ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF OVARIAN TUMORS IN 10 DOGS

Signalment, clinical history, physical examination, clinicopathologic, readiographic and ultrasonographic findings of 10 female dogs with histologically confirmed ovarian neoplasms were reviewed. Ultrasonographic images and reports were reviewed for (1) location, size, outer margins, and echogenicity of the mass(es), (2) presence of free abdominal fluid, (3) evidence of uterine abnormalities, and (4) signs of metastatic disease. The masses were classified according to their ultrasonographic pattern in solid, solid with cystic component, and cystic. The masses were ultrasonographically reported as being of ovarian origin in eight dogs, and this origin was included in the list of differentials in the remaining two dogs. When present, abdominal effusions and uterine abnormalities were diagnosed by means of ultrasound.     

Ultrasonographic size of the canine parathyroid gland may not correlate with histopathology

Accurate ultrasonographic differentiation of normal versus abnormal parathyroid glands is important for clinical workup and presurgical screening in dogs with hypercalcemia. In previous published studies, size has been the only ultrasonographic criterion correlated with histologic diagnoses of abnormal parathyroid glands. In this retrospective, cross‐sectional study, the medical records of dogs with ultrasonographic examinations of the parathyroid glands and histologic diagnoses of parathyroid gland hyperplasia, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma were evaluated. Ultrasonographic characteristics were recorded for each gland and compared among histologic diagnosis groups. A total of 49 dogs and 59 parathyroid glands were sampled and assigned to the following groups for analyses: adenoma (n = 24), hyperplastic (n = 20), and adenocarcinoma (n = 15). There were no associations with dog age, sex, weight, breed; or gland laterality, location, ultrasonographic shape, or echogenicity among histologic diagnosis groups (P > .05). Parathyroid gland adenocarcinomas were found to be less likely to have a homogeneous echotexture on ultrasonographic evaluation, with hyperplastic glands being smaller (P = .022) and adenocarcinomas being larger (P = .042). While 3 mm was the optimum cutoff for differentiating hyperplastic and neoplastic parathyroid glands in this sample of dogs, values varied widely within groups and there were overlapping values between groups. Therefore, authors caution against using ultrasonographic size as a sole criterion for differentiating hyperplasia from neoplasia and normal versus abnormal parathyroid glands.     

Prostatic adenocarcinoma with osseous metastases in a dog

Bone scintigraphy was used to diagnose osseous metastasis of prostatic adenocarcinoma in a 10-year-old dog with neck pain and ataxia and a large, sensitive prostate gland. Although radiography revealed a normal spine, prostatic fluid cytologic and ultrasonographic findings were compatible with prostatitis or neoplasia. Scintigraphic hot spots were seen in the axial skeleton, ribs, pelvis, humerus, and femur and corresponded to sites of metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma.     

Immunohistochemical features of canine ovarian papillary adenocarcinoma and utility of cell block technique for detecting neoplastic cells in body cavity effusions

Dogs with ovarian papillary adenocarcinoma occasionally present with ascites and/or pleural effusion. These aspirated fluids often contain a large number of cells, and distinction between neoplastic cells and activated mesothelial cells can be difficult. In this study, 7 cases of canine ovarian papillary adenocarcinoma, including 3 with ascites and pleural effusion, were immunohistochemically examined. Ovarian tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin CAM5.2 (CAM5.2), Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT-1) and progesterone receptor (PR) in all 7 cases. A metastatic lesion of the mediastinum in one case was also positive for CAM5.2, WT-1 and PR. Immunohistochemistry on cell blocks obtained from ascites and/or pleural effusion of 2 cases revealed the presence of PR-positive epithelial cells. Whereas, activated mesothelial cells in ascites or pleural effusion collected from dogs without neoplastic lesions were negative for PR. In addition, surface epithelium and subsurface epithelial structures (SES) of normal canine ovaries, that are considered to be the cell of origin for ovarian papillary adenocarcinoma, were also positive for CAM5.2, WT-1 and PR. These results indicate that, together with CAM5.2, WT-1 and PR is a useful diagnostic marker for canine ovarian papillary adenocarcinoma. Expression of PR may be associated with progesterone-dependent nature of canine ovarian papillary adenocarcinoma.     

Septic peritonitis secondary to unilateral pyometra and ovarian bursal abscessation in a dog

A seven-year-old, female entire Labrador retriever was presented for acute-onset vomiting and lethargy, associated with weakness and generalised tremors. The clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings revealed septic peritonitis which occurred secondarily to unilateral pyometra and ovarian bursal abscessation. However, in this case, the initial clinical findings, blood parameters, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings did not allow a specific diagnosis. Repeat monitoring was required, and abdominocentesis proved to be the most useful diagnostic test, allowing a definitive diagnosis and the decision to be made as to whether or not to carry out exploratory surgery.     

ULTRASOUND AS AN AID FOR DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN ABSCESSES IN TWO MARES

This report describes two mares presented for evaluation of anorexia, fever of unknown origin, and weight loss. Clinical examination, laboratory findings, and transrectal ultrasonographic images suggested ovarian abscessation. One mare was successfully treated medically. Because of financial considerations, the second mare was euthanatized and a postmortem examination was performed. At necropsy, there was an enlarged right ovary with an adhesion to the large colon. Microscopic findings were characteristic of an ovarian abscess.     

Ultrasonographic appearance and abdominal haemorrhage associated with a juvenile granulosa cell tumour in a foal

Granulosa cell tumours are commonly identified in mares, but have rarely been identified in equine neonates. This report describes a septic neonatal foal that presented with haemoabdomen secondary to a ruptured ovarian granulosa cell tumour. The ultrasonographic appearance, successful surgical removal and histopathological appearance of the tumour is described. Juvenile ovarian granulosa cell tumours differ histologically from adult granulosa cell tumours. Ultrasound is a useful way to identify haemoabdomen and abdominal masses in foals. Juvenile granulosa cell tumour should be considered as a differential for this combination in neonatal foals.     

ADRENAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE DOG

The ultrasonographic appearance of the normal canine adrenal gland has not been described. This is due to the small size and shape of the canine adrenal glands, overlying abdominal viscera, similar acoustic texture to that of the surrounding tissue, frequent abundant perirenal fat, and the lack of patient compliance. Adrenal enlargement in association with hyperadrenocorticism, secondary to hyperplasia or neoplasia, can sometimes be identified by finding a distinct structure cranial and/or medial to the cranial pole of either kidney. Case history reports are used to characterize the appearance of adrenal enlargement from hyperplasia and adrenocortical adenocarcinoma. Additional case history reports are included to illustrate possible interpretation problems. Lack of ultrasonographic visualization of the adrenal gland does not rule out the possibility of enlargement, particularly if the enlargement in mild.     

Relative accuracy of the identification of ovarian structures in the cow by ultrasonography and palpation per rectum

Manual palpation or ultrasonographic examination of the cow's genital tract are currently used by veterinarians involved in reproductive management, but knowledge of the potential and the limitations of both methods is important to obtain an optimal accuracy in the diagnosis of physiological and pathological ovarian structures. This review presents the main features of manual and ultrasonographic characteristics of follicles, corpora lutea (with or without a cavity), follicular and lutenized cysts and the reliability of the two methods is compared. Manual diagnosis of follicles <10 mm is rather inaccurate, but ultrasound offers the possibility to diagnose follicles <5 mm and to measure their inner diameter. The predictive values of the presence or absence of a corpus luteum as determined by palpation are similar (78 vs. 75%). Manual or ultrasonographic diagnosis of the growing or regressing corpus luteum is rather difficult. The positive predictive value of a mature corpus luteum diagnosed by ultrasonography is lower (87%) than the negative predictive value (92%). Compared to manual palpation, ultrasonography permits a better estimation of the number and to determine more precisely the size of the mature corpus luteum. The positive values for follicular cysts diagnosed by palpation or by ultrasonography are 66 and 74% respectively, and for luteal cysts, the values are 66 and 85%, respectively.Manual palpation or ultrasonography are useful tools to diagnose ovarian structures in the cow. The accuracy of such methods can be enhanced by securing information on the reproductive history of the animal, palpation of uterine horns, vaginal examination or progesterone determinations.     

Primary ovarian adenocarcinoma associated with teratomatous elements in a mare

An ovarian adenocarcinoma with teratomatous elements was removed from a 9-year-old mare. Although no other lesions were detected at ovariectomy, multifocal metastatic masses led to cachexia and euthanasia 2 months later. This case reaffirms the need to exercise caution when removing ovarian masses to prevent seeding of the abdomen. This report includes discussion of the WHO system of classification of ovarian tumors.     

Granulosa-theca cell tumor associated with an ovulation fossa and normal ovarian stroma in a mare.

A granulosa-theca cell tumor was found in an ovary that had an ovulation fossa and normal ovarian tissue. The ovary was removed from a mare with a history of ovarian enlargement and behavioral changes. The affected ovary had a multicystic appearance on ultrasonographic examination performed before surgery, and an ovulation fossa was not palpable on examination per rectum. However, during surgery, the affected ovary was found to be within normal size limits, with an enlargement on 1 pole, and to contain an ovulation fossa. Atrophy of the infundibulum of the affected ovary helped to confirm the diagnosis of granulosa-theca cell tumor, and the ovary was removed. The mare's testosterone concentrations were normal. Granulosa-theca cell tumors are usually associated with a spherical ovary, attributable to ablation of the ovulation fossa, with no normal ovarian tissue present.     

Bilateral ovarian adenocarcinoma in a mare causing haemoperitoneum and colic

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: A 13-year-old Thoroughbred mare was presented with a history of mild colic over 3 days. This colic had acutely exacerbated and was unresponsive to analgesic treatment, and was referred to Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: On examination the heart rate was 100 beats per minute, and mucous membranes were pale and tacky. A large mass was detected on transrectal palpation in the caudal abdomen to the left of midline. Explorative laparotomy revealed severe haemoperitoneum and several masses that were associated with the reproductive tract. The mare was then subject to euthanasia. On post-mortem examination, adjacent and attached to each ovary were soft, lobulated dark red masses up to 200 mm in diameter. Similar masses were present in the omentum and on the peritoneal surface of the diaphragm and the serosa of the spleen and liver. Histopathology revealed that the neoplastic component of the masses comprised proliferating cuboidal to columnar cells forming disorganised acini and cords separated by dense collagenous stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed the neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and vimentin, but negative for cytokeratin 7 and inhibin α.

DIAGNOSIS: Bilateral ovarian adenocarcinoma with transcoelomic metastasis and terminal decompensation due to rupture of a neoplastic mass and consequent haemoperitoneum.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To the authors' knowledge, bilateral ovarian adenocarcinoma has not been previously reported in a horse. Ovarian adenocarcinoma should be considered when horses present with haemoperitoneum and colic. Further research is required on the immunohistochemical differentiation of adenocarcinoma of ovarian and intestinal origin in the horse.     

Neoplasms in two racing pigeons

A large ovarian papillary adenocarcinoma occurred in a 7-year-old female racing pigeon; a multicentric lymphosarcoma was found in the tissues of a 14-year-old female racing pigeon.     

Co‐existing monophasic teratoma and uterine adenocarcinoma in a female dog

Ovarian teratomas are occasionally reported in dogs; the rarest type is the monophasic teratoma, composed of tissues originating from only one germ layer. Canine endometrial adenocarcinomas are also rare in dogs and mainly affect geriatric females. This report describes the case of co‐existing ovarian teratoma and uterine adenocarcinoma in a 10‐year‐old nulliparous female Boxer presented with lethargy, anorexia and purulent vaginal discharge. Abdominal ultrasonography evidenced pyometra and a mass in the left ovary. This was composed of a uniform whitish tissue with multiple cystic structures. The histology revealed an atrophy of the ovarian parenchyma, compressed by a proliferation of well‐differentiated nervous tissue staining positively to vimentin, S100 and neuronal specific enolase (NSE), and negatively to keratin and inhibin. The left uterine horn, whose diameter was markedly increased, showed foci of endometrial cellular atypia, evident nucleoli and mitoses, at light microscopy. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of a co‐existing ovarian monophasic teratoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma, two rare reproductive neoplasia in dogs.     

The Relationship Among Vitamin C, β‐carotene,Vitamin A,Progesterone and Oestradiol 17‐β Concentrations in Plasma and Cyst Fluid of Holstein Cows with Ovarian Cyst

The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of the progesterone, oestradiol‐17‐β, vitamin A, C and β‐carotene in plasma and cyst fluid and to relate these values with cystic diameter and membrane thickness of Holstein cattle with ovarian luteal cyst. 1650 Holstein cows were examined for the presence of the ovarian cyst and luteal and follicular cystic ovaries were obtained following slaughtering in personal slaughterhouse in Konya‐Turkey. 15 Luteal and 15 follicular cystic ovaries were distinguished by rectal palpation and by post mortem ultrasonographic examination. Plasma and cyst fluid, hormone and vitamin analyses were carried out by EIA method and spectrophotometric measurement respectively. Although there was no relationship between β‐carotene and vitamin A in plasma and cyst fluid of both cyst type and hormone concentrations, the vitamin C concentration of cyst fluid was found significantly higher in luteal cyst than in follicular cyst. Moreover, there is a positive correlation among values of the vitamin C concentrations of cyst fluid and cystic membrane thickness, plasma and the cyst fluid progesterone concentrations, but there is a negative correlation among the vitamin C concentrations of cystic fluid and oestradiol 17β levels of plasma and cyst fluid. In conclusion, vitamin C concentration of cyst fluid supported ultrasonographic and endocrinologic findings. Also, it can be postulated that vitamin C is probably effective on progesterone synthesis in the luteal tissue of cyst.     

Ultrasonographic anatomy of reproductive female leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Captive leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) often present to the exotic clinic for gastrointestinal impactions, follicular stasis, or dystocia. To our knowledge, normal ultrasonographic anatomy of these lizards has not been described. The objectives of this prospective, anatomic, analytical study were to develop ultrasound techniques for this species and to describe the normal sonographic anatomy of the head, coelomic cavity, and tail. Eleven, healthy, female leopard geckos were included. A linear array 13–18 MHz transducer was used. Geckos were sedated and restrained in dorsal recumbency for coelomic structure examination and in ventral recumbency for head and tail examinations. Sagittal and transverse images were acquired and authors recorded qualitative and quantitative ultrasonographic characteristics of anatomic structures. The ventral surface of the lungs, liver, gallbladder, caudal vena cava, portal vein, ventral abdominal vein, aorta, ovarian follicles, fat bodies, tail, and brain were visualized in 10 of 11 individuals. In one individual, molt precluded ultrasonographic examination. The heart, kidneys, urinary bladder, spleen, and pancreas were not visualized. The digestive tract was observed in 10 individuals but was too small to be measured. Findings from the current study could be used as a reference for future studies of leopard geckos.     

Bilateral Malignant Ovarian Teratoma With Peritoneal Metastasis in a Captive African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

A 675-g, 1.4-year-old, female African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was evaluated for progressive abdominal distension of 2 months duration. A large mass within the abdominal cavity was detected by radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. The irregular, multilobulated mass, containing calcified, necrotic, and fatty areas was consistent with fused bilateral ovaries. Cytology of the mass suggested an ovarian adenoma or adenocarcinoma. The hedgehog died approximately 3 months after the initial presentation. Postmortem computed tomography and necropsy examination revealed a large bilaterally fused ovarian mass with peritoneal metastases. Histologically, the masses were composed of a variety of tissues from all 3 germ layers, including immature (embryonic) cells and neoplastic cells in the lymphatic system, which was consistent with malignant ovarian teratomas. This is the first report to describe malignant ovarian teratomas in a hedgehog.     

Relationship between body condition (back fat thickness and body condition scoring) and fertility in dairy cows (German Black Pied/HF)

It was the aim of this study to compare body condition scoring with ultrasonographic back fat thickness. Additionally, the relationship between back fat thickness and fertility, milk yield, number of parity and stage of lactation in dairy cows was examined. Body condition of 211 cows (German Black Pied/HF) was determined by means of ultrasonographic back fat thickness (BFT) and body condition scoring (BCS). The BFT and the BCS were measured at four different stages during the course of lactation (Time point 1 (T1) = 1.-3. d postpartum (pp); T2 = 40.-42. d pp; T3 = 90.-92. d pp and T4 = 130.-150. d pp). Number of parity, 100-day-milk-yield, incidence of ovarian cysts, incidence of acyclicity and fertility measures were recorded. There was a significant correlation between body condition scoring and ultrasonographic measurement of back fat thickness at the four time points (r = 0.68 to 0.74). Therefore, both methods were suitable to evaluate body condition. The number of lactations had an influence on body condition. At T1, the BFT in older cows was significantly higher than in younger cows (P < 0.05). At T3, the BFT in younger cows was higher than in older cows (P < 0.05). With regards to the stage of lactation, there was a significant decrease in body condition from T1 to T2 and T3. At T4, body condition increased, but did not reach the level of the postcalving values. In addition, cows with a high BFT at the beginning of lactation had a higher milk yield and a higher loss of body fat than cows with lower milk yield. Heifers compensated this loss of body fat significantly faster than older cows. Particularly at T3, body condition had an impact on fertility. Cows with a high loss of body condition between T1 and T3 developed significantly more often ovarian cysts than cows with low loss of back fat thickness. Cows with the lowest BFT at T3 had the longest calving to first service intervall and the highest 200-day-non-pregnancy index. In conclusion, our results suggest that there might be a certain relationship between body condition and fertility (delayed first service, ovarian disorders, reduced pregnancy results).     

Spontaneous ovarian neoplasms of the laboratory rat

A wide range of spontaneous tumors of the ovary are reported in a group of 5903 aged female Sprague-Dawley rats of the CD and CFY strains examined since 1978 in this laboratory. The most commonly observed tumor was the tubular adenoma. Others recorded were tubular adenocarcinoma, papillary cystadenoma, papillary cystadenocarcinoma, a Sertoli's cell tumor, benign and malignant granulosa cell tumors, benign thecal cell tumors, and classical mesotheliomas of ovarian origin. A system of classification and nomenclature of the ovarian tumors from this group is advanced.