Comprehensive Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome of Taenia crassiceps Cysticercosis in a Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) from a Croatian Zoo: No Longer Unusual?

Taenia crassiceps is a zoonotic tapeworm of the genus Taenia that is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Wild and domestic carnivores are final hosts, while rodents and rabbits are primarily intermediate hosts, although many other mammals may harbour the larval stage, Cysticercus longicollis. This case report aims to describe C. longicollis infection in a lemur and molecularly characterise the isolated parasite. The excised lesion was subjected to morphological and histopathological examination, which revealed cysticerci of the tapeworm. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded block (FFPEB), as well as the cysticerci fixed with formalin stored for one year, were subjected to molecular analysis, which aimed at detecting the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of Taenia sp. Based on the morphological characteristics, the parasite was identified as a metacestode of T. crassiceps. The presence of the cox1 gene was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in all samples. A randomly selected PCR product was sequenced and compared with other sequences from the GenBank database, confirming that the detected parasite was T. crassiceps. This article reports the first case of T. crassiceps cysticercosis in a lemur (Lemur catta) in Croatia and emphasises the potential risk of transmission from wild carnivores.

A Biochemical and Histological Assessment of Postmortem Changes to the Eyes of Domestic Pigs: A Preliminary Study.

The Postmortem Interval (PMI) is the time from the death of an animal to its discovery. From a veterinary forensic standpoint, an accurate estimation of the PMI is of particular importance, especially with the observed increase in deaths of domestic and wild animals. A preliminary study was conducted using the eyes of domestic pigs. A biochemical analysis was conducted on the vitreous humor of the eye, whilst a histological analysis was conducted on the retina. The eyes were stored at +4 °C and changes were assessed at time intervals of 0, 12, 24, 48, and 120 h. The biochemical analysis during the PMI established a decrease in sodium, chlorine, and glucose concentrations, and a rise in potassium concentration. Accordingly, a simple linear regression showed a significant correlation between changes in concentrations of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and glucose, in relation to the PMI. The histological analysis showed evident morphological changes in the retina, which included homogenization of the rod and cone cells, pyknosis of the outer nuclear layer, homogenization of the outer plexiform layer, pyknosis of the inner nuclear layer, homogenization of the inner plexiform layer, and pyknosis of the nuclei of the ganglion layer of the retina.

Tumor and Tumor-like Lesions in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Croatia.

The red fox, found on all continents except Antarctica, occupies diverse habitats. In Croatia, it is an indigenous wild species with a population density of 0.7 animals per square kilometer. While tumors in wild animals from the Canidae family are scarce, the true prevalence and diversity of tumors are likely underestimated due to limited research. So far, a limited number of tumors have been observed among the red fox population, either in their natural habitat or in captivity. As part of the National Rabies Control Program, we examined 1890 red fox carcasses over a four-year period. Our focus was on identifying abnormalities on the skin and internal organs that suggest potential neoplastic proliferation. Five red foxes, three males and two females, were found to have growths resembling potential tumors. Their age distribution spanned from 2 to 7 years. Microscopic investigation revealed two collagenous hamartomas, two Meibomian gland adenomas, and one intra-abdominal teratoma within a cryptorchid testis. This retrospective study aims to provide a comprehensive description of tumor and tumor-like lesions observed in free-range red foxes from Croatia, marking the first research of its kind in Croatia.

Cancer morbidity in Croatian cats: Retrospective study on spontaneously arising tumors (2009-2019).

One of the current leading causes of death in pet cats is neoplasia. The scarcity of data on tumor prevalence in cats from south-eastern Europe led to this retrospective study which reports an abundant collection of tumors diagnosed in cats living in Croatia. Archived histopathology findings (diagnosis, cell origin, and biological behavior), and epidemiological data (breed, sex, age, and anatomical site of the tumor) of the cats diagnosed with at least one tumor were collected and statistically analyzed. For the research, 2338 archived feline samples, obtained from 2009-2019, have been reviewed. In 659 samples (28.1%) one or more tumors were diagnosed. Tumors have most often affected non-pedigree cats, cats between 7 and 15 years of age, and female cats. Most tumors showed malignant behavior (85.7%). The most frequent diagnoses were mammary adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Regarding origin, most samples were epithelial (46.9%), but mesenchymal (28.7%) and lymphoid tumors (17.0%) were also frequently found. Tumors most often occurred in the skin and subcutis, mammary gland (in females), digestive system, and hemolymphatic system (in males). Statistical analysis did not reveal breed, sex, and age predisposition, but female animals and non-pedigree cats were significantly more likely to develop malignant tumors. This detailed study gives insight into the most frequent tumors that occur in cats from Croatia, and the data reported here is likely applicable to other countries. This data will contribute to clinical veterinary oncology, as it presents the most extensive tumor index of cats in south-eastern Europe.

Clinical and histopathological investigation of symmetrical alopecia with associated chronic pruritus in tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella apella).

BACKGROUND: Symmetrical alopecia is a common symptom of endocrine and autoimmune diseases, which are rarely manifested with pruritus. Increased levels of stress in primates have been presented with increased levels of pruritus and alopecia appearance. METHODS: A pruritic and alopecic disease was investigated in a group of tufted capuchin monkeys (N = 12), but due to ethical reasons, four random animals were further investigated by numerous diagnostic methods. The impact of food and enclosure enrichment was assessed and observed over a 2-year period. RESULTS: Histopathology of four random tufted capuchin monkeys revealed lymphocytic perifolliculitis, with an appearance of a "swarm of bees" which was suggestive of alopecia areata. Etiological classification of pruritus excluded dermatological, systemic, and neurological causes, making it behavioral. Enclosure and food enrichment had a beneficial impact on pruritus (12/12) and alopecia (10/12). CONCLUSION: The findings were suggestive of alopecia areata, while the pruritus was considered behavioral in origin. Alopecia and pruritus improved upon enclosure and food enrichment.

Acute lethal leptospirosis in a red fox (Vulpesvulpes).

Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic spirochaetes belonging to the genus Leptospira, is a globally distributed zoonosis that can affect many species of domestic and wild animals, and humans. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a native species in Croatia and, due to constant food availability and lack of interspecies competition, is becoming more abundant in urban and suburban areas. Although antibodies for Leptospira spp have been detected in red foxes, lethal disease has not been reported. We necropsied a young, male red fox that had jaundice, multifocal haemorrhages in the heart, lungs and urinary bladder, hepatomegaly, non-congestive splenomegaly and slight yellow discolouration of the renal cortex and medulla. Histology revealed multifocal haemorrhages in parenchymal organs, thrombi within lung septal capillaries and other blood vessels, interstitial lymphocytic and plasmacytic nephritis and erosions of the gastric mucosa. A microscopic agglutination test on the post-mortem cardiac blood clot revealed a high titre to Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, which implies contact with rats, which are natural reservoirs of this serovar in Croatia. The gross and histological findings in this fox were similar to those in dogs with leptospirosis, indicating that fatal leptospirosis can occur in foxes and suggesting that this species can act as a source of infection for other animals and humans.

A case of cutaneous bullous mastocytosis in a Yorkshire terrier puppy.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous bullous mastocytosis (CBM) is a rare disease characterised by erythroderma, bullae formation on trunk, scalp and extremities which evolve to erosions. OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare variant of cutaneous mastocytosis and treatment options. ANIMAL: A 7-month-old Yorkshire terrier puppy with erythroderma and bullae formation. METHODS: Clinical examination (including haematological, biochemical and radiographic), skin biopsy, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The case fulfills the criteria of CBM, representing a rare entity that is reported to be associated with spontaneous regression. However, in severe cases treatment with systemic corticosteroids, H1 and H2 antihistamines, and masitinib can be performed.

Contexte - La mastocytose cutanée bulleuse (CBM) est une maladie rare caractérisée par une érythrodermie, la formation de bulles sur le tronc, le cuir chevelu et les extrémités qui évoluent vers des érosions. Objectif - Décrire une variante rare de la mastocytose cutanée et les options de traitement. Animal - Un chiot Yorkshire terrier de 7 mois avec formation d'érythrodermie et de bulles. Méthodes - Examen clinique (y compris hématologique, biochimique et radiographique), biopsie cutanée, évaluation histopathologique et immunohistochimique. Conclusion et pertinence clinique - Le cas remplit les critères de CBM, représentant une entité rare rapportée comme étant associée à une régression spontanée. Cependant, dans les cas graves, un traitement avec des corticostéroïdes systémiques, des antihistaminiques H1 et H2 et du masitinib peut être effectué.

Introducción - la mastocitosis bullosa cutánea (CBM) es una enfermedad rara caracterizada por eritroderma, formación de bullas en el tronco, cabeza y extremidades que evolucionan a erosiones. Objetivo - describir una variante rara de mastocitosis cutánea y opciones de tratamiento. Animal- un cachorro Yorkshire terrier de 7 meses con eritroderma y formación de bullas. Métodos - examen clínico (incluyendo hematológico, bioquímico y radiográfico), biopsia de piel, evaluación histopatológica e inmunohistoquímica. Conclusión y relevancia clínica- el caso descrito cumple con los criterios de CBM, lo que representa una entidad rara que se describe como asociada con regresión espontánea. Sin embargo, en casos graves se puede realizar tratamiento con corticoides sistémicos, antihistamínicos H1 y H2 y masitinib.

Contexto - A mastocitose cutânea bolhosa (MCB) é uma doença rara caracterizada por eritrodermia, formações bolhosas no tronco, cabeça e extremidades que evoluem para erosões. Objetivo - Descrever uma variante rara de mastocitose cutânea e as opções de tratamento. Animal - Um filhote de Yorkshire terrier de sete meses de idade com eritrodermia e formações bolhosas. Métodos - Exame clínico (incluindo avaliação hematológica, bioquímica e radiográfica), biópsia de pele, histopatologia e avaliação imunohistoquímica. Conclusão e relevância clínica - Esse caso preenche os critérios de MCB, representando uma entidade rara em que a regressão espontânea é relatada. Entretanto, em casos graves, tratamento com corticosteroides, anti-histamínicos H1 e H2 e masitinib podem ser realizados.

Isotretinoin Treatment for Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis in a Golden Retriever.

Ichthyoses are hereditary cornification disorders that manifest with abnormal differentiation and desquamation of keratinocytes in a form of generalized dry and scaly skin. In golden retriever dogs, autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) has been associated with mutations in the PNPLA 1 gene. In human medicine, isotretinoin is frequently used to treat ARCIs. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and histological effects of isotretinoin on ARCI in a golden retriever dog with confirmed mutation in the PNPLA 1 gene. Clinical examination, blood analysis and histopathological examinations were conducted before and after 90 days of isotretinoin therapy. The clinical and histopathological findings indicate that treatment with oral isotretinoin was effective in improving ichthyosis without any side-effects.

Pyometra Associated With Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius in Two Bitches.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a commensal bacterium residing on the mucosae and skin surfaces of dogs. Under favorable conditions, the organism may cause serious infections, primarily involving the skin, but it is also isolated in eye and ear infections. This report describes pathologic findings of pyometra associated with S pseudintermedius in two bitches. One bitch was a 6-year-old Pomeranian bitch who died after three days of diarrhea, vomiting, and depression. During necropsy, the uterus of the bitch was diffusely enlarged and filled with 30 mL of thick, yellow, creamy pus. Histology revealed acute to subacute, diffuse, severe, purulent endometritis with intralesional Gram-positive round cocci revealed as S pseudintermedius. The cause of death was pyometra with subsequent septic shock. The other bitch was a 2-year-old West Highland White Terrier who underwent diagnostic laparotomy due to suppurative peritonitis of unknown cause. During the procedure, about 100 mL of yellow, opaque exudate from the abdominal cavity was removed. The distended uterine horns noted during the procedure were removed and submitted for histopathology which revealed necrosis of endometrium with the accumulation of pus and numerous, intralesional S pseudintermedius in the uterine lumen. Focally, uterine wall necrosis was evident, with a spread of bacteria and purulent inflammation into the adjacent mesometrium causing purulent peritonitis. Although S pseudintermedius presents a common cause of skin and mucosal infection, it should be considered a possible etiological agent of canine pyometra.

Canine testicular tumors: two types of seminomas can be differentiated by immunohistochemistry.

BACKGROUND: Testicular tumors are the most common genital neoplasms in male dogs, with Leydig cell tumors (LCT), seminomas (SEM), and Sertoli cell tumors (SCT) the most common forms. Human SEM are classified as classical (CSEM) or spermatocytic (SSEM). Intratubular germ cell neoplasia of undifferentiated origin (IGCNU) is another form of human testicular tumor. The aim of this study was to verify that CSEM/SSEM classification is valid in dogs and confirm the existence of canine IGCNU. RESULTS: Testicular tumors were found in 46% of dogs at necropsy and accounted for 7% of tumors biopsied. The median age of dogs with tumors at necropsy was 10.16 years; median age at positive biopsy was 10.24 years. The most common tumors, in decreasing order, were LCT, mixed tumors, SEM and SCT at necropsy, and SEM, SCT, mixed tumors, LCT, peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and teratoma in the biopsy group. IGCNU was found in 3% of testicles at necropsy and in 3% of biopsy samples. Two dogs had testicular tumor metastasis. Expression of c-KIT was most common in SEM and seminomatous components of mixed tumors. PLAP was mostly expressed in IGCNU, SEM, teratoma, and some mixed tumors. Cytokeratin was mainly expressed in SCT. CD30 expression was low in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The high tumor incidence at necropsy can be attributed to older age. Tumor incidence in biopsy samples, dog age, and histological classification were consistent with previous studies. The higher incidence of SEM and SCT in the biopsy group probably resulted from the obvious clinical expression of these tumor types. The low incidence of metastasis confirmed the predominance of benign tumors. Low CD30 expression confirmed the low incidence of testicular embryonal carcinoma. Cytokeratin helps differentiate stromal tumors, especially SCT, from germ cell tumors. Histology and c-KIT and PLAP expression indicate that IGCNU exists in dogs. Expression of c-KIT and PLAP confirmed that CSEM and SSEM classification is valid in dogs.

Comparative analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma in men and dogs.

Concerning the important differences in the ethiopathology of hepatocelular carcinomas (HCC) in humans and dogs, our work describes the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), cytokeratine 19 (CK19), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGFbeta-r) in tumors arising in both species. Investigation included 25 cases of human and 8 cases of dog tumors. All human cases were noted in cirrhotic livers, while in dogs the tissue adjacent to tumor was not changed. In humans in two cases hepatitis B virus (HBV) and in one case hepatitis C virus (HCV) were determined. Investigation showed lack of TGFbeta-r reaction in six cases of canine HCC, while in humans only one case was negative. In most tumors specific hepatocyte antigen Hepatocyte Paraffin 1 marker (Hep Par 1) was mainly positive with markedly decreased reaction compared to the normal hepatocytes, while cytokeratine 19 for billiary epithelium was negative. The result of our investigation rise the question about the possible role of tumor suppressor gene TGFbeta-r in the development of HCC in dogs and in the same time emphasizes its importance in human diseases.

Mast cell tumor in dogs--incidence and histopathological characterization.

Incidence of mast cell tumors, their distribution according to sex, breed, age and localisation in Croatia is not established yet. Also, the statistical significance of the various histopathological parameters according to Patnaik's scheme, in the diagnostics of the tumor grade was not performed. Investigation analysed mast cell tumors histopathologicaly characterized at the Department of General Pathology and Pathological Morphology of the Veterinary Faculty Zagreb from January 1st 2002 to December 31st 2006. Sex, age, breed, localisation and tumor grade of each animal with tumor was recorded and statisticaly evaluated. Each histopathological variable was scored and compared with tumor grade. In the analyzed period, totally 1630 tumors were recorded, and mast cell tumors were found in 106 animals or in 6.5% of all cases. With statistically significant difference, this tumor was found in more cases in male dogs, and average age was 6.96 years. Boxers and retrievers were most frequent breeds, and localization was mostly on legs. Grade I tumor was found in 15.09%, grade II in 44.34% and grade III in 28.3% of animals. There were no significant correlations between tumor grade and age, breed, sex or localization. Considering the lesion scores compared with grade, statistically significant differences were found in cell shape, number of nucleoli, anisocytosis, anisokariosis, karyomegaly, mitoses, necroses, hemorrhages, cellularity, cell borders and collagenolysis.