Multiple eyelid apocrine hidrocystoma in a domestic short-haired cat.

A 12-year-old domestic short-haired cat was referred for evaluation of periocular masses. The tail had similar masses and was amputated previously by the referring veterinarian. On examination, multiple pigmented nodules, 3-15 mm in diameter, were found in the periocular skin, primarily involving the palpebral eyelid margin. A wedge excisional biopsy revealed small cuboidal cells forming multiple tubular and cystic structures indicative of apocrine cystadenomas, similar to apocrine hidrocystomas described in humans. The nodules were lanced followed by liquid nitrogen cryofreezing.

A universal threshold concept for hydrophobic mycolata in activated sludge foaming.

Recent studies using quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have supported the principle that there are mycolata concentration thresholds, above which foaming is likely to occur. In this study, we surveyed 14 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the UK, using quantitative FISH, to establish that the principle of a mycolata threshold (2 x 10(6) mycolata cells ml(-1) mixed liquor suspended solids) is an empirical though widely held value. In addition, we designed, optimized and applied probes for members of the less hydrophobic mycolata genera Corynebacterium and Dietzia, to show that these organisms dominated the mycolata populations in two non-foaming WWTPs where the mycolata concentrations were above the threshold value. We propose that the mycolata threshold value is only applicable to hydrophobic members of the mycolata.

The diagnosis and management of snakebite in dogs--a southern African perspective.

Cases of snakebite envenomation are frequently presented to veterinary practitioners in southern Africa. Despite this, no published guidelines exist on how this medical emergency should be managed. Southern African snake venoms can be classified into 3 main types based on the main mechanism of venom action and clinical presentation. A polyvalent antivenom is manufactured in South Africa and contains antibodies against the most important southern African snake venoms. The cytotoxic venoms are represented mainly by the puff-adder (Bitis arietans), Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossabica), black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) (in the Western Cape and Namibia) and the stiletto snake (Atractaspis bibronii). These venoms may cause dramatic local swelling, high morbidity and low mortality and infrequently require the use of antivenom for survival (the only cytotoxic venoms used to prepare the antivenom are the puff-adder and Mozambique spitting cobra). The neurotoxic venoms (represented chiefly by the non-spitting cobras and mambas) cause high mortality due to rapid onset of paresis and require antivenom and mechanical ventilatory support which is life-saving. The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and the vine snake (coagulopathic venom) rarely bite humans but dogs may be bitten more frequently. These venoms cause a consumption coagulopathy and successful treatment of boomslang bites requires the use of snake species-specific monovalent antivenom. There is no antivenom available for treating vine snake (Thelotornis capensis), berg adder (Bitis atropos), night adder (Causus spp.), stiletto snake and other lesser adder bites. There are some important differences between the way snakebites are managed in humans and dogs.

Uveitis in dogs and cats: guidelines for the practitioner.

Uveitis is a commonly misdiagnosed ophthalmic condition with a wide aetiological base and often the cause cannot be established. Uveitis can be associated with systemic diseases like feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus, lymphoma, toxoplasmosis and canine ehrlichiosis. The classification and general clinical signs of uveitis are discussed. Applicable clinical cases, manifestations and diagnostic methods of the selected diseases are mentioned, and a general approach to the treatment of uveitis is given.