Comparative Study of Colorimetric In Situ Hybridization and Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Diagnosis of Infection by Leishmania infantum in Dogs in Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Skin.

The zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and dogs are reservoirs for this parasite. For the diagnosis of Leishmania at the species level in dogs in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin (FFPES) samples, colorimetric in situ hybridization (CISH) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) are options, but their sensitivities are not well established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of these two techniques in FFPES for the diagnosis of the L. infantum infection in dogs using culture as the reference standard. The FFPES of 48 dogs with cutaneous infection by L. infantum confirmed by culture and by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis were examined by CISH and qPCR using specific probes for L. infantum. The sensitivities of qPCR, CISH and their combination were, respectively, 77.0%, 58.0% and 83.3%. The sensitivities of qPCR in dogs with and without clinical signs were, respectively, 74.2% and 82.4%. The sensitivities of CISH in dogs with and without clinical signs were, respectively, 61.3% and 52.9%. The CISH and qPCR showed satisfactory sensitivities for the diagnosis of L. infantum in the FFPES of dogs, even in dogs without clinical signs, and their combination increases the sensitivity for this diagnosis.

An outbreak of visna-maedi in a flock of sheep in Southern Brazil.

Visna-maedi is a multisystemic and progressive inflammatory disease caused by a non-oncogenic retrovirus (Visna-maedi virus, VMV). An outbreak of visna-maedi occurred in Southern Brazil in sheep with clinical signs of blindness and stumbling gait. At post-mortem examination, all animals had similar lesions, including heavy non-collapsed lungs and multifocal yellow areas in the cerebral white matter, affecting mainly the periventricular region. These lesions corresponded histologically to lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia and histiocytic periventricular encephalitis surrounding areas of necrosis, in addition to significant demyelination in the brain. Serology was performed in all the sheep from the flock and 14% were seropositive for VMV. The presence of VMV was confirmed through PCR and partial sequencing of the 5'LTR. Sequencing demonstrated that the virus had 89.7 to 90.0% of nucleotide identity with VMV strains reported in the USA. This is the first description of clinical disease related to VMV in Brazil leading to economic losses. This study calls for the need to implement control measures to prevent the spread of small ruminant lentiviruses in Brazil.

Canine and feline uveal melanocytic tumours: Histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of 32 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Gross, histopathological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of uveal melanocytic neoplasms in dogs and cats were investigated. SAMPLES: Thirty-two enucleated globes with uveal melanocytic neoplasms, 27 from dogs and 5 from cats, were examined. PROCEDURES: Morphological characteristics of uveal melanocytic neoplasms in dogs and cats were evaluated with anti-PNL2, anti-Melan-A, anti-Ki-67, anti-caspase-3, and anti-BAP1 immunomarkers. Statistical analysis was performed to compare canine melanocytomas and melanomas. RESULTS: The 32 uveal neoplasms were classified as melanocytomas (19/27 in dogs) or melanomas (8/27 in dogs, 5/5 in cats). Most tumours (84%) were located in the anterior uvea. Neoplastic cells were classified as epithelioid, spindle-shaped, mixed, or special type (balloon and signet ring cells). The percentage of cells with melanin, melanin concentration within cells, anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, mitotic count, lymphocytic inflammation, necrosis, vascular invasion, and glaucoma were also characterized. Anisocytosis, percentage of neoplastic cells with melanin, mitotic count, and indices (proliferation and apoptotic) varied significantly between canine uveal melanomas and melanocytomas; in general, melanomas had greater cell variability, were less pigmented, and had a higher mitotic count. The melanocytic origin of the neoplasms was confirmed by positive anti-PNL2 immunolabelling (29/32) and positive anti-Melan-A immunolabelling (3/32). In canine uveal melanomas, anisocytosis and anisokaryosis correlated with less pigmentation and minimal pigmentation correlated with a high percentage of immunolabelling for caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS: Uveal melanocytomas were more common in dogs, and uveal melanomas were more frequent in cats. Anisocytosis, percentage of neoplastic cells with melanin, and mitotic count are important histologic characteristics of malignancy to evaluate in uveal melanocytic neoplasms. The proliferation and apoptotic indices are relevant when comparing malignant tumours with benign tumours.

Meningoencephalomyelitis in domestic cats: 3 cases of Pasteurella multocida infection and literature review.

Neurologic diseases are common in domestic cats, and infectious agents are suspected to be the primary cause in 30-45% of cases. Among infectious etiologies, those of bacterial origin are only sporadically characterized in the literature, with few of these reports correlating gross and histologic findings with confirmatory bacteriologic identification. Here, we describe bacterial meningitis and meningoencephalomyelitis associated with Pasteurella multocida in 3 domestic cats. Purulent exudate expanding the cerebral meninges was grossly evident in 2 of the cases. In all 3 cases, histologic changes included multifocal suppurative-to-necrosuppurative meningitis and/or meningoencephalomyelitis of variable severity. Intralesional colonies of gram-negative, short rod-shaped to coccobacillary bacteria were evident histologically in only 1 case. P. multocida was confirmed by routine bacteriologic culture in all cases. Based on our cases, we hypothesize that the upper respiratory system serves as the main portal of entry for P. multocida, leading to invasion of the central nervous system and possible systemic hematogenous dissemination. A case series of meningoencephalomyelitis associated with P. multocida infection in cats has not been reported previously, to our knowledge. We also review briefly other causes of meningoencephalomyelitis in cats.

Ocular teratoid medulloepithelioma in a northern red-shouldered macaw: case report and literature review.

A 4-mo-old northern red-shouldered macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis) was admitted to the veterinary hospital of the Arruda Câmara Zoo, in the State of Paraiba, Brazil, for investigation of an orbital mass. Given rapid progression and lack of response to treatment, the bird was euthanized, and an autopsy was performed. Histologically, the mass consisted of a retrobulbar invasive tumor characterized by tubular and rosette-like structures, with interspersed heteroplastic tissues, such as aggregates of neuroglial cells and islands of hyaline cartilage. The tumor was immunopositive for pancytokeratin, GFAP, NSE, and S100. These findings were compatible with an ocular teratoid medulloepithelioma, a neoplasm best described in humans but also reported rarely in young cockatiels and African Grey parrots.

Comparative Analysis of Infection by Rickettsia rickettsii Sheila Smith and Taiaçu Strains in a Murine Model.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a life-threatening tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, which is widely distributed throughout the Americas. Over 4000 cases of RMSF are recorded annually in the United States, while only around 100 cases are reported in Brazil. Conversely, while case fatality rates in the United States oscillate around 5%, in Brazil they can surpass 70%, suggesting that differences in tick vectoring capacity, population sensitivity, and/or variability in virulence of the rickettsial strains may exist. In this study, we compared the susceptibility of C3H/HeN mice to two highly virulent strains of R. rickettsii, one from the United States (Sheila Smith) and the other from Brazil (Taiaçu). Animals inoculated with the Taiaçu strain succumbed to infection earlier and exhibited severe histological lesions in both liver and spleen sooner than mice infected with the Sheila Smith strain. These differences in survival and signs of the disease are not related to a greater proliferation of the Taiaçu strain, as there were no significant differences in the rickettsial load in mice tissues inoculated with either strain. The present study is the first step to experimentally assess differences in fatality rates of RMSF in two different regions of the American continent.

Clinical features, fungal load, coinfections, histological skin changes, and itraconazole treatment response of cats with sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis.

Zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by the fungus Sporothrix brasiliensis is usually severe in cats. This study investigated the associations between clinical features, fungal load, coinfections, histological skin changes, and response to itraconazole in cats with sporotrichosis caused by S. brasiliensis. Fifty-two cats with skin lesions and a definitive diagnosis of sporotrichosis were treated with itraconazole for a maximum period of 36 weeks. The animals were submitted to clinical examination and two subsequent collections of samples from the same skin lesion for fungal diagnosis and histopathology, as well as serology for feline immunodeficiency (FIV) and leukaemia (FeLV) viruses. Thirty-seven (71%) cats were clinically cured. Nasal mucosa lesions and respiratory signs were associated with treatment failure. Cats coinfected with FIV/FeLV (n = 12) had a lower neutrophil count in the lesion. A high fungal load in skin lesions was linked to young age and treatment failure, as well as to a longer time of wound healing, poorly formed granulomas and fewer neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes in these lesions. These results indicate that itraconazole is effective, but nasal mucosal involvement, respiratory signs and high fungal loads in skin lesions are predictors of treatment failure that will assist in the development of better treatment protocols for cats.

Presumed post-traumatic ocular chondrosarcoma with intrathoracic metastases in a cat.

An indoor-only, 5-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented for an ophthalmic examination of the left eye. An intraocular tumor with secondary glaucoma and blindness was diagnosed; the globe was enucleated and sent for histopathological examination. Gross examination revealed a solid white mass filling the entire vitreous space and replacing the iris and ciliary body. The lens and retina appeared to be similarly replaced by the neoplasm. Histological examination revealed a complete loss of the internal ocular structures, with a ruptured capsule as the only remnant of the lens within an extensive malignant mesenchymal neoplastic cell proliferation. The cells were polygonal, with well-defined cytoplasmic borders and abundant weakly basophilic cytoplasm, embedded within the islands of chondroid matrix. No neoplastic invasion of the sclera was apparent. The animal died 6 months after the enucleation due to respiratory distress. Gross examination revealed numerous firm, white to tan nodular masses with smooth to mildly irregular surfaces dispersed throughout the parietal pleura, thoracic surface of the diaphragm, tracheobronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes, pericardium, and lungs. On cross-section, the neoplastic nodules were solid and variably translucent, resembling hyaline cartilage. Histologically, these nodules were similar to the neoplasm identified earlier in the left globe. Metastasis of post-traumatic ocular chondrosarcoma has not yet been described in cats. This is therefore believed to be the first report of metastases of this type of neoplasm in cats. This case adds to the limited set of data on the outcome of this type of tumor.

Prospective study of ocular and periocular diseases in animals: 188 cases / Estudo prospectivo de doenças oculares e perioculares em animais: 188 casos

Histopathology of the ocular and periocular tissues submitted for diagnosis and research is still incipient in Brazil, in contrast to veterinary clinical ophthalmology. In this study, ocular and periocular tissues from domestic and wild animal species, mainly from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were evaluated between February 2012 and September 2015. The samples were analyzed grossly and microscopically. Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed on some of the samples. The frequency, type of ocular alteration, affected animal species, and affected ocular or periocular tissues were recorded. One hundred eighty-eight ocular and periocular tissues from domestic and, occasionally, wild animals were examined. Nine animals presented two concurrent alterations, adding up to 197 alterations. Proliferative lesions were the most frequent (92), followed by traumatic (43), inflammatory (37), degenerative (18), developmental (4) and vascular/hemorrhagic diseases (3). The globe was the most affected structure (112), followed by eyelids (52), third eyelid (17), bulbar conjunctiva (14) and retrobulbar region (2). Neoplasms arising from periocular tissues were the most frequent alteration (60), possibly related to a more active surgical service and histopathologic evaluation request. Many animals presented ocular lesions that reflected systemic diseases, which were diagnosed by necropsy and examination of other organs. Particularly in cases of neoplasia, early detection and surgical treatment can prevent systemic involvement. Ocular histopathologic evaluation can provide better characterization and prognosis of the clinical-pathological condition of the patient as well.(AU)

O envio de bulbos oculares e tecidos perioculares para histopatologia na rotina diagnóstica e pesquisa ainda é incipiente no Brasil, diferentemente da área de oftalmologia clínica veterinária. Neste estudo, olhos e tecidos perioculares de animais domésticos e silvestres, especialmente provenientes do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, foram avaliados entre fevereiro de 2012 e setembro de 2015. As amostras foram analisadas macro e microscopicamente. Em algumas amostras, histoquímica e imuno-histoquímica também foram realizadas. Frequência, tipo de alteração ocular, espécie animal e estrutura ocular e/ou periocular acometidas foram registrados. Foram examinados 188 bulbos oculares e tecidos perioculares de animais domésticos e, ocasionalmente, silvestres. Nove animais apresentaram duas alterações concomitantes, totalizando 197 alterações. Doenças neoplásicas foram as mais frequentes (92), seguidas pelas traumáticas (43), inflamatórias (37), degenerativas (18), de desenvolvimento (4) e vasculares/hemorrágicas (3). O bulbo ocular foi a estrutura mais acometida (112), seguida pelas pálpebras (52), terceira pálpebra (17), conjuntiva bulbar (14) e região retrobulbar (2). Neoplasmas com origem em tecido periocular foram a alteração mais frequente (60), possivelmente relacionado a uma rotina cirúrgica mais ativa e consequente solicitação de avaliação histopatológica. Muitos animais apresentaram lesões oculares como reflexo de doença sistêmica, as quais foram diagnosticadas por necropsia e análise de outros órgãos. Particularmente em casos de neoplasia, detecção precoce e tratamento cirúrgico podem evitar envolvimento sistêmico. Ademais, a avaliação histopatológica ocular é capaz de oferecer melhor caracterização e prognóstico de condições clínico-patológicas do paciente animal.(AU)

Prospective study of ocular and periocular diseases in animals: 188 cases / Estudo prospectivo de doenças oculares e perioculares em animais: 188 casos

istopathology of the ocular and periocular tissues submitted for diagnosis and research is still incipient in Brazil, in contrast to veterinary clinical ophthalmology. In this study, ocular and periocular tissues from domestic and wild animal species, mainly from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were evaluated between February 2012 and September 2015. The samples were analyzed grossly and microscopically. Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed on some of the samples. The frequency, type of ocular alteration, affected animal species, and affected ocular or periocular tissues were recorded. One hundred eighty-eight ocular and periocular tissues from domestic and, occasionally, wild animals were examined. Nine animals presented two concurrent alterations, adding up to 197 alterations. Proliferative lesions were the most frequent (92), followed by traumatic (43), inflammatory (37), degenerative (18), developmental (4) and vascular/hemorrhagic diseases (3). The globe was the most affected structure (112), followed by eyelids (52), third eyelid (17), bulbar conjunctiva (14) and retrobulbar region (2). Neoplasms arising from periocular tissues were the most frequent alteration (60), possibly related to a more active surgical service and histopathologic evaluation request. Many animals presented ocular lesions that reflected systemic diseases, which were diagnosed by necropsy and examination of other organs. Particularly in cases of neoplasia, early detection and surgical treatment can prevent systemic involvement. Ocular histopathologic evaluation can provide better characterization and prognosis of the clinical-pathological condition of the patient as well.(AU)

O envio de bulbos oculares e tecidos perioculares para histopatologia na rotina diagnóstica e pesquisa ainda é incipiente no Brasil, diferentemente da área de oftalmologia clínica veterinária. Neste estudo, olhos e tecidos perioculares de animais domésticos e silvestres, especialmente provenientes do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, foram avaliados entre fevereiro de 2012 e setembro de 2015. As amostras foram analisadas macro e microscopicamente. Em algumas amostras, histoquímica e imuno-histoquímica também foram realizadas. Frequência, tipo de alteração ocular, espécie animal e estrutura ocular e/ou periocular acometidas foram registrados. Foram examinados 188 bulbos oculares e tecidos perioculares de animais domésticos e, ocasionalmente, silvestres. Nove animais apresentaram duas alterações concomitantes, totalizando 197 alterações. Doenças neoplásicas foram as mais frequentes (92), seguidas pelas traumáticas (43), inflamatórias (37), degenerativas (18), de desenvolvimento (4) e vasculares/hemorrágicas (3). O bulbo ocular foi a estrutura mais acometida (112), seguida pelas pálpebras (52), terceira pálpebra (17), conjuntiva bulbar (14) e região retrobulbar (2). Neoplasmas com origem em tecido periocular foram a alteração mais frequente (60), possivelmente relacionado a uma rotina cirúrgica mais ativa e consequente solicitação de avaliação histopatológica. Muitos animais apresentaram lesões oculares como reflexo de doença sistêmica, as quais foram diagnosticadas por necropsia e análise de outros órgãos. Particularmente em casos de neoplasia, detecção precoce e tratamento cirúrgico podem evitar envolvimento sistêmico. Ademais, a avaliação histopatológica ocular é capaz de oferecer melhor caracterização e prognóstico de condições clínico-patológicas do paciente animal.(AU)

Ancillary techniques on the evaluation of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors from Brazil / Técnicas auxiliares avaliação de mastocitomas cutâneos caninos do Brasil

The use of histologic classification by a 2-tier grading system only, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for KIT and Ki-67 and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for internal tandem duplications (ITD) on exon 11 has improved the prognostication of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (CCMTs) particularly in the United States. However, these techniques are not commonly used in most Brazilian laboratories. Likewise, no studies, to date, have investigated the occurrence of ITD in CCMTs from the country. Thus, this study tested the 2-tier grading system, the immunohistochemistry for KIT and Ki-67 and the PCR for exon 11 in a group of Brazilian CCMTs with the goal of investigating the applicability of these tests in a Brazilian laboratory. Of the 39 CCMTs, 69.2% (27/39) were identified as low-grade and 30.8% (12/39) as high-grade by a 2-tier grading system. All tumors had a KIT expression pattern II, and 30.6% (11/36) had a high growth fraction (Ki-67). PCR amplification was successful in four of the 11 tumors examined. Two of these (50%) were positive for ITD. This study highlights the importance of using auxiliary techniques in the CCMT evaluation, identifies limitations and confirms the applicability of these methods on a routine diagnostic basis in Brazil. Our results will help to improve the prognostication of CCMTs in Brazilian diagnostic laboratories, encouraging the use of supplementary methods.(AU)

O uso de classificação histológica por um novo sistema de graduação que utiliza apenas duas categorias, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) para KIT e Ki-67 e reação de polimerase em cadeia (PCR) para mutações (duplicações internas) no éxon 11 tem melhorado a avaliação do prognóstico de mastocitomas cutâneos caninos (MCCs), particularmente nos Estados Unidos. No entanto, essas técnicas são ainda pouco utilizadas em laboratórios brasileiros e, até então, nenhum estudo investigou a prevalência de duplicações internas (DIs) em MCCs do país. Este estudo testou o novo sistema de graduação histológica de duas categorias, a imuno-histoquímica para KIT e Ki-67 e o PCR para exon 11 em um grupo de MCCs brasileiros, com o objetivo de investigar a aplicabilidade desses métodos em um laboratório brasileiro. De 39 MCCs, 69,2% foram identificados como sendo de baixo grau e 30,8% como de alto grau. Todos tiveram um padrão II de expressão de KIT, e 30,6% (11/36) tiveram uma alta contagem para Ki-67. A amplificação foi bem-sucedida em quatro dos 11 tumores examinados. Dois destes (50%) foram positivos para DIs. Este estudo ressaltou a importância do uso de técnicas auxiliares na avaliação de MCCs, identificou limitações e confirmou a aplicabilidade desses métodos em uma rotina de diagnósticos no Brasil. Esses resultados irão auxiliar na melhor avaliação prognóstica dos MCCs em laboratórios brasileiros, encorajando o uso de métodos suplementares neste processo.(AU)

Ancillary techniques on the evaluation of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors from Brazil / Técnicas auxiliares avaliação de mastocitomas cutâneos caninos do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The use of histologic classification by a 2-tier grading system only, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for KIT and Ki-67 and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for internal tandem duplications (ITD) on exon 11 has improved the prognostication of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (CCMTs) particularly in the United States. However, these techniques are not commonly used in most Brazilian laboratories. Likewise, no studies, to date, have investigated the occurrence of ITD in CCMTs from the country. Thus, this study tested the 2-tier grading system, the immunohistochemistry for KIT and Ki-67 and the PCR for exon 11 in a group of Brazilian CCMTs with the goal of investigating the applicability of these tests in a Brazilian laboratory. Of the 39 CCMTs, 69.2% (27/39) were identified as low-grade and 30.8% (12/39) as high-grade by a 2-tier grading system. All tumors had a KIT expression pattern II, and 30.6% (11/36) had a high growth fraction (Ki-67). PCR amplification was successful in four of the 11 tumors examined. Two of these (50%) were positive for ITD. This study highlights the importance of using auxiliary techniques in the CCMT evaluation, identifies limitations and confirms the applicability of these methods on a routine diagnostic basis in Brazil. Our results will help to improve the prognostication of CCMTs in Brazilian diagnostic laboratories, encouraging the use of supplementary methods.

RESUMO: O uso de classificação histológica por um novo sistema de graduação que utiliza apenas duas categorias, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) para KIT e Ki-67 e reação de polimerase em cadeia (PCR) para mutações (duplicações internas) no éxon 11 tem melhorado a avaliação do prognóstico de mastocitomas cutâneos caninos (MCCs), particularmente nos Estados Unidos. No entanto, essas técnicas são ainda pouco utilizadas em laboratórios brasileiros e, até então, nenhum estudo investigou a prevalência de duplicações internas (DIs) em MCCs do país. Este estudo testou o novo sistema de graduação histológica de duas categorias, a imuno-histoquímica para KIT e Ki-67 e o PCR para exon 11 em um grupo de MCCs brasileiros, com o objetivo de investigar a aplicabilidade desses métodos em um laboratório brasileiro. De 39 MCCs, 69,2% foram identificados como sendo de baixo grau e 30,8% como de alto grau. Todos tiveram um padrão II de expressão de KIT, e 30,6% (11/36) tiveram uma alta contagem para Ki-67. A amplificação foi bem-sucedida em quatro dos 11 tumores examinados. Dois destes (50%) foram positivos para DIs. Este estudo ressaltou a importância do uso de técnicas auxiliares na avaliação de MCCs, identificou limitações e confirmou a aplicabilidade desses métodos em uma rotina de diagnósticos no Brasil. Esses resultados irão auxiliar na melhor avaliação prognóstica dos MCCs em laboratórios brasileiros, encorajando o uso de métodos suplementares neste processo.

Ultrastructure and molecular phylogeny of Pleistophora hyphessobryconis (Microsporidia) infecting hybrid jundiara (Leiarius marmoratus × Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) in a Brazilian aquaculture facility.

A microsporidian infecting the skeletal muscle of hybrid jundiara (Leiarius marmoratus × Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) in a commercial aquaculture facility in Brazil is described. Affected fish exhibited massive infections in the skeletal muscle that were characterized by large opaque foci throughout the affected fillets. Histologically, skeletal muscle was replaced by inflammatory cells and masses of microsporidial developmental stages. Generally pyriform spores had a wrinkled bi-layer spore wall and measured 4·0 × 6·0 µm. Multinucleate meronts surrounded by a simple plasma membrane were observed. The polar filament had an external membrane and a central electron dense mass. The development of sporoblasts within a sporophorous vesicle appeared synchronized. Ultrastructural observations and molecular analysis of 16S rDNA sequences revealed that the microsporidian was Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. This study is the first report of a P. hyphessobryconis infection in a non-ornamental fish.

Retinal dysplasia in American pit bull terriers--phenotypic characterization and breeding study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the inheritance and phenotype of retinal dysplasia (RD) in the American pit bull terrier. ANIMALS STUDIED: A breeding colony established from a single female pure-bred American pit bull terrier dog with RD. PROCEDURES: A female pure-bred American pit bull terrier with RD was donated to the Veterinary Hospital of Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil. A breeding colony was established and the phenotype and inheritance of the condition investigated. Regular ophthalmic examinations and fundus photography were performed on three generations of offspring from the founder animal. Some animals were additionally studied by optical coherence tomography. Ocular histopathology was performed on some animals from the colony. RESULTS: Fifty-seven offspring were produced in two generations from the affected founder female. Thirty-two were diagnosed with RD and showed a spectrum of severity of lesions including multifocal, and or geographic lesions and some developed retinal detachment. Histologic examination demonstrated retinal folds, rosettes, and areas of retinal detachment. The affected dogs were shorter in stature than the unaffected littermates. Breeding studies suggested the trait has an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. DNA testing showed that the affected dogs were negative for the known gene mutations for canine dwarfism with RD. CONCLUSION: This is a report of a novel inherited form of RD that affects American pit bull terriers.

Comparative study of in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and parasitological culture for the diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis.

BACKGROUND: The establishment of an accurate diagnostic protocol for canine visceral leishmaniosis (CanL) is a significant laboratory challenge and the lack of a reliable reference standard is one of the major problems. The aim of this study was to compare in situ hybridization (ISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and parasitological culture (PC) for detection of L. infantum in skin, spleen, lymph node and bone marrow of clinically healthy and sick seropositive dogs. FINDINGS: The study included 65 dogs positive with both DPP® and ELISA for anti-Leishmania antibodies. In situ hybridization of spleen or lymph node had the highest positivity rates of L. infantum detection. The total positivity rates for IHC, ISH and PC were 70%, 68.1% and 65.8%, respectively. When combining techniques, the positivity rates were 81.5% in the spleen, 79.0% in lymph nodes, 59.0% in bone marrow and 52.3% in the skin. The highest percentage of infected dogs (87.7%) was detected by using lymph node samples. When examining only skin, positivity was significantly higher in sick dogs than in the clinically healthy dogs. Infection with L. infantum was confirmed in 95.8% of sick dogs and in 82.4% of healthy dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the advantages of accurately diagnosing different Leishmania species and of being more sensitive than PC, ISH should be considered as reference standard test for the diagnosis of CanL. Spleen and lymph node are the most suitable tissues to confirm infection with L. infantum in seropositive dogs. The testing of only skin from clinically healthy dogs may result in a high percentage of false negative results.

Mixed apocrine adenocarcinoma of the tail in a cow

This report describes an uncommon case of neoplasm in domesticated animals, mixed apocrine adenocarcinoma (MAA). A cutaneous mass from the tail and anal region of an adult cow was detected during the routine antemortem examination of cattle in a slaughterhouse. The mass was ulcerated, firm, measured 23 x 20 x 20 cm and weighed 10 Kg. There were extensive areas of hemorrhage and necrosis admixed with irregular islands of bone. Histopathological examination revealed multiple cysts with papillary projections into lumen. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction revealed amorphous eosinophilic secretory material into luminal spaces and on the apical surface of neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed strong cytoplasmic immunostaining of the epithelial neoplastic cells for cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and strong positive immunostaining of the myoepithelial cells for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and S-100 protein. These gross and histopathological findings observed during this study led to a final diagnosis of MAA.

Mixed apocrine adenocarcinoma of the tail in a cow

This report describes an uncommon case of neoplasm in domesticated animals, mixed apocrine adenocarcinoma (MAA). A cutaneous mass from the tail and anal region of an adult cow was detected during the routine antemortem examination of cattle in a slaughterhouse. The mass was ulcerated, firm, measured 23 x 20 x 20 cm and weighed 10 Kg. There were extensive areas of hemorrhage and necrosis admixed with irregular islands of bone. Histopathological examination revealed multiple cysts with papillary projections into lumen. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction revealed amorphous eosinophilic secretory material into luminal spaces and on the apical surface of neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed strong cytoplasmic immunostaining of the epithelial neoplastic cells for cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and strong positive immunostaining of the myoepithelial cells for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and S-100 protein. These gross and histopathological findings observed during this study led to a final diagnosis of MAA.(AU)

Nem tudo que parece ser, é lesão: aspectos anatômicos, não lesões, artefatos, lesões sem significado clínico e alterações post mortem encontrados na necropsia de suínos domésticos e selvagens (Sus scrofa) / Not everything is an important lesion: anatomical structures, non-lesions, artifacts, lesions without clinical significance, and postmortem findings in domestic and feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

A interpretação das alterações encontradas na necropsia é uma etapa importante para o sucesso do diagnóstico final. Este trabalho tem como objetivo descrever e ilustrar os aspectos anatômicos, não lesões, artefatos, lesões sem significado clínico e alterações post mortem encontradas em suínos domésticos e selvagens. Além disso, também se recomenda técnicas de colheita de tecidos para o diagnóstico de doenças que acometem essa espécie. Os principais aspectos anatômicos e não lesões descritos são fímbrias linguais, quadrilátero esofágico, toro pilórico e demarcação do padrão lobular do fígado (sistema gastrintestinal); tonsilas do palato mole, tecido linfoide associado ao estômago, placas de Peyer do intestino delgado e dobras da margem do baço (sistema hematopoiético); mediastino proeminente do testículo e aréolas da placenta (sistema reprodutor); atelectasia pulmonar e apêndice decidual (feto); e glândulas carpais (sistema tegumentar). Os artefatos de eutanásia abordados são petéquias na superfície do pulmão e rim, falsa anemia por sangria, hemorragia subdural por concussão cerebral, pseudo-infartos do baço e aspecto cerebriforme do intestino delgado. As lesões de pouco significado clínico descritas são cistos renais, linfonodos com pigmento de ferro, papilomas e hemangiomas no escroto, ossos no mesentério e hiperemia da mucosa gástrica. As alterações post mortem comumente encontradas são livor mortis, músculos pálidos, pseudomelanose e líquido serosanguinolento nas cavidades torácica e abdominal em fetos.

The interpretation of the changes observed at necropsy is an important step for the success of the final diagnosis. This article aims to describe and illustrate the anatomical structures, non-lesions, artifacts, lesions without clinical significance and postmortem changes observed in domestic and wild pigs. Moreover, the article also recommends collection techniques of organs or structures for the diagnosis of diseases affecting this species. The main anatomical structures and non-lesions described are marginal lingual papillae, pars oesophagea of the stomach, torus pyloricus, and well demarcated lobular pattern of the liver (gastrointestinal system); tonsils of the soft palate, gastric lymphoid tissue, Peyer's patches of the small intestine, marginal folds of the spleen (hematopoietic system); prominent mediastinum testis and placental areolae (reproductive system); pulmonary atelectasis and periople (fetus); and carpal glands (integumentary system). The discussed artifacts related to euthanasia are petechiae on the surface of the lung and kidney, false anemia due to exsanguination, subdural hemorrhage due to cerebral concussion, pseudoinfarcts of the spleen, and cerebriform appearance of the small intestine. Lesions without clinical significance described are renal cysts, lymph nodes with iron pigment, papillomas and hemangiomas on the scrotum, osseous metaplasia in the mesentery, and hyperemia of the gastric mucosa. Commonly found postmortem changes are livor mortis, pale muscles, pseudomelanosis, and serosanguinous fluid in the thoracic and abdominal cavities of fetuses.

Nem tudo que parece ser, é lesão: aspectos anatômicos, não lesões, artefatos, lesões sem significado clínico e alterações post mortem encontrados na necropsia de suínos domésticos e selvagens (Sus scrofa) / Not everything is an important lesion: anatomical structures, non-lesions, artifacts, lesions without clinical significance, and postmortem findings in domestic and feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

A interpretação das alterações encontradas na necropsia é uma etapa importante para o sucesso do diagnóstico final. Este trabalho tem como objetivo descrever e ilustrar os aspectos anatômicos, não lesões, artefatos, lesões sem significado clínico e alterações post mortem encontradas em suínos domésticos e selvagens. Além disso, também se recomenda técnicas de colheita de tecidos para o diagnóstico de doenças que acometem essa espécie. Os principais aspectos anatômicos e não lesões descritos são fímbrias linguais, quadrilátero esofágico, toro pilórico e demarcação do padrão lobular do fígado (sistema gastrintestinal); tonsilas do palato mole, tecido linfoide associado ao estômago, placas de Peyer do intestino delgado e dobras da margem do baço (sistema hematopoiético); mediastino proeminente do testículo e aréolas da placenta (sistema reprodutor); atelectasia pulmonar e apêndice decidual (feto); e glândulas carpais (sistema tegumentar). Os artefatos de eutanásia abordados são petéquias na superfície do pulmão e rim, falsa anemia por sangria, hemorragia subdural por concussão cerebral, pseudo-infartos do baço e aspecto cerebriforme do intestino delgado. As lesões de pouco significado clínico descritas são cistos renais, linfonodos com pigmento de ferro, papilomas e hemangiomas no escroto, ossos no mesentério e hiperemia da mucosa gástrica. As alterações post mortem comumente encontradas são livor mortis, músculos pálidos, pseudomelanose e líquido serosanguinolento nas cavidades torácica e abdominal em fetos. (AU)

The interpretation of the changes observed at necropsy is an important step for the success of the final diagnosis. This article aims to describe and illustrate the anatomical structures, non-lesions, artifacts, lesions without clinical significance and postmortem changes observed in domestic and wild pigs. Moreover, the article also recommends collection techniques of organs or structures for the diagnosis of diseases affecting this species. The main anatomical structures and non-lesions described are marginal lingual papillae, pars oesophagea of the stomach, torus pyloricus, and well demarcated lobular pattern of the liver (gastrointestinal system); tonsils of the soft palate, gastric lymphoid tissue, Peyer's patches of the small intestine, marginal folds of the spleen (hematopoietic system); prominent mediastinum testis and placental areolae (reproductive system); pulmonary atelectasis and periople (fetus); and carpal glands (integumentary system). The discussed artifacts related to euthanasia are petechiae on the surface of the lung and kidney, false anemia due to exsanguination, subdural hemorrhage due to cerebral concussion, pseudoinfarcts of the spleen, and cerebriform appearance of the small intestine. Lesions without clinical significance described are renal cysts, lymph nodes with iron pigment, papillomas and hemangiomas on the scrotum, osseous metaplasia in the mesentery, and hyperemia of the gastric mucosa. Commonly found postmortem changes are livor mortis, pale muscles, pseudomelanosis, and serosanguinous fluid in the thoracic and abdominal cavities of fetuses. (AU)