Magnetic resonance imaging features of cerebellar vermis medulloblastoma in an adult canine patient.

A seven-year-old, not-castrated male, Airedale Terrier presented with a history of ataxia and intention tremor of the head of three-week duration. Neurologic examination demonstrated severe hypermetria, intention tremor of the head and a bilateral menace response deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well demarcated cerebellar vermis mass, hypointense on T1-weighted images, hyperintense on T2-weighted images, with multiple small foci of high signal similar to that of CSF. Foci dispersed in the mass creating a speckled appearance. Homogeneous faint, wispy post-contrast enhancement of the mass was noted; as a result the tumor became isointense to gray matter and was not clearly evident in post contrast images. The histopathological diagnosis of the excised tumor was cerebellar medulloblastoma.

Dietary Supplementation of Benzoic Acid and Essential Oil Compounds Affects Buffering Capacity of the Feeds, Performance of Turkey Poults and Their Antioxidant Status, pH in the Digestive Tract, Intestinal Microbiota and Morphology.

Three trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of a basal diet with benzoic acid or thymol or a mixture of essential oil blends (MEO) or a combination of benzoic acid with MEO (BMEO) on growth performance of turkey poults. Control groups were fed a basal diet. In trial 1, benzoic acid was supplied at levels of 300 and 1,000 mg/kg. In trial 2, thymol or the MEO were supplied at levels of 30 mg/kg. In trial 3, the combination of benzoic acid with MEO was evaluated. Benzoic acid, MEO and BMEO improved performance, increased lactic acid bacteria populations and decreased coliform bacteria in the caeca. Thymol, MEO and BMEO improved antioxidant status of turkeys. Benzoic acid and BMEO reduced the buffering capacity compared to control feed and the pH values of the caecal content. Benzoic acid and EOs may be suggested as an effective alternative to AGP in turkeys.

Assessment of probiotics supplementation via feed or water on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and microflora of chickens after experimental infection with Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella.

In this study, the effect of probiotic supplementation via drinking water or feed on the performance of broiler chickens experimentally infected with sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina (5 × 10(4)), Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella (2 × 10(4) each one) at 14 days of age was evaluated. Two hundred and forty 1-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were separated into eight equal groups with three replicates. Two of the groups, one infected with mixed Eimeria oocysts and the other not, were given a basal diet and served as controls. The remaining groups were also challenged with mixed Eimeria species and received the basal diet and either water supplemented with probiotic (three groups) or probiotic via feed (two groups); the probiotic used consisted of Enterococcus faecium #589, Bifidobacterium animalis #503 and Lactobacillus salivarius #505 at a ratio of 6:3:1. Probiotic supplementation was applied either via drinking water in different inclusion rates (groups W1, W2 and W3) or via feed using uncoated (group FN) or coated strains (group FC). The last group was given the basal diet supplemented with the anticoccidial lasalocid at 75 mg/kg. Each experimental group was given the corresponding diet or drinking water from day 1 to day 42 of age. Throughout the experimental period of 42 days, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and feed conversion ratios were calculated. Seven days after infection, the infected control group presented the lowest weight gain values, while probiotics supplied via feed supported growth to a comparable level with that of the lasalocid group. Probiotic groups presented lesion score values and oocyst numbers that were lower than in control infected birds but higher than in the lasalocid group. In the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, the highest villous height values were presented by probiotic groups. In conclusion, a mixture of probiotic substances gave considerable improvement in both growth performance and intestinal health in comparison with infected control birds and fairly similar improvement to an approved anticoccidial during a mixed Eimeria infection.

Assessment of dietary supplementation with probiotics on performance, intestinal morphology and microflora of chickens infected with Eimeria tenella.

We evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with different preparations of probiotics on the performance of broiler chickens experimentally infected with 2 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella at 14 days of age. Three hundred, day-old, Cobb-500 chicks, as hatched, were separated into 10 equal groups with three replicates. Two of the groups, one challenged with E. tenella oocysts and the other not, were given a basal diet and served as controls without medication. The other challenged groups were given the anticoccidial lasalocid (60 mg/kg) or Enterococcus faecium (5 × 10(8) or 5 × 10(9)cfu/kg feed), Bifidobacterium animalis (5 × 10(8)cfu/kg feed), Lactobacillus reuteri (5 × 10(8)cfu/kg feed), Bacillus subtilis (5 × 10(8)cfu/kg feed), or a multi-species probiotic mix at 5 × 10(8) or 5 × 10(9)cfu/kg feed, respectively. The trial lasted 6 weeks. Individual body weight, feed intake per pen and feed conversion ratio values were recorded weekly, along with the extent of bloody diarrhea, excreta oocyst numbers and bird mortality. Caecal lesions were assessed and intestinal samples were taken for histopathological and bacteriological evaluation from ileum and caecum. Overall growth performance of chickens fed the multi-species probiotic mix at both levels was higher (P<0.05) compared to the infected control. Overall oocyst shedding was lowest (P<0.05) in the lasalocid supplemented group. Villous height was higher (P<0.05) in Bacillus supplemented groups compared to infected controls. The Lactobacillus supplemented group had the highest (P<0.05) numbers of both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in ileum and caecum. In conclusion, dietary probiotics are promising for further investigation on improving intestinal health and growth performance of broiler chickens experimentally challenged with E. tenella.

Foreign body-associated intestinal pyogranuloma resulting in intestinal obstruction in four dogs.

Intestinal obstruction resulting from an intramural foreign body-associated pyogranuloma was diagnosed in four dogs. Vomiting and weight loss were the main clinical signs. On physical examination, a mass in the abdomen was detected in three dogs. Abdominal radiography demonstrated the presence of soft tissue opacity in three of the dogs and gas-filled dilated intestinal loops in all four dogs. Abdominal ultrasonography showed hyperkinetic fluid-filled dilated intestinal loops and a hypoechoic small intestinal mass in all the dogs. Exploratory coeliotomy confirmed the presence of a jejunal mass, which was removed by resection and anastomosis in all the dogs. In one of the dogs a linear foreign body was also found cranial to the mass and was removed through a separate enterotomy incision. The lesions were diagnosed as foreign body-associated intestinal pyogranulomas on histological examination. Three dogs recovered without complications, but the fourth showed signs of septic peritonitis four days after surgery and was euthanased at the owner's request. The other three dogs remained disease-free 12 to 42 months after surgery.

Influence of dietary mushroom Agaricus bisporus on intestinal morphology and microflora composition in broiler chickens.

In this study, we evaluated the intestinal morphology and bacteria populations in broiler chickens fed for six weeks diets that contained different amount of the mushroom Agaricus bisporus. Ninety day-old female chicks were randomly divided into three dietary treatments, each with three replicates kept in floor pens and fed a basal diet supplemented with the dried mushroom at levels of 0, 10 or 20 g/kg fresh feed. Feed and water were offered to birds ad libitum. The morphological examinations of the intestine were carried out on 1-cm long excised segments from duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The populations of total aerobes, total anaerobes, Lactobacilli spp., Bifidobacteria spp., Escherichiacoli, Bacteroides spp. and Enterococci were enumerated in ileum and caecum by conventional microbiological techniques using selective agar media. The results of the study showed that dietary mushroom supplementation did not significantly affect intestinal morphology at either level of inclusion. Morphometrical parameters of depth of duodenum, jejunum and ileum crypt and height of villi revealed no differences amongst dietary treatments. In the ileum, Lactobacilli spp. were higher in birds supplemented at the level of 20 g/kg compared to controls; however, other measurements of bacteria loads were similar amongst the three dietary treatments. In the caecum, Lactobacilli spp. and Bifidobacteria spp. loads were higher in birds supplemented at either level of inclusion compared to control birds, although these did not differ between the two levels of supplementation. In conclusion, dietary mushroom supplementation may beneficially affect intestinal health of broiler chickens.

Metaplastic ossification of a cervical sialocoele in a dog.

Metaplastic ossification of a long-standing cervical sialocoele was identified in a 2-year-old male Hellenic Hound dog. Diagnosis was based upon history, clinical findings, paracentesis and histopathology. Trauma or chronic inflammation of the mandibular gland/duct complex were the most probable causes of the ossification. Surgical excision of the ossified mass, as well as of mandibular and sublingual salivary glands/ducts of the affected side, resulted in clinical remission.

Compound maxillary odontoma in a young German shepherd dog.

A three-month-old, male German shepherd dog was admitted with a facial mass of two months' duration. Clinical examination showed a round mass, 3 cm in diameter, in the left infraorbital area. The upper last premolar deciduous tooth was not erupted. No other abnormalities were detected. Radiological examination revealed a posterior maxillary mass of mixed opacity. The mass was surgically excised. Histopathological examination demonstrated a connective tissue stroma containing foci of irregular enamel and dentine, resembling rudimentary teeth (denticles), surrounded by new bone formation. Morphology and structure of the denticles were also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. A compound odontoma was diagnosed. One year after surgery, the dog was free of clinical signs.

Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of canine distemper virus-induced footpad hyperkeratosis (hard Pad disease) in dogs with natural canine distemper.

Hard pad disease represents an uncommon manifestation of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection with a still uncertain pathogenesis. To study the pathogenesis of this uncommon, virally induced cutaneous lesion, the footpads of 19 dogs with naturally occurring distemper were investigated for histologic changes and distribution pattern of CDV antigen. All dogs displayed clinical signs of distemper, which had lasted from 10 to 75 days. Overt digital hyperkeratosis was observed in 12 animals (group A), whereas the footpads of the remaining seven dogs appeared normal macroscopically (group B). Orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis (12/12; 100%), irregular acanthosis (11/12; 92%), thickened rete ridges (10/12; 83%), and mild mononuclear perivascular (10/ 12; 83%) and periadnexal (7/12; 58%) dermatitis were the most common findings in dogs with hard pad disease. Surprisingly, orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis (5/7; 71%), irregular acanthosis (5/7; 71%), and thickened rete ridges (4/7; 57%) were also seen in the dogs without clinical evidence of digital hyperkeratosis. CDV-specific inclusion bodies and ballooning degeneration were not observed in the footpad epidermis of the 19 dogs. Immunohis-tochemistry revealed that CDV antigen was most frequently found in the stratum spinosum and granulosum and in the epithelial cells of the eccrine sweat glands and only rarely in the basal layer. Fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells, and hair follicles were also positive in some animals. Despite the obvious difference regarding the macroscopic picture, the microscopic changes were less prominent between the animal groups. The selective infection of keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum might be the key event for the development of hard pad disease in the dog.

Protothecal colitis in a German shepherd dog.

A 3 1/2-year-old intact male German Shepherd Dog was admitted with a history of protracted haemorrhagic diarrhoea and tenesmus. Clinical evaluation revealed thickening of the rectal mucosa and presence of fresh blood and mucus in the faeces. Severe mucosal granularity and multiple nodules, in addition to a rectal stricture 7 to 9 cm from the anus, were found on colonoscopy. Histopathological evaluation of biopsy specimens identified organisms with morphologic features compatible with those reported for Prototheca spp. Although surgical excision of the rectal stricture was performed and ketoconazole treatment was instituted postoperatively, the dog's clinical condition deteriorated and euthanasia was performed 4 months later.

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in a randomized placebo controlled study of canine plasmacytic-lymphocytic colitis.

The purpose of this study was to determine serum and colonic monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) concentration in dogs with plasmacytic-lymphocytic (PL) colitis, as well as to demonstrate if the concentration of MCP-1 may be an accurate diagnostic and prognostic marker for PL colitis in dogs receiving three different therapeutic protocols. Serum and colonic MCP-1 concentration were measured in 18 dogs with PL colitis and in 6 controls. Dogs with PL colitis were randomly divided in 3 groups and for a period of 30 days received the following: Group 1, sulfasalazine, prednisone and placebo; Group 2, placebo and &#x03C93/&#x03C96 fatty acids, and Group 3, sul-fasalazine, prednisone and &#x03C93/&#x03C96 fatty acids. Colonic and serum MCP-1 concentration were de-termined at the beginning and at the end of this period. Serum MCP-1 concentrations at the be-ginning were not significantly increased in dogs with PL colitis compared to the controls. On the contrary, colonic tissue MCP-1 concentrations at the beginning were significantly increased in the same dogs compared to the controls. Moreover, the colonic tissue MCP-1 concentration in the dogs of group 3 was significantly decreased (P&#x003C0.001) at the end of the experiment. The same observations were obtained from dogs of groups 1 and 2, in which the colonic MCP-1 concentra-tion also significantly decreased (P&#x003C0.01). These data demonstrate that in canine PL colitis, colo-nic MCP-1 concentration is increased in comparison to those of controls and suggest that the colonic MCP-1 concentration may aid in the diagnosis of canine PL colitis.

Aspergillus species cystitis in a cat.

A Persian male cat with a history of lower urinary tract disease was presented because of polydipsia, polyuria, constipation and nasal discharge. Ten weeks before admission, the cat had been treated for lower urinary tract disease by catheterisation and flushing of the bladder. The animal was thin, dehydrated, anaemic and azotaemic. Urine culture revealed Aspergillus species cystitis. Antibodies against Aspergillus nidulans were identified in serum. Fluconazole was administered orally (7.5 mg/kg, q 12 h) for 10 consecutive weeks. The azotaemia was resolved, the kidney concentrating ability was recovered and the cat has remained healthy without similar problems.

Primary intranasal transmissible venereal tumour in the dog: a retrospective study of six spontaneous cases.

The medical records of six dogs with primary intranasal transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) were reviewed. Epistaxis (4/6), serosangineous nasal discharge (2/6), oronasal fistulae (2/6), facial swelling (1/6) and submandibular lymphadenopathy (3/6) due to reactive hyperplasia (2/3) and metastasis (1/3) were the most common complaints and clinical findings. Diagnosis was made by rhinoscopy and confirmed by cytology and histopathology in five dogs and by cytology only in one dog. The microscopic appearance of the tumours with both diagnostic techniques was typical of TVT. Four cases were treated effectively with four to five weekly cycles of vincristine monotherapy that resulted in complete resolution of TVT masses in approximately 1 month. One case was resistant to this kind of treatment and another one was lost to follow-up.

Immunohistochemical study of a granular cell tumor on the tongue of a dog.

A granular cell tumor (GCT; myoblastoma) was diagnosed on the tongue of a 12-year-old English Pointer with clinical signs of mild oral dysphagia. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry. The tumor was positive for S-100 protein, but also was positive for desmin, and was only weakly positive for PAS, which is unusual for GCTs. An epithelioid type of leiomyoma (leiomyoblastoma) was considered less likely on the basis of negative staining for smooth muscle actin. Treatment consisted of surgical resection of the tumor. The animal was in excellent clinical condition 1 year after surgery. Although GCT of the tongue has been reported previously in the dog, determining the cell of origin is still problematic. Immunohistochemistry is helpful for histogenetic classification and necessary for differentiation from leiomyoblastoma.

The age at onset of diabetes influences functional and structural changes in the pituitary-thyroid axis of streptozocin-diabetic male rats.

Severe structural changes leading to marked alterations in secretory activity are known to occur in the pituitary-thyroid axis 1 month after induction of postpuberal streptozocin (SZ)-diabetes. However, SZ-diabetic rats of different age groups have not been compared, nor has the maturity of the pituitary and thyroid glands at the onset of diabetes been correlated with the type and evolution of functional and structural changes. We thus induced diabetes in 1-month (prepuberal of 3-month (postpuberal) old male rats and compared diabetic with control groups 4 and 8 months after SZ or saline injection. We determined: 1) pituitary and thyroid weights, 2) the basal plasma TSH, T3, and T4 concentrations, and 3) several morphometrical measurements in the pituitary and thyroid glands. After 4 months, 1) the pituitary and thyroid weights were decreased, 2) plasma TSH and T3 were unchanged, plasma T4 was reduced. and 3) the number of thyrotropes, degenerative changes of follicle cells, and colloid area were increased, the follicle cell height as well as the number of fused cold follicles decreased, and the follicle area was unchanged in diabetic compared with control rats. The lesions were more conspicuous in pre- than in postpuberal diabetic animals. After 8 months, plasma TSH, T3, and T4 were decreased in diabetic compared with control rats. Except for the increased colloid area, all other lesions were similar, though more severe in prepuberal diabetic rats after 8 than 4 months. Few changes were found in postpuberal diabetic rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reverse hemolytic plaque assay study of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone and thyrotropin secretion in diabetic rat pituitary glands.

Numerous studies indicate that an impaired hypothalamopituitary axis plays an important role in reproductive and thyroid disorders in diabetic humans and animal models. Yet, several questions about the pathogenesis of these diabetic complications have not been answered. To evaluate the basal secretion of single gonadotrophs and thyrotrophs in vitro, uncultured pituitary cells from control rats and 1-mo streptozocin-induced diabetic (STZ-D) rats were studied with a reverse hemolytic plaque assay and morphometry. After light-microscopy immunocytochemistry for gonadotropin and thyrotropin (TSH), we recorded the ratio of plaque-forming to non-plaque-forming cells. The area of plaques produced by luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and TSH cells and the area of plaque-forming and non-plaque-forming cells were clearly smaller in diabetic than control rats. The plaque area, however, was more severely reduced than the cell area. The percentage of LH-, FSH-, and TSH-immunoreactive plaque-forming cells was greatly decreased in diabetic compared with control animals. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the LH-, FSH-, and TSH-secreting cells of diabetic rats released less hormone and were less numerous than the corresponding cells of control rats. Thus, several pathogenetic mechanisms might be involved in reduced gonadotropin and TSH release at the cellular level: 1) anatomical lesions of organelles involved in glycoprotein hormone synthesis and secretion, possibly due to insulin deficiency; 2) decreased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptors on pituitary cells; 3) inadequate GnRH and TRH stimulation; 4) high plasma corticosterone levels; or 5) a combination of points 1-4.

[Alternative methods: development and use of two "in vitro" models for endocrine studies]. / Méthodes alternatives: développement et utilisation de deux modèles'in vitro' pour des études endocriniennes.

Most endocrinological studies are normally performed on several animal groups: one group for the determination of hormonal levels in tissues and plasma under basal conditions, a second group for the same determinations after "in vivo" treatment of the animals (stimulation or inhibition of the endocrine activities) and two additional groups for morphological investigations. Surgical approaches belong not rarely to the "in vivo" treatment of the animals. Moreover, the results from the different animal groups have to be extrapolated. In order to overcome these drawbacks, we have developed two "in vitro" models by means of which we can study on the tissues from the same animal: 1. function and structure of the hypothalamus and 2. function and structure of isolated pituitary cells. By using these models we can considerably reduce the number of animals needed for the studies, replace the "in vivo" by the "in vitro" experiments and refine the methods avoiding, among others, the extrapolation of results.