646 research outputs found
Ferret Oncology: Diseases, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics
No full textNeoplastic disease is common in ferrets. Approximately half of all tumors diagnosed in ferrets are located in the endocrine or hemolymphatic system. Many factors may influence the choice of treatment. Medical management of adrenal tumors has a greater disease-free period compared to adrenalectomy. In ferrets with an insulinoma, no difference is seen in the mean survival time of medically and surgically treated patients. Aside from medical and surgical treatment modalities, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have also been described in ferrets in other types of tumors. The outcome of these treatment modalities is not always favorable
Rabbit Oncology: Diseases, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics
No full textNeoplasia has long been reported as a rare finding in rabbits, but over the past decades the number of reports on neoplastic disease in rabbits has risen considerably. Similar to other animals, neoplastic changes may occur in any organ system, but the rate in which the organ systems are affected differs considerably. In rabbits, tumors have predominantly been found in the urogenital, hemolymphatic, and integumentary systems. This article discusses current insights on the etiopathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of the commonest neoplastic diseases in rabbits and offer guidelines for the correct diagnosis and treatment of the rabbit oncologic patient
Canine lymphoma: a review
No full textCanine lymphoma (cL) is a common type of neoplasia in dogs with an estimated incidence rate of 20-100 cases per 100,000 dogs and is in many respects comparable to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in humans. Although the exact cause is unknown, environmental factors and genetic susceptibility are thought to play an important role. cL is not a single disease, and a wide variation in clinical presentations and histological subtypes is recognized. Despite this potential variation, most dogs present with generalized lymphadenopathy (multicentric form) and intermediate to high-grade lymphoma, more commonly of B-cell origin. The most common paraneoplastic sign is hypercalcemia that is associated with the T-cell immunophenotype. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice and a doxorubicin-based multidrug protocol is currently the standard of care. A complete remission is obtained for most dogs and lasts for a median period of 7-10 months, resulting in a median survival of 10-14 months. Many prognostic factors have been reported, but stage, immunophenotype, tumor grade, and response to chemotherapy appear of particular importance. Failure to respond to chemotherapy suggests drug resistance, which can be partly attributed to the expression of drug transporters of the ABC-transporter superfamily, including P-gp and BCRP. Ultimately, most lymphomas will become drug resistant and the development of treatments aimed at reversing drug resistance or alternative treatment modalities (e.g. immunotherapy and targeted therapy) are of major importance. This review aims to summarize the relevant data on cL, as well as to provide an update of the recent literature
Equine keratomycosis in the Netherlands from 2007 to 2017 28 cases: Voorjaarsdagen 2017 - Equine short communications (BEVA and Xcellent Horse Insurance Award)
No full textEQUINE KERATOMYCOSIS IN THE NETHERLANDS FROM 2007 TO 2017 (28 CASES) Equine keratomycosis or fungal keratitis is a relatively common sight-threatening corneal disease in horses, particularly in warm, humid climates. Clinical manifestation includes corneal ulceration with or without corneal melting, microerosions, fungal plaque and stromal abscess. Aim of the study To determine clinical signs, diagnostic methods, predominant fungal isolates, treatment modalities and outcome of horses with keratomycosis in the Netherlands. Material and Methods Records of horses presented to the University of Utrecht, Equine Department suspected with keratomycosis between 2007 and 2017 were reviewed for this retrospective study. Information retrieved from the records included breed, ophthalmic examination findings, further diagnostics, treatment prior to and following presentation, and outcome. Results 28 Horses were suspected with keratomycosis by ophthalmic examination over a 10 year time period. No breed predilection was apparent. All horses had received either topical antibiotics or topical corticosteroids pre-referral. Ophthalmic examination showed corneal edema without ulceration (1/28), cornea ulceration (12/28; Fig 1.) or stromal abscess (15/28; Fig 2.). In 13 cases only a presumptive diagnosis was made by the ophthalmic findings of which 12/13 cases had a stromal abscess with an intact epithelium. In 15 cases keratomycosis was confirmed by fungal culture (13/15) and/or cytology (8/15). Aspergillus spp. was the most common isolate (92%). Treatment consisted of medication only (50%), medical combined with surgical treatment (32%), enucleation (11%) or euthanasia (7%). Miconazole was the topical antifungal medication utilized in all cases (100%). Globe retention was 88% (23/26). All cases that had follow-up available (12/26) developed corneal scarring (Fig 3). Conclusion Keratomycosis should be considered in horses presenting with keratitis (corneal edema, corneal ulceration and stromal abscess) in the Netherlands, with Aspergillus spp. being the most common isolate. It is a serious condition that commonly results in corneal ulceration and even corneal perforation, with loss of the globe. Definitive diagnosis of ulcerative keratomycosis depends on a positive fungal culture or identification of fungal hyphae on corneal cytology but is not always feasible due to the depth of the lesion (e.g. stromal abscess)
Isolation and Culture of Primary Endothelial Cells from Canine Arteries and Veins
No full textCardiovascular disease is studied in both human and veterinary medicine. Endothelial cells have been used extensively as an in vitro model to study vasculogenesis, (tumor) angiogenesis, and atherosclerosis. The current standard for in vitro research on human endothelial cells (ECs) is the use of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and Human Umbilical Artery Endothelial Cells (HUAECs). For canine endothelial research, only one cell line (CnAOEC) is available, which is derived from canine aortic endothelium. Although currently not completely understood, there is a difference between ECs originating from either arteries or veins. For a more direct approach to in vitro functionality studies on ECs, we describe a new method for isolating Canine Primary Endothelial Cells (CaPECs) from a variety of vessels. This technique reduces the chance of contamination with fast-growing cells such as fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, a problem that is common in standard isolation methods such as flushing the vessel with enzymatic solutions or mincing the vessel prior to digestion of the tissue containing all cells. The technique we describe was optimized for the canine model, but can easily be utilized in other species such as human
Canine Vertebral Screw and Rod Fixation System: Design and Mechanical Testing
No full textOBJECTIVES: To develop the canine vertebral screw and rod fixation system (CVSRF) and to compare the biomechanical properties between CVSRF and the screw and polymethylmethacrylate (Screw-PMMA) technique for internal fixation of the vertebral column in dogs. METHODS: The CVSRF consisted of vertebral screws with monoaxial side-loaded head, rods and specific inner screws connecting rod to the screw head. The CVSRF prototype was made from titanium alloy and manufactured by the rapid prototype machine. Vertebrectomy models were simulated by ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene blocks and tested with the CVSRF system (n = 8) and the Screw-PMMA technique (n = 8). The models were developed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM F-1717-04). The biomechanical parameters were the compressive bending yield load, the compressive bending stiffness, the compressive ultimate load and the load displacement curve. RESULTS: The mean values of the compressive bending yield load, compressive bending stiffness and compressive ultimate load of the CVSRF were significantly higher than those of the Screw-PMMA technique (p < 0.01). The load displacement curve of the CVSRF showed higher rigidity and durability than that of the Screw-PMMA technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This mechanical study indicated that the CVSRF system can be used for canine vertebral stabilization and the biomechanical properties were better than those for the Screw-PMMA device
Erythrocyte copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase and superoxide dismutase as biomarkers for hepatic copper concentrations in Labrador retrievers
No full textHereditary hepatic copper accumulation in Labrador retrievers leads to hepatitis with fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. The development of a non-invasive blood-based biomarker for copper status in dogs could be helpful in identifying dogs at risk and to monitor copper concentrations during treatment. In this study, two cellular copper metabolism proteins, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and its chaperone (copper chaperone for SOD1, CCS) were measured in erythrocytes and tested for association with hepatic copper concentrations in 15 Labrador retrievers with normal or increased hepatic copper concentrations. Antibodies against CCS and SOD1 were applicable for use in canine specimens. This was demonstrated by the loss of immune-reactive bands for CCS and SOD1 in siRNA treated canine bile duct epithelial cells. Erythrocyte CCS and CCS/SOD1 ratios were decreased 2.37 (P <0.001) and 3.29 (P <0.001) fold in the high copper group compared to the normal copper group. Erythrocyte CCS and CCS/SOD1 ratio are potential new biomarkers for hepatic copper concentrations in Labrador retrievers and could facilitate early diagnosis and treatment monitoring for copper-associated hepatitis in dogs
Pyridostigmine bromide intoxication in two domestic cats
No full textA one-year-old female neutered cat died soon after presentation with severe signs of a cholinergic crisis. Its sibling was presented soon thereafter, in which cholinergic signs were also readily apparent. The owner, a myasthenia gravis patient, used pyridostigmine bromide tablets, and it was hypothesised that a pyridostigmine bromide intoxication was the cause of this cholinergic crisis. Treatment with 0.1 mg/kg atropine injected intramuscularly soon alleviated most of the cholinergic signs. Additional treatment, which included decontamination with enteral activated charcoal, intravenous fluid therapy, laxation and supportive care, as well as repeat administration of atropine, resulted in resolution of signs after 48 hours. A serum sample collected 30 hours after admission revealed that the total cholinesterase activity was reduced by 44 per cent, compared with a baseline value measured in a sample taken three weeks after the intoxication. This is the first report of human-prescribed pyridostigmine bromide intoxication in domestic cats
Morphological Distinction of Histiocytic Sarcoma from Other Tumor Types in Bernese Mountain Dogs and Flatcoated Retrievers.
No full textBACKGROUND/AIM: Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) represents a group of malignant canine tumors to which Bernese Mountain Dogs (BMD) and Flatcoated Retrievers (FCR) are predisposed. The differential diagnosis for HS is broad, encompassing round cell tumors, sarcomas and other histiocytic diseases. The aim of this study was to establish morphological and immunohistochemical criteria for routine use on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples and cytological smears for the recognition and differentiation of canine HS and its subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, tumor sections were reviewed from 449 BMD and 380 FCR with confirmed or suspected HS, other histiocytic conditions, or a disease of the differential diagnosis of HS. RESULTS: In a large proportion of cases, 47.5% for histology and for 46.3% cytology, the initial diagnosis was changed after the revision process. A large variation in morphological features of HS was observed in this study, making the existence of several subtypes in dogs also very likely. Furthermore, the different percentage of morphological features between BMD and FCR indicates the different mixture of cell type origins resulting possibly from genetic or environmental differences at the onset of HS in those breeds. CONCLUSION: This study stresses the value of a strictly applied and standardized scoring system for microscopic evaluation of tumor sections and smears, and the implementation of review and revision of pathological diagnoses
A novel VWF variant associated with type 2 von Willebrand disease in German Wirehaired Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers
No full textVon Willebrand disease (VWD), caused by deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF), is the most common bleeding disorder in humans and dogs. The complete cDNA encoding VWF of a German Wirehaired Pointer with type 2 VWD was sequenced, and we found four variants that alter the amino acid sequence. These variants were: c.1657T>G corresponding to p.Trp553Gly; c.1777G>A (p.Glu593Lys); c.4937A>G (p.Asn1646Ser) and c.5544G>A (p.Met1848Ile). A haplotype of the c.1657G, c.1777A and c.4937G alleles co-segregated with the VWF antigen level in a four-generation pedigree with the disease. Healthy dogs of the breed were found that were homozygous for the c.1777A or the c.5544A allele, indicating that these variants do not cause VWD. Dogs that were homozygous for the c.4937G allele and had no signs of a bleeding disorder were observed in the Chinese Crested dog breed. Thus, only the c.1657G variant was found in the homozygous state exclusively in VWD affecteds, and this variant is the strongest candidate to be the cause of VWD type 2 in the German Wirehaired Pointer breed. A screen of German Shorthaired Pointers indicated that the variant also segregates with VWD in this breed
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