stromal component were reviewed. Neoplastic cells formed a trabecular pattern admixed with moderate to abundant dense stromal collagen (sclerosis). Neoplastic cells had poorly discernible intracytoplasmic granules which demonstrated metachromasia with special histochemical stains consistent with mast cell granules. Additionally, a subset of cases stained for mast cell-specific tryptase and c-kit demonstrated positive immunoreactivity. Eosinophilic infiltrates were moderate to marked in almost all cases. Lymph node and hepatic metastases were present in 66% of the cases. Treatment and clinical outcome was available in 25/50 cases. Twenty-three of these patients died or were euthanized within 2 months of initial diagnosis. This is the first case series to characterize a sclerosing variant of intestinal mast cell tumour in the cat which appears to have a high propensity for metastasis and a guarded prognosis.     

Marked subcutaneous mast cell and eosinophilic infiltration associated with the presence of multiple Dirofilaria repens microfilariae in 4 dogs

Dirofilaria repens is a parasitic nematode in the subcutaneous tissue of carnivores, including dogs and cats, transmitted by mosquitoes. Human beings may be accidental hosts. Infection of a dog with D repens was first reported in Palestine in 1934, and 2 additional cases were reported in dogs in Israel to date. This report describes D repens infection in 4 dogs in Israel that presented with subcutaneous masses, which were cytologically characterized by marked mast cell and eosinophil infiltration. In 3 cases, multiple microfilariae were present in the lesions; rare microfilariae were present in the 4^th case. In all 4 dogs, PCR of fine‐needle aspirates from the lesions were positive for D repens. The mast cells observed in all lesions were uniform and highly granulated, and with the presence of the microfilariae, a mast cell tumor was considered less likely. This report suggests that D repens infection‐associated subcutaneous lesions, characterized cytologically by massive mast cell and eosinophil infiltration, should be considered a differential diagnosis for mast cell tumor, especially in geographic locations endemic for this nematode. Notably, all 4 dogs were infected with D repens despite a routine prophylactic doramectin therapy administered every 3 months, probably due to the relatively long time interval between treatments.     

Characterization of lymphocytes in canine gastrointestinal lymphoma

Primary canine gastrointestinal lymphoma has been believed to be of B-cell origin based on the morphology and behavior of the neoplastic cells and the evidence from the human medical field. However, the neoplasms have not to date been characterized as to the origin of the cell population. Forty-four cases diagnosed as canine gastrointestinal lymphoma were retrieved from the records of the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals at the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Four of the cases have been previously identified as epitheliotropic T-cell gastrointestinal lymphoma. Twenty-three of the dogs were female, with 11 intact and 12 neutered, and 21 of the dogs were male, with 12 intact and nine neutered. Sixteen breeds as well as individuals of mixed breeding were represented. The Boxer and the sharpei were the most commonly represented breeds with six individuals each. The age range of the dogs was 1.5-14.66 years, with two dogs identified as adult and two of unknown age. Archived tissue blocks of gastrointestinal samples were sectioned in duplicate and prepared for immunohistochemical staining with CD3 (T-cell marker) and CD20 (B-cell marker). In 75% of the cases examined under light microscopy, 50-95% of the neoplastic cells stained positively with CD3 and exhibited marked epitheliotropic behavior. In three of the cases, from 10% up to 50% of the neoplastic cells stained positively with CD20, with widely scattered CD3(+) cells. In the remainder of the cases, few to none of the neoplastic cells stained with either of the markers. This retrospective study shows that canine primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is more commonly of T-cell origin, rather than B-cell origin.