ABSTRACT
Prostaglandins have many roles in the equine reproductive tract, including but not limited to luteolysis, luteal support, ovulation, transport through the uterine tube, uterine contraction, embryonic mobility, inflammation, and fibrosis. Altered secretion of inflammatory proteins are likely to disrupt the balance of endometrial function and could impair fertility. Our overall goal was to measure the expression of several prostaglandin- and inflammation-related genes in mares with different degrees of endometrial histological changes. Our hypothesis was that mares with neutrophilic and lymphocytic plasmocytic inflammation, fibrosis, or different biopsy grades would have altered concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F2α (PGF2α), as well as altered expression of inflammation- and prostaglandin-related genes, compared to mares with minimal to no histological changes on biopsy evaluation. Forty-five endometrial biopsies from estrous mares were assessed by a reproductive pathologist for the degree of neutrophilic inflammation, lymphocytic and plasmocytic inflammation, and fibrosis, and a biopsy grade was assigned based on the Kenney-Doig system. A low-volume uterine lavage was collected from a subset of twenty-six mares prior to biopsy collection and was used to measure PGE2 and PGF2α concentrations via ELISA. Total RNA was extracted from biopsies and mRNA expression was evaluated for twenty-five genes of interest. A restricted maximum likelihood linear model was used to compare differences of mRNA expression, with a statistical significance set at P < 0.05. There was no difference in the abundance of PGE2 or PGF2α between any of the variables tested. Mares with endometrial biopsy grade I had lower expression of NF-kB, PTGS1 and HPGD compared to grade IIA or IIB (P < 0.05). Mares with neutrophilic inflammation had decreased expression of NF-kB, PTGS1, PTGER4, CBR1, mPGES2 and PTGIS compared to mares without inflammation. Mares with mild or minimal endometrial fibrosis had increased expression of mPGES2 and PTGIS, compared to mares with moderate endometrial fibrosis. In conclusion, several genes were identified to be differentially expressed in mares with histological changes compared to mares with no to minimal histological changes. The presence of inflammation and fibrosis may alter the concentration of prostaglandins in endometrial tissue, which could impair many of the uterine reproductive and immune functions during estrus, affecting early embryo survival.
Subject(s)
Endometrium , Fibrosis , Inflammation , Animals , Female , Horses , Endometrium/metabolism , Endometrium/pathology , Fibrosis/veterinary , Fibrosis/genetics , Biopsy/veterinary , Inflammation/veterinary , Inflammation/genetics , Inflammation/metabolism , Horse Diseases/genetics , Horse Diseases/metabolism , Horse Diseases/pathology , Gene Expression Regulation , Prostaglandins/metabolism , Prostaglandins/genetics , Endometritis/veterinary , Endometritis/pathology , Endometritis/genetics , Endometritis/metabolismABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Regional lymph nodes are frequently sampled in cats with suspected intestinal lymphoma; however, their diagnostic value has not been explored. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of mesenteric lymph nodes correlates with the diagnosis of intestinal lymphoma in cats. ANIMALS: One hundred 2 client-owned cats diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma. METHODS: Retrospective study. The inclusion criteria required a full-thickness biopsy of the small intestine and concurrent excision of mesenteric lymph nodes. Histologic and immunophenotypic analyses were performed on intestinal biopsies and corresponding lymph nodes. Selected nodal samples diagnosed with reactive lymph nodes underwent clonality testing. RESULTS: Transmural T-cell lymphomas, encompassing small and large cell types, were predominant (64 cases, 62.7%), with large B-cell lymphomas being more frequently transmural (68.8%) than mucosal (31.2%). Among all lymph nodes examined, 44 (43.1%; 95% CI: 33.9%-52.8%) exhibited neoplastic infiltration. Among cases of small cell lymphoma, 51 out of 72 (70.8%; 95% CI: 59.4%-80.1%) showed no nodal involvement. Clonality results correctly identified 19/30 (63.3%; 95% CI: 45.5%-78.2%) reactive lymph nodes. Concerns were raised regarding clonal identification in the remaining cases and potential misdiagnoses based on phenotypic characteristics. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The study underscores the potential drawbacks of relying solely on mesenteric lymph nodes for diagnosing intestinal lymphomas in cats, particularly small cell subtypes. It emphasizes the importance of full-thickness biopsies for assessing transmural infiltration and recommends caution when utilizing mesenteric lymph nodes for histologic, immunohistochemical and clonality evaluations in mucosal lymphomas. Despite limitations, this research highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies in cats with intestinal lymphoma.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Intestinal Neoplasms , Lymph Nodes , Lymphoma , Animals , Cats , Cat Diseases/pathology , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Intestinal Neoplasms/veterinary , Intestinal Neoplasms/pathology , Intestinal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Male , Female , Lymphoma/veterinary , Lymphoma/pathology , Lymphoma/diagnosis , Biopsy/veterinary , Intestine, Small/pathology , Mesentery/pathology , Lymphoma, T-Cell/veterinary , Lymphoma, T-Cell/pathology , Lymphoma, T-Cell/diagnosisABSTRACT
Biopsy data on externally palpable masses in pet rats (Rattus norvegicus) were retrieved from the archives of a large commercial pathology laboratory between November 2013 and July 2021. A total of 330 samples were submitted from 292 individual animals. Of the 330 samples submitted, 182 (55.2%) were of mammary gland origin and the majority were benign neoplasms, with fibroadenoma most frequent. Of the remaining 148 samples, 101 were neoplastic in nature, with 76 tumours classified as mesenchymal, 23 as epithelial and two classified only as malignant neoplasia not otherwise specified. Malignant neoplasms accounted for 88 of these non-mammary masses, with the most diagnosed tumours including soft tissue sarcoma (including fibrosarcoma) and sarcomas not otherwise specified.
Subject(s)
Rodent Diseases , Animals , Rats , Retrospective Studies , Female , Biopsy/veterinary , Rodent Diseases/pathologyABSTRACT
Background: Metastatic disease resulting from mammary gland tumors (MGTs) is a known cause of death among dogs and cats. Keys to successful prevention and management strategies involve the accurate recording of diagnostic data. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the epidemiology and classification of canine mammary gland tumors (CMTs) and feline mammary gland tumors (FMTs), as well as the factors including sex, age, and breed related to the occurrence of these tumors. Accordingly, 1,736 tumor biopsy cases were reported from 2012 to 2019 at Chiang Mai University Small Animal Hospital, Thailand, with 1,639 canine tumor biopsy cases and 97 feline tumor biopsy cases. Results: The proportion of CMTs was reported at 24.5% (401/1,639) for all canine tumor biopsy cases. Benign and malignant tumors were reported at 14.5% (58/401) and 85.5% (343/401) for all CMT cases, respectively. The mean age of dogs affected by benign CMTs was 9.0 ± 3.0 years, which was significantly lower than for malignant CMTs at 9.9 ± 2.8 years (P = 0.0239). According to histopathological classification, benign mixed tumors and simple carcinoma types were highest among benign and malignant CMT cases, respectively. Moreover, female dogs were at significantly higher risk of developing mammary gland tumors (OR = 45.8, 95% CI [3.9-86.0], P < 0.0001) than male dogs, as well as older dogs (>8 years) (OR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.2-2.2], P = 0.0001) compared to young ones (≤8 years). The proportion of FMTs was 37.1% (36/97) for all feline tumor biopsy cases. Benign and malignant tumors for all FMTs were reported at 16.7% (6/36) and 83.3% (30/36), respectively. According to histopathological classifications, adenoma and simple carcinoma were present in the highest proportion among benign and malignant FMTs, respectively. Female cats were at a significantly higher risk of developing mammary gland tumors than male cats (OR = 25.7, 95% CI [3.9-272.8], P < 0.0001). Conclusions and clinical importance: There was a high proportion of MGT cases compared with other tumor cases reported in a secondary care hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 2012 to 2019, and malignant tumor biopsies have been more frequently observed than benign tumor biopsies in both CMT and FMT cases. The resulting data originating from this study can be an aid for veterinary oncologists in better educating clients and planning treatment and prevention strategies and it can be used as a basis for further experimental studies in the oncology section.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma , Cat Diseases , Dog Diseases , Mammary Glands, Human , Mammary Neoplasms, Animal , Sweat Gland Neoplasms , Humans , Cats , Dogs , Animals , Male , Female , Child , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Thailand/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Mammary Glands, Human/pathology , Secondary Care , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Carcinoma/pathology , Biopsy/veterinary , Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/epidemiology , HospitalsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The employment of advanced molecular biology technologies has expanded the diagnostic investigation of cardiomyopathies in dogs; these technologies have predominantly been performed on postmortem samples, although the recent use of endomyocardial biopsy in living dogs has enabled a better premortem diagnostic approach to study the myocardial injury. ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: Endomyocardial biopsies were collected in nine dogs with a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype (DCM-p) and congestive heart failure and submitted to histologic examination, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Data from three healthy dogs (Fastq files) were retrieved from a previously approved study and used as a control group for ribonucleic acid sequencing. RESULTS: Histologic examination revealed endocardial fibrosis in six of nine dogs, whereas lymphocytic interstitial infiltrates were detected in two of nine dogs, and lymphoplasmacytic and macrophage infiltrates were detected in one of nine dogs. On polymerase chain reaction analysis, two dogs tested positive for canine parvovirus two and one dog for canine distemper virus. Gene-expression pathways involved in cellular energy metabolism (especially carbohydrates-insulin) and cardiac structural proteins were different in all DCM-p dogs compared to those in the control group. When dogs with lymphocytic interstitial infiltrates were compared to those in the control group, NGS analysis revealed the predominant role of genes related to inflammation and pathogen infection. CONCLUSIONS: Next-generation sequencing technology performed on in vivo endomyocardial biopsies has identified different molecular and genetic factors that could play a role in the development and/or progression of DCM-p in dogs.
Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Dog Diseases , Gene Expression Profiling , Myocardium , Dogs , Animals , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/veterinary , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology , Dog Diseases/genetics , Dog Diseases/pathology , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Biopsy/veterinary , Male , Female , Myocardium/pathology , Myocardium/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling/veterinary , Phenotype , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/veterinaryABSTRACT
Biopsy has recently become a preferred protocol for sampling the skin and blubber of many cetacean species, although it is desirable to collect as minimally invasive as possible. Here, the effect of biopsy sampling on the captive common bottlenose dolphins was evaluated by analyzing the process of wound healing and changes in hematological and blood biochemical parameters after biopsy using a puncher developed to collect up to the inner layer of the dolphin blubber. Results showed that the wounds caused by biopsy were closed in as early as 1 day and completely covered with the epidermis within 5-11 days. Blood fibrinogen, which generally increases due to a wound-induced inflammatory response or activation of the coagulation system, was significantly elevated after the biopsy indicating ongoing tissue repair, while other parameters did not exhibit significant differences. Furthermore, histological observation and RNA extraction of samples were performed to investigate the versatility of this method to cetacean research. Histological examination revealed three distinct layers of the blubber in the biopsy samples. Moreover, total RNA extracted from biopsy samples exhibited sufficient quality and quantity for gene expression analyses. Overall, the puncher utilized in our study represents a valuable and minimally invasive tool for investigating various aspects of small cetacean studies.
Subject(s)
Bottle-Nosed Dolphin , Animals , Biopsy/veterinary , Biopsy/methods , Male , Female , Wound Healing , Skin/pathologyABSTRACT
A stray cat, an intact female Japanese domestic shorthair cat of unknown age (suspected to be a young adult), was rescued. The cat was lethargic and thin and had marked skin fragility, delayed wound healing without skin hyperextensibility, and hind limb proprioceptive ataxia and paresis. Survey radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed congenital vertebral anomalies, including thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae, scoliosis resulting from a thoracic lateral wedge-shaped vertebra, and a kinked tail, and a dilated spinal cord central canal. Through nutritional support, the cat's general condition normalized, followed by a gradual and complete improvement of skin features. Whole-genome sequencing was completed; however, no pathogenic genetic variant was identified that could have caused this phenotype, including congenital scoliosis. A skin biopsy obtained 7 y after the rescue revealed no remarkable findings on histopathology or transmission electron microscopy. Based on clinical course and microscopic findings, malnutrition-induced reversible feline skin fragility syndrome (FSFS) was suspected, and nutritional support was considered to have improved the skin condition. Key clinical message: This is the second reported case of presumed malnutrition-induced reversible FSFS and was accompanied by long-term follow-up.
Syndrome de fragilité cutanée réversible induit par la malnutrition soupçonné chez un chat avec des difformités axiales congénitales. Un chat errant, une femelle intacte de race japonaise à poil court et d'âge inconnu (suspecté être une jeune adulte), a été secourue. La chatte était léthargique et maigre, et avait une fragilité marquée de la peau, un retard dans la guérison de plaies sans hyperextensibilité de la peau, et une ataxie proprioceptive et parésie des membres postérieurs. Des radiographies, un examen par tomodensitométrie, et de l'imagerie par résonnance magnétique ont révélé des anomalies congénitales des vertèbres, incluant des vertèbres transitionnelles thoraco-lombaires, une scoliose résultant d'une vertèbre thoracique en forme de coin, une queue pliée, et un canal central de la moelle épinière dilaté. Grâce à un soutien nutritionnel, la condition générale du chat s'est stabilisée, suivi d'une amélioration graduelle et complète des caractéristiques de la peau. Le séquençage du génome complet a été effectué; toutefois, aucune variation génétique pathogénique n'a été identifiée qui aurait pu causer ce phénotype, incluant la scoliose congénitale. Une biopsie cutanée obtenue 7 j après le sauvetage n'a révélé aucune trouvaille spéciale à l'histopathologie ou par microscopie électronique à transmission. Basé sur le déroulement clinique et l'examen microscopique, le syndrome de fragilité cutanée réversible félin induit par la malnutrition (FSFS) était suspecté, et le soutien nutritionnel a été considéré comme ayant amélioré la condition cutanée.Message clinique clé :Ce cas est le deuxième cas rapporté de FSFS induit par la malnutrition soupçonné et a fait l'objet d'un suivi à long terme.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Malnutrition , Scoliosis , Female , Cats , Animals , Scoliosis/veterinary , Malnutrition/veterinary , Ataxia/veterinary , Biopsy/veterinary , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Cat Diseases/etiologyABSTRACT
A 12-year-old male neutered European Shorthair cat was presented for pruritus in the right ear region, bleeding from ear canal and a suspected polyp-like mass in its lumen.After the diagnostic imaging a biopsy of the mass was taken and submitted for histopathological evaluation. Histopathologic examination led to the diagnosis of low grade mast cell tumor. The subsequent staging examinations included ultrasonography of the liver and spleen as well as a complete blood count. Total ear canal ablation was performed on the same day, and the removed ear canal was again submitted for histopathologic evaluation of the surgical margins. The excision incision margins were free from infiltrating tumor cells. The cat was euthanised 14 months after the surgery. It is unknown whether the reasons for this were associated to metastatic spread of the initial mast cell tumor.A mast cell tumor in the ear canal is an unusual and rare finding, however it should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for ear canal tumors.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Ear Neoplasms , Male , Animals , Cats , Ear Canal/diagnostic imaging , Ear Canal/surgery , Ear Canal/pathology , Mast Cells/pathology , Ear Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Ear Neoplasms/surgery , Ear Neoplasms/veterinary , Diagnosis, Differential , Biopsy/veterinary , Cat Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Cat Diseases/surgeryABSTRACT
The potential applications of in vitro-produced (IVP) cattle embryos are significantly enhanced when combined with genotype selection and cryopreservation techniques. While trophectoderm (TE) biopsies are frequently used for genotyping, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) found in blastocoele fluid (BF) arises as a less-invasive method. Moreover, the blastocoel collapse produced by BF aspiration could be beneficial for embryo cryotolerance. This study was conducted to test the BF as a source of cell free-DNA (cfDNA) and to compare the BF to the TE biopsy in terms of sexing efficiency/accuracy, embryo survival and gene expression after vitrification/warming. IVP day 7 expanded blastocysts were artificially collapsed by aspiration of BF (VIT-Collapsed) or biopsied (VIT-Biopsied). After sample collection, embryos were vitrified/warmed by the Cryotop method and individually cultured in vitro. Intact fresh non-vitrified and vitrified/warmed blastocysts served as Fresh Control and VIT-Control, respectively. After sex identification of BF or TE biopsies and the corresponding surviving embryos, amplification efficiency and sexing accuracy were assessed. There were no differences between the BF and TE biopsy samples in terms of sexing accuracy or efficiency. Although all vitrified groups showed lower post-warming re-expansion rates (p < 0.05), the blastocyst re-expansion rates in the VIT-Collapsed group were comparable to those in the Fresh Control group whereas biopsied blastocysts showed the lowest (p < 0.05) re-expansion rates. VIT-Collapsed blastocysts had hatching rates that were comparable to those of Fresh Control blastocysts but significantly higher than those of the other vitrification treatments. Proapoptotic gene BAX was overexpressed in VIT-Biopsied embryos, whereas BCL2 transcripts were more abundant in the VIT-Collapsed group. On the other hand, VIT-Biopsied embryos showed altered ATP1B1- and AQP3-mRNA levels. The analysis of the cfDNA present in the BF is an efficient, minimally invasive approach to sex IVP cattle embryos. Besides, the artificial collapse of blastocoel prior to vitrification resulted in higher re-expansion and hatching ability than when embryos were vitrified after being biopsied.
Subject(s)
Cell-Free Nucleic Acids , Vitrification , Cattle , Animals , Cryopreservation/veterinary , Blastocyst , Biopsy/veterinaryABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nonexcisional tissue biopsies facilitate pre-operative confirmation of equine sarcoid yet fear of lesion deterioration currently limits its use in the diagnostic workup. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a single punch biopsy on tumour growth dynamics [thickness, area, circumference, viral load (VL) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS)]. ANIMALS: Six client-owned horses with 11 sarcoids of various classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Growth dynamics were recorded on a weekly basis, 12 weeks pre- and 24 weeks post-biopsy. The effect of a single punch biopsy on growth dynamics was estimated by linear mixed-effect models. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) was calculated to investigate correlations with the number of weeks before and after the intervention. RESULTS: While statistically significant post-biopsy changes were recorded for all parameters except VL, no parameter was consistently increased after the biopsy intervention. In two of 11 sarcoids, the VL correlation pattern revealed significant strong correlations: sarcoid 6 (pre: r = -0.66, p < 0.05; post: r = 0.81, p < 0.001), increased VL; and sarcoid 8 (pre: r = 0.85, p < 0.001; post: r = 0.17, p > 0.05), no further increase after biopsy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Our results indicate that post-biopsy lesion deterioration is not a general concept that applies to all sarcoids, and both deterioration or improvement are possible outcomes over a 24-week period. Further clinical studies with a larger sample size are needed before a definitive conclusion can be made.
Subject(s)
Horse Diseases , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Horses , Animals , Skin Neoplasms/veterinary , Pilot Projects , Skin , Biopsy/veterinaryABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provide samples of equivalent diagnostic quality in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Twelve colony cats undergoing a concurrent nutrition study. METHODS: Two biopsy forceps (3 and 5 mm) and three biopsy techniques (twist, pull, and twist + pull) were used to collect 68 laparoscopic liver samples. Biopsies were performed consecutively with the 3 and 5 mm biopsy sites adjacent to each other. Data analyzed included the number of portal triads and hepatic lobules, tissue crush and fragmentation, overall sample area (mm2 ), sample weight, and agreement regarding morphologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The 5 mm forceps provided more hepatic lobules, portal triads, and a larger tissue weight and histologic area (mm2 ) (p < .01). The twist and pull techniques provide more hepatic lobules and portal triads compared to the twist + pull technique while the twist + pull technique resulted in greater tissue crush compared to the twist technique (p = .0097). There was good agreement for morphological diagnosis between the 3 and 5 mm samples using the twist + pull technique but not for the twist or pull techniques. CONCLUSION: Liver samples can be safely collected with 3 or 5 mm laparoscopic biopsy forceps and provide sufficient tissue for histopathology analysis in cats, with minimal artifact. The diagnostic accuracy of 3 mm samples remains unknown. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although 3 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provided samples of sufficient diagnostic quality for histopathologic interpretation in cats, further studies are required to assess their diagnostic accuracy.
Subject(s)
Laparoscopy , Liver , Cats , Animals , Biopsy/veterinary , Biopsy/methods , Liver/surgery , Laparoscopy/veterinary , Surgical Instruments/veterinary , Portal SystemABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Diagnosing equine grass sickness (EGS) requires histopathological evidence of chromatolysis and/or neuronal loss in peripheral autonomic ganglia. Previous investigators performed postmortem biopsies of gustatory papillae located on the tongue and found chromatolytic subgemmal neurons in all 13 EGS horses. The present study aimed to design a standardized lingual biopsy sampling method through a transbuccal approach in healthy standing horses and assess the quality of the obtained samples, to allow antemortem diagnosis of EGS in clinical cases. ANIMALS: 6 healthy horses. METHODS: A transbuccal approach was performed bilaterally in 6 healthy standing horses. After having reached a deep level of sedation, horses were placed in stocks and a Günther mouth gag was inserted. Local anesthesia followed by a vertical full thickness incision was performed on both cheeks. Foliate papillae biopsies were carried out using an arthroscopic rongeur inserted through each incision site under oral endoscopic control. Tongue movements were restricted with diazepam. Histological assessment of taste buds and subgemmal plexi neurons was performed using H&E-stained longitudinal sections. RESULTS: The procedure was well tolerated in all horses. Minor complications observed were a transient facial paralysis, some incisional fluid collection, and abscesses. Ten samples (10/12) were suitable for assessment of neuronal perikarya. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This procedure was safe for subgemmal plexus biopsy in healthy standing horses. The obtained samples were adequate as long as they were neatly cut lengthwise for inclusion. The technique was also used for 2 clinical cases and revealed the complete absence of neuronal perikarya, confirming chronic EGS.
Subject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases , Gastrointestinal Diseases , Horse Diseases , Taste Buds , Horses , Animals , Taste Buds/pathology , Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis , Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/pathology , Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/veterinary , Biopsy/veterinary , Neurons/pathology , Gastrointestinal Diseases/pathology , Gastrointestinal Diseases/veterinary , Horse Diseases/diagnosis , Horse Diseases/pathologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To describe the intestinal full-thickness needle-core biopsy technique via abdominal laparotomy outcomes and compare the histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis with standard incisional intestinal biopsy technique in dogs and cats. ANIMALS: 3 dogs and 17 cats. METHODS: Client-owned dogs and cats were prospectively enrolled if intestinal full-thickness biopsies were indicated for the diagnosis of diffuse chronic intestinal diseases following ultrasonography. The study period extended from June 2021 to December 2022. All animals underwent intestinal biopsies with both techniques (needle-core biopsy and standard incisional biopsy) via abdominal laparotomy. Data collected included clinical signs, biopsy collection times, complications, and histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings. A minimum follow-up of 14 days was required. RESULTS: The main clinical sign at presentation was chronic vomiting (65%). Mean needle-core biopsy collection time (262 seconds) was significantly shorter than standard incisional biopsy collection time (599 seconds; P < .000001). The incidence of minor complications was 10% (inflammation of the skin surgical site secondary to licking). One catastrophic complication occurred on a standard incisional biopsy site in 1 cat in a context of bile peritonitis (5% of all cases). There were no complications associated with the needle-core biopsy. All but 1 cat were discharged, with a median of 2 days (range, 1 to 4 days) after surgery. The diagnoses resulting from both techniques were 100% concordant for the distinction between inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal lymphoma via histopathology and immunochemistry. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Needle-core biopsy is safe, rapid, and effective and is less invasive than standard incisional biopsy.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Dog Diseases , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Humans , Cats , Dogs , Animals , Laparotomy/veterinary , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Cat Diseases/surgery , Cat Diseases/etiology , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/surgery , Dog Diseases/etiology , Biopsy/veterinary , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/diagnosis , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/surgery , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/veterinary , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
In addition to fulfilling many breeders' curiosity, equine embryonic sex determination can have a profound commercial impact. However, the application of currently described assays for equine embryonic sexing has rendered variable diagnosis and validation rates, with sensitivity being the main problem. In addition, while pregnancy results of in vivo-flushed equine embryos following a needle aspiration biopsy equal those of non-biopsied embryos, the effect on in vitro-produced embryos is unknown. Here, we aimed to develop a highly sensitive and specific assay for equine sex determination that can be directly performed on few embryonic cells, and to test the effect of a needle aspiration biopsy on the viability of the in vitro-produced embryo. To this end, a multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay with dual-labelled probes was designed to allow the simultaneous generation of both male-specific and control fragments in a single closed-tube reaction, avoiding potential sample loss or contamination. To improve sensitivity, multicopy and polymeric genes were chosen to be specifically amplified, i.e., eight copies of Y-chromosomal ETSTY5 as male-specific and four autosomal UBC monomers as control fragment. Specificity was enhanced by the equine-specific character of ETSTY5 and by using dual-labelled probes. The assay was optimised with equine male and female genomic DNA and demonstrated a 100% accuracy and a >95% qPCR efficiency down to 10 pg of DNA. The assay was subsequently applied to determine the sex of 44 in vitro-produced embryos, collecting trophectoderm biopsies by means of a needle aspiration biopsy and herniating cells. Of all trophectoderm biopsies and herniating cell samples (n = 54), 87% could be diagnosed. Assay results were validated on a second sample obtained from the biopsied embryo (n = 18) or, by ultrasound-based sex determination of the foetus (n = 7) following the transfer of the biopsied embryo to a recipient mare, with about half of the embryos being fillies and colts. The needle aspiration biopsy procedure did not impair initial pregnancy rate or early pregnancy losses as compared to non-biopsied embryos. In conclusion, we report a safe, reliable, fast, and cost-effective assay for equine sex determination which was validated for the sex determination of in vitro-produced embryos based on few embryonic cells, and needle aspiration biopsy did not impair the embryo's viability. The assay and safe biopsy strategy hold potential for other applications.
Subject(s)
Blastocyst , Embryo, Mammalian , Pregnancy , Animals , Horses , Female , Male , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Biopsy/veterinary , DNAABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to describe the distribution of gastrointestinal histopathology findings associated with gastrointestinal obstructions secondary to trichobezoar formation in cats. METHODS: A total of 100 surgical gastrointestinal biopsies were obtained from 44 cats with gastrointestinal obstructions secondary to a trichobezoar. Medical records, including signalment, type and duration of clinical signs, surgical reports and histopathologic analysis, were reviewed for each cat. RESULTS: Biopsies taken near the site of the trichobezoar were more likely to show neutrophilic inflammation and mucosal erosion/ulceration compared with biopsies taken elsewhere in the small intestine. Lymphoplasmacytic and mixed lymphocytic and eosinophilic populations were the most common histopathologic findings from all biopsies followed by alimentary small cell lymphoma. Biopsy samples were more likely to represent a diagnosis of alimentary lymphoma in cats older than 10 years. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Gastrointestinal biopsies taken at the time of surgery in cats with trichobezoar obstructions may represent an important diagnostic tool for further evaluation of potential feline chronic enteropathy. Biopsies taken at the site of the obstruction should be interpreted cautiously as the presence of a trichobezoar may induce an acute inflammatory reaction. The resultant histologic interpretation at this site may not represent the chronic state of the intestinal mucosa, supporting the utility of obtaining multiple biopsies orad and aborad to the obstruction.
Subject(s)
Bezoars , Cat Diseases , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Intestinal Obstruction , Cats , Animals , Bezoars/complications , Bezoars/diagnosis , Bezoars/surgery , Bezoars/veterinary , Intestine, Small/surgery , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/veterinary , Intestinal Obstruction/diagnosis , Intestinal Obstruction/etiology , Intestinal Obstruction/surgery , Intestinal Obstruction/veterinary , Biopsy/veterinary , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Cat Diseases/etiology , Cat Diseases/surgeryABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Treatments currently available for ceruminous gland tumors include surgery and radiation therapy, which come with high financial costs and frequent complication and recurrence rates. HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the treatment, response, complication, and recurrence of ceruminous gland tumors confirmed with biopsy and ablated using CO2 laser. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records from Iowa State University and the University of Illinois between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021. Electronic medical records were evaluated for a histopathologically confirmed ceruminous gland tumor via video-otoscopic aided biopsy and subsequent CO2 laser ablation. Signalment, tumor type, size, location within the ear canal, length of time tumor was present before presentation, advanced imaging, and follow-up including recurrence were assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen ceruminous gland adenomas (4 dogs, 10 cats) and 12 ceruminous gland adenocarcinomas (7 dogs, 5 cats) were identified. Bacterial otitis externa was present in 4/26 (15%) animals. Recurrence was identified in 1/14 (7%) ceruminous gland adenomas and 1/12 (8%) ceruminous gland adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Video-otoscopic aided biopsy and CO2 laser ablation of ceruminous gland tumors in dogs and cats is a viable treatment option with low recurrence and complication rates with CO2 laser ablation.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma , Adenoma , Cat Diseases , Dog Diseases , Laser Therapy , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Cats , Dogs , Animals , Ear Canal/surgery , Carbon Dioxide , Retrospective Studies , Cat Diseases/surgery , Dog Diseases/surgery , Biopsy/veterinary , Adenocarcinoma/veterinary , Skin Neoplasms/veterinary , Laser Therapy/veterinary , Adenoma/veterinaryABSTRACT
Two (male and female) 10-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier littermates presented for progressive weakness, joint contracture, and distal limb joint hyperlaxity beginning around 6 months of age. Neurological examination, serum creatine kinase activity, infectious disease titers, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and electrodiagnostic testing were performed. Muscle biopsies were collected for histopathology and immunofluorescence staining for localization of dystrophy associated proteins. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 1 affected dog. Variants were compared to a database of 671 unaffected dogs of multiple breeds. Histopathology confirmed a dystrophic phenotype and immunofluorescence staining of muscle cryosections revealed an absence of staining for collagen-6. WGS identified a homozygous 1 bp deletion in the COL6A3 gene, unique to the first affected dog. Sanger sequencing confirmed the homozygous presence of the frameshift variant in both affected dogs. This report describes the clinical features and most likely genetic basis of an Ullrich-like recessively inherited form of congenital muscular dystrophy in American Staffordshire Terriers.
Subject(s)
Dog Diseases , Muscular Dystrophies , Female , Male , Animals , Dogs , United States , Collagen , Biopsy/veterinary , Databases, Factual , Extremities , Dog Diseases/geneticsABSTRACT
A 17-year-old captive female double yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona oratrix) was presented to the Kansas State University Zoological Medicine Service (Manhattan, KS, USA) for a 2-month history of a left sided facial swelling. On examination, a red, raised mass was noted on the left side of the face. A whole-body computed tomography scan of the bird was performed to assess the extent of the mass and evaluate the patient for obvious evidence of disseminated disease. No systemic involvement was detected, and the swelling was localized to the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues overlying the left rhamphotheca. Two punch biopsies were collected, and histopathology was consistent with cutaneous lymphoma, with strong positive CD3 staining congruous with a T-cell origin. Because of a lack of evidence for disseminated disease, the authors elected to pursue localized radiation therapy, and a single fraction of 8 Gray was administered. The swelling had resolved by the time of the recheck examination 4 weeks post-radiation therapy, and the patient remained clinically normal 52 weeks after radiation therapy.
Subject(s)
Amazona , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous , Psittaciformes , Skin Neoplasms , Animals , Female , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/radiotherapy , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/veterinary , Biopsy/veterinary , Skin Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Skin Neoplasms/veterinaryABSTRACT
Establishing methods for evaluating genomic estimated breeding values of bovine embryos can potentially increase the efficiency of breeding programs by transferring only embryos with a high genomic estimated breeding value. This may be achieved by analyzing DNA from trophectoderm biopsies. However, manipulation of bovine embryos is associated with a risk of impaired conceptus health. More knowledge on the health implications of embryonic handling procedures is required. In this study, we followed pregnancies after transfer of in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos and assessed the health of the offspring during the first 2 weeks of life. Three groups of calves were studied: i) freshly transferred non-biopsied embryos (39 transfers, 17 calves; Group B-/C-); ii) biopsied and freshly transferred IVP embryos (42 transfers, 21 calves; Group B+/C-); iii) biopsied and cryopreserved IVP embryos (17 transfers, 6 calves; Group B+/C+). Blood biochemical and hematologic values were compared between groups and to a control group of 13 calves produced by conventional artificial insemination. The pregnancy rate on day 50 and the calving rate did not differ among the groups, but the average gestation length of the B+/C+ group was significantly shorter and with wider variation than the two other groups. There was a tendency toward a higher average body weight at birth in group B+/C+ (45.1 kg) and the standard deviation in body weight was larger (11.7 kg) compared to the B-/C- (39.5 kg; 3.2 kg) and B+/C- (41.8 kg; 6 kg) groups. Body weight on day 14 was higher in the B+/C+ calves compared to the other groups. There was no difference in the biochemical and hematological values at birth between the groups and these were within the normal range. However, when compared to a group of calves produced by standard artificial insemination, significantly higher concentrations were found for the hepatic-related enzymes ALAT, ASAT, ALP, and GGT in group B-/C-and B+/C-, while only higher ALP concentrations were found in B+/C+ calves. The biochemical findings indicate higher heterogeneity in IVP calves compared to calves produced by artificial insemination. The more manipulated IVP embryos also showed increased heterogeneity in body weight at birth, with a shift toward heavier calves, which calls for closer attendance at parturition to handle dystocia in a timely manner and minimize fetal losses.
Subject(s)
Embryo Transfer , Fertilization in Vitro , Female , Pregnancy , Animals , Cattle , Birth Weight , Genotype , Fertilization in Vitro/veterinary , Embryo Transfer/veterinary , Blastocyst , Biopsy/veterinary , Body WeightABSTRACT
Choline requirements for dairy cattle are unknown. However, enhanced postruminal supply of choline may increase flux through the methionine cycle to spare Met for other functions such as protein synthesis and phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis during periods of negative nutrient balance (NNB). The objective was to investigate the effects of postruminal choline supply during a feed restriction-induced NNB on hepatic abundance and phosphorylation of mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin)-related signaling proteins, hepatic lipidome and plasma AA. Ten primiparous rumen-cannulated Holstein cows (158 ± 24 DIM) were used in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design with 4 d of treatment and 10 d of recovery (14 d/period). Treatments were unrestricted intake with abomasal infusion of water, restricted intake (R; 60% of net energy for lactation requirements to induce NNB) with abomasal infusion of water (R0) or restriction plus abomasal infusion of 6.25, 12.5, or 25 g/d choline ion. Liver tissue was collected via biopsy on d 5 after infusions ended and used for Western blot analysis to measure proteins involved in mTOR signaling and untargeted lipidomics. Blood was collected on d 1 to 5 for plasma AA analysis. Statistical contrasts for protein and AA data were A0 versus R0 (CONT1), R0 versus the average of choline dose (CONT2) and tests of linear and quadratic effects of choline dose. Analysis of lipidomic data were performed with the web-based metabolomic processing tool MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Ratios of p-RPS6KB1:tRPS6KB1, p-EEF2:tEEF2, and p-EIF2:tEIF2 were greater with R (CONT1). Among those, supply of choline led to decreases in p-EEF2:tEEF2 (CONT2), p-EIF2:tEIF2 and tended to decrease p-EIF4BP1:tEIF4BP1. However, the effect was quadratic only for p-EEF2:tEEF2 and p-EIF2A:tEIF2A, reaching a nadir at 6.25 to 12.5 g/d choline ion. The ratio of p-RPS6KB1:tRPS6KB1 was not affected by supply of choline and was close to 2-fold greater at 25 g/d choline versus A0. Plasma Met concentration decreased with R (CONT1), but increased linearly with choline. Restriction also increased plasma 3-methyl-histidine (CONT1). The partial least squares discriminant analysis model of liver lipids distinguished treatments, with 13.4% of lipids being modified by treatment. One-way ANOVA identified 109 lipids with a false discovery rate ≤0.05. The largest group identified was PC species; all 35 detected decreased with R versus A0, but there were few differences among choline treatments. Overall, data suggested that dephosphorylation of EEF2 and EIF2A due to enhanced choline supply potentially helped maintain or increase protein synthesis during NNB. While activation of mTOR was not altered by choline, this idea of increased protein synthesis is partly supported by the increased circulating Met. However, enhanced postruminal choline had limited effects on the species of lipid produced during a period of NNB.