Osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus terreus complex in a dog: a case report.

BACKGROUND: In dogs, the most frequently reported mycosis associated with Aspergillus spp. are respiratory infections. Systemic aspergillosis is uncommon, with reported cases been associated with several Aspergillus species. Aspergillus terreus species complex are ubiquitous organisms, unfrequently associated with local or systemic disease in animals and humans, and treatment of osteomyelitis caused by this species is usually unfavorable. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes the case of a 5-year-old dog, referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Portugal, with a history of lameness of the right thoracic limb. Radiographs and CT scan revealed two different lesions on right humerus and radio, which were biopsied. The samples collected were submitted to cytological and histopathological evaluation and bacterial and mycological culture. Environmental samples, including of the surgery room and of the biopsy needle were also evaluated for the presence of fungi. Regarding biopsy samples, bacterial culture was negative, but mycological analysis originated a pure culture of a fungal species later identified as Aspergillus terreus by Sanger sequencing. Results were compatible with histopathologic examination, which revealed periosteal reaction and invasion of hyphae elements. Also, mycological analysis of both environmental samples evaluated were negative. The virulence profile of the fungal isolate was phenotypically characterized using specific media, allowing to reveal its ability to produce several enzymes involved in its pathogenicity, namely lipase, hemolysin and DNAse, corresponding to a Virulence Index (V. Index.) of 0.43. The patient was submitted to itraconazole therapy for 8 weeks. After 3 weeks, the patient showed significant clinical improvement, and after 6 weeks no radiographic signs were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Antifungal therapy with itraconazole can contribute to the remission of canine infections promoted by Aspergillus terreus complex with a relevant V. Index.

Cross Species Analysis and Comparison of Tumors in Dogs and Cats, by Age, Sex, Topography and Main Morphologies. Data from Vet-OncoNet.

The animal cancer burden is essential for the translational value of companion animals in comparative oncology. The present work aims to describe, analyze, and compare frequencies and associations of tumors in dogs and cats based on the Animal Cancer Registry created by Vet-OncoNet. With 9079 registries, regarding 2019 and 2020, 81% (n = 7355) belonged to dogs. In comparison, cats have a general one-year right advance in the mean age of cancer diagnosis compared to dogs. The multivariate topography group analysis shows a distinct pattern between the two species: dogs have higher odds of cancer in the genito-urinary system, spleen, soft tissue tumors and skin, while cats show higher odds for tumors in the eyes, digestive organs, nasal cavity, lymph nodes, bones and mammary glands. Regarding morphologies, dogs are overrepresented in mast cell tumors (MCT), melanomas, and hemangiosarcomas. While cats are overrepresented in fibrosarcomas, lymphomas (T and B-cell), in malignant mammary tumors, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Females have greater odds only in the mammary gland, with males having greater odds in six of twelve topographies. This study is the first outcome of continuous animal cancer registration studies in Portugal.

Optimization of the Effect of Pineapple By-Products Enhanced in Bromelain by Hydrostatic Pressure on the Texture and Overall Quality of Silverside Beef Cut.

Dehydrated pineapple by-products enriched in bromelain using a hydrostatic pressure treatment (225 MPa, 8.5 min) were added in marinades to improve beef properties. The steaks from the silverside cut (2 ± 0.5 cm thickness and weight 270 ± 50 g), characterized as harder and cheaper, were immersed in marinades that were added to dehydrated and pressurized pineapple by-products that corresponded to a bromelain concentration of 0-20 mg tyrosine, 100 g-1 meat, and 0-24 h time, according to the central composite factorial design matrix. Samples were characterized in terms of marination yield, pH, color, and histology. Subsequently, samples were cooked in a water-bath (80 °C, 15 min), stabilized (4 °C, 24 h), and measured for cooking loss, pH, color, hardness, and histology. Marinades (12-24 h) and bromelain concentration (10-20 mg tyrosine.100 g-1 meat) reduced pH and hardness, increased marination yield, and resulted in a lighter color. Although refrigeration was not an optimal temperature for bromelain activity, meat hardness decreased (41%). Thus, the use of pineapple by-products in brine allowed for the valorization of lower commercial value steak cuts.

A pilot study to evaluate the serum Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein response in cats suffering from feline chronic gingivostomatitis.

BACKGROUND: Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a multifactorial immune-mediated disease that can lead to chronic pain, anorexia, and weight loss and has substantial health and welfare effects. Currently, the recommended treatment includes dental extractions to decrease the inflammatory stimulation associated with dental plaque. However, complete remission is observed in less than half of the cases, and the majority need comprehensive medical management. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of the acute phase protein alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) in cats with FCGS and to examine whether dental extractions contribute to a significant decrease in the systemic inflammatory response at two postoperative time points. RESULTS: AGP serum concentrations in the cats with FCGS were significantly higher at all time points than that in the control groups and were significantly correlated with the global caudal stomatitis score at day 0 but not at day 30 or 60. A significant improvement of some clinical scores, such as perceived comfort and global caudal stomatitis, was observed 60 days after the dental extraction. However, the levels of AGP did not significantly change over time. CONCLUSIONS: Cats with FCGS were more likely to have a systemic inflammatory response compared with age- and dental disease-matched controls. Dental extractions, in most cases, did not contribute to a significant decrease of AGP both at 30 and 60 days. Therefore, this study reinforces the need to pursue comprehensive medical management after dental extractions to attenuate the systemic inflammatory response as a result of this disease.

Surgical Excision of an Adrenal Neuroblastoma in a Dog.

A 11-month-old, intact male, Rhodesian Ridgeback was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with signs of inappetence, lethargy, and abdominal pain for 3 days. A large and well-defined abdominal retroperitoneal mass, related with the left kidney, at the expected location of the adrenal gland, was revealed by radiography, ultrasound, and computed tomography. The mass extended caudally to the iliac artery bifurcation, compressing the aorta, caudal vena cava, and both kidneys. Cytology findings were compatible with a malignant round cell tumor. The most probable diagnosis was neuroblastoma. Following a comprehensive discussion with the owners about a treatment plan, surgical excision was performed. Because a wide excision would compromise major vessels, excision was performed after careful dissection of the aorta and vena cava. The left kidney was removed because the proximal ureter could not be separated from the tumor. The animal recovered successfully. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry, but the owners decided not to pursue any further treatment. Clinical signs of abdominal pain recurred within 1 month following surgery. Therefore, the animal was euthanized upon the owners' request. This report describes the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and follow-up of a dog with an abdominal peripheral neuroblastoma.

Comparison of Histological and Proliferation Features of Canine Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Intraoral Location: 36 Cases.

Grade and labeling indices for immunohistochemical tumor proliferation markers Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were evaluated in 36 cases of canine oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) based upon intraoral location. Grade was significantly associated with location ( P = .035). Grade II tumors were most frequently diagnosed. Grade I tumors were identified in the gingiva and the buccal mucosa, and grade III tumors were seen in the gingiva and the tonsillar region. Animals with tumors arising from the tonsils and of the tongue tended to be older ( P = .007), and those in the former group were more likely to have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis ( P = .001). Mean expression of PCNA and Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) for all tumors were 62.54% and 50.70%, respectively, and there was a statistical significant association between the 2 variables ( R = .70; P < .001). Proliferation index was not associated with any of the intraoral locations evaluated, but higher PCNA PI was significantly associated with grade ( P = .031). Ki-67 PI was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis, especially for OSCC of gingival location ( P = .028). The results obtained in this study are preliminary but clinically relevant, since they provide information that can explain differences in biologic behavior among intraoral locations and contribute to more accurate tumor staging to support the choice for different treatment strategies available for OSCC.

Delta-like 4/Notch signaling promotes Apc Min/+ tumor initiation through angiogenic and non-angiogenic related mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Delta like 4 (Dll4)/Notch signaling is a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, the role of Dll4 has been studied on tumor stem cells. However, as these cells are implicated in tumor angiogenesis, it is conceivable that the effect of Dll4 on these cells may be a consequence of its angiogenic function. Our aim was to evaluate the expression and dissect the functions of Dll4 in the Apc Min/+ model of colorectal cancer. METHODS: We evaluated the protein expression pattern of Dll4 and other Notch members in the Apc Min/+ tumors relatively to the normal gut and compared endothelial-specific with ubiquitous Dll4 knockout mice on an Apc Min/+ background. RESULTS: All Notch pathway members were present in the normal small and large intestine and in the adenomas of the same regions. Dll4, all Notch receptors and Hes1 expression seemed upregulated in the tumors, with some regional differences. The same members and Hes5, instead of Hes1, presented ectopic expression in the tumor parenchyma. Dll4 expression was most pronounced in the tumor cells but it was also present in the tumor blood vessels and in other stromal cells. Ubiquitous and endothelial-specific Dll4 deletion led to an equivalent reduction of tumor growth because of a similarly marked tumoral angiogenic phenotype promoting non-productive vasculature and consequently hypoxia and apoptosis. The ubiquitous Dll4 inhibition led to a stronger decrease of tumor multiplicity than the endothelial-specific deletion by further reducing tumor proliferation and tumor stem cell density through upregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors 1C and 1B and downregulation of Myc, Cyclin D1 and D2 independently of ß-catenin activation. This phenotype was associated to the observed increased epithelial differentiation deviated towards the secretory lineages by Atoh1 and Klf4 upregulation only in the ubiquitous Dll4 mutants. CONCLUSIONS: Dll4 seems to promote Apc Min/+ tumorigenesis through both angiogenic and non-angiogenic related mechanisms.

Late prostatic metastasis of an uveal melanoma in a miniature Schnauzer dog.

This manuscript describes a previously unreported clinical case of canine uveal melanoma in a miniature Schnauzer dog with an unusual location of metastasis (prostate) and delayed occurrence (3 years after primary tumor diagnosis and enucleation). Immunohistochemical labeling of both tumors with Melan A, Ki-67, and c-kit added some valuable information.

First report of Eucoleus boehmi infection in a dog from Portugal.

Nasal eucoleosis is an uncommonly diagnosed parasitic infection in domestic dogs. Depending on the parasite load, dogs with Eucoleus boehmi may exhibit mild upper respiratory signs such as sneezing and nasal discharge or may not exhibit any clinical signs. The present study describes the case of a 6-year-old male dog, presented with reverse sneezing of 2 months' duration and bilateral nasal serous discharge. The patient had been taking prednisolone for years due to an immune mediated arthritis of the carpal joint. Physical examination, complete blood count, serum chemistry and thoracic radiography were unremarkable. A computed tomography scan of the nasal cavity was compatible with bilateral chronic rhinitis of unknown aetiology. Further investigation by rhinoscopy revealed diffuse erythematous mucosae with several white and serpentine-shaped worms on the turbinates' surface. Morphological identification of the worms collected in situ was performed, revealing filiform nematodes (15-30 mm in length) containing several bipolar plugged and barrel-shaped eggs in their medial segment. The eggs contained a multicellular embryo, a pitted surface and measured 54-60 µm long by 30-35 µm wide. Morphological and morphometric characteristics were consistent with E. boehmi. Treatment with imidacloprid/moxidectin spot-on formulation along with preventing measures to minimise reinfection were prescribed and successfully achieved, as confirmed by negative faecal examinations. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this represents the first report of E. boehmi infection in a dog from Portugal. Nasal eucoleosis appears to be underestimated and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in canids suffering from upper respiratory distress.

Successful treatment of feline leishmaniosis using a combination of allopurinol and N-methyl-glucamine antimoniate.

CASE SUMMARY: This work describes the diagnosis and successful treatment of a 2-year-old domestic cat infected with Leishmania species and presenting fever, and ulcerative and nodular skin lesions after being treated for pyodermatitis for 1 year without clinical improvement. After anamnesis the cat was submitted to a complete clinical examination. Blood was collected for determination of haematological and biochemical parameters, detection of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline coronavirus (FCoV) and Leishmania amastigotes. Fine-needle aspiration puncture from the skin nodules was also performed. After definitive diagnosis the animal was treated and followed up over a 2 year period. The animal tested negative for FIV-specific antibodies, FeLV antigen and feline coronavirus RNA. Leishmania amastigotes in the skin nodules were confirmed by cytology and molecular diagnosis. Treatment was initiated with allopurinol, resulting in a slight clinical improvement. Thus, N-methyl-glucamine antimoniate was added and administered for 30 days, with complete closure of the ulcerative lesions in the hindlimbs requiring a surgical approach. Close monitoring of the patient in the following 24 months indicated that combined therapy was safe and clinical cure was achieved without further relapses or side effects. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Considering the increasing number of feline leishmaniosis cases and the inconsistent results of most therapeutic protocols described in the literature, the use of new approaches, especially in refractory cases, is essential. Although the use of allopurinol and N-methyl-glucamine antimoniate is off-label in cats, in this case the combination treatment was followed by an extensive analytical monitoring, supporting their safety and effectiveness.

Severe fibrinonecrotic enteritis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a captive monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus).

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen that has been implicated in a number of serious conditions in humans and animals. Studies regarding the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs against virulent strains of P. aeruginosa in human and animal hosts have demonstrated that common therapeutic options are sometimes ineffective. In captive animals, in particular reptiles, literature on this topic is scarce. In this study, a 6-yr-old monitor lizard, Varanus niloticus, died suddenly without previous symptoms. Postmortem examination and bacteriologic analysis of necropsy samples revealed severe fibrinonecrotic enteritis caused by P. aeruginosa. The isolate presented a typical resistance profile, showing resistance to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cephotaxime, and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Virulence characterization demonstrated that the bacterium was able to express hemolysins, DNases, gelatinases, and lipases and had biofilm-forming ability. This study highlights the importance of surveillance for antimicrobial resistance and virulence traits in captive animals, which may present a challenge to practitioners.

Cryptococcal meningitis in a goat--a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus spp. are saprophytic and opportunistic fungal pathogens that are known to cause severe disease in immunocompromised animals. In goats there are reports of clinical cryptococcal pneumonia and mastitis but not of meningitis. CASE PRESENTATION: The following report describes a case of a five year old buck showing severe neurological signs, including paraplegia and strong pain reaction to touch of the hindquarters region. Treatment with antibiotics was unsuccessful and the animal was euthanized for humanitarian reasons. Postmortem examination revealed lumbar meningitis, lung nodules and caseous lymphadenitis lesions. Encapsulated Cryptococcus neoformans were identified from the lungs and meninges, showing that cryptococcal meningitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of goats showing paresis and hyperesthesia. The possibility of concurrent immunosuppression due to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection is raised. CONCLUSIONS: Cryptoccocal meningitis should be included in the differential diagnosis list of goat diseases with ataxia and hyperesthesia.

A mixed population of Helicobacter pylori, Helicobacter bizzozeronii and "Helicobacter heilmannii" in the gastric mucosa of a domestic cat.

BACKGROUND: The presence of Helicobacter within the gastric mucosa is responsible for producing pathology in many animal species, including man. Since humans have been shown to harbour many of the same bacterial species as domestic carnivores, concern over their zoonotic potential has been growing. Helicobacter pylori, a class 1 carcinogen responsible for cases of gastritis and gastric cancer in humans, produces similar pathology in pet carnivores and is considered an example of anthroponosis. The case here presented refers to a 13 year-old mixed breed spayed female cat seen at necropsy. FINDINGS: Stomach samples were analysed for the presence of Helicobacter spp. by cytology, histopathology and PCR. Mild mucosal atrophy was observed in the fundus and antrum, while lymphoplasmocytic infiltrates where noted in the lamina propria of the antrum. Helicobacter-like organisms were observed in the corpus and antrum, occupying gastric glands and surface mucosa. It was possible to detect Helicobacter spp., H. pylori, H. heilmannii and H. bizzozeronii in the fundus, corpus and antrum by PCR, while in the antrum PCR samples were positive for H. pylori. CONCLUSIONS: The spayed female under study could represent either a yet un-described population of domestic cats infected with H. pylori or a case of anthroponosis.

Contrasting cellularity and fatty acid composition in fat depots from Alentejana and Barrosã bovine breeds fed high and low forage diets.

During the finishing phase of bovines, large amounts of subcutaneous and visceral fats are deposited leading to production inefficiencies with major impact on meat quality. A better understanding of the cellularity features of the main fat depots could provide strategies for adipose tissue manipulation. This study assessed the effect of feeding diets with distinct forage to concentrate ratios on the cellularity of two fat depots of beef cattle and their implications on the fatty acid profile. Thus, two phylogenetically distant Portuguese bovine breeds, Alentejana and Barrosã, were selected. The results did not show differences in subcutaneous fat deposition nor in visceral fat depots partitioning. Plasma adipokines concentration failed to show a consistent relationship with fatness, as leptin remained constant in all experimental groups, whereas interleukin-6 was influenced by breed. Fat depot seems to determine the area and number of adipocytes, with larger adipocytes and a lower number of cells in subcutaneous fat than in mesenteric fat. Neither breed nor diet influenced adipocytes area and number. The contents of total fatty acids, partial sums of fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid isomeric profile were affected by breed and fat depot. The incorporation of saturated fatty acids (SFA), trans fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) was higher in mesenteric fat depot, whereas subcutaneous fat depot had greater percentages of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). In addition, SFA and MUFA proportions seem to be breed-related. In spite of the less relevant role of diet, the percentages of PUFA and BCFA were influenced by this factor. Under these experimental conditions, the effect of fat depot on cellularity and fatty acid composition prevails over breed or diet, as reinforced by the principal component analysis.

Amelanotic uveal cyst in a Yorkshire terrier dog.

The diagnostic challenge presented by an amelanotic uveal cyst with an atypical appearance in a 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier dog is reported. The dog was presented with a peculiar cystic neoformation adherent to the edge of the pupil of the right eye. The cyst wall was attached to the pupillary margin and it was bean-shaped, measuring approximately 4.5 × 2.5 mm. It was white in colour with several red striations and a small brown spot in the middle, which conferred on it a peculiar appearance. The cyst could not be transilluminated and partially impaired vision. Apart from that, the ophthalmic exam revealed no other abnormalities and the eye showed no signs of inflammation. Ocular ultrasound revealed the cystic nature of the neoformation. During paracentesis of the anterior chamber, the cyst was deflated and both the cyst wall and fluid were aspirated. The tissue obtained was sent for a histological examination and was considered as corresponding to a uveal cyst. The dog improved from the post-operative uveitis without any complication and after 24 months of follow-up showed no recurrences.