A review of neoplastic and non-neoplastic canine skin tumours in Trinidad from 2010-2015

This retrospective study was performed on samples submitted to the Pathology Unit of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, St. Augustine, Trinidad, during the period 2010 to 2015. A total of 471 non-inflammatory cutaneous masses were analyzed, of which 225 (47.8%) were malignant, 202 (42.9%) were benign and 44 (9.3%) were non-neoplastic. The most common malignant tumors were haemangiosarcoma, 50 (22.2%); mast cell tumour, 49 (21.8%); soft tissue sarcoma 35 (15.6%), lymphoma, 20 (8.9%) and melanoma 20 (8.9%). The most common benign tumors were haemangioma, 39 (19.3%); lipoma, 27 (13.4%), trichoblastoma, 26 (12.9%), histiocytoma 25 (12.4%), plasma cell tumor, 23 (11.4%) and papilloma 9 (4.5%). Common non-neoplastic skin lesions included collagen naevi, 26 (59.1%) and follicular cysts, 11 (25.0%). Mixed breed dogs 241 (51.2%), was most frequently represented with neoplasms followed by Rottweilers 50 (10.6%) and Pit bulls 48 (10.1%).

A Review of the Cause and Manner of Death of Suspected Animal Abuse Cases in Trinidad And Tobago, 2008-2015

Background: Forensic veterinary pathology is becoming increasingly important in investigation situations of suspected animal abuse. It is thought that the submission of suspected cases of animal abuse has increased over the past seven years in Trinidad and Tobago. Methodology: A search for owner or law-enforcement suspected animal abuse necropsy cases submitted at either the University of West Indies Veterinary Hospital or the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for the period of 2008-2015 was performed. Based on pathology records and submission information, cases were categorized by signalment and cause of death (COD) or manner of injury (MOI) if the animal was euthanized. Results: A total of 84 cases of suspected animal abuse were submitted in the years 2008-2015. Although the submission of these cases decreased from 2008-2012, there has been an increased since then. The most commonly submitted animal species were dogs (74%) and sheep (7%). Of the 84 cases, only 22 (24%) had a confirmed COD/MOI. The most common confirmed COD/MOI was trauma (45%), followed by poisoning (27%). The majority of the unconfirmed COD/MOI involve suspected poisoning. Conclusions: Owners are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of pathology to help diagnose suspected animal abuse cases, and are becoming more interested in trying to prosecute those they suspect of harming their pets. Toxicological studies are currently limited, but they would be very useful in confirming cause of death for the majority of unresolved cases.

Identification of Myxozoa Parasite in the Connective Tissue of a Cascadura Fish (Hoplosternum Littorale) In Trinidad and Tobago

Background: Thirty cascadura (Hoplosternum littorale) fish from 5 different ponds were submitted alive to the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory of the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of West Indies as part of monitoring and quarantine procedures of a commercial aquaculture farm. Cascadura fish are commercially important in Trinidad. Methodology: Water from the five different ponds was tested for quality. All fish were euthanized and necropsies were performed. Pooled samples from each pond were submitted for microbiology, parasitology, and histopathology. Results: All water samples had low alkalinity, low hardness, and low pH. In general, all ponds had evidence of low to moderate ecto- and endoparasitism. A section of connective tissue from the histopathologic samples of the pond with the lowest pH contained an area of hemorrhage and numerous poorly staining oval to tear-drop shaped organisms. These organisms stained brightly acid fast, and some included two polar capsules and a polar filament. No other signs of infection were noted in these fish. Conclusion: This is the first histopathologic description and report of myxozoan parasites in the cascadura in Trinidad. Myxozoa can be pathogenic, and should be included in the differential for causes of death in farmed cascadura, particularly when there is poor water quality which could affect the immune system of the fish.