Giant Cell Dermatosis in FeLV-positive Cats

Abstract— Giant cell dermatosisis is reported in six cats with evidence of concurrent feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection. Scaling, crusting and alopecia, accompanied by pruritus, affected the head and/or face predominantly in most cats; generalized skin disease developed in one cat. Histologically, giant keratinocytes resembling syncytial cells were found in the epidermis and superficial hair follicles, and were accompanied by dyskeratosis, pustules and ulcers. Immunohistochemical staining revealed FeLV antigen in the giant cells and adjacent keratinocytes. FeLV infection may have led to neoplastic alteration of the keratinocytes through recombination with host oncogenes
Resumen  Este artículo se basa en seis gatos con dermatosis de las células gigantes infectados con el virus FeLV. Éstos animales presentaban escamas y costras, así como pérdida de pelo y picor en las regiones de la cabera y cara, predominantemente. Tan solo uno de los gatos desarrolló una dermatosis generalizada. En el exámen histológico se demostró la presencia de keratinocitos gigantes con semejonza a las células sinticiales localizados en la epidermis y folículos pilosos superficiales, acompañados de disqueratosis, pústulas y ülceras. Las finturas histo-inmunológicas demostraron el antígeno FeLV en las células gigantes y keratinocitos adyacentes. La injeccion con el virus FeLV pudo haber conducido a la alteración neoplástica de los keratinocitos a través de la recombinación con los oncogenes del hospedador.     

Effect of initial age variation on production of Florida red tilapia fry under intensive, brackishwater tank culture

Abstract. Growth and survival were compared among uniform- and mixed-age groups of Florida red tilapia fry during sex reversal in brackishwater (12ppt) tanks, under commercial-scale hatchery conditions. Three treatment groups of post-yolksac (i.e. free-swimming) stage fry of different age compositions were compared: (1) 100% fry collected at the free-swimming stage (FSF); (2) 100% fry obtained through artificial incubation of eggs and non-swimming sacfry (ENS); and (3) a mixed group consisting of 50% of each type (FSF+ENS). Fry were stocked into 530–1 cylindroconical tanks at a density of seven fish/l (3700/tank) and reared on an androgen-treated diet for 30 days. While specific growth rates (range = 17·1–17·8% body weight/day) did not differ (P > 0·05) among treatments, significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed for survival and feed conversion ratio (FCR). ENS showed highest survival (76·8%) and lowest FCR (1·14), FSF showed intermediate survival (59·2%) and FCR(l·33), while the mixed-age group (FSF+ENS) showed lowest survival (38·5%) and highest FCR (1·70). Under all treatments, a majority of fry losses were attributed to cannibalism. A highly significant ( P < 0·001) negative regression between survival and coefficient of variation of initial weights (CV = SD/) indicated that cannibalism was reduced by minimizing age/size variation at stocking. The CV of initial weight may be a useful parameter for predicting fry survival under intensive tank culture.     

High energy ultraviolet photo-oxidation: a novel technique for studying physically protected organic matter in clay- and silt-sized aggregates

A novel approach to the study of organic-matter distribution in soil microaggregates (<20 μm) using high-energy ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the presence of oxygen (photo-oxidation) is reported. The method quantitatively destroyed complex organic materials through oxidation, even in the presence of clay, provided the organic materials were directly exposed to the UV radiation. Photo-oxidation of clay and silt fractions for periods up to 8 h demonstrated that a considerable proportion of the organic matter was physically protected within clay- and silt-sized aggregates. In some clay fractions, up to 23% of the organic carbon could be considered as physically protected whereas in silt fractions this was as high as 36%. Infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the materials external to both clay- and silt-sized aggregates were largely proteinaecous in nature, while the materials in the interior of the aggregates resembled humic acids. These humic materials appeared to be physically shielded against photo-oxidation, rather than being chemically recalcitrant. Using the clay- and silt-sized fractions from one soil, ¹⁴C accelerator mass spectrometry demonstrated that, although both clay and silt fractions contained essentially modern carbon, after 4 h of photo-oxidation much older organic carbon with a mean resonance time (MRT) of between 200±80 and 320±80 years before the present (BP) remained. This protection from photo-oxidation, therefore, appears to mirror the process which physically protects organic substances in soils against microbial degradation. Photo-oxidation of the clay-plus-silt fractions also resulted in a considerable reduction in particle size as the organic-cementing agents, consisting of proteinaecous and humic materials, were oxidized. Using data from the photo-oxidation method along with infrared spectroscopy, radiocarbon dating and scanning electron microscopy, a simple model is proposed that spatially relates the various organic structures present to their positions in the mineral aggregates.     

Malignant haemangioendothelioma (angiosarcoma) in the dog

During the period from January 1969 to January 1975, twenty-five cases of malignant haemangioendothelioma were found in the course of routine post-mortem examinations. One case was observed in the period 1949–1952. The two periods are compared with respect to age, breed and sex of dogs examined.
The Alsatian was represented significantly more than other breeds (eleven out of twenty-five cases) and particularly in cases involving the right atrium (seven Alsatians in a total of eleven cases).
The post-mortem findings and histology are described. It is suggested that there are three groups of cases, namely, primary spleen, primary right atrium and primary at some other site.     

Standing magnetic resonance imaging detection of bone marrow oedema‐type signal pattern associated with subcarpal pain in 8 racehorses: A prospective study

Reason for performing study: The proximal metacarpal region is a common site of origin of lameness in the performance horse. A number of disease entities are recognised as causes of proximal metacarpal lameness but a definitive diagnosis is often elusive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is hypothesised to offer advantages over traditional imaging modalities in the investigation of proximal metacarpal pain. Objective: To describe clinical and imaging features of cases of lameness in racehorses arising from the proximal metacarpal region in which standing MRI identified ‘bone marrow oedema‐type’ (BMO‐type) signal patterns. Methods: Records for all horses undergoing standing MRI of the proximal metacarpus/distal carpus from September 2006 to December 2008 were reviewed. Cases underwent a standardised protocol for diagnostic analgesia, radiography and ultrasonography of the proximal metacarpus and distal carpus. Cases with proximal metacarpal lameness displaying a characteristic BMO‐type signal pattern on MRI were identified and outcomes analysed. Results: Eight cases were identified with characteristic MRI findings of extensive hyperintensity on T2* gradient echo and short tau inversion fast spin echo sequences and corresponding hypointensity on T1 gradient echo images within the palmaroproximal aspect of the third metacarpal bone. Follow‐up information was available for all cases; at the time of writing 7/8 had returned to full work and were free from lameness. Conclusions: The BMO‐type signal patterns visible on MR images in these cases may signal the existence of a previously under‐diagnosed pathological process associated with proximal metacarpal lameness in racehorses. This finding is postulated to be associated with a stress reaction and possible prodromal stress fracture of the palmaroproximal metacarpus not appreciable radiographically or ultrasonographically. Potential relevance: MRI of the proximal metacarpal region permits detection of pathological processes, which may elude conventional imaging and, therefore, has important therapeutic and prognostic implications in these cases.     

Equine Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Tumours: Part 2: A Contribution of 28 Case Reports

The clinical and pathological findings of 28 cases (27 horses, 1 donkey) of equid sinonasal tumours examined at the Edinburgh Veterinary School are presented and include: seven cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); five adenocarcinomas; three undifferentiated carcinomas; two adenomas; five fibro-osseous and bone tumours; and single cases of ameloblastoma, fibroma, fibrosarcoma, undifferentiated sarcoma, melanoma and lymphosarcoma. The median ages of animals affected with epithelial, and fibro-osseous/bone tumours were 14 and 4 years, respectively. Unilateral purulent or mucopurulent nasal discharge (81% of cases) and gross facial swellings (82% of cases) were the most common presenting signs with sinonasal tumours, with epistaxis recorded in just 23% of cases. Radiology and endoscopy were the most useful ancillary diagnostic techniques. The maxillary area was the most common site of tumour origin, and only three cases were definitively identified as originating in the nasal cavity. Four of the maxillary SCC lesions originated within the nasal cavities or maxillary sinuses, while two originated in the oral cavity. Fourteen of 15 carcinomas, but only two of the 13 remaining tumours, spread to other sites in the head. Only three cases of sinonasal tumour had lymph node metastases, and none had distant metastases. In the long term, surgical treatment with seven malignant tumours was unsuccessful (6 months median survival post-operatively), but was successful with four out of five benign tumours (no regrowth at a median of 4 years post-operatively).     

A Comparison of Three Local Anaesthetic Techniques for Skin Biopsy in Dogs

Abstract— Three local anaesthetic preparations (one per cent lignocaine, one per cent lignocaine with 1 in 100 000 adrenaline, both administered by subcutaneous infiltration, and a novel topically-active eutectic mixture of lignocaine and prilocaine called EMLA cream) were assessed for their effectiveness as analgesic agents for skin biopsy in each of 25 dogs with skin disease. One dog would not accept application of the EMLA cream but otherwise all three agents were well tolerated. While the lignocaine and lignocaine/ adrenaline combination gave comparable and effective results in all dogs, analgesia using EMLA was assessed as good, moderate or poor in 37.5, 37.5, and 25 per cent of cases respectively. Blanching of the skin was seen in six dogs with EMLA and surface keratin was lost from EMLA-treated sites in two dogs. The inclusion of adrenaline with lignocaine caused vasoconstriction of otherwise dilated blood vessels, obscuring the presence of circulating eosinophils, in two dogs. Swelling of dermal collagen fibres as reported in man with lignocaine/adrenaline combinations was not seen. Subcutaneous infiltration of one per cent lignocaine appears to be the local analgesic agent of choice for skin biopsy in dogs. Résumé— Trois préparations anesthésiques locales (lignocaïne à 1%, lignocaïne à 1% avec adrénaline au 100 000 ème, les duex administrés par infiltration sous-cutanée, et un nouveau mélange eutectique topique de lignocaïne et de prilocaïne appelé EMLA crème) ont étéévaluées pour leur effet d'agents analgésiques lors de biopsie cutanée chéez 25 chiens atteints de maladies de peau. Un chien n'accepta pas l'application de la crème EMLA mais par ailleurs les 3 agents furent bien tolérés. Alors que la lignocaïne et le mélange lignocaïne/adrénaline donnèrent des résultats comparables et efficaces chez tous les chiens, l'analgésie par l'EMLA fut evaluée comme étant bonne, modérée, ou mauvaise dans 37,5, 37,5, et 25 pour cent des cas respectivement. Le blanchissement de la peau fut observé chez 6 chiens avec l'EMLA et la kératine de surface disparut des zones triatées à l'EMLA chez 2 chiens. L'adjonction d'adrénaline à la lignocaïne provoqua une vasoconstriction des vaisseaux sanguins par ailleurs dilatés, masquant la présence d'éosinophiles circulants, chez 2 chiens. L'oedème des fibres de collagènes dermiques qui a été décrit chez l'homme avec l'association lignocaïne/adrénaline n'a pas été observé. L'infiltration sous-cutanée de lignocaïne à un pour cent semble être l'agent analgésique local de choix pour la biopsie cutanée chez le chien. Zusammenfassung— Drei Lokalanästhetika (1 %ige Lignocainlösung und die Kombination mit Adrenalin 1:100 000, die beide subcutan infiltriert wurden, und EMLA-Creme, eine neue, örtlich aktive eutektische Mischung aus Lignocain und Prilocain) wurden auf ihre Wirksamkeit als Analgetika bei der Entnahme von Hautbiopsien bei 25 Hunden mit Hauterkrankungen untersucht. Ein Hund ließ die Applikation der EMLA-Creme nicht zu. Ansonsten wurden alle drei Substanzen gut vertragen. Lignocain alleine sowie die Kombination Lignocain/Adrenalin brachten vergleichbare und effektive Resultate bei alien Tieren. Die Analgesie durch EMLA wurde in jeweils 37.5% als gut bzw. befriedigend und in 25% als schlecht beurteilt. Eine Bleichung der Haut wurde in 6 Fällen und eine Lösung des Oberflächenkeratins in 2 Fällen an den mit EMLA behandelten Hautbezirken gesehen. Der Zusatz von Adrenalin zu Lignocain verursachte eine Vasokonstriktion von den ansonsten dilatierten Blutgefäßen, was das Vorkommen zirkulierender Eosinophilen bei zwei Hunden überdeckte, Die beim Menschen beschriebene Schwellung der dermalen Kollagenfasern bei der Anwendung von Lignocoin/Adrenalin-Kombination wurde nicht beobachtet. Die subcutane Infilatration mit l%iger Lignocainlösung scheint das Mittel der Wahl zur Lokalanästhesie bei der Entnahme von Hautbiopsien beim Hund zu sein. Resumen Se estudian las propiedades analgésicas y su aplicación en la toma de biopsias cutáneas de tres preparados anestésicos locales (lignocaina al 1%, lignocaina al 1% con adrenalina al 1/100.000, estos dos productos administrados via subcutánea y una mezcla de lignocaina y prilocaina denominada ELMA, de aplicación tópica). Estos tres agentes se aplicaron en 25 perros que presentaban diferentes enfermedades cutáneas. Un perro no toleró la aplicación de la crema EMLA pero en tódos los demás casos los tres agentes se toleraron sin problemas. Mientras que la lignocaina y la combinación lignocaina/adrenalina daban unos resultados, efectivos y muy parecidos en todos los perros, la analgesia que producía la EMLA se calificó de buena, moderada o mala en el 37,5%, 37,5% y 25% de los casos respectivamente. En 6 perros tratados con EMLA se observó una palidez de cutánea en la zona de aplicación, en dos animales también tratados con la crema EMLA se apreció una pérdida de la queratina superficial. La aplicación de adrenalina con la lignocaina producía una vasoconstricción en los vasos cutáneos que antes del tratamiento estaban dilatados, ocultando la presencia de polinucleares eosinófilos circulantes, en dos de los animales. La tumefacción de la fibras de colágeno dérmicas que se ha descrito en medicina humana después de la aplicación de combinaciones de lignocaina/adrenalina no se observó en estos perros. La infiltración subcutánea de lignocaina al 1% parece ser la forma de analgesia local de elección para la toma de biopsias en el perro.     

Intrabronchial foreign bodies in dogs

Eight dogs referred for the investigation of a persistent cough were found to have intrabronchial foreign bodies. The salient findings were haemoptysis, halitosis, eosinophilia and, on thoracic radiographs, an ill-defined peribronchial increase in radiodensity involving a caudal lobe bronchus. Bronchoscopy was essential to confirm the diagnosis as the results of radiography were equivocal. Removal of the foreign body via the trachea was achieved in seven patients resulting in complete recovery in six. Two dogs died of related complications.     

The medium frequency (7.5 MHz) ultrasound image characteristics of cattle skin

SUMMARY The medium frequency (7.5 MHz) ultrasound images of cattle skin, as a model for other domestic animals, are described and compared with the published information for human skin. Although some difficulties are apparent in identifying the skin surface and therefore measuring tissue thicknesses, the papillary and reticular layers of cattle skin, about 2 and 4 mm thick, respectively, can be differentiated using a water standoff with a vegetable oil coupling medium. The difference in echo intensities and patterns between these dermal components supports the concept that ultrasound tissue characterisation using higher frequencies may prove to be a useful non-invasive procedure in livestock production and veterinary science. However, a detailed protocol is required. Care is needed in the choice of ultrasound coupling medium for good resolution of cattle skin. Higher frequency ultrasound equipment would be necessary for imaging the skin of small animals. Potential applications of this new technology are discussed.