Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and papilloma associated with Equus caballus papillomavirus 2 in a horse.

A case of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous papilloma in a 19-year-old Thoroughbred stallion is described. The animal exhibited severe wheezing caused by laryngopharyngeal stenosis. Histological examination identified laryngeal, laryngotracheal, and guttural pouch tumor masses consisting of areas of SCC. In the epiglottic lesion, the overlying epithelium was replaced by papilloma cells, and superficial cells frequently had nuclear inclusion bodies that expressed oncoprotein E6, which is characteristic of high risk human papillomaviruses. The papillomatous epithelium was continuous with epithelium composed of SCC cells. Equus caballus papillomavirus 2 (EcPV2) DNA was detected in the guttural pouch tumor. These findings suggest that laryngeal SCC and papilloma are a continuum of EcPV2-induced neoplastic lesions in horses.

Effects of supplemental ß-carotene on colostral immunoglobulin and plasma ß-carotene and immunoglobulin in Japanese Black cows.

Data from 26 Japanese Black cows were collected to clarify the effects of supplemental ß-carotene on colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) and plasma ß-carotene and Ig in the cows. Cows were assigned to control or ß-carotene groups from 21 days before the expected calving date to 60 days after parturition. Supplemental ß-carotene was provided at 500 mg/day in the ß-carotene group. Supplemental ß-carotene drastically increased plasma ß-carotene concentrations in the cows from parturition to 60 days after parturition, and plasma ß-carotene concentrations in the control and ß-carotene groups at parturition were 202 and 452 µg/dl, respectively. Supplemental ß-carotene had no effects on plasma IgG1 , IgA or IgM concentrations at parturition. Supplemental ß-carotene increased colostral IgG1 concentrations in the cows, but colostral ß-carotene, IgA and IgM concentrations were not affected by supplemental ß-carotene. These results indicate that supplemental ß-carotene is effective to enhance colostral IgG1 concentrations and plasma ß-carotene concentrations in Japanese Black cows.