Prevalence of feline chronic gingivostomatitis in feral cats and its risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the prevalence of feline chronic gingivostomatitis in urban feral cats in South Korea and analysed its risk factors. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-five feral cats that visited the hospital for neutering using a trap-neuter-return approach were screened for feline chronic gingivostomatitis based on clinical criteria. In addition, we determined if body weight, sex and the presence of tongue lesions are risk factors for feline chronic gingivostomatitis. The difference in severity due to the presence or absence of risk factors, and the relationship between gross findings and histopathological lesions, were analysed by grading lesion severity. RESULTS: Feline chronic gingivostomatitis was diagnosed in 92 cats. Disease prevalence did not significantly differ with body weight and sex but was significantly related to tongue lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The prevalence of feline chronic gingivostomatitis in urban feral cats in South Korea was 26.6%. It was significantly more prevalent in cats that had tongue lesions. Severity was also significantly associated with tongue lesions. Feline chronic gingivostomatitis may be associated with an infectious agent that causes tongue lesions.

Glossitis in an older non-corgi dog: Diagnosis and long-term follow-up.

A 9-year-old spayed female 18.8 kg mixed breed boxer dog was referred for evaluation of a 7-month history of difficulty swallowing and prehending food, regurgitation, hypersalivation, and an abnormal dorsiflexion of the tongue. Prior to referral, a barium study was performed, which revealed a mildly dilated esophagus. Treatment with sucralfate, cisapride, and prednisone was initiated. Physical examination revealed bilateral, symmetric atrophy of the temporalis muscles, dorsiflexion of the distal aspect of the tongue with concurrent muscle atrophy, and a reduced gag reflex. Electrodiagnostic examinations revealed spontaneous electrical activity in the muscles of mastication and tongue. Biopsies from the right temporalis, tongue, and biceps femoris muscles were collected. An immune-mediated myositis with fibrosis, scattered CD3, CD4, and CD8+ T-lymphocytes, and upregulation of markers for major histocompatibility antigens were observed in the tongue and temporalis muscles. The dog was treated with a tapering course of prednisone over 2 months and cyclosporine long-term. The dog was maintained on cyclosporine alone for > 2 years and clinical signs remained static, although multiple episodes of aspiration pneumonia occurred. Ultimately, euthanasia was performed due to chronic kidney disease with associated anemia, lethargy, and anorexia.

Glossite chez un chien âgé non-corgi : diagnostic et suivi à long terme. Une chienne boxer de race mixte de 18,8 kg stérilisée âgée de 9 ans a été référée pour l'évaluation d'une histoire de 7 mois de difficulté à avaler et de préhension des aliments, de régurgitation, d'hypersalivation et d'une dorsiflexion anormale de la langue. Avant la référence, un examen baryté a été réalisée et a révélé un oesophage légèrement dilaté. Un traitement par sucralfate, cisapride et prednisone a été initié. L'examen physique a révélé une atrophie bilatérale et symétrique des muscles temporaux, une flexion dorsale de la face distale de la langue avec atrophie musculaire concomitante et un réflexe nauséeux réduit. Les examens électrodiagnostiques ont révélé une activité électrique spontanée dans les muscles de la mastication et de la langue. Des biopsies des muscles temporaux droits, de la langue et du biceps fémoral ont été recueillies. Une myosite à médiation immunitaire avec fibrose, des lymphocytes T CD3, CD4 et CD8+ dispersés et une régulation positive des marqueurs des principaux antigènes d'histocompatibilité ont été observées dans la langue et les muscles temporaux. Le chien a été traité avec une posologie décroissante de prednisone sur 2 mois et de cyclosporine à long terme. Le chien a été maintenu sous cyclosporine seule pendant > 2 ans et les signes cliniques sont restés stables, bien que plusieurs épisodes de pneumonie par aspiration se soient produits. En fin de compte, l'euthanasie a été pratiquée en raison d'une maladie rénale chronique associée à une anémie, une léthargie et une anorexie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Reproduction traits of heterozygous myostatin knockout sows crossbred with homozygous myostatin knockout boars.

Few studies exist on homozygous myostatin gene mutant (MSTN-/- ) pigs, especially on their reproductive ability. We have previously shown that semen quality of homozygous MSTN-/- boars is comparable to that of wild type (WT). However, no data exist on the reproductive ability of heterozygous MSTN gene mutant (MSTN+/ - ) sows. The present study highlights showed that the heterozygous MSTN+/ - sows have delayed pubertal age than WT sows (255.80 ± 6.79 versus 191.10 ± 3.42, respectively). The number of services per pregnancy of heterozygous MSTN+/ - sows is significantly higher than that of WT sows (3.33 ± 0.43 versus 1.60 ± 0.25, respectively). Moreover, although heterozygous MSTN+/ - sows have natural reproduction ability, their litter size was significantly lower than that of WT sows (7.75 ± 0.44 versus 14.25 ± 0.60, respectively). Offsprings generated from heterozygous MSTN+/ - sow and homozygous MSTN-/- boar were genotyped with the PCR and sequencing method to detect myostatin mutation and to identify whether the piglets are homozygous MSTN-/- or heterozygous MSTN+/ - . The proportion of homozygous MSTN-/- piglets was significantly lower than that of heterozygous MSTN+/ - piglets (2.50 ± 0.35 versus 5.25 ± 0.60, respectively). Furthermore, none of the sows presented dystocia, and the phenotype of heterozygous MSTN+/ - piglets was normal. However, 10% homozygous MSTN-/- piglets died of dyspnoea within 2 hr after birth, 60% of homozygous MSTN-/- piglets showed large tongues, and 50% had umbilical hernias. In summary, this study for the first time reports the reproduction traits of heterozygous MSTN+/ - sows crossbred with homozygous MSTN-/- boars. This study will pave the way in a new direction for the breeding and development of super lean meat varieties in the future.

Prevalence of p53 dysregulations in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma and non-neoplastic oral mucosa.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant oral tumor in cats. The late presentation is one of the factors contributing to the detrimental prognosis of this disease. The immunohistochemical expression of the p53 tumor suppressor protein has been reported in 24% to 65% of feline oral squamous cell carcinomas, but no study has systematically evaluated in this tumor the presence of p53 encoding gene (TP53) mutations. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether p53 immunohistochemistry accurately reflects the mutational status of the TP53 gene in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, the prevalence of p53 dysregulation in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma was compared with that of feline non-neoplastic oral mucosa, in order to investigate the relevance of these dysregulations in cancer development. The association between p53 dysregulations and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and tumor characteristics was further assessed. Twenty-six incisional biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinomas and 10 cases each of lingual eosinophilic granuloma, chronic gingivostomatitis and normal oral mucosa were included in the study. Eighteen squamous cell carcinomas (69%) expressed p53 and 18 had mutations in exons 5-8 of TP53. The agreement between immunohistochemistry and mutation analysis was 77%. None of non-neoplastic oral mucosa samples had a positive immunohistochemical staining, while one case each of eosinophilic granuloma and chronic gingivostomatitis harbored TP53 mutations. Unlike previously hypothesized, p53 dysregulations were not associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. These results suggest an important role of p53 in feline oral tumorigenesis. Additionally, the immunohistochemical detection of p53 expression appears to reflect the presence of TP53 mutations in the majority of cases. It remains to be determined if the screening for p53 dysregulations, alone or in association with other markers, can eventually contribute to the early detection of this devastating disease.

Coinfection of a lingual lesion with bovine papular stomatitis virus and bovine papillomavirus.

To date, there have been no reports of coinfection with bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) and bovine papillomavirus (BPV) in the same lesion. In the present study, one lingual papilloma-like sample was collected at an abattoir from the tongue of a 31-month-old Japanese black cow. Coinfection with BPSV and BPV was confirmed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, PCR and RT-PCR. The evidence for coinfection with BPSV and BPV in the same lesion and an association of BPV with lingual papillomatosis will contribute to future epidemiological studies of these two viruses.

[Linguatula serrata-infection in a dog imported from Romania to Germany]. / Linguatula serrata-Befall bei einem Importhund aus Rumänien.

The pentastomid Linguatula serrata, the so-called "tongue worm", is a nasopharyngeal parasite of dogs widely distributed in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. While linguatulosis was formerly also endemic in Central Europe, it now mainly plays a role as an imported parasitosis. Because L. serrata is known to be a zoonotic agent, a potential infection risk for the owner and other contact persons needs to be considered. Here, a 1.5-year-old, mixed-breed sheepdog, which had been imported from Romania, was presented because of serous nasal discharge and a pharyngeal "throat-clearing" noise. Upon sneezing, a parasite specimen was expelled and the tentative diagnosis "lingua-tulosis" was made. After expulsion of the parasite, clinical signs initially resolved. However, a second L. serrata individual was expelled 8 months later, so that a treatment attempt with milbemycin oxime/ praziquantel was initiated. No parasite eggs were detected in fecal samples or nasal mucus smears at this stage. This case report highlights the difficulties associated with the diagnosis and treatment of linguatulosis and discusses them in light of the zoonotic potential of this parasite.

Dysphagia secondary to focal inflammatory myopathy and consequent dorsiflexion of the tongue in a dog.

A 14-month-old female pitbull terrier mix was presented for evaluation of dysphagia of 8 months' duration secondary to intermittent dorsiflexion of the tongue apex. Physical and neurological examinations were unremarkable with the exception of the dorsiflexed tongue. Serum creatine kinase activity was increased (703 IU/L, reference interval: 55 to 257 IU/L), and electromyography of the tongue demonstrated areas of fibrillation potentials. Histopathology of the tongue showed myopathic changes with excessive variability in myofibre size and endomysial fibrosis. Cytochemical stains verified mixed mononuclear cells throughout the endomysium and perimysium consistent with a chronic inflammatory myopathy. No improvement was reported following prednisone administration; although the dog was able to prehend kibble, it needed assistance when drinking water. This is the first report documenting a focal lingual myopathy in a non-corgi breed and highlights the utility of determining creatine kinase activity and obtaining tongue biopsies when warranted in dysphagic animals.

Epihyoid bone fracture associated with tongue deviation in an adult dog.

An 8-month-old male Rhodesian ridgeback dog was evaluated for right lingual deviation, mild dysphagia, and inability to retract the tongue. Transverse and three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction images revealed a transverse fracture of the left epihyoid bone. After 4 months of conservative management, that included assisted feeding of a semi-liquid diet or small volumes of food and analgesics, the dog recovered.

Fracture de l'os épihyoïdien associée à la déviation de la langue chez un chien adulte. Un chien de Rhodésie à crête dorsale mâle âgé de 8 mois a été évalué pour une déviation à droite de la langue, une légère dysphagie et l'incapacité de rentrer la langue. Des images de reconstruction transversales et tridimensionnelles réalisées par tomodensitémétrie ont révélé une fracture transversale de l'os épihyoïdien gauche. Après 4 mois de gestion prudente, qui incluait une diète semi-liquide ou de petites quantités de nourriture et d'analgésiques, le chien s'est rétabli.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Multiple Histiocytic Foam Cell Nodules in the Tongue of Miniature Dachshund Dogs.

Miniature dachshund dogs are a common breed in Japan and are known to be predisposed to granulomatous diseases. Here we report the pathologic features of multiple lingual nodules in 7 miniature dachshunds. Seven dogs had multiple nodules of variable sizes mainly on the ventral and lateral surface of the tongue. In addition, 1 dog also had masses on the left oral mucosa. Three cases had recurrence after surgical resection. Histologically, the lingual nodules were composed of aggregates of foam cells with clear vacuolated cytoplasm that were negative for oil red O, PAS, and alcian blue. They stained positively for CD204 (macrophage scavenger receptor) and MHC class II and negatively for Iba-1, E-cadherin, adipophilin, cytokeratins, S-100, and nestin. These findings indicate that the multiple lingual nodules in miniature dachshunds are an unusual, unique lesion consisting of macrophage-derived foam cells, which does not correspond to canine lingual diseases reported to date.

Pine processionary caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa Denis and Schiffermüller, 1775 contact as a health risk for dogs.

Pine processionary, Thaumetopoea pityocampa Denis and Schiffermüller, 1775 is a moth that belongs to the order of insects Lepidoptera, and family Notodontidae. The larvae of pine processionary moth are the main pest of pines all over the world, but mainly in Mediterranean region. The contact with pine processionary caterpillar (lepidopterism) can produce a strong inflammatory reaction on skin and mucous membranes. Other findings include hyperthermia, tachypnoea, respiratory distress, cyanosis and tongue oedema, labial angioedema, ptyalism, bilateral submandibular lymphadenomegaly, conjunctivitis and severe tongue necrosis. Tough, few veterinary cases have been published. Also in Poland pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pinivora) is present, especially near the Baltic coast and can be a possible health risk for both humans and animals (especially dogs). The aim of this article is to increase knowledge about the clinical manifestations of pine processionary caterpillar contact, which may be useful for diagnosis of this dangerous disease.

Thyroid scintigraphy findings in 2096 cats with hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid scintigraphy is currently the reference standard for diagnosing and staging cats with hyperthyroidism, but few studies describing the scintigraphic characteristics in a large number of cats have been reported. The objective of this study was to better characterize thyroid scintigraphy findings by evaluating 2096 consecutive cats with hyperthyroidism that were referred over a 3.5-year period. Of these cats, 2068 (98.7%) had a high thyroid-to-salivary ratio (>1.5), whereas 2014 (96.1%) were found to have a high thyroid-to-background ratio (>6.1). When the patterns of the cats' thyroid disease were recorded, 665 (31.7%) had unilateral disease, 1060 (50.6%) had bilateral-asymmetric disease (two thyroid lobes unequal in size), 257 (12.3%) had bilateral-symmetric disease (both lobes similar in size), and 81 (3.9%) had multifocal disease (≥3 areas of increased radionuclide uptake). The number of areas of (99m) TcO(-) 4 uptake in the 2096 cats ranged from 1 to 6 (median, 2), located in the cervical area in 2057 (98.1%), thoracic inlet in 282 (13.5%), and in the thoracic cavity in 115 (5.5%). Ectopic thyroid tissue (e.g. lingual or mediastinal) was diagnosed in 81 (3.9%) cats, whereas thyroid carcinoma was suspected in 35 (1.7%) of the cats. The results of this study support conclusions that most hyperthyroid cats have unilateral or bilateral thyroid nodules, but that multifocal disease will develop in a few cats that have ectopic thyroid disease or thyroid carcinoma. Both ectopic thyroid disease and thyroid carcinoma are relatively uncommon in hyperthyroid cats, with a respective prevalence of ∼4% and ∼2% in this study.

Tongue nodules in canine leishmaniosis--a case report.

BACKGROUND: Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) caused by Leishmania infantum is an endemic zoonosis in southern European countries. Infected dogs can present rare or atypical forms of the disease and diagnosis can be challenging. The present report describes a case of tongue nodules in a 3-year-old neutered female Labrador Retriever dog with leishmaniosis. FINDINGS: A fine needle aspiration of the lingual nodules revealed amastigote forms of Leishmania inside macrophages. Differential diagnosis ruled out neoplasia, calcinosis circumscripta, solar glossitis, vasculitis, amyloidosis, eosinophilic granulomas, chemical and electrical burns, uremic glossitis and autoimmune diseases. Combined therapy with antimoniate meglumine and allopurinol for 30 days resulted in the normalization of hematological and biochemical parameters. Two months after diagnosis and the beginning of treatment, a mild inflammatory infiltrate was observed by histopathology, but an anti-Leishmania immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was negative as well as a PCR on both tongue lesions and a bone marrow aspirate. Seven months after diagnosis, the dog's general condition appeared good, there were no tongue lesions and a new IFAT was negative. Fifteen months after diagnosis this clinically favourable outcome continued. CONCLUSIONS: The dog could have suffered a relapsing episode of CanL, but a new systemic or local infection cannot be excluded. Regular clinical re-evaluation should be maintained, as a future relapse can potentially occur. In conclusion, CanL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nodular glossitis in dogs.

Lingual lesions in the dog and cat: recognition, diagnosis, and treatment.

The tongue plays many vital roles in the oral cavity of the dog and cat. Consequently, lingual lesions can have devastating effects on an animal's overall health. This article provides a review of tongue anatomy as well as a review of the etiology, gross appearance, and diagnostic procedures indicated for a wide variety of lingual lesions. Lingual pathologic conditions that are reviewed include traumatic, metabolic, idiopathic, infectious, immune-mediated, hereditary, and neoplastic lesions. This article also describes current concepts in the medical management of lingual lesions.

Sublingual reactive histiocytosis in a dog.

Lingual lesions are relatively uncommon in dogs and are mostly represented by neoplasms and glossitis secondary to trauma or infections. Reactive histiocytosis is an uncommon, poorly understood, reactive disorder characterized by proliferation of activated, interstitial, dendritic, antigen-presenting cells associated with lymphocytes and neutrophils with a specific angiocentric orientation and occasional angioinvasion and angiodestruction. Clinically, the disease has a waxing and waning behavior with possible response to treatment and regression, or progression to multiple lesions and internal organ involvement. This case report describes an unusual sublingual presentation of reactive histiocytosis in a Miniature Pinscher dog. The diagnosis was obtained by clinical and histopathological exclusion of other causes, detection of the characteristic microscopic growth pattern, and by immunocytochemistry. Histiocytic cells were vimentin, CD18, CD11c, and CD1c positive consistent with a dendritic cell origin. Anti-BCG stain (Bacillus Calmette and Guerin) was negative for etiological agents. The dog was treated with oral administration of tetracycline and niacinamide during an 8-month period. There was no indication of recurrence of the sublingual mass 2-years following treatment.

Cystic ectopic lingual thyroid tissue in a male cat.

CASE DESCRIPTION-A 6-year-old neutered male cat was examined because of a 4-week history of abnormal sounds while drinking and a previously noted mass at the base of the tongue. CLINICAL FINDINGS-Oral examination revealed a 1-cm-diameter midline cystic mass on the dorsal aspect of the base of the tongue at the junction of the rostral two-thirds and caudal third of the tongue. Complete blood count and serum biochemical analysis revealed no clinically relevant abnormalities, and serum total thyroxine and free thyroxine (determined by equilibrium dialysis) concentrations were within the reference range. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-The fluid in the cystic mass was aspirated, and the remaining deflated mass was marsupialized. Histologic and immunohistochemical examination of sections of the excised mass revealed ectopic thyroid tissue. The cat recovered uneventfully from the surgery, clinical signs resolved, and the cat remained euthyroid with no recurrence of the mass as of 8 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-This is the first known reported case of ectopic lingual thyroid tissue in a male cat. In humans, the most common site of ectopic thyroid tissue is at the base of the tongue and the condition is disproportionately found in females, compared with males. In humans with ectopic lingual thyroid tissue, the patient often lacks any other functional thyroid tissue. However, the cat of this report remained euthyroid after mass resection.

Ankyloglossia in dogs: a morphological and immunohistochemical study.

Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly of the tongue that is usually characterized by a short and thick lingual frenulum. The genetic mutations such as in TBox genes and other foetal mechanism have still been under investigation as possible causes of ankyloglossia. This study describes morphology of anklyoglossia phenotype found in members of two closely bred Kangal dog families. Morphology of ankyloglossia and immunohistochemical localization of alphaB-crystallin, an anti-apoptotic protein, in the frenulum tissue collected during frenectomy was described. Grossly, the lingual frenulum was observed as it extended up to the tip or near the tip of the tongue. The tip of the tongue was often notched and appeared in 'W' shape. No other craniofacial anomalies were associated with ankyloglossia. Histologically, the frenulum tissue was covered by stratified squamous epithelia of variable thickness. Skeletal muscle fibres were often scattered in the vicinity of collagen fibres of the lamina propria. alphaB-crystallin was immunolocalized exclusively in skeletal muscle fibres. In conclusion, ankyloglossia in the dog generally occurs as a sole anomaly. The presence of alphaB-crystallin immunoreactivity exclusively in skeletal muscle fibres suggests that there may be a connection between occurrences of ankyloglossia in the dog and a delay or interference with apoptosis of the skeletal fibres in the frenulum tissue.

Retrospective evaluation of lingual tumors in 42 dogs: 1999-2005.

In this retrospective study of 42 cases of lingual tumors in dogs, 27 (64%) were malignant, and 15 (36%) were benign. Median survival time for dogs with benign tumors was >1607 days, compared to 286 days for malignant tumors. Prognostic factors significantly associated with increased survival included complete histological margins (P=0.036), smaller tumor size (P=0.003), and benign tumor type (P=0.011). Smaller tumors were more likely to be completely resected (P=0.008) and were less likely to recur (P=0.001). Partial or subtotal glossectomies were performed in 13 cases. Short-term morbidity associated with glossectomy included ptyalism and dehiscence. Long-term morbidity included minor changes in eating and drinking habits.