[Five case reports on granulosa cell tumors in cattle with practical information on diagnosis and possible progression]. / Fünf Fallberichte zum Granulosazelltumor beim Rind mit praktischen Hinweisen zur Diagnostik und zum möglichen Verlauf.

INTRODUCTION: Five cases of ovarian tumors (granulosa cell tumors) in cattle are presented from the patient load of the Vetsuisse University of Zurich and Bern. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the variable development of the illness and to indicate diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities to the practicing veterinarians. Case 1 shows bilateral appearance and the development of malignancy and metastases. The main symptoms in case 2 were the development of the mammary gland in a juvenile animal and the behavior modification due to a hormonal imbalance. The cases 3, 4 and 5 underwent surgery, case 4 restarted reproductive activity resulting in five subsequent pregnancies. The initial presumption is a result of a gynecological including ultrasonographic examination and can be verified by the analysis of Müllerian Inhibiting Hormone in serum. The decision to perform surgery should be done rapidly, as normal fertility can be achieved if the tumor is located unilaterally. Tumor growth and potential malignancy can provoke fatal health issues and also make it impossible to use meat of these animals for consumption.

INTRODUCTION: Cinq cas de tumeurs ovariennes (tumeurs des cellules de la granulosa) chez les bovins sont présentés à partir de la patientèle de l'Université Vetsuisse de Zurich et de Berne. Le but de ce travail était de montrer l'évolution variable de la maladie et d'indiquer les possibilités diagnostiques et thérapeutiques aux vétérinaires praticiens. Le cas 1 montre la possibilité d'une apparition bilatérale avec développement d'une tumeur maligne et de métastases. Les principaux symptômes du cas 2 étaient le développement de la glande mammaire chez un animal juvénile et la modification du comportement due à un déséquilibre hormonal. Les cas 3, 4 et 5 ont subi une intervention chirurgicale, le cas 4 a repris une activité de reproduction avec cinq gestations ultérieures. La présomption initiale résulte d'un examen gynécologique et peut être vérifiée par l'analyse de l'hormone anti-müllérienne dans le sérum. La décision d'opérer doit être prise rapidement, car une intervention chirurgicale pour enlever l'ovaire atteint peut, dans l'idéal, permettre une reprise de l'activité de reproduction. La croissance de la tumeur et la malignité potentielle peuvent provoquer des problèmes de santé fatals et rendre la viande de ces animaux impropre à la consommation.

Idiopathic esophagopathies resembling gastroesophageal reflux disease in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Pathologic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been demonstrated experimentally in dogs, and it is suspected to occur naturally in dogs, yet its clinical significance is unknown. The aim of the study was to demonstrate clinical indicators of pathologic GER in dogs with idiopathic esophagopathies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs with clinical signs suggestive for esophageal disease (regurgitation, ptyalism, or dysphagia) and where extraesophageal and specific esophageal diseases had been ruled out, were retrospectively diagnosed with idiopathic esophagopathies. History, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic, radiographic, and endoscopic data, and treatment results were obtained from medical records, reviewed and evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 67 dogs with anamnestic esophageal signs, 12 (17.4%) dogs were identified as having idiopathic esophagopathies and were included in the study. Median age was 3.0 years (range 1.0-11.0), and median bodyweight was 28.2 kg (range 8.2-44.0). The most frequent anamnestic esophageal signs were ptyalism (10/12 dogs), regurgitation (8/12 dogs), signs of discomfort, pain (8/12 dogs), and cough (5/12 dogs). The most common radiographic abnormality was segmental esophageal dilation (8/12 dogs). Esophagoscopy revealed single mucosal surface defects at the gastroesophageal junction in 3/12 dogs. In dogs with altered esophageal motility, cytological and microbiological examinations of bronchial aspirates showed goblet cell hyperplasia (8/8 dogs), neutrophilic infiltration (5/8 dogs) and culturable bacteria (4/8 dogs), respectively. All dogs were treated with omeprazole (median 0.7 mg/kg once per day, range 0.5-1.2). Reported median treatment duration until remission of the main clinical signs was 20.0 days (range 8.0-54.0 days). This endpoint was reached in 11/12 dogs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that in some dogs with esophageal clinical signs, and where no primary disease could be identified, clinical indicators of pathologic GER such as pain, mucosal lesions and motility disturbances of the esophagus, respiratory complications, and response to therapy can be observed.

Diagnostic exercise: Submucosal gastric masses in a cat.

A 14-year-old neutered male cat presenting with chronic vomiting had 2 masses within the submucosa of the stomach that were excised. They presented histologically as circumscribed, submucosal masses consisting of diffusely arranged medium-sized round cells with a moderate amount of cytoplasm and interspersed eosinophils, separated by trabecular fibroblastic stroma. The overlying mucosa was diffusely infiltrated by the same round cells, and marked epitheliotropism was present. Neoplastic cells labelled positive for CD3 and negative for CD79a and CD117. Giemsa staining and silver staining (SNOBA) were also negative. A T-cell lymphoma with reactive fibroplasia was diagnosed, and differential diagnoses including mast cell tumor and feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia could be excluded.

EcPV2 DNA in equine papillomas and in situ and invasive squamous cell carcinomas supports papillomavirus etiology.

Equine penile papillomas, in situ carcinomas, and invasive carcinomas are hypothesized to belong to a continuum of papillomavirus-induced diseases. The former ones clinically present as small grey papules, while the latter 2 lesions are more hyperplasic or alternatively ulcerated. To test the hypothesis that these lesions are papillomavirus-induced, samples of 24 horses with characteristic clinical and histologic findings of penile papillomas or in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinomas were collected. As controls, 11 horses with various lesions--namely, Balanoposthitis (6 cases), melanoma (3 cases), follicular cyst (1 case), and amyloidosis (1 case)--were included. DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction applied to amplify papillomavirus DNA. The respective primers were designed to amplify DNA of the recently discovered equine papillomavirus EcPV2. All tested papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma samples were found to contain DNA of either of 2 previously published EcPV2 variants. Among the other samples 6 of 11 were found to contain EcPV2 DNA. To further support the findings and to determine where the papillomavirus DNA was located within the lesions, an in situ hybridization for the detection of EcPV2 DNA was established. The samples tested by this technique were found to clearly contain papillomavirus nucleic acid concentrated in the nucleus of the koilocytes. The findings of this study support previous data and the hypothesis that papillomaviruses induce the described penile lesions in horses.

[Primary hyperaldosteronism in cats]. / Primärer Hyperaldosteronismus bei Katzen.

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a clinical syndrome characterized by an elevated aldosterone secretion by the adrenals. The present case series describes 7 cats with primary hyperaldosteronism, which were presented between 2002 and 2011. Common clinical symptoms were weakness, anorexia, cervical ventroflexion and blindness. All cats showed hypokalemia. In 6 cats, blood pressure was determined: 5 cats showed hypertension, of which 4 animals exhibited retinal detachment and blindness. In the ultrasonographic examination, unilateral adrenomegaly was present in 6 cats whereas one animal showed normal adrenals. In 4 cats, the serum aldosterone concentration was above the reference range. Five cats underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, which was accomplished uneventfully and returned the electrolytes back to normal. Histopathological examination of the adrenals revealed 2 carcinomas and 4 adenomas; one cat with ultrasonographic normal adrenals exhibited bilateral nodular hyperplasia.

Massive haematoma formation associated with proximal popliteal artery haemangioendothelioma in a dog.

A mixed breed dog presented with diffuse unilateral hind limb swelling, which ultrasound and cytology confirmed to be caused by severe haematoma formation. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography allowed distinct visualisation of an anomalous segment of the proximal popliteal artery, the presumed origin of the self-sustaining haematoma. Histopathology classified the malformed vessel as a haemangioendothelioma, a neoplasia of intermediate malignancy. Considering this as differential diagnosis to a neoplastic vascular alteration of high malignancy (such as haemangiosarcoma) might alter choice of treatment in future cases with similar clinical and imaging findings.

[Conjunctival changes in a Swiss Braunvieh heifer with malignant lymphoma]. / Veränderungen an den Konjunktiven bei einem Braunviehrind mit malignem Lymphom.

This report describes a 2.8-year-old Swiss Braunvieh heifer with conjunctival changes as the lead clinical signs of malignant lymphoma. The heifer was referred to our clinic because of conjunctivitis that did not respond to treatment with antibiotics. The patient had bilateral lacrimation, severe swelling of the third eyelids and prolapse of the conjunctivae, which were erythematous and covered with haemorrhagic crusts. A clinical examination revealed enlarged prescapular and prefemoral lymph nodes. Based on cytological examination of a fine needle aspirate from a prescapular lymph node, a tentative diagnosis of malignant lymphoma was made. The heifer was euthanased and a postmortem examination carried out. The conjunctival lesions consisted of diffuse multifocal nodules of varying size. There was generalised lymphadenopathy and beige nodules were seen in several internal organs. Histological and immunohistological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of multicentric leukosis characterised by T-cell lymphoblasts, which had also infiltrated the conjunctivae. Examination of a blood sample for enzootic bovine leukosis virus yielded a negative result.

[Diagnostic workup of chronic inflammatory bowel disease in the horse]. / Diagnostische Aufarbeitung der chronischen Darmentzündung beim Pferd.

The present retrospective study describes the diagnostic workup and collected findings in 7 horses with chronic inflammatory bowel disease over the years 2000-2006. The diagnosis could be confirmed histologically with biopsies taken during laparoscopy or laparotomy or during post mortem examination. Weight loss and chronic diarrhoea were the most commonly reported clinical findings. Among ancillary examinations (fecal analysis, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, rectal mucosal biopsy) the D-xylose absorption test provided the most useful information. Although clinical signs and laboratory findings are helpful diagnostic tools, a definitive diagnosis is only possible by histological analysis of the intestinal segment.

Addison's disease due to bilateral adrenal malignancy in a dog.

A 12-year-old Rottweiler cross Labrador was presented with anorexia and weakness. Adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed with hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia and undetectable resting and post-ACTH cortisol and aldosterone concentrations. The only abnormal diagnostic imaging result was bilateral adrenomegaly. Cytologic findings of liver, spleen and peripheral lymph nodes were normal. The dog responded initially to standard replacement therapy but relapsed shortly afterwards. The owners opted for euthanasia and allowed only removal of both adrenal glands. Microscopically, infiltrative polymorphic proliferations of densely packed tumour cells arranged as nests, intermingled with multifocal areas of necrosis and inflammatory cells were found. Silver staining revealed a few non-neoplastic adrenomedullary cells, whereas neoplastic cells did not stain. Immunohistochemistry was negative for neuron-specific enolase, vimentin, cytokeratin, synaptophysin, chromogranin A, S-100 protein, CD 56, 79 and 3. The final diagnosis was highly anaplastic bilateral adrenal neoplasia. This is the first report of bilateral adrenal malignancy presenting as clinical hypoadrenocorticism in a dog.

Urinary catecholamine and metadrenaline to creatinine ratios in dogs with a phaeochromocytoma.

Urinary adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline, dopamine, metadrenaline (metanephrine) and normetadrenaline to creatinine ratios were measured from spot samples of seven client-owned dogs with a histologically confirmed phaeochromocytoma. Urine was collected on day 0 in the hospital in six dogs, and additionally on days 2, 6 and 7 after discharge in two of these dogs. In one dog, urine was sampled on day 7 only. Samples were also collected from 10 healthy control dogs on days 0, 1 and 7. In dogs with phaeochromocytomas, normetadrenaline:creatinine ratios at all time points ranged from 103 to 6430 nmol/mmol. From day 0, ratios of samples taken at the hospital (range 157 to 925 nmol/mmol) were significantly higher (P<0.0012) compared with control samples (range 14 to 91 nmol/mmol). The highest normetadrenaline:creatinine ratios were found in two dogs with bilateral phaeochromocytomas. Adrenaline:creatinine and noradrenaline:creatinine ratios were also significantly increased (P<0.016) in dogs with a phaeochromocytoma at day 0 compared with controls, although the difference was less pronounced than that between controls and dogs with a phaeochromocytoma for the normetadrenaline:creatinine ratio. Urine normetadrenaline:creatinine ratios may be useful in the diagnosis of canine phaeochromocytomas.

Immunohistochemical detection of survivin in canine lymphoma.

Survivin is a member of the family of proteins known as 'inhibitors of apoptosis proteins'. Survivin has a role in cellular decisions concerning division and survival and is frequently expressed in neoplastic cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate immunohistochemically the expression of survivin in normal canine tissues and in canine lymphoma. A representative range of fetal and adult normal tissues as well as biopsy samples from dogs with lymphoma were assembled in tissue arrays. The lymphomas were classified according to the revised Kiel and to the Revised European American Lymphoma-World Health Organization (REAL-WHO) schemes. Polyclonal and monoclonal antisera cross-reactive with canine survivin identified cytoplasmic expression of the molecule in a broad range of normal canine cells. The same reagents demonstrated cytoplasmic labelling of more than 5% of cells in all 83 lymphoma samples tested with polyclonal antiserum and in 67 of 82 (82%) of samples tested with monoclonal antiserum. Survivin was expressed by a wide range of canine lymphoma subtypes, but the expression of this molecule in normal canine tissues must be considered if novel therapies targeting survivin are applied to the management of canine lymphoma.

Contrast-enhanced power and color Doppler ultrasonography of the pancreas in healthy and diseased cats.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of feline pancreatic disease is difficult, because clinical abnormalities and routine noninvasive diagnostic tests are unreliable. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate by Doppler ultrasonography if vascularity and blood volume differs in the otherwise ultrasonographically normal and diseased feline pancreas. ANIMALS: Thirty-six client owned cats. METHODS: The pancreas was examined with B-mode and contrast-enhanced color and power Doppler ultrasonography. Doppler images were analyzed with a computer program: parameter fractional area represents a vascularity index and color-weighted fractional area assesses blood volume. RESULTS: Based on the B-mode findings, the pancreas was considered normal in 11 clinically healthy cats and diseased in 25 cats of which 4 were clinically healthy and 21 had clinical signs consistent with pancreatic disease. Histologic or cytologic samples were taken in all diseased pancreata. Fifteen samples were of diagnostic quality: purulent or mixed cellular inflammation (8), nodular hyperplasia (4), and neoplasia (3) were identified. Vascularity and blood volume for all Doppler methods was significantly higher in cats with pancreatic disease. Significantly higher Doppler values were detected with power Doppler than with color Doppler, and with postcontrast color and power Doppler than with precontrast Doppler technologies. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced Doppler ultrasonography appears feasible in the feline pancreas. Significant differences were found between normal cats and those with evidence of pancreatic pathology. Further studies are needed to evaluate its use for the differentiation of pancreatic disorders and in cats suspected to have pancreatic disease but without B-mode ultrasonographic changes of the pancreas.

Capillary haemangiomas of the scrotum and testicle in boars.

In boars, scrotal haemangiomas have been described frequently, but intratesticular haemangiomas are rare. Of 12 boars with scrotal haemangiomas, three animals also had testicular tumours, as follow: testicular haemangioma (TH) (n=1); TH with intratubular germ cell tumour (ITGT) (n=1); TH with intratubular germ cell-like tumour (ITGLT) and Sertoli cell tumour (n=1). In the nine remaining boars, no testicular tumours were found. Immunohistochemical examination of scrotal and testicular haemangiomas revealed labelling of endothelial cells for vimentin and factor VIII-related antigen. Labelling of smooth muscle actin was occasionally observed in the walls of neoplastic vessels. In the ITGT, no labelling was produced by any of the antibodies used. The Sertoli cell tumour was strongly positive for S-100. Sperm granulomas and degeneration of seminiferous tubules were also observed.

[Intraocular hemorrhage in a goat with thrombocytopenia and metastasis of an adenocarcinoma in the iris]. / Intraokuläre Blutung bei einer Ziege mit Thrombozytopenie und Karzinommetastase in der Iris.

This case report describes the findings in a 10-year-old goat with metastasis of an adenocarcinoma in the iris. Two weeks before admission, the owner had noticed blepharospasm of the left eye. Clinical examination by the referring veterinarian revealed unilateral intraocular hemorrhage. The goat was referred to our clinic for further work-up. The rectal temperature was 40 degrees C. The most important haematological result was severe thrombocytopenia. There was mild corneal oedema of the left eye. Approximately 75 per cent of the anterior chamber was filled with non-coagulated blood. The fluid in the anterior chamber dorsal to the blood was cloudy, and the corpora nigra could not be seen clearly. All other internal parts of the eye could not be seen. Ultrasonography of the left eye confirmed cloudiness of the anterior chamber and revealed moderate thickening of the iris. The right prescapular lymph node was markedly enlarged. Cytological examination of a fine needle aspirate of the lymph node showed a mixed population of neoplastic cells. Based on immunohistochemical evaluation of the cells metastasis of a carcinoma was diagnosed. The goat was subjected to euthanasia, and a postmortem examination was carried out. The anterior chamber of the left eye contained blood, and the iris was thicker than normal and adhered to the posterior surface of the cornea. There were neoplastic alterations in the iris, the oesophagus, the lung lobes, the liver, the kidney and in the prescapular, retropharyngeal, mediastinal and hepatic lymph nodes. Histologically, a diagnosis of carcinoma was confirmed, but the origin of the tumour could not be determined.

[Leiomyoma of a kidney in a dog: a rare diagnosis]. / Leiomyom einer Niere beim Hund--eine seltene Diagnose.

A five-year-old, neutered male, Bernese Mountain Dog was referred because of a two-week history of hematuria and a one-week history of polydipsia and polyuria. Palpation of the dorsomedial mesogastrium revealed a mass on the left side, which was seen via radiography and ultrasonography to be attached to the left kidney. The left kidney and the attached mass were excised surgically, and the dog had an uneventful recovery. Histological examination of the mass revealed a dense proliferation of non-polymorphic spindle cells, which stained positive for smooth muscle actin via immunohistochemistry. Leiomyoma of the kidney was diagnosed. Postoperatively, there was mild azotaemia, which did not affect the general condition of the dog and was still present 15 months after surgery. Leiomyoma of the kidney is a benign tumor, and hematuria may be the only clinical sign.

Malignant histiocytosis of the brain in three dogs.

Three dogs (two Rottweilers and a Flat-coated retriever) showed various neurological signs, including apathy, depression, circling, a partial decrease in functions associated with cranial nerves, seizures, hyperaesthesia, proprioceptive deficits, and increased spinal reflexes. In all three cases, necropsy revealed a solid, distinct, white mass in the brain and multiple, poorly demarcated, firm nodular proliferations in the lung; in one case the liver was also affected. Histopathological examination showed loosely aggregated, pleomorphic cells, with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells sometimes contained vacuoles or phagocytized cells. Binucleated and multinucleated giant cells, and mitotic figures, were common. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells reacted strongly for lysozyme and vimentin, but there was no reaction for S-100 protein, cytokeratin, CD3 or CD79a. The histological and immunohistochemical examinations indicated a histiocytic origin of the tumour cells and malignant histiocytosis was therefore diagnosed.

Two cases of FeLV-associated dermatoses.

Two cases of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)-associated dermatosis are described. The first cat was affected by an ulcerative dermatitis identified as a giant-cell dermatosis. The second case was a cutaneous lymphoma. In both cases, FeLV antigens and FeLV genome were demonstrated in the affected skin immunologically and with polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The first case suggests that, like other retroviruses, at least some strains of FeLV can induce syncytium formation. As FeLV antigens and genome were demonstrated in a serologically negative cat, the second case suggests that focal skin FeLV replication may occur. FeLV-associated dermatoses are rare skin conditions that may be under-diagnosed.