Microphthalmia with multiple ocular abnormalities in a foal.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report was to provide a clinical description and clinical, ultrasonographic, and histologic images of a foal with microphthalmia and multiple ocular abnormalities. ANIMALS STUDIED: A 12-h old Friesian-American Paint Horse crossbred filly presented for blindness, microphthalmia and marked ventral strabismus in both eyes. PROCEDURE: A complete ophthalmic examination was performed. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and B-mode ultrasonography were performed. The globes were submitted for histopathology. RESULTS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated a hyperechoic cornea void of the typical epithelium, stroma, and Descemet's membrane layers. The anterior chamber was spanned by thick strands of hyperechoic tissue extending from the iris to the cornea. The lens was not visualized. B-mode ultrasound showed aphakia and mild, mottled echogenicity within the vitreous with no evidence of retinal detachment. On histopathology, both globes were microphthalmic with poorly defined corneal tissue. The anterior chambers were poorly formed and contained lacrimal glandular tissue. Portions of iridal tissue were present, but no lenses were noted. The retinas were segmentally detached and markedly atrophied with areas of retina dysplasia noted. CONCLUSIONS: This report provides a clinical, ultrasonographic and histologic description of a rare, congenital condition in a foal characterized by microphthalmia, aphakia, poorly defined corneal tissue, choristomatous differentiation of the anterior segment and retinal dysplasia.

Ocular injury progression and cornea histopathology from chloropicrin vapor exposure: Relevant clinical biomarkers in mice.

Ocular tissue is highly sensitive to chemical exposures. Chloropicrin (CP), a choking agent employed during World War I and currently a popular pesticide and fumigating agent, is a potential chemical threat agent. Accidental, occupational, or intentional exposure to CP results in severe ocular injury, especially to the cornea; however, studies on ocular injury progression and underlying mechanisms in a relevant in vivo animal model are lacking. This has impaired the development of effective therapies to treat the acute and long-term ocular toxicity of CP. To study the in vivo clinical and biological effects of CP ocular exposure, we tested different CP exposure doses and durations in mice. These exposures will aid in the study of acute ocular injury and its progression as well as identify a moderate dose to develop a relevant rodent ocular injury model with CP. The left eyes of male BALB/c mice were exposed to CP (20% CP for 0.5 or 1 min or 10% CP for 1 min) using a vapor cap, with the right eyes serving as controls. Injury progression was evaluated for 25 days post-exposure. CP-exposure caused a significant corneal ulceration and eyelid swelling which resolved by day 14 post exposure. In addition, CP-exposure caused significant corneal opacity and neovascularization. Development of hydrops (severe corneal edema with corneal bullae) and hyphema (blood accumulation in the anterior chamber) was observed as advanced CP effects. Mice were euthanized at day 25 post-CP-exposure, and the eyes were harvested to further study the corneal injury. Histopathological analyses showed a significant CP-induced decrease in corneal epithelial thickness and increased stromal thickness with more pronounced damage, including stromal fibrosis, edema, neovascularization, trapped epithelial cells, anterior and posterior synechiae, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Loss of the corneal endothelial cells and Descemet's membrane could be associated with the CP-induced corneal edema and hydrops which could lead to long term term pathological conditions. Although exposure to 20% CP for 1 min caused more eyelid swelling, ulceration, and hyphema, similar effects were observed with all CP exposures. These novel findings following CP ocular exposure in a mouse model outline the corneal histopathologic changes that associate with the continuing ocular clinical effects. The data are useful in designing further studies to identify and correlate the clinical and biological markers of CP ocular injury progression with acute and long-term toxic effects on cornea and other ocular tissues. We take a crucial step towards CP ocular injury model development and in pathophysiological studies to identify molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.

Atypical chorioretinal lesions in Siberian Husky dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma: a case series.

BACKGROUND: A number of etiologies for different canine chorioretinal lesions have been proved or suggested but some fundic lesions remain unclear in terms of an etiologic diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. The purpose of this case series is to describe atypical chorioretinal lesions observed in dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). CASE PRESENTATION: Two spayed-female Siberian Huskies (3- and 4-year-old) and one Siberian Husky/Australian Shepherd mixed breed dog (11-month-old) that had multifocal depigmented retinal lesions and PACG were included. PROCEDURES: Ophthalmic examination, gross, and histopathologic examination findings are described. One of the dogs underwent further clinical diagnostics. Advanced clinical diagnostics on the fellow, presumed to be non-glaucomatous eye of a dog revealed: pectinate ligament dysplasia by gonioscopy, retinal thinning in the depigmented area and wedge shaped retinal thinning with delayed choroidal vascular perfusion by optical coherence tomography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. Quantifiable maze testing for the same eye revealed mild nyctalopia but the full-field electroretinogram showed no generalized decrease of retinal function. Genetic testing for mutations within the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator gene causing X-linked progressive retinal atrophy in Siberian Huskies was negative. Histopathologic evaluations on enucleated eyes in two dogs confirmed goniodysgenesis, PACG with optic nerve head cupping, and diffuse inner retinal atrophy. In addition, segmental profound retinal atrophy, loss of retinal pigment epithelium, and adhesion of the retina to Bruch's membrane was observed and coincided with multifocal depigmented lesions noted on fundic examination. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first case series with clinical and histopathologic data of chorioretinal lesions, most likely caused by severely impaired choroidal perfusion. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the etiology and pathophysiology, including its possible association with PACG.

Computer-assisted mitotic count using a deep learning-based algorithm improves interobserver reproducibility and accuracy.

The mitotic count (MC) is an important histological parameter for prognostication of malignant neoplasms. However, it has inter- and intraobserver discrepancies due to difficulties in selecting the region of interest (MC-ROI) and in identifying or classifying mitotic figures (MFs). Recent progress in the field of artificial intelligence has allowed the development of high-performance algorithms that may improve standardization of the MC. As algorithmic predictions are not flawless, computer-assisted review by pathologists may ensure reliability. In the present study, we compared partial (MC-ROI preselection) and full (additional visualization of MF candidates and display of algorithmic confidence values) computer-assisted MC analysis to the routine (unaided) MC analysis by 23 pathologists for whole-slide images of 50 canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (ccMCTs). Algorithmic predictions aimed to assist pathologists in detecting mitotic hotspot locations, reducing omission of MFs, and improving classification against imposters. The interobserver consistency for the MC significantly increased with computer assistance (interobserver correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.92) compared to the unaided approach (ICC = 0.70). Classification into prognostic stratifications had a higher accuracy with computer assistance. The algorithmically preselected hotspot MC-ROIs had a consistently higher MCs than the manually selected MC-ROIs. Compared to a ground truth (developed with immunohistochemistry for phosphohistone H3), pathologist performance in detecting individual MF was augmented when using computer assistance (F1-score of 0.68 increased to 0.79) with a reduction in false negatives by 38%. The results of this study demonstrate that computer assistance may lead to more reproducible and accurate MCs in ccMCTs.

Evaluation of the Filum Terminale in Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia.

The objectives of this study were to describe the anatomy, histology, and ultrastructure of the equine filum terminale (FT) and to describe the FT in hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA), a model of human Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). Those humans suffer from tethered cord syndrome (TCS) caused by an abnormally structured FT wherein its attachment at the base of the vertebral column leads to long-term stretch-induced injury to the spinal cord. The pathophysiology of TCS in EDS is poorly understood, and there is a need for an animal model of the condition. Histopathologic and ultrastructural examinations were performed on FT from HERDA (n = 4) and control horses (n = 5) and were compared to FT from human TCS patients with and without EDS. Adipose, fibrous tissue, and neuronal elements were assessed. CD3 and CD20 immunohistochemistry was performed to clarify cell types (HERDA n = 2; control n = 5). Collagen fibrils were assessed in cross-section for fibril diameter and shape, and in longitudinal section for fibril disorganization, swelling, and fragmentation. The equine and human FT were similar, with both containing fibrous tissue, ependyma, neuropil, and nerve twigs. Hypervascularity was observed in both HERDA horses and human EDS-TCS patients and was not observed in equine or human controls. Moderate to severe abnormalities in collagen fibril orientation and architecture were observed in all HERDA horses and were similar to those observed in human EDS-TCS patients.

Computerized Calculation of Mitotic Count Distribution in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumor Sections: Mitotic Count Is Area Dependent.

Mitotic count (MC) is an important element for grading canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (ccMCTs) and is determined in 10 consecutive high-power fields with the highest mitotic activity. However, there is variability in area selection between pathologists. In this study, the MC distribution and the effect of area selection on the MC were analyzed in ccMCTs. Two pathologists independently annotated all mitotic figures in whole-slide images of 28 ccMCTs (ground truth). Automated image analysis was used to examine the ground truth distribution of the MC throughout the tumor section area, which was compared with the manual MCs of 11 pathologists. Computerized analysis demonstrated high variability of the MC within different tumor areas. There were 6 MCTs with consistently low MCs (MC<7 in all tumor areas), 13 cases with mostly high MCs (MC ≥7 in ≥75% of 10 high-power field areas), and 9 borderline cases with variable MCs around 7, which is a cutoff value for ccMCT grading. There was inconsistency among pathologists in identifying the areas with the highest density of mitotic figures throughout the 3 ccMCT groups; only 51.9% of the counts were consistent with the highest 25% of the ground truth MC distribution. Regardless, there was substantial agreement between pathologists in detecting tumors with MC ≥7. Falsely low MCs below 7 mainly occurred in 4 of 9 borderline cases that had very few ground truth areas with MC ≥7. The findings of this study highlight the need to further standardize how to select the region of the tumor in which to determine the MC.

Outcome of a dog undergoing definitive-intent intensity-modulated radiation therapy for an intranasal ganglioneuroma.

An 11-year-old intact male Shiloh Shepherd was presented for evaluation of epistaxis, decreased nasal airflow, and destructive caudal nasal lesion identified using CT. Histopathologic evaluation of the nasal mass was consistent with a ganglioneuroma. The dog was treated with 10 × 4.2 Gy using IMRT technique. Post radiation therapy (RT), improvement in clinical signs were noted. Tumor progressed in size based on CT evaluation at 49 days, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. A grade 2 oral mucositis was the only RT side effect noted. Radiation therapy as described above was completed without evidence of high-grade radiation toxicities and has potential to improve clinical signs but failed to induce tumor response.

Primary angle-closure glaucoma with goniodysgenesis in a Beagle dog.

BACKGROUND: Open angle glaucoma is the only type of primary glaucoma reported in Beagles. This case report describes a primary angle-closure glaucoma in a Beagle and its diagnostic and prognostic relevance. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-year-old, neutered male Beagle presented to the Michigan State University (MSU) Comparative Ophthalmology Service for evaluation of suspected visual impairment. Complete ophthalmic examination of the left eye (OS) revealed: blepharospasm, absent menace response, moderate episcleral congestion, mild diffuse corneal edema, mydriasis, asteroid hyalosis, decreased myelination and cupping of the optic nerve head, and mild retinal vascular attenuation. Examinations of the right eye (OD) were within normal limits. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) were 24 mmHg OD and 49 mmHg OS. Gonioscopy OD revealed a narrow iridocorneal angle with moderate pectinate ligament dysplasia characterized by broad-based pectinate ligament strands (fibrae latae) and solid sheets (laminae) throughout all 4 quadrants. DNA testing revealed that the dog did not carry the Gly661Arg ADAMTS10 mutation responsible for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in Beagles. The OS was medically managed with latanoprost 0.005% and dorzolamide HCl 2% /timolol malate 0.5% ophthalmic solutions for 7 months and then enucleated due to uncontrolled IOP. Histopathologic evaluation was consistent with goniodysgenesis with a broad, non-perforate, sheet-like band of uveal stroma bridging from the base of the iris to the terminal arborization of Descemet's membrane. Approximately 14 months from the initial diagnosis of glaucoma OS, OD also developed glaucoma and was enucleated. Histopathologic findings were consistent with goniodysgenesis OD. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PACG with goniodysgenesis in a Beagle supported by clinical, genetic, and histopathologic data. It highlights the importance of gonioscopy in Beagles with glaucoma. Further studies with a larger number of dogs are warranted to characterize clinical manifestations and inheritance of PACG in this breed.

Short communication: Survey of hepatic copper concentrations in Midwest dairy cows.

Previous research from our laboratory and others indicates that liver copper concentrations in dairy cattle are commonly well above those recognized as adequate for the nutritional needs of the animal. It has also been speculated that hepatic copper concentrations have been increasing in recent years. Unlike other species, the threshold at which elevated liver copper concentrations becomes deleterious to hepatocytes is not known for cattle. Therefore, the objectives of this study were 3-fold: (1) to delineate differences in the range and mean dry matter hepatic copper concentration for dairy cattle in a retrospective analysis (January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2015), (2) to investigate hepatic copper concentrations in Midwest cull dairy cattle, and (3) to evaluate histologic changes in hepatocellular morphology in the context of copper concentration in cull cows. Furthermore, microscopic changes in hepatocellular morphology or architecture were examined and scored for evidence of inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis, and abundance of rhodanine-stained granules using hematoxylin and eosin and rhodanine staining. The retrospective analysis found copper concentrations within a range of 3 to 1,963 µg/g, with a mean of 473 µg/g. Hepatic copper concentrations in our retrospective study did not increase with time. In our abattoir analysis, copper concentrations ranged from 15 to 978 µg/g, with a mean of 390 µg/g. This study found that the range and mean hepatic copper concentrations were comparatively less in the current abattoir study than copper concentrations in our retrospective analysis. There was no evidence for hepatocellular changes associated with increased copper burdens in this study population.

Ophthalmic findings in a captive population of Panamanian golden frogs: Atelopus zeteki.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe normal ocular morphology and establish parameters for select diagnostics in a population of Panamanian Golden Frogs (PGF) Atelopus zeteki maintained at the Detroit Zoo. METHOD: A total of 22 toads free of ocular disease were included in this study. Ophthalmic diagnostic tests included as follows: endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT), assessment of intraocular pressures (IOP), Rose Bengal stain, palpebral fissure width, blink rate and corneal cultures. Histology was performed on stored postmortem samples. RESULTS: Panamanian Golden Frogs have a distinct brow ridge and mobile third eyelid. Biomicroscopy revealed avascular, convex corneas with a shallow anterior chamber. Iris color ranged from yellow to green with dark pigmentation of the peripheral iris. Pupil shape was round. Posterior segment and fundus could not be visualized. Total number of blinks observed over a 10-minute period was one. Mean EAPPTT was 2 ± 1 mm and 3 ± 1 mm in males and females, respectively (P). Mean IOP using rebound tonometry in horizontal and vertical restraint positions were 21.6 ± 2.28 mm Hg and 17.45 ± 3.66 mm Hg, 21.85 ± 2.7 mm Hg and 17.5 ± 3.93 mm Hg in males and females, respectively. Mean palpebral fissure width was 5.02 ± 0.46 mm and 6.12 ± 0.39 mm in males and females, respectively (P). Enterococcus faecalis was isolated from one clinically normal toad. CONCLUSIONS: Tear production and blink rate were low and not significantly different between males and females. Intraocular pressure was significantly greater in male toads (P value <0.01). Females had a significantly larger palpebral fissure width when compared to males (P value <0.01) 5819. The ophthalmic parameters established in this study can aid in the evaluation and diagnosis of eye diseases in PGF.

Physiological characterization of ocular melanosis-affected canine melanocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Cairn terriers with ocular melanosis (OM) accumulate large, heavily pigmented melanocytes in the anterior uvea. Darkly pigmented plaques develop within the sclera, leading us to hypothesize that OM uveal melanocytes may have an abnormal migratory capacity. ANIMALS STUDIED: Globes from OM-affected Cairn terriers and unaffected control eyes enucleated for reasons unrelated to this study were used for immunohistochemistry and to culture melanocytes for in vitro cell behavior assays. PROCEDURES: The scleral plaques of six dogs were immunolabeled for HMB-45, MelanA, PNL2, CD18, CD204, and Iba-1 and compared with the pigment cells accumulated within the irides. Cultured uveal melanocytes from OM-affected and control dogs were compared using conventional assays measuring cell proliferation, invasion capability, and melanin production. RESULTS: Melanocytes isolated from OM eyes had significantly elevated levels of per-cell melanin content and production compared to controls. The majority of pigmented cells in the scleral plaques were HMB45 positive indicating a melanocytic origin. Many were also CD18 positive. No differences were observed between cultured melanocytes from OM-affected and control uvea for standard in vitro proliferation or invasion assays. CONCLUSION: Pigmented cells which accumulate in the sclera of OM-affected Cairn terriers are predominantly melanocytes; however, in vitro assays of uveal melanocytes did not reveal differences in migratory behavior between OM and control cells. Migratory behavior of OM-melanocytes may be environment-dependent. We suggest that RNA sequencing and differential expression analysis would be a useful next step in understanding this disease.

Ocular Iridociliary Adenoma in a Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus).

A 19-year-old female Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) presented for an oval, solid, pigmented, suspected intraocular mass with extrascleral extension through the inferior cornea of the left eye. The eye was nonvisual, and intraocular portions of the mass significantly altered the posterior chamber. Neoplasia was confirmed by biopsy, and enucleation was performed because of the severity of ocular disease, loss of vision, enhancement of patient comfort, and potential metastasis. Histopathologic examination of the entire globe revealed a pigmented iridociliary adenoma. Iridociliary adenomas have been rarely reported in birds, and this case report details diagnosis and treatment. Iridociliary adenomas in other species are often benign, indicating this neoplasia can be successfully treated with no reoccurrence by complete excision.

Genomic characterization of Erethizon dorsatum papillomavirus 2, a new papillomavirus species marked by its exceptional genome size.

We report here the complete sequence and genome organization of a new papillomavirus, Erethizon dorsatum papillomavirus 2 (EdPV2), which was isolated from cutaneous lesions observed on the muzzle of a North American porcupine. The complete genome is 8809 nucleotides long and encodes five early (E6-E7-E1-E2-E4) and two late proteins (L2-L1). In addition to the upstream regulatory region, the EdPV2 genome contains an exceptionally large secondary non-coding region with no apparent functional relevance. EdPV2 is strongly divergent from the previously described porcupine papillomavirus EdPV1 and phylogenetic analysis shows EdPV2 clustering near members of the genus Pipapillomavirus, a group of rodent papillomaviruses. Pairwise sequence comparison based on the L1 open reading frame identifies Rattus norvegicus papillomavirus 1 as the closest related virus (59.97 % similarity). Based on its low sequence similarity to other known papillomaviruses, EdPV2 is thought to represent a new genus in the family Papillomaviridae.

Immunohistochemical Characterization of Canine Oral Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Recently, histologic subtypes of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) corresponding to the human classification scheme have been proposed for dogs. A papillary squamous cell carcinoma subtype is characterized by dominant exophytic architectural growth with limited invasion, a lower metastatic rate, and better overall survival compared with conventional SCC. Whereas most canine oral conventional SCCs are easily diagnosed by histologic examination, the diagnosis of canine oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma (COPSCC) can be challenging since the exophytic portion lacks histologic features of malignancy and appears similar to oral nonviral papillomas. In contrast, the invasive portion of COPSCC has morphologic similarities to conventional SCC and canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma. The goals of this study were to immunophenotype these 3 entities and to potentially identify discriminating markers. A panel of 17 immunohistochemical markers was investigated in tissue microarrays that included 25 COPSCCs, 10 conventional SCCs, and 10 canine acanthomatous ameloblastomas. Additionally, COPSCCs were screened for papillomavirus as a potential cause using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. COPSCC had immunophenotypical similarities with conventional SCC and acanthomatous ameloblastoma, but the combined differences in immunolabeling for AE1/AE3, 34ßE12, p63, and calretinin discriminated between the entities. Papillomavirus was not detected in any COPSCC, making a viral pathogenesis unlikely. A better understanding of the immunophenotype of COPSCC will aid in a more accurate diagnosis and potentially improve therapeutic approaches.

Bilateral microphthalmos with cyst in a neonatal foal.

A 1-day-old miniature horse filly was presented to the University of Florida Veterinary Ophthalmology service for evaluation of multiple ocular anomalies which were present from birth. Protruding from the right orbit was a large, fluctuant, red, dry and variably ulcerated mass. A globe could not be appreciated clinically in the left orbit. Ocular ultrasound of both orbits was performed. This revealed a lobular, hypo-echoic structure filling the right orbit, with multiple hyperechoic septations; normal ocular structures were not identified. Ultrasound of the left orbit revealed a microphthalmic eye, with a well-defined, hyperechoic structure in the vitreous that was thought to be the lens. Due to irreversible blindness, the foal was humanely euthanized. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the orbital contents revealed bilateral microphthalmos with cyst, a congenital defect rarely reported in the veterinary literature.

A Case Report of Uterine Body Constriction Precluding Normal Parturition Leading to Dystocia in a Mare.

A 13-year-old multiparous Quarter Horse mare was presented to the Michigan State University's, Large Animal Emergency service for dystocia. Clinical evaluation revealed a minimally dilated cervix on vaginal examination, with a palpable deceased fetus. Postmortem evaluation following owner-elected humane euthanasia revealed a circumferential, tan, fibrous band at the base of the uterine body that constricted the uterus and was adhered to the left and right ovaries. A routine histologic section of the incarcerating cord attached to the ovary consisted predominately of dense fibrous connective tissue, large blood vessels, and a central oviduct suggestive of a rent in the broad ligament. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report to describe uterine body constriction that precluded vaginal delivery of a fetus in a late gestation mare.

Case report: Androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors in eight cats.

Urine marking, aggression, and other behavioral concerns are common reasons for cat owners to seek veterinary care. Empiric treatment for lower urinary tract disease or primary behavior disorders are commonly pursued, especially in those cases with normal routine laboratory evaluations. Herein, we report the clinicopathologic findings in eight sexually altered cats that were diagnosed with androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors. Nearly all cats (n = 7) initially were evaluated for inappropriate urination and pungent urine, with additional behavioral concerns including aggression (n = 3) and excess vocalization (n = 4) commonly reported. Penile barbs (n = 5) were identified in all five male cats, and an enlarged clitoris was observed in one female cat. Testing of serum androgen concentrations revealed abnormally high androstenedione (n = 1) or testosterone (n = 7) concentrations. In the five cases with available adrenal tissue, histopathologic evaluation identified either an adrenocortical adenoma (n = 3) or adrenocortical carcinoma (n = 2). Hormonal abnormalities resolved and clinical signs improved in the four cats that underwent surgical adrenalectomy, with each of these cats surviving >1 year. However, clinical signs were minimally impacted with medical treatments, including one cat in which trilostane treatment failed to improve clinical signs or testosterone concentrations. This collection of cases underscores the importance of a detailed physical examination as well as the consideration of endocrine disturbances in cats undergoing evaluation for inappropriate urination or aggression. Furthermore, this report adds to the growing body of evidence that sex-hormone secreting adrenal tumors in cats may be an under-recognized syndrome.

Surgical amputation of a digit and vacuum-assisted-closure (V.A.C.) management in a case of osteomyelitis and wound care in an eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli).

A 14-yr-old female eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) presented with progressive suppurative osteomyelitis in her left hind lateral toe. beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus sp. was isolated. The animal was treated with multiple systemic antibiotics, and topical wound cleansing. Repeated debridements and nail trimmings were performed for 5 mo prior to electing amputation. The toe was surgically amputated under general anesthesia between the first and second phalanges. Analgesia was diffused into the wound topically via a catheter and elastomeric pump. The open amputation site was covered with adherent drapes and a negative-pressure wound therapy device provided vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.) for 72 hr. Three months later this animal developed a deep dermal ulcer on the lateral aspect of the right hind limb, at the level of the stifle. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. The wound was managed by initial daily lavage, followed by 1 mo of V.A.C. therapy, with 72 hr between dressing changes. Clinically, this therapy expedited the formation of healthy granulation tissue and overall healing was accelerated. The animal tolerated the machine and bandage changes well via operant conditioning. The use of negative-pressure wound therapy appeared to shorten time to resolution of slow-healing wounds in black rhinoceros.

Blood and bone marrow findings in two pups with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII.

Routine blood smear findings in two of four 11-day-old mixed-breed dog littermates were suggestive of a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) that was documented to be mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) by molecular testing. In this condition, a functional ß-glucuronidase deficiency results in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in cells and tissues where ß-glucuronidase is important in GAG degradation. Most neutrophils and a moderate number of lymphocytes within the blood had atypical cytoplasmic magenta inclusions. The bone marrow assessment from one of the two affected pups at 24 days of age revealed similar magenta granulation in myeloid precursor cells that was most prominent in promyelocytes and myelocytes. Moreover, atypical magenta material was present within vacuoles as well as extracellularly in some osteoblasts and macrophages. Histologic bone marrow sections revealed prominent vacuolation of osteoblasts, and some osteoclasts appeared separated from the bone by layers of osteoblasts or hematopoietic cells. At 2 months of age, the second affected dog showed moderate growth retardation and had similar but more prominent hematologic findings that extended to monocytes, eosinophils, and eosinophil precursors. It had an increased number of bone marrow macrophages with many vacuoles that could be seen cytologically to contain magenta material, and there was mild nonselective phagocytosis of hemic cells. Of the hematologic cells, inclusions were most prominent in promyelocytes, myelocytes, and macrophages, cells with relatively high ß-glucuronidase activity, and GAG exposure within lysosomes or lysosome-like primary granules of granulocyte precursors.

Transconjunctival excision of an orbital conjunctival cyst using computer-assisted 3-D surgical planning in a dog.

Investigation of exophthalmos and blood-colored discharge from the left ventral punctum in a dog was consistent with a conjunctival cyst in the orbit. 3-D prints of the cyst and surrounding facial bones identified a successful transconjunctival approach without an orbitotomy and patency of the left lacrimal duct was reestablished.