Proposal of a 2-tier histologic grading system for canine cutaneous mast cell tumors to more accurately predict biological behavior.

Currently, prognostic and therapeutic determinations for canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) are primarily based on histologic grade. However, the use of different grading systems by veterinary pathologists and institutional modifications make the prognostic value of histologic grading highly questionable. To evaluate the consistency of microscopic grading among veterinary pathologists and the prognostic significance of the Patnaik grading system, 95 cutaneous MCTs from 95 dogs were graded in a blinded study by 28 veterinary pathologists from 16 institutions. Concordance among veterinary pathologists was 75% for the diagnosis of grade 3 MCTs and less than 64% for the diagnosis of grade 1 and 2 MCTs. To improve concordance among pathologists and to provide better prognostic significance, a 2-tier histologic grading system was devised. The diagnosis of high-grade MCTs is based on the presence of any one of the following criteria: at least 7 mitotic figures in 10 high-power fields (hpf); at least 3 multinucleated (3 or more nuclei) cells in 10 hpf; at least 3 bizarre nuclei in 10 hpf; karyomegaly (ie, nuclear diameters of at least 10% of neoplastic cells vary by at least two-fold). Fields with the highest mitotic activity or with the highest degree of anisokaryosis were selected to assess the different parameters. According to the novel grading system, high-grade MCTs were significantly associated with shorter time to metastasis or new tumor development, and with shorter survival time. The median survival time was less than 4 months for high-grade MCTs but more than 2 years for low-grade MCTs.

Fatal herpesvirus encephalitis in a reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata).

Fatal meningoencephalitis caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) was diagnosed in a reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulate). The giraffe died following a history of stumbling, incoordination, and abdominal pain. Gross examination of the brain revealed asymmetric edema and red-brown discoloration, predominantly within the telencephalon. Microscopically, there was perivascular lymphohistiocytic cuffing, multifocal gliosis, and neuronal necrosis in the cerebrum. Necrotic neurons contained acidophilic intranuclear inclusions. EHV-1 was isolated from the brain of the giraffe, and polymerase chain reaction was positive on sections of the brain. Immunohistochemistry using an EHV-1-specific antibody identified positive staining in neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. The giraffe had been housed with a group of zebras that were serologically positive for EHV-1 and suspected as the source of infection. This raises concerns for cross-species transmission of EHV-1 when housing equids together with other species in zoologic collections.

Choroid plexus papilloma in a Scottish highland cow.

Choroid plexus papilloma, a rare tumour in bovids, arising from the roof of the third ventricle was diagnosed at necropsy in a 4-year-old Scottish Highland cow. The animal presented with a 2-month history of progressive ataxia, ventromedial strabismus, and hyperaesthesia. Neoplastic epithelial cells were positive immunohistochemically for pancytokeratin and S-100, and negative for GFAP. Ultrastructurally, epithelial cells were characterized by intercellular junctions, zonulae adherens, and zonulae occludens. Neither cilia nor basal bodies were identified. The gross, microscopical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings were consistent with those of a choroid plexus papilloma.

Avian pox in sanderlings from Florida.

Asian pox was diagnosed in three sanderlings (Calidris alba) on Sanibel Island, Florida (USA) in February 1997. All three cases had large tumor-like lesions which contributed significantly to their mortality. Poxvirus infection was confirmed by cytology, histopathology, and electron microscopy. This is the first report of poxvirus infection in sanderlings.

Unilateral cerebral necrosis resembling feline ischemic encephalopathy in an African lion (Panthera leo).

In November 1996, a 14-yr-old captive male African lion (Panthera leo) had sudden onset of left-sided hemiparesis and mydriasis of the left eye. After 24 hr of supportive care, the lion showed no improvement and was euthanized. At necropsy, the right cerebral hemisphere was diffusely and irregularly swollen and malacic. Histopathology revealed extensive acute necrosis and edema of the portion of the right cerebral hemisphere that received blood from the right middle cerebral artery. Gross and histopathologic cerebral findings resembled those of feline ischemic encephalopathy.

A canine model of familial mammary gland neoplasia.

Intact female Beagles from life-span studies in the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute colony were examined for mammary tumor incidence. The breeding colony, founded in 1963, produced five generations from 28 founder females. After proportional hazards analysis, two maternal families were shown to have markedly different phenotypes, one susceptible and one resistant to mammary neoplasia, as compared with the entire colony. When tumors were subdivided into benign and malignant based on local invasiveness, familial differences in tumor incidence were preserved for each tumor type. Fifty-seven females in the susceptible family developed 149 benign and 39 malignant tumors, and 95 females in the resistant family developed 70 benign and 20 malignant tumors. The ratio of benign to malignant tumors of about 4:1 for both families was higher than expected. Using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analyses, the susceptible family had a 50% malignant tumor incidence by age 13.6 years, whereas the resistant family did not have a 50% incidence until 17.0 years (P = 0.0065). Because of marked censoring, Kaplan-Meier analyses could not provide an estimate of the 50% benign tumor incidence; mean incidence age was calculated instead. These estimates for benign tumors for susceptible and resistant families were 10.8 and 13.8 years (P = 0.0001), respectively. Using chi(2) tests, families had no differences in the occurrence of the types of benign (P = 0.098) or malignant (P = 0.194) tumors or in the ratio of benign to malignant tumors (P = 0.778). Immunohistochemical analysis of malignant tumors from both families did not demonstrate differences in p53 mutation rate or p185erbB-2 expression. These results suggest that 1) genetic factors produce familial differences in the age of onset of both benign and malignant mammary tumors; histologic types do not segregate by family; 2) the ratio of benign to malignant tumors is greater than formerly reported; and 3) neither p53 nor p185erbB-2 alterations are the basis for the familial predisposition.

Pseudorabies in captive coyotes.

Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) was diagnosed in three adult captive coyotes (Canis latrans) from southern Indiana (USA). The coyotes died in their outdoor enclosure within a 48 hr period. Histopathology revealed multifocal, nonsuppurative meningioencephalitis and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies within neurons. Samples of brain were positive for pseudorabies virus by fluorescent antibody testing and virus isolation. Source of infection was the probable consumption of pseudorabies virus-infected pig carcasses.

Malignant mast cell tumor in an African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

In November 1995, a malignant mast cell tumor (mastocytoma) was diagnosed in an adult African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) from a zoological park (West Lafayette, Indiana, USA). The primary mast cell tumor presented as a firm subcutaneous mass along the ventrum of the neck. Metastasis to the right submandibular lymph node occurred.