Renal pseudoaneurysm as a cause of hematuria in a colt

An 8-month-old Arabian warmblood cross colt was evaluated for overt hematuria. The horse was severely anemic on presentation. A unilateral intrarenal vascular anomaly with unilateral pyelonephritis was diagnosed. Nephrectomy was attempted but was unsuccessful, and postmortem examination demonstrated the presence of an intrarenal pseudoaneurysm.     

Polypoid cystitis as a cause of haematuria in a pony mare

A 15-year-old pony mare was presented for investigation of haematuria of 2 weeks' duration. On cystoscopy, multiple small pedunculated soft tissue structures were observed on the bladder mucosa. Histopathological analysis of the masses was consistent with chronic polypoid cystitis. The polypoid lesions and associated haematuria resolved following prolonged antibiotic treatment. Polypoid cystitis has not previously been described in horses. This condition should be considered a differential for haematuria, requiring cystoscopy and biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.     

Large granular lymphocyte lymphoma in the skin and urinary bladder of a dog

A 10-year-old female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel presented with hematuria, pollakiuria and skin rash. Based on the histopathological and cytological examination of the skin and bladder mucosa, the dog was diagnosed with large granular lymphocytic (LGL) lymphoma of the bladder and skin. The dog responded well to the initial chemotherapy with nimustine for 3 months. Since recurrence of skin erosion and bladder wall thickening were observed, the dog was subsequently administered chemotherapy with other anticancer drugs, including chlorambucil, vincristine, doxorubicin, L-asparaginase, cytosine arabinoside, and cyclophosphamide. The dog survived for 11 months and died due to tumor-related disseminated intravascular coagulation. This is the first report of a canine case of LGL lymphoma in the skin and bladder.     

Repair of an incompetent urethral sphincter in a mare

Objective: To describe successful surgical treatment of urinary incontinence caused by a ruptured and/or transected urethral sphincter in a mare. Study Design: Clinical report. Animal: A 7‐year‐old, Swedish Warmblood mare with urinary incontinence. Methods: The urethral sphincter, which had been damaged during removal of a cystic urolith, was repaired by apposing the ends of the disrupted urethralis muscle and tunica muscularis. Results: The mare was no longer incontinent after repair of the defect by apposition of the ends of the urethralis muscle and tunica muscularis. Conclusions: Transection and/or rupture of the urethral sphincter of a mare may result in urinary incontinence. Clinical Relevance: Apposition of the ends of the ruptured or transected urethralis muscle and tunica muscularis can correct urinary incontinence caused by this defect.     

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in a mare

A 21-year-old Dutch crossbred mare was presented with a 1-month history of weight loss and weakness. Clinical evaluation revealed severe anemia and thrombocytopenia with evidence of hepatic disease and muscular damage. Necropsy findings included diaphragmatic rupture with an extensive retroperitoneal hematoma and severe hepatosplenomegaly. Microscopic findings were characterized by hepatic sinusoidal and splenic red pulp infiltration by atypical CD3-positive lymphocytes. No other nodal or extranodal sites were affected. Hepatosplenic lymphoma with a probable T-cell origin was diagnosed based on gross and histologic findings.     

Multicentric T‐cell lymphoma presenting as inferior palpebral swelling in a Standardbred mare

A 6‐year‐old Standardbred mare that presented with bilateral palpebral swelling and a left corneal ulcer was diagnosed with a multicentric T‐cell lymphoma. Other clinical findings included submandibular lymphadenopathy and oedema, pharyngeal oedema and rhinitis. Prior to euthanasia the horse developed keratomalacia, the onset of which was coincidental with the use of high doses of topical and systemic corticosteroids. Although an unusual presentation, palpebral swelling should be considered as a clinical sign of lymphoma.     

Uterine B cell lymphoma in a mare

In this report, we describe the diagnostic findings and outcome of a uterine B cell lymphoma in a mare. A well circumscribed uterine mass with significant peripheral vascularisation was identified by transrectal ultrasonography during the reproductive examination of an 8‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare. Subsequent hysteroscopy revealed that the uterine mass was located intramurally and contained a protruding polyp‐like structure. A diagnosis of uterine B cell lymphoma was established by histopathological examination of a hysteroscopically‐obtained tissue sample. Additional diagnostics demonstrated that the uterus was a site of metastasis. Due to her deteriorating condition, extensiveness of the tumour and poor prognosis, the owner decided that the mare should be subjected to euthanasia.     

Rupture of the mesocolon as a cause of recurrent colic in a showjumper mare

An 11‐year‐old Italian Saddlebred showjumper mare was referred for investigation of recurrent colic. The mare had undergone surgery for left dorsal displacement of the ascending colon 5 years previously and had subsequently experienced several episodes of colic that had responded to medical treatment. Due to deterioration of the mare's clinical condition in the last episode, characterised by unrelenting pain and worsening of the cardiovascular parameters, the mare underwent repeat surgery for suspected colonic displacement. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a complete rupture of the mesocolon of the ascending colon. The mesocolon was repaired and the mare recovered uneventfully. She returned to training and competition and only a single episode of mild transient colic was recorded in the follow‐up.     

Diaphragmatic herniation as a cause of lethargy and exercise intolerance in a mare.

A diaphragmatic hernia in which 90% of the large colon had herniated through a 16-cm linear tear in the diaphragm was found in a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare. Clinical signs included lethargy and exercise intolerance. Diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia was made based on careful thoracic auscultation, combined with ultrasonographic and radiographic examination of the thorax.     

Spontaneous Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Common Marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus )

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is now widely used in various research fields, including toxicology. However, information about the background pathology of this species is scarce. Here, we report a case of rhabdomyosarcoma that spontaneously occurred in a common marmoset. A 44-month-old male common marmoset was euthanized due to bilateral hind limb paralysis. At necropsy, a 2×2×5-cm intramuscular mass was observed in the lower right back. Histologically, the mass was mainly composed of interlacing bundles of spindle-shaped tumor cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for myogenin, desmin, vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells contained bundles of myofilaments with Z-band-like structures. Thus, the tumor was diagnosed as a rhabdomyosarcoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous rhabdomyosarcoma that was definitely diagnosed in the common marmoset.     

Headshaking in a 10-year-old Thoroughbred mare

A 10-year-old Thoroughbred mare was presented with a 2.5-week history of headshaking. Based on a thorough physical examination, blood analysis, and a fine needle aspirate of an enlarged thyroid gland, a tentative diagnosis of seasonal idiopathic headshaking was made. Treatment with cyproheptadine was attempted.     

Conservative Management of a Distal Epiphyseal Metacarpal Fracture in a Skyros Pony

Epiphyseal fracture, also known as epiphysiolysis, is the loosening or separation, either partial or complete, of an epiphysis from the shaft of a long bone. Distal epiphyseal fractures in foals pose a substantial challenge due to their guarded prognosis. This report describes the clinical signs, diagnosis, successful conservative treatment of an 1-month-old, male Skyros pony with an epiphyseal fracture of the right third metacarpal bone (type II Salter-Harris). The owner declined surgical treatment because of financial considerations along with the unfavorable prognosis. Conservative fracture treatment was pursued through external reduction and coaptation. The total duration of the conservative treatment was eighteen weeks and the foal returned to complete health.     

Mycotic aneurysm caused by Graphium species in a dog

A 10-year-old castrated male mixed-breed dog exhibited vomiting, lethargy and anorexia. An abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a focal dilation of the abdominal aorta. The dog died 2 days after examination, and necropsy revealed a ruptured aneurysm at the abdominal aorta between the kidneys. Histological examination revealed severe granulomatous and necrotizing pan-arteritis with fungal organisms. Graphium species was identified through DNA sequence analysis of the PCR product from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report of aortic aneurysm caused by Graphium species in a dog.     

Gastric and small intestinal ileus as a cause of acute colic in the post parturient mare

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Ileus (functional obstruction of aboral gastrointestinal transit) is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal dysfunction and colic in the horse. A number of specific conditions have been previously reported in association with ileus. This report describes the recognition of primary gastric and small intestinal ileus of undetermined cause in a series of post parturient mares. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical features, treatment and outcome of a series of episodes of primary gastric and small intestinal ileus. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of colic episodes seen in an equine practice in Newmarket, UK over a 6 year period (2002-2007). RESULTS: Seventeen episodes of gastric and small intestinal ileus were identified, which occurred in 15 horses. All episodes occurred in post parturient mares. No previously reported cause of ileus was identified in any of the episodes. Fifteen of the 17 episodes received medical treatment (medical support and nasogastric decompression) and, in addition, surgical decompression was performed in 9 episodes. Two mares were subjected to euthanasia before treatment due to the presence of gastric rupture and the remaining 13 mares survived with a follow-up period of at least 10 months. Two mares suffered a further episode of gastric and small intestinal ileus, one 4 days and the other 2 years after the initial episode. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric and small intestinal ileus of, as yet, unknown aetiology appears to be a potential cause of acute colic in the post parturient mare. The outcome following treatment by decompression is good.     

Hypertrophic gastropathy associated with gastric sarcoma in a dog

A 14-y-old spayed female Labrador Retriever was presented with an 8-mo history of chronic vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound and gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a mass protruding into the gastric lumen, with cytologic features suggestive of sarcoma. A partial gastrectomy was performed; the gastric body and antrum were thickened, with a cerebriform appearance of the mucosal surface. Histologic examination revealed a submucosal neoplastic proliferation of fusiform cells variably arranged in irregular bundles and scattered whorls. Fusiform cells strongly reacted to antibodies against vimentin, S100, and neuron-specific enolase; glial fibrillary acidic protein was moderately and multifocally expressed. Pancytokeratin, KIT, α–smooth muscle actin, and desmin were nonreactive. Histologic and immunohistochemical findings suggested a diagnosis of gastric sarcoma with features referable to a non-GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor), non–smooth muscle NIMT (non-angiogenic, non-lymphogenic intestinal mesenchymal tumor). The overlying gastric mucosa was thickened by elongated and dilated gastric glands, predominantly lined by intensely periodic acid-Schiff–stained mucous cells. This altered mucosal architecture was suggestive of Ménétrier-like disease. Although this disease has been hypothesized to predispose to gastric adenocarcinoma in dogs, an association with gastric sarcoma has not been documented previously in the veterinary literature, to our knowledge.