Clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of an undifferentiated renal tubular carcinoma in a juvenile olive baboon (Papio anubis).

An undifferentiated renal tubular carcinoma was diagnosed in a juvenile male olive baboon (Papio anubis). The animal suddenly appeared depressed and refused to eat. During physical examination, a firm, palpable mass in the left abdominal area and flank pain were detected. Clinical pathology findings included mild anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and mildly increased serum creatinine and urea concentrations. Radiographs revealed a large mass in the left abdominal area. Exploratory laparotomy disclosed a 10 cmx15 cm multilobulated mass involving the left kidney and adjacent organs. Because of a poor prognosis, the animal was humanely euthanized, and necropsy was performed. Tissue samples of the neoplasm were taken for histopathological examination. Immunohistochemical staining was done using vimentin, cytokeratin, S-100 protein, Ki-67, alpha-actin, and desmin-specific primary antibodies. Microscopically, elongated and irregular tubules were lined by 2 or more layers of atypical epithelial cells. Anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, and frequent mitotic figures were also observed. Following immunohistochemical staining, the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells was positive for cytokeratin, vimentin, and S-100 protein and negative for alpha-actin and desmin. Positive nuclear staining for Ki-67 was observed. The neoplasm was diagnosed as an undifferentiated renal tubular carcinoma.

Thoracic omentalization for long-term management of neoplastic pleural effusion in a cat.

CASE DESCRIPTION: An 11-year-old neutered female domestic longhair cat was evaluated because of a 1-week history of progressive dyspnea, signs of depression, and loss of appetite. A histiocytic sarcoma had been excised from the mammary gland 6 weeks earlier. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination findings were consistent with pleural effusion, and thoracic and abdominal radiography and ultrasonography revealed pleural effusion, a thoracic mass involving the aorta and pulmonary artery, and a caudal abdominal mass that most likely represented enlarged iliac lymph nodes. Cytologic examination of the pleural fluid and fine-needle aspirates from the iliac and right popliteal lymph nodes revealed abundant cells with neoplastic characteristics of indeterminate origin. The clinical diagnosis was generalized malignant neoplasia. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Pleural drainage was necessary every 5 to 6 days. Exploratory thoracotomy and biopsy of the mass were recommended for better characterization of the thoracic disease. Simultaneously, palliative treatment by advancement of the omentum into the thorax was performed. A final diagnosis of disseminated histiocytic sarcoma was made, and treatment with doxorubicin was begun after surgery. During the 13 months after surgery, the cat was free from signs of respiratory tract disease and had normal activity levels with good exercise tolerance. Fifteen months after surgery, the cat's clinical condition worsened and the cat died. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that thoracic omentalization may be considered for palliative treatment of cats with refractory neoplastic pleural effusion when frequent thoracocentesis is necessary and other treatments are not suitable.

Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation in an adult goat.

An occipitoatlantoaxial malformation was diagnosed in a 1-year-old Murciano-Granadina goat. At clinical examination, the head and cranial part of the neck were deviated to the right. Clinical signs of spinal cord or brain disease were not observed. At necropsy, morphological abnormalities were seen in the craniovertebral junction and cervical vertebrae, characterized by a firm attachment and incomplete articulation between the occipital bone and the atlas, and scoliosis in the cervical regions. The definitive diagnosis was bilateral asymmetrical occipitoatlantoaxial fusion with rotation of the atlas and atlantoaxial subluxation. To the authors' knowledge, this case report is the second occipitoatlantoaxial malformation described in a goat and the first description in an adult goat.

Imaging diagnosis--Ultrasound-guided ethanol sclerotherapy for a simple renal cyst.

Solitary renal cysts are benign and in the majority of instances asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Nevertheless, treatment may be required if abdominal discomfort or pain, hypertension, infection or renal outflow obstruction occur. Under these circumstances, percutaneous management of the cyst is the easiest and fastest procedure, and no major complications are generally encountered. In this report we describe a patient with a solitary renal cyst treated successfully by a single injection of ethanol into the cyst. The sonographic appearance of the cyst changed from a well-defined hypoechoic structure to an ill-defined hyperechoic region. Canine renal cysts may be successfully managed in some instances by a single ethanol injection.