Gadoxetate disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for differentiation between benign and malignant splenic lesions in dogs.

Malignant splenic lesions in dogs are common, with hemangiosarcoma diagnosed most frequently, and there have been no consistent clinicopathologic, gross, or imaging characteristics identified that differentiate malignant from benign splenic lesions. Histopathology is required for definitive diagnosis, and given the poor long-term prognosis of malignant splenic lesions, a noninvasive tool to aid in diagnosis would be valuable. This prospective cohort study utilized gadoxetate disodium, a liver-specific contrast agent (Gd-EOB-DPTA; Eovist), to identify the general lesion and pre- and postcontrast signal characteristics of benign and malignant splenic and hepatic lesions in dogs with naturally occurring disease. Twenty-five dogs were enrolled, Eovist-enhanced MRI was performed, and dogs were taken to surgery for splenectomy and other organ biopsy. All histopathology and MRI studies were evaluated by a single pathologist and a single radiologist, respectively. The associations between the tumor type and numerous variables defined on MRI were evaluated using Fisher's exact tests, and the significance was identified at a P-value of .05. Malignant splenic masses were identified in 11/25 (44%) dogs, and 5/11 malignancies represented hemangiosarcoma. The presence of abdominal effusion (P = .017) and the presence of hepatic nodules on MRI (P = .009) were associated with splenic malignancy. There were no benign T2 hyperintense and no malignant T2 hypointense lesions (P = .021). Utilization of the T2 W MRI sequence may aid in the identification of malignant splenic lesions, particularly when accompanied by abdominal effusion and hepatic lesions.

Emphysematous splenic torsion in a German shepherd dog.

A 9-year-old castrated male German shepherd dog was presented because of a 2-day history of lethargy and anorexia. Abdominal distention and free peritoneal fluid were noted on physical examination, which prompted radiographs revealing a large, soft tissue and stippled gas opaque structure in the right cranial abdomen. Computed tomography was used to further describe the structure and assess for comorbidities in the dog. Both CT and abdominal radiographs supported a diagnosis of emphysematous splenic torsion. The enlarged spleen was surgically extracted, along with sections of necrotic omentum. Four days after the procedure, the dog developed a portal vein thrombus and secondary abdominal effusion, which ultimately led to the decision for humane euthanasia. Veterinarians should know the different imaging modalities used to diagnose splenic torsion and the possible postoperative complications following treatment.

Torsion splénique emphysémateuse chez un berger allemandUn berger allemand mâle castré de 9 ans a été présenté en raison d'une léthargie et d'une anorexie depuis 2 jours. Une distension abdominale et du liquide péritonéal libre ont été notés lors de l'examen physique, ce qui a donné lieu à des radiographies révélant une grosse structure opaque de tissus mous et de gaz dans l'abdomen crânial droit. Un examen par tomodensitométrie a été utilisée pour décrire plus en détail la structure et évaluer les comorbidités chez le chien. La tomodensitométrie et les radiographies abdominales ont toutes deux confirmé un diagnostic de torsion splénique emphysémateuse. La rate hypertrophiée a été extraite chirurgicalement, ainsi que des sections d'épiploon nécrotique. Quatre jours après l'intervention, le chien a développé un thrombus de la veine porte et un épanchement abdominal secondaire, ce qui a finalement conduit à la décision d'une euthanasie. Les vétérinaires doivent connaître les différentes modalités d'imagerie utilisées pour diagnostiquer la torsion splénique et les complications postopératoires possibles après le traitement.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Treatment and outcomes of two pigs treated for hemoabdomen secondary to splenic disease.

OBJECTIVE: To report the management and outcomes of two pigs undergoing emergency surgery for hemoabdomen secondary to splenic disease. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMAL: Two adult pigs with hemoabdomen and suspected splenic pathology. METHODS: Pigs were admitted for several clinical signs including lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, abdominal distention, hypothermia, and tachycardia. Abdominal ultrasound and abdominocentesis led to a diagnosis of hemoabdomen secondary to splenic disease. RESULTS: The spleen was confirmed as the source of hemorrhage during midline exploratory celiotomy in both pigs. Splenic rupture resulted from splenic vein thrombosis in one pig and splenic torsion in the other. Complications included intraoperative hemorrhage and intraabdominal adhesion formation. Four years following splenectomy, one pig was euthanized because of widespread small intestinal adhesions causing luminal obstruction, while the other pig was euthanized following a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: A ventral midline celiotomy provided adequate exposure for splenectomy. The procedure allowed resolution of signs in both pigs. Splenic pathology, such as vessel thrombosis or torsion, may result in splenic rupture and should be considered as a differential in pigs with hemoabdomen.

Ultrasonographic and CT diagnosis of a complete splenic duplication with right splenic torsion and presumed regional splenic vein hypertension in a dog.

An 8-year-old mixed breed dog, was referred for lethargy, abdominal discomfort, hematemesis, and melena. Abdominal ultrasound revealed mineralization of the "right splenic vein" with collateral spiraling and a suspected splenic duplication. Computed tomography confirmed the duplication along with torsion of the splenic pedicle. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the splenic torsion associated with congestion of the gastrointestinal vessels, indicative of a chronic onset of secondary regional splenic vein hypertension.

Chronic splenic torsion in a dog with an accessory spleen.

A 4-year-old, neutered male, mixed breed Old English sheepdog was presented for evaluation and treatment of anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Presumptive severe pancreatitis was diagnosed based on the referral bloodwork. Abdominal ultrasonography identified a suspected liver lobe torsion based on the presence of a normal spleen. However, an exploratory laparotomy identified a splenic torsion in addition to a grossly normal spleen. Key clinical message: This case demonstrates that a second, potentially large area of splenic tissue (ectopic or accessory) can be present in the dog; therefore, the presence of a normal appearing spleen on abdominal ultrasonography does not rule out splenic torsion.

Torsion splénique chronique chez un chien avec une rate accessoire. Un chien berger anglais de race mixte âgé de 4 ans, mâle castré, a été présenté pour évaluation et traitement d'anorexie, de vomissements et de diarrhée. Une pancréatite sévère présumée a été diagnostiquée sur la base des analyses sanguines. L'échographie abdominale a identifié une torsion suspectée du lobe hépatique basée sur la présence d'une rate normale. Cependant, une laparotomie exploratrice a identifié une torsion splénique en plus d'une rate grossièrement normale.Message clinique clé :Ce cas démontre qu'une deuxième zone potentiellement large de tissu splénique (ectopique ou accessoire) peut être présente chez le chien; par conséquent, la présence d'une rate d'apparence normale à l'échographie abdominale n'exclut pas une torsion de la rate.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Spontaneous emphysematous splenitis: Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in three Golden Retriever dogs.

Spontaneous emphysematous splenitis is a life-threatening condition reported rarely in humans; however, published reports in dogs are currently lacking. The aim of this multicentric, retrospective, case series design study was to describe radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging findings in Golden Retriever dogs diagnosed with spontaneous emphysematous splenitis. A total of three dogs were sampled. All dogs had a history of lethargy, diarrhea, and weight loss. Radiographic findings in all dogs included a mass effect with focal or multifocal coalescing "vesicular-like" gas pattern in the splenic region and focal loss of serosal detail. Ultrasonographic findings in all dogs included focal or multifocal irregularly shaped, hypoechoic areas containing a mixture of hyperechoic fluid and gas within the splenic parenchyma, hyperechoic abdominal free fluid, and generalized hyperechoic mesenteric fat without evidence of splenic torsion. Pneumoperitoneum was detected ultrasonographically and radiographically in two dogs. All three dogs underwent splenectomy and splenic torsion was definitively ruled out at surgery. One dog died three days after surgery, whereas the other two dogs recovered uneventfully. Culture of the splenic tissue and free abdominal fluid was positive for Clostridium spp. in all three cases. Findings supported inclusion of spontaneous emphysematous splenitis and septic peritonitis as differential diagnoses for dogs with this combination of clinical and imaging characteristics.

Splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in dogs is frequently detected on multiphase multidetector-row CT as hypervascular nodules.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is the formation and development of blood cells outside the bone marrow, and in dogs it frequently occurs in the spleen. Although splenic EMH is a relatively common condition, data regarding its appearance in veterinary medicine are lacking. Our aim was to describe different multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) features of splenic EMH in dogs. In this descriptive retrospective study, dogs with cytological diagnosis of splenic EMH and three-phase MDCT study of the abdomen were included. Multi-detector CT findings recorded were splenomegaly, appearance of the parenchyma, and mean attenuation of the spleen and lesions. Out of 89 dogs included, 55 (62%) presented multifocal nodular aspect, 14 (16%) mass, 12 (13%) diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma, and eight (9%) normal spleen. Most lesions were hyperattenuating to the parenchyma in the arterial (57/89, 64%) and portal (59/89, 66%) phases; whereas in the interstitial phase only 40 of 89 (45%) were hyperattenuating. The mean attenuations of the lesions were higher compared to the values of the adjacent spleen, and the difference of the mean attenuation between the hyperattenuating lesions and the parenchyma was significantly higher in arterial and portal phases than in interstitial phase (P < .0001). The most frequent MDCT aspect of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis consists of multiple nodules hyperattenuating to the normal spleen, best visualized in the arterial and portal phases.

CT characteristics of primary splenic torsion in eight dogs.

Splenic torsion is a rare potentially life-threatening condition characterized by rotation of the spleen around the gastrosplenic and phrenosplenic ligaments leading to occlusion of venous drainage and arterial supply. This retrospective study describes the CT characteristics for dogs with surgically confirmed splenic torsion from 2013 to 2018 using the submissions to a large multinational teleradiology database. Eight dogs had the splenic torsion confirmed with surgery. Seven of eight cases had histology confirming congestion, hemorrhage, and necrosis, and one had concurrent myelolipoma infiltration. The CT characteristics included an enlarged (8/8), rounded (7/8), folded C-shaped spleen (8/8) with a difference of median parenchymal attenuation between pre- and postcontrast of +1.15 HU (Hounsfield units). Other common features included a mainly homogeneous parenchyma on pre- and post-contrast images (6/8), lack of subjective and objective vascular and parenchymal contrast enhancement (6/8) and free peritoneal fluid (6/8). A "whirl sign" was seen in the majority of cases (7/8) alongside a strongly hyperattenuating center (95-416 HU) on the precontrast images (5/7), which has not been previously described in the veterinary literature. Gastric position was normal in all cases. More variable CT characteristics of the confirmed torsions were attributable to suspected partial torsion and myelolipomatous infiltration. Overall, primary splenic torsion confirmed with surgery showed consistent characteristics on CT.

Large-volume pneumoperitoneum and septic peritonitis secondary to splenic abscess rupture in a dog.

An 11-year-old spayed female American pit bull terrier mixed breed dog was presented because of hyporexia and abdominal distension. The dog had large-volume free peritoneal gas on imaging and septic neutrophilic exudate on abdominocentesis. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a ruptured splenic mass draining purulent material. A splenectomy was performed and the abdomen was lavaged. Culture samples grew an anaerobic Gram-positive rod. The dog was discharged 4 days after surgery with no residual problems noted 1 week later. To our knowledge, this is the first report of large-volume pneumoperitoneum and septic peritonitis secondary to rupture of a splenic abscess.

Pneumopéritoine de grand volume et péritonite septique secondaire à la rupture d'un abcès splénique chez un chien. Une chienne stérilisée de race pitbull terrier américain croisée âgée de 11 ans fut présentée à cause d'hyporexie et de distension abdominale. Lors de l'examen par imagerie on nota un large volume de gaz péritonéal libre et un exsudat neutrophilique septique lors de l'abdominocenthèse. Une laparotomie exploratoire révéla une masse splénique rupturée qui drainait du matériel purulent. Une splénectomie fut réalisée, et l'abdomen fut soumis à un lavage. La culture d'échantillons permis la croissance d'un bâtonnet à Gram-positif anaérobie. Le chien reçu son congé 4 jours après la chirurgie et aucun problème résiduel ne fut noté 1 semaine plus tard. À notre connaissance il s'agit du premier rapport d'un pneumopéritoine de grand volume et de péritonite septique secondaire à la rupture d'un abcès splénique chez un chien.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Spleen and head kidney differential gene expression patterns in trout infected with Lactococcus garvieae correlate with spleen granulomas.

Lactococcus garvieae is a significant pathogen in aquaculture with a potential zoonotic risk. To begin to characterize the late immune response of trout to lactococcosis, we selected infected individuals showing clinical signs of lactococcosis. At the time lactococcosis clinical signs appeared, infection by L. garvieae induced a robust inflammatory response in the spleen of rainbow trout, which correlated with abundant granulomatous lesions. The response in kidney goes in parallel with that of spleen, and most of the gene regulations are similar in both organs. A correlation existed between the early inflammatory granulomas in spleen (containing macrophages with internalized L. garvieae) and up-regulated gene sets, which defined the presence of macrophages and neutrophils. This is the first analysis of the immune transcriptome of rainbow trout following L. garvieae infection during the initiation of adaptive immune mechanisms and shows a transcriptome induction of antibody response by both IgM (+) and IgT (+) spleen B cells to respond to systemic infection. These results increase our understanding of lactococcosis and pave the way for future research to improve control measures of lactococcosis on fish farms.

Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for assessment of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (NLH) in canine spleen.

BACKGROUND: Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (NLH) is one of the most common non-neoplastic splenic lesions in dogs, especially in old ones, showing a splenic enlargement. More recent studies have been focused on Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) analysis of the spleen for establishing normal perfusion patterns and blood pool phase peculiarities of focal lesions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative CEUS analysis of the canine splenic NLH, characterizing the CEUS pattern of this pathology on 20 clinical cases. RESULTS: A prospective, observational study was performed using a system equipped with contrast-tuned imaging technology. Mechanical Index was set from 0.08 to 0.11; the contrast medium was a second generation contrast medium composed of sulphur hexafluoride encapsulated of a shell of phospholipids (SonoVue®). Qualitative and quantitative assessment of the enhancement pattern of splenic NLH were performed. Cytology and histology identified 20 splenic NLH. All of the benign hyperplastic lesions assessed were isoechoic with a homogeneous pattern than the surrounding normal spleen, during the wash-in phase (10-20 s) of the CEUS exam. Before finishing the wash-in phase, 20-45 s from the contrast medium inoculation, 19/20 benign nodules became markedly hypoechoic to the adjacent spleen. Sensitivity of hypoechoic pattern for NLH was 95%. CONCLUSIONS: These findings should prove useful in the evaluation of focal splenic masses in dogs. Since enhancement and perfusion patterns of NLH seem to coincide with some neoplastic lesions of the spleen previously reported, in clinical practice attention must be paid to the final diagnosis of canine splenic lesions using only the CEUS exam.

Evaluation of Nodular Splenic Lesions in 370 Small-Breed Dogs (<15 kg).

Three hundred seventy small-breed dogs (<15 kg) undergoing splenectomy for the presence of nodular splenic lesions were evaluated in a retrospective study to assess associations with breeds, malignancy, hemoperitoneum, and median survival time compared with previous studies. Data analyzed included signalment, histopathologic diagnosis, presence or absence of hemoperitoneum, breed associations, and survival times. In the current study, 44% (163/370) of dogs had nonneoplastic splenic lesions and 56% (207/370) had neoplastic lesions. Hemangiosarcoma was present in 27% (100/370) of splenic lesions. Hemoperitoneum was present in 31% (115/370) of dogs, and of this population, 66% (76/115) had malignant splenic lesions. The most common breeds were miniature schnauzers, dachshunds, and beagles, with beagles exhibiting a positive association with malignancy. The presence of hemoperitoneum was associated with malignancy. Distribution for nodular splenic lesions, correlation of hemoperitoneum to malignancy, and median survival time were similar to previous reports in large-breed dogs. Small-breed dogs who present with hemoperitoneum are 2.6 times more likely to have a diagnosis of a malignant splenic lesion. The most common small-breed dogs with nodular splenic lesions were miniature schnauzers, dachshunds, and beagles. Beagles and small-breed terriers were more likely to have malignant splenic lesions, and small-breed terriers were more likely to present with hemoperitoneum.

Comparisons of Stereological and Other Approaches for Quantifying Macrophage Aggregates in Piscine Spleens.

Macrophage aggregates (MAs) are focal accumulations of pigmented macrophages in the spleen and other tissues of fish. A central role of MAs is the clearance and destruction of degenerating cells and recycling of some cellular components. Macrophage aggregates also respond to chemical contaminants and infectious agents and may play a role in the adaptive immune response. Tissue damage or physiological stress can result in increased MA accumulation. As a result, MAs may be sensitive biomarkers of environmental stress in fish. Abundance of MAs in tissues has been reported in a variety of ways-most commonly as density, mean size, and relative area-but the utility of these estimates has not been compared. In this study, four different types of splenic MA abundance estimates (abundance score, density, relative area, and total volume) were compared in two fish populations (Striped Bass Morone saxatilis and White Perch M. americana) with a wide range in ages. Stereological estimates of total volume indicated an increase in MA abundance with spleen volume, which generally corresponded to fish age, and with splenic infections (mycobacteria or trematode parasites). Abundance scores were generally limited in the ability to detect changes in MA abundance by these factors, whereas density estimates were greatly influenced by changes in spleen volume. In some instances, densities declined while the total volume of MAs and spleen volume increased. Experimentally induced acute stress resulted in a decrease in spleen volume and an increase in MA density, although the total volume of MAs remained unchanged. Relative area estimates accounted for the size and number of MAs but not for changes in organ volume. Total volume is an absolute measure of MA abundance irrespective of changes in organ volume or patterns of accumulation and may provide an improved means of quantifying MAs in the spleens of fish.

Partial splenectomy for incidentally detected non-ruptured splenic lesions in dogs: 18 cases (2004-2018).

The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the outcome and incidence of splenic malignancy in 18 dogs undergoing partial splenectomy for incidentally detected, non-ruptured splenic lesions. Incidence of splenic malignancy in the present study was 5.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14% to 27.65%]. Median diameter of splenic nodules was 2 cm (range: 1.5 to 4 cm). Splenic hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed in 1 dog, while the remaining 17 dogs had benign splenic lesions. There was a higher incidence of non-splenic malignancy (50%) than splenic malignancy (5.6%) in the study population. Overall median survival time after surgery was 300 days (range: 4 to 1332 days). Median survival time in dogs with malignant disease (splenic and non-splenic) was 67 days (range: 4 to 425 days) and for non-malignant disease was 727 days (range: 8 to 1332 days). In conclusion, partial splenectomy may be appropriate for small, incidental non-ruptured splenic lesions in dogs.

Splénectomie partielle pour des lésions spléniques non-rupturées détectées de manière fortuite chez des chiens : 18 cas (2004­2018). L'objectif de cette étude rétrospective était de décrire l'issue et la fréquence de malignité splénique chez 18 chiens soumis à une splénectomie partielle pour des lésions spléniques non-rupturées détectées de manière fortuite. La fréquence de malignité splénique dans la présente étude était de 5,6 % [intervalle de confiance de 95 % (CI) : 0,14 % à 27,65 %]. Le diamètre médian des nodules spléniques était de 2 cm (écart : 1,5 à 4 cm). Un hémangiosarcome splénique fut diagnostiqué chez un chien, alors que les 17 autres chiens avaient des lésions spléniques bénignes. Il y avait une plus grande fréquence de malignité non-splénique (50 %) que de malignité splénique (5,6 %) dans la population étudiée. Globalement, le temps de survie médian après la chirurgie était de 300 jours (écart : 4 à 1332 jours). Le temps de survie médian chez les chiens avec une condition maligne (splénique et non-splénique) était de 67 jours (écart : 4 à 425 jours) et pour ceux avec une condition non-maligne il était de 727 jours (écart : 8 à 1332 jours). En conclusion, une splénectomie partielle peut être appropriée pour des petites lésions spléniques secondaires non-rupturées.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Complications and short-term outcomes associated with single-port laparoscopic splenectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique and report complications and outcome for single-port laparoscopic splenectomy in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Twenty-two client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that underwent single-port laparoscopic splenectomy at 4 veterinary teaching hospitals were evaluated. Commercially available single-port devices were used in all dogs. In all cases, a vessel-sealing device was used to perform a hilar splenectomy. After the procedure was completed, the spleen was exteriorized through the single-port device incision or placed into a specimen retrieval device; enlargement of the incision was required in some cases. RESULTS: Median weight of dogs was 9.9 kg (interquartile range [IQR], 7.0-26.0). Splenectomy was performed because of splenic mass (n = 14), diffuse splenic disease (n = 4), or as adjunctive treatment for management of immune-mediated disease (n = 4). In cases with splenic masses, median maximal diameter of the largest splenic mass was 2.0 cm (IQR, 1.3-2.5). In 6 of 22 cases, mild splenic capsular bleeding occurred during the procedure. Conversion occurred in 6 of 22 cases to either a laparoscopic-assisted approach (n = 5) or an open celiotomy (n = 1). Reasons for conversion included large splenic dimensions (n = 3), adhesion formation (n = 1) or poor visualization resulting from abundant intra-abdominal fat (n = 1) or hemorrhage (n = 1). Heavier body weight was significantly associated with conversion (odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.51), but body condition score, having a splenic mass, splenic mass size, and surgical time were not. CONCLUSION: Single-port laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective approach for elective splenectomy in dogs. The technique may be well suited to smaller dogs with modestly sized splenic masses or diffuse splenic disease.

Anatomic site and etiology of hemorrhage in small versus large dogs with spontaneous hemoperitoneum.

OBJECTIVE: To compare anatomic sources and underlying etiology of hemorrhage in small vs large dogs with spontaneous hemoperitoneum (SH). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with SH at 2 academic institutions. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for age, breed, sex, weight, and results of imaging, surgery, necropsy, cytology, and histopathology. Dogs were divided according to body weight (≤ 20 kg = small, > 20 kg = large). Confidence intervals were calculated to estimate rates of splenic and hepatic hemorrhage in small and large dog SH populations. Multivariable regression was used to compare prevalence of anatomic sources of hemorrhage and etiology in small vs large dogs. RESULTS: We identified 742 dogs with SH, including 637 in which the anatomic site of hemorrhage was investigated. Splenic hemorrhage was diagnosed in 43.2% (95% CI, 34.3-52.4) of small dogs and 61.3% (95% CI, 57.0-65.6) of large dogs. Small dogs had lower prevalence of splenic hemorrhage (prevalence ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.58-0.87; P < .001) and higher prevalence of hemorrhage from liver (prevalence ratio, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.20-2.47; P = .003) or from another location such as retroperitoneal mass, kidney, or adrenal (prevalence ratio, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.66-4.47; P < .001) vs large dogs. Hemangiosarcoma was associated with splenic hemorrhage and occurred more frequently in large vs small dogs (P = .011). CONCLUSION: Small dogs had a lower rate of splenic hemorrhage and higher rates of hemorrhage from liver and other sites compared to large dogs. Etiologies other than splenic hemangiosarcoma were common, particularly among dogs weighing ≤ 20 kg. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should perform diagnostics and consider body size before making presumptive diagnoses in dogs with SH.

Protective effects of resveratrol against high ambient temperature-induced spleen dysplasia in broilers through modulating splenic redox status and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol has been shown to prevent high ambient temperature (HT)-induced spleen dysplasia, but the mechanisms of action are not clear. This study aims to examine the hypothesis that HT-induced spleen dysplasia may be associated with HT-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and resveratrol may activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, thus reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. RESULTS: Results showed that HT caused spleen dysplasia in broilers, reflecting the lower relative weight of the spleen (P < 0.05). Compared with birds in a normal ambient temperature group, birds in the HT group exhibited higher (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) content, higher Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 mRNA levels, and caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity, and a higher Bax/B-cell lympoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) ratio, but they exhibited lower (P < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) and Bcl-2 content, and lower Nrf2, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), MnSOD, heme oxygenase 1, glutathione reductase (GR) and Bcl-2 mRNA levels, and lower total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), T-SOD and catalase and maganese superoixide dismutase (CAT) activity, indicating HT-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Compared with birds in the HT group, birds in the HT + Res group exhibited higher (P < 0.05) GSH and Bcl-2 content, higher Nrf2, CAT, MnSOD, GR and Bcl-2 mRNA levels, and higher T-AOC, T-SOD and CAT activity, but lower (P < 0.05) MDA content, and Bax and caspase-3 mRNA levels, lower caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, indicating that resveratrol activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and decreased apoptosis in the spleen. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol was effective in ameliorating HT-induced spleen dysplasia in broilers through the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby decreasing apoptosis, suggesting that resveratrol may offer a potential nutritional strategy to protect against some HT-induced detriments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Splenitis in 33 Dogs.

Splenitis is uncommonly reported in dogs. Herein, the authors describe its prevalence, clinical findings and outcomes, histologic patterns, and causes. Splenic samples of dogs diagnosed with splenitis between 2005 and 2013 were collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Gram, green-Gram, Giemsa, periodic acid-Schiff, and Ziehl-Neelsen. Samples were processed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect bacteria, fungi, and protozoa ( Leishmania infantum, Hepatozoon canis). Thirty-three of 660 splenic samples (5%) had splenitis. Clinical findings and outcomes were available in 19 dogs (58%); 49% had weakness, 33% had fever, and 84% survived. The most frequent inflammatory patterns included purulent splenitis (27%), pyogranulomatous splenitis (24%), and neutrophilic perisplenitis (15%). One dog had a putative diagnosis of primary splenitis; in 8 dogs, microorganisms were identified histologically or by PCR in the spleen without obvious comorbidities. Twenty-four dogs (73%) had concurrent diseases; a permissive role in the development of splenitis was suspected in 21 of these cases. Histologic examination identified the cause of splenitis in 10 dogs. Bacteria were identified by PCR in 23 cases, but the bacteria were confirmed histologically in only 6 of these. Leishmania was detected with PCR in 6 dogs. Leishmania was identified in 1 dog and H. canis in another histologically, but both were PCR negative. Fungi were identified in 8 spleens by PCR and in 1 by histology. This study suggests that splenitis is uncommon in dogs and is frequently associated with systemic diseases. Prognosis is favorable in most cases. Identification of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa in the spleens of affected dogs with PCR should be interpreted cautiously, because the findings are not confirmed histologically in many cases.

Ultrastructural and biomolecular detection of Rickettsiales-like organisms in tissues of rainbow trout with Red Mark Syndrome.

Red mark syndrome (RMS) and US strawberry disease (US SD) are skin disorders affecting rainbow trout farmed in Europe and USA. The disease etiology has not yet been established. In spite of specific investigations, identifying Rickettsia-like organism (RLO)- and Midichloria-like organism (MLO)-related DNA in affected individuals, these pathogens have never been observed. We performed histological, ultrastructural and biomolecular analysis on skin and spleen samples of trout with RMS. Examination by TEM revealed the presence of intracytoplasmic microorganisms resembling Rickettsiales within macrophages, fibroblasts and erythrocytes. The microorganisms were oval or short rod shaped (400-800 nm in length and 100-200 nm in width) and often showed a cell wall similar to Gram-negative bacteria. PCR analysis for Rickettsiales supported these findings: 53% of affected trout were positive by both PCR and TEM The primers RiFCfw-RiFCrev were used to anneal both the RLO 16S DNA sequence and the MLO 16S DNA sequence. For this reason, and in agreement with previous studies confirming the presence of Rickettsiales-related DNA in trout with RMS, we assume that TEM detected microorganisms morphologically consistent with bacteria belonging to Rickettsiales order and could be considered as possible causative agents of RMS.

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-ECTOPIC SPLEEN MIMICKING HEPATIC TUMOR WITH INTRA-ABDOMINAL METASTASES INVESTIGATED VIA TRIPLE-PHASE HELICAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN A DOG.

A 10-year-old castrated male miniature dachshund was presented with an abdominal mass. The dog had a history of splenectomy. Triple-phase helical computed tomography was utilized, revealing a hepatic mass and multiple intra-abdominal solid masses. In triple-phase helical computed tomography the images, hepatic mass and two of four intra-abdominal masses were heterogenous in all phases. Therefore, we diagnosed a malignant hepatic tumor and presumed intra-abdominal metastases. The masses were surgically removed and were histologically composed of normal spleen tissues, findings which were consistent with ectopic spleen.