Distribution of Rhodococcus equi in animals,birds and from the environment

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Madam:— As well as causing sporadic infections in animals, Rhodococcus (Corynebacterium) equi has been isolated from the gastro-intestinal tract of healthy grazing animals and from the environment. ^{(1 )(5)(6)(8)(11)} R. equi has been isolated in this laboratory from cattle and pigs in association with tuberculosis- like lesions and from lungs and abscesses from horses and deer.     

Concurrent multiple myeloma and mast cell neoplasia in a 13‐year‐old castrated male Maine Coon cat

A 13‐year‐old, castrated male Maine Coon cat was presented to Oklahoma State University Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for yearly echocardiographic examination monitoring hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) diagnosed in 2003. Physical examination revealed a heart murmur and premature beats, likely related to HCM, but was otherwise unremarkable. A biochemistry profile revealed a hyperglobulinemia (6.3 g/dL). Cytologic examination of fine‐needle aspirates from liver and spleen revealed increased numbers of plasma cells and mast cells, confirmed with subsequent histologic examination. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for c‐kit in the spleen and liver showed mast cells predominantly exhibiting type I staining pattern, with moderate numbers exhibiting type II pattern in spleen, and scattered cells exhibiting type II and III patterns in liver. Bone marrow cytology and core biopsy documented approximately 22% plasma cells. Cutaneous masses on the cat's left shoulder and right carpus were cytologically confirmed mast cell tumors. Serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation confirmed an IgG monoclonal gammopathy. This is an example of 2 hematologic neoplasms occurring simultaneously in a cat. Concurrent pathologies may be overlooked if a single disease is diagnosed and suspected of causing all clinical signs. Both neoplasms were well differentiated, and neoplastic cells could have easily been interpreted as a reactive population had a full workup not been performed. Missing either diagnosis could result in a potentially lethal outcome. Eleven months after diagnoses, the cat was clinically doing well following a splenectomy and oral prednisolone and chlorambucil chemotherapy. Globulins decreased to 4.9 g/dL.     

A Multistate Investigation of Antibiotic‐Resistant Salmonella enterica Serotype I 4,[5],12:i:‐ Infections as Part of an International Outbreak Associated with Frozen Feeder Rodents

While most human Salmonella infections result from exposure to contaminated foods, an estimated 11% of all Salmonella infections are attributed to animal exposures, including both direct animal handling and indirect exposures such as cleaning cages and handling contaminated pet food. This report describes the epidemiologic, environmental and laboratory investigations conducted in the United States as part of the response to an international outbreak of tetracycline‐resistant Salmonella enterica serotype I 4,[5],12:i:‐ infections with over 500 illnesses occurring from 2008 to 2010. This investigation found that illness due to the outbreak strain was significantly associated with exposure to pet reptiles and frozen feeder rodents used as food for pet reptiles. Salmonella isolates indistinguishable from the outbreak strain were isolated from a frozen feeder mice‐fed reptile owned by a case patient, as well as from frozen feeder mice and environmental samples collected from a rodent producing facility (Company A). An international voluntary recall of all Company A produced frozen feeder animals sold between May 2009 and July 2010 occurred. Only 13% of cases in our investigation were aware of the association between Salmonella infection and mice or rats. Consumers, the pet industry, healthcare providers and veterinarians need to be aware of the potential health risk posed by feeder rodents, whether live or frozen. Frozen feeder rodent producers, suppliers and distributors should follow the animal food labelling requirements as described in 21 CFR §501.5, and all packages of frozen feeder rodents should include safe handling instructions. Persons should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling live or frozen feeder rodents, as well as reptiles or anything in the area where the animals live. Continued opportunities exist for public health officials, the pet industry, veterinarians and consumers to work together to prevent salmonellosis associated with pet food, pets and other animals.     

Congenital Hypothyroid Dwarfism in a Family of Giant Schnauzers

Congenital hypothyroid dwarfism was diagnosed in a family of Giant Schnauzers. Three female and two male puppies from different litters were evaluated for dwarfism, lethargy, somnolence, gait abnormalities, and constipation. On physical examination, disproportionate dwarfism (n = 5), macroglossia (n = 3), hypothermia (n = 3), delayed dental eruption (n = 3), ataxia (n = 2), and abdominal distension (n = 1) were identified. Results of initial laboratory tests showed anemia (n = 4), hypercholesterolemia (n = 4), hypercalcemia (n = 2), and transudative abdominal effusion (n = 1). Radiographic skeletal surveys disclosed epiphyseal dysgenesis and delayed skeletal maturation (n = 5). A diagnosis of hypothyroidism was established on the basis of low basal serum thyroxine concentrations that failed to increase following the administration of TSH (n = 5) and markedly reduced to absent thyroid image when evaluated with gamma camera imaging of the thyroid gland (n = 4). In the two dogs that were most thoroughly evaluated, the results of thyroid histology, prolonged TSH testing, and repeat thyroid imaging, after three daily injections of TSH, were all consistent with secondary or tertiary, rather than primary, hypothyroidism. When TSH was administered over a period of 3 consecutive days (5 IU/day, subcutaneously), serum thyroid hormone response became normal and resulted in a normal thyroid image in the two dogs re-evaluated with gamma camera imaging. Daily treatment with oral levothyroxine (20 micrograms/kg) resulted in complete remission in puppies (n = 4) treated prior to 4 months of age. The other puppy failed to attain normal breed standards for height.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)