Primary intestinal fibrosarcoma in cats

Background: Fibrosarcomas are malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin and can have different symptoms depending on the species, age, location and etiopathogenesis. Intestinal tumors in domestic cats are common and the small intestine is the most common site; however, fibrosarcomas are rare in the intestine of all animal species. This work reports intestinal fibrosarcoma in 2 domestic cats and aims to clarify and present information concerning this neoplastic type in the gastrointestinal tract of this species. Cases: We report 2 cases of intestinal fibrosarcoma in domestic felines (Felis catus). Cat 1. A 14-year-old female Persian breed, domestic cat, was taken to the Feline Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of Small Animals (HVPA) of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The main complaint was chronic constipation and rectal prolapse. The clinical examination revealed an ulcerated mass, measuring 4.0 cm x 1.7 cm. Cat 2. A 10-year-old female undefined breed, domestic cat, was taken to the private clinic. The main complaint was diarrhea with bloody and rectal prolapse. The clinical examination revealed nodule measuring 2.5 cm in diameter. The surgical option decided upon was to use the rectal pull-through technique in both animals. The patients had no trans-surgical or postoperative complications. The material collected during the surgical interventions was analyzed macroscopically and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 24 h and then sent to the Histopathology Laboratory of the Pathological Anatomy Sector (SAP) at UFRRJ for the cat 1 and in private laboratory for the cat 2. After fixation, it was cleaved for routine microscope exam using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) stains and for the histochemical method of Masson's Trichrome staining technique. Complementary immunohistochemistry tests and electron microscopy were also performed. The patients were followed up clinically, showing complete remission of the clinical signs and survival for approximately 1 year after the neoplastic resection. Discussion: There are few reports of intestinal fibrosarcomas in veterinary medicine, therefore, little is known about racial predilection, age, sex or biological behavior. As far as these authors know, this is the 6th and 7th report of this neoplasm with a primary site in the large intestine in this species. The morphological diagnosis of fibrosarcoma is relatively simple, whereas, in some cases the differential diagnosis for tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath, leiomyosarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) can be extremely difficult. The immunohistochemistry technique in these cases may not be particularly useful. The fibrosarcoma diagnosis was also confirmed by electron microscopy since no evidence was found that could lead to a neuronal origin, thus excluding tumors such as neurofibrosarcoma and schawnoma, corroborating the immunohistochemical examination. The surgical management of tumor resection with wide safety margins (minimum 2 cm) remains the "gold standard" therapy for dealing with fibrosarcomas since they have a low response rate to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the use of these therapies as an adjuvant is controversial. The advantages of this technique are related to the surgical time, simplicity, easy access and reduction in the risk of abdominal contamination. Histopathological, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy evaluations were sufficient to enable the diagnosis of an intestinal fibrosarcoma in both cats. The occurrence of this neoplasm with intestinal involvement in the feline species is rare; therefore, this description is important as it provides information about epidemiology, associated signs, differential diagnoses, biological behavior, treatment and prognosis.

Angiolipoma in a dog

Background: Angiolipoma is a benign tumor composed of endothelial cells and mature adipocytes. Tumors reported indomestic species include two variants; infiltrative or non-infiltrative. Bitches and intact males seem predisposed. Thismesenchyme tumor is commonly mistaken with lipoma due to its soft texture and subcutaneous site and often requireshistopathology to confirm its diagnosis. Microscopic examination also enables the evaluation of surgical margins and ruleout possible infiltrative sites. Complete surgical excision is usually curative. This study reports a case of non-infiltratingangiolipoma in a dog.Case: A 14-year-old mixed-breed dog was presented to a veterinary clinic in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Onpalpation, a painless mass was noted, with high mobility and covered by intact hirsute skin in the right subcutaneousventrolateral region. Computed tomography of the chest showed an expansive mass of uptake only from the edges of thesoft tissues of the right subcutaneous ventrolateral region. The mass was homogeneous and well delimited, suggesting aneoplastic process. Subsequently, the mass was surgically removed, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and sent for histopathological analysis. On macroscopic examination, the mass was well delimited, without skin coverage, and measured2.3×1.9×0.6 cm. The consistency was smooth and unctuous in appearance with a compact cream-colored surface withblackish multifocal spots. Under microscopy, the histological sections showed neoplasm of mature adipocytes and of endothelial cells of blood vessels benign were filled with a marked amount of red blood cells...(AU)

Angiolipoma in a dog

Background: Angiolipoma is a benign tumor composed of endothelial cells and mature adipocytes. Tumors reported indomestic species include two variants; infiltrative or non-infiltrative. Bitches and intact males seem predisposed. Thismesenchyme tumor is commonly mistaken with lipoma due to its soft texture and subcutaneous site and often requireshistopathology to confirm its diagnosis. Microscopic examination also enables the evaluation of surgical margins and ruleout possible infiltrative sites. Complete surgical excision is usually curative. This study reports a case of non-infiltratingangiolipoma in a dog.Case: A 14-year-old mixed-breed dog was presented to a veterinary clinic in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Onpalpation, a painless mass was noted, with high mobility and covered by intact hirsute skin in the right subcutaneousventrolateral region. Computed tomography of the chest showed an expansive mass of uptake only from the edges of thesoft tissues of the right subcutaneous ventrolateral region. The mass was homogeneous and well delimited, suggesting aneoplastic process. Subsequently, the mass was surgically removed, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and sent for histopathological analysis. On macroscopic examination, the mass was well delimited, without skin coverage, and measured2.3×1.9×0.6 cm. The consistency was smooth and unctuous in appearance with a compact cream-colored surface withblackish multifocal spots. Under microscopy, the histological sections showed neoplasm of mature adipocytes and of endothelial cells of blood vessels benign were filled with a marked amount of red blood cells...

Extranodal B cell lymphoma in the trachea of a domestic cat

Background: Primary tracheal tumors are considered uncommon in veterinary medicine and among them extranodal tracheal lymphoma, which is a neoplastic type, has rarely been described, especially with the use of immunophenotyping. Consequently, there is a lack of knowledge inherent to the characteristics of this tumor type in felines and as a result little information on how to deal with animals affected by this disease. Therefore, there is a need for more studies focusing on this matter. The objective of this work is to report a case of extranodal B cell lymphoma in the trachea of a domestic cat and point out the clinical and pathological characteristics of this neoplastic type. Case: A 5-year-old domestic cat, of an oriental breed, was taken to a veterinary clinic exclusively for cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main complaint was difficulty in breathing and loss of appetite and historical data included intolerance to exercise. A clinical examination confirmed inspiratory dyspnea and upper respiratory sounds. Hematological and serum biochemical exams did not evidence any noteworthy changes and the cat was considered negative for feline viral leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses through serological and molecular testing. However, in the radiographic examination of the thoracic cervical region, an opacity was observed that occluded part of the tracheal lumen and this was suggestive of a mass in the initial third of the trachea, measuring 0.5 cm in diameter. The animal was stabilized and then 24 h after admission underwent inspection of the oral cavity and a biopsy of the tracheal mass was performed. Cytology of the specimen was suggestive of lymphoma. The treatment of choice was: lomustine with a single, oral dose of 10 mg; vincristine sulfate with a single intravenous dose of 0.75 mg/m²; and methylprednisolone acetate with a single...(AU)

Extranodal B cell lymphoma in the trachea of a domestic cat

Background: Primary tracheal tumors are considered uncommon in veterinary medicine and among them extranodal tracheal lymphoma, which is a neoplastic type, has rarely been described, especially with the use of immunophenotyping. Consequently, there is a lack of knowledge inherent to the characteristics of this tumor type in felines and as a result little information on how to deal with animals affected by this disease. Therefore, there is a need for more studies focusing on this matter. The objective of this work is to report a case of extranodal B cell lymphoma in the trachea of a domestic cat and point out the clinical and pathological characteristics of this neoplastic type. Case: A 5-year-old domestic cat, of an oriental breed, was taken to a veterinary clinic exclusively for cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main complaint was difficulty in breathing and loss of appetite and historical data included intolerance to exercise. A clinical examination confirmed inspiratory dyspnea and upper respiratory sounds. Hematological and serum biochemical exams did not evidence any noteworthy changes and the cat was considered negative for feline viral leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses through serological and molecular testing. However, in the radiographic examination of the thoracic cervical region, an opacity was observed that occluded part of the tracheal lumen and this was suggestive of a mass in the initial third of the trachea, measuring 0.5 cm in diameter. The animal was stabilized and then 24 h after admission underwent inspection of the oral cavity and a biopsy of the tracheal mass was performed. Cytology of the specimen was suggestive of lymphoma. The treatment of choice was: lomustine with a single, oral dose of 10 mg; vincristine sulfate with a single intravenous dose of 0.75 mg/m²; and methylprednisolone acetate with a single...

Cholangiocarcinoma in young cats

Background: Cholangiocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor that occurs mainly in elderly dogs and cats. Primaryhepatobiliary neoplasms are considered rare in felines, although cholangiocarcinoma is the most common tumor typeamong malignant liver tumors in the species. The objective of this work is to report two cases of cholangiocarcinoma inyoung domestic cats, with three years old, and to approach clinical and pathological aspects to promote awareness of thistype of injury in young animals, with a focus on prevention of predisposing factors.Cases: A 3-year-old male domestic cat (cat 1) had a history of progressive weight loss, persistent vomiting, diarrhea,and episodes of seizure. At the clinical examination was noted moderate degree of jaundice. In the biochemical exams itwas verified as alteration hypoproteinemia, increase of urea and hyponatremia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed aformation in the left epigastric region measuring 8.0 x 5.0 cm, with a diffusely heterogeneous parenchyma, suggestive ofhepatic neoplasia, in addition to the presence of free abdominal fluid. Cavity fluid analysis was suggestive of carcinoma.A 3-year-old male domestic cat (cat 2), with history of hyporexia, emaciation and vomiting was taken to care. Physicalexamination showed moderate dehydration, hypocorous mucosa and presence of abdominal mass on palpation. The animals serum biochemical assessment were verified as changes, increasing AST. Ultrasonographic examination showedan abdominal mass, located caudally to the spleen, with irregular shape, measuring approximately 4.7 cm suggestive ofhepatic neoplasia, in addition to the presence of abdominal fluid. The hepatic cytology performed by fine needle aspiration was suggestive of carcinoma. After the clinical worsening of two cats and due unfavorable prognosis, euthanasia andnecropsy were performed. In the macroscopic...(AU)

Reduction glossoplasty in a calf with bifid tongue

Background: Fetal malformations are characterized by anatomical changes that compromise an organ or system. Tongueformation in bovines occurs with the fusion of three structures at the end of the fourth week of gestation, and any failureduring this stage of embryonic development may lead to tongue malformation. Bifid tongue, also called glossoschisis, is arare congenital abnormality in any species and is characterized by incomplete fusion of the lateral tongue buds, resultingin a deep groove in the midline of the tongue. The objective of this study was to describe a case of bifid tongue and theprocedure of reduction glossoplasty in a calf of the Girolando breed in Tocantins State.Case: A male mixed-breed (Holstein-Friesian × Gir) calf, born from natural mating in the municipality of Araguaína,Tocantins, was clinically assessed in the Sector of Ruminant Clinical Medicine of the Federal University of Tocantinsat 2 months of age. The owner reported that the animal exhibited difficulty in suckling after birth and that on inspectionof the oral cavity, he observed changes in the tongue and mandible. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed thepresence of a bifid tongue and abnormal fusion of the mandible in the region of the lower incisive teeth. It was decided toperform a surgical procedure with the aim of improving the animals quality of life because the owner wanted to keep itin the farm. An incision was made, followed by removal of the medial rims of the two tines of the tongue, and synthesiswas performed, joining the ventral rims of the tongue, beginning at the root and ending at the apex.Discussion: The observed lesions are compatible with bifid tongue and mandibular fissure, both previously reported inother species. The literature has no reports of bifid tongue in bovines. The etiology of fetal malformations is still unclear,and the primary causes known in Brazil include...(AU)

Tricuspid valve dysplasia in a dog

Background: Congenital cardiac diseases are a common cause of death in puppies. Tricuspid valve dysplasia is characterized by thickening and displacement of the leaflets of the tricuspid valve, agenesis of the valves, and incomplete separationof valve components. Papillary muscles may fuse and display shortened or absent chordae tendineae that contribute totricuspid regurgitation. Diagnostic features of tricuspid valve dysplasia include cardiomegaly with massive right atriumenlargement on thoracic radiography and tricuspid insufficiency on an ultrasound. We aimed to describe clinicopathological findings in a dog (Canis familiaris) with tricuspid dysplasia.Case: We aimed to describe tricuspid valve dysplasia in a dog referred for necropsy at the Anatomical Pathology Sector ofThe Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a clinical history of abdominal swelling, dyspnea, cyanosis,ascites, and prostration. Echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound revealed right ventricular enlargement, hepatomegaly,and splenomegaly. Examination of the heart showed prominent enlargement, thickening and dilation of the right chambers,thickening of the tricuspid leaflets, and moderately shortened chordae tendineae. The liver was enlarged, with a nutmegpattern, and foci of clotting and fibrin adhesions in the lateral right lobule.Discussion: Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings were consistent with tricuspid valve dysplasia. Althoughstructural abnormalities of the tricuspid and mitral valves are well known in fetuses and neonates, congenital and secondary tricuspid malformations are rare in dogs. The survival rate is associated with the severity of heart lesions. Tricuspidvalve dysplasia is mostly observed in large-breed...

Reduction glossoplasty in a calf with bifid tongue

Background: Fetal malformations are characterized by anatomical changes that compromise an organ or system. Tongueformation in bovines occurs with the fusion of three structures at the end of the fourth week of gestation, and any failureduring this stage of embryonic development may lead to tongue malformation. Bifid tongue, also called glossoschisis, is arare congenital abnormality in any species and is characterized by incomplete fusion of the lateral tongue buds, resultingin a deep groove in the midline of the tongue. The objective of this study was to describe a case of bifid tongue and theprocedure of reduction glossoplasty in a calf of the Girolando breed in Tocantins State.Case: A male mixed-breed (Holstein-Friesian × Gir) calf, born from natural mating in the municipality of Araguaína,Tocantins, was clinically assessed in the Sector of Ruminant Clinical Medicine of the Federal University of Tocantinsat 2 months of age. The owner reported that the animal exhibited difficulty in suckling after birth and that on inspectionof the oral cavity, he observed changes in the tongue and mandible. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed thepresence of a bifid tongue and abnormal fusion of the mandible in the region of the lower incisive teeth. It was decided toperform a surgical procedure with the aim of improving the animal’s quality of life because the owner wanted to keep itin the farm. An incision was made, followed by removal of the medial rims of the two tines of the tongue, and synthesiswas performed, joining the ventral rims of the tongue, beginning at the root and ending at the apex.Discussion: The observed lesions are compatible with bifid tongue and mandibular fissure, both previously reported inother species. The literature has no reports of bifid tongue in bovines. The etiology of fetal malformations is still unclear,and the primary causes known in Brazil include...

Cholangiocarcinoma in young cats

Background: Cholangiocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor that occurs mainly in elderly dogs and cats. Primaryhepatobiliary neoplasms are considered rare in felines, although cholangiocarcinoma is the most common tumor typeamong malignant liver tumors in the species. The objective of this work is to report two cases of cholangiocarcinoma inyoung domestic cats, with three years old, and to approach clinical and pathological aspects to promote awareness of thistype of injury in young animals, with a focus on prevention of predisposing factors.Cases: A 3-year-old male domestic cat (cat 1) had a history of progressive weight loss, persistent vomiting, diarrhea,and episodes of seizure. At the clinical examination was noted moderate degree of jaundice. In the biochemical exams itwas verified as alteration hypoproteinemia, increase of urea and hyponatremia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed aformation in the left epigastric region measuring 8.0 x 5.0 cm, with a diffusely heterogeneous parenchyma, suggestive ofhepatic neoplasia, in addition to the presence of free abdominal fluid. Cavity fluid analysis was suggestive of carcinoma.A 3-year-old male domestic cat (cat 2), with history of hyporexia, emaciation and vomiting was taken to care. Physicalexamination showed moderate dehydration, hypocorous mucosa and presence of abdominal mass on palpation. The animal’s serum biochemical assessment were verified as changes, increasing AST. Ultrasonographic examination showedan abdominal mass, located caudally to the spleen, with irregular shape, measuring approximately 4.7 cm suggestive ofhepatic neoplasia, in addition to the presence of abdominal fluid. The hepatic cytology performed by fine needle aspiration was suggestive of carcinoma. After the clinical worsening of two cats and due unfavorable prognosis, euthanasia andnecropsy were performed. In the macroscopic...

Tricuspid valve dysplasia in a dog

Background: Congenital cardiac diseases are a common cause of death in puppies. Tricuspid valve dysplasia is characterized by thickening and displacement of the leaflets of the tricuspid valve, agenesis of the valves, and incomplete separationof valve components. Papillary muscles may fuse and display shortened or absent chordae tendineae that contribute totricuspid regurgitation. Diagnostic features of tricuspid valve dysplasia include cardiomegaly with massive right atriumenlargement on thoracic radiography and tricuspid insufficiency on an ultrasound. We aimed to describe clinicopathological findings in a dog (Canis familiaris) with tricuspid dysplasia.Case: We aimed to describe tricuspid valve dysplasia in a dog referred for necropsy at the Anatomical Pathology Sector ofThe Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a clinical history of abdominal swelling, dyspnea, cyanosis,ascites, and prostration. Echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound revealed right ventricular enlargement, hepatomegaly,and splenomegaly. Examination of the heart showed prominent enlargement, thickening and dilation of the right chambers,thickening of the tricuspid leaflets, and moderately shortened chordae tendineae. The liver was enlarged, with a nutmegpattern, and foci of clotting and fibrin adhesions in the lateral right lobule.Discussion: Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings were consistent with tricuspid valve dysplasia. Althoughstructural abnormalities of the tricuspid and mitral valves are well known in fetuses and neonates, congenital and secondary tricuspid malformations are rare in dogs. The survival rate is associated with the severity of heart lesions. Tricuspidvalve dysplasia is mostly observed in large-breed...(AU)

Histoplasmose pulmonar grave em um gato doméstico: tratamento com Anfotericina B e Itraconazol / acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with Amphotericin B and Itraconazole

Background: Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis whose etiologic agent is the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungal infection, which is the second most frequent systemic mycotic fungal disease in felines in the United States, has rarely been found in cats in Brazil. This paper reports on a case of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with oral itraconazole associated with amphotericin B administered subcutaneously. This treatment resulted in clinical remission of the patient’s symptoms, as evidenced by radiographic follow-ups.Case: A domestic cat suffering from acute dyspnea was taken to a veterinary clinic. The animal was subjected to emergency oxygen therapy, and kept at rest through sedation with midazolam. A physical examination revealed normally colored mucosa, 8% dehydration, bristly fur, body condition score 2/9, tachypnea with respiratory rate of 100 breaths per minute and expiratory dyspnea. The radiographic examination showed marked opacification of all the pulmonary fields, with a mixed pattern (interstitial and alveolar) of heterogeneous appearance and diffuse distribution, which are changes consistent with an inflammatory infectious process (pneumonia). A cytological analysis of the pleural fluid revealed round to oval-shaped intracytoplasmic structures, varying in size from 2 to 4 μm, inside foamy macrophages, consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum. Based on the diagnosis of pulmonary histoplasmosis, and in view of the patient’s acute respiratory distress, it was decided to treat the cat using itraconazole associated with amphotericin B. Itraconazole was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/cat every 24 h, while amphotericin B was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, combined with 100 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% and 100 mL of 5% glycated serum, with monitoring of serum concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).[...]

Histoplasmose pulmonar grave em um gato doméstico: tratamento com Anfotericina B e Itraconazol / acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with Amphotericin B and Itraconazole

Background: Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis whose etiologic agent is the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungal infection, which is the second most frequent systemic mycotic fungal disease in felines in the United States, has rarely been found in cats in Brazil. This paper reports on a case of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with oral itraconazole associated with amphotericin B administered subcutaneously. This treatment resulted in clinical remission of the patients symptoms, as evidenced by radiographic follow-ups.Case: A domestic cat suffering from acute dyspnea was taken to a veterinary clinic. The animal was subjected to emergency oxygen therapy, and kept at rest through sedation with midazolam. A physical examination revealed normally colored mucosa, 8% dehydration, bristly fur, body condition score 2/9, tachypnea with respiratory rate of 100 breaths per minute and expiratory dyspnea. The radiographic examination showed marked opacification of all the pulmonary fields, with a mixed pattern (interstitial and alveolar) of heterogeneous appearance and diffuse distribution, which are changes consistent with an inflammatory infectious process (pneumonia). A cytological analysis of the pleural fluid revealed round to oval-shaped intracytoplasmic structures, varying in size from 2 to 4 μm, inside foamy macrophages, consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum. Based on the diagnosis of pulmonary histoplasmosis, and in view of the patients acute respiratory distress, it was decided to treat the cat using itraconazole associated with amphotericin B. Itraconazole was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/cat every 24 h, while amphotericin B was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, combined with 100 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% and 100 mL of 5% glycated serum, with monitoring of serum concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).[...](AU)