Diagnosis of a uterine leiomyoma using hysteroscopy and a partial ovariohysterectomy in a mare

A 14-year-old quarter horse mare had a 2-year history of infertility and the presence of a mass in the right uterine horn. Prior to surgery, the mass was determined to be invasive by using ultrasonography and hysteroscopy. A partial ovariohysterectomy was performed. The mass was diagnosed histologically as a uterine leiomyoma.     

Immunohistochemical evaluation of a malignant phecochromocytoma in a wolfdog

A malignant pheochromocytoma with multiple metastases was diagnosed in a 7-year-old male wolfdog that resulted from a cross between an eastern timber wolf (Canis lupus lycaon) and an Alaskan malamute. A yellowish white neoplastic mass approximately 10 cm diameter was found in the right adrenal gland. The neoplasm penetrated through the wall of the caudal vena cava. A diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was established by histopathologic and immunohistochemical procedures. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells expressed chromogranin A, substance P, synaptophysin, Leu-7, protein gene product 9.5, methionine-enkephalin, S100 protein, and galanin. Multiple metastatic tumors were found in the kidneys, spleen, lungs, heart, and liver.     

Fibrolipoma of a cryptorchid testis in a young bull

A six-month-old Japanese Black bull was found to have no left testis in the scrotum. A fist-sized mass was palpated per rectum. Two months later, hCG was injected and blood samples were collected before and after injection. No testosterone response to hCG was observed. On the cut surface of the excised mass, most of the mass was composed of homogeneous adipose-like tissue. The rest of the surface was composed of a well-circumscribed testicular parenchyma-like tissue (18 × 16 × 15 mm). Histology revealed diffusely distributed mature adipocytes and septa of fibrous connective tissue. Neither germ cells nor spermatozoa were observed in the seminiferous tubules. A diagnosis was made of fibrolipoma and aspermatogenesis of the left cryptorchid testis.     

Surgical removal of a granulosa cell tumor from a heifer

A twelve month old, noncycling Holstein-Friesian heifer, was examined because of abnormal udder development. Rectal palpation revealed a tense right uterine horn. A solid mass in the right abdomen was detected by ballottement. A granulosa cell tumor of the right ovary was removed and nine months later the animal conceived.     

Chondrosarcoma arising in a multilobular chondroma in a cat

A large mass firmly attached to bone was found on the skull in an adult, male cat. A diagnosis of chondrosarcoma arising in a multilobular chondroma was made from a biopsy specimen and confirmed at necropsy.     

Effects of aglepristone, a progesterone receptor antagonist, in a dog with a vaginal fibroma

A 12-year-old, entire, nulliparous crossbreed female dog was presented with a history of vulval bleeding, bulging of the perineum and faecal tenesmus. A firm, non-painful perineal mass, measuring 9.11x5.4 cm, with erythema was detected. Abdominal radiography showed compression and elevation of the rectal ampulla. A dose of 10 mg/kg aglepristone was administered subcutaneously on days 1, 2, 8, 15, 28 and 35. An incision biopsy was taken on day 15 and immunohistochemical analysis showed that the majority of neoplastic cells expressed progesterone receptors. Both the cutaneous erythema and the faecal tenesmus had resolved by day 28. A 50 per cent reduction in size was observed by day 60 (surgical excision). This study shows that benign tumours of the vagina of the dog that contain progesterone receptors can be reduced in size in a palliative or neoadjuvant setting using the progesterone receptor antagonist aglepristone.     

Surgical treatment of a vertebral fracture associated with a haematogenous osteomyelitis in a dog.

A seven-month-old Rottweiler was referred for a diagnosed femoral neck fracture and a suspected vertebral fracture. The simplified neurological examination revealed an acute paraplegia. A discospondyilitis associated with a pathologic fracture of Th11 and a spinal compression, and a haematogenous epiphysitis of the femoral neck were diagnosed based on radiographic and computed tomographic examinations. The vertebral fracture was stabilised using screws and polymethylmetacrylate with gentamycin by a lateral intercostal approach. The dog was able to walk seven days later. A femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed two weeks later. Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated from both sites, which confirmed the diagnosis. The dog was treated with cephalexin (30 mg/kg/d) for six weeks. A telephone interview with owners indicated that no more clinical signs were present four months after the second surgery. Discospondylitis associated with haematogenous osteomyelitis has only been reported in two cases. Paraplegia is an unusual clinical presentation for discospondylitis. The lateral approach (which allowed a direct access to the infected site) and the technique (screws associated with antibiotic-impregnated cement) are unique for surgical treatment of discospondylitis. Although applying cement to an infected area may pose a risk, antibiotic-loaded cement is successfully used in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in humans.     

Repair of a coccygeal vertebral fracture in a dog, using a four-hole finger plate

A 7-year-old Pointer was referred with a transverse fracture of the 12th coccygeal vertebra. A 4-hole 2-mm finger plate was applied to the dorsolateral aspect of the vertrebra, and the tail was placed in a protective splint. This case presents an alternate method of fixation of coccygeal fractures, and is recommended when the nerve and blood supplies to the tail are intact, and when a cosmetic appearance with minimal callus formation is desired.     

Surgical correction of a traumatic esophageal diverticulum in a horse

A nine-year-old gelding was presented to the Auburn University Large Animal Clinic with discharge of saliva and food material from both nostrils. A diagnosis of esophageal diverticulum was made; treatment is described.     

Subarachnoid abscess as a complication of discospondylitis in a dog

A three-year-old German shepherd dog was presented with a history of acute neck pain. A diagnosis of acute discospondylitis involving two intervertebral disc spaces was made. The dog initially responded to conservative treatment over an eight-week period and then suddenly deteriorated. Spinal cord compression was evident on cervical myelography. At autopsy, a subarachnoid abscess was present at the intervertebral disc space between the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae.     

Identification of a bovine enteric syncytial virus as a nongroup A rotavirus

An atypical or nongroup A rotavirus was identified in feces obtained from gnotobiotic calves in which fecal preparations originally derived during an epizootic of neonatal calf diarrhea had been serially passaged. The epizootic was previously reported to be caused by a noncharacterized viral agent that induced the formation of epithelial syncytia on small intestinal villi of experimentally infected calves. This bovine, nongroup A rotavirus was found to be antigenically related to a described atypical rotavirus of rats by immunofluorescence and by enzyme immunoassay. Complementary DNA derived from the atypical rat rotavirus cross hybridized with RNA obtained from the bovine virus, but not with RNA extracted from group A rotaviruses. Complementary DNA derived from SA-11 group A rotavirus cross hybridized with other group A rotavirus RNA, but not with RNA obtained from either the rat or bovine nongroup A isolates. Additionally, another similar, if not identical, bovine atypical rotavirus was identified in a second epizootic of neonatal calf diarrhea that occurred several hundred kilometers and 8 months apart from the original epizootic.     

Heterologous penetrating keratoplasty for treatment of a corneal sequestrum in a cat

A corneal sequestrum was diagnosed in an 8-year-old, neutered male Burmese cat. A heterologous penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (fresh canine corneal tissue) was performed to restore a clear visual axis. A heterograft was selected in order to decrease the risk of viral transmission as a screened donor was not available. One month postoperatively the graft was vascularized and opaque. The owner failed to return for recheck examinations until 16 months postoperatively at which time only a faint central nebula remained.     

Step ostectomy as a treatment for varus deformity of a metatarsophalangeal joint in a 4.5-month-old colt

A 4.5-month-old quarter horse colt was presented with severe right hind metatarsophalangeal varus, present since birth. On radiographs, it was determined that there was a 16 degree deviation with the pivot point at the distal physis of the 3rd metatarsal bone. A step ostectomy in the sagittal plane corrected the deformity.     

Acquired cervical syringomyelia secondary to a brainstem meningioma in a maltese dog

A 15-year-old female maltese was referred to us because of a 3-month history of ataxia, circling, and acute blindness. A mass was noted in the brainstem on brain magnetic resonance images. A cerebellar herniation was also detected on T1-weighted sagittal images. The lateral, third and fourth ventricles and central canal of the cervical spinal cord were enlarged. Based on diagnostic imaging findings, cervical syringomyelia secondary to a brainstem tumor was suspected. The clinical signs were controlled well by lomustine and the dog survived for 8 months after the initial diagnosis. The mass was diagnosed as a meningioma based on histopathological findings. This report describes the clinical findings and imaging characteristics of an acquired syringomyelia resulting from a brainstem meningioma.     

Tendon Transfer for Treatment of Peroneal Nerve Paralysis in a Dog Report of a Case

A six-year-old male Labrador cross was left with a sensory and proprioceptive deficit in the right hind paw after recovering from a severe case of warfarin poisoning. Palliative treatment in the form of protective devices, casts and bandages was not successful. A chronic ulcerative infection developed with enlargement of the popliteal lymph node requiring medical treatment. A conscious proprioceptive deficit in the right hind leg only was consistent with a peroneal or ischiatic nerve deficit. A surgical procedure to shorten the long digital extensor was not satisfactory. A second precedure, the transfer of the long digital flexor tendon to the long digital extensor tendon provided an excellent end result.     

Pyothorax associated with a Mycoplasma species in a kitten

A 12-week-old kitten with congenital mitral valve dysplasia was shown by ante mortem and post mortem examination to have pneumonia and purulent pleurisy. A Mycoplasma species was isolated from a sample of pleural fluid collected at necropsy. Mycoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pyothorax in cats.     

Resection of a ceruminous adenocarcinoma in a horse by a modified vertical ear canal ablation

A 13‐year‐old Swedish Warmblood mare was presented for evaluation of a mass on the medial aspect of the left vertical ear canal. The mass was initially resected using monopolar loop diathermy. Histopathological diagnosis of the excisional biopsy was a low‐grade malignant ceruminous adenocarcinoma. The clinical and histopathological features of this previously unreported neoplasm in the horse are described. A modified vertical ear canal ablation was performed in order to remove the base of the neoplasm with adequate free margins. The surgical technique is described. No recurrence was noted 2 years after surgery and the appearance and function of the pinna were retained.     

Surgical resection of a primary tracheal fibrosarcoma in a dog

A four-year-old, entire male Rottweiler was presented with a history of respiratory distress. A tracheal mass was diagnosed on thoracic radiographs and tracheoscopy. Surgical excision of three tracheal rings incorporating the tumour was performed. The mass was found to be a low-grade fibrosarcoma. Twenty-four months later, the owner reported that there was no recurrence of respiratory distress and the dog appeared to be doing well clinically. This case of primary tracheal fibrosarcoma suggests that this type of tumour should be listed in the differential diagnoses for tracheal neoplasia in dogs and that surgical treatment alone may be curative.     

Congenital biliary atresia in a cat: a case report

A case of congenital biliary atresia in a six-month-old cat is presented. The cat had recurrent bouts of depression, anorexia, vomiting and pyrexia, since it was acquired as a three-month-old kitten. Physical examination showed the cat to be jaundiced. Abdominal palpation revealed several smooth, round masses, confluent with the liver in the right cranial quadrant. A tentative diagnosis of congenital biliary atresia was made based on history, clinical and laboratory examination and radiography. This was confirmed at necropsy.     

Surgical management of a recurrent spinal meningioma in a cat

A 13-year-old male neutered Persian crossbred cat was evaluated for hindlimb paresis, ataxia and urinary incontinence that had been progressing over the previous 3 months. Neurologically, the cat had thoracolumbar spinal cord deficits and a myelogram detected the presence of a mass compressing the thoracic spinal cord. A hemilaminectomy was performed to excise the soft tissue mass, subsequently identified histologically as a psammomatous meningioma. The cat regained ambulatory function and continence following surgery until a recurrence of paresis and ataxia 36 months later. A second myelogram suggested local recurrence of the tumour, which was confirmed by histological examination of the tumour after its removal at a second laminectomy. The cat again regained normal neurological function, until a further recurrence 16 months after the second surgery. The meningioma was surgically debulked a third time and the cat regained ambulation and continence postoperatively. This case demonstrates the successful use of repeated surgical resection in the management of a recurrent spinal meningioma in a cat. The cat was ambulatory and continent at a follow-up examination 63 months after the initial presentation.