Feline progressive histiocytosis in four cats: case reports

We describe four cases of feline progressive histiocytosis (FPH) including three females (one intact, two spayed) and one castrated male cat, with a mean age of 5.95 years at diagnosis. Masses were found under the skin of head, lip, neck, and vulva. Histologically, proliferative round cells had ovoid nuclei, foamy eosinophilic cytoplasm, distinct cytoplasmic processes, and mitotic figures. Immunohistochemically, all cases were positive for Iba1 and MHC II (Dako). One case showed cytoplasmic positive staining for E-cadherin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented report of FPH in Korea.

Splenic smooth muscle tumors in 7 dogs: case reports

We describe 7 cases of splenic smooth muscle tumors in dogs. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 6 cases were diagnosed as splenic leiomyosarcoma and 1 case as leiomyoma. All dogs underwent splenectomy without chemotherapy, and one of them was euthanized 2 months after surgery because of hepatic metastasis. Of the remaining 6 dogs, 5 died in the postoperative period and only one dog survived > 4 years. The median survival of the 6 dogs was 16.9 months. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed study on splenic smooth muscle tumors in dogs in Korea.

Vegetative endocarditis associated with Arcanobacterium haemolyticum in a Holstein cow

A 4-year-old Holstein cow with progressive atrophy and ataxia was submitted for diagnosis. The postmortem examination revealed multifocal yellowish nodules in the pulmonary parenchyma and vegetative masses in the mitral and tricuspid valve of the heart. Both kidneys were severely enlarged, with multiple yellow nodules on the parenchyma. Histopathologically, pulmonary abscesses, vegetative endocarditis, suppurative glomerulonephritis, and fibrino-purulent arthritis were observed. The tiny β-hemolytic bacterial colonies were isolated from the lesions and identified as Arcanobacterium haemolyticum by the Vitek 2 system (bioMérieux, USA). This is the first documented report of an A. haemolyticum infection in a Holstein cow in Korea.

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in the maxillary gingiva of a Maltese dog: a case report

A 13-year-old castrated male Maltese dog was presented to a local animal hospital with an oral hemorrhage. An intraoral examination revealed an irregular proliferated lobular mass at the right side of the maxillary gingiva and hard palate. A surgically excised mass was requested for a histopathology examination. Histopathologically, the neoplastic foci were composed of biphasic morphologic patterns, such as primitive mesenchymal tissue and mature or immature cartilage tissue. Immunohistochemically, most of the neoplastic cells forming cartilaginous islands tested positive for S-100; the surrounding mesenchymal cells tested positive for vimentin. This paper describes a rare case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in the maxillary gingiva of a Maltese dog.

Klebsiella pneumoniae infection secondary to bovine viral diarrhea in two prematurely born calves

Abstract: This paper describes the development of neurological signs of two prematurely born calves four days after birth. The pathological examination results indicated fibrinopurulent polyserositis, including meningoencephalitis with suppurative bronchopneumonia. Bovine viral diarrhea virus subtype 2a was detected in most of the internal organs, and the bacterial colonies cultured from the samples were identified as Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae. Molecular analysis via multilocus sequence typing identified a different K.pneumoniae isolate in each calf-type 14 in calf A and type 65 in calf B. This is the first report identifying K.pneumoniae sequence types 14 and 65 in cattle.

Pathological, immunohistochemical, and bacteriological findings in dogs infected with Brucella canis

This study describes pathological, immunohistochemical, and bacteriological findings in adult dogs and fetuses naturally infected with Brucella (B) canis. A total of 42 dogs including 40 dogs and 2 aborted fetuses were examined. The most common gross lesions in infected dogs were swelling of lymph nodes and spleen. The testes showed marked swelling with multifocal to diffuse reddish discoloration. The most significant histopathological lesions were observed in the placenta. Placental trophoblasts were markedly hypertrophied due to the accumulation of intra-cellular gram-negative bacteria. Lymphocytic inflammation of varying severity was observed in the reproductive organs such as male testis, epididymis, and prostate gland and female uterus. Strong immunolabelling was observed in the cytoplasm of most trophoblasts in the placental tissues using immunohistochemistry. However, immunohistochemical staining did not demonstrate any organisms in other organs of dogs and fetuses. B. canis isolates were most frequently obtained from the whole blood (82.5%) and superficial inguinal lymph node (77.5%) in both sexes. In addition, the isolation rate was higher in male genital organs than in those of females. Hence, management of male dogs is most important because infected dogs can play a role as carriers.

Co-infection of Dirofilaria immitis and Japanese encephalitis virus in a spotted seal (Phoca largha) in the Republic of Korea

A 10-year-old male spotted seal presented with loss of appetite and decreased activity. Grossly, the internal organs revealed several filarial nematodes in the right ventricle of the heart and the pulmonary vessels. Histopathological examination of the brain revealed moderate nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with glial nodules and neuronophagia. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) of genotype I was isolated from the brain. All nematodes were identified as Dirofilaria immitis. This is the first clinical case of co-infection with D. immitis and JEV in a seal, suggesting that the seal, may be a dead-end host, like the human and horse, for JEV.

Necrotizing Enteritis Caused by Pharyngostomum cordatum Infection in a Stray Cat

A stray female cat of unknown age, presenting bright red watery diarrhea, was submitted to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency for diagnosis. In the small intestines extracted from the necropsied cat, numerous white oval-shaped organisms were firmly embedded in the mucosa and there was thickening of intestinal wall. Histopathological analysis revealed severe necrotizing enteritis, together with atrophied intestinal villi, exfoliated enterocytes, and parasitic worms. Recovered worms were identified as Pharyngostomum cordatum by morphological observation and genetic analysis. Although P. cordatum is known to occur widely in Korea, this is the first clinical description of an infection by P. cordatum causing severe feline enteritis.

Detection and genetic characterization of porcine circovirus 3 from aborted fetuses and pigs with respiratory disease in Korea

A novel porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) was first detected in pigs showing porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, reproductive failure, and multisystemic inflammation in the USA. Herein, we report on PCV3 as a potential etiological agent of clinical signs, reproductive failure and respiratory distress on Korean pig farms, based on in situ hybridization, pathological, and molecular findings. Confirmation of the presence of PCV3 may increase co-infection with other causative agents of disease in Korean pig herds, indicating the need for further systemic investigation of pathogenicity and of multiple infections with PCV2 genotypes and bacteria, and the development of an effective PCV3 vaccine.

Pathologic and molecular characterization of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis infection in neonatal piglets

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) is an emerging pathogen in animals and humans. Herein, we describe two clinical swine cases of SDSE infection presenting with lameness, neurological signs, or sudden death. Pathological examination indicated suppurative arthritis, encephalitis, and multifocal abscesses in kidney and heart. The β-hemolytic colonies obtained from joint samples of each case were identified as SDSE. The two isolates had low minimum inhibitory concentrations for β-lactams, and they presented the same virulence gene profile (slo⁻/sagA⁺/pSTKP8⁺). Molecular analysis by multilocus sequence typing identified the SDSE isolates from cases 1 and 2 as sequence types 315 and 252, respectively.

Prevalence state of canine brucellosis in South Korea during 2015 and 2016 / 대한수의학회지

We investigated the prevalence of canine brucellosis in companion and stray dogs between March 2015 and December 2016 and determined the disease characteristics based on the geographic distribution, sex and age of the dogs in South Korea. We conducted a large-scale survey using serological and bacteriological tests. Samples were collected from 2,394 dogs (1,825 companions and 569 strays). Thirty (1.3%) samples were positive for Brucella canis antibodies including 16 (0.9%) from companion dogs and 14 (2.5%) from stray dogs. Two (1.0%) of the 196 samples cultured from the stray dogs were positive. When compared with male dogs, the female companion and stray dogs had a significantly higher prevalence of brucellosis. Moreover, the prevalence of canine brucellosis was significantly higher in stray dogs older than 6 years and the prevalence of the disease in companion dogs was highest in Incheon (2.1%) and Jeolla (2.1%) provinces. Stray dogs from the Daejeon metropolitan area had the highest prevalence of brucellosis (7.9%). National control measures for canine brucellosis have not previously been implemented. Our findings suggest that appropriate screening tests and control measures are necessary to improve the health of dogs and to protect public health in Korea, particularly with the rapid growth of the companion animal industry.

Sudden death caused by trichlorfon poisoning in Korean native cattle / 대한수의학회지

Two 12-month-old cattle with anthelmintics containing trichlorfon the day before death presented to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency for diagnosis. In necropsy, they revealed enlargement of the spleens, redness of mucosa and serosa in stomachs and intestines, and friable kidneys. Histopathologically, hemorrhages in the spleens, omasums, abomasums, and intestines as well as renal tubular necrosis were observed. Trichlorfon was detected at above the lethal dose in the ruminal contents. Based on these findings, we diagnosed this case as death caused by trichlorfon poisoning.

Ectopic migration of Dirofilaria immitis in a Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Korea / 대한수의학회지

An 8-year-old female Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) reared in a wetland center, died 2 h after sudden onset of astasia and dyspnea despite medical treatment. Gross examination of internal organs revealed 10 adult filarioid nematodes in the right ventricle of the heart and three between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. All nematodes were identified as Dirofilaria immitis by direct microscopy and polymerase chain reaction assay. Histopathological observation revealed multifocal hemorrhage in the cerebral subarachnoid space and focal necrosis with hemorrhagein the cerebellar parenchyma. Although rare, veterinarians should consider cerebral dirofilariasis as a differential diagnosis in unexplained neurological cases.

Meningoencephalitis and pneumonia caused by Pasteurella multocida in rabbits / 대한수의학회지

Eight rabbits exhibited head tilt and subsequently died. At necropsy, three rabbits had crusty deposits in ears and four had reddish lungs. The main histopathological features were severe diffuse suppurative meningoencephalitis (75.0% of rabbits), fibrinopurulent pneumonia (37.5%), and otitis externa (37.5%). Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) was isolated from brains, ears, and lungs. The capsular serogroups of the isolates were untypable. Based on histopathological features and bacterial analysis results, the rabbits were diagnosed as P. multocida infection. P. multocida infections might result in considerable economic loss in commercial rabbit production facilities in Korea.

Prevalence state of canine brucellosis in South Korea during 2015 and 2016

We investigated the prevalence of canine brucellosis in companion and stray dogs between March 2015 and December 2016 and determined the disease characteristics based on the geographic distribution, sex and age of the dogs in South Korea. We conducted a large-scale survey using serological and bacteriological tests. Samples were collected from 2,394 dogs (1,825 companions and 569 strays). Thirty (1.3%) samples were positive for Brucella canis antibodies including 16 (0.9%) from companion dogs and 14 (2.5%) from stray dogs. Two (1.0%) of the 196 samples cultured from the stray dogs were positive. When compared with male dogs, the female companion and stray dogs had a significantly higher prevalence of brucellosis. Moreover, the prevalence of canine brucellosis was significantly higher in stray dogs older than 6 years and the prevalence of the disease in companion dogs was highest in Incheon (2.1%) and Jeolla (2.1%) provinces. Stray dogs from the Daejeon metropolitan area had the highest prevalence of brucellosis (7.9%). National control measures for canine brucellosis have not previously been implemented. Our findings suggest that appropriate screening tests and control measures are necessary to improve the health of dogs and to protect public health in Korea, particularly with the rapid growth of the companion animal industry.

Sudden death caused by trichlorfon poisoning in Korean native cattle

Two 12-month-old cattle with anthelmintics containing trichlorfon the day before death presented to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency for diagnosis. In necropsy, they revealed enlargement of the spleens, redness of mucosa and serosa in stomachs and intestines, and friable kidneys. Histopathologically, hemorrhages in the spleens, omasums, abomasums, and intestines as well as renal tubular necrosis were observed. Trichlorfon was detected at above the lethal dose in the ruminal contents. Based on these findings, we diagnosed this case as death caused by trichlorfon poisoning.

Meningoencephalitis and pneumonia caused by Pasteurella multocida in rabbits

Eight rabbits exhibited head tilt and subsequently died. At necropsy, three rabbits had crusty deposits in ears and four had reddish lungs. The main histopathological features were severe diffuse suppurative meningoencephalitis (75.0% of rabbits), fibrinopurulent pneumonia (37.5%), and otitis externa (37.5%). Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) was isolated from brains, ears, and lungs. The capsular serogroups of the isolates were untypable. Based on histopathological features and bacterial analysis results, the rabbits were diagnosed as P. multocida infection. P. multocida infections might result in considerable economic loss in commercial rabbit production facilities in Korea.

Ectopic migration of Dirofilaria immitis in a Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Korea

An 8-year-old female Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) reared in a wetland center, died 2 h after sudden onset of astasia and dyspnea despite medical treatment. Gross examination of internal organs revealed 10 adult filarioid nematodes in the right ventricle of the heart and three between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. All nematodes were identified as Dirofilaria immitis by direct microscopy and polymerase chain reaction assay. Histopathological observation revealed multifocal hemorrhage in the cerebral subarachnoid space and focal necrosis with hemorrhagein the cerebellar parenchyma. Although rare, veterinarians should consider cerebral dirofilariasis as a differential diagnosis in unexplained neurological cases.

Porcine ear necrosis syndrome by coinfection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Staphylococcus hyicus

Porcine ear necrosis syndrome is characterized by erosive and ulcerative lesions at the margin or tip of the pinna. Three growing pigs of different ages exhibited retarded growth accompanied by reddening and necrosis of ear prior to death. Gross examination showed reddening, swelling, black discoloration, scaling, and variable-sized yellowish materials and edema in ear cross section. Microscopically, thrombosis, abscess, ulceration, epidermal hyperplasia, and dermal pyogranulomatous inflammation with an intralesional bacterial colony were observed. Staphylococcus hyicus was isolated in all pigs' ears and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus was detected by PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Congenital systemic melanosis in a black mongrel pig / 대한수의학회지

Four 3-day-old piglets with retarded growth were submitted to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency for diagnosis. Necropsy showed that one piglet had black spots ranging from 2 mm to 1 cm in diameter in the cerebellum, lungs, regional lymph nodes, and cecum. Histological findings were consistent with the gross appearance in which melanin pigmentation was observed in the organs mentioned above. Based on Fontana-Masson staining, we diagnosed this animal with systemic melanosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of systemic melanosis in black breeds of swine in Korea.