Lingual neoplasia in nonhuman primates: Description of five cases and a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Documentation of lingual tumors is scarce in nonhuman primates. METHODS: Through a multi-institutional retrospective study we compile cases of primary and metastatic neoplasia in non-human primates. RESULTS: We describe five cases of lingual neoplasia. Three cases are primary lingual tumors: chondro-osteoblastic lipoma in a howler monkey, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibroma in two baboons. We describe two cases of metastatic lymphoma in the tongue in rhesus macaques. A literature review of published lingual neoplasia in nonhuman primates is included in this manuscript. CONCLUSION: Lingual neoplasia is seldom reported in non-human primates.

Background and common lesions in the female reproductive organs of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species in South America and is considered endangered or near extinction in Central America. Therefore, studies describing the reproductive characteristics of this species are pivotal for its conservation. Thus, this study aimed to provide a morphological description of the female reproductive tissues of this species. We collected tissue samples from six female giant anteaters and performed gross, morphological, and histochemical analyses. Five adult subjects and one juvenile were included in the study. In the ovary, classifications were made according to the follicle and oocyte sizes: primordial, primary, secondary, early antral, or antral. Typical follicles with a single oocyte surrounded by a simple or stratified layer of cubic epithelium, atretic follicles, corpora lutea, corpora albicans, and ovarian cysts were also observed. No ovarian lesions were observed. By contrast, endometritis, metritis, mucometra, and endometrial cysts were identified in the uterus. Uterine alterations in these subjects were frequent and could affect reproduction.

Coinfection by Mycobacterium marinum and Mycolicibacterium fortuitum in a captive adult diamondback water snake causing disseminated mycobacteriosis with acute cutaneous ulceration.

An adult male captive diamondback water snake (Nerodia rhombifer) was found dead after a 1-d history of lethargy and cutaneous ulcers. The snake had eaten 2 sunfish (Mola spp.) 5 d before death. Gross examination revealed white-to-tan nodules in the lung and liver and segmental intestinal impactions with digested fish. Histopathology confirmed disseminated granulomas with numerous intrahistiocytic acid-fast bacteria in the skin, skeletal muscle, lung, liver, and intestines. Mycobacterium marinum and Mycolicibacterium fortuitum were identified by culture of the hepatic granuloma, followed by PCR and rpoB gene sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first description of M. marinum and M. fortuitum coinfection in this species. Although M. fortuitum has been isolated from reptiles, lesions associated with its presence in tissues have not been described previously. Interestingly, the mineralization within granulomas that we observed in our case is not reported in mycobacterial infection in reptiles, whereas this finding is common in mammals.

Characterization of gastrointestinal inflammatory cell type in equine glandular gastric disease.

OBJECTIVE: To compare small intestinal inflammation with gastric inflammation in horses with and without equine gastric glandular disease (EGGD), we evaluated endoscopic, macroscopic, and microscopic findings of the glandular stomach and microscopic findings of the small intestine. ANIMALS: 36 horses. METHODS: Horses underwent endoscopy and were scored for EGGD. After euthanasia, stomachs were collected and macroscopically evaluated. Normal pyloric mucosa, glandular lesions, and small intestinal (duodenum, mid-jejunum, and ileum) samples were collected and processed for microscopic examination. Cellular infiltrate was scored. Immunohistochemistry (CD3, CD20, and Iba-1) was performed on the ventral pylorus and small intestine of horses with mild to moderate lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. A Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship of EGGD grade with gastric glandular inflammation, and the relationships of cellular infiltrate type and severity among glandular stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal inflammation was common, with gastric inflammatory infiltrate identified in 92%, duodenal inflammatory infiltrate in 83%, jejunal inflammatory infiltrate in 92%, and ileal inflammatory infiltrate in 92% of horses. Endoscopic evidence of gastric disease (hyperemia or EGGD grade ≥ 2/4) was not associated with the presence or severity of duodenal, jejunal, or ileal inflammation. Gastric lymphoplasmacytic inflammation grade ≥ 2 was associated with duodenal lymphoplasmacytic inflammation grade ≥ 2. This was a convenience sample of horses presenting for euthanasia. Medical history (including deworming history) was unknown. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gastric lymphoplasmacytic inflammation is associated with duodenal lymphoplasmacytic inflammation but not more distal small intestinal inflammation. Intestinal inflammation is not associated with endoscopic findings (hyperemia or EGGD grade ≥ 2/4).

Main Causes of Death in Piglets from Different Brazilian Nursery Farms Based on Clinical, Microbiological, and Pathological Aspects.

Necropsies can reveal herd problems or comorbidities that can lead to management corrections, improvements in animal performance, and better decision making. Furthermore, the pattern and causes of mortality might differ when different systems are evaluated. The present study was conducted to establish the main causes of death in nursery pigs from different systems in Brazil, as well as the clinical, microbiological, and pathological aspects of these mortalities. Eighteen nurseries were analyzed (a total of 120,243 housed piglets), and 557 necropsies were performed. Streptococcus suis infection was the most prevalent cause of death (21.2%), followed by bacterial polyserositis (16.7%), chronic atrophic enteritis (13.5%), salmonellosis (8.8%), pneumonia (8.6%), and colibacillosis (6.1%). The increase in mortality rate in individual nurseries and, consequently, in the diagnoses was commonly associated with disease outbreaks. Infectious diseases constituted the largest portion of the diagnoses, making a great opportunity for improving production rates in herds. Moreover, the extensive range of observed diagnoses highlights the importance of conducting preliminary diagnostic investigations based on necropsy to determine the causes of death. This approach allows for the direction of complementary tests, which can diagnose agents with greater specificity. As a result, this allows for the implementation of more effective prevention and control strategies.

Beak fracture associated with leiomyosarcoma in a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus): a case report and literature review.

A 2-year-old male budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) died after a 1-day history of fracture of the rostral rhinotheca with pale mucous membranes, dyspnea, dull mentation, and ataxia. Histopathology revealed an infiltrative neoplasm composed of interweaving streams of spindle cells effacing the dermis and bone of the rostral upper beak as well as a ganglion and two cranial nerves. No visceral metastasis was observed. Neoplastic cells exhibited strong cytoplasmic immunolabeling for alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and lacked immunolabeling for S100, Melan-A, PNL2, and cytokeratin AE1/AE3. These findings were consistent with a locally invasive leiomyosarcoma Leiomyosarcomas arise from the smooth muscle and are locally invasive with rare metastases. In birds, leiomyosarcomas are mostly reported to arise from the spleen, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts. In the case report herein, we describe the histological and immunohistochemical features of a primary beak leiomyosarcoma in a budgerigar associated with a fracture located at the rostral rhinotheca. Leiomyosarcoma arising from the beak has not been described in the literature.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis in dogs infected with Leishmania spp.

Background: Morphological involvement of endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, remain uninvestigated in dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of amastigotes of Leishmania spp. and characterized inflammatory changes, highlighting the involvement of TCD3+ lymphocytes in different regions of the pituitary gland of dogs. Methods: Samples were collected from 21 naturally infected dogs and 5 control, uninfected dogs. The different pituitary regions were analyzed in histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) under light microscopy. Inflammation was classified by intensity in a score from 0 to 3, absent (0), mild (1), moderate (2), and marked (3). The immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation was performed in five high-power fields (hot spot) in a 40x objective of each region with manual counting (Image J1.52ª) of the TCD3+ lymphocytes and for amastigotes analyzed in 40x and 100x objectives. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data. Differences between groups were determined by the Mann Whitney test. The correlation between variables was assessed by Sperman's correlation test. p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Amastigotes from the pituitary glands of two infected dogs were identified using IHC. The histopathological evaluation stained with hematoxylin and eosin showed greater intensity of inflammation in the pars distalis and pars intermedia regions of infected dogs. IHC for TCD3+ lymphocytes showed a higher median number of immunolabeled cells in pars nervosa in the infected group than in the control group (p < 0.05); and expecting a variation in the distribution and number of these cells in naturally infected dogs, the median of the control group was considered a cut-off point, an increase in T lymphocytes (p < 0.05) was also observed in the pars intermedia and pars distalis of an infected subgroup (n = 10). A moderate significant correlation between the intensity of inflammation and the number of immunolabeled TCD3+ lymphocytes was established in the analyzed pituitary regions, characterizing the occurrence of hypophysitis. Conclusion: These findings presuppose that inflammation and/or the parasite in the pituitary region can result in gland dysfunction, worsening the clinical condition of the patient and compromising the efficiency of treatment and prognosis.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Creep Feeding Effects on Piglet Pre- and Post-Weaning Performance.

In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effects of providing piglets with creep feed during lactation on piglet pre- and post-weaning performance. A total of 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Creep feeding in lactation improved pre-weaning piglet performance in 46% of the studies selected, while 58% of the included studies reported that creep feeding in lactation improved piglet performance during the nursery phase. Creep feeding increased the average piglet body weight (creep = 7.23 ± 0.30, no creep = 6.96 ± 0.31; p = 0.03) and litter weight (creep = 81.2 ± 4.18, no creep = 76.4 ± 4.22; p < 0.001) at weaning. The average piglet body weight and litter weight were positively associated (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) with total creep feed intake. Creep feeding of piglets for more than 14 days increased (p = 0.003) the litter weight at weaning compared to litters not provided or provided for shorter periods with creep feed. The present work strengthened the notion that creep feeding during lactation presents opportunities for improving weaning weights and post-weaning piglet performance compared to litters not provided or provided for shorter periods with creep feed.

Increased CCL-5 (RANTES) Gene Expression in the Choroid Plexus of Dogs with Canine Leishmaniosis.

Visceral canine leishmaniasis (CanL) can cause several clinical manifestations, including neurological lesions. Few reports have characterized the lesions observed in the central nervous system (CNS) during CanL; however, its pathogenesis remains unclear. The choroid plexus (CP) is a specialized structure responsible for the production and secretion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and considered an interface between the peripheral immune system and CNS. It can allow the passage of inflammatory cells or pathogens and has the potential to act as a source of inflammatory mediators in several diseases. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of CP as a possible route of inflammatory cells in the development of brain lesions in dogs with CanL, as well as its association with blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) dysfunction. Samples were collected from 19 dogs that were naturally infected with CanL. We evaluated the histopathological lesions in the brain and investigated the gene expression of the cytokines. Capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate the presence of the same cytokines in the CSF. Biochemical analysis was performed to compare the presence of albumin in the serum and CSF. Indirect ELISA was performed to measure the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies in the CSF, which would suggest the disruption of the BCSFB. Histopathological evaluation of the dogs' brains revealed mild-to-severe inflammatory infiltrates, mainly in the CP and meninges. We also detected the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies and albumin in the CSF, as well as Leishmania DNA in the CP. The gene expression of CCL-5 was increased in the CP of infected dogs compared with that of controls, and there was a tendency for the increase in the gene expression of CXCL-10. Thus, our findings confirm the disfunction of the BCSFB during CanL and suggest that the chemokines CCL-5 and CXCL-10 can be responsible for the recruitment of inflammatory cells found in CP.

Systemic Exophiala equina infection in an Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina): a case report and literature review.

Phaeohyphomycosis is an infection caused by melanized fungi. This disease has been reported in several animal species including invertebrates, cold-blooded vertebrates, mammals, and humans. Melanized fungi have similar phenotypical features and confirmation requires culture and molecular diagnostics. To exemplify this we present a case of a 333 g adult of unknown age, free-ranging, male Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) that was referred to the Turtle Rescue Team at North Carolina State University for evaluation of multilobulated masses occupying the entire left orbit and at the right forelimb on the plantarolateral aspect of the foot. A fine needle aspirate cytologic examination of the mass on the right forelimb revealed large numbers of inflammatory cells and fungal organisms. Histopathology of the skin biopsies from the right forefoot was consistent with phaeohyphomycosis. A course of antifungal medication was started (Fluconazole 21 mg/kg loading dose IV then 5 mg/kg PO SID q 30 days). Due to concern for the patient's quality of life and the lack of a curative treatment plan, humane euthanasia was elected. Gross and histological postmortem examination confirmed the presence of multiple coelomic masses similar in appearance to those observed in the left orbit and right forefoot indicating disseminated phaeohyphomycosis. A swab of the periocular mass was submitted for fungal culture and phenotypic identification. The isolate was later identified as Exophiala equina through a combination of phenotypic characterization and sequencing of the ITS region of the nuclear rDNA. Exophiala is a genus in the family Herpotrichiellaceae, order Chaetothyriales and is considered an opportunistic "black yeast" causing infection in aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals including humans. Exophiala equina is infrequently reported in animals, with only three cases in the literature including the herein report.

Equine pectinate ligament descemetization is associated with age.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between equine pectinate ligament descemetization and ocular disease. METHODS: The pathology database of the North Carolina State University Veterinary Medical Center was searched from 2010-2021 for all equine globes. Disease status was then assigned as affected by glaucoma, uveitis, or "other" based upon clinical records. The iridocorneal angles (ICA) of each globe were evaluated for the presence of pectinate ligament descemetization, the length of descemetization, as well as for the degree of angle collapse and the extent of cellular infiltrate or proteinaceous debris. One slide from each eye was evaluated by two separate, blinded investigators (HW & TS). RESULTS: A total of 66 eyes from 61 horses were identified, with a total of 124 sections of ICA of sufficient quality to review. 16 horses were affected by uveitis, 8 by glaucoma, 7 by both glaucoma and uveitis, and 30 horses by other ocular disease, most commonly ocular surface disease or neoplasia, which served as controls. Pectinate ligament descemetization was most prevalent in the control group compared to the glaucoma and uveitis groups. Pectinate ligament descemetization length was positively correlated with age, with an increase of 13.5 µm per year of age (p = .016). Infiltrate scores and angle closure scores were higher in both the glaucoma and uveitis group compared to the control group (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Equine pectinate ligament descemetization appears to be correlated with increased age and should not be used as a histologic marker for the presence of glaucoma.

Refractory shock, hypercoagulability, and multiorgan thrombosis associated with hypertrophic osteodystrophy in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings and case progression in a dog presenting with severe systemic inflammatory response, refractory shock, progressive metabolic acidosis, and respiratory failure that was ultimately diagnosed with hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). CASE SUMMARY: A 4-month-old male intact Mastiff presented with a 24-hour history of lethargy and generalized ostealgia. On examination, the dog was recumbent, febrile, and tachycardic with pain on palpation of the abdomen, right femur, and mandible. Appendicular joint radiographs showed changes consistent with osteochondrosis and ulnar-retained cartilaginous cores, with no overt evidence of HOD. Initial treatment included IV fluid therapy, multimodal analgesia, and broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Vasopressor therapy was initiated following hemodynamic decompensation. Synovial fluid cytological analysis and culture revealed nonseptic suppurative inflammation and no bacterial growth, respectively. Blood and urine cultures also yielded no growth. Viscoelastic testing was consistent with hypercoagulability. The dog initially had a metabolic acidosis with appropriate respiratory compensation that progressed to a mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis despite aggressive therapies that included antimicrobials, vasopressors, positive inotropes, and corticosteroids. Humane euthanasia was elected approximately 32 hours after admission. Necropsy yielded a diagnosis of HOD. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first report detailing the occurrence of refractory shock and hypercoagulability associated with HOD in a dog without evidence of another identified comorbidity. HOD should be considered in any young, large-breed dog with generalized ostealgia and signs of systemic illness, even in the absence of classic radiographic abnormalities. Further investigation of coagulation status in dogs with HOD and a secondary systemic inflammatory response is warranted.

Spontaneous neoplasms in captive red-bellied lemurs (Eulemur rubriventer).

Red-bellied lemurs (Eulemur rubriventer: genus Eulemur, family Lemuridae, Suborder Strepsirrhini) are non-human primates endemic to the forests of Madagascar and listed as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Currently, descriptions of neoplasia in this species are extremely scarce, with only one case of hepatocellular adenoma reported. Prosimian submissions received by the Anatomic Pathology Service at North Carolina State University from January 2010 to January 2021 were retrieved. A total of 200 cases of Strepsirrhini prosimians were identified, representing 57 (28.5%) individuals from the genus Eulemur of which seven (12.3%) cases were red-bellied lemurs. Neoplasia was identified in two of the seven (28.57%) cases. The first case was a 25-year-old, intact female with hepatocellular carcinoma and the second a 33-year-old, intact female with a cervical mass consistent with osteoblastic osteosarcoma arising from the left clavicular bone. Hepatocellular neoplasms are commonly reported in prosimians, with carcinomas more frequent than adenomas. In contrast, osteosarcoma has been rarely described in lemuriformes, with four cases reported. To our knowledge, this is the first report of osteosarcoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in a red-bellied lemur.

Acute Oral Chromium Exposure Resulting in Ulcerative Gastritis and Perforated Ulcers in Swine.

Heavy metal poisoning poses a challenge in diagnostic practices and environmental safety. This study describes the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects of a chromium (Cr) poisoning outbreak in growing/finishing pigs housed in pens with bedding of pine wood shavings containing Cr. A visit to the affected farm was conducted. Epidemiological data were collected, and necropsy and histopathological examinations and heavy metal quantifications were performed. Up to 30% of the animals from the affected pens displayed clinical signs 48 h after housing, characterized by apathy, rigid gait, distended abdomen, pain to abdominal palpation, fever, vomiting, and skin cyanosis. The lethality rate reached 76.6%. Main postmortem findings consisted of ulcerative gastritis with perforation of the glandular stomach in all necropsied swine. Heavy metal analysis revealed a higher concentration of Cr in the bedding of the affected pens, along with elevated levels of Cr in the livers of the affected swine. Given that Cr is a known cause of poisoning in humans (with acute oral exposure resulting in corrosive lesions in the gastrointestinal tract), this study marks the first diagnosis of acute oral natural Cr poisoning in animals. This diagnosis was established through the association of epidemiological, pathological, and heavy metal quantification data.

Estrus Synchronization of Replacement Gilts Using Estradiol Cipionate and PGF2α and Its Effects on Reproductive Outcomes.

In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of using estrogen-induced prolonged luteal function followed by prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) treatment to synchronize estrus in gilts. On day12 of the estrus cycle (D0 = first day of standing estrus), 52 gilts were assigned at random to two experimental groups: non-treated gilts (CON, n = 22), serving as controls, and prolonged luteal function group (CYP, n = 30), receiving a single treatment with 10 mg of estradiol cypionate intramuscularly Starting on day 12, blood samples were collected for estradiol and progesterone assays. Estrus detection started on day 17. Gilts from the CON group were inseminated at the onset of natural estrus. On day 28 CYP gilts were treated with PGF2α to induce luteolysis and inseminated at the onset of estrus. Gilts were slaughtered 5 d after the last insemination. A single treatment with estradiol cypionate prolonged luteal function in 90% of treated gilts. The duration of the estrous cycle was longer (p < 0.0001) for CYP gilts compared to CON gilts. CYP gilts showed synchronized estrus 3.96 ± 0.19 d after induction of luteolysis. The conception rate was similar (p = 0.10) for CON and CYP gilts. No difference was observed in the embryo recovery rate (p = 0.18) and total number of embryos per female (p = 0.06). The percentage of unfertilized oocytes, fragmented embryos and viable embryos was similar among females from CON and CYP groups (p > 0.05). The treatment of gilts with a single application of 10 mg of estradiol cypionate on day 12 of the estrous cycle was effective in prolonging luteal function and treatment with PGF2α resulted in synchronized estrus. Additionally, the synchronization protocol had no deleterious effect on fertility and embryonic development.