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.     

Liver lobe torsion in dogs: 13 cases (1995-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine history, results of diagnostic testing, surgical findings, complications, and outcome for dogs with liver lobe torsion (LLT). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 12 dogs (1 with 2 episodes). PROCEDURE: Signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, surgical and histologic findings, complications, and hospitalization time were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common clinical signs were nonspecific abnormalities (eg, vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia) of acute or chronic duration. All dogs were large-breed dogs (median body weight, 37.2 kg [82 lb]). Biochemical abnormalities included high alanine amino-transferase (n = 12) and aspartate aminotransferase (11) activities. Results of abdominal ultrasonography were supportive of the diagnosis in 5 of 8 cases. Affected lobes included the left medial lobe (n = 4), left lateral lobe (3), papillary process of the caudate lobe (2), caudate lobe (1), and right lateral lobe (1). Exploratory celiotomy and liver lobectomy were performed in 12 of 13 cases, and in 11 of those 12 cases, the dog survived. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that development of nonspecific clinical signs of vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia in conjunction with high serum hepatic enzyme activities and mature neutrophilia in a medium-sized or large-breed dog should increase the index of suspicion for LLT. Abdominal ultrasonography with Doppler assessment may be useful in establishing the diagnosis. The long-term outcome for dogs that survive the hospitalization period is excellent.     

Liver Lobe Torsion in Rabbits: 16 Cases (2007 to 2012)

The objective of this retrospective case series was to determine the clinical signs, diagnostic test results, treatment protocols, and outcomes of rabbits treated for liver lobe torsion during a 5-year period at a large referral institution. A total of 16 rabbits diagnosed with liver lobe torsion at Angell Animal Medical Center (Boston, MA USA) during January 2007 to March 2012 were included in the study. The diagnosis of liver lobe torsion was made at surgery, during abdominal ultrasound, or on postmortem examination. Medical records of the subject animals were reviewed for signalment, history, clinical signs, results of clinical pathology testing, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, surgical and histopathology findings, hospitalization time, and outcome. The most common clinical signs of rabbits diagnosed with liver lobe torsion in this study included anorexia, lethargy, and decreased fecal production lasting 1 day. Lop breeds, particularly mini lops, were overrepresented. Anemia was the most common hematologic abnormality, while elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were the most common serum biochemical abnormalities. Abdominal ultrasonography with Doppler assessment was used in 14 rabbits and provided a diagnosis of liver lobe torsion in all cases. The caudate lobe was involved in 10 rabbits (62.5%, 95% CI: 38.8 to 86.2), followed by the right lateral lobe (n = 5; 31.25%, 95% CI: 8.6 to 53.9), the left lateral lobe (n = 2; 12.5%, 95% CI: 3.7 to 28.7), and the right medial lobe (n = 1; 6.25%, 95% CI: 5.6 to 18.1). Two rabbits had more than 1 torsed liver lobe. Exploratory laparotomy and liver lobectomy were performed in 9 rabbits, and all of them survived. Supportive care alone was provided for 7 rabbits, 3 of which survived. The results suggest that nonspecific clinical signs of anorexia, lethargy, and decreased fecal production, in conjunction with anemia and high serum hepatic enzyme activities, should increase the index of suspicion for liver lobe torsion in rabbits. Abdominal ultrasonography with Doppler assessment is useful to confirm the diagnosis. The long-term prognosis for rabbits undergoing liver lobectomy and surviving the hospitalization period is excellent.     

Experimental visceral leishmaniasis in the opossum

Adult wild-trapped opossums were infected with Leishmania donovani (Khartoum strain, WR 378) and evaluated as an animal model of visceral leishmaniasis. All infected opossums died within 32 days. Loss of body fat, hepatomegaly, and petechiae of skin and abdominal musculature were seen at necropsy. Microscopically, numerous amastigote-laden macrophages were seen in histologic sections of liver, spleen, and lymph nodes; fewer parasite-laden macrophages were in the bronchial-associated lymphoid tissues and renal glomeruli. Hematological findings included thrombocytopenia (terminal), neutropenia, and lymphopenia. Blood lymphocyte blastogenesis in response to concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin was decreased markedly at day 24 post-infection (PI). Serum antibodies (1:40 dilution) to promastigotes of L. donovani were detected in five of eight infected opossums tested on days 10 and 24 PI. Total bilirubin concentrations and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were increased after day 25 PI. Activated partial thromboplastin times and one-stage prothrombin times were prolonged before death. Concurrently, factors V, VIII, and XII activities were decreased.     

Ultrasonographic evaluation of abdominal distension in 52 camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in the evaluation of abdominal distension in 52 camels (Camelus dromedarius). The conditions included trypanosomiasis (n=35), intestinal obstruction (n=12) and ruptured urinary bladder (n=5). Fifteen clinically normal camels were included as controls. Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography was carried out on all camels. In animals with trypanosomiasis, ultrasonographic findings included accumulation of massive amounts of hypoechoic abdominal fluids where liver, intestine, kidney, spleen and urinary bladder were imaged floating. Except in two cases of bile duct calcification and one of hepatic abscessation, no detectable abnormal sonographic lesions were detected while imaging the hepatic and renal parenchyma, and the heart and its valves and major blood vessels. In camels with intestinal obstruction, ultrasonographic findings included distended intestinal loops with markedly reduced or absent motility. In one camel, the intestinal lumen contained localised hyperechoic material that was consistent with a foreign body. Hypoechoic fluid with or without fibrin was seen between intestinal loops. In camels with ruptured urinary bladder, ultrasonographic findings included collapsed and perforated bladder, echogenic blood clots within the urinary bladder and peritoneal cavity, increased thickness of the bladder wall, floating intestines in hypoechogenic fluid and echogenic calculi within the urethra. Ultrasonography was considered a useful tool for the evaluation of dromedary camels with abdominal distension.     

Clinicopathological features of lymphosarcoma involving the thoracic cavity in the horse

The clinical and post mortem features of 11 cases of lymphosarcoma involving the thoracic cavity are reviewed. The clinical findings included inappetence, weight loss, pectoral oedema, dyspnoea, pleural effusion and distension of the jugular veins. Dysphagia was present in three cases. At post mortem examination lesions were found in the abdomen as well as the chest in eight cases; clinical signs of abdominal disease were present in two cases. The features of nine other similar cases recorded in the literature are reviewed.     

Cholangiohepatitis in a dog.

Cholangiohepatitis was diagnosed in a dog with a 4-day history of anorexia, vomiting, fever, and icterus. Additional findings included signs of depression, dehydration, hepatosplenomegaly, and abdominal discomfort. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and specimens of liver, spleen, and bile were obtained. Histologic evaluation of liver and spleen revealed acute, suppurative cholangio-hepatitis and splenitis, respectively. Cultures of liver and bile yielded Klebsiella sp. The dog responded to rehydration and intravenous administration of chloramphenicol. Although uncommon, cholangiohepatitis should be suspected in dogs with anorexia, fever, vomiting, icterus, and signs of abdominal discomfort. Definitive diagnosis requires bacterial cultures of liver and bile. Administration of an appropriate antibiotic should resolve clinical signs.     

Gastric squamous cell carcinoma in the horse: Seven cases (2009–2019)

This report describes gastric squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) in seven horses. It records the clinical signs, treatment and outcomes. Main clinical signs were mostly nonspecific and included weight loss, anorexia, fever, tachycardia and tachypnoea. Some more suggestive clinical signs were observed such as recurrent choke, halitosis and hypersalivation. Chronic anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia were common findings. Gastroscopy identified a gastric mass in four cases (57.1%); however, visualisation of the stomach was precluded in the other three horses due to distal oesophageal neoplastic infiltration and compression. Gastric wall thickening was noticed using abdominal ultrasonography in four horses (57.1%). Neoplastic cells could only be detected in the peritoneal fluid of 2 out of 7 horses. Endoscopic-guided or transabdominal ultrasound-guided biopsies allowed an ante-mortem diagnosis in three horses (42.8%). Gastric masses were identified at post-mortem examination and metastasis were confirmed in the liver and/or the spleen for 4/4 cases. In the cases for which palliative therapy was attempted, most of the horses were subjected to euthanasia within 4 weeks. In conclusion, GSCC is an uncommon neoplastic disease in horses. A combination of diagnostic tests is often necessary to achieve a diagnosis, which is frequently only made late in the course of the disease. As a result, GSCC is commonly associated with a poor short-term prognosis.     

Squamous cell carcinoma of the equine stomach: a report of five cases.

Five horses with squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach are described. The clinical findings included anorexia, weight loss, abdominal distension, abnormal chewing and swallowing behaviour and abdominal masses palpable per rectum in four cases. Haematological studies revealed a normocytic anaemia in three horses, and neutrophilia and hypoalbuminaemia in two. Analysis of peritoneal fluid revealed abnormal effusions in all five horses and neoplastic cells were identified in three of them. The tumours originated in the cardia and metastases were present in all the horses. Three of them had many small nodules covering the entire peritoneum.     

Hematology and clinical pathology of experimental Fascioloides magna infection in cattle and guinea pigs.

The hematologic and clinico-pathologic response to Fascioloides magna infection in cattle and guinea pigs was investigated. Twelve calves (six infected and six controls) were monitored for 26 weeks after inoculation with 1000 metacercariae. All calves remained healthy and there were no significant differences in weight gains between infected and control groups. Flukes (mean = 9.2, range 1–32) were recovered from the liver and abdominal cavity of all infected calves. The only significant response observed in the complete blood counts was an eosinophilia present in the infected calves extending from Weeks 2 to 26 post-infection. There were no significant differences in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and only minor increases in the levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase.

A total of 48 infected and 48 control guinea pigs from three separate experiments were monitored for 16 weeks after inoculation with 20 metacercariae of Fascioloides magna. Infected guinea pigs died between 7 and 114 days after infection, and flukes (ean = 2.5, range 0–13) were recovered from the liver, abdominal cavity, lungs, thoracic cavity, skeletal muscle and subcutaneous tissue. There were no differences in weight gains between infected and control guinea pigs. Complete blood counts showed increases in white blood cell, monocyte and neutrophil counts from between the third and fourteenth weeks post-infection; however, the differences were not consistently significant. Infected guinea pigs developed a significant eosinophilia and basophilia from 2 to 16 weeks post-infection. There were no significant changes in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase or gamma-glutamyl transferase. There was an increase in the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase beginning at 5 weeks post-infection. The response observed in the guinea pigs was similar to that reported in sheep, suggesting the suitability of the guinea pig as a model for Fascioloides magna infection in the sheep.     

RADIOGRAPHIC, ULTRASONOGRAPHIC, AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF ALVEOLAR ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN DOGS

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare metacestodal infection of humans and domestic animals with Echinococcus multilocularis and predominantly affects the liver. In humans, diagnosis is based on serology, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), techniques that have not yet been validated for the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis in dogs. Therefore, the purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the radiographic, ultrasonographic, and CT appearance of canine alveolar echinococcosis. Eleven dogs with confirmed alveolar echinococcosis (PCR or histology from biopsy material of metacestode tissue) diagnosed between 1995 and 2003 were included in the study. The age of the dogs at initial presentation ranged from 7 months to 10.5 years. Abdominal radiographs were made in nine animals, abdominal ultrasonography was performed in 10 dogs, and two CT studies in one dog, respectively. The history, clinical presentation, and laboratory findings for the 11 dogs were unspecific, the most frequent clinical finding being nonpainful progressive abdominal distention. All radiographed dogs had large liver masses; they contained small mineralizations in five. The most frequent ultrasonographic finding was multiple large cavitary masses with or without wall mineralizations. Seven animals received surgical and subsequent medical therapy with albendazole (10mg/kg) and all went into clinical remission. This study reviewed for the first time imaging findings associated with alveolar echinococcosis. The disease has to be included in the list of differential diagnoses in dogs with large, cavitary liver masses, particularly when mineralization is noted.     

Inherited copper toxicosis in the Bedlington terrier: a report of two clinical cases

The clinical signs, laboratory findings and pathological changes are described in two cases of inherited copper toxicosis in the Bedlington terrier. The first case presented with acute signs of depression, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss and jaundice while the second case followed a more chronic course with less severe clinical signs which included weight loss and ascites. Both dogs had elevated circulating levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), however other haematological and biochemical parameters, while reflecting liver involvement, varied between the two cases. Chemical analysis of the liver revealed elevated copper levels in both cases (951·7 and 1093·4 μg/g wet weight respectively; normal less than 150 μg/g). These levels, however, are less than some affected but asymptomatic Bedlington terriers. Pathologically the first case had micronodular cirrhosis, while the second had focal hepatitis with fibrosis. Both dogs showed vacuolation of the white matter in the cerebrum, cerebellum, midbrain and medulla. Attention is drawn to the similarities and differences between copper toxicosis in the Bedlington terrier and Wilson's disease in man.     

Severe cholestatic liver disease secondary to liver fluke (Platynosomum concinnum) infection in three cats

Three middle-aged domestic cats were presented for vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and jaundice. Complete blood counts, serum biochemical profiles, and abdominal ultrasounds were suggestive of extrahepatic biliary obstruction in all of the cats. Infection with the liver fluke Platynosomum concinnum was confirmed by intraoperative bile cytology in three cases and by histopathology in two cases. All three cats were euthanized in the postoperative period because of complications. These cases illustrate the severity of signs and complications that can occur with liver fluke infection in cats.     

Cholestasis Associated With Extrahepatic Bacterial Infection in Five Dogs

Intrahepatic cholestasis associated with severe extrahepatic bacterial infection is well recognized in humans. A similar syndrome is not well characterized in veterinary medicine. Five dogs with severe extrahepatic bacterial infection that developed histologically confirmed intrahepatic cholestasis were selected from the authors' case files. The types of infections included pneumonia, peritonitis secondary to a rectal tear, urinary tract infection, bite wounds, and vegetative endocarditis. Escherichia coli was involved in two of the dogs, mixed infection in one dog, and a gram-positive cocci in the other two dogs. Total bilirubin concentrations ranged from 3.5 to 33.5 mg/dl. Serum liver enzyme activities showed only mild to moderate increases: alkaline phosphatase (ALP, 41-750 IU/l), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 25-235 IU/l), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, 99-255 IU/l). Fasting serum bile acids concentration was markedly elevated in the one dog in which it was measured (259 mumol/l). Histologically, the cholestasis was characterized by bile pigment accumulation in hepatocytes, canaliculi, and/or Kupffer's cells. Inflammatory parenchymal changes, when present, were minimal. The findings of hyperbilirubinemia, only a slight increase in the liver enzyme activities, and minimal inflammatory changes in liver tissue specimens in the five dogs with extrahepatic bacterial infections are similar to the findings in intrahepatic cholestasis associated with extrahepatic bacterial infection in humans.     

Cytology of canine malignant histiocytosis

Cytologic features of bone marrow, tissue, and abdominal fluid in seven cases of malignant histiocytosis in dogs are described, and histopathology, hematology, and serum biochemistry of the cases are reviewed. Diagnosis of malignant histiocytosis was confirmed by tissue morphology and immunohistochemistry; neoplastic cells in all cases had positive immunoreactivity to lysozyme. This stain can be used to definitively establish the diagnosis of malignant histiocytosis on cytology specimens as well as tissue sections. Cytologic findings included numerous pleomorphic, large, discrete mononuclear cells with abundant, lightly basophilic, vacuolated, granular cytoplasm. Nuclei were round to oval to reniform with marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis; nucleoli were prominent. Mitotic figures, often bizarre, were occasionally seen. Multinucleated giant cells and phagocytosis of erythrocytes and leukocytes were prominent features in cytologic preparations in four cases. Four dogs were anemic, five dogs were thrombocytopenic, and three dogs were hypercalcemic. Breeds affected included Doberman Pinscher (1), Golden Retriever (2), Flat Coated Retriever (3), and mixed-breed dog (1).     

Atrial Septal Defect in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 2-year-old, male castrated ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented with progressive abdominal distention and loss of muscle mass despite normal appetite. Physical examination findings included pale mucous membranes, a prolonged capillary refill time, a pulse rate greater than 300 beats/min, and severe abdominal distention. Abdominal ultrasound showed free abdominal fluid and an enlarged liver with distended hepatic veins and caudal vena cava. During the echocardiographic examination, abnormalities observed included a 2-mm-diameter left-to-right shunting atrial septal defect (ASD) with concurrent severe dilatation of the right atrium and eccentric hypertrophy of the right ventricle with mild pulmonary hypertension. All other echocardiographic measurements were within normal limits. The owner declined treatment, and the ferret was euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. The free abdominal fluid (200 mL) was a non-septic fibropurulent exudate. Decompensated right-sided heart failure due to ASD and exudative peritonitis of undetermined origin were the final diagnoses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an ASD in a ferret.     

Gallbladder sludge on ultrasound is predictive of increased liver enzymes and total bilirubin in cats

The purposes of this retrospective study were to assess the prevalence of gallbladder sludge (GBS) in a population of cats presented for abdominal ultrasound in a teaching hospital and to determine its association with increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TB). Gallbladder sludge was detected in 152 (14%) of the cats undergoing abdominal ultrasound between 2004 and 2008. This population was compared to a control group of 32 cats without GBS. Alanine aminotransferase, ALP, and TB mean values were significantly higher in cats with GBS than in controls (P ≤ 0.0005) and odds for increased values in cats with GBS were 4.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6 to 11.0], 9.5 (95% CI: 2.2 to 41.7), and 4.1 (95% CI: 1.5 to 11.5), respectively (P ≤ 0.007). In conclusion, GBS is an uncommon ultrasonographic finding in cats that is predictive of increased liver enzymes and TB. More studies are needed to establish potential links between GBS and hepatobiliary disease in cats.     

Clinicopathologic features of a systemic coronavirus-associated disease resembling feline infectious peritonitis in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius)

From 2002 to 2007, 23 ferrets from Europe and the United States were diagnosed with systemic pyogranulomatous inflammation resembling feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The average age at the time of diagnosis was 11 months. The disease was progressive in all cases, and average duration of clinical illness was 67 days. Common clinical findings were anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea, and large, palpable intra-abdominal masses; less frequent findings included hind limb paresis, central nervous system signs, vomiting, and dyspnea. Frequent hematologic findings were mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypergammaglobulinemia. Grossly, whitish nodules were found in numerous tissues, most frequently the mesenteric adipose tissue and lymph nodes, visceral peritoneum, liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs. One ferret had a serous abdominal effusion. Microscopically, pyogranulomatous inflammation involved especially the visceral peritoneum, mesenteric adipose tissue, liver, lungs, kidneys, lymph nodes, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, and/or blood vessels. Immunohistochemically, all cases were positive for coronavirus antigen using monoclonal antibody FIPV3-70. Electron microscopic examination of inflammatory lesions identified particles with coronavirus morphology in the cytoplasm of macrophages. Partial sequencing of the coronavirus spike gene obtained from frozen tissue indicates that the virus is related to ferret enteric coronavirus.