Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma on the paw in a dog

A 12-year-old, spayed female, Maltese dog with a round and firm mass on the dorsal part of the left rear paw and a cervical mass was brought to the clinic. The paw mass was contiguous to the adjacent tendon; it was composed of neoplastic mesenchymal cells and had scattered foci of calcification with chondroid differentiation microscopically. The neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin and S100, but negative for desmin and smooth muscle actin. Microscopic features and immunohistochemistry results were consistent with calcifying aponeurotic fibroma (CAF). The cervical mass was composed of polygonal cells forming acini with marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and diagnosed as thyroid follicular carcinoma. No recurrence or metastasis occurred during follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of canine CAF with features identical to its human counterparts.Key clinical message:This report describes the rare case of calcifying aponeurotic fibroma on the paw in a dog. This is apparently the first case in the veterinary literature with identical clinical and pathological features to the human counterpart.     

Seed transmission of Sweet potato leaf curl virus in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) infects sweet potato and is a member of the family Geminiviridae (genus Begomovirus). SPLCV transmission occurs from plant to plant mostly via vegetative propagation as well as by the insect vector Bemisia tabaci. When sweet potato seeds were planted and cultivated in a whitefly‐free greenhouse, some sweet potato plants started to show SPLCV‐specific symptoms. SPLCV was detected by PCR from all leaves and floral tissues that showed leaf curl disease symptoms. More than 70% of the seeds harvested from SPLCV‐infected sweet potato plants tested positive for SPLCV. SPLCV was also identified from dissected endosperm and embryos. The transmission level of SPLCV from seeds to seedlings was up to 15%. Southern blot hybridization showed SPLCV‐specific single‐ and double‐stranded DNAs in seedlings germinated from SPLCV‐infected seeds. Taken altogether, the results show that SPLCV in plants of the tested sweet potato cultivars can be transmitted via seeds and SPLCV DNA can replicate in developing seedlings. This is the first seed transmission report of SPLCV in sweet potato plants and also, to the authors' knowledge, the first report of seed transmission for any geminivirus.     

The effects of CO2 gas stunning on meat quality of cattle compared with captive bolt stunning

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of CO₂ gas stunning which has not been conducted until now in comparison with captive bolt stunning on the meat quality of cattle. A total of 40 steers were slaughtered following two stunning processes: CO₂ gas stunning (n=20), exposure at 70% CO₂ gas atmosphere for 140 sec; and captive bolt stunning (CBS, n=20). The slaughtered steers were classified into Group A (620–710 kg) and Group B (720–790 kg) by their live weight. CO₂ gas stunning decreases pH value (p<0.05) but increases lightness (p<0.001) and sarcomere length (p<0.001 and p<0.01 for Group A and Group B, respectively) in all live weight groups. Drip loss was increased with CO₂ gas stunning in Group A (620–710 kg of live weight) (p<0.05), whereas WBSF was decreased with CO₂ gas stunning in Group B (720–790 kg of live weight) (p<0.001). Therefore, CO₂ gas stunning negatively affects muscle pH and water-holding capacity in steers but CO₂ gas stunning can improve the tenderness and lightness compared with captive bolt stunning in cattle.     

Expression of 4 truncated fragments of Pasteurella multocida toxin and their immunogenicity

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is a poor antigen that becomes more immunogenic after its native structure has been destroyed. In contrast, partially truncated PMT proteins, which are predicted to be good antigens when used as a vaccine, might be used to improve the control of atrophic rhinitis in pigs. In this study, 4 truncated PMT fragments were expressed in Escherichia coli, and those 4 fragments were inoculated into mice to produce the polyclonal antibodies. The results of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that #1 and #4 fragments were the most immunogenic. Immunized mice were subsequently challenged intraperitoneally with P. multocida type D. Five of the eight #1 fragment-immunized mice showed some protection against death and bacterial clearance. Pigs immunized with #1 fragment produced no or mild atrophic rhinitis (turbinate conchal score) after challenge, suggesting that this #1 fragment could be a good candidate for a subunit recombinant-type vaccine.     

Effects of high protein levels in concentrate feed during the early fattening stage on physico-chemical composition and sensory characteristics of M. longissimus in Japanese Black heifers

The effects that high levels of protein in concentrate feed has during the early fattening stage on physico-chemical composition and sensory characteristics of M. longissimus in Japanese Black heifers were investigated. Four sets (8 head) of identical twins of Japanese Black heifers were divided into two groups: a group fed high levels of protein in concentrate feed in the early fattening stage (HCP); and a control group. Moisture, fat, protein, cooking loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force and fatty acid composition of M. longissimus were similar in both groups. Levels of free amino acid (FAA), aspartic acid, glutamine, taurine and histidine were lower in the HCP group than in the control group ( P  < 0.05). Levels of glutamic acid, serine, asparagine, threonine and total FAA in the HCP group tended to be lower than in the control group ( P  < 0.1). There were no significant differences between the sensory characteristics (juiciness, tenderness, fattiness, flavor and overall acceptability) of the two groups. These results suggest that the use of high levels of protein in concentrate feed during the early fattening stage does not affect the sensory characteristics of Japanese Black beef, but does alter the FAA content.     

Long‐Term Management with Adipose Tissue‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Conventional Treatment in a Dog with Hepatocutaneous Syndrome

Hepatocutaneous syndrome (HS) is an uncommon skin disorder that occurs in conjunction with liver disease and is diagnosed based on decreased plasma concentrations of amino acids and the histopathology of skin lesions. The survival period generally is <6 months. A 10‐year‐old castrated male Maltese dog was presented for evaluation of lethargy, polyuria, polydipsia, and skin lesions including alopecia, erythema, and crusts. Based on increased liver enzyme activity, low plasma amino acid concentrations, and findings from liver cytology and skin biopsy, the dog was diagnosed with HS. In addition to administration of antioxidants, hepatoprotective agents, and amino acids IV, allogenic adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were infused 46 times over a 30‐month period: 8 times directly into the liver parenchyma guided by ultrasonography and the remainder of the times into peripheral veins. After commencing stem cell therapy, the dog's hair re‐grew and the skin lesions disappeared or became smaller. During ongoing management, the patient suddenly presented with anorexia and uncontrolled vomiting, and severe azotemia was observed. The dog died despite intensive care. On necropsy, severe liver fibrosis and superficial necrolytic dermatitis were observed. The dog survived for 32 months after diagnosis. A combination of amino acid and stem cell therapy may be beneficial for patients with HS.