Spontaneous nephroblastoma in a Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus)

An adult male Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus) died accidentally, and necropsy showed a white mass (23 × 15 mm) in the left kidney and hepatorrhexis with hemoperitoneum. Histologically, the renal mass was mainly composed of immature nephroblastic tumor cells. In the tumor tissue, a trabecular pattern lined by oval to polygonal tumor cells with a rich interstitium, solid growth and a few tubular structures was observed. Nephroblastic tumor cells were strongly positive for vimentin and weakly positive, and epithelium-like tumor cells were strongly positive for cytokeratin. However, antibody for Wilms' tumor protein 1 did not react with the salamander's cells. On electron microscopy, a desmosome junction was observed between tumor cells. This is the first report of nephroblastoma in a Japanese giant salamander.     

Complications from a testicular prosthesis in a stallion

A testicular prosthesis was removed from the scrotum of a 3-year-old Quarter Horse stallion. The prosthesis had been placed in the left side of the scrotum 10 months earlier, after an unsuccessful attempt to reposition the retained left testis. Because of a persistent draining fistula on the scrotum, first noted 5 months after placement of the prosthesis, surgery was performed to remove the prosthesis. At surgery, the left testis was found in a fibrous mass surrounding the prosthesis. The left testis had descended after placement of the prosthesis, and its involvement in the fibrous tissue surrounding the infected prosthesis necessitated its removal. Had the prosthesis not been placed, descent of the left testis probably would have resulted in an essentially normal stallion.     

大雁生殖系统的解剖学和组织学研究

实验对生殖季节与非生殖季节的大雁生殖系统进行了组织学研究。大雁雌性生殖系统左侧发育，右侧退化。生殖系统由卵巢、输卵管、交际器组成。输卵管包括漏斗部、蛋白分泌部、峡部、子宫与阴道五个部分。卵巢表面无浆膜覆盖，覆以单层生殖上皮，由浅部的皮质和深部髓质组成，皮质内含各级卵泡。雄性生殖系统由精巢、输精管、睾丸旁导管系统和交接器组成。精巢的基本结构单位为曲精细管，外层包被着浆膜，其下是白膜，白膜结缔组织伸入精巢实质部，呈网状分布，繁殖季节的睾丸实质内充满曲细精管。     

Teratoma in a feline unilateral cryptorchid testis.

A 14- x 12- x 6-cm (approximately 600 g) cryptorchid testis was surgically removed with the omentum from the posterior portion of the abdominal cavity of a 2-year-old male American Shorthair cat. At the time of a previous orchiectomy, a unilateral testis had been discovered in the scrotum. The cut surface of the cryptorchid testis consisted of solid areas with many cysts containing fluid and spongy soft areas. Histologically, the cryptorchid testis was composed of neuroectodermal components and diffuse immature glial tissues, cystic, tubular, and papillary epithelial tissues, and immature cartilaginous tissues. A metastatic mass in the omentum had histologic structures similar to those of the cryptorchid testis. The present case was diagnosed as teratoma in a feline unilateral cryptorchid testis.     

A case of spontaneous rete testis adenoma in a Sprague–Dawley rat

A 104-week-old male CD (SD) rat exhibited enlargement of the left testis. Microscopically, this mass was demarcated from the testis by fibrous connective tissue and characterized by cystic dilatation with single-layered columnar cells and papillary proliferation connected to the solid growth area without clear boundaries. In the solid growth area, cells were dissected into irregular alveolar nests by scant fibrous tissue with small blood vessels. The nuclei of proliferating cells were variable in size and round- to oval-shaped, and their cytoplasm was pale or eosinophilic and sometimes contained vacuoles or eosinophilic granules. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for vimentin and cytokeratin (CK) 7. Since CK7 was exclusively positive in the rete testis epithelium of the naïve rat, it was valuable to diagnose this tumor as rete testis-originated. Based on these results and the lack of apparent pleomorphism, mitotic figures, and metastasis, the present case was diagnosed as rete testis adenoma.     

A case of xanthoma in a Saanen goat

This report describes a case of a subcutaneous xanthoma of the sacral region in a 2-year-old female Saanen goat. The tan-coloured mass was 8.5 cm × 4.0 cm × 0.5 cm in size. Yellow-white areas were present across the cut surface. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of foamy macrophages, numerous giant cells, abundant lipid material and cholesterol clefts. The structure consisted of lobular areas surrounded by a stroma. Tissue sections were negative for bacteria, fungi and mycobacteria. Frozen tissue from the mass stained positively with Oil Red O, confirming lipid accumulation in both the extracellular spaces and the large foamy macrophages. Immunohistochemically, the mass was positive for vimentin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and CD68, but negative for smooth muscle actin, glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 protein antibodies. As the animal was presented dead, it was not possible to analyse blood lipid levels. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a xanthoma in a goat.     

Intratesticular benign peripheral nerve sheath tumour in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A domestic ferret was submitted for sterilisation because of right testis enlargement. Oestradiol and cortisol concentrations were within normal physiological ranges, but testosterone was below and progesterone above normal. Microscopically, the right testis, with the exception of a small part of the epididymis, was replaced with neoplastic tissue. The tumour was composed of streams and bundles of closely packed spindle to ovoid cells forming whorls around collagen and capillaries, and separated by a collagenous matrix. In some areas, cells were loosely arranged and separated by a pale myxomatous matrix. The left testis showed atrophy. The majority of neoplastic cells expressed vimentin and S-100 protein, while expression of collagen IV was moderate and there was no expression of glial fibrillary acid protein. On the basis of macroscopical and histopathological findings, and supported by immunohistochemical reactivity, the diagnosis of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumour was made. This is the first report of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumour in ferret testis.     

Use of ultrasonography to diagnose Sertoli cell neoplasia and cryptorchidism in a dog

Unilateral cryptorchidism and Sertoli cell tumor in the descended testis were provisionally diagnosed by use of ultrasonography in a 7-year-old Keeshond. The left testis was thought to have degenerated, but ultrasonography of the scrotum did not reveal evidence of testicular or epididymal tissue. The contralateral testis contained a hypoechoic mass believed to be a testicular tumor. Surgery and histopathologic findings confirmed the diagnosis. Ultrasonography of the scrotum and its contents should be considered for use in animals with suspected testicular neoplasia and/or degeneration.     

Synovial Hemangioma in a Dog

Objective— To report arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of synovial hemangioma in a dog.
Study Design— Case report.
Animal— Standard Poodle (8-year-old neutered male).
Methods— A soft tissue density mass observed radiographically in the left stifle joint of a dog with a 2-month history of recurrent lameness, hemarthrosis, and a slight cranial drawer sign, was located by diagnostic arthroscopy and surgically excised via arthrotomy.
Results— Histologic evaluation revealed tissue composed of variably sized cavernous vascular spaces filled with erythrocytes that were considered compatible with synovial hemangioma.
Conclusions— In this dog, synovial hemangioma evident as a soft tissue mass on radiographs was associated with chronic lameness and hemarthrosis, and resolved with surgical excision.
Clinical Relevance— Synovial hemangioma, although seemingly rare in dogs, should be considered in the differential diagnosis for nontraumatic, recurrent lameness, and unresponsive to anti-inflammatory therapy when there is a circumscribed intracapsular soft tissue mass evident radiographically together with hemarthrosis.     

Stimulation of annexin A5 expression by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in the Leydig cells of rats

The distribution and regulation of annexin A5 expression, a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor regulated protein in gonadotropes and luteal cells, in the testes of rats were examined. Immunocytochemical staining revealed high levels of annexin A5 in the Leydig and endothelial cells and lower levels in the primary spermatocytes and sperm. Hemicastration significantly increased the annexin A5 content of the remaining testis within 24 h. Annexin A5 immunoreactivity was increased mainly in interstitial tissues including the peritubular cells, while some spermatocytes also showed higher intensity of annexin A5 in the remaining testis. Administration of hCG (50 IU) enhanced the testicular content of annexin A5 after 24 h. This treatment expanded the area of interstitial tissue in the testis and increased annexin A5 immunoreactivity, but the area of the of endothelial cells was unchanged. Similarly, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) enhanced annexin A5 expression in a primary culture of testis cells that consisted of mainly interstitial cells. Because GnRH stimulates the expression of annexin A5 in the gonadotropes and luteal cells, we examined the effect of GnRH on annexin A5 expression in the testes. We found that des-Gly10 [Pro9]-GnRH ethylamide (100 nM), a GnRH agonist, increased annexin A5 expression in cultured testis cells and that Cetrorelix (100 nM), a GnRH antagonist, inhibited the effect of hCG on annexin A5 expression. These results suggest that pituitary luteinizing hormone promotes annexin A5 synthesis in Leydig cells and that this effect could be mediated by local GnRH in the testis.     

Lacrimal pseudotumour in a young bull terrier

An inflammatory mass arising from the lower lacrimal canaliculus of unknown cause is reported in a dog. A 10-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier was presented with a history of epiphora and a red mass protruding from the left lower lacrimal punctum. The tissue was removed and histopathological examination of the lesion revealed a mass of highly vascularised granulation tissue with areas of epithelial ulceration and multiple stromal haemorrhages. Fibrosis and collagen deposition were evident as was a cellular infiltrate composed primarily of neutrophils and plasma cells. Regrowth necessitated further attempts at complete excision before a permanent cure was achieved.     

Effect of hCG Stimulation on Plasma Androstenone Concentrations and Cytochrome b5 Levels in Testicular Tissue

The effect of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation on the concentrations of free and conjugated androstenone in plasma was studied in 34 crossbred entire male pigs (Landrace x Swedish Yorkshire). Seventeen pigs were treated with hCG 4 days prior to slaughter and the remaining pigs were treated with sterile saline and served as controls. Blood samples were taken prior to hCG or saline injection and on the day before slaughter and analysed for concentrations of free and conjugated androstenone. Testicular tissue samples were taken at slaughter and analysed for the levels of cytochrome b5 (cyb5) protein. Here we have demonstrated for the first time that hCG stimulation causes an increase in the plasma levels of both free and conjugated androstenone. Not all animals responded in the same way to hCG treatment regarding levels of free and conjugated androstenone demonstrating that individual animals can have differences in their capacity to produce free and conjugated androstenone. We suggest that hCG treatment is a good way to determine the potential for androstenone conjugation when androstenone synthesis in the testis is high. The levels of cyb5 protein in the testis were slightly related (r=0.41, p < 0.10) to free androstenone levels in the pigs after hCG administration, although levels of cyb5 protein were not affected by hCG treatment.     

Hemangiosarcoma of the third eyelid in a cat

A case of hemangiosarcoma of the third eyelid in a 15-year-old Domestic Short-haired cat is reported. A small red mass protruding from the anterior surface of the third eyelid in the left eye was present. Only mild bilateral conjunctivitis and nuclear sclerosis were revealed on initial ophthalmic examination. After anti-inflammatory treatment, surgery and cryotherapy were performed. On histopathologic examination the mass was located just beneath the conjunctival epithelium, suggesting that the conjunctiva was the tissue of origin. The tumor showed high cellularity and was composed of pleomorphic spindle and polygonal cells arranged in interlacing bundles and solid sheets. The presence of slit-like spaces between tumor cells containing erythrocytes demonstrated the vascular differentiation. Mitotic activity was moderate, but atypical mitoses were detected. The surgical area healed uneventfully and after 7 months there was no recurrence. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of conjunctival hemangiosarcoma of the third eyelid in a cat.     

A Case of Spontaneous Malignant Hibernoma in a Crl:CD(SD)IGS Rat

A firm, tan, well-circumscribed mass that measured 25 × 30 × 35 mm was observed in the thoracic cavity of a 53-week-old male Crl:CD(SD) IGS rat. Histologically, the mass was encapsulated by fibrous tissue and contained fibrovascular septae. Tumor cells were compactly arranged, and most were oval to polygonal in shape with multivacuolated cytoplasm and a centrally located nucleus. In some parts of the tumor, marked cellular atypia and frequent mitoses were evident. Vacuoles in cytoplasm were positive for oil red O. The tumor cells were characterized ultrastructurally by abundant, round to oval mitochondria with transverse closely-packed cristae. Tumor cells were immunohistochemically positive for uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1). Several thrombi and hemorrhagic or necrotic foci were also observed within the tumor mass. Vascular invasion of the tumor capsule was observed; however, invasion of surrounding tissues or metastases were not observed. Based on the pathology findings, this case was diagnosed as a malignant hibernoma.     

Adrenal myelolipoma in a dog

Abdominal ultrasound examination in an 11-year-old, intact, female Labrador dog with hepatic disease revealed a nodular swelling of the left adrenal gland. Hyperadrenocorticism was suspected, but endocrine tests were negative. At the owner's request, an adrenalectomy was performed. Grossly, a nodular mass protruded from the external surface of the left adrenal gland and in cut section was hemorrhagic and effaced the cortical and medullary regions. Histologic examination revealed a cortical neoplasm with medullary involvement. The mass was composed of well-differentiated adipose cells, megakaryocytes, hematopoietic cells, and macrophages containing hemosiderin deposits. A diagnosis of cortical adrenal myelolipoma was made.     

Thecoma in a mare

A 4-year-old crossbred Thoroughbred mare was referred to the University of Tehran Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for evaluation of a mass in the pelvic cavity. The mare had been partially anorectic and pyrexic. On clinical examination, the mare was thin and depressed, with body temperature of 38°C, a pulse rate of 38 beats/minute, and a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute. Palpation per rectum revealed a large, smooth and tense mass in the anterior part of the pelvic cavity. Ultrasound examination confirmed the presence of a soft tissue mass with a thick wall. The inner surface of the mass had a villous-like appearance. The stroma of the mass was mottled, with accumulation of speckled and hypoechoic to slightly hyperechoic fluid. Hormone assays revealed low serum concentration of testosterone. Serum progesterone concentration indicated that active luteal tissue and serum estradiol concentration was 24 pg/ml. On histological examination, the sections from the tumor were composed of oval- or spindle-shaped cells loosely arranged in diffuse sheets or irregularly interlacing fascicles. On the basis of these histological findings, the large tumor mass of the left ovary was considered to be a thecoma. To our knowledge, the details of the clinical, ultrasonographic, endocrinologic, and histologic findings of this tumor in the mare have not been described in the veterinary literature.     

雄性雏鸵鸟生殖器官的形态学研究

为了探明雄性雏鸵鸟生殖器官的形态学特点,采用石蜡切片和HE染色技术,对6羽45日龄雄性非洲雏鸵鸟的生殖器官进行了研究,并与家禽的相关结构进行了比较。在光镜下观察了雄雏鸟生殖器官的形态结构,结果表明:(1)鸵鸟睾丸没有睾丸纵隔和睾丸小叶,曲精小管中精原细胞排列紧密且整齐,睾丸间质较少;(2)附睾由睾丸网、输出小管和附睾管组成;(3)输精管管壁由黏膜、肌层和外膜3层组成;(4)阴茎由2个圆形的纤维性淋巴体、淋巴间隙和微血管共同构成。     

Late Abscess Formation Caused by Silk Suture Following Hysterectomy in a Female Dog

A 5‐year‐old female cross‐breed dog was presented for a one‐month history of lethargy, poor appetite and weight loss. A hysterectomy had been performed 2 years ago. Abdominal palpation revealed a mid‐abdominal mass and haematological analysis showed leucocytosis with left shift. On abdominal radiographs, a 9 cm in diameter soft tissue opacity mass ventral to the colon and caudal to the left kidney was observed. The abdominal ultrasonography revealed a mass well circumscribed, with a hyperechoic capsule and hypoechoic center with echoic debris. The presumptive diagnosis was an abscess due to foreign body granuloma. Laparotomy was performed and a mass close to the left ovary was found. Adhesions and residues of the suture material were observed close to the right ovary and the uterine body stump. The mass, both ovaries and adhesions were removed. On cut section of the mass two cavities were observed. The small one contained three embedded silk suture residues. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a chronic abscess caused by silk suture.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—BILATERAL ADRENAL ADENOMAS AND MYELOLIPOMAS IN A DOG

A 10-year-old neutered female Pug was evaluated for a left adrenal mass detected previously by ultrasonography. Using computed tomography, a fat-attenuating, rim-enhancing left adrenal mass and a homogeneous, soft-tissue attenuating, intensely enhancing right adrenal mass were found. A left adrenalectomy and right adrenal biopsy were performed and the final diagnosis was bilateral adrenal adenomas and myelolipomas. Myelolipomas are rare, benign, endocrinologically inactive tumors composed of well-differentiated adipose tissue and a variable amount of hematopoietic cells of both lymphatic and myeloid lineages, which may account for the different appearance on tomographic images.