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.     

Radial-intermediate Carpal Bone Fusion in a Horse

The radial carpal and intermediate carpal bones were found to be fused in a four year old Quarterhorse stallion having a subtle forelimb lameness. Clinical examination, diagnostic local anesthesia, radiography and arthroscopy were used to arrive at the diagnosis. A cause could not be established, although perinatal deformation of cartilagenous carpal bone templates is suspected. A similar case of carpal bone fusion was found among carpi collected for an anatomical study, indicating this condition may be more common than expected. Clinicians should carefully evaluate the flexed lateral view of the carpus for proximal movement of the intermediate and ulnar carpal bones in young horses presented for carpal lameness. The significance of this condition will remain uncertain until its incidence and relationship to lameness are better defined.     

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.