Eosinophilic Keratoconjunctivitis in Cats.

Eosinophilic keratitis is a disease of the feline ocular surface. It is characterized by conjunctivitis, white to pink raised plaques on the corneal and conjunctival surfaces, corneal vascularization, and variable ocular pain. Cytology is the diagnostic test of choice. Identification of eosinophils in a corneal cytology sample usually confirms the diagnosis, although lymphocytes, mast cells, and neutrophils are often present concurrently. Immunosuppressives are the mainstay of therapy, topically or systemically. The role of feline herpesvirus-1 in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis (EK) remains unclear. Eosinophilic conjunctivitis is a less common manifestation of EK and presents as severe conjunctivitis without corneal involvement.

Diagnosing Corneal Pigmentation in Small Animals.

The transparency of the cornea is critical to its role in transmitting light. Loss of corneal transparency results in visual impairment. Corneal pigmentation results from melanin accumulation in the epithelial cells of the cornea. Differential diagnosis for corneal pigmentation include corneal sequestrum, corneal foreign body, limbal melanocytoma, iris prolapse, and dermoid. These conditions must be excluded to reach a diagnosis of corneal pigmentation. A myriad of ocular surface conditions are associated with corneal pigmentation, including qualitative and quantitative tear film deficiency, adnexal disease, corneal ulceration, and breed-related corneal pigmentation syndromes. Accurate etiologic diagnosis is critical to determining effective treatment.

Parents can reliably and accurately detect trunk asymmetry using an inclinometer smartphone app.

PURPOSE: An inclinometer smartphone application has been developed to enable the measurement of the angle of trunk inclination (ATI) to detect trunk surface asymmetry. The objective was to determine the reliability and validity of the smartphone app in the hands of non-professionals. METHODS: Three non-professional observers and one expert surgeon measured maximum ATI twice in a study involving 69 patients seen in the spine clinics to rule out scoliosis or for regular follow-up (10-18 y.o., Cobb [0°-58°]). Observers were parents not familiar with scoliosis screening nor use of an inclinometer. They received training from a 4-minute video. Intra and inter-observer reliability was determined using the generalizability theory and validity was assessed from intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), agreement with the expert on ATI measurements using Bland-Altman analysis, and correct identification of the threshold for consultation (set to ≥6° ATI). RESULTS: Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability coefficients were excellent ϕ = 0.92. The standard error of measurement was 1.5° (intra-observer, 2 measurements) meaning that a parent may detect a change of 4° between examinations 95% of the time. Comparison of measurements between non-professionals and the expert resulted in ICC varying from 0.82 [0.71-0.88] to 0.84 [0.74-0.90] and agreement on the decision to consult occurred in 83 to 90% of cases. CONCLUSION: The use of a smartphone app resulted in excellent reliability, sufficiently low standard error of measurement (SEM) and good validity in the hands of non-professionals. The device and the instructional video are adequate means to allow detection and regular examination of trunk asymmetries by non-professionals.

Comparative cytogenetic characterization of primary canine melanocytic lesions using array CGH and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Melanocytic lesions originating from the oral mucosa or cutaneous epithelium are common in the general dog population, with up to 100,000 diagnoses each year in the USA. Oral melanoma is the most frequent canine neoplasm of the oral cavity, exhibiting a highly aggressive course. Cutaneous melanocytomas occur frequently, but rarely develop into a malignant form. Despite the differential prognosis, it has been assumed that subtypes of melanocytic lesions represent the same disease. To address the relative paucity of information about their genomic status, molecular cytogenetic analysis was performed on the three recognized subtypes of canine melanocytic lesions. Using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis, highly aberrant distinct copy number status across the tumor genome for both of the malignant melanoma subtypes was revealed. The most frequent aberrations included gain of dog chromosome (CFA) 13 and 17 and loss of CFA 22. Melanocytomas possessed fewer genome wide aberrations, yet showed a recurrent gain of CFA 20q15.3-17. A distinctive copy number profile, evident only in oral melanomas, displayed a sigmoidal pattern of copy number loss followed immediately by a gain, around CFA 30q14. Moreover, when assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), copy number aberrations of targeted genes, such as gain of c-MYC (80 % of cases) and loss of CDKN2A (68 % of cases), were observed. This study suggests that in concordance with what is known for human melanomas, canine melanomas of the oral mucosa and cutaneous epithelium are discrete and initiated by different molecular pathways.

Canine ocular neoplasia: a review.

Ocular neoplasia is relatively rare in dogs but can have significant impact on vision, comfort, and longevity. Prognosis for life and for the globe varies with tumor type. In this review, the clinicopathologic features of the most common canine ocular neoplasms are detailed, with emphasis on histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics.

Canine ocular onchocercosis in the United States is associated with Onchocerca lupi.

Canine ocular onchocerciasis has a worldwide distribution and has been associated in Europe with Onchocerca lupi based on morphologic and molecular analysis. In the United States, canine ocular onchocerciasis is reportedly associated with Onchocerca lienalis. This association is based solely on histopathologic examination of ocular tissues. The purpose of this study was to use molecular analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine ocular tissue to determine the genetic identity of Onchocerca associated with canine ocular onchocerciasis in the United States. PCR and DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (cox1) and NADH hydrogenase 5 (nd5) genes demonstrated >99% similarity between the sequences obtained from canine ocular tissues previously diagnosed with onchocerciasis. The obtained sequences were most similar to O. lupi (>99% similarity). This report confirms for the first time that O. lupi is associated with canine ocular onchocerciasis in the United States, contrary to previously published reports.

Effects of oral administration of diphenhydramine on pupil diameter, intraocular pressure, tear production, tear film quality, conjunctival goblet cell density, and corneal sensitivity of clinically normal adult dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of oral administration of diphenhydramine on pupil diameter, intraocular pressure (IOP), tear production, tear film quality, corneal sensitivity, and conjunctival goblet cell density (GCD) in clinically normal adult dogs. ANIMALS: 12 healthy adult dogs. PROCEDURES: All dogs received diphenhydramine (2.2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) for 21 days. Conjunctival biopsy samples were obtained immediately before (day 1) and after (day 21) treatment with diphenhydramine and conjunctival GCDs were determined. Gross ophthalmic examinations and fluorescein staining of corneas were performed, and pupil diameter, corneal sensitivity, IOP, tear production, and tear film breakup time were determined prior to administration of diphenhydramine on days 1 through 5 and on day 21; pupil diameter and IOP measurements were repeated on each of those days at 20 and 40 minutes and 1, 3, 6, and 8 hours after administration of diphenhydramine. Data were analyzed to detect differences among values for dogs. RESULTS: Clinically important increases in pupil diameter were not detected after administration of diphenhydramine to dogs. Day 1 corneal sensitivity and tear film breakup time for dogs were significantly higher than day 21 values for those variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of this study suggested that oral administration of diphenhydramine to healthy adult dogs was not likely to acutely induce glaucoma or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. However, effects of diphenhydramine in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca or primary glaucoma or dogs genetically predisposed to development of those conditions were not determined. Administration of diphenhydramine to dogs decreased corneal sensitivity and tear film breakup time, although these effects were not clinically important.

Clinical utility of a complete diagnostic protocol for the ocular evaluation of free-living raptors.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a protocol for the examination of free-living raptors and report the ophthalmic examination findings of seven raptor species native to central Illinois, namely the barred owl, Cooper's hawk, eastern screech owl, great horned owl, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, and turkey vulture and to determine if the findings relative to visual prognosis affected eligibility for future release. ANIMALS STUDIED: Seventy-nine free-living raptors. PROCEDURES: Under manual restraint, complete ophthalmic examination including slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect funduscopy, applanation tonometry, rebound tonometry, ocular morphometrics, B-mode ultrasound, and electroretinography (ERG) were performed on each bird. Histopathology of enucleated globes was performed after euthanasia or death in selected cases. RESULTS: The examination protocol was easily performed using manual restraint alone on all birds. Ocular lesions were detected in 48.1% of birds, with 47.3% affected unilaterally and 52.6% affected bilaterally. Ocular lesions were considered to be vision threatening in 29.0% of the unilaterally affected birds and 29.0% of the bilaterally affected birds. The most common case outcomes were discharge from hospital to rehabilitation facility (45.6%) followed by euthanasia (43.0%). The presence of an ocular lesion or a vision-threatening ocular lesion was not significantly associated with outcome. Reference ranges are reported for B-mode ultrasound, ocular morphometrics, and horizontal corneal diameter in all species. CONCLUSION: Complete ophthalmic examination can be supplemented by the use of ocular morphometrics, ultrasound, and ERG in the manually restrained raptor. These advanced diagnostic techniques may be useful in developing more objective criteria for evaluating eligibility for release following rehabilitation of free-living birds of prey.

Onchocerca lupi causing ocular disease in two cats.

Although canine ocular onchocerciasis has been well described as an emerging pathogen of dogs in Europe and North America over the past 20 years, there are no previous reports of feline ocular onchocerciasis. This report details the clinical, histopathologic, and molecular diagnosis of two domestic short hair cats residing in the United States infected with Onchocerca lupi causing episcleritis and orbital cellulitis. The results of this report suggest that O. lupi is a newly recognized disease of domestic cats.

Serum 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations during the reproductive cycle in healthy dogs and dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine concentrations of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) in serum of healthy bitches during various stages of the reproductive cycle and in bitches with hyperadrenocorticism and to compare the dynamics of 17OHP with those of progesterone. DESIGN: Prospective evaluation study. ANIMALS: 15 healthy sexually intact bitches and 28 spayed bitches with hyperadrenocorticism. PROCEDURES: 11 healthy bitches were evaluated during estrus, nonpregnant diestrus, and anestrus (group 1); 4 other healthy bitches were evaluated during pregnancy and after ovariohysterectomy (group 2). Cycle stages were determined via physical examination, vaginal cytologic evaluation, and serum progesterone concentration. Bitches with hyperadrenocorticism were evaluated once at the time of diagnosis (group 3). Serum hormone concentrations were determined with immunoassays. RESULTS: In group 1, the serum 17OHP concentration was significantly higher in diestrus (median, 1.8 ng/mL) than in estrus (median, 1.1 ng/mL) and anestrus (median, 0.2 ng/mL) and higher in estrus than in anestrus. Changes in serum progesterone concentrations accounted for 22% (estrus) or 23% (diestrus) of the variation in serum 17OHP concentrations. In group 2, 17OHP and progesterone concentrations were significantly higher during pregnancy than after ovariohysterectomy. The serum 17OHP concentration in group 3 was significantly lower (median, 0.2 ng/mL) than in group 1 in estrus and diestrus and in group 2 during pregnancy (median, 0.7 ng/mL) but was not different from 17OHP concentrations in anestrus or after ovariohysterectomy (median, 0.2 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum 17OHP concentrations in healthy bitches increased during estrus, diestrus, and pregnancy and at those times were higher than in spayed bitches with hyperadrenocorticism.

Successful treatment of an unusually large corneal epithelial inclusion cyst using equine amniotic membrane in a dog.

A 10-year-old intact male Yorkshire Terrier was referred for investigation of a large raised and nonpainful corneal lesion oculus dexter. Clinical examination revealed a pale, translucent corneal mass, which occupied half of the corneal surface and measured 11 mm x 11 mm x 13 mm. The mass was removed by superficial keratectomy and equine amniotic membrane (AM) was transplanted into the large corneal defect to cover the wound and provide tectonic support for the remaining cornea. The mass was histologically confirmed as a corneal epithelial inclusion cyst. There was no evidence of recurrence or complication at the surgical site 100 days postoperatively. Corneal epithelial inclusion cysts are uncommon in dogs. Although superficial keratectomy is the recommended treatment for corneal inclusion cyst, the combination of superficial keratectomy and AM transplantation had to be considered as an alternative for repair of large corneal defects. This is the first case report of the combined application of AM and superficial keratectomy to successfully treat a corneal inclusion cyst in a dog.

Canine pre-iridal fibrovascular membranes: morphologic and immunohistochemical investigations.

OBJECTIVE: Pathologic intraocular neovascularization is a key component of many canine ophthalmic diseases such as uveitis, retinal detachment, intraocular neoplasms, and corneal perforation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structure of pre-iridal fibrovascular membranes (PIFMs) associated with several different disease processes and to identify specific factors associated with their development in the canine eye. PROCEDURE: This study examined 36 enucleated canine eyes with the diagnosis of PIFM and one of the following: lens-induced uveitis, retinal detachment, iridociliary adenoma, corneal perforation, severe hyphema, or vitreal gliovascular membranes (canine ocular gliovascular syndrome, COGS). Three histologic stains and six immunohistochemical stains were performed in all 36 PIFM eyes and four histologically normal eyes, including: hematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue periodic acid schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31), smooth muscle actin, vimentin, laminin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). RESULTS: Pre-iridal fibrovascular membrane extracellular matrix staining was consistent with collagen and mucins in all cases and positive for laminin in most cases. All PIFMs contained CD31-positive vessels and predominantly lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. Both PIFM vessels and spindle cells were positive for laminin, vimentin, smooth muscle actin, VEGF, and COX-2. Secondary intraocular pathology and immunohistochemical staining of other intraocular structures are also reported. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-iridal fibrovascular membrane morphology and immunohistochemical characteristics were similar across six canine disease processes, suggesting analogous pathophysiologic mechanisms. COX-2 and VEGF were identified using immunohistochemistry and may play a role in PIFM development.

Ocular myxoid leiomyosarcoma in a cat.

A case of myxoid leiomyosarcoma likely of iris dilator muscle origin in the enucleated eye of a 6-year-old domestic short haired cat is reported. The poorly demarcated mass expanded the iris, partially filled the globe and extended into the optic nerve. The mass was composed of spindle cells separated by abundant matrix positive for mucopolysaccharides with alcian blue. The neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for smooth muscle actin (SMA), S100 and vimentin, and negative for cytokeratin, Melan-A, glial fibrillary protein (GFAP) and desmin. There was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis 6 months after enucleation.

Mousepox detected in a research facility: case report and failure of mouse antibody production testing to identify Ectromelia virus in contaminated mouse serum.

An outbreak of mousepox in a research institution was caused by Ectromelia-contaminated mouse serum that had been used for bone marrow cell culture and the cells subsequently injected into the footpads of mice. The disease initially was diagnosed by identification of gross and microscopic lesions typical for Ectromelia infection, including foci of necrosis in the liver and spleen and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the skin. The source of infection was determined by PCR analysis to be serum obtained from a commercial vendor. To determine whether viral growth in tissue culture was required to induce viral infection, 36 mice (BALB/cJ, C57BL/6J) were experimentally exposed intraperitoneally, intradermally (footpad), or intranasally to contaminated serum or bone marrow cell cultures using the contaminated serum in the culture medium. Mice were euthanized when clinical signs developed or after 12 wk. Necropsy, PCR of spleen, and serum ELISA were performed on all mice. Mice injected with cell cultures and their cage contacts developed mousepox, antibodies to Ectromelia, and lesions, whereas mice injected with serum without cells did not. Mouse antibody production, a tool commonly used to screen biologic materials for viral contamination, failed to detect active Ectromelia contamination in mouse serum.

Adrenalectomy and caval thrombectomy in a cat with primary hyperaldosteronism.

A 13-year-old, castrated male, domestic longhaired cat was diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism from an adrenal gland tumor and a thrombus in the caudal vena cava. Clinical signs included cervical ventriflexion, lethargy, weakness, inappetence, and diarrhea. Laboratory tests revealed hypokalemia, normonatremia, hyperglycemia, hypophosphatemia, and elevated creatine kinase activity. Hypokalemia worsened despite oral potassium supplementation. An adrenalectomy and caval thrombectomy were successfully performed utilizing deliberate hypothermia followed by progressive rewarming.

Surgical correction of colonic duplication in a cat.

A 2-year-old, castrated male Manx cat was presented for anorexia, obstipation, and straining to defecate. Imaging tests revealed a cystic mass associated with the descending colon. Three surgical explorations over several years were performed before complete resection of the cystic mass was achieved. Histopathology of the mass revealed normal colonic structures consistent with colonic duplication. Complete resection of a noncommunicating duplicate colon may allow successful treatment of this condition and resolution of associated clinical signs.

Limbic dermoid in a New Zealand White rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Superficial keratectomy was performed in a New Zealand White rabbit for a suspected limbic dermoid. Histology confirmed the diagnosis. Ocular dermoids have been reported in a variety of laboratory animals. This is the first report of a corneal dermoid in rabbits.

Fatal case of endocarditis associated with Bartonella henselae type I infection in a domestic cat.

We report the first feline case of Bartonella henselae endocarditis. Despite negative blood cultures, the cat had high Bartonella antibody titers and B. henselae type I DNA was detected in the damaged aortic valve. Microscopic examination of the valve revealed endocarditis with small silver positive coccoid structures in endothelial cells.