Bilateral congenital cysts in the frontal sinuses of a horse

Congenital frontal sinus cysts were found bilaterally in the frontal sinuses of a one-year-old miniature horse. Diagnosis was based on radiography of the head and cytologic examination of tissue aspirated from the frontal sinuses. The cysts were surgically removed, using a hinged bone flap technique bilaterally over the frontal sinuses.     

Chronic polyneuritis in a Rottweiler

A 2-year-old male Rottweiler was examined because of progressive weakness and muscular atrophy in the 4 limbs. Neurologically, the disease was characterized by hypoactive segmental reflexes without ataxia. Function of the cranial nerves was maintained. Electromyographic findings, nerve conduction velocity measurements, recordings of somatosensory-evoked potentials, and results of histologic examination of nerve and muscle biopsy specimens indicated a peripheral neuropathy. Rapid progression of the disease over a 4.5-month period was observed before the dog was euthanatized. Necropsy was performed, and the histopathologic findings confirmed peripheral neuropathy, which appeared to involve the peripheral myelin. An immune-mediated process was suspected.     

Multiple dermoid sinuses of type Vb and IIIb on the head of a Saint Bernard dog

Dermoid sinus, a congenital malformation of neural tube development, has been reported in humans and several animal species including dogs. It is typically found in the dorsal midline and commonly occurs in the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed. A case of multiple dermoid sinuses in the fronto-occipital region is described. An 11-month-old, intact female Saint Bernard dog was presented with a 2 day history of discharge from a large irregular subcutaneous mass in the fronto-occipital region. The dog was otherwise healthy. The dog had two circular skin lesions (approximately 4 × 4 and 4 × 2 cm diameter) surrounded by multiple irregular elevated masses. The masses had multiple small openings on the skin surface with tufts of hair protruding from the apertures. The masses were surgically removed, and the diagnosis of multiple dermoid sinuses was confirmed by histological examination. Histopathological examination showed multiple, variably sized, spherical to tubular cysts expanding the dermis and subcutis. Cysts were filled with hair shafts and lamellar keratin and were lined by a stratified squamous epithelium. Sebaceous and apocrine gland adnexal structures were also observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of multiple dermoid sinuses of two different types in the head of a Saint Bernard dog.     

Generalized Congenital Hypotrichosis in a Female Rottweiler

Abstract— Generalized congenital hypotrichosis is reported in a female Rottweiler. This is only the second report of this genodermatosis in a female dog. The dog was predominately hairless except for bilaterally symmetric tufts of hair on the head, dorsal midline and umbilical region. Most skin biopsy sections revealed a total lack of epidermal appendages representing a complete failure of follicular development. Occasionally, small rudimentary follicular structures were subtended by melanophages and vertically oriented collagen suggesting the possibility of previously more extensive development followed by subsequent involution. According to a new classification scheme for ectodermal dysplasia proposed by Dr Carol Foil, this dog would be classified as 1–4 defect, cogenital hypotrichosis. Résumé— Une hypotrischose congénitale généralisée chez une chienne Rotweiler est rapportée. Il s'agit du second cas de cette génodermatose décrit chez une chienne. Le chien était nu exception faite de touffe de poils sur les flancs et la tête, la ligne du dos et la region ombilicale. La plupart des biopsies ont révélé une absence totale d'annexe et de développment folliculaire. Parfois quelques structures folliculaires rudimentaires étaient subtentés par la présence de mélanophages et une orientation verticale des fibres de collagène. En suivant la nouvelle classification des dysplasies ectodermiques proposée par le Dr Carol Foil, cet animal a été classé en hypotrychose congénitale de défaut 1–4. Resumen En éste artículo se describe un caso de hipotricosis congénita de tipo generalizado en una hembra de la raza Rottweiler. Éste es el segundo caso de genodermatosis reportado en una perra. Éste animal padecía de una pérdida de pelo general exceptuando algunas mechas aisladas en la cabeza, línea media dorsal y región umbilical, de una manera bilateral y simétrica. La mayoría de las biopsias cutáneas revelaron una falta total de apéndices cutáneos, lo cual representaba una fallo completo en en desarrollo del folículo. De manera espóradica, se observaron estructuras foliculares rudimentarias ínvadidas de melanófagos y con fibras de colágeno orientadas verticalmente sugiriendo la posibilidad de desarrollo previo mas extensivo seguido de posterior involución. De acuerdo con la nueva clasificación de displasia ectodérmica propuesta por Foil, éste animal sería clasificado con un defecto de 1–4 de hipotricosis congenital.     

Cervical fibrotic stenosis in a young Rottweiler.

An 18-month-old neutered male Rottweiler was examined because of slowly progressive spastic tetraparesis and ataxia. Signalment and clinical signs were suggestive of 2 neuronal degenerative diseases presumed to be inherited in young Rottweilers: leukoencephalomyelopathy and neuroaxonal dystrophy. Myelography revealed an extradural compression at the articulation of the second and third cervical vertebrae. At surgery, focal hypertrophy of the yellow ligament was observed to compress the spinal cord ventrally at that site.     

Clinical remission of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome in a Rottweiler

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a rare syndrome for which Rottweilers appear to over-represent the canine cases. A 6-month-old female entire Rottweiler presented with seizures following a traumatic incident. The dog was identified as having a marked, sustained eosinophilia and investigations did not identify an underlying cause. Concurrently, the dog had chronic eosinophilic hepatitis with impaired liver function and mesenteric eosinophilic lymphadenitis. The dog went on to have spontaneous resolution of HES and normal liver function was subsequently documented. To date, the dog is still alive, more than 4 years after initial presentation. The diagnosis of idiopathic HES in Rottweilers may not carry a poor prognosis and the condition may spontaneously resolve, even in cases with documented organ damage.     

Leucoencephalomyelopathy in Australian Rottweiler dogs

Clinical and pathological studies of a neurological disorder of 3 adult Rottweiler dogs are described. Dogs developed proprioceptive losses involving the limbs, leading to progressively worsening ataxia and hypermetria. Blood and CSF fluid analyses were normal and radiographs and myelograms showed no compressive lesions of the spinal cord. At necropsy, severe demyelination of the dorsal and lateral funiculi of the cervical spinal cord was visible grossly. Microscopically there was more extensive, symmetrical involvement of the spinal cord and brain than was apparent grossly, with demyelination of white matter tracts and sparing of axons in affected areas. These changes were considered diagnostic for leucoencephalomyelopathy. This condition has not been previously reported in Australia, and is probably transmitted genetically, presumably as an autosomal recessive trait.     

Juvenile-Onset Distal Myopathy in Rottweiler Dogs

Two juvenile Rottweiler siblings were presented with the complaint of decreased activity and various postural abnormalities, including plantigrade and palmigrade stance and splayed forepaw digits. The neurologic examinations were otherwise normal. Electromyography revealed rare fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves. Motor nerve conduction velocities were normal, whereas compound muscle action potentials from the interosseous muscles were decreased. These findings were consistent with a primary myopathy. A 3rd pup from a different litter and a 4th pup from a litter with 3 of 8 affected dogs had similar clinical presentations. Histopathologic changes in fresh-frozen muscle biopsy samples were similar in all pups and consisted of myofiber atrophy with mild myonecrosis, endomysial fibrosis, and replacement of muscle with fatty tissue. These changes were more severe in distal muscles than in proximal muscles. Plasma carnitine concentrations (total and free) were decreased in all pups. Muscle carnitine concentrations (total and free) were decreased in 3 of 4 pups and the least affected pup had a borderline low free muscle carnitine concentration. Abnormalities involving major metabolic pathways were not found on quantification of organic and amino acids. Dystrophin immunocytochemistry was normal in 2 dogs tested. Distal myopathies in humans are classified under the dystrophic group of muscle disorders. These 4 cases represent a form of muscular dystrophy apparently not previously reported in dogs.     

Corneal dermoid in a beef calf

A 10-mm circumscribed nodule, containing hair, was noted on the ventral cornea, limbus and conjunctiva of the right eye of a 6-month-old male Hereford calf. With the animal restrained in a chute and proparacaine used as a topical anesthetic, superficial keratectomy was performed to remove the mass. The edge of the bulbar conjunctival wound was sutured to the limbus with 6-0 Vicryl. Chloramphenicol ophthalmic ointment was applied TID for 5 days. Recovery was uneventful.     

Periocular dermoid cyst in a calf

Serum samples (n = 1,146) representing 100 species of exotic ruminants now captive in United States zoos were assayed for neutralizing antibody to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus (bovine herpesvirus 1). Thirty-four animals (3%) of 11 species had antibody to IBR virus. Because of the low prevalence of IBR antibody found, it was concluded that vaccination against IBR virus probably is not necessary for captive wild ruminants in United States zoos.     

Third eyelid dermoid in a horse

An 8‐year‐old Gypsy Vanner gelding presented to the University of Florida Ophthalmology service for the evaluation of chronic, recurrent corneal ulcers behind the third eyelid of the right eye. On ophthalmic examination, a cluster of aberrant hairs was identified growing along the margin of the third eyelid. This portion of third eyelid was surgically excised, and histopathology identified the haired tissue as a dermoid. Chronic keratitis secondary to a third eyelid dermoid was diagnosed, and excision appeared curative at 6 months post‐operative follow‐up.     

Intracranial dermoid cyst in a dog

A 7-year-old spayed bitch had a 3-year history of episodes of hind-limb weakness and ataxia. Neurologic abnormalities consisted of deficits in postural reactions, spinal reflexes, and conscious proprioception. A right-sided head tilt also was observed. Immediately after cervical radiography, CSF tap, and electroencephalography, the dog was alert, but it was found comatose the next morning and died within an hour. At necropsy, a 1.6- x 0.8- x 1.5-cm, thinly encapsulated mass was found on the left cerebellar peduncle. It had caused dorsal displacement of the left portion of the cerebellum and ventral compression of the fourth ventricle. Histologically, the mass was determined to be a dermoid cyst.