Preputial gland adenoma in a wild nutria (Myocastor coypus): a case report

Feline vocal communication

Preputial gland adenoma in a wild nutria (Myocastor coypus): a case report

Tumor incidence in wild mammals is reportedly very low. Wild nutria, a large rodent, is known to carry many infectious diseases, but rarely exhibits neoplastic diseases. We necropsied a male wild nutria and found a large nodular mass in the left inguinal region, adjacent to the penis. Histopathologically, the mass was diagnosed as preputial gland adenoma. Spontaneous preputial gland adenomas are extremely rare in all animals. Moreover, reports of tumors in nutrias have been limited to adenocarcinomas of the lungs and uterus, as well as subcutaneous fibromas. Here, we describe preputial gland adenoma in a wild nutria.

Feline vocal communication

Cat vocalizes to communicate with another and express their internal states. The vocal repertoire of the cat is wide and up to 21 different vocalizations have been described in the literatures. But it is more than probable that the repertoire contains more types of vocalizations. An ethogram was created in this paper describing the actual known vocalisations of the domestic cat based on an auditory classification. However, the audiogram allows also a visual classification which can increase the accuracy of vocalization differentiation. The classification can be risky as it is sometimes unclear if different types of vocalizations are produced in different environments or if a unique type of vocalization is used with variation in the acoustic parameters. As an example, isolation calls produced by kittens differ depending on the context. The environment has an important impact on the vocal behaviour and thus feral cats and pet cats vocalize differently. Pet cats are thus able to create an efficient communication with humans thanks to the flexibility of vocalisation behaviours. This review allowed us to create a simple model of the cat vocal repertory.

Preputial gland adenoma in a wild nutria (Myocastor coypus): a case report

Tumor incidence in wild mammals is reportedly very low. Wild nutria, a large rodent, is known to carry many infectious diseases, but rarely exhibits neoplastic diseases. We necropsied a male wild nutria and found a large nodular mass in the left inguinal region, adjacent to the penis. Histopathologically, the mass was diagnosed as preputial gland adenoma. Spontaneous preputial gland adenomas are extremely rare in all animals. Moreover, reports of tumors in nutrias have been limited to adenocarcinomas of the lungs and uterus, as well as subcutaneous fibromas. Here, we describe preputial gland adenoma in a wild nutria.

Feline vocal communication

Cat vocalizes to communicate with another and express their internal states. The vocal repertoire of the cat is wide and up to 21 different vocalizations have been described in the literatures. But it is more than probable that the repertoire contains more types of vocalizations. An ethogram was created in this paper describing the actual known vocalisations of the domestic cat based on an auditory classification. However, the audiogram allows also a visual classification which can increase the accuracy of vocalization differentiation. The classification can be risky as it is sometimes unclear if different types of vocalizations are produced in different environments or if a unique type of vocalization is used with variation in the acoustic parameters. As an example, isolation calls produced by kittens differ depending on the context. The environment has an important impact on the vocal behaviour and thus feral cats and pet cats vocalize differently. Pet cats are thus able to create an efficient communication with humans thanks to the flexibility of vocalisation behaviours. This review allowed us to create a simple model of the cat vocal repertory.

Usefulness of transthoracic lung ultrasound for the diagnosis of mild pneumothorax

The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in the detection of mild pneumothorax using computed tomography (CT) in dogs. Nine adult healthy beagles were included in the study. A thoracic tube was inserted into pleural space at the left thoracic wall, and each dog underwent the examinations in the order of CT, lung ultrasonography, and radiography before the infusion of room air into the pleural space. Two, 3, and 5 mL/kg infusions of room air were sequentially introduced into the pleural space and CT, lung ultrasound, and radiography examinations were performed. Sonographic signs included A-lines, stratosphere, lung sliding, lung point, lung pulse, and reverse sliding signs. Radiographs were evaluated for the absence or presence of a pneumothorax. Lung ultrasound results were more accurate than radiography results for the detection of mild pneumothorax. The overall sensitivity of the sonographic reverse sliding sign was higher than that of other sonographic signs, and its specificity was 100% for detection of mild pneumothorax. Thus, the reverse sliding sign is useful when using lung ultrasonography for diagnosis of mild pneumothorax.

A Case of Fascioliasis in A Wild Nutria, Myocastor coypus, in Republic of Korea

A total of 44 adult or juvenile nutrias were necropsied for disease survey. A large nodule was found in the liver of a nutria. The histopathological specimen of the hepatic nodule was microscopically examined, and sectional worms were found in the bile duct. The worms showed a tegument with spines, highly branches of vitelline glands and intestine. Finally, we histopathologically confirmed fascioliasis in a wild nutria. In the present study, a case of fascioliasis in a wild nutria is first confirmed in Korea.

Diagnostic laparoscopy in a leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) with intercostal abdominal hernia and hepatic lipidosis

Intercostal abdominal hernia in the 11th intercostal space was identified in a leopard cat. Although mild leukopenia was found in laboratory examinations, no remarkable abnormality was revealed in medical imaging. To investigate abdominal organs, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed after hernia repair. In laparoscopic view, closure of the herniation site and a lesion with whitish discoloration in the liver (left medial lobe) were observed. Subsequently, laparoscopic liver biopsy was performed against the affected hepatic tissue. Histologically, the sample was diagnosed as mild hepatic lipidosis. Laparoscopy is considered useful for abdominal visceral examination and liver biopsy in a leopard cat patient.

Immunologic properties of differentiated and undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood

The expression of immunogenic markers after differentiation of umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been poorly investigated and requires extensive in vitro and in vivo testing for clinical application. The expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) classes on UCB-derived MSC was tested by Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis and immunocytochemical staining. The undifferentiated MSC were moderately positive for HLA-ABC, but almost completely negative for HLA-DR. The MSC differentiated to chondrocytes expressed neither HLA-ABC nor HLA-DR. The proliferation of MSC was not significantly affected by the allogeneic lymphocytes stimulated with concanavalin A. The responder lymphocytes showed no significant decrease in proliferation in the presence of the MSC, but the apoptosis rate of the lymphocytes was increased in the presence of MSC. Taken together, these findings indicate that UCB-derived MSC differentiated to chondrocytes expressed less HLA class I and no class II antigens. The MSC showed an immunomodulatory effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of allogeneic lymphocytes. These data suggest that the differentiated and undifferentiated allogeneic MSC derived from umbilical cord blood can be a useful candidate for allogeneic cell therapy and transplantation without a major risk of rejection.

Usefulness of ultrasound contrast media for cardiac output measurement with echocardiography / 대한수의학회지

The purpose of this study was to determine if contrast media would enhance visualization of the endocardium for assessment of left ventricle (LV) function. In addition, differences between pre- and post-contrast evaluation for the cardiac output measurements including the modified Simpson's method and automated contour tracking (ACT) method were examined. Ten clinically healthy adult beagle dogs (three males and seven females) between 2~3 years old and weighing 6.6~10.8 kg were used. Echocardiographic examinations were performed to compare pre- and postcontrast LV endocardium visualization using a segmental scoring method. Two different methods for measuring cardiac output were also compared. LV visualization was significantly enhanced in post-contrast echocardiography (p < 0.01). Significant differences between pre- and post-contrast measurements for the modified Simpson's method (p < 0.05) were also observed. No significant difference was found for the ACT method. Contrast echocardiography provides better LV chamber opacification and significantly improves wall segment visualization. Furthermore, contrast echocardiography for measuring cardiac output is helpful for the modified Simpson's method.

Accuracy of sonographic diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum using the enhanced peritoneal stripe sign in beagle dogs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of estimating the smallest amount of abdominal free gas detectible in a large population of beagles by ultrasonography. Healthy dogs were randomly divided into three groups: group A that received 0.1 mL of air injected into the peritoneal cavity, group B that received 0.2 mL of air injected into the peritoneal cavity, and group C that received 0.5 mL of intraperitoneal air. Randomly, some dogs in each group did not receive air injection for the negative control. All ultrasonographic procedures were performed by individuals blinded to group assignments and the presence of intraperitoneal air. The minimum volume of consistently detectable air with good accuracy and reliability was 0.2 mL. Results of the study demonstrated that the enhanced peritoneal stripe sign (EPSS) can verify cases of pneumoperitoneum if more than 0.2 mL of intra-abdominal free gas is present The EPSS is a reliable and specific ultrasonographic characteristic for diagnosing pneumoperitoneum in dogs.

Spontaneous Bone Regeneration in Surgically Induced Bone Defects in Young Rabbits / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the spontaneous regeneration repair process in femoral bone defects in 6-week-old rabbits and to compare the healing time periods between different rabbit groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone defects were created at the femur mid-shaft and an external fixator was applied in 50 rabbits. The periosteum was resected in 10 rabbits (defect size: 15%, 25%) and left untouched in the remaining rabbits. Forty rabbits were divided into four groups according to the percentage of bone defects (15%, 20%, 25%, 30%). Radiographs were taken weekly to evaluate the bone regeneration and union. The bone union time was measured between the osteotomy and the cortico-medullary differentiation by examining radiographs. The healing index was defined as the union time (week) per amount (cm) of bone defect. Eight rabbits, 2 from each groups with the bone defects, were investigated by histopathologic examination. RESULTS: The mean union time was approximately 7.0 to 7.3 weeks. The healing index in groups that had a large percentage of bone defects was less than in groups that had a small percentage of bone defects. The periosteum-resected group did not show bone regeneration. Histopathologic examinations showed intramembranous and atypical endochondral ossifications along the periosteum and typical endochondral ossification at the center of the bone defects. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous bone regeneration may be used in children to fill the bone defect instead of performing an internal bone transport. Spontaneous bone regeneration is useful in cases of mid-shaft bone defects or when the remaining bone fragments are large enough for an external fixation application.