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.

Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 immunolabeling in epithelioid hemangiosarcoma.

Epithelioid hemangiosarcoma (EH), a rare histological variant of hemangiosarcoma, is reported in various animal species, including humans, dogs, cows, horses, and cats. Epithelioid hemangiosarcomas are composed of highly pleomorphic epithelioid cells arranged in cords, islands, nests, or solid cellular areas, similar to epithelial neoplasms. Moreover, in humans, approximately 50% of EHs have cytoplasmic immunolabeling for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 (CK AE1/AE3), making it challenging to distinguish them from carcinomas. This retrospective study assessed the CK AE1/AE3 immunolabeling in canine EH cases from 5 veterinary institutions. Immunohistochemistry for CD31 and CK AE1/AE3 was performed on 30 cases. CK AE1/AE3 immunolabeling was detected in 43% (13/30) of cases, with cytoplasmic labeling ranging from 5% to 100% of neoplastic cells. All tumors consistently had membranous immunolabeling for CD31. The CK AE1/AE3 immunolabeling pattern in canine EHs closely resembled those documented in humans, indicating a similar diagnostic challenge. Therefore, it is recommended to include a vascular immunohistochemistry marker, such as CD31, whenever EH is suspected, particularly in small incisional cutaneous and subcutaneous biopsies.

Oral fibrolipoma in dogs: Retrospective case series study and comparative review.

Fibrolipoma is defined as a typical lipoma transected by variable amounts of paucicellular and collagenous fibrous components. Oral and lingual fibrolipomas are well-recognized histological entities in human medicine that are slightly more prevalent in females, occur most commonly after the fourth decade, and arise from the buccal mucosa. The documentation of this neoplasm in the oral cavity is lacking in veterinary medicine. Through a multi-institutional retrospective compilation of cases submitted to diagnostic pathology services, here we describe the clinical and pathologic features of oral fibrolipomas in dogs. A total of 112 cases of oral fibrolipomas in dogs were retrieved. The mean age was 10.1 years (range 2-16 years, ±2.63 years standard deviation), with an average tumor size of 1.7 cm (range 0.2-8 cm, ±1.1 cm standard deviation). The most common location was the tongue (57.1%, 64/112), followed by the buccal mucosa (15.2%, 16/112), sublingual area (8.0%, 9/112), gingiva and lip (4.5%, 5/112 each), and palate (1 case). The anatomical location of oral fibrolipomas only differed significantly among the dog breeds (P < .001) but not among sex, age, anamnesis, or reason for submission. The tumor was most commonly reported in males (69.7%, 78/112), and in 62.5% (70/112) of the cases, the tumor was an incidental finding. Fibrolipoma should be considered a differential diagnosis when considering benign lingual and other oral soft tissue masses in dogs.

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.

Novel Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus 1 VC2 Promotes Long-Lasting, Systemic Anti-melanoma Tumor Immune Responses and Increased Survival in an Immunocompetent B16F10-Derived Mouse Melanoma Model.

Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) is now understood to be an immunotherapy that uses viral infection to liberate tumor antigens in an immunogenic context to promote the development of antitumor immune responses. The only currently FDA-approved oncolytic virotherapy, T-Vec, is a modified type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). While T-Vec is associated with limited response rates, its modest efficacy supports the continued development of novel OVT viruses. Herein, we test the efficacy of a recombinant HSV-1, VC2, as an OVT in a syngeneic B16F10-derived mouse model of melanoma. VC2 possesses mutations that block its ability to enter neurons via axonal termini. This greatly enhances its safety profile by precluding the ability of the virus to establish latent infection. VC2 has been shown to be a safe, effective vaccine against both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection in mice, guinea pigs, and nonhuman primates. We found that VC2 slows tumor growth rates and that VC2 treatment significantly enhances survival of tumor-engrafted, VC2-treated mice over control treatments. VC2-treated mice that survived initial tumor engraftment were resistant to a second engraftment as well as colonization of lungs by intravenous introduction of tumor cells. We found that VC2 treatment induced substantial increases in intratumoral T cells and a decrease in immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. This immunity was critically dependent on CD8+ T cells and less dependent on CD4+ T cells. Our data provide significant support for the continued development of VC2 as an OVT for the treatment of human and animal cancers.IMPORTANCE Current oncolytic virotherapies possess limited response rates. However, when certain patient selection criteria are used, oncolytic virotherapy response rates have been shown to increase. This, in addition to the increased response rates of oncolytic virotherapy in combination with other immunotherapies, suggests that oncolytic viruses possess significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer. As such, it is important to continue to develop novel oncolytic viruses as well as support basic research into their mechanisms of efficacy. Our data demonstrate significant clinical potential for VC2, a novel type 1 oncolytic herpes simplex virus. Additionally, due to the high rates of survival and the dependence on CD8+ T cells for efficacy, our model will enable study of the immunological correlates of protection for VC2 oncolytic virotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy in general. Understanding the mechanisms of efficacious oncolytic virotherapy will inform the rational design of improved oncolytic virotherapies.

YERSINIA PSEUDOTUBERCULOSIS INFECTION IN LIONS (PANTHERA LEO) AT A ZOOLOGICAL PARK.

Two co-housed 17-yr-old male lions (Panthera leo) and one 15-yr-old female lion in an adjacent enclosure developed acute lethargy, depression, anorexia, and ataxia at a zoological park in central North Carolina, United States. One of the male lions and the female lion were found dead 5 and 4 d after the onset of clinical signs, respectively. The other male lion recovered without any clinical treatment. A third male lion housed with the female lion never developed clinical signs. Postmortem examination, microscopic evaluation, and bacterial culture of the liver from both deceased lions confirmed systemic Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection. Susceptibility testing revealed resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefazolin. To investigate the extent of the outbreak, qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Y. pseudotuberculosis was performed on feces and substrate from 15 enclosures housing nondomestic felids and canids, resulting in a positive sample from one enclosure housing four asymptomatic lions. This enclosure was adjacent to housing of the deceased female lion. Enrofloxacin was administered to all animals in the vicinity at doses of 5 mg/kg in nondomestic felids and 10 mg/kg in nondomestic canids, orally q24h for 14 d. Repeated fecal PCR performed 1 wk after completing the antibiotic treatment protocol found no positive samples. The source of the infection was not identified despite PCR testing of environmental samples from all enclosures in the vicinity, the remains of a prey item fed out prior to the outbreak, and a single dead rodent found on grounds. No further clinical cases have occurred within the following year.

Myxosarcoma Associated with the Kidney in a Cat: Case Report.

A 12 yr old spayed female domestic shorthair with a history of lethargy, anorexia, and a pendulous abdomen was referred after a cranial abdominal mass was palpated on physical examination. Thoracic radiographs and an abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass associated with the kidney and moderate hemoperitoneum. Exploratory laparotomy revealed abdominal hemorrhage originating from a right renal mass that was adhered to the caudal vena cava. Following a right nephrectomy, histopathology diagnosed the mass as a perirenal/renal myxosarcoma. Based upon thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound, the patient remains disease free at 14 mo postoperatively.

Liver tumorigenesis is promoted by a high saturated fat diet specifically in male mice and is associated with hepatic expression of the proto-oncogene Agap2 and enrichment of the intestinal microbiome with Coprococcus.

Liver cancer results in a high degree of mortality, especially among men. As fatty liver disease is a risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma, we investigated the role of dietary fat type in tumor promotion by high-fat diets in mice after initiation with the chemical carcinogen diethyl nitrosamine. Tumor incidence and multiplicity were significantly greater in males than those in females. In males, fat type had complex effects on tumorigenesis. Preneoplastic foci were most prevalent in mice fed a polyunsaturated fat diet enriched in docosahexaenoic acid, whereas carcinomas and large visible liver tumors were significantly greater in mice fed a saturated fat diet made with cocoa butter relative to mice fed mono- or polyunsaturated fats. Different mechanisms thus seemed involved in early and late tumor promotion. The hepatic transcriptome and gut microbiome were assessed for traits associated with tumorigenesis. Hepatic expression of more than 20% of all genes was affected by sex, whereas fat type affected fewer genes. In males, the saturated fat diet induced expression of the proto-oncogene Agap2 and affected the expression of several cytochrome P450 genes, and genes involved in lipid, bile acid and fatty acid metabolism. The gut microbiome had a higher level of genus Akkermansia and a lower level of Firmicutes in females than in males. Males fed saturated fat had an altered microbiome, including an enrichment of the genus Coprococcus. In conclusion, sex and the dietary fat type affect the gut microbiome, the hepatic transcriptome and ultimately hepatic tumor growth.

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.

Putative diagnosis of neuromuscular and vascular hamartoma: 2 cases in dogs and review of the veterinary literature.

Neuromuscular and vascular hamartoma (NMVH) is an infrequent gastrointestinal lesion described in human and veterinary medical literature. The histologic features of this entity are haphazardly arranged fascicles of smooth muscle, nerve fibers, scattered ganglion cells, and hemangiomatous blood vessels. Here we describe 2 putative cases of NMVH in a 1.7-y-old, intact female Anatolian mixed-breed dog and a 4-mo-old intact male Akita dog. Both animals had gastrointestinal clinical signs, including hematochezia, and on exploratory laparotomy, intussusception was confirmed. Histologic examination confirmed NMVH within the cecal wall in both cases using a panel of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers for vascular structures (CD31), smooth muscle (alpha-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA]), and nerves (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] and S100). The complete surgical excision of the lesion in both animals was considered curative without persistent clinical signs 14 mo and 12 mo, respectively, after surgery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Air Sac Cystadenoma in a Pet Chicken.

A 2-yr-old female Brahma chicken was presented to the Poultry Mobile Clinic of the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University with a 3-wk onset of a wet sneeze that progressed to wheezing with a whistle-type sound. Upon observation, a cyst was found above the left clavicle in the area around the crop. The bird was euthanatized due to the progressive and chronic nature of the symptoms. Postmortem examination revealed an ovoid, soft to fluctuant, smooth, pale brown mass (2 × 0.9 × 0.8 cm), encased within the cranial membrane of the left cervical air sac. Histologically, focally expanding the left cervical air sac was a pedunculated, nonencapsulated, well-demarcated, moderately cellular neoplasm that consisted of cuboidal cells predominantly arranged in variably sized cystic structures lined by a single layer of cells. Neoplastic cells have strong cytoplasmic immunolabeling against cytokeratin AE1/AE3. Gross and histologic findings were consistent with an air sac cystadenoma. Primary respiratory neoplasia in birds is infrequent. Air sac carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and cystadenocarcinomas have been described in Psittaciformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes, and Cuculiformes. Benign air sac tumors are poorly documented, and detailed descriptions of this neoplasm in poultry literature are lacking.

Reporte de caso- Cistadenoma en los sacos aéreos de un pollo mascota. Una gallina Brahma de dos años fue remitida al Servicio Ambulatorio de Avicultura de traspatio de la Universidad Estatal de Carolina del Norte debido a la presentación de un cuadro clínico de estornudos que progresó a la emisión de ruidos respiratorios tipo silbido en el curso de tres semanas. Se observó un quiste de 2-3 cm de diámetro en el área de la clavícula izquierda alrededor del buche. A dicha ave se le practicó la eutanasia debido a la naturaleza progresiva de los signos. El examen post mortem reveló una masa, ovalada, suave y fluctuante, de color café pálido, de 2 cm × 0.9 cm × 0.8 cm, contenida en la membrana craneal del saco aéreo cervical izquierdo. Histológicamente la pared del saco aéreo cervical izquierdo estaba reemplazada por una neoplasia no encapsulada, pedunculada, bien demarcada, compuesta de células cuboidales organizadas en múltiples estructuras quísticas de tamaño variable y recubiertas por una monocapa celular. Las células neoplásicas poseían una fuerte immunorreactividad citoplasmática para citoqueratina AE1/AE3. Los hallazgos macroscópicos y microscópicos son consistentes con un cistoadenoma de sacos aéreos. En aves, las neoplasias primarias de origen respiratorio son infrecuentes. Carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, y cistoadenocarcinomas de sacos aéreos se han reportado en Psitaciformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes y Cuculiformes. Los tumores benignos de sacos aéreos han sido escasamente documentados y se carece de descripciones detalladas de estas neoplasias en gallináceas en la literatura.

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.

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.