Epizootic Carcinoma in the Winter Flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus

The winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, is an esteemed food fish and has sustained an important commercial and recreational fishery for many years in the northeastern United States. Histopathologic examinations of hepatic tissues of winter flounder from Boston Harbor revealed a high prevalence of neoplasms. The lesions, designated as cholangiocarcinomas and hepatocarcinomas, were found in 16 of 200 fish examined and resembled those experimentally induced in rodents by exposure to carcinogens.     

Pemphigus foliaceus of the footpads in three dogs

Severe hyperkeratinization and villous hypertrophy of the footpads were seen in 3 middle-aged dogs. Peeling, fissuring, swelling, and ulcerations were noted on the margins of severely affected pads. Pain was evident in palpation and ambulation. Lesions were compatible with the traditional diagnosis of "hard pad disease". Histopathologic findings were diagnostic for canine pemphigus foliaceus in all 3 dogs, and direct immunofluorescence in an intercellular pattern was seen in both dogs that were tested. All 3 dogs responded to immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids.     

Isolation of avian influenza virus (subtype H5N2) from chicken eggs during a natural outbreak

Avian influenza virus (A/Chicken/Pennsylvania/83; H5N2) was recovered from the yolk, albumen, and shell surface of eggs obtained from naturally infected chicken flocks in Pennsylvania and Virginia. These findings represent the first reported isolation of avian influenza virus from the internal contents of eggs from naturally infected flocks. The need for adequate safeguards to prevent spread of the virus during commercial movement of table and hatching eggs, cracked and "checked" eggs, and egg flats and other materials is emphasized.     

A nutritional myopathy enzootic in a group of yearling beef cattle

Steers and bulls under feedlot conditions and on an apparently adequate ration developed transitory signs of diarrhea and unthriftiness. One animal became recumbent. Sick and clinically normal animals in the group had elevated serum creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme values and degenerative changes in muscle fibers on biopsy. Feed analysis was carried out and the animals were monitored over several weeks by means of muscle biopsy and serum enzyme analysis as well as by postmortem examination at slaughter. Subclinical myopathy was found in several animals and was thought to be related to low vitamin E content in the high moisture corn ration.     

Eradication of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (bovine herpesvirus 1) from a herd of beef cattle

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus was eradicated from a 150 cow beef herd at the Animal Diseases Research Institute, Lethbridge, Alberta. Tests used to accomplish this included standard and modified serum-virus neutralization tests and an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. These results and those of preliminary pilot studies in the herd and in a nonvaccinated, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis-infected 450 cow beef herd suggest that eradication of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis infection can be considered as a practical control alternative to vaccination, and that young animals in purebred herds could be monitored serologically and isolated, to enhance their eligibility for entry into artificial insemination studs or for export.     

Herniation of small intestine through the right lateral ligament of the bladder in a bull

A three year old Charolais bull was examined because of anorexia and depression of five days duration and progressive abdominal distention. Intestinal obstruction was diagnosed. A right flank celiotomy allowed diagnosis and correction of a herniated jejunoileal loop through the right lateral ligament of the bladder. An annular constriction located in mid-ileum was by-passed by ileocecal side-to-side anastomosis. The bull's appetite and fecal production returned to normal within 72 hours of surgery. Ten months following discharge the bull was reported to be well.