[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.

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.

Virus discovery in dogs with non-suppurative encephalitis reveals a high incidence of tick-borne encephalitis virus infections in Switzerland.

INTRODUCTION: Viral infections are a frequent cause of disseminated non-suppurative encephalitis in dogs. However, using routine diagnostic methods, the specific virus may remain unknown due to extensive or complete viral clearance or because the virus is unexpected or new. A metatranscriptomics-based approach of combining high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and bioinformatics analysis was used to investigate the viral etiology in archival cases of dogs with non-suppurative encephalitis. In formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) brain material from the years 1976 to 2021 a high incidence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was detected. Moreover, canine distemper virus (CDV) was identified without typical demyelinating lesions and canine vesivirus (CaVV) was detected as an unexpected virus associated with non-suppurative encephalitis. We demonstrated the viral presence in brain tissues at the sites of inflammation by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). These results highlight the value of emerging sequencing technologies in veterinary diagnostics and expand our knowledge on the etiologies of encephalitis in dogs.

INTRODUCTION: Les infections virales sont une cause fréquente d'encéphalite non suppurée disséminée chez le chien. Cependant, en utilisant les méthodes de diagnostic de routine, le virus spécifique peut rester inconnu en raison d'une clairance virale importante ou complète ou parce que le virus est inattendu ou nouveau. Une approche métatranscriptomique combinant le séquençage à haut débit et l'analyse bioinformatique a été utilisée pour étudier l'étiologie virale dans des cas archivés de chiens atteints d'encéphalite non suppurée. Une incidence élevée du virus de l'encéphalite à tiques (TBEV) a été détectée dans le matériel cérébral fixé au formol et inclus dans la paraffine (FFPE) des années 1976 à 2021. En outre, le virus de la maladie de Carré (CDV) a été identifié sans lésions démyélinisantes typiques et le vésivirus canin (CaVV) a été détecté comme un virus inattendu associé à une encéphalite non suppurative. Nous avons démontré la présence virale dans les tissus cérébraux au niveau des sites d'inflammation par immunohistochimie (IHC) et hybridation in situ (ISH). Ces résultats soulignent la valeur des technologies de séquençage émergentes dans le diagnostic vétérinaire et élargissent nos connaissances sur les étiologies de l'encéphalite chez les chiens.

[Sacrocystis hjorti lesions in hunted red deer in Switzerland]. / Erster Nachweis von Sarcocystis hjorti bei der Fleischuntersuchung von Rothirschen in der Schweiz.

In meat samples from 2 hunted red deer (Cervus elaphus) of different origins (region Ilanz, region Filisur) large-scale greenish tissue discolorations with a gelatinous change of fascia were observed and diagnosed as eosinophilic fasciitis. Sarcocystis hjorti, a recently described Sarcocystis species in red deer and moose in Norway, was found as the causing agent. Foxes are regarded as final hosts in the development cycle of this parasite. Factors leading to such cases of eosinophilic fasciitis due to sarcosporidiosis, which is widespread in farm and wild ruminants and is normally inapparent are largely unknown. According to meat inspection directives carcasses with such discolorations have to be declared unfit for human consumption.

[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.

[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.

Microbiologic evaluation of gallbladder bile of healthy dogs and dogs with iatrogenic hypercortisolism: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: In people, hypercortisolism (HC) has been associated with acalculous cholecystitis and biliary dyskinesia, which may potentiate ascending biliary infections. In dogs, an association between HC and gallbladder disease recently has been documented, although the role of bacteria remains controversial. Furthermore, there is no information on the gallbladder bile microbial flora in healthy dogs. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the microbial flora in gallbladder bile in healthy dogs, the relationship between iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism and bactibilia and possible changes in biliary microbial flora after cortisol withdrawal in dogs. ANIMALS: Six control dogs and 6 dogs treated with hydrocortisone. METHODS: Gallbladder bile obtained by percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis was cultured aerobically and anaerobically and examined cytologically before (d0), during (d28, d56, d84), and after (d28p, d56p, d84p) administration of hydrocortisone (8 mg/kg PO q12h). RESULTS: In the control group, 2/42 bile cultures yielded bacterial growth (Enterococcus sp.; Escherichia coli on d0) and 1/42 bile smears had cytological evidence of bacteria (d28). In the HC group, 2/42 bile cultures yielded bacterial growth (Enterococcus sp. on d28; Bacillus sp. on d28p) and 3/42 bile smears had cytological evidence of bacteria (d84, d84, d28p). All dogs remained healthy throughout the study period (168d). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Based on the results of conventional bacterial culture techniques, gallbladder bile of healthy dogs periodically may harbor bacteria, which do not appear to be clinically relevant. A 3-month period of iatrogenic HC was not associated with bactibilia. A higher prevalence of bactibilia may be detected with micromolecular techniques.

[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.

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.

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.

[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.

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.

[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.

[Pemphigus foliaceus in a Haflinger gelding]. / Pemphigus foliaceus bei einem Haflingerwallach.

A 10-year-old Haflinger gelding was presented with severe generalized chronic dermatitis characterized by scales, crusts and widespread alopecia with a partially diffuse and partially circumscribed pattern. Pemphigus foliaceus was diagnosed based on history, clinical signs and histological examination of skin biopsies. Typical histological findings were subcorneal pustules with accumulations of intact neutrophil granulocytes and acantholytic keratinocytes. The gelding was treated with glucocorticoids and gold salts. The skin lesions resolved completely after 8 weeks of treatment. No recurrence was observed within 1 year.

Abortion in woman caused by caprine Chlamydophila abortus (Chlamydia psittaci serovar 1).

On a farm housing cattle and goats an abortion storm occurred affecting 50% of the goats during the lambing season 2000/2001. In one of three investigated caprine abortions Chlamydophila abortus could be identified as aetiology. During this time a pregnant woman (pregnancy week 19/20) had contact with aborting goats. She developed a severe generalized infection and aborted. The placenta contained Chlamydophila abortus shown by immunohistochemistry and PCR. The aim of the present case report is to alert medical doctors about the potential zoonotic risk of ovine/caprine abortions.

Herpes simplex encephalitis in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

An adult domestic rabbit showing neurological signs was subjected to euthanasia. At necropsy, macroscopical lesions were absent. Histopathologically, extensive lesions were seen, particularly in the cerebral cortex. Non-suppurative meningitis was present and there was lymphocytic and plasmacytic perivascular cuffing in the neuropil. The cerebral cortex showed extensive segmental neuronal and glial necrosis. Within the necrotic areas, large amphophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were present in neurons and glial cells. Immunohistochemically, neurons and glial cells in the affected areas were labelled by polyclonal antibodies against both herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2. The agent was classified as HSV-1 by polymerase chain reaction analysis. This is only the second reported natural case of herpes simplex infection in a rabbit.

[Hydrosalpinx in a goat]. / Hydrosalpinx bei der Ziege.

A two year old Swiss Alpine goat was referred to our clinic because of sterility. Ultrasound examination revealed a nonechogenic area cranially to the urinary bladder. As hydrometra was suspected, the goat was treated repeatedly with PGF2 alpha. Success of this therapy, however, was unsatisfactory and estrus was therefore induced by progesterone in combination with eCG and the goat mated. As conception failed and ultrasonography remained unchanged, laparoscopy was performed and a fluid filled structure could be located in the region of the right oviduct. After ovariohysterectomy and histo-pathological examination of the genital organs hydrosalpinx was diagnosed on both sides.

The prevalence of lung lesions in pigs at slaughter in Switzerland.

A survey of the prevalence of lung lesions in randomly selected slaughtered swine representative of the Swiss fattening pig population was carried out from May to September 1992 in six large abattoirs. In total 8921 lungs out of 561 herds were examined. Histological investigations were completed in every herd. No gross lesions could be found in 56% of the pigs. The most frequent lesions in individuals were bronchopneumonia (21%) and diffuse pleuritis (21%). Linear scars (9%), focal pleural fibrosis without any pneumonic lesion (2%), pleuropneumonia (1%) and abscesses (1%) were less prevalent. The prevalence of lesions at the herd level was completely different. The lungs of only 14% of the herds were free of any lesions. The main finding at the herd level was a diffuse pleuritis (75%), followed by bronchopneumonia (64%), linear scars (60%), focal pleural fibrosis (20%), abscesses (14%) and pleuropneumonia (9%). In 94% of the herd samples with macroscopically diagnosed bronchopneumonia, the histological lesions were consistent with enzootic pneumonia of pigs.