Predominance of hypoechoic tissue changes in nine dogs with malignant prostatic lymphoma.

Neoplasia of the prostate is relatively uncommon in dogs with adenocarcinoma being the most common type. Non-epithelial tumors are rare and only individual cases of malignant lymphoma affecting the prostate have been reported. The purpose of this multi-institutional, retrospective, descriptive study was to characterize the ultrasonographic features of canine prostatic lymphoma. Inclusion criteria were an abdominal ultrasound and cytological/histological diagnosis of malignant prostatic lymphoma. Ultrasonographic features were recorded based on the original ultrasonographic reports and consensus opinion of two readers on the available image sets retrospectively. Nine dogs met the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 6.5 years. Seven dogs were intact and two neutered. Subjective prostatomegaly was noted in all patients however not reproducible by objective measurements. Altered shape with rounded/irregular margins was detected in 78% of the cases. All prostates presented either diffuse (three dogs) or focal/periurethral (four dogs) and/or multifocal areas of hypoechogenicity (three dogs). In one dog, focal and multifocal hypoechoic changes co-occurred. Prostatic mineralization was not present in any of the cases. Ultrasonographic features of infiltrative disease of multiple organs and/or lymphadenopathy was found in all cases. Even though malignant lymphoma is rare in the prostate, it should be included in the list of differentials in patients with hypoechoic lesions/areas, altered shape, lack of mineralization of the prostatic parenchyma and evidence of multiorgan involvement.

ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN AN AGED CAPTIVE WHITE RHINOCEROS (CERATOTHERIUM SIMUM).

A 48-yr-old captive white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum ) was euthanized due to old age, pododermatitis, and progressive laminitis of the middle toe of the left fore- and hindlimbs. Severe chronic necrotizing periodontitis and dental loss was diagnosed, although food intake prior to death had not decreased. In addition, extensive ulceration of the tongue was noted. Histologically, squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue was diagnosed with chronic severe ulcerative glossitis. Metastatic lesions were not detected. Clinicians should monitor the oral health of aging rhinoceros due to the occult nature of these lesions.

Feline paraneoplastic alopecia associated with metastasising intestinal carcinoma.

CASE SUMMARY: A 10-year-old male neutered British Shorthair cat was presented with a 6 month history of lethargy, weight loss and alopecia. Clinical examination revealed widespread alopecia of the ventral abdomen and hindlimbs. The skin in these areas was smooth and shiny and hairs could be easily epilated. Spontaneous pruritus was observed. Cytological examination of superficial impression smears showed a severe Malassezia species dermatitis and pyoderma. Ectoparasites could not be detected and no sign of dermatophytosis was visible in trichograms and Wood's lamp analysis. Abdominal ultrasound found a focally thickened wall of the large intestine and multiple nodules in the liver. Fine-needle aspirates from lymph nodes, liver and altered colonic wall were consistent with an undifferentiated malignant neoplasia. The cat was euthanased at the owners' request, owing to potential neoplasia with metastatic spread. At necropsy a metastasising carcinoma of the colonic wall was found, as well as a paraneoplastic alopecia. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Feline paraneoplastic alopecia has been reported in association with pancreatic carcinoma, bile duct carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as with neuroendocrine pancreatic carcinoma and hepatosplenic plasma cell tumour. This is the first reported case of feline paraneoplastic alopecia associated with a colon carcinoma.

Congenital infiltrative lipomas in a calf.

The current report describes a case of congenital subcutaneous and intramuscular tumors of the neck and tail base in a 4-week-old female Angus-Charolais crossbred calf. Results of clinical and ultrasound examination are summarized. Biopsy and necropsy findings indicated an infiltrative lipoma. Congenital lipomas are uncommon tumors in bovids. Clinical and morphologic differentials, as well as classification and the possible pathogenesis of congenital neoplasms, are discussed.

Cutaneous leishmaniosis in a horse in southern Germany caused by Leishmania infantum.

This report describes a case of cutaneous leishmaniosis in a horse in southern Germany. Diagnosis is based on histopathology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The protozoan was identified as Leishmania infantum via PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The horse did not show specific Leishmania antibodies. The lesions healed completely within 6 months without any specific treatment. Since neither the infected horse nor its dam had ever left their rural area, autochthonous infection in Germany cannot be excluded. Factors possibly influencing the epidemiological situation are discussed.