Influence of a novel scaffold composed of polyurethane, hydroxyapatite, and decellularized bone particles on the healing of fourth metacarpal defects in mares.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a novel scaffold, designed for use in bone regeneration, on healing of splint bone segmental defects in mares. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Five adult mares (4-10 years old; mean weight, 437.7 kg ± 29 kg). METHODS: Bilateral 2-cm full-thickness defects were created in the fourth metacarpal bones (MCIV) of each horse. Each defect was randomly assigned to either a novel scaffold treatment (n = 5) or an untreated control (n = 5). The scaffold was composed of polyurethane, hydroxyapatite, and decellularized bone particles. Bone healing was assessed for a period of 60 days by thermography, ultrasonography, radiography, and computed tomography (CT). Biopsies of each defect were performed 60 days after surgery for histological evaluation. RESULTS: On the basis of radiographic analysis, scaffold-treated defects had greater filling (67.42% ± 26.7%) compared with untreated defects (35.88% ± 32.7%; P = .006). After 60 days, CT revealed that the density of the defects treated with the scaffolds (807.80 ± 129.6 Hounsfield units [HU]) was greater than density of the untreated defects (464.80 ± 81.3 HU; P = .004). Evaluation of histology slides provided evidence of bone formation within an average of 9.43% ± 3.7% of the cross-sectional area of scaffolds in contrast to unfilled defects in which connective tissue was predominant throughout the biopsy specimens. CONCLUSION: The novel scaffold was biocompatible and supported bone formation within the MCIV segmental defects. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This novel scaffold offers an effective option for filling bone voids in horses when support of bone healing is indicated.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sulindac sulfide suppresses structural protein Nesprin-2 expression in colorectal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well known for treating inflammatory disease and have been reported to have anti-tumorigenic effects. Their mechanisms are not fully understood, but both cyclooxygenase (COX) dependent and independent pathways are involved. Our goal was to shed further light on COX-independent activity. METHODS: Human colorectal cancer cells were observed under differential interference contrast microscopy (DICM), fluorescent microscopy, and micro-impedance measurement. Microarray analysis was performed using HCT-116 cells treated with sulindac sulfide (SS). PCR and Western blots were performed to confirm the microarray data and immunohistochemistry was performed to screen for Nesprin-2 expression. Micro-impedance was repeating including Nesprin-2 knock-down by siRNA. RESULTS: HCT-116 cells treated with SS showed dramatic morphological changes under DICM and fluorescent microscopy, as well as weakened cellular adhesion as measured by micro-impedance. Nesprin-2 was selected from two independent microarrays, based on its novelty in relation to cancer and its role in cell organization. SS diminished Nesprin-2 mRNA expression as assessed by reverse transcriptase and real time PCR. Various other NSAIDs were also tested and demonstrated that inhibition of Nesprin-2 mRNA was not unique to SS. Additionally, immunohistochemistry showed higher levels of Nesprin-2 in many tumors in comparison with normal tissues. Further micro-impedance experiments on cells with reduced Nesprin-2 expression showed a proportional loss of cellular adhesion. CONCLUSIONS: Nesprin-2 is down-regulated by NSAIDs and highly expressed in many cancers. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our data suggest that Nesprin-2 may be a potential novel oncogene in human cancer cells and NSAIDs could decrease its expression.

Dorsal black skin necrosis in a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.

BACKGROUND: Thermal burns are an uncommon cause of injury in large animals. CASE REPORT: A 10-month-old pet female black and white Vietnamese pot-bellied pig presented to the emergency service with fever and erythematous to purpuric skin lesions affecting the intermandibular space and hocks. One week prior to the emergency visit, she had appeared restless and in pain. Two weeks following the emergency visit, she again presented to the large animal clinic with sloughing of the pigmented skin on her head, face, dorsal and lateral trunk sparing the nonpigmented skin and pigmented ears. The affected skin constituted ~40% of her total skin. Histopathological findings for affected skin included full-thickness epidermal and partial to full-thickness dermal coagulative necrosis with follicular epithelial mineralization, while that from normal-appearing pigmented skin was within normal limits. A culture from a skin biopsy yielded meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ST-72). Treatments included oral antibiotics, pain management, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and general anaesthesia to facilitate debridement. Healthy skin was often present when the necrotic skin was debrided, although in some areas the necrosis extended into the underlying fat. Complications that occurred during rehabilitation included intense pruritus that resulted in self-trauma and the formation of a nasal fistula, which was later surgically corrected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Cases of dorsal thermal necrosis in pot-bellied pigs are uncommon in the literature. Based on the clinical presentation and lack of another identifying cause, the lesions were attributed to a sun-induced thermal burn.

Metal accumulation and health effects in raccoons (Procyon lotor) associated with coal fly ash exposure.

Approximately 5.4 million cubic yards of coal fly ash and water spilled into the Emory River embayment of Watts Bar Reservoir in east Tennessee on Dec 22, 2008. Raccoons were collected in 2009 and 2010 from the spill site (10/y) and unexposed areas (5/y) to determine whether metals and metalloids were accumulating in raccoons and if any negative health effects resulted from exposure to the spilled coal fly ash. Tissues were analyzed from each animal to determine the concentrations of 26 metals/metalloids. Complete blood cell counts (CBC), plasma biochemistry panels, and histopathology of select tissues also were performed. Results were analyzed by year and exposure status. Although significant differences were present in some tissues for some metals/metalloids, only arsenic in hair, iron in muscle, nickel in hair, selenium in hair and muscle, strontium in hair, and vanadium in hair and liver were increased in spill site animals (one or both years) compared with unexposed animals. No clinically important differences were observed between groups regarding CBC or plasma biochemistry analyses. Lesions were observed on histopathology in some tissues, but there was no difference in the prevalence of lesions between spill site and unexposed animals. There does not seem to be any important accumulation of metals/metalloids or negative health effects in raccoons associated with exposure to coal fly ash compared with unexposed animals.

Diagnosis and treatment of a dermal malignant melanoma in an African lion (Panthera leo).

A 13-yr-old intact male African lion (Panthera leo) presented with a 4-mo history of left maxillary lip swelling. On physical examination, a 10-cm-diameter, ulcerated, round, firm, and pigmented mass at the level of the left maxillary canine tooth was noticed. All other organ systems examined were within normal limits. Multiple biopsies of the mass were collected and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Histopathologic evaluation of the biopsies revealed a malignant dermal melanoma. Hematologic and plasma biochemical parameters were within normal reference ranges. Thoracic radiographs taken 3 days following initial presentation showed no evidence of metastasis of the tumor. Computed tomography of the skull and neck was performed to evaluate local tumor invasion and to plan for hypofractionated radiation therapy. Therapy included four weekly treatments of 8 gray external-beam hypofractionated radiation and four bimonthly immunotherapy treatments. Following this treatment regime, the tumor size was reduced by 50%, and surgical excision was performed. No major side effects associated with radiation or immunotherapy were seen. Six months after diagnosis, hematologic and plasma biochemical parameters were within normal limits, thoracic radiographs showed no evidence of metastasis, and the lion showed no clinical signs of disease. The lion will continue to receive immunotherapy every 6 mo for the rest of its life. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a successful treatment of a malignant dermal melanoma with external-beam hypofractionated radiation, immunotherapy, and surgical excision in an African lion.

Intervention of human breast cell carcinogenesis chronically induced by 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine.

More than 85% of breast cancers are sporadic and attributable to long-term exposure to environmental carcinogens, such as those in the diet, through a multistep disease process progressing from non-cancerous to premalignant and malignant stages. The chemical carcinogen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is one of the most abundant heterocyclic amines found in high-temperature cooked meats and is recognized as a mammary carcinogen. However, the PhIP's mechanism of action in breast cell carcinogenesis is not clear. Here, we demonstrated, for the first time, that cumulative exposures to PhIP at physiologically achievable, pico to nanomolar concentrations effectively induced progressive carcinogenesis of human breast epithelial MCF10A cells from a non-cancerous stage to premalignant and malignant stages in a dose- and exposure-dependent manner. Progressive carcinogenesis was measured by increasingly- acquired cancer-associated properties of reduced dependence on growth factors, anchorage-independent growth, acinar-conformational disruption, proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenicity with metastasis and increased stem-like cell populations. These biological changes were accompanied by biochemical and molecular changes, including upregulated H-Ras gene expression, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation, Nox-1 expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation, increased HIF-1α, Sp1, tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and reduced E-cadherin. The Ras-ERK-Nox-ROS pathway played an important role in not only initiation but also maintenance of cellular carcinogenesis induced by PhIP. Using biological, biochemical and molecular changes as targeted endpoints, we identified that the green tea catechin components epicatechin-3-gallate and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, at non-cytotoxic doses, were capable of suppressing PhIP-induced cellular carcinogenesis and tumorigenicity.

Pulmonary silicosis in 2 rock hyraxes, and literature review.

Two rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis), from the Chattanooga Zoo, were submitted separately for autopsy at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center. The first was a 4-y-old intact female that died without premonitory signs and the second was a 10-y-old intact male that was euthanized because of severe renal disease. Microscopically, the lungs of both hyraxes had multifocal-to-coalescing, <1-mm diameter aggregates of epithelioid macrophages separated by streams of fibrous tissue. Macrophages contained intracytoplasmic, clear, acicular, birefringent crystals. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy findings on the lung samples were consistent with silica crystal deposition. The hyraxes had been housed together on commercially sourced play sand composed of 99-99.5% quartz, a crystalline silica polymorph. The microscopic findings, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy of the intrahistiocytic crystals, in addition to the history of exposure to crystalline silica, were consistent with pulmonary silicosis. Pulmonary silicosis has not been reported previously in rock hyraxes, to our knowledge.

Effects on Tissue Integration of Collagen Scaffolds Used for Local Delivery of Gentamicin in a Rat Mandible Defect Model.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication following orthopedic surgery. SSIs may occur secondary to traumatic or contaminated wounds or may result from invasive procedures. The development of biofilms is often associated with implanted materials used to stabilize injuries and to facilitate healing. Regardless of the source, SSIs can be challenging to treat. This has led to the development of devices that act simultaneously as local antibiotic delivery vehicles and as scaffolds for tissue regeneration. The goal for the aforementioned devices is to increase local drug concentration in order to enhance bactericidal activity while reducing the risk of systemic side effects and toxicity from the administered drug. The aims of this study were to assess the effect of antibiotic loading of a collagen matrix on the tissue integration of the matrix using a rat mandibular defect model. We hypothesized that the collagen matrix could load and elute gentamicin, that the collagen matrix would be cytocompatible in vitro, and that the local delivery of a high dose of gentamicin via loaded collagen matrix would negatively impact the tissue-scaffold interface. The results indicate that the collagen matrix could load and elute the antimicrobial gentamicin and that it was cytocompatible in vitro with or without the presence of gentamicin and found no significant impact on the tissue-scaffold interface when the device was loaded with a high dose of gentamicin.

Development of a polymeric biomedical device platform with controlled disassembly and in vivo testing in a swine intestinal model.

The aim of this study was to create a surgical guide platform that maintains its integrity while the surgeon performs an intestinal anastomosis or another similar procedure, which then breaks apart and is eliminated from the body in a controlled manner. The device contains mixed polymeric structures that give it a controlled rate of disassembly that could meet the requirements of a specific surgical purpose. The intraluminal anastomotic guide was manufactured as a hollow cylinder composed of layers of porous polyurethane/PCL with polyvinylpyrrolidone as the binding agent similar to a "brick-mortar" architecture. This combination of polymeric structures is a promising manufacturing method from which a variety of tunable devices can be fabricated for specific medical procedures and site-specific indications. The guide was designed to rapidly disassemble within the intestinal lumen after use, reliably degrading while maintaining sufficient mechanical rigidity and stability to support manipulation during complex surgical procedures. The nature of the device's disassembly makes it suitable for use in hollow structures that discharge their contents, resulting in their elimination from the body. A swine model of intestinal anastomosis was utilized to validate the use and function of the device.

Intracranial extension of retrobulbar blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis) in a dog.

Blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis) is a fungal disease that is endemic in the southern United States. This case report illustrates the clinical, MRI and histopathologic findings in a dog with invasion of a retrobulbar blastomycotic lesion into the calvarium. A 5-year-old intact female Weimaraner was referred for a 2-month history of change in behavior and recent onset of visual deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination revealed a large (5.8 × 2.0 × 2.5 cm) mass extending from the left orbit through a circular defect in the left cranioventral aspect of the calvarium caudally to the level of the pituitary fossa and interthalamic adhesion. The mass was heterogeneously iso- to hypointense on T2-W images, slightly hypointense on T1-W images, did not attenuate on fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, and did not show evidence of susceptibility artifact on T2*-W gradient recalled echo (GRE) images. Vasogenic edema and associated mass effect were noted. The mass showed strong homogeneous contrast enhancement with well-defined margins and had thickening of the adjacent meninges (dural tail sign). Based on MRI findings a malignant neoplastic process was considered most likely and the patient was placed on oral prednisone to decrease peri-tumoral inflammation. The dog initially improved but was euthanized 3 weeks later for worsening clinical signs. Histopathologic assessment of the mass revealed marked pyogranulomatous optic neuritis with intralesional fungal yeasts consistent with blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis). To our knowledge this is the first report of invasion of a retrobulbar blastomycotic lesion into the calvarium in a dog.

Lycoperdonosis in two dogs.

Lycoperdonosis is a rare respiratory disease that results from the inhalation of spores released from the Lycoperdon (puffball) mushroom. In the present study, 2 cases of confirmed canine lycoperdonosis are described. The first case presented to the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and the second case was submitted for postmortem examination to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Both dogs presented in respiratory distress, and owners reported that the dogs had been playing or digging in areas with puffball mushrooms prior to the onset of clinical signs. In the initial case, thoracic radiographs revealed a diffuse interstitial and multifocal alveolar pulmonary pattern. Despite aggressive medical treatment and mechanical ventilation, the dog continued to worsen and was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed firm lung lobes and enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Histologically, there was a severe diffuse histiocytic and pyogranulomatous bronchointerstitial pneumonia. Throughout the lung and lymph nodes, most commonly within macrophages, were round, 3-5 µm in diameter, Gomori methenamine silver-positive structures, consistent with Lycoperdon spores. An approximately 750-base pair DNA fragment was amplified from lung of both cases by polymerase chain reaction using primers specific to yeast ribosomal DNA, and the sequence of the fragment was determined to be most closely related to Lycoperdon pyriforme. Importantly, reexamination of an endotracheal wash from the initial case revealed intrahistiocytic spores, suggesting that airway sampling may assist in diagnosing lycoperdonosis.

Development and in vivo Assessment of a Rapidly Collapsible Anastomotic Guide for Use in Anastomosis of the Small Intestine: A Pilot Study Using a Swine Model.

Various conditions in human and veterinary medicine require intestinal resection and anastomosis, and complications from these procedures are frequent. A rapidly collapsible anastomotic guide was developed for small intestinal end-to-end anastomosis and was investigated in order to assess its utility to improve the anastomotic process and to potentially reduce complication rates. A complex manufacturing method for building a polymeric device was established utilizing biocompatible and biodegradable polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyurethane. This combination of polymers would result in rapid collapse of the material. The guide was designed as a hollow cylinder composed of overlaying shingles that separate following exposure to moisture. An in vivo study was performed using commercial pigs, with each pig receiving one standard handsewn anastomosis and one guide-facilitated anastomosis. Pigs were sacrificed after 13 days, at which time burst pressure, maximum luminal diameter, and presence of adhesions were assessed. Burst pressures were not statistically different between treatment groups, but in vivo anastomoses performed with the guide withstood 10% greater luminal burst pressure and maintained 17% larger luminal diameter than those performed using the standard handsewn technique alone. Surgeons commented that the addition of a guide eased the performance of the anastomosis. Hence, a rapidly collapsible anastomotic guide may be beneficial to the performance of intestinal anastomosis.

Diffuse intestinal T-cell lymphosarcoma in a yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala auropalliata).

A 10-year-old, intact, female yellow-naped Amazon parrot was examined because of anemia, lymphocytic leukocytosis, regurgitation, and weight loss. A positive fecal occult blood and monoclonal globulinopathy were present. A distended proventriculus and diffusely thickened loops of small intestine with irregular luminal surfaces were identified with contrast radiography and contrast computed tomography. A micro positron emission tomography scan was performed with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose. Diffuse intestinal T-cell lymphosarcoma was diagnosed based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry of full thickness small intestinal biopsies. The patient was treated with a multidrug chemotherapy protocol with little to no effect. Euthanasia was elected, and intestinal lymphosarcoma was confirmed on histopathology of necropsy intestinal samples; no other organs demonstrated neoplastic infiltration. To the authors' knowledge, no reports are currently available detailing the clinical presentation or diagnosis of diffuse intestinal T-cell lymphosarcoma in any avian species.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on full-thickness meshed sheet skin grafts applied to fresh and granulating wounds in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on full-thickness skin grafts applied to fresh and granulating wounds of horses. ANIMALS: 6 horses. PROCEDURES: On day 0, two 4-cm-diameter circular sections of full-thickness skin were removed from each of 2 randomly selected limbs of each horse, and two 4-cm-diameter circular skin grafts were harvested from the pectoral region. A skin graft was applied to 1 randomly selected wound on each limb, leaving the 2 nongrafted wounds to heal by second intention. On day 7, 2 grafts were harvested from the pectoral region and applied to the granulating wounds, and wounds grafted on day 0 were biopsied. On day 14, 1 wound was created on each of the 2 unwounded limbs, and the wounds that were grafted on day 7 were biopsied. All 4 ungrafted wounds (ie, 2 fresh wounds and 2 wounds with 1-week-old granulation beds) were grafted. The horses then received HBOT for 1 hour daily at 23 PSI for 7 days. On day 21, the grafts applied on day 14 were biopsied. RESULTS: Histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed that grafts treated with HBOT developed less granulation tissue, edema, and neovascularization, but more inflammation. The superficial portion of the graft was also less viable than the superficial portion of those not treated with HBOT. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of HBOT after full-thickness skin grafting of uncompromised fresh and granulating wounds of horses is not indicated.

Ligneous conjunctivitis secondary to a congenital plasminogen deficiency in a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-month-old 16.6-kg (36.5-lb) sexually intact female Golden Retriever was evaluated because of progressive severe bilateral membranous conjunctivitis, oral lesions, nasal discharge, and cough. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Histologic examination of conjunctival biopsy specimens revealed findings consistent with ligneous conjunctivitis. Circulating plasminogen activity was repeatedly low, and congenital plasminogen deficiency was identified as the underlying cause of the ocular, oral, and respiratory lesions. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Topical and subconjunctival administrations of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), topical administration of cyclosporine, and oral administration of azathioprine had no effect on the conjunctival membranes. Excision of the membranes followed by intensive treatment with topical applications of heparin, tissue plasminogen activator, corticosteroid, and FFP and IV administration of FFP prevented membrane regrowth. Intravenous administration of FFP increased plasma plasminogen activity to within reference limits, improved respiratory and oral lesions, and resulted in weight gain; discontinuation of this treatment resulted in weight loss, signs of depression, and worsening of lesions. After euthanasia because of disease progression, necropsy findings included mild hydrocephalus; multifocal intestinal hemorrhages; and fibrinous plaques in the oral cavity, nasopharynx, trachea, esophagus, and pericardium. Microscopically, the plaques were composed of fibrin and poorly organized granulation tissue. Fibrin thrombi were present within vessels in the lungs, oral cavity, and trachea. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, congenital plasminogen deficiency can occur and may be the underlying cause of ligneous conjunctivitis. A combination of surgical and medical treatments may improve conjunctival membranes, and administration of FFP IV appears to be effective in treating nonocular signs of plasminogen deficiency.

Influence of inflammation and coat type on oestrogen receptor immunohistochemistry.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate oestrogen receptor alpha staining in a variety of breeds and skin conditions. The influence of inflammation and coat type on the presence and intensity of oestrogen receptor alpha staining was evaluated. Approximately 1700 haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides of skin biopsies were screened for presence of small hair bulbs. Slides from 94 cases were submitted for oestrogen receptor alpha immunohistochemistry. H&E-stained skin biopsy tissues were examined for inflammation and hair follicle stages. Oestrogen receptor alpha staining characteristics of telogen follicles, flame follicles, large anagen bulbs, small hair bulbs and early anagen hairs (capped bulbs) were recorded. To assess the influence of inflammation and coat type on oestrogen receptor staining of hair follicle types, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression models were performed. Slides were classified as inflammatory (65) and noninflammatory (29). There were no statistically significant differences in oestrogen receptor staining when comparing inflammatory to noninflammatory skin biopsies or skin biopsies from dogs with different coat types. A subset of 13 noninflammatory biopsies from alopecic skin was identified. There was a statistically significant increase in the number of flame follicles in this subset as compared to all others. Comparison of oestrogen receptor staining of hair follicle types from these biopsies and all other biopsies revealed a statistically significant increase in the number of mature telogen hair follicles stained in this subset. No statistical difference in staining of early follicle stages was noted. Therefore, the oestrogen receptor is unlikely to be the controlling factor for the transition from telogen to anagen in the dog.

Compressive damage to the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve associated with lameness caused by proximal suspensory desmitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe pathologic changes in the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (DBLPN) of horses determined to be lame because of proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD), and to report the outcome after treatment by excision of a segment of the horses' DBLPN. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Adult horses (n=16). METHODS: Horses determined to be lame on one or both pelvic limbs because of PSD were treated by excision of a segment of the DBLPN, and 30 nerves were examined histologically. Owners were contacted to obtain information about the horses >or=6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Histologic changes suggestive of chronic nerve compression were identified in both nerves of 11 bilaterally lame horses and in the lame limb of 5 unilaterally lame horses. The nerve of the sound limb of 2 of 3 unilaterally lame horses that had bilateral nerve resection also had histologic changes compatible with nerve compression. Ten of 16 horses (62.5%) with follow-up information returned to soundness after excision of the DBLPN. CONCLUSIONS: Pathologic changes of the DBLPN associated with compression may complicate PSD of the pelvic limbs. Excision of the nerve may resolve lameness caused by PSD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses lame because of PSD of the pelvic limb may remain lame after desmitis has resolved because of compression of the DBLPN. Excising a portion of this nerve may resolve lameness.

Oligodendroglioma in an african lion (Panthera leo).

A 10-yr-old female lion (Panthera leo) presented for acute onset ataxia and weakness with a history of two seizure episodes 6 mo prior to presentation and a persistent head tilt for at least 6 mo. Gross necropsy findings included a gelatinous mass in the right cerebral hemisphere extending from the frontal to the occipital lobes. Histologically, the mass was composed of polygonal cells surrounding lakes of mucinous material. These cells had clear cytoplasm, ovoid basophilic nuclei, and inapparent cell processes. Immunoreactivity was positive for S100 and neuron-specific enolase but negative for glial fibrillary acid protein, myelin basic protein, neurofilament triplet, vimentin, and cytokeratin. All findings were consistent with an oligodendroglioma. A second neoplasm, a pulmonary adenoma, was also iidentified at necropsy.

Blastomyces dermatitidis pneumonia in a llama.

A 20-y-old female llama ( Lama glama) was euthanized after a history of chronic dyspnea and osteoarthritis. At autopsy, the lungs were covered by clear gelatinous material and expanded by firm, variably discrete, tan-white nodules up to 8 cm diameter containing tan-white, viscous material. The tracheobronchial lymph nodes were firm and enlarged up to 6 × 4 × 3 cm; the thoracic aorta and carotid arteries were lined by hard, tan-white, mineralized intimal plaques. Histologic examination of lung revealed numerous 10-20 µm diameter yeasts with clear 1-2 µm thick double-contoured walls, central basophilic nuclei, and frequent broad-based budding, consistent with Blastomyces dermatitidis. DNA sequencing confirmed the diagnosis. B. dermatitidis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary disease in llamas.

Fatal pulmonary hemorrhage associated with vascular amyloid deposition in a cat.

CASE SUMMARY: An adult female spayed Siamese-cross cat of unknown age was presented for bilateral hemorrhagic otorrhea. Nasopharyngeal polyps were diagnosed by CT and biopsy; bilateral ventral bulla osteotomies were performed. Episodic epistaxis, otic hemorrhage and hemoptysis with respiratory distress progressed over 18 months. Systolic blood pressure, complete blood count, plasma biochemistries, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time and coagulation factor 12, 9 and 8 activities were normal. Serial thoracic radiographs revealed patchy interstitial to alveolar patterns. Airway hemorrhage prevented diagnostic bronchoscopy. Respiratory hemorrhage was ultimately fatal. Amyloid deposition was identified in pulmonary vasculature, bronchial wall, lymphoid tissues, nasal-pharyngeal tissue and tympanic bullae based on microscopic examination and confirmed by Congo red staining with green birefringence under polarized light. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Amyloidosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats with spontaneous hemorrhage of the respiratory or otic tracts. Although systemic amyloidosis is associated with a grave prognosis, this case suggests that prolonged survival is possible after the initial onset of signs in cats with pulmonary amyloidosis.