Giardia duodenalis Colonization Slightly Affects Gut Microbiota and Hematological Parameters in Clinically Healthy Dogs.

Giardia duodenalis (Giardia) is a worldwide cause of acute diarrheal disease both in humans and animals. The primary aim of this study was to investigate possible variations in gut microbiota in a population of asymptomatic dogs (n = 31), naturally infected or not by Giardia. Gut microbiota and the hematological, biochemical, and fecal parameters related to intestinal function were investigated. Giardia infection was associated with a significant shift of beta diversity, showing a relevant reduction of Gammaproteobacteria and an increase of Fusobacteria in male-positive dogs if compared with negatives. A significant imbalance of different bacterial taxa, with particular reference to the Erysipelotrichales, Lactobacillales, Clostridiales, and Burkholderiales orders, was observed, with the first two being higher in Giardia-positive dogs. Giardia-positive males displayed significantly higher values of cCRP than negative males as well as positive females, supporting the presence of a pro-inflammatory state. Taken together, these results indicate that the presence of Giardia does not substantially modify the microbial ecology of the intestine nor the hematological markers of disease. Thus treatments against Giardia should be considered with caution in asymptomatic subjects.

Case report: Infratentorial Embryonal Tumor with Abundant Neuropil and True Rosettes (ETANTR) in an 8-month-old Maine Coon.

An 8-month-old female Main Coon with a history of recurrent behavioral changes and anorexia was presented with sternal recumbency and depression. Within 5 days, the cat progressively worsened with symptoms of stupor and coma and was euthanized. At post-mortem examination, a solid, grayish infratentorial mass located in the midline rostrally to the cerebellum, was observed. Histologically, highly cellular clusters of small-to-medium undifferentiated cells were intermingled with paucicellular areas with fibrillary eosinophilic (neuropil-like) appearance. Numerous multilayered (ependymoblastic) true rosettes were present. The mitotic activity was frequent (up to 15 mitoses/HPF), involving both undifferentiated cells and rosettes. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), tumor cells were diffusely positive for vimentin, variably for synaptophysin, S-100, and NSE, and focally for NeuN; they were negative for GFAP and CK AE1/AE3. The histological and IHC aspects were consistent with an Embryonal Tumor with Abundant Neuropil and True Rosettes (ETANTR). Embryonal neoplasms of the central nervous system (CNS) are characterized by primitive undifferentiated cells, able to develop toward neuronal, glial, ependymal, and mesenchymal lines. Although extremely rare, juvenile embryonal tumors should be considered in the differentials of CNS disorders in young cats.

Hematological Parameters from the Feline Blood Donor to the Blood Unit: What Changes Are to Be Expected?

Feline blood donation requires sedation to allow for good blood collection, avoiding venous damage and unnecessary donor stress. In the present study, we describe the variation of hematological parameters in a population of 74 healthy blood-donor cats that underwent the same sedation protocol, including medetomidine, alfaxalone, and butorphanol. Changes in hematological parameters were evaluated in blood samples collected from conscious cats (group A), sedated cats (group B), and feline whole-blood units (FBUs) (group C). Significant differences were observed between unsedated and sedated cats: the mean RBC count, HGB, HCT, and RDW were significantly lower in sedated cats than in conscious ones, with a difference of 17.95%, 18.42%, 28.21%, and 10.00%, respectively. In accordance with previously reported data, our results confirm that sedation is a critical procedure in cats that can affect most of the hematological parameters. The second finding of our study is that no significant differences for the main hematological parameters were observed between sedated cats and FBUs, thus suggesting that the dilution with the conservative-anticoagulant solution exert negligible effects on these parameters with respect to samples of sedated animals. This hematological change must be taken into consideration since such parameters are important to define the quality of FBUs.

Looking for Dog Blood Donors in an Endemic Area for Vector-Borne Infections of Central Italy.

Dogs are proved to be competent reservoir hosts for several vector-borne pathogens. Their prevalence varies according to the geographical area. Many vector-borne pathogens may be transmitted by blood transfusion. The purpose of this study was to determine the serological and molecular prevalence of some vector-borne pathogens in dog blood donors, living in central Italy. Blood samples of 126 donors (19 breeds) included were tested for a broad serological and DNA-base tests panel. The differences in pathogen prevalence according to age, sex, and breeds were tested (chi-square test, Fisher's exact test). Overall, 50 animals (39.7%) tested positive at PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and/or serology (IFAT, indirect fluorescent antibody test) for at least one pathogen. Three dogs were positive at both serology and PCR. A tendency of hemoplasmas to be more prevalent in older dogs (41.2%) compared to the younger ones (25.7%) was noted. We highlight the difficulties of selecting healthy blood donor dogs in an endemic area for vector-borne infections. It is important to choose the serological and biomolecular investigations panel that is most suited to the donor's environment. Close collaboration between clinician and parasitologists is important in the interpretation of IFAT and PCR results. Finally, we underline the important role of blood donors as an epidemiological tool for active surveillance against canine vector-borne diseases.

Effects of leukoreduction on storage lesions in whole blood and blood components of dogs.

BACKGROUND: Leukoreduction is a routine procedure in human transfusion medicine but is uncommon in veterinary. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of leukoreduction on the quality of canine whole blood (WB) and blood products during storage. ANIMALS: Ten canine blood donors. METHODS: This is a case series study. An amount of 450 mL of blood was collected from each dog. Five WB and 5 packed red blood cells (pRBC) bags were divided into 2 units each: leukoreduced (LR) and non-leukoreduced (nLR). RBC count, erythrocytes' mean osmotic fragility (MOF), 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), percentage of hemolysis, potassium (K), lactate, glucose, and cytokines were measured weekly from day of donation (T0) to day 35 (T35); pH, coagulation times, and clotting factors were evaluated at T0 and T35 from WB and in fresh frozen plasma after 1 year of storage. RESULTS: Leukoreduction showed positive effects on lactate (T35: LR WB 14.42 mmol/L SD 2.71, nLR WB 22.42 mmol/L SD 1.86, LR pRBC 20.88 mmol/L SD 2.65, nLR pRBC 36.81 mmol/L SD 2.34; P < .0001), pH (T35: LR WB 6.88 SD 0.16, nLR WB 6.69 SD 0.20, P = .02; LR pRBC 6.57 SD 0.23, nLR pRBC 6.22 SD 0.11; P < .001), and K (LR pRBC 4.08 mmol/L SD 0.88, nLR pRBC 5.48 mmol/L SD 0.90; P < .001). Increasing values of IL8 were observed in nLR units during storage (T0: 4167 ± 11 888 pg/mL; T35: 6367 ± 11 612 pg/mL). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: LR blood units are recommended to critically ill dogs with marked inflammatory conditions.

Productive Results, Oxidative Stress and Contaminant Markers in European Sea Bass: Conventional vs. Organic Feeding.

In the present study European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) subjected to two different diets (organic vs. conventional) were evaluated in terms of growing performances, oxidative stress, and contaminant markers. Growing performances were evaluated using biometric measures and condition factor (K), whereas insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I and IGF-II) levels were assessed trough Real-Time PCR analysis. For oxidative stress, immunohistochemical staining for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) was performed, whereas total glutathione (GSH) in blood serum was determined by an enzymatic method adapted. Cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) and melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) were evaluated as contaminant markers trough immunohistochemical and histochemical approaches, respectively. The growing performances showed a positive trend in both groups but a greater productivity in conventional fed fish compared to the organic ones. A significant higher expression of MMCs was observed in organic vs. conventional diet fed fish. Fillet analysis showed a higher MUFA content and a lower PUFAs n-6 content in organically fed sea bass indicating that diets with a content in fatty acids closer to that of wild fish will definitely affect the fatty acid profile of the fish flesh. On the other hand, the diet composition did not seem to affect neither the oxidative stress parameters (GSH, 8-OHdG, HNE) nor the CYP1A expression.

Chromogenic in situ hybridization for the detection of lambda and kappa immunoglobulin light chains as a potential auxiliary diagnostic technique in canine plasmacytomas.

The heterogeneous morphologic features of canine plasmacytomas (PCTs) can make their differentiation from other round cell tumors challenging. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for lambda (λ) and kappa (к) immunoglobulin (Ig) light chains is often equivocal because of high background staining. The chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) technique for light chains has shown higher sensitivity compared to IHC in human plasma cell tumors. Therefore, we aimed to validate automated CISH for light chains in canine tissues and to evaluate its diagnostic potential in canine PCTs, in conjunction with routinely used IHC markers. CISH for light chains demonstrated a clear signal in plasma cell populations of canine control tissues (lymph nodes, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation) showing a polyclonal pattern with a prevalence of λ-producing cells. CISH detected monotypic light chain expression in 33 of 53 (62%) PCTs, 31 expressing λ and 2 expressing к. CISH was more sensitive than IHC for λ light chain (58% vs. 47%, respectively) and more easily interpretable given the absence of confounding background staining. The absence of CISH staining for both λ and к in a considerable subset of tumors may be the result of lower light chain production by neoplastic cells. Multiple myeloma oncogene 1 (MUM1) was expressed by all but 2 PCTs (96%), which showed λ expression by CISH and IHC. The identification of poorly differentiated canine PCTs requires the assessment of a panel of IHC markers, with the potential support of CISH for Ig light chains.

Survival of Rickettsia conorii in artificially contaminated whole and leukoreduced canine blood units during the storage period.

BACKGROUND: The ability of tick-borne agents to survive in stored blood bags is a key factor for their transmissibility by blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival and potential infectivity of Rickettsia conorii (RC) in artificially contaminated canine whole blood (WB) and in leukoreduced whole blood (LR-WB) during the storage period. METHODS: RC was cultured on L929 cells. We used a one-week 25-cm2 flask with 70-80% of L929 infected cells to prepare the bacterial inoculum by pelleting cells and suspending the pellet in the donors' serum. We infected five 100 ml WB units with RC within 2 h from the collection and maintained it at room temperature for 4 h prior to refrigeration. We filtered 50 ml of each WB bag to obtain leukoreduced WB (LR-WB) at day 1 post-infection (dpi). We checked WB and LR-WB bags at 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 dpi for RC presence and viability through real-time PCR (rPCR) for DNA and mRNA, respectively, and by isolation. Identification of isolates was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence and rPCRs. RESULTS: RC survived for the entire storage period in both whole and leukoreduced blood. All bags contained viable bacteria until 7 dpi; RC viability generally decreased over time, particularly in LR-WB bags where the isolation time was longer than in WB. Viable bacteria were still isolated at 35 dpi in 3 WB and 3 LR-WB. CONCLUSIONS: Leukoreduction reduced but did not eliminate RC in infected units. The survival and infectivity of RC in canine blood during the storage period may represent a threat for recipients.

CD30 Cross-Reactivity and Expression in Feline Normal Tissues and Lymphomas.

CD30 is a transmembrane glycoprotein of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily included in the diagnostic algorithm of human cutaneous, anaplastic large cell and Hodgkin lymphomas and represents an optimal therapeutic target for CD30+ tumors. Similar diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are largely missing for feline lymphomas. Cross-reactivity of the antihuman CD30 receptor clone Ber-H2 was investigated in feline lymphomas. Comparative analysis of feline and human CD30 identified 61% identity of the amino acid sequence, with 100% identity of the main sequence of the epitope targeted by the antibody (RKQCEPDYYL). CD30 expression in normal feline tissues was restricted to rare lymphoid cells in perifollicular and interfollicular lymph node areas and in the thymic medulla. In feline lymphoma, CD30 was expressed in 4 of 33 (13%) T-cell lymphomas, 3 of 22 (14%) B-cell lymphomas, and 5 of 7 (71%) mixed-cell lymphomas, showing diffuse (1/5) or multifocal (4/5) positivity restricted to neoplastic multinucleated lymphoid cells and binucleated cells consistent with Reed-Sternberg-like cells. Based on the human classification system, cell morphology, expression of multiple markers (mixed cell components), and CD30 positivity, these cases were considered most consistent with classical Hodgkin-like lymphoma (HLL). The other 2 mixed-cell lymphomas were CD30 negative and thus most consistent with either T-cell-rich large B-cell lymphoma (TCRLBCL) or nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). These findings provide multiple data supporting the cross-reactivity of the Ber-H2 anti-CD30 clone in feline tissues and give evidence of the usefulness of CD30 in the diagnostic evaluation of feline lymphoma.

Molecular detection of Pneumocystis in the lungs of cats.

The genus Pneumocystis comprises potential pathogens that reside normally in the lungs of a wide range of mammals. Although they generally behave as transient or permanent commensals, they can occasionally cause life-threatening pneumonia (Pneumocystis pneumonia; PCP) in immunosuppressed individuals. Several decades ago, the presence of Pneumocystis morphotypes (trophic forms and cysts) was described in the lungs of normal cats and cats with experimentally induced symptomatic PCP (after immunosuppression by corticosteroids); yet to date spontaneous or drug-induced PCP has not been described in the clinical feline literature, despite immunosuppression of cats by long-standing retrovirus infections or after kidney transplantation. In this study, we describe the presence of Pneumocystis DNA in the lungs of normal cats (that died of various unrelated causes; n = 84) using polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) targeting the mitochondrial small and large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (mtSSU rRNA and mtLSU rRNA). The presence of Pneumocystis DNA was confirmed by sequencing in 24/84 (29%) cats, with evidence of two different sequence types (or lineages). Phylogenetically, lineage1 (L1; 19 cats) and lineage 2 (L2; 5 cats) formed separate clades, clustering with Pneumocystis from domestic pigs (L1) and carnivores (L2), respectively. Results of the present study support the notion that cats can be colonized or subclinically infected by Pneumocystis, without histological evidence of damage to the pulmonary parenchyma referable to pneumocystosis. Pneumocystis seems most likely an innocuous pathogen of cats' lungs, but its possible role in the exacerbation of chronic pulmonary disorders or viral/bacterial coinfections should be considered further in a clinical setting.

In vitro assessment of quality of citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine-1 preserved feline blood collected by a commercial closed system.

BACKGROUND: Optimal procedure for storage of feline blood is needed. Open-collection systems have been employed in feline medicine, thus limiting the possibility for storage. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate indicators of quality of feline blood stored for 35 days at +4°C in a closed-collection system specifically designed for cats. ANIMALS: Eight healthy adult European domestic shorthair cats with a weight of 5-6.8 kg. METHODS: This is a case series study. A bacteriological test, CBC, blood smear, pH, osmotic fragility, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurement were performed weekly on whole blood (WB) units from day 1 to day 35 after donation. The hemolysis index, lactate and potassium concentrations, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen were measured on plasma aliquots. RESULTS: One out of eight blood units (BUs) had bacterial growth (Serratia marcescens) at day 35. No significant differences were found regarding CBC, morphology, pH, and osmotic fragility. Despite high inter-individual variability and low starting levels, significant decreases in the mean concentrations of 2,3-DPG (T0 1.99 mmol/g Hb, SD 0.52, T35 1.25 mmol/g Hb, SD 1.43; P = .003) and ATP (T0 1.45 mmol/g Hb, SD 0.71, T35 0.62 mmol/g Hb, SD 0.51; P < .001) were detected during the study, as opposed to an increase in hemolysis (T0 0.11 mmol/L, SD 0.07, T35 0.84 mmol/L, SD 0.19; P < .001), lactate (T0 3.30 mmol/L, SD 0.86, T35 13.36 mmol/L, SD 2.90; P < .001), and potassium (T0 3.10 mmol/L, SD 0.21, T35 4.12 mmol/L, SD 0.35; P < .001) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The commercial BU kit is appropriate for blood collection and conservation of WB in cats. The maintenance of WB quality indicators during storage is essential for future improvements of feline transfusion medicine.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of canine and feline hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in northern Italy.

BACKGROUND: Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), the agents of infectious anemia, have been reported in dogs and cats. Little data are available on hemoplasma infections in Italy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the species of hemoplasmas and their prevalence in dogs and cats of northern Italy. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 117 candidate blood donor dogs, 278 free-roaming dogs and 227 free-roaming cats in 2014 and 2015. Samples were first screened for hemoplasmas with a SYBR green real time PCR. The positive samples were confirmed by a second SYBR green real time PCR and sequencing. Co-infections were detected using species-specific SYBR green real time PCR. RESULTS: The overall prevalence in dogs was 4.5% (18/395). Among the donors only one dog was positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis (0.8%). The overall prevalence of infection in free-roaming dogs was 6.1% (17/278), which was significantly higher than in candidate donors (P < 0.05). Both M. haemocanis (13/278; 4.7%) and "Candidatus M. haematoparvum" (4/278; 1.4%) were identified. In dogs, no significant association was found between hemoplasma infection and gender, age or origin. The overall prevalence in cats was 13.2% (30/227). All three feline hemoplasma species were detected, i.e. "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (28; 12.3%), "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" (11; 4.8%) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (9; 4.0%). Half of the infected cats were co-infected (15; 6.6%) with different species of hemoplasmas. Risk factor analysis confirmed that older age, male gender and FIV positivity are predisposing factors for hemoplasma infection in cats. CONCLUSION: This study found that candidate blood donor dogs in northern Italy show a negligible risk for hemoplasma infection, confirming the appropriateness of the candidate selection criteria and the low prevalence in the study area. Accordingly, testing for hemoplasma should be considered optional for canine blood donor screening. Hemoplasma infection was instead common in free-roaming cats, and is expected to be non-negligible in owned cats with outdoor access. Feline candidates for blood donation will therefore need to be carefully selected.

Exposure to vector-borne pathogens in candidate blood donor and free-roaming dogs of northeast Italy.

BACKGROUND: Many vector-borne pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes occur in northeast Italy, representing a potential threat to animal and human populations. Little information is available on the circulation of the above vector-borne pathogens in dogs. This work aims to (i) assess exposure to and circulation of pathogens transmitted to dogs in northeast Italy by ticks, sandflies, and mosquitoes, and (ii) drive blood donor screening at the newly established canine blood bank of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie. METHODS: Blood samples from 150 privately-owned canine candidate blood donors and 338 free-roaming dogs were screened by serology (IFA for Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocythophilum, Babesia canis, Rickettsia conorii, R. rickettsii), microscopic blood smear examination, and blood filtration for Dirofilaria spp. All candidate donors and seropositive free-roaming dogs were tested by PCR for L. infantum, E. canis, A. phagocythophilum, Babesia/Theileria and Rickettsia spp. The dogs had no clinical signs at the time of sampling. RESULTS: Overall, 40 candidate donors (26.7 %) and 108 free-roaming dogs (32 %) were seroreactive to at least one vector-borne pathogen. Seroprevalence in candidate donors vs free-roaming dogs was: Leishmania infantum 6.7 vs 7.1 %; Anaplasma phagocytophilum 4.7 vs 3.3 %; Babesia canis 1.3 vs 2.7 %; Ehrlichia canis none vs 0.9 %; Rickettsia conorii 16 vs 21.3 % and R. rickettsii 11 vs 14.3 %. Seroreactivity to R. rickettsii, which is not reported in Italy, is likely a cross-reaction with other rickettsiae. Filariae, as Dirofilaria immitis (n = 19) and D. repens (n = 2), were identified in free-roaming dogs only. No significant differences were observed between candidate donors and free-roaming dogs either in the overall seroprevalence of vector-borne pathogens or for each individual pathogen. All PCRs and smears performed on blood were negative. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that dogs are considerably exposed to vector-borne pathogens in northeast Italy. Although the dog owners reported regularly using ectoparasiticides against fleas and ticks, their dogs had similar exposure to vector-borne pathogens as free-roaming dogs. This prompts the need to improve owner education on the use of insecticidal and repellent compounds in order to reduce the risk of arthropod bites and exposure to vector-borne pathogens. Based on the absence of pathogens circulating in the blood of healthy dogs, the risk of transmission of these pathogens by blood transfusion seems to be low, depending also on the sensitivity of the tests used for screening.

Incidence of mammary tumors in the canine population living in the Veneto region (Northeastern Italy): Risk factors and similarities to human breast cancer.

Although mammary gland tumors (MT) are the most-common type of tumor in intact female dogs, there is little information about their incidence in dog population. Data on MT in female dogs was retrieved from the Animal Tumor registry of dogs and cats of Venice and Vicenza provinces during 2005-2013 and was analyzed to visualize crude incidence rates by breed and across age categories. Overall, 2744 mammary tumors were reported accounting for 54% of all tumors in female dogs. The annual incidence rate (IR) was 250 cases per 100,000 dogs. The most frequent malignant tumors were complex carcinomas, consisting of both epithelial and myoepithelial tissues (IR=71.89), and simple carcinomas (IR=62.59). The MT incidence rate increased through the study period; particularly in the last 4 years, and malignant neoplasms occurred more frequently (70%) than the benign counterparts (30%). Seventy-four percent of tumors were diagnosed in intact females, and the mean age at diagnosis was significantly higher for spayed dogs than for intact ones. MT were less frequent in dogs younger than 6 years and increased up to approximately 60% for ages between 8 and 13 years. The purebred dogs had a higher probability to have a malignant neoplasm than mixed-breed dogs, particularly in dogs younger than 7 years, and the Samoyed, Dobermann, Schnauzer and Yorkshire Terrier breeds were more inclined to develop malignant MT. The incidence of MT in dogs is increasing, and IRs are comparable to that in women. The epidemiological similarities between dogs and women support the validity of canine MT as a model for human breast cancer.

DNA and RNA isolation from canine oncologic formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues for downstream "-omic" analyses: possible or not?

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues represent a unique source of archived biological material, but obtaining suitable DNA and RNA for retrospective "-omic" investigations is still challenging. In the current study, canine tumor FFPE blocks were used to 1) compare common commercial DNA and RNA extraction kits; 2) compare target gene expression measured in FFPE blocks and biopsies stored in a commercial storage reagent; 3) assess the impact of fixation time; and 4) perform biomolecular investigations on archival samples chosen according to formalin fixation times. Nucleic acids yield and quality were determined by spectrophotometer and capillary electrophoresis, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays for the following genes: BCL-2-associated X protein, B-cell lymphoma extra large, antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki-67, proto-oncogene c-KIT (c-kit). Two internal control genes (Golgin A1 and canine transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif containing 4), together with direct sequencing of c-kit exons 8, 9, 11, and 17, were used as end points. Differences in DNA/RNA yield and purity were noticed among the commercial kits. Nucleic acids (particularly RNA) extracted from paraffin blocks were degraded, even at lower fixation times. Compared to samples held in the commercial storage reagent, archived tissues showed a poorer amplification. Therefore, a gold standard protocol for DNA/RNA isolation from canine tumor FFPE blocks for molecular investigations is still troublesome. More standardized storage conditions, including time between sample acquisition and fixation, fixation time, and sample thickness, are needed to guarantee the preservation of nucleic acids and, then, their possible use in retrospective transcriptomic analysis.

Adenocarcinoma of the dorsal glands in 2 European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus).

Olfactory communication is an important aspect of the biology of ground squirrels; accordingly, some of their integumentary glands are associated with scent-marking behavior. Although reports of neoplasms in ground squirrels are limited, the literature on tumors in this family of rodents is extensive, with hepatocellular carcinomas in woodchucks and fibromas in squirrels being the 2 most common neoplasms. Apocrine gland tumors occur frequently in domestic animals such as cats and dogs but to our knowledge have not previously been reported in squirrels. Here we describe 2 cases of adenocarcinoma of the dorsal glands in privately owned European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus). The skin nodules were characterized histologically by proliferation of epithelial cells, which were arranged in a tubuloacinar pattern with neoplastic emboli within the blood vessels. Adenocarcinoma of the dorsal glands was diagnosed in light of the anatomic localization, immunohistochemistry results, and histochemistry findings.

c-KIT messenger RNA and protein expression and mutations in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors: correlations with post-surgical prognosis.

Cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) are among the most common neoplasms in dogs and show a highly variable biologic behavior. Histological grading, cell proliferation markers, and KIT immunohistochemistry are typically used to predict post-surgical prognosis. In the present study, c-KIT messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was measured in canine MCTs and its relationship with tumor grade, immunohistochemical staining pattern, post-surgical prognosis, and mutations was investigated. A significant increase of c-KIT mRNA was observed in MCTs versus healthy skin and surgical margins. Mutations were observed in 8.3% of cases. The KIT staining pattern was investigated for both grading systems. In particular, staining pattern III was associated with grade II (G2) and G3 MCTs, while staining patterns I and II were associated with G1 and G2 MCTs. Considering the 2-tier histological grading, the high grade was mainly associated with pattern III (71%) while the low grade was associated with patterns II (70%) and I (28%). A weak association between the KIT staining pattern and outcome was also observed. The results obtained suggest that c-KIT mRNA is overexpressed in canine MCT, although the fold variations were not associated with the protein localization or complementary DNA mutations. These observations suggested that the 3 events were independent. The histological grading and the KIT staining pattern have prognostic value as previously published. Staining pattern I could be especially helpful in predicting a good prognosis of G2 MCTs. Sequence mutations were not necessarily suggestive of a worse prognosis, but might be useful in choosing a chemotherapy protocol.

Bilateral microphthalmia and aphakia associated with multiple eye abnormalities in a free-living European red deer calf (Cervus elaphus).

A free-living European red deer calf (Cervus elaphus) was euthanized due to bilateral microphthalmia. Lens was missing, replaced by proliferating squamous epithelial cells; hyperplastic squamous cells, sebaceous and mucinous glands were observed within the cornea with the characteristics of inclusion cyst. Findings were consistent with congenital microphthalmia/aphakia, with multiple eye abnormalities.

Imaging of exogenous lipoid pneumonia simulating lung malignancy in a dog.

This report presents peculiar radiographic and computed tomographic features of a lung mass in a dog, later diagnosed by histology as exogenous lipoid pneumonia. Although lipoid pneumonia is a well-known pathological entity in pets, this is the first imaging description of a single infiltrative lesion mimicking a neoplasm.