Zoonotic potential of guinea pigs: Outbreak of cryptosporidiosis combined with chlamydiosis in a breeding guinea pig herd.

INTRODUCTION: In a guinea pig herd with 26 breeding animals, several individuals of all age categories died (16/26) after three animals had been newly introduced from another herd. Furthermore, the population suffered of apathy, anorexia, severe weight loss and conjunctivitis, as well as abortions and stillbirths. At the same time, the owner experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection with pneumonia, which was confirmed by taking a PCR test. Chlamydia caviae was detected from the conjunctiva and vagina/uterus in one juvenile animal together with an intestinal Cryptosporidium wrairi infection. Oocysts were found histologically in the small intestine, which was confirmed by PCR. C. wairi is a parasite adapted to guinea pigs with zoonotic potential, which causes diarrhoea with frequent deaths in larger guinea pig herds. C. caviae is also a zoonotic pathogen and often the cause of conjunctivitis, pneumonia and abortions in guinea pigs and can lead to upper respiratory tract disease, conjunctivitis but also severe pneumonia in humans. The increased death cases and the clinical signs could be traced back to an infection with Cryptosporidium wrairi, complicated by a co-infection of C. caviae. We suspect that the abortions were caused by C. caviae, but since the population was treated with various antibiotics effective against chlamydial infections, it was no longer possible to verify this by PCR testing. Unfortunately, more animals succumbed and finally only two animals of the originally 26 were left. With this case report, we would like to point out to veterinarians that guinea pigs can be an important source of zoonotic infections for various pathogens, especially since they are popular pets and often come into close contact with children where hygiene might not always be strictly followed.

INTRODUCTION: Dans un groupe de cobayes de 26 animaux reproducteurs, plusieurs individus de toutes les catégories d'âge sont morts (16/26) après l'introduction de trois animaux provenant d'un autre groupe. En outre, la population a souffert d'apathie, d'anorexie, de perte de poids sévère et de conjonctivite ainsi que d'avortements et de mortinatalité. La présence de Chlamydia caviae a pu être détectée dans la conjonctive et le vagin/utérus d'un animal juvénile, ainsi qu'une infection intestinale à Cryptosporidium wrairi. Des oocystes ont été trouvés histologiquement dans l'intestin grêle, ce qui a été confirmé par PCR. C. wairi est un parasite adapté aux cobayes avec un potentiel zoonotique, qui provoque des diarrhées avec des morts fréquentes dans les grands groupes de cobayes. C. caviae est également un agent pathogène zoonotique et est souvent à l'origine de conjonctivites, de pneumonies et d'avortements chez les cobayes ; il peut entraîner des maladies des voies respiratoires supérieures, des conjonctivites mais aussi des pneumonies graves chez l'homme. L'augmentation des cas de décès et les signes cliniques pourraient être attribués à une infection par Cryptosporidium wrairi, compliquée par une co-infection par C. caviae. Nous soupçonnons que les avortements ont été causés par C. caviae, mais comme la population a été traitée avec divers antibiotiques efficaces contre les infections à chlamydia, il n'était plus possible de le vérifier par des tests PCR. Malheureusement, d'autres animaux ont succombé et il ne restait finalement que deux animaux sur les 26 d'origine. Avec ce rapport de cas, nous aimerions attirer l'attention des vétérinaires sur le fait que les cochons d'Inde peuvent être une source importante d'infections zoonotiques pour divers pathogènes, d'autant plus qu'il s'agit d'animaux de compagnie populaires qui sont souvent en contact étroit avec des enfants avec lesquels l'hygiène n'est pas toujours strictement respectée.

Prevalence of inflammatory versus neoplastic lesions in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs undergoing gastroduodenoscopy: 195 cases (2007-2015).

OBJECTIVES: Prevalence of inflammatory enteropathy versus lymphoma in dogs undergoing gastroduodenoscopy has not been evaluated. This retrospective study assessed outcome from 195 client-owned dogs scheduled to undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as the next diagnostic step. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases were grouped into the following diagnoses according to WSAVA guidelines: lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE), eosinophilic enteritis (EE), mixed-cell enteritis (ME), histologically normal biopsies (N), and lymphoma (L). Clinical signs, and preendoscopic results from laboratory and ultrasonography examinations, were compared among groups. RESULTS: LPE was diagnosed in 133 (68%), EE in 17 (9%), ME in 9 (5%), 32 (16%) dogs had histologically normal biopsies. Four (2%) dogs were diagnosed with lymphoma. Vomiting was the most frequent clinical sign (61%), followed by weight loss (43%), and diarrhea (39%). Vomiting also predominated when looking at individual histological disease categories, however clinical signs did not differ significantly between groups. Dogs with lymphoma were more likely to have ultrasonographic abnormalities, had significantly lower haematocrit, albumin and total protein concentrations compared to dogs with LPE and histologically normal biopsies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Lymphoma was rarely found in this group of dogs with nonspecific results of pre-endoscopic work-up. Our results provide first reference for clinicians when discussing the possibility of a step-up therapeutic approach (such as multiple dietary trials) with owners before pursuing endoscopy. Understanding the likelihood of finding lymphoma is important in that histologic documentation of inflammatory enteropathy alone has limited therapeutic consequences. Future studies are needed to validate these findings in dogs undergoing combined upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsies.

[Feline sarcoid in a 1-year-old domestic short-haired cat caused by bovine papillomavirus type 14 in Switzerland]. / Felines Sarcoid bei einer 1-jährigen europäischen Hauskatze ausgelöst durch bovines Papillomavirus Typ 14 in der Schweiz.

INTRODUCTION: A 1-year- old domestic short haired cat, living on a farm in Switzerland, was presented to the veterinarian with a 5 cm in diameter mass, bulging from her left nostril. The mass was only incompletely removed because of its unfavourable location. Histologically, the lesion consisted of an infiltrative growing spindeloid proliferation in close approximation to the epidermis and was diagnosed as a feline sarcoid tumour. The presence of Bovine Papillomavirus type 14 (BPV-14) specific DNA could be identified in the tissue by using two PCR assays. The amplified sequences of 194 and 549 base pairs (bp) were 99% and 100% identical with a virus isolated after autopsy, from a cat with feline sarcoid in the USA. The cat recovered completely after an even incomplete surgical excision and no recurrence could be observed 10 months later.

Variation in fat content between liver lobes and comparison with histopathological scores in dairy cows with fatty liver.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of a liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing and staging fatty liver in dairy cows, which is often necessary for diagnostic and research purposes. Accuracy of the diagnosis relays on the quality of the biopsy, the assumed representativeness of a small tissue sample for a disease process throughout the liver and accurate human evaluation of histologic specimens. The objective of the present study was to assess the distribution of triacylglycerol (TAG) infiltration throughout the parenchyma of livers with different degrees of fatty liver in dairy cows. In addition, histopathological scores from the corresponding specimens were compared to a quantitative measurement of TAG, as well as the agreement between two observers. METHODS: Thirty livers with different degrees of lipid infiltration were selected and 10 different locations throughout the liver were assessed. The TAG content was measured enzymatically, calculated in % or mg/g wet weight, and assigned to a scoring system. Corresponding tissue specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Oil red O (ORO) for histopathological evaluation, using a scoring system. RESULTS: The difference in TAG content between any locations was less than 2%. Based on the scoring system the TAG concentration was even distributed in 79.3% of the livers. Based on kappa statistics the agreement between two pathologists and staining technique in scoring histological specimens was moderate to fair. CONCLUSIONS: Overall the distribution of TAG throughout the liver and the accuracy of human evaluation of liver biopsies may lead to acceptable diagnoses for clinical purposes. Within the liver lobules a common pattern of lipid distribution depending on severity could be observed. For the staging of lipid infiltration for research projects, some degree of variation needs to be considered.

Altered plasma lipidome profile of dairy cows with fatty liver disease.

Fatty liver disease is a common health problem of dairy cows occurring during the transition from pregnancy to lactation. It is a direct response to fat mobilization due to negative energy balance. Accumulation of lipids in the liver occurs if the uptake of non-esterified fatty acids by the liver exceeds the capacity of lipid oxidation or secretion by the liver. Currently, the diagnosis of fatty liver disease requires confirmation through biopsies to determine the hepatic lipid content. In view of this lack of a practical diagnostic tool, we compared the plasma lipidome of diseased dairy cows using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Multivariate data analysis yielded 20 m/z values that were able to distinguish between dairy cows with no hepatic lipidosis and those exhibiting different stages of the disease. Based on the chromatography retention time and m/z ratios, we identified phosphatidylcholines with reduced plasma abundances in cows with fatty liver disease. The abundances of different bile acids tended to be increased. In addition, we detected two metabolites related to inflammation, resolvin E1 and palmitoyl-ethanolamine (PEA), which need to be further investigated in cattle. These results indicate that the measurement of specific representatives of phosphatidylcholines in plasma may provide a novel diagnostic biomarker of fatty liver disease in dairy cows.

Investigation of coagulation and serum biochemistry profiles in dairy cattle with different degrees of fatty liver.

INTRODUCTION: Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, Blutgerinnungsprofile, biochemische und hämatologische Parameter bei Kühen mit unterschiedlichen Schweregraden der Leberverfettung zu untersuchen. Der Schweregrad der Leberverfettung wurde mittels histologischer Untersuchung von Leberbiopsien ermittelt. Fünfzig Kühe, die wegen linksseitiger Labmagenverlagerung überwiesen wurden und verschiedene Schweregrade einer Leberverfettung aufwiesen wurden untersucht. Ein Gerinnungsprofil einschliesslich Prothrombinzeit, Thrombinzeit, partieller Thromboplastinzeit und Fibrinogen konnte nicht zwischen Kühen mit oder ohne Leberverfettung unterscheiden. Die Aspartat Aminotransferase (ASAT) war der einzige Parameter, der bei Kühen mit Leberverfettung signifikant verändert war, jedoch nicht verschiedene Schweregrade der Leberverfettung unterscheiden konnte. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Gerinnungsfaktoren durch eine Leberverfettung nicht beeinflusst werden. Die routinemässig gemessenen biochemischen Parameter sind nicht geeignet um den Schweregrad einer Leberverfettung bestimmen zu können.

INTRODUCTION: Le but du présent travail était d'étudier les profils de coagulation ainsi que les paramètres biochimiques et hématologiques chez des vaches souffrant de lipidose hépatique à divers stades. La gravité de l'affection a été déterminée par l'examen histologique de biopsies hépatiques. Cinquante vaches, référées pour un déplacement de la caillette à gauche et qui présentaient des signes de lipidose hépatique à divers stades ont été examinées. Le profil de coagulation, y compris les temps de prothrombine et de thrombine, le temps partiel de thromboplastine et le fibrinogène, n'a pas permis de faire de différence entre les vaches souffrant ou non de lipidose hépatique. L'aspartate aminotransférase (ASAT) était le seul paramètre significativement modifié chez les vaches atteintes de lipidose hépatique, sans toutefois qu'il permette de différencier les stades de l'affection. Ces résultats montrent que les facteurs de coagulation ne sont pas influencés par la lipidose. Les paramètres biochimiques de routine ne sont pas adaptés pour estimer la gravité d'une lipidose hépatique.

Outbreak of sheeppox in farmed sheep in Kyrgystan: Histological, eletron microscopical and molecular characterization.

INTRODUCTION: On a farm in the Kyrgyz Republic, several dead sheep were found without any history of illness. The sheep showed several ulcerations on lips and bare-skinned areas. At necropsy the lungs showed multiple firm nodules, which were defined as pox nodules histologically. In the rumen hyperkeratotic plaques were visible. With electron microscopy pox viral particles were detected and confirmed with q PCR as Capripoxviruses. Although all members of the Capripoxvirus genus are eradicated in western countries, this study should remind us of the classical lesions observed in poxvirus infections.

Blood plasma lipidome profile of dairy cows during the transition period.

BACKGROUND: The transition period of dairy cows, around parturition and the onset of lactation, involves endocrine and metabolic changes to compensate for an increased energy requirement aggravated by reduced feed intake. Transition cows adjust to the resulting negative energy balance with the mobilization of lipids from the adipose tissues yielding increased blood levels of non-esterified fatty acids and ketone bodies like ß-hydroxybutyrate. RESULTS: To study the biochemical adaptations underlying this physiologic adjustment and possible pathologic derangements, we analyzed the blood plasma lipidome of transition cows by ultra-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The resulting data were processed by principal component analysis, revealing over 60 lipid masses that change in abundance over the test period ranging from two weeks before calving to four weeks postpartum. Further characterization of analytes by tandem mass spectrometry demonstrated that the concentration of triacylglycerides in plasma drops at the day of parturition whereas the plasma level of many phosphatidylcholines and two sphingomyelins increases steadily during early lactation. CONCLUSION: This newly identified shift in phospholipid composition delivers a potential biomarker to detect aberrant metabolic pathways in transition cows and also provides insights into how to prevent and treat associated disorders like fatty liver disease.

The effect of orally administered ranitidine and once-daily or twice-daily orally administered omeprazole on intragastric pH in cats.

BACKGROUND: Gastric acid suppressants frequently are used in cats with acid-related gastric disorders. However, it is not known if these drugs effectively increase intragastric pH in cats. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of PO administered ranitidine and omeprazole on intragastric pH in cats and to compare the efficacy of once-daily versus twice-daily dosage regimens for omeprazole. ANIMALS: Eight domestic shorthair cats. METHODS: Using a randomized 4-way cross-over design, cats were given enteric-coated omeprazole granules (1.1-1.3 mg/kg q24h and q12h), ranitidine (1.5-2.3 mg/kg q12h), and placebo. Intragastric pH was monitored continuously for 96 hours using the Bravo(™) system, starting on day 4 of treatment, followed by a median washout period of 12 days. Mean percentage of time pH was ≥3 and ≥4 was compared among groups using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Mean ± SD percentage of time intragastric pH was ≥3 and ≥4 was 67.0 ± 24.0% and 54.6 ± 26.4% for twice-daily omeprazole, 24.4 ± 22.8% and 16.8 ± 19.3% for once-daily omeprazole, 16.5 ± 9.0% and 9.6 ± 5.9% for ranitidine, and 9.4 ± 8.0% and 7.0 ± 6.6% for placebo administration. Twice-daily omeprazole treatment significantly increased intragastric pH, whereas pH after once-daily omeprazole and ranitidine treatments did not differ from that of placebo-treated cats. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Only twice-daily PO administered omeprazole significantly suppressed gastric acidity in healthy cats, whereas once-daily omeprazole and standard dosages of ranitidine were not effective acid suppressants in cats.

The human Bosniak model applied to a cat with renal cystadenoma. A classification to differentiate benign and malignant cystic renal masses via computed tomography and ultrasound.

A 13-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with weight loss and azotemia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a large cystic space- occupying lesion with multiple septae in the left kidney. A core needle biopsy yielded a renal cystadenoma originating from the epithelial cells. This report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic features and the growth progression of a renal cystadenoma. We describe the first attempt to apply the human Bosniak classification to a cat with renal cystic neoplasia to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Cystadenoma should be a differential diagnosis in cases of renal cystic space-occupying lesions. Other differentials, imaging features to differentiate benign and malignant lesions and the risk of malignant transformation will be discussed.

Hepatic fungal infection in a young beagle with unrecognised hereditary cobalamin deficiency (Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome).

A 12-month-old beagle presented for anorexia, pyrexia and vomiting. The dog had been treated intermittently with antibiotics and corticosteroids for inappetence and lethargy since five months of age. Previous laboratory abnormalities included macrocytosis and neutropenia. At presentation, the dog was lethargic, febrile and thin. Laboratory examination findings included anaemia, a left shift, thrombocytopenia, hypoglycaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia. Multiple, small, hypoechoic, round hepatic lesions were observed on abdominal ultrasound. Cytological examination of hepatic fine needle aspirates revealed a fungal infection and associated pyogranulomatous inflammation. The dog's general condition deteriorated despite supportive measures and treatment with fluconazole, and owners opted for euthanasia before hypocobalaminaemia was identified. Subsequent genomic analysis revealed a CUBN:c.786delC mutation in a homozygous state, confirming hereditary cobalamin malabsorption (Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome). Similar to human infants, dogs with Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome may rarely be presented for infectious diseases, distracting focus from the underlying primary disorder.

[Ulcerative colitis and proctitis in two Swiss Braunvieh cows]. / Ulzerierende Colitis und Proktitis bei zwei Braunviehkühen.

Two Swiss Braunvieh cows were referred to our clinic because of narrowing of the rectum and difficult rectal examination attributable to restricted arm movement within the pelvic cavity. Cow 1 also had perforation of the cranial rectum and cow 2 had multiple small funnel-shaped depressions in the rectal mucosa. Both cows had ultrasonographic evidence of peritonitis with thickening of the intestinal wall and fibrin and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. A diagnosis of peritonitis was made in both cows, most likely caused by rectal perforation; they were euthanized and a post-mortem examination was carried out. Both cows had proctitis and ulcerative colitis with three or four perforated ulcers which were associated with fibrinopurulent peritonitis. The final diagnosis was ulcerative colitis and proctitis of unknown aetiology. Infectious causes of colitis and proctitis, including bovine viral diarrhoea, adenovirus infection and salmonellosis, and trauma and poisoning were ruled out.

Wireless ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring in dogs with clinical signs interpreted as gastroesophageal reflux.

BACKGROUND: Although gastroesophageal reflux (GER) often is assumed to be causative for upper gastrointestinal and respiratory signs in dogs, no attempts have been made to verify this assumption. OBJECTIVES: To monitor esophageal pH with the Bravo pH system in healthy dogs and client-owned dogs displaying signs commonly attributed to GER. ANIMALS: Seven healthy and 22 client-owned dogs. METHODS: After routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy, radiotelemetric pH capsules were placed in distal esophagus for continuous pH recording. Reflux was defined as single pH measurement <4. At discharge, owners were instructed to press individually predefined clinical sign-buttons on the receiver whenever indicated. Results between groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The median (range) number of refluxes in client-owned and healthy dogs, respectively, was 17 (1-205) and 10 (1-65), the number of refluxes >5 minutes in duration was 1 (0-14), and 1 (0-4), duration of longest reflux (min) was 10 (0-65) and 8 (0-27), and fractional time pH <4 (%) was 0.76% (0.01-6.28), and 0.3% (0-3.1). No differences were found between groups. The median of 7 (1-35) clinical sign-button pushes were recorded in 21 dogs. Median of 12.5% (2.8% [1/35]-50% [2/4]) reflux-positive clinical sign-button pushes was found in 10 dogs with reflux-positive pushes. Five (22.7%) dogs had increased esophageal acid exposure, and mild esophagitis was noted in 1 dog. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Despite evidence of increased GER in some dogs, the clinical sign-reflux association remained poor. Future investigation should focus on dogs with esophagitis.

Spontaneous progression of cutaneous angiomatosis to an infiltrative sarcoma-like tumour in a bull.

CASE HISTORY: A 5-month-old valuable Red Holstein bull presented with a cutaneous mass on the fetlock of the right hind limb. The mass was removed and histologically diagnosed as a benign angiomatosis. Four months later, the mass reoccurred on the same leg. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The first excision biopsy consisted of numerous blood vessels of different diameters and wall thicknesses. Often, the smaller vessels were oriented around a larger, vein-like vessel. The endothelial cells were elongated with small oval to elongated nuclei with dense chromatin. Following recurrence, the mass showed clear signs of infiltrative growth, including solid bundles of cells, increased polymorphism and round to oval nuclei with coarse chromatin and distinctive nucleoli. The neoplastic cells were immunohistochemically positive for von Willebrand Factor (vWF). DIAGNOSIS: Angiomatosis with focal progression to an infiltrative growing sarcoma-like tumour. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case represents the progression of a benign vascular proliferation, often considered as a reactive process, into a more aggressively behaving neoplasm. The clinical behaviour and histopathological morphology were strikingly similar to previous cases described in human and veterinary medicine.

Feasibility and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of the pancreas in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has proven a useful and safe diagnostic tool for assessing pancreatic disease in human medicine. No information about pancreatic EUS-FNA is available in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and safety of pancreatic EUS-FNA in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: Thirteen beagles with a median body weight of 13.4 kg. METHODS: Experimental study. An ultrasound endoscope (insertion tube outer diameter 11.8 mm) was used, and FNA was carried out with 19 G needles. The optimal puncture site was chosen with the aid of Doppler imaging. Complete clinicopathologic assessments including pain scoring and pancreas-specific lipase measurements were obtained before EUS as well as on day 1 and day 2 after EUS-FNA. RESULTS: The pancreatic body was identified in all dogs, the left lobe was clearly identified in 9/13 and appeared indistinctly marginated in 4/13 dogs, and the distal third of the right lobe could not be identified in 7/13 dogs. EUS-FNA was carried out in 12/13 dogs. Cellularity of smears was adequate for evaluation in 8/12 cases, in which samples were obtained transgastrically (n = 4) or transduodenally (n = 4). All dogs recovered uneventfully and no clinical and laboratory abnormalities occurred during the 48 hour monitoring period after the procedure. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although the healthy canine pancreas is difficult to visualize in its entirety with EUS, pancreatic EUS-FNA with a 19 G needle is feasible in medium-sized dogs and can be considered a safe procedure. Its diagnostic usefulness should be evaluated in dogs with pancreatic disease.

Sonographic findings in an alpaca with Mycobacterium kansasii infection.

This case report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and postmortem findings in an alpaca with Mycobacterium kansasii infection. The alpaca was referred because of chronic weight loss and weakness. The results of clinical examination, haematology and serum biochemistry were not diagnostic. Ultrasonography of the liver revealed multiple, hyperechogenic lesions with a diameter of 1 to 3 cm. Histological evaluation of a liver biopsy sample showed acute, multifocal, suppurative, necrotising hepatitis. Despite treatment with antibiotics, the alpaca died. Postmortem examination revealed nodular to coalescing lesions in the liver, lungs, mediastinum, pleura and greater omentum, which could not be differentiated macroscopically or histologically from lesions caused by tuberculosis. Ziehl-Neelsen staining showed massive numbers of rods within epithelioid macrophages, which were identified as Mycobacterium kansasii by polymerase chain reaction analysis.