Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the detection of a feline insulinoma.

CASE SUMMARY: A 14-year-old cat was presented with a 2-week history of ataxia, seizure-like episodes, vomiting and weight loss. Serum biochemistry revealed severe hypoglycaemia, associated with low serum fructosamine and high insulin concentrations. On abdominal ultrasound, a focal hypoechoic well-defined mass in the left limb of the pancreas was identified and the presence of an additional smaller nodule was suspected. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) confirmed the presence of both lesions and revealed a third, even smaller nodule. Partial pancreatectomy was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of a multifocal insulinoma. Six months later, the cat presented with tenesmus and obstipation. A colorectal adenocarcinoma was diagnosed with histopathology after partial excision of a colorectal mass. The cat was euthanased a month later owing to recurrent episodes of severe obstipation. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This is the first clinical description of the use of CEUS in the diagnosis of feline insulinoma. Furthermore, the available scientific literature on feline insulinoma was reviewed.

Intestinal parasite infections in dogs affected by multicentric lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy.

Prevalence and species composition of intestinal parasites were evaluated in dogs affected by high-grade multicentric lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy and in control healthy dogs. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was 33.3%. In lymphoma dogs, the prevalence of protozoa infections (46.7%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of helminth infections (6.7%) and Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Neospora caninum, Cystoisospora ohioensis-complex, Entamoeba sp. and Spirocerca lupi were identified. In the control group, only 3/15 dogs (20%) were found positive and no statistically significant differences emerged regarding helminth (hookworms and Toxocara canis) and protozoa (G. duodenalis) infections. Results from this study may suggest a potential higher prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoa, including some potentially zoonotic species, in dogs affected by high-grade multicentric lymphoma, emphasizing the need to monitor lymphoma-affected dogs for these protozoa, especially those undergoing chemotherapy.

Concomitant multiple myeloma and probable phaeochromocytoma in a cat.

CASE SUMMARY: Herein a drug-resistant IgG-lambda-type multiple myeloma associated with probable phaeochromocytoma in a cat is described. A 12-year-old cat presented with weakness, weight loss, progressive blindness and open-mouth breathing, in addition to polyuria and polydipsia of 2 months' duration. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a left adrenal mass. Phaeochromocytoma was suspected on the basis of cytology and was associated with systemic hypertension. Biochemistry showed hyperproteinaemia. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed a narrow spike in the gamma region, identified as IgG lambda type at immunoelectrophoresis. Bone marrow cytology revealed an infiltrate with numerous mature plasma cells. The cat was resistant to two different drugs for multiple myeloma and was euthanased 6 months later because of anorexia and persistent poor general condition. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This is the first clinical description of multiple myeloma associated with a suspected phaeochromocytoma in a cat.

Angiostrongylus vasorum in the eye: new case reports and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Nematodes of the genus Angiostrongylus are important causes of potentially life-threatening diseases in several animal species and humans. Angiostrongylus vasorum affects the right ventricle of the heart and the pulmonary arteries in dogs, red foxes and other carnivores. The diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis may be challenging due to the wide spectrum of clinical signs. Ocular manifestations have been seldom reported but have serious implications for patients. METHODS: The clinical history of three cases of infection with A. vasorum in dogs diagnosed in UK, France and Italy, was obtained from clinical records provided by the veterinary surgeons along with information on the diagnostic procedures and treatment. Nematodes collected from the eyes of infected dogs were morphologically identified to the species level and molecularly analysed by the amplification of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene. RESULTS: On admission, the dogs were presented with various degrees of ocular discomfort and hyphema because of the presence of a motile object in the eye. The three patients had ocular surgery during which nematodes were removed and subsequently morphologically and molecularly identified as two adult males and one female of A. vasorum. CONCLUSIONS: Three new cases of canine ocular angiostrongylosis are reported along with a review of other published clinical cases to improve the diagnosis and provide clinical recommendation for this parasitic condition. In addition, the significance of migratory patterns of larvae inside the host body is discussed. Veterinary healthcare workers should include canine angiostrongylosis in the differential diagnosis of ocular diseases.

Primary bronchial carcinoma associated with bone marrow metastasis and paraneoplastic monoclonal gammopathy in a cat.

CASE SUMMARY: Herein we describe an unusual metastatic pattern and paraneoplastic manifestation of a bronchial carcinoma in a cat. An 8 year-old cat presented with a diminished appetite, dysphagia, weight loss, lethargy and coughing. Thoracic radiographs revealed a lung mass. Bronchial carcinoma was diagnosed on the basis of histology and was associated with a lymphoplasmocytic infiltration of the fibrovascular stroma. Biochemistry showed hyperproteinaemia. Serum protein electrophoresis showed a narrow spike in the gamma region. Bone marrow cytology revealed an infiltrate with numerous clustered epithelial cells. The cat was euthanased 2 months later because of anorexia and poor general condition. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical description of primary bronchial carcinoma associated with bone marrow metastases and paraneoplastic monoclonal gammopathy in a cat.