T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome in an American Pit Bull Terrier.

A 3-y-old, intact female, American Pit Bull Terrier was presented because of acute onset of anorexia and a large subcutaneous submandibular mass that had been present for 3 wk. The submandibular mass, 2 engorged black-legged ticks on the dorsum of the neck, pyrexia, and icterus were seen on physical examination. Abnormal laboratory test results included a positive Anaplasma antibody test, severe thrombocytopenia, mild nonregenerative anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated liver enzyme activities. Cytology of the mass was interpreted as marked septic purulent inflammation with acute hemorrhage. Treatment with doxycycline for anaplasmosis was unsuccessful, and the patient died at an emergency follow-up visit 2 d after the initial presentation. Autopsy and histopathology revealed widespread metastasis of a presumptive histiocytic neoplasm with associated hemophagocytosis seen in lymph nodes (LNs), liver, and spleen. Immunohistochemistry yielded a definitive diagnosis of a CD3+/CD18+ T-cell lymphoma. In this case of canine lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome, hemophagocytes were observed as >2% of neoplastic cells in the liver, spleen, and LN histologically, a scarce or unreported finding, to our knowledge. The prognosis was grave, with a short survival time after the onset of clinical signs.

Increasing prostate cancer screening among African American men.

The study evaluates the impact of prostate cancer education on screening rates among African American men in rural Black Belt counties in Alabama. The goal of the study is to promote screening behavior in African American men. The objectives were: 1) to identify enablers and barriers to screening; 2) to develop and test the effectiveness of an education intervention; and 3) to determine the impact of the intervention on prostate cancer screening rates through follow-up survey. The study followed a quasi-experimental three-phase design: 1) focus group, 2) education intervention, and 3) follow-up. Focus groups (N = 76) indicate men are reluctant to talk about their health with anyone. Analysis of pre-test and post-test paired t-test indicate a significant increase in knowledge and awareness of prostate cancer (85%). Follow-up survey results indicate that 48% (N = 105) of the participants who had not been screened within the last 12 months were screened after attending the education session.