Cytologic identification of immature endospores in a dog with rhinosporidiosis

An 8-year-old, intact, male Labrador Retriever was presented to the Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University with a 2-month history of severe sneezing episodes that resulted in epistaxis and bilateral sanguineous discharge. Rhinoscopy revealed a small polypoid mass, and specimens were obtained for histopathology. Microscopic examination of formalin-fixed tissue specimens revealed organisms consistent with Rhinosporidium seeberi. The mass was surgically excised and impression smears were made for cytology examination. Smears revealed high numbers of endospores, typical of those previously described for R seeberi. In addition, numerous smaller structures, presumed to be immature endospores, were noted. The immature endospores were morphologically distinct from mature endospores and have not been described previously. Recognition of immature forms of Rhinosporidium may help prevent misidentification of the organism or misdiagnosis of a dual infection.     

Nasal vascular hamartoma in a Domestic Shorthair cat

A nasal mass in a Domestic Shorthair cat was causing facial deformity, sneezing and intermittent epistaxis. Biopsy samples obtained previously had been non-diagnostic. Computed tomography images revealed an irregular, contrast-enhancing mass occupying a large portion of the righthand side of the nasal cavity. Previously described criteria for malignancy were not present. A ventral surgical approach combined with temporary, ipsilateral, common carotid arterial occlusion provided excellent access for debulking the lesion and collecting samples for histopathology. A nasal vascular hamartoma was diagnosed and clinical signs resolved postoperatively. This is the first documentation of this abnormality in the cat. Hamartomatous abnormalities should be included on the list of differential diagnoses for feline nasal mass lesions. The prognosis for hamartomatous lesions postoperatively is good, in keeping with their limited propensity for growth after maturity.     

Cohort study examining long‐term respiratory health,career duration and racing performance in racehorses that undergo left‐sided prosthetic laryngoplasty and ventriculocordectomy surgery for treatment of left‐sided laryngeal hemiplegia

Reasons for performing study: The risk of respiratory conditions, such as inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH), are thought to be higher in racehorses that undergo prosthetic laryngoplasty with ventriculocordectomy (PLVC) surgery to treat left‐sided laryngeal hemiplegia (LLH) than in racehorses with normal laryngeal function. However, this has not been investigated formally owing to the difficulty of obtaining reliable follow‐up data. Objectives: To determine the incidence of respiratory conditions (IAD and EIPH), duration of racing career, number of starts and number of starts for which stakes money was earned in racehorses that had undergone PLVC surgery to treat LLH, compared with racehorses that did not have LLH or undergo any laryngeal surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was used, with surgical, clinical and race data of Thoroughbred racehorses obtained from the time of importation until retirement. The surgical cohort consisted of racehorses that had undergone PLVC for LLH and met specific inclusion criteria. Every surgical case was matched, according to trainer, year of import into Hong Kong and pre‐import international handicap rating, to 2 unexposed racehorses. Results: Respiratory conditions, such as excessive tracheal mucus and epistaxis due to severe EIPH, were significantly increased in the surgical cohort, compared with the matched unexposed cohort (P values <0.001 and <0.004, respectively). Racing career duration in the surgical cohort was significantly shorter than in the unexposed cohort, which was primarily due to retirement because of epistaxis. The number of race starts was fewer in the surgical than in the unexposed cohort after surgery/matching, but the number of starts for which stakes money was earned was not significantly different. Conclusions and potential relevance: Owners and trainers should be advised that racehorses with LLH that undergo PLVC surgery are at an increased risk of respiratory conditions (IAD and severe EIPH), which is likely to shorten their racing career compared to racehorses with normal laryngeal function. Racing performance in terms of race starts was significantly less in racehorses that had undergone PLVC surgery; however, the number of starts for which stakes money was earned was similar to those racehorses that were unexposed.     

Three horses with bilateral sinonasal progressive haematomas not associated with the ethmoidal labyrinth

Progressive haematomata (PH) are a rare cause of equine paranasal sinusitis and are thought to result from recurrent haemorrhage within the respiratory submucosa of the ethmoidal labyrinth. Clinical signs of PH are variable but mostly attributable to rupture of the mass with haemorrhage, occlusion of nasomaxillary drainage and secondary infection. Almost all affected horses have unilateral or bilateral, intermittent, serosanguinous nasal discharge. Radiographic examination is useful in identifying large PH, but small masses can be overlooked because of superimposition. Computed tomography (CT) has the benefit of producing cross‐sectional images of the sinuses, overcoming the limitations of radiography. The cases in this report suffered from bilateral PH not associated with the ethmoidal labyrinth. They highlight the benefit of CT in the diagnosis, surgical planning and evaluation of the architecture of the sinuses. Preoperative treatment with formalin to desiccate the mass prior to removal can be performed more safely when guided by CT.     

Pulmonary and hepatic eosinophilic granulomas and epistaxis in a horse suggestive of multi‐systemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease

Multi‐systemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease (MEED) is a relatively uncommon disease characterised by eosinophilic infiltration of more than one organ system, with the skin and gastrointestinal tract most commonly affected. This case report describes a gelding that presented for weight loss, increased respiratory rate and effort and chronic intermittent epistaxis. During post mortem examination diffuse eosinophilic granulomatous lesions were identified in the lung and liver, leading to a diagnosis of MEED. Veno‐occlusive pulmonary remodelling was also discovered, believed to be the cause of the chronic epistaxis and a result of the pulmonary fibrosis and eosinophilic granulomas.     

Canine and feline nasal neoplasia

Dogs and cats of our society have outgrown their status as merely pets and are now considered our close companions and even family members. This shift in their roles has led to pet owners seeking improved preventative medicine for their four-legged friends. Subsequently, dogs and cats are living longer lives than ever before and developing more old-age-related diseases. One of the most devastating diseases of older animals is cancer. Once a veterinarian has detected cancer in a pet, pet owners seek advice on their next course of action. This article is intended to provide concise information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of intranasal tumors of the dog and cat. This article outlines the forms of nasal tumors that are the most common, the recommended imaging and biopsy techniques to diagnose the tumor, and the most appropriate treatments of them.