A de novo mutation in KRT5 in a crossbred calf with epidermolysis bullosa simplex

A 6-day-old Belgian Blue-Holstein calf was referred because of a syndrome resembling epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). The clinical phenotype included irregular and differently sized erosions and ulcerations spread over the body, in particular on the limbs and over bone prominences, as well as in the nasal planum and oral mucosa. Blisters were easily induced by rubbing the skin. The skin lesions displayed a clear dermal-epidermal separation at the level of the basal cell layer. Post mortem examination revealed erosions in the pharynx, proximal esophagus, and rumen. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a heterozygous disruptive in-frame deletion variant in KRT5 (c.534_536delCAA). Genotyping of both parents confirmed the variant as de novo mutation. Clinicopathological and genetic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of KRT5-related EBS providing the second example of a spontaneous mutation causing epidermolysis bullosa in cattle.     

Streptococcus dysgalactiae cellulitis and toxic shock like syndrome in a Brown Swiss cow.

An adult Brown Swiss cow was presented to the Large Animal Hospital of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal due to a postpartum downer cow syndrome. The animal had severe and generalized swelling of all 4 limbs and was in shock, as demonstrated by hypotension, dehydration, hypothermia, altered mental status, and abnormal blood parameters. It died rapidly, and necropsy revealed a generalized, severe cellulitis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae, bronchopneumonia, and lesions of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in the kidneys. The portal of entry of the bacteria in the subcutaneous tissue was not found, as there was no history of skin trauma or mastitis. The pure growth of large quantities of an invasive Streptococcus species, associated with hypotension, coagulopathy, and renal failure, are supportive of streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome in a bovine.     

Economic evaluation of artificial insemination of sex‐sorted semen on a Brown Swiss dairy farm—A case study

Artificial insemination using sex‐sorted semen is employed to efficiently increase the number of female dairy calves born. Previous studies have determined that using sex‐sorted semen is beneficial to improve the management, but the mechanism by which it increases cattle numbers through objective indices of breeding remains unclear. This study focused on a Brown Swiss cattle herd in which frozen female sex‐sorted semen was systematically employed to increase the number of cattle. We analyzed the correlation between the increase in the number of cattle and the screening accuracy of sex‐sorted semen, measuring indices such as pregnancy rate and birth rate of female calves. Study revealed that: (1) production cost for female calves is influenced by the pregnancy rate, rate of female calves, and using sex‐sorted semen is less expensive than using nonsorted semen; (2) improvements in screening accuracy nearly doubled the number of cows and tripled the number of heifers in 5 years; and (3) use of sex‐sorted semen improved milk quality. The pregnancy rate was lower when sex‐sorted semen was used, but the birth rate of heifers was improved. Results suggest that artificial insemination using sex‐sorted semen is beneficial because it economically produces offspring to increase the herd.     

Hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis‐like syndrome in a Criollo Argentino horse

Hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is a relatively new genetic disease that, so far, appears to be confined to descendants of the American Quarter Horse Impressive, a stallion identified as the link between the pedigrees of all affected horses, and that predominantly affects Quarter Horses but also Paint horses, Appaloosas and Palominos. This study suggests that an episode of muscle weakness, which was reported in a Criollo Argentino genetically unrelated to Impressive, was related to marked hyperkalaemia. The symptoms in this case were reproducible following a KCI challenge test although DNA testing for HYPP was negative. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of a HYPP‐like syndrome was made.     

Association of toll‐like receptor 2 polymorphisms with somatic cell score in Xinjiang Brown cattle

This study aims to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the TLR2 gene, and analyze the association of SNPs or haplotypes and somatic cell scores in 151 Xinjiang Brown cattle and 138 Holsteins to evaluate the role of TLR2 during intramammary infections. TLR2 coding region was amplified by PCR and screened for SNP sequencing. Genotypes and frequencies of SNPs were identified. Finally, the associations of genotypes or haplotypes and somatic cell scores (SCS) were analyzed. The results showed that: (i) 15 SNPs (E+653, E+945, E+978, E+1010, E+1250, E+1688, E+1707, E+1779, E+1782, E+1891, E+1995, E+2025, E+2055, E+2214 and E+2295) were observed and detected from 289 cows; (ii) distribution of the 14 SNPs were significantly different from Xinjiang Brown cattle and Holstein (P < 0.001) except for the E+945 (P > 0.05); (iii) in 11 SNPs (E+945, E+978, E+1010, E+1688, E+1707, E+1779, E+1782, E+1995, E+2025, E+2055 and E+2214), the SCS of AB genotype was lower than AA (P < 0.05) in Xinjiang Brown cattle; and (iv) haplotypes composed of the above‐mentioned 11 SNPs were constructed. The SCS of cattle with Hap5 was lower than that of Hap3 (P < 0.05). This suggests that Hap5 might play an important role in sub‐mastitis resistance in Xinjiang Brown cattle.     

A de novo reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(3;6)(p14;q26) in the black Lucano pig

In the past two decades, several cytogenetic screening programmes identified different chromosome rearrangements in pig, most of which represented by reciprocal translocation (rcp). This chromosome abnormality does not involve the variation in the number of chromosomes, but only the rearrangement of genetic material, resulting in phenotypically normal carriers with fertility problems. During an occasional cytogenetic screening, a new reciprocal translocation was detected in the black Lucano pig native breed. We analysed 15 animals reared by a family-run piggery in Basilicata region (Southern Italy). After karyotyping, four pigs (two boars and two sows) revealed two unpaired chromosomes. Analysis of the RBA karyotype and the dual-colour FISH technique confirmed that these pigs showed the same reciprocal translocation involving the chromosomes SSC3 and SSC6. The precise location of breakpoints was identified by RBH-FISH t(3;6)(p14;q26), whereas the analysis of the pedigree showed a case of Mendelian inheritance within a family, after the de novo occurrence of the new rcp. Considering the consequences of the rcp on the fertility, this study points out the importance of the cytogenetic screening in the native breeds for the safeguard of the genetic biodiversity and the sustainability of the rural areas.     

Gastric carcinoma associated with Menetrier's‐like disease in a West Highland white terrier

A seven‐year‐old West Highland white terrier was presented for chronic vomiting associated with mild regenerative anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia. Further examination showed a giant polypoid cerebriform mass located in the lesser curvature of the stomach. Partial gastrectomy was performed and histology was consistent with hypertrophic gastritis with typical features of Ménétrier's disease. Five years after surgery, the dog was re‐examined for recurrence of vomiting episodes. Endoscopy showed ulceration of the lesser curvature of the stomach and histological analysis revealed a poorly differentiated superficial gastric carcinoma surrounded by hypertrophic gastritis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the second time that coexistence of these two types of lesions is reported, suggesting that recurrence of gastritis could be the starting point of the tumoural process.     

Keratitis and periocular lesions associated with equine herpesvirus‐3 in a 3‐month‐old filly

A 3‐month‐old Quarter Horse filly presented with corneal ulceration in the right eye with extensive coalescing periocular ulcerations, erosions, and cutaneous crusts. Similar periocular lesions were present around the left eye, on the gingival mucosa, and on the cutaneous and mucosal surfaces of the lips. Based on the severity of the filly's corneal lesions, expense and duration of treatment, euthanasia was elected. Histological post mortem examination revealed numerous hyperplastic and/or dysplastic epithelial cells adjacent to areas of ulceration and erosion with intranuclear viral inclusion bodies. Equine herpesvirus‐3 (EHV‐3) was identified by polymerase chain reaction from the right cornea and lip. The virus was isolated from the right cornea, right eyelid and lip. The dam presented with multifocal to coalescing perineal vesicles. EHV‐3 was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction from the vulvar lesions and the mare recovered spontaneously. This is the first case of EHV‐3 corneal infection reported in horses and emphasises that EHV‐3 should be included as a differential diagnosis for vesicular lesions involving the equine periocular and oronasal epithelium.     

Comparison of productive and reproductive performance and hair cortisol levels between Brown Swiss cross‐bred and Holstein cows housed in the same barn

The productive and reproductive characteristics of Brown Swiss (B) cross‐bred cows were investigated by comparing with those of Holstein (H) cows housed in the same barn. Additionally, their hair cortisol levels were analyzed to evaluate the extent of stress experienced during dry and lactation periods. B cross‐bred cows had lower milk yields and higher milk fat rates than H cows. Reproductive records showed that days from parturition to first artificial insemination (AI) in B cross‐bred (n = 16) and H (n = 27) cows were not significantly different, but conception rate at first AI of B cross‐bred cows tended to be higher than that of H cows. Percentage of B cross‐bred cows that resumed ovarian cyclic activity within 45 days after parturition was higher than that of H cows (6/6 (100%) and 5/11 (45.5%), P < 0.05), and B cross‐bred cows had higher body condition scores at that time. Hair cortisol level at 60 to 90 days after parturition in H cows increased significantly compared with in the dry period, and it was higher than that of B cows during the same period. These results suggest that B cross‐bred cows experience less metabolic stress during early lactation, which may result in earlier resumption of reproductive function.     

Hypoglycemia associated with disseminated metastatic tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma producing insulin‐like growth factor‐I in a Pomeranian dog

A 13‐year‐old spayed female Pomeranian dog was presented for persistent, severe hypoglycemia (37 mg/dL; reference interval [RI] 75‐128 mg/dL). Progressive nonregenerative anemia (hematocrit 23.3%‐15.9%; RI 37.0%‐55.0%) and severe thrombocytopenia (36 000/µL; RI 200‐500 000/µL) were also noted. The serum insulin concentration was low (0.24 ng/mL; RI 0.302‐1.277 ng/mL). Computed tomography revealed multiple splenic nodules (1‐6 mm in diameter) and several hepatic nodules (7.6, 12 mm in diameter). Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of the splenic and hepatic nodules revealed low numbers of epithelial cells with mild cellular atypia, suggestive of a metastatic epithelial tumor, but the primary site was unknown at that time. On careful oral examination under general anesthesia, an enlarged right tonsil was noted grossly, and histopathologic examination of the tonsil diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies of the splenic and hepatic nodules were performed; all samples were diagnosed as metastatic carcinoma on histopathologic examination. No nodules were present in the pancreas, despite careful palpation during exploratory laparotomy. On immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin AE1/3 and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I but were negative for chromogranin A, PGP9.5, insulin, and inconclusive for IGF‐II. This is the first report of a primary IGF‐I‐producing squamous cell carcinoma in the tonsil of a dog with metastases to bone marrow, liver, and spleen, resulting in hypoglycemia.     

Lesions and pathogenesis of disease in young calves experimentally induced by a bovine adenovirus type 5 isolated from a calf with weak calf syndrome.

Lesions induced in each of 9 young colostrum-deprived calves closely resembled lesions seen in naturally occurring "weak calf syndrome" of eastern Idaho and southwestern Montana. The disease was experimentally induced by intravenous injection of bovine adenovirus type 5 that had been isolated from a calf with weak calf syndrome...     

Orexin‐B‐like immunoreactivity in pituitary αMSH‐producing cells and median eminence GnRH‐containing fibres of the flat‐tailed house gecko

We examined the distribution of the orexin‐like peptides in the pituitary and median eminence of the flat‐tailed house gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) using immunohistochemistry. Orexin‐B‐like, but not orexin‐A‐like, immunoreactivity was detected in the pituitary, specifically in the pars intermedia, and these cells corresponded to alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (αMSH)‐producing cells. Orexin‐B and αMSH secreted from pars intermedia may modulate secretion of adenohypophyseal cells in the pars distalis. In the median eminence, orexin‐B‐immunoreactive puncta and fibres were observed, and these structures corresponded to gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐immunoreactive puncta and fibres. Orexin‐B secreted from GnRH‐containing neurons in the hypothalamus may affect thyrotropin‐releasing hormone‐containing neurons resulting in modulation of αMSH secretion of melanotrophs in the pars intermedia.