Are biters sick? Health status of tail biters in comparison to control pigs.

BACKGROUND: Tail biting is a multifactorial problem. As the health status is one of the factors commonly linked to tail biting, this study focuses on the health of identified biters. 30 (obsessive) biters are compared to 30 control animals by clinical and pathological examination as well as blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples. In that way, altogether 174 variables are compared between the groups. Moreover, connections between the variables are analysed. RESULTS: In the clinical examination, 6 biters, but only 2 controls (P = 0.019) were noticeably agitated in the evaluation of general behaviour, while 8 controls were noticeably calmer (2 biters, P = 0.02). Biters had a lower body weight (P = 0.0007) and 13 biters had overlong bristles (4 controls, P = 0.008). In the pathological examination, 5 biters, but none of the controls had a hyperceratosis or inflammation of the pars proventricularis of the stomach (P = 0.018). However, 7 controls and only 3 biters were affected by gut inflammation (P = 0.03). In the blood sample, protein and albumin levels were below normal range for biters (protein: 51.6 g/l, albumin: 25.4 g/l), but not for controls (protein: 53.7 g/l, albumin: 27.4 g/l), (protein: P = 0.05, albumin: P = 0.02). Moreover, 14 biters, but only 8 controls had poikilocytosis (P = 0.05). Although not statistically different between groups, many animals (36/60) were affected by hypoproteinemia and hyponatremia as well as by hypokalemia (53/60) and almost all animals (58/60) had hypomagnesemia. For hypomagnesemia, significant connections with variables linked to tail damage and ear necrosis were detected (rs/V/ρ ≥ 0.4, P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that behavioural tests might be helpful in identifying biters. Moreover, cornification and inflammation of the pars proventricularis is linked to becoming a biter. Furthermore, the results highlight the need for appropriate and adjusted nutrient and mineral supply, especially with regard to magnesium.

[Buiatrics: What's your diagnosis?] / Rindermedizin ­ Was ist Ihre Diagnose?

INTRODUCTION: Therapy of a high-grade balanoposthitis with partial penile and preputial prolapse after unsuccessful initial therapy of a ten-year-old dexter bull. Two punctures, about 1 cm depth were found at the base of the prolapsed tissue, which were probably caused by partially perforating U-stitches by the local veterinarian. The highly inflamed and swollen tissue disabled the penis to retract. The prolapse was repositioned and the preputial opening was partially closed using a modified Buhner stitch. Consecutively, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered, and regular wound toilets were performed. After 14 days, the increase in circumference at the base of the prolapse was partially removed and histopathologically identified as pyogranulomatous inflammation. Surgery was repeated two weeks later. Potentia coeundi could thus be re-established. This case shows that regular breeding hygienic examinations are of great importance in order to identify morphological changes in early stages and to treat them adequately.

INTRODUCTION: Traitement d'une importante balanoposthite avec prolapsus pénien et préputial partiel après traitement initial infructueux d'un taureau Dexter de dix ans. Deux perforations d'environ 1 cm de profondeur ont été trouvées à la base du tissu prolabé, probablement causées par des points de suture en U posés par le vétérinaire traitant pour éviter une récidive. Le tissu très enflammé et enflé a empêché le pénis de se rétracter. Le prolapsus a été repositionné et l'ouverture préputiale a été partiellement fermée à l'aide d'un point de Buhner modifié. Consécutivement, des antibiotiques et des anti-inflammatoires ont été administrés et des toilettes des plaies régulières ont été effectuées. Après 14 jours, l'augmentation de la circonférence à la base du prolapsus a été partiellement réséquée et identifiée histopathologiquement comme une inflammation pyogranulomateuse. La chirurgie a été répétée deux semaines plus tard. La potentia coeundi a pu ainsi être rétablie. Ce cas montre que des examens d'hygiène d'élevage réguliers sont d'une grande importance afin d'identifier les changements morphologiques aux stades précoces et de les traiter de manière adéquate.

Rift Valley fever virus detection in susceptible hosts with special emphasis in insects.

Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV, Phenuiviridae) is an emerging arbovirus that can cause potentially fatal disease in many host species including ruminants and humans. Thus, tools to detect this pathogen within tissue samples from routine diagnostic investigations or for research purposes are of major interest. This study compares the immunohistological usefulness of several mono- and polyclonal antibodies against RVFV epitopes in tissue samples derived from natural hosts of epidemiologic importance (sheep), potentially virus transmitting insect species (Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti) as well as scientific infection models (mouse, Drosophila melanogaster, C6/36 cell pellet). While the nucleoprotein was the epitope most prominently detected in mammal and mosquito tissue samples, fruit fly tissues showed expression of glycoproteins only. Antibodies against non-structural proteins exhibited single cell reactions in salivary glands of mosquitoes and the C6/36 cell pellet. However, as single antibodies exhibited a cross reactivity of varying degree in non-infected specimens, a careful interpretation of positive reactions and consideration of adequate controls remains of critical importance. The results suggest that primary antibodies directed against viral nucleoproteins and glycoproteins can facilitate RVFV detection in mammals and insects, respectively, and therefore will allow RVFV detection for diagnostic and research purposes.

Neurotoxic potential of reactive astrocytes in canine distemper demyelinating leukoencephalitis.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a fatal demyelinating leukoencephalitis in young dogs resembling human multiple sclerosis. Astrocytes are the main cellular target of CDV and undergo reactive changes already in pre-demyelinating brain lesions. Based on their broad range of beneficial and detrimental effects in the injured brain reactive astrogliosis is in need of intensive investigation. The aim of the study was to characterize astrocyte plasticity during the course of CDV-induced demyelinating leukoencephalitis by the aid of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and gene expression analysis. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of reactive glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes with increased survivin and reduced aquaporin 4, and glutamine synthetase protein levels, indicating disturbed blood brain barrier function, glutamate homeostasis and astrocyte maladaptation, respectively. Gene expression analysis revealed 81 differentially expressed astrocyte-related genes with a dominance of genes associated with neurotoxic A1-polarized astrocytes. Accordingly, acyl-coA synthetase long-chain family member 5+/GFAP+, and serglycin+/GFAP+ cells, characteristic of A1-astrocytes, were found in demyelinating lesions by immunofluorescence. In addition, gene expression revealed a dysregulation of astrocytic function including disturbed glutamate homeostasis and altered immune function. Observed findings indicate an astrocyte polarization towards a neurotoxic phenotype likely contributing to lesion initiation and progression in canine distemper leukoencephalitis.

Post-traumatic Intraocular Leiomyosarcoma in a Domestic Bovine Calf (Bos primigenius taurus).

The present report describes a case of a post-traumatic ocular leiomyosarcoma in a calf (Bos primigenius taurus) including clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features. Following a traumatic episode, the animal developed opacification of the lens and shrinkage of the eye. Subsequently, the ocular lesion increased in size over a period of 6 weeks and reached up to 16 cm in diameter with infiltration into the cranium. At necropsy examination, the kidneys, liver and spleen exhibited multiple firm white metastases up to 2 cm in diameter. The mass was composed of closely-packed streams and bundles of neoplastic cells, which immunohistochemically expressed vimentin and alpha smooth muscle actin. Based on the anamnestic data, morphological appearance, distribution and immunohistochemical results, a diagnosis of a post-traumatic intraocular leiomyosarcoma was made. The tumour may have originated from cells lining the pectinate ligament of the ciliary body.

Atypical Cowpox Virus Infection in a Series of Cats.

Within 4 weeks, five cats with skin lesions affecting the hindlimbs and mainly consisting of oedema, hyperaemia and plaque-like alterations were presented to the same veterinary clinic. The cats were suffering from lameness, trauma, renal insufficiency or complicated tail amputation. Although the lesions seemed unusual for a poxvirus infection, microscopical examination of biopsy samples or specimens taken during necropsy examination revealed ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes with eosinophilic, cytoplasmic inclusion bodies indicative of an orthopoxvirus infection. Cowpox virus infection was verified using immunohistochemistry and virus isolation. Molecular analysis revealed identical haemagglutinin gene sequences in four cases and spatiotemporal circumstances in some cases pointed to hospital-acquired transmission. Unusual manifestations of feline cowpox may have an unexpected risk for human infection.

Fatal Systemic Toxoplasma gondii Infection in a Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), a Swinhoe's Striped Squirrel (Tamiops swinhoei) and a New World Porcupine (Erethizontidae sp.).

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that affects man and animals worldwide. The primary hosts and major reservoir for Toxoplasma gondii are felids and the intermediate hosts are most warm-blooded animals including man. This report describes fatal toxoplasmosis in three different rodent species in Germany: a female red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and a male Swinhoe's striped squirrel (Tamiops swinhoei), both kept as pets, and a female New World porcupine (Erethizontidae sp.) from a zoo. All three animals had multifocal necrotizing hepatitis. Additional findings included lymphohistiocytic and necrotizing myocarditis in the New World porcupine and the Swinhoe's striped squirrel, lymphohistiocytic encephalomyelitis in the New World porcupine and suppurative lymphadenitis in the red squirrel. Numerous tachyzoites were identified associated with the lesions. The diagnosis was confirmed by Toxoplasma. gondii immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. This is the first report of toxoplasmosis in a New World porcupine and a Swinhoe's striped squirrel.

[Uterine neoplasia in two geriatric miniature pet pigs - diagnostics and therapy. Two case reports]. / Uterustumore bei älteren Miniaturschweinen - Diagnostik und Therapie. Zwei Fallberichte.

Miniature pet pigs are becoming ever more common among the patients of small animal practices. Due to an advanced age attained in these animals in comparison with conventional pigs in pork production, miniature pet pigs develop age-related diseases that are infrequently observed in farm pigs, including neoplastic alterations of the uterus. We describe two cases of a uterine adenocarcinoma and a leiomyoma, respectively, in two miniature pet pig sows. Options and limits of diagnostic measures (unspecific clinical symptoms, x-ray, sonography and computed tomography) and therapy within the legal limits as well as the risk of an incorrect diagnosis based upon the more common differential diagnoses in swine medicine, including obstipation, cystitis and endometritis, are discussed.

Neurolymphomatosis in three horses with multicentric T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma.

Neurolymphomatosis is a rare manifestation of lymphoma and is characterized by neoplastic infiltration of the peripheral nervous system. The present report describes neoplastic infiltration of peripheral nerves in three horses with multicentric lymphoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of CD79a(+) lymphoblastic cells and well-differentiated CD3(+) T cells, characteristic of T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma in all cases. Nerve infiltration by lymphoma is rare, but should be considered as a differential diagnosis for peripheral neuropathy in horses with lymphoma.

Feline osteochondromatosis in a FELV-negative European shorthair cat.

OBJECTIVE: To report palliative treatment in a case of multifocal feline osteochondromatosis in a feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) negative European shorthair cat. CASE: A 6-year-old spayed female European shorthair cat was presented because of a right forelimb lameness caused by an osteochondromatous lesion which had trapped tendons, vessels and nerves of the antebrachium. Several other lesions were present which did not cause the animal discomfort. The cat was tested negative for FeLV. Palliative surgical removal of the mass was performed, resulting in a marked improvement of mobility with no local recurrence. The cat developed a non-regenerative anaemia after surgery, however the underlying cause was not identified upon request of the owner. Overall survival after surgery was only 2 months. The cat was then euthanised due to severe progression of the anaemia. CONCLUSION: Palliative surgical removal of osteochondromas may result in local improvement. However, owners need to be aware that it does not increase overall survival and that the prognosis is poor. Infection with FeLV is not necessarily associated with such lesions.

The growth of the canine glioblastoma cell line D-GBM and the canine histiocytic sarcoma cell line DH82 is inhibited by the resveratrol oligomers hopeaphenol and r2-viniferin.

Vineatrol(®) 30 is a grapevine-shoot extract, which contains resveratrol as well as considerable amounts of so-called resveratrol oligomers such as hopeaphenol and r2-viniferin. In this study, we analysed whether the two above-mentioned resveratrol oligomers were able to inhibit the growth of the canine glioblastoma cell line D-GBM and the canine histiocytic sarcoma cell line DH82, compared their potency to inhibit tumour cell growth with that of resveratrol and determined whether the induction of apoptosis via caspase 9 and 3/7 activation underlies the tumour cell growth-inhibiting effect of hopeaphenol and r2-viniferin. Vineatrol(®) 30, resveratrol, hopeaphenol and r2-viniferin inhibited the growth of D-GBM and DH82 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, whereby hopeaphenol and r2-viniferin were more potent than resveratrol itself in inhibiting the growth of the canine tumour cell lines. Moreover, the anti-proliferative effect of both resveratrol oligomers in D-GBM cells is based on their capacity to induce caspase 9 and 3/7 activation.

Regression of canine cutaneous histiocytoma is associated with an orchestrated expression of matrix metalloproteinases.

Canine cutaneous histiocytoma (CCH) is a common benign skin tumour originating from epidermal Langerhans cells. These tumours often display spontaneous regression and therefore represent a valuable animal model for investigation of tumour regression. Based on previous studies it was hypothesized that up-regulation of cytokines during CCH regression leads to up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) favouring infiltration of lymphocytes and enhanced tumour regression. The expression of MMPs and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMPs) was investigated immunohistochemically in 27 CCHs. The tumours were classified into four groups defined as having no regression (group 1), early regression (group 2), intermediate regression (group 3) or late regression (group 4). The distribution and expression intensity of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, -13 and -14 and TIMP-1 and -2 were determined in peripheral and central areas of each tumour. Group 3 and 4 CCHs showed up-regulation of expression of MMP-1, -9 and -14 at the periphery. Variable expression of MMP-2 and -3 was observed. Expression of the remaining MMPs and TIMPs showed no group-specific changes. Most MMPs and TIMPs displayed significantly higher expression at the tumour periphery compared with the centre, independently of the stage of regression and indicating more pronounced proteolysis in the peripheral areas. The results are consistent with cytokine-enhanced MMP expression, particularly of MMP-9, leading to enhanced lymphocyte recruitment in combination with elevated cleavage of extracellular matrix and basement membranes.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus induced phenotype switch of microglia in vitro.

The present in vitro study aimed to define the involvement of astrocytes and microglia in the initial inflammatory response of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis (TME), a virus-induced mouse model of multiple sclerosis, and whether intralesional microglia exert pro- (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) effects following TME virus (TMEV) infection. Therefore astrocytes and microglia were purified from neonatal murine brains and inoculated either with TMEV or mock-solution. Gene expression of IL-1, IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, TNF, TNF receptors (TNFR1, TNFR2), TGFß1, IFNγ and transcription factors NF-κB (p50, p65) and AP-1 (c-jun, c-fos) were quantified using RT-qPCR at 6, 48, and 240h post infection (hpi). In addition, IL-1, IL-10, IL-12, TNF and TGFß1 mRNA transcripts were investigated at 168 hpi in TMEV- and mock-infected SJL/J mice. Overall in vitro astrocytes showed a significant higher amount of viral RNA compared to microglia. In addition, TMEV-infected astrocytes showed higher numbers of IL-1, IL-12 and TNF transcripts at 48 hpi. In microglia high IL-10 and low IL-12 mRNA levels were detected at 48 hpi, while the opposite was the case at 240 hpi. In addition, TNF mRNA was increased in microglia at 240 hpi. In addition, the observed up-regulation of IL-1, IL-12 and IL-10 in the early phase of TME in vivo substantiates the relevance of these cytokines during the disease induction. Summarized data indicate that TMEV infection of microglia induces a switch from the anti-inflammatory (M2) during the early phase to the pro-inflammatory (M1) phenotype in the later phase of the infection. The simultaneous expression of TNF and its receptors by both cell types might generate autocrine feedback loops possibly associated with pro-inflammatory actions of astrocytes via TNFR1.

Malignant mesenchymoma in the nasal cavity of a bull.

A 4-year-old bull was presented with facial distortion and abnormal respiratory noise. Endoscopically, a proliferative mass was found obliterating the left nasal cavity and a tumour was suspected. The head was examined after slaughter and there was a well-circumscribed solid structure (15×12×6 cm) extending into the paranasal sinus, the choanal region and the bones of the orbit, with focal penetration of the nasal septum. Microscopically, the mass consisted of well-differentiated trabeculae of woven and lamellar bone, areas of chondromyxomatous, immature and mature cartilaginous tissue, and regions with irregular whorled spindle cells. Tissue differentiation of the mass was variable. Centrally, there was osseous differentiation with an outermost fibromatous area resembling a zone of endochondral ossification. There was suppurative and ulcerative inflammation where the tumour extended through the hard palate and into the pharynx. A nasal malignant mesenchymoma was diagnosed on the basis of these features.

Pathogenetic factors for excessive IgA production: Th2-dominated immune response in canine steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis.

Canine steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is a systemic inflammatory disease with a predominant manifestation within the cervical meninges, increased immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and a shift of the B:T cell ratio towards a higher percentage of B cells. A Th2-dominated immune response associated with SRMA was therefore hypothesised. Pellets of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) and CSF white blood cells (CSF WBCs) from dogs in the acute phase of SRMA (n=16) and under glucocorticoid treatment for SRMA (n=16) were investigated for interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 mRNA expression by means of reverse-transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results were compared with those of dogs with other inflammatory (n=9) and neoplastic disorders (n=10) of the central nervous system. A tendency towards low levels of Th1 response related cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ) and high IL-4 expression was observed indicating a Th2-skewed immune response. The pronounced IL-4 production may be an important pathogenetic factor for excessive IgA production in the acute phase of SRMA and for those cases under glucocorticoid treatment.

Marked MMP-2 transcriptional up-regulation in mononuclear leukocytes invading the subarachnoidal space in aseptic suppurative steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs.

Canine Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA) is a suitable animal model for studies on the development of neutrophilic pleocytosis in aseptic meningitis. Samples of dogs in the acute phase of SRMA (n=16) were examined for gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and -2. Results were compared to those of dogs under glucocorticosteroid treatment for SRMA (n=16) and dogs with other inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) (n=19). Samples included mononuclear (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear cells (PBPMNs) of peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid white blood cells (CSF WBCs). In the acute phase of SRMA CSF WBCs showed mRNA expression for MMP-2 and -9 and TIMP-1 and -2, highlighting a contribution of these cells to the overall content of MMPs and TIMPs in CSF. MMP-2 mRNA levels in CSF WBCs were significantly up-regulated in comparison to PBMC expression levels, suggesting that MMP-2 is relevant for PBMC invasion into the subarachnoidal space and that the expression is influenced by migratory activity through the blood-CSF-barrier.

Systemic adenovirus infection in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps): histological, ultrastructural and molecular findings.

Three Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) from two breeding groups were humanely destroyed following a period of anorexia. Two of the animals were 8-months old and related and one animal was approximately 2-weeks old. Necropsy examination revealed poor bodily condition but no other gross abnormalities. Microscopically there was non-suppurative hepatitis and interstitial nephritis. Multiple large, amphophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies were present within hepatocytes and epithelial cells of the bile ducts, renal tubules, small and large intestinal mucosa, pancreatic acini and oral mucous membranes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the inclusions comprised viral particles with morphology consistent with an adenovirus. A fragment of the adenoviral polymerase gene was amplified, sequenced and compared with other reptilian adenoviral sequences.

Pathogenesis and immunopathology of systemic and nervous canine distemper.

Canine distemper is a worldwide occurring infectious disease of dogs, caused by a morbillivirus, closely related to measles and rinderpest virus. The natural host range comprises predominantly carnivores. Canine distemper virus (CDV), an enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus, infects different cell types, including epithelial, mesenchymal, neuroendocrine and hematopoietic cells of various organs and tissues. CDV infection of dogs is characterized by a systemic and/or nervous clinical course and viral persistence in selected organs including the central nervous system (CNS) and lymphoid tissue. Main manifestations include respiratory and gastrointestinal signs, immunosuppression and demyelinating leukoencephalomyelitis (DL). Impaired immune function, associated with depletion of lymphoid organs, consists of a viremia-associated loss of lymphocytes, especially of CD4+ T cells, due to lymphoid cell apoptosis in the early phase. After clearance of the virus from the peripheral blood an assumed diminished antigen presentation and altered lymphocyte maturation cause an ongoing immunosuppression despite repopulation of lymphoid organs. The early phase of DL is a sequel of a direct virus-mediated damage and infiltrating CD8+ cytotoxic T cells associated with an up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-12 and a lacking response of immunomodulatory cytokines such as IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. A CD4+-mediated delayed type hypersensitivity and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells contribute to myelin loss in the chronic phase. Additionally, up-regulation of interferon-gamma and IL-1 may occur in advanced lesions. Moreover, an altered balance between matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors seems to play a pivotal role for the pathogenesis of DL. Summarized, DL represents a biphasic disease process consisting of an initial direct virus-mediated process and immune-mediated plaque progression. Immunosuppression is due to early virus-mediated lymphocytolysis followed by still poorly understood mechanisms affecting antigen presentation and lymphocyte maturation.

Listeria monocytogenes septicaemia and concurrent clostridial infection in an adult alpaca (Lama pacos).

A 10-year-old alpaca with a history of anorexia, weight loss and diarrhoea was humanely destroyed and shown to have a multifocal necrotizing hepatitis, splenitis and colitis, as well as an ulcerative to diphtheroid ileitis. Immunohistochemical examination revealed Listeria monocytogenes antigen in the liver and ileum. In addition, L. monocytogenes and Listeria sp.-specific gene fragments were detected by the polymerase chain reaction. L. monocytogenes was isolated from liver and small intestine and Clostridium perfringens type A with beta(2) toxin was found in the small intestine. It is suggested that the infection with C. perfringens type A facilitated the systemic spread of L. monocytogenes.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in acute canine distemper virus infection.

Demyelination is the prominent histopathological hallmark in the acute stage of canine distemper virus infection. Magnetic resonance imaging is an important diagnostic tool in human beings to determine demyelination in the brain, for example in multiple sclerosis. Five young dogs with clinically suspected canine distemper virus infection were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Hyperintense lesions and loss of contrast between grey and white matter were detected in T2-weighted images in the cerebellum and/or in the brainstem of three dogs, which correlated with demyelination demonstrated in histopathological examination. Furthermore, increased signal intensities in T2-weighted images were seen in the temporal lobe of four dogs with no evidence of demyelination. Magnetic resonance imaging seems to be a sensitive tool for the visualisation of in vivo myelination defects in dogs with acute canine distemper virus infection. Postictal oedema and accumulation of antigen positive cells have to be considered an important differential diagnosis.