Immersion booster vaccination effect on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) juveniles

In each challenge 30 sea bass juveniles (mean weight 3.3 +/- 0.2 g SD) were used. During the whole experiment (water T: 18 +/- 1 degrees C) the fish were held in four 50l seawater independent recirculation systems (one fish group per 50l system). The protection to the pathogen Vibrio anguillarum was tested on booster vaccinated sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) juveniles. The vaccination was performed by immersion for 60 s in a commercial anti-V. anguillarum vaccine suspension. Booster vaccination took place 60 days after the initial immunization. Thirty days after the booster vaccination all the fish received intraperitoneally (IP) 3.0 x 10(6) cfu/fish (colony forming units) virulent V. anguillarum bacteria. The booster vaccination showed a strong protection effect on the challenged sea bass. In the next 20 days after the challenge the mortality was 0% among the booster vaccinated sea bass, 10% among the once vaccinated fish and 50% in the control group (unvaccinated fish). No mortality was observed among the unvaccinated sea bass injected IP with sterile normal saline by the challenge.     

RADIOGRAPHIC AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF RETAINEDSURGICAL SPONGE IN EIGHT DOGS

The radiographic and ultrasonographic signs in eight dogs with a surgical or pathologic diagnosis of retained surgical sponge were reviewed. The most frequent previous surgery was ovariohysterectomy, either as an elective procedure or to treat pyometra. The median elapsed time between surgery and diagnosis of retained surgical sponge was 9.5 months (range 4 days to 38 months). Five dogs had a draining sinus; four had a palpable abdominal mass. Radiologic signs included localized, speckled or whirl-like gas lucency, abdominal mass, and non-focal soft tissue swelling. Survey radiography and sinography were considered diagnostic for retained surgical sponge in 4/7 (57%) and 3/5 (60%) dogs, respectively. The combined use of survey radiography and sinography enabled detection of 6/7 (86%) sponges. In each dog that had ultrasonography, a hypoechoic mass was found that had an irregular hyperechoic centre. The possibility of retained surgical sponge should be considered in animals with a history of previous surgery and a sinus or abdominal mass.     

Experimental Transmission and Pathogenicity of a Viral Erythrocytic Infection in Sea Bass Dicentrarchus labrax

Abstract

The experimental transmission of a viral erythrocytic infection (VEI) in sea bass Dicentrarchus (=Morone) labrax of the Mediterranean is reported. Transmission procedures included the intraperitoneal inoculation of healthy fishes with blood and hematopoietic tissue extracts from VEI-affected fishes, direct contact between VEI-affected and unaffected fishes, and rearing of fishes in unfiltered, nonirradiated seawater that had been used for holding VEI-affected fishes. Successful transmission of the infection was achieved in all experimental conditions, as ascertained by the presence of inclusion bodies in Giemsa-stained blood cells and subsequently confirmed by indirect immunofluorescent staining. Transmission of VEI by the inoculation of filtered cell-free extracts from affected tissues confirmed not only the infectious character of the disease but also its viral etiology. Two different patterns of effects on the hematological variables were observed: an erythroblastic polycythemia occurred 3 months after infection, whereas a moderate anemia appeared after 5–6 months. Fish growth was also negatively affected by VEI. Sea bass infected with VET were found to be more susceptible to bacterial challenge infection with Vibrio anguillarum isolate AO 18 than were control fish; the V. anguillarum dose that was lethal to 50% of the test fish was lower for VEI-affected fish, and their cumulative mortality in the bacterial challenge was higher. The injection of cyclophosphamide produced immunosuppression in unaffected sea bass and an increase in the level of infection in VEI-affected fishes; these results suggest the role of the immunological status of the host sea bass in the development of VEI.     

Virulence and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR of Vibrio alginolyticus strains isolated from Tunisian cultured gilthead sea bream and sea bass outbreaks

Vibrio alginolyticus was isolated from the internal organs of diseased gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) cultured in two fish farms located on the Tunisian Mediterranean coast, from 2003 to 2005. After phenotypic characterisation, a selection of 34 isolates from gilthead sea bream and sea bass were molecularly typed by repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) showing a high polymorphism among the isolated strains (19 genotypes). Most of the isolates were resistant to atleast two antimicrobial agents. All the tested strains were resistant to ampicillin. However, 91.17% were resistant to nitrofurantoin and 35.29% to tetracycline. Several strains isolated from diseased gilthead sea bream and sea bass were tested for virulence in both fish species by intraperitoneal injection. The selected isolates (n=7) were pathogenic for gilthead sea bream and sea bass. LD(50) values ranged from 5.01 x 10(4) to 6.20 x 10(7)CFU/fish. This is the first report on characterisation and virulence of V. alginolyticus for sea bass and sea bream in Tunisia.     

Mandibular ossifying fibroma in a dog

An aged mongrel dog was admitted for hemimandibulectomy as treatment for a mandibular mass that had been diagnosed as osteosarcoma. The fibro-osseous mass that surrounded the first molar tooth and replaced alveolar and cortical bone was reclassified as ossifying fibroma on the basis of anatomic location and histologic features. The tumor was composed of isomorphic fusiform cells with few mitotic figures. Tumoral stroma contained trabeculae of woven bone that were bordered by a single layer of osteoblasts. Excision was deemed complete with no evidence of extension or metastasis by computed tomography of the skull or thoracic and abdominal radiography. The dog was reportedly healthy 6 months after initial presentation. Though far less common than osteosarcoma as a primary canine bone tumor, ossifying fibroma should be included in the differential diagnosis for fibro-osseous proliferations, especially those of the jaw. Although benign, en bloc excision may be necessary for surgical cure.     

Primary extraskeletal hepatic osteosarcoma in a cat

A 13-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat with an abdominal mass was evaluated; radiography revealed a radiopaque mass in the cranioventral region of the abdomen. A celiotomy was performed, and the mass was identified histologically as a hepatic osteosarcoma. Complete remission of the tumor was accomplished after partial hepatectomy and adjuvant treatment with carboplatin.     

Pancreatic carcinoma in a cockatiel

A female cockatiel was examined because of abdominal distention, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Although abdominocentesis, bacteriologic culture, radiography, and ultrasonography were performed, the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma was obtained only after exploratory laparotomy and histologic examination. The resected abdominal mass was pancreatic carcinoma. The bird survived for 56 days after surgery. Necropsy confirmed abdominal metastatic pancreatic carcinoma.     

Intra-abdominal botryomycosis in a dog

A 6-year-old 41.8-kg (92-lb) sexually intact male German Shepherd Dog used as an attack and pursuit dog by the local police department was examined because of general malaise and sudden onset of ataxia. Abnormal findings included a high WBC count, fever, and ongoing weight loss. Physical examination was unrevealing initially, in part because of the aggressive nature of the dog. Following treatment with antibiotics, an abdominal mass was detected during a second physical examination, and was confirmed radiographically. Subsequent ultrasound examination revealed a walled mass of mixed echogenicity, with areas of detectable fluid movement. A laparotomy was performed to remove the mass, which weighed 2.2 kg (4.5 lb). Histologic findings were consistent with botryomycosis, and Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated on bacteriologic culture. Postoperative treatment consisted of intravenous, intra-abdominal, and oral administration of antibiotics. Diagnosis of botryomycosis requires histologic examination and bacteriologic culture of the lesion. Treatment consists of surgical intervention and administration of antimicrobials. Botryomycosis is a poorly understood and rarely reported disease found in many species. A computer search of the literature failed to reveal any previous reports of intra-abdominal botryomycosis in dogs.     

Radiographic,ultrasonographic, and computed tomographic characteristics of an accessory liver lobe in a cat

A 5‐year‐old male Norwegian Forest cat presented with increased hepatic serum biochemical parameters. Abdominal radiography showed an oval cranioventral mass and ultrasound revealed a mobile mass attached to one hepatic lobe. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed that the mass was attached to the right medial liver lobe. Differential diagnoses were an accessory liver lobe, benign neoplasia, and focal nodular hyperplasia. The mass was removed and histopathology confirmed the mass to be normal liver tissue. Accessory liver lobe should be included in the differential diagnosis of a mobile cranial abdominal mass with a similar ultrasonographic or CT appearance to the liver.     

Abdominal hernia with formation of a urate concretion in a cockatiel

A female cockatiel had a 2-week history of abdominal distention, lethargy, and diarrhea. The cockatiel had a history of frequent egg-laying, and the owner suspected that she was egg-bound. A solid mass was removed through the cloaca and found to be a concretion of urates that had formed within a hernial pouch of the caudal abdominal musculature. Diagnosis was aided by contrast radiography, and surgery was performed. However, the abdominal hernias recurred 16 months later. The continual egg-laying probably predisposed this bird to hernia formation. Abdominal hernias in birds may be a consequence of continual egg-laying and associated hormonal effects leading to a weakening of abdominal musculature.     

Exocrine pancreatic neoplasia in the cat: a case series

Eight cases of feline pancreatic adenocarcinoma and two cases of pancreatic adenoma were reviewed. The adenomas were incidental findings. Most cats with adenocarcinomas had anorexia (75%) and vomiting (63%), while 38% had abdominal pain, a palpable abdominal mass, and/or jaundice. Diagnostic abnormalities included leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, increased alanine aminotransferase activity, poor serosal detail on abdominal radiography, and an abdominal mass effect on ultrasonography. The majority of cats with carcinomas had metastases (mostly to liver, lung, and small intestine), and all were euthanized or died within 7 days of diagnosis. Clinically, feline pancreatic carcinoma may be difficult to distinguish from feline pancreatitis.     

Forelimb amputation for treatment of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor in an African pygmy hedgehog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old female African pygmy hedgehog was evaluated because of a mass of unknown duration on the lateral aspect of the right shoulder region. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A fine-needle aspirate of the mass was collected for cytologic examination; findings were consistent with a spindle cell tumor. A CBC, plasma biochemical analyses, and whole-body radiography revealed no other abnormalities. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: An initial surgery performed in an attempt to remove the mass with preservation of the limb failed in that tumor-free surgical margins were not obtained. Histologically, the mass was identified as a peripheral nerve sheath tumor (neurofibrosarcoma). A second surgery to amputate the forelimb was successful. After 1 year, there had been no further development of peripheral nerve sheath tumor at this or other sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In African pygmy hedgehogs, potential differential diagnoses for a subcutaneous mass should include peripheral nerve sheath tumor. If necessary, forelimb amputation can be performed successfully in this species with procedures modified from those used in dogs. Information gathered during the treatment and recovery of the hedgehog of this report may assist practicing veterinarians in counseling owners of hedgehogs that are undergoing forelimb amputation with regard to the course of recovery that may be expected following this procedure.     

Use of pneumocystoplasty for overinflation of the swim bladder in a goldfish

A Ryukin goldfish was evaluated because of a 6-month history of progressive abdominal distention and positive buoyancy. Overinflation of the swim bladder was diagnosed, and the fish was anesthetized with tricaine methanesulfonate. Archimedes' principle was used to determine the volume of swim bladder that was removed surgically. The caudal swim bladder was exteriorized through an abdominal incision and 2 surgical clips were placed across it to limit its size. After surgery, the fish remained in a state of negative buoyancy in sternal and lateral recumbency on the bottom of the tank. Sutures were removed 15 days after surgery, but the fish died 24 days after surgery. A full necropsy could not be performed because of autolysis of the tissues, but the surgical clips and the swim bladder appeared unremarkable. Pneumocystoplasty may be a viable treatment for this condition.     

URETERAL FIBROEPITHELIAL POLYPS IN FOUR DOGS

Four dogs with ureteral fibroepithelial polyps, ranging from 9-12 years of age, are presented in this report. The patients presented with urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, and/or polydypsia and pollakiuria. All dogs were intact at the time of diagnosis or for the majority of their lives and three were male. Various diagnostic procedures were performed including ultrasonography, contrast radiography, and nuclear scintigraphy. Not all procedures were performed in all patients. Findings included ureteral dilation proximal to the level of an intraluminal mass and ipsilateral hydronephrosis. Unilateral ureteronephrectomy was performed in three dogs with masses in the proximal ureter; ureteral resection and anastamosis was performed in the remaining patient with a mass located in the distal ureter. The same pathologist (RAP) reviewed all four lesions. The lesions appeared polypoid and were attached to the ureteral wall by a thin stalk. Histopathologically, they contained a superficial layer of well-differentiated transitional epithelial cells overlying a prominent fibrovascular stroma with a mild (three dogs) or marked (one dog) degree of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. This disease may represent a benign neoplasm or a chronic inflammatory reaction and has a good prognosis with surgical removal. Its histopathological characteristics, higher incidence in males, and location more commonly within the upper third of the ureter is remarkably similar to the disease in humans.     

Surgery of the canine vagina and vulva.

Accurate diagnosis of canine vaginal abnormalities often requires general anesthesia, vaginoscopy, and contrast radiography. Abdominal ultrasonography, thoracic radiography, computed tomography, and histopathology may also be advised for the workup of mass lesions before surgery. Many procedures such as episioplasty and resection of pedunculated vaginal masses or edematous tissue are easily performed with proper planning and equipment (e.g., electrocautery). Consideration should be given to referring more complicated procedures such as resection of large vaginal masses or vaginal stenoses to a board-certified surgeon. Finally, preoperative placement of a fentanyl patch and pre- or postoperative epidural analgesia are highly recommended for any vulvovaginal surgical procedure.     

Migration of a retained surgical swab into the jejunum in a dog

A two‐year‐old spayed female shih‐tzu was referred with a 10‐month history of lethargy, chronic diarrhoea and weight loss. On presentation, a partial response to antibiotics was noted. Physical examination revealed an abdominal mass, and serum biochemistry and haematology revealed a mature neutrophilia, hypoalbuminaemia and a non‐regenerative anaemia. Contrast radiography and abdominal ultrasound were suggestive of an intraluminal foreign body. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a surgical swab in the lumen of the jejunum that was associated with severe adhesions. Histopathology showed evidence of transmural migration of the swab from the peritoneal cavity to the lumen of the jejunum.     

Delayed urethral obstruction after uterine torsion in a pregnant dog

A 4 yr old pregnant female shih tzu was presented with abdominal discomfort and bloody vulvar discharge. The nongravid uterine horn was reflected caudally over the trigone, obstructing urine outflow. A cesarian section and ovariohysterectomy were performed. Postoperatively, the hematuria and pollakiuria resolved. Seventeen days later, the pelvic urethra was completely obstructed by a soft tissue mass that was identified by rectal palpation, blocked catheterization attempts, contrast radiography, ultrasonography, and surgery. Management included temporary cystostomy tube and definitive prepubic urethrostomy. Histologic diagnosis was severe, multifocal, necrosuppurative urethritis with fibroplasia, fibrosis, and cellulitis, apparently secondary to ischemia. Delayed urethral obstruction is a potential complication of canine uterine torsion.     

Surgical correction of cor triatriatum dexter in a dog under extracorporeal circulation

A shiba inu dog with marked abdominal distension was diagnosed with cor triatriatum dexter and surgical correction was performed under extracorporeal circulation. The total duration of cardiac arrest was 11 minutes and total perfusion time was 34 minutes. The dog had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Postoperative contrast radiography of the caudal vena cava revealed normal flow into the right heart. Abdominal distension was no longer observed. Although several methods have been used to treat cor triatriatum dexter in dogs, the authors consider surgical correction under extracorporeal circulation to be a reliable approach.     

Review on the immunology of European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) is a marine species of great economic importance, particularly in Mediterranean aquaculture. However, numerous pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites affect the species, causing various infectious diseases and thereby leading to the most heavy losses in aquaculture production of sea bass. In this respect, knowledge on molecular and genetic mechanisms of resistance to pathogens and specific features of immune response against various infectious agents should greatly benefit the development of effective vaccines and proper vaccination strategies in marker-assisted selection of fish resistant to a range of infections. To date, genetic knowledge on sea bass immune regulatory genes responsible for resistance to pathogens is relatively poor but tends to accumulate rapidly. In this review, we summarize and update current knowledge on the immune system and immune regulatory genes of the sea bass.