Veterinary pathology 2009

January issue

Clinical, Histologic, and Immunohistochemical Analyses of Feline Squamous Cell

Carcinoma In Situ: Two forms actinic keratosis (AK) and Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC;
Gross AK=plaque like to papillated, solitary, on pinnae, nose and eyelids of white cats.
BISC=multifocal, crusted plaque, any location including dark pigmented areas; Histo: feline AK
is less hyperplastic and hair follicles less deeply affected. Conclusion: BISC can be reliably
diagnosed histologically. IHC for p53 and papillomavirus antigen support that sun exposure and
papillomavirus are involved in pathogenesis of AK and BISC respectively.

Detection of Canine Oral Papillomavirus DNA in Conjunctival Epithelial Hyperplastic

Lesions of Three Dogs: presence of canine papillomavirus in ocular conjunctival plaques and
papillomas suggests these benign lesions may have the potential for malignant transformation.
lambdapapillomavirus COPV was detected for the first time in ocular epithelial hyperplastic
lesions.

Serial Passage of Sheep Scrapie Inoculum in Suffolk Sheep: US scrapie agent (No. 13-7)
appears to have been stabilized in susceptible (171 QQ) Suffolk sheep and may be considered a
specific isolate of sheep scrapie agent in the USA. Spongiform lesions present brainstem (obex),
colliculi, cerebellum and cereberum.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Abortion in Goats Housed with Persistently Infected Cattle:
goats experimentally comingled with heifers persistently infected with BVD type 2a. 12 out of
24 aborted. Grossly: placentitis, mummification, facial deformities; Histo: placentitis,
myocarditis, thymic depletion, choroid plexitis, encephalitis. Development of PI kid is less
likely.

Distribution of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Antigen in Aborted Fetal and Neonatal Goats
by IHC: placenta, heart, brain, thymus are most reliable for BVDV antigen detection

Detection of Pathologic Prion Protein in the Olfactory Bulb of Natural and Experimental
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Affected Cattle in Great Britain: involvement of the
olfactory bulb in BSE raises speculation as to an olfactory portal of infection or a route of
excretion of the prion agent.

Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia: vomiting was main presenting

sign; peripheral hypereosinophilia in 58% cases; 50% had mass in pyloric sphincter; lymph
nodes were also involved (both sclerosing and eosinophilic lympadenitis) Histo: branching and
anastomosing trabeculae of dense collagen, with large spindle cells (myofibrolasts), infiltrate of
eosinophils, mast cells and neutrophils; did not extend to serosa;

Septicemia in a Neonatal Calf Associated with Chromobacterium violaceum: The calf had
necrosuppurative omphalophlebitis, hepatitis, splenitis, and encephalitis, necrotizing interstitial
pneumonia, anterior uveitis with hypopyon, polyarthritis. Lesions documented with C. violaceum
includes, visceral abscesses, necrosis, pleuropnuemonia, pericarditis.

Hypoxic/ischemic Encephalopathy Associated with Placental Insufficiency in a Cloned

Foal: Grossly; flattened cerebral gyri, shallow sulci, yellowish cortical (green autofluorescence
with UV), Micro: laminar cortical necrosis, rarefaction and gemistocytes; microcotyledons were
markedly attenuated with absence of chorionic villi; Neonatal maladjustment syndrome:
newborn foal show behavioral and neurologic symp (barkers, wanderes, dummies), proposed
cause is fetal hypoxia, ischemia, could be due to fetal malformation, meconium aspiration,
placental insufficiency, premature placental separation.

Disseminated Melanoma in a Dog with Involvement of Leptomeninges and Bone Marrow:

resemble leptomeningeal melanomatosis with diffuse infiltration of neoplastic melanocytes in
leptomeninges and brain.

Ductal Plate Malformation in a Nonhuman Primate: Fetal ductal plate malformations

represent disruption or failure of the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction during fetal
development of the liver that results in expansion of portal areas by an excess of embryonic bile
ducts and fibrous tissue. Cases reported in animals: Caroli's disease (young dogs), biliary atresia
(dog, foal), Caroli syndrome (rat), and congenital hepatic fibrosis (calf). In this report spindle
cells dispersed within collagen, up to 200 µm in width, in portal areas. A diagnosis of congenital
hepatic fibrosis with von Meyenburg complexes, was made.
Selective Vulnerability of Peripheral Nerves in Avian Riboflavin Deficiency Demyelinating
Polyneuropathy: iboflavin deficiency in young, rapidly growing chickens produces selective
injury to peripheral nerve trunks, with relative sparing of spinal nerve roots and distal nerve
branches to muscle and skin.

Cover illustration: Clinico-pathologic Features of Fatal Disease Attributed to New Variants

of Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses in Two Asian Elephants: A new EEHV virus named
EEHV-3 was identified and was same to EEHV1 and 2 in causing ascites, edema, and petechiae
however was different in causing renal medullary hemorrhages, and was seen in large veins,
arteries, capillaries and involvement of retinal vessels (as compared to EEHV 1 and 2 which
were present only in capillaries)

Bilateral Nocardial Endophthalmitis in a Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea):

severe pyogranulomatous endophthalmitis with retinal necrosis and detachment with
intralesional branching, gram-positive, beaded, filamentous bacteria formed a thick mat attached
to the retinal pigmented epithelium and extending into the pecten.

Characterization of a Degenerative Cardiomyopathy Associated with Domoic Acid Toxicity

in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus): degenerative cardiomyopathy in California
sea lions represents another syndrome beyond central neurologic disease associated with
exposure to domoic acid (is a potent neurotoxic analog of the neurotransmitter L-glutamate)
HIsto: myocardial necrosis and interstitial edema

March issue

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Vascular Urinary Bladder Tumors from Cows with

Enzootic Hematuria: CD31 (PECAM) is a better marker than FVIIIra in the characterization of
bovine endothelial tumors. The cell cycle regulatory pathways involving cyclin D1 and p53 seem
to be impaired in endothelial urinary bladder tumors, p53 immunoreactivity positively
correlating with enhanced invasion. The only proven carcinogen in Bracken fern is Ptaquiloside.

Tumor-associated Carbohydrate Antigens: Sialyl Lea and T/Tn Antigens in Canine

Mammary Tumors: 85.70% of the tubulopapillary carcinomas expressed T and Tn antigens.
Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens divided in 2 major groups: 1) modified lacto-series type
1 or type 2 chains, represented by sialyl Le and 2) core carbohydrate structures of O-linked
mucin type, represented by T and Tn antigens. Expression of T and Tn antigens seem to be
associated with malignant transformation of mammary gland cells

Widespread Mismatch Repair Protein Expression in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors:
Results do not support the hypothesis that inherited MMR defects predispose some dogs to MCT
development

Frequency and Distribution of Nerves in Scrapie-affected and Unaffected Peyer's Patches

and Lymph Nodes: Nerves within lymph nodes and germinal centers of Peyer's patches do not
play a primary role in transport of infectivity to the central nervous system. Natural infection is
by oral route. Initial site of PrP accumulation after oral infection is dorsal motor nucleus of vagus
nerve and intermediolateral tract of SC.

Degenerative Myelopathy in 18 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dogs: Degenerative myelopathy

(DM) is a late onset, slowly progressive degeneration of spinal cord white matter that is reported
primarily in large breed dogs. The German Shepherd Dog is the most commonly affected breed.
dorsolateral portion of the lateral funiculus was the most severely affected region in all cord
segments. Spinal cord segment T12 exhibited the most severe axonal loss. Spinal nerve roots,
peripheral nerves, and brain sections were within normal limits.

Neuropathology of Naturally Occurring Trypanosoma evansi Infection of Horses: Grossly:

asymmetric leukoencephalomalacia with yellowish discoloration of white matter and flattening of
the gyri, spleenomegaly, lymphadenomegaly, hindlimb muscle atrophy. Histo: necrotizing
encephalitis (most severe in the white matter), with edema, demyelination, and
lymphoplasmacytic perivascular cuffs. Mild to moderate meningitis or meningomyelitis.

Immunophenotypic and Histologic Classification of 50 Cases of Feline Gastrointestinal

Lymphoma: Overall, B-cell tumors predominated at 54%, T-cell tumors comprised 38. Of all the
GI lymphoma, small intestinal lymphoma predominated, with 74% (37/50) of cats affected: T-
cell tumors comprised 52% and 38% was B-cell tumors. All gastric lymphomas were of B-cell
lineage (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of immunoblastic nuclear type)
Destructive Polyarthropathy in Aborted Bovine Fetuses: A Possible Association with
Ureaplasma diversum Infection: Severe destructive polyarthropathy with fibrillation and
erosion of articular cartilage, deformation of articular surfaces, and proliferation of periarticular
soft tissue was diagnosed in 5 bovine fetuses aborted in the last trimester. Articular cartilage was
irregularly reduced in thickness and contained fibrovascular tissue. Ureaplasma spp. was
identified in 4 cases by PCR or culture. U. diversum has been associated with granular
vulvovaginitis and balanoposthitis,4 abortion, and the birth of dead or weak calves

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors (IMT) in Two Dogs: IMT are discrete masses
composed of a mixture of bland fusiform myofibroblastic cells and an inflammatory infiltrate
composed of varying proportions of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes. IMTs are
regarded as pseudoneoplasms.

Identification of Bartonella henselae in an Aborted Equine Fetus: Multifocal areas of

necrosis present in fetal liver, kidney, lung and adrenal gland. Vasculitis was present in all the
organs with necrosis and in placenta.

Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus–Induced Histiocytic Sarcomatosis Occurs Only in

Persistently Viremic but Not Immunotolerized Meat-type Chickens: histiocytic sarcomatosis
was observed only in persistently viremic, meat-type chickens that were inoculated at hatch, but
not in immunotolerized (persistently viremic, with no antibodies), in ovo inoculated chickens.
However, the immunotolerized, in ovo inoculated chickens developed a high incidence of
myeloid tumors. Spleen was consistently in all cases of ALV-J induced HS, other organs
involved were lung, liver, bone marrow and kidney.

Malignant Round Cell Neoplasia in Llamas and Alpacas: Mean age of affected alpacas (3.1
years) was significantly less than that of affected llamas (8.0 years). B-cell lymphoma (12
cases) and T-cell lymphoma (6 cases). Six tumors did not express any lymphoid marker and were
classified as primitive malignant round cell tumor. Lymphomas are the most common tumor
affecting camelids. Liver and kidney are most commonly involved organs in round cell tumor.

Comparative Pathology of Nocardiosis in Marine Mammals: The most common presentation

of nocardiosis in both pinnipeds and cetaceans was the systemic form, involving 2 or more
organs. Organs most frequently affected were lung and thoracic lymph nodes in 7 of 9 cases in
pinnipeds and 8 of 10 cases in cetaceans.

Oligoastrocytoma of the Brain in a Hooded Crane: The tumor was composed of 2 discrete
components that resembled oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma. Oligodendrogliomatous cells
were partially immunoreactive for vimentin and myelin basic protein, and the astrogliomatous
component were vimentin, S-100, GFAP positive.

Cover illustration:

Alcian Blue and Pyronine Y Histochemical Stains Permit Assessment of Multiple

Parameters in Pulmonary Disease Models: Mucus expression, elastic fiber integrity, and mast
cell numbers are important morphologic parameters that are used to gauge chronic pulmonary
disease progression and severity. With above mentioned stain, acidic mucins were deep blue
(sialylated mucins), red (sulfated mucins), or variably purple (mixture of sialylated/sulfated
mucins), Elastic fibers stained red; Mast cells had red to red-purple granular cytoplasmic staining.

Acquired Melanosis Caused by Acorn Ingestion in the Nero Siciliano Pig: Diffuse black
discoloration of lymph node cortex and medulla and melanosis of fat. Acorns have high total
phenolic compounds. Hypothesized that swine tyrosinase could act on phenolic substances found
in acorns and increase the biosynthesis and the anomalous storage of melanin.

Effects of 4-n-Octylphenol (OP) on the Induction of Mammary Tumors Induced by 7,12-

Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in Rats: administration of a large dose of a weak estrogenic
endocrine disruptor, such as OP, for a long period does not affect female mammary
carcinogenesis nor male mammary tumor incidence though a weak influence on male mammary
tumor growth may have occured.

Spontaneous Lysosomal Storage Disease Caused by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae)

Poisoning in Cattle:

Main clinical signs= marching gait, alert gaze, head tremors, and poor growth. Histologically
vacuolization in neurons, thyroid follicular and pancreatic acinar cells was seen. Other plants
causing head and neck tremors (tremorgenic) are Ipomea, Phalaris, Solanum, Claviceps and
Asperigillus

Retrospective Study of Melamine/Cyanuric Acid–Induced Renal Failure in Dogs in Korea

between 2003 and 2004: Grossly, the kidneys were greenish in color with greenish uroliths in
the renal pelvis or bladder. Histologically, characteristic crystals with pinwheel radiating
striations were present in distal tubular segments. Toxicologic analysis identified melamine,
cyanuric acid, and ammelide. Mycotoxin (Ochratoxin A and citrinin) were initially suspected as
the cause but both these toxins causes lesions in proximal convoluted tubules.

Diagnostic Exercise: Intraosseous Epidermoid Cysts in the Third Phalanx of a Dressage

Mare: Intraosseous epidermoid cysts are rare pseudoneoplastic lesions formed by the
proliferation of epidermal cells within osseous tissue. Grossly, odorless, nonsuppurative, cream-
colored, compacted, laminated-to-concentric, cyst-like intraosseous structures observed by
sagittal sections through the affected phalanx of horses. characterized histologically by the
accumulation of laminated keratin demarcated by an external layer of squamous epithelium. DDx
is keratoma but it is not intraosseous

May issue

The Role of Inflammation in Mouse Pulmonary Neoplasia: Inflammation is risk factor for
development of cancer. The most common inflammatory cell type in tumor tissue is macrophage.
Tumor tissue is sensitive to growth inhibitory properties of glucocorticoids. PGE2 has pro-
tumorigenic and PGI2 has anti-tumorigenic properties, deficiency of TNF, TNFr, IL-10 reduces
carcinogenesis, TLR-4 is protective in carcinogenesis, TLR-4 deficient mice are more
susceptible to tumor. iNOS deficient mice has less chances of lung cancer.

Identification of Cancer Stem Cells in Dog Glioblastoma: small fraction of cells in the tumor,
termed cancer stem cells (CSC) possess the ability to proliferate and self-renew extensively.
These cells are characterized by the expression of CD133 and nestin and ability to grow as
nonadherent spheres termed "neurospheres" when cultured in the presence of EGF and FGF
under serum-free conditions. CSC population from a Boxer dog with glioblastoma multiforme
(GBM) was cloned, this cell line is aneuploid, forms neurospheres in culture, possesses CSC
markers, and reproduces the original dog GBM when inoculated into the nude mouse brain.
Immunohistochemical Expression of p63 and {Delta}Np63 in Mixed Tumors of Canine
Mammary Glands and Its Relation with p53 Expression;

Increased Expression of BRCA2 and RAD51 in Lymph Node Metastases of Canine

Mammary Adenocarcinomas: In human breast cancer, overexpression of BRCA2 and RAD51
is associated with a poor prognosis, whereas BRCA1 expression is often decreased during
progression of sporadic breast ancer. BRCA2 and RAD51 were overexpressed in 50% and 60% of
adenocarcinomas, respectively. An overexpression of RAD51 and BRCA2 was found in 80% and
50% of the lymph node metastases.

Molecular Characterization of Feline COX-2 and Expression in Feline Mammary

Carcinomas: COX-2–derived prostaglandins are thought to promote cancer progression by
angiogenesis, apoptosis resistance, the immune system, and tumor cell invasiveness. Upregulated
expression of COX-2 has been documented in many cancers in humans. Feline COX-2 amino
acid sequence is highly similar to other mammalian COX-2 homologs. 87% of mammary
carcinoma expressed COX-2 at a low, intermediate and levels

Epithelioid Cells in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes of Cattle without Cancer: Out of 110 cattle,
66 had epitheloid cells in lymph nodes. Most of the epithelioid cells were individual or
aggregated in nodal sinuses; some epithelioid cells formed tubular structures. Epithelioid cells
were mostly considered to be mesothelial in origin by immunohistochemical and ultrastructural
examination.

Disseminated Chlorellosis in a Dog: lingual mass, lungs, liver, mesenteric and sublumbar
lymph nodes, and spinal meninges had pronounced green discoloration. Histologically,
pyogranulomatous inflammation and algal organisms were found. The algae had cell walls and
cytolasmic granules PAS positive. Ultrastructurally, the algae had a well-defined cell wall, stacks
of grana and thylakoid membrane, and dense bodies, typical of starch granules. Chlorella is a
chlorophyll-containing green alga closely related to Prototheca, which is thought to be its
achlorophyllous mutant. Unlike Prototheca, Chlorella spp. contains numerous starch granules
that are strongly PAS-positive and diastase sensitive, birefringent under polarized light. Only the
cell wall of Prototheca is PAS-positive. The life cycles of Chlorella and Prototheca are similar.
Both produce hyaline cells (sporangia) that mature to produce 2–20 sporangiospores
(endospores) asexually. After endosporulation, the outer sporangial wall ruptures, releasing the
sporangiospores to repeat the cycle.

Pleomorphic Corneal Sarcoma Resembling Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in a

Horse: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common equine ocular tumor; it commonly arises
at the limbus and originates from conjunctival or corneal epithelium, other tumor can be angio
and hemangiosarcomal. This tumor was composed of spindloid cells and was positive by IHC
with vimentin, S100 and NSE indicating peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

Thymic Cystic Degeneration, Pseudoepitheliomatous Hyperplasia, and Hemorrhage in a

Dog with Brodifacoum Toxicosis: Thymic lobules were expanded and distorted by irregular
cysts, lined by single to multiple layers of plump to slightly attenuated polygonal squamous
epithelial cells supported by a basement membranePseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia was
means epithelial proliferations that may resemble a malignant neoplastic process. The cause of
death was coagulapathy due to brodifacoum poisoning, a second generation anticoagulant
poison.

Bilateral Ovarian Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumor in a Dog: Histologically, both ovaries
had intermingled carcinomatous and sarcomatous components (cartilage, bone). The peritoneal
metastases were carcinomatous; pulmonary metastases were sarcomatous. Epithelial component
was formation of tubules and papillary structures. The carcinomatous components expressed
estrogen receptor which favored MMMT diagnosis over teratoma (the ectodermal component in
teratoma of hair filled follicle cyst was not present).

Pulmonary Myxoma in a Sheep: Myxoma is a rare tumor with a few reports of its occurrence
in the jaws of horses and cattle, the heart and synovia of dogs, the heart of a cat, and bronchi of a
mare

Massive Visceral Pentastomiasis Caused by Porocephalus crotali in a Dog: Numerous

encysted parasites within the testes, mesenteric LN, omentum, liver, sub-serosa of the small and
large intestines, mesentery, and lungs. The nymphs had a pseudosegmented body, containing
large eosinophilic glands and a chitinous cuticle with characteristic pores. Their hook
configuration was consistent with that of Porocephalus. Genera Linguatula and Armillifer are
most commonly implicated in zoonosis. Adults of Linguatula serrata have been reported to
infect nasal passages in dogs.
Canine Duplication of Descemet's Membrane: The thickness of the first DM, referred to as the
corneal layer (CL) and the second or anterior chamber layer (ACL), were nearly the same. A
fibrous collagenous matrix component was present between the CL and ACL in some cases.
Activation and migration of endothelial cells, in association with trauma or lens contact, play a
role in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. DM is composed of collagen components, such as I,
III, IV, V, VI, and VIII, and noncollagenous components, including laminin, fibronectin,
nidogen, heparin sulphate, dermatan sulphate, tenascin, and P component. Wound healing
response of altered corneal endothelial cells can lead to retrocorneal fibrous membrane formation
posterior to the preexisting DM. overgrowth of basement membranes and endothelial cells over
iris surface, iridocorneal angle is called as descemetization and endothelialization. Duplication is
seen commonly in dogs, rarely in cats but not in horses and birds.

Immunohistochemical Features of Dystrophic Axons in Papillon Dogs with Neuroaxonal

Dystrophy: IHC features of dystrophic axons in brain tissues of Papillon dogs with neuroaxonal
dystrophy (NAD) were compared with cerebellar cortical abiotrophy (CCA). Axonal
degeneration characterized by abundant spheroids is a pathologic hallmark of canine NAD.
Dystrophic axons were positive for neurofilaments (NF), tau, /β-synuclein, HSP70,
ubiquitin, synaptophysin, syntaxin-1, and synaptosomal-associated protein-25 (SNAP-
25. Dystrophic axons in the nucleus gracilis, cuneatus, olivaris, and spinal tract of the trigeminal
nerve, were intensely immunopositive for calcium-binding proteins calretinin, calbindin, and
parvalbumin. Ultrastructually, spheroids are mixture of NFs, tubulovesicular structures,
mitochondria, lysosomes, and membranous bodies

Copper-Associated Hepatitis in Labrador Retrievers: 3 causes of hepatic copper

accumulation. 1) a hereditary metabolic defect that inhibits biliary excretion of copper, resulting
in hepatocellular lysosomal copper accumulation(primary form of copper storage disease) human
beings (Wilson's disease), Bedlington Terrier dog 2) altered biliary excretion of copper due to
hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and/or cholestasis (secondary copper storage disease, 3) excessive
dietary intake. Bedlington terrier is the only breed for which primary copper-associated hepatitis
has been definitively proven. In 2O cu storage disease, cu accumulation is mainly restricted to
periportal areas and hepatic cu conc are usually less than 2,000 ppm, whereas in 1o hereditary
copper storage disorders, copper accumulation is always centrilobular, and hepatic copper
concentrations are usually greater than 2,000 ppm. Labrador retrievers in this study had
centrilobular hepatitis with necrosis and in 10 out of 12 dogs had hepatic cu conc. more than
2000 ppm, so the author suggest that this is primary cu storage disease.
Ectonucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase Type 5 (Entpd5)–Deficient Mice
Develop Progressive Hepatopathy, Hepatocellular Tumors, and Spermatogenic Arrest:
Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase type 5 is a soluble enzyme that hydrolyzes
purine nucleoside diphosphates. Genetic inactivation of ENTPD5 in mice resulted in hepatopathy
(centrilobular heptocyte hypertrophy) and aspermia.

Hydronephrosis and Urine Retention in Estrogen-Implanted Athymic Nude Mice:

Subcutaneous estrogen pellet implantation is commonly practiced to induce tumor promotion in
nude mice for xenograft tumor modeling. In this study s/c implantation of estrogen resulted in
dilated urinary bladder and hydronephrosis.

Idiopathic Chondrolysis Condition in Two Young, Wild-caught Cynomolgus Monkeys

(Macaca fascicularis) Reared in Captivity: Idioapathic chondrolysis is seen in adolescent
African females, at hip joint, mostly unilateral. Chr by loss and erosion of articular cartilage in
femur and acetabulum, synovial thickening, osteoporosi. Similar findings were seen in two
monkeys.

Neonatal Death in Mice Lacking Cardiotrophin-like Cytokine is Associated with Multifocal

Neuronal Hypoplasia Vet Pathol 46:514–519 (2009). Mice with null mutations of ciliary
neurotrophic factor (Cntf) receptor alpha (Cntf-Ra), or cytokine-like factor 1 (Clf), one
component of Cntf-II (a heterodimeric Cntf-Ra ligand), die as neonates from motor neuron loss
affecting the facial nucleus and ventral horn of the lumbar spinal cord. Exposure to
cardiotrophin-like cytokine (Clc), the other putative Cntf-II element, supports

motor neuron survival in vitro and in ovo

Vasoformative Disorder, Resembling Littoral Cell Angioma, of the Spleen in a Geriatric

Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata). Vet Pathol 46:520–525 (2009). The enlarged spleen

consisted of neoplastic proliferation of anastomosing vascular channels resembling morphologic

structures of red pulp sinuses; occasionally, papillary fronds were seen in dilated channels.
Immunohistochemically, the lining cells reacted to both endothelial cell (von Willebrand factor)
and macrophage (macrophage scavenger receptor class A) markers, indicating features of
littoral cells of the spleen. Littoral cells)-“specialized endothelial cells that line the splenic
sinuses.2 These specialized sinus endothelial cells normally lie on a fenestrated basement
membrane and are separated by tight junctional complexes.3 Consistent with the blood filtration
function of the splenic sinuses, littoral cells display an endothelial and histiocytic
immunophenotype, and in contrast to conventional endothelial cells, they are negative for
CD34.”

Gas Bubbles in Seals, Dolphins, and Porpoises Entangled and Drowned at Depth in
Gillnets. Vet Pathol 46:536–547 (2009). that peri- or postmortem phase change of
supersaturated blood and tissues is most likely. Studies have suggested that under some
circumstances, diving mammals are routinely supersaturated and that these mammals
presumably manage gas exchange and decompression anatomically and behaviorally

Diagnostic Exercise: Epithelioid Hemangiosarcoma Mimicking Metastatic Prostatic

Neoplasia in a Dog. Vet Pathol 46:548–552 (2009). A firm mass in an enlarged right testicle; a
mass in the irregularly enlarged prostate; and nodules in the left kidney, liver, and spleen.
Necropsy examination revealed an irregularly enlarged prostate with dark tan to red zones and
multiple, discrete, beige to dark red nodules. On histologic examination, discrete nests of
anaplastic carcinoma-like tumor cells were found in sections of all affected organs. Results of
immunohistochemical examination revealed widespread expression of von Willebrand factor
and the absence of cytokeratin in neoplastic cells.

Activated Platelet-Derived Growth Factor b Receptor Expression, PI3K-AKT Pathway

Molecular Analysis, and Transforming Signals in Equine Sarcoids. Vet Pathol 46:589–597
(2009). Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 are associated with sarcoids, in which the
expression of the major transforming oncoprotein (E5) is often recorded. The transformation
activity of the virus is due to the binding of the E5 to the platelet-derived growth factor b
receptor (PDGFb-r). The PI3K–AKT–cyclin D3 molecular pathway downstream to the
activation of the PDGFb-r is shown to be expressed. phospho-JNK and phospho-JUN are more
expressed in sarcoids than in normal skin.

Clara Cell Secretory Protein Is Reduced in Equine Recurrent Airway Obstruction. Vet
Pathol 46:604–613 (2009). Chronically affected animals have lung remodeling
characterized by smooth muscle hyperplasia, collagen deposition, lymphoid hyperplasia,
and impaired aerobic performance. Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) counters inflammation
in the lung. CCSP lung gene expression was significantly higher in healthy animals than in
animals with chronic RAO.
The Progenitor Cell Compartment in the Feline Liver: An (Immuno)Histochemical
Investigation. Vet Pathol 46:614–621 (2009). In acute and chronic feline liver diseases a
ductular reaction is present, whether in the parenchyma or in a portal or septal location. The
putative progenitor cells could easily be demonstrated by staining for CK7, whereas they were
generally negative for Hepar1 and MRP2. In a parenchymal ductular reaction mitotic figures and
cells with an intermediate hepatobiliary phenotype could be demonstrated. This is the first
account of hepatic progenitor cells in feline liver.

Epizootic Ameloblastomas in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) of the

Northwestern United States. Vet Pathol 46:622–635 (2009). Bilaterally symmetrical, red,
irregular plaques on oral mucosal surfaces, the lesions developed progressively into large,
disfiguring masses. Histologic features of the tumors suggested that they were derived from the
portion of dental lamina destined to form tooth root sulci; therefore, these neoplasms were
diagnosed as ameloblastomas. A few intracytoplasmic hexagonal structures, possibly consistent
with viral particles (,100 nm), were observed ultrastructurally in a tumor cell.

Bovine Papillomavirus Type 1 DNA and E5 Oncoprotein Expression in Water Buffalo

Fibropapillomas. Vet Pathol 46:636–641 (2009). BPV-1/2 may also infect other species
such as equids, inducing fibroblastic tumors. BPV-1 and BPV-2 are associated with
fibropapillomas in cattle; these tumors are formed by excessive proliferation of virus-infected
dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes. The BPV-1 E5 oncoprotein was strongly
expressed in the tumor cells thus confirming a causal role of the virus. This article
represents the first report of cutaneous, perivulvar, and vulvar fibropapilloma associated with
BPV-1 infection in the water buffalo and describes another example of cross-species infection by
BPV-1.

Tumor Morphology and Immunohistochemical Expression of

Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, p53, and Ki67 in
Urogenital Carcinomas of California Sea Lions (Zalophus
californianus). Vet Pathol 46:642–655 (2009). The etiology of this
cancer is likely multifactorial, with viral infection, genetic factors, and
exposure to environmental organochlorine contaminants. Ki67 index and
p53 expression increased with lesion grade and were higher in lesions than
normal epithelium. Metastatic tumors exhibited highly variable morphology;
however, proliferation index, ER a, PR, and p53 expression were similar in
tumors with different patterns of growth.

Polycystic Kidney Disease in Adult Brazilian Agoutis (Dasyprocta

leporina). Vet Pathol 46:656–661 (2009). The animals had macroscopic
bilateral alterations of the kidneys ranging from granulated surfaces to
severe polycystic changes. Microscopic examination revealed multifocal
to generalized, moderate to severe cystic dilatations of Bowman’s
capsules and renal tubules, moderate mesangial and capsular proliferation of
the renal corpuscles, mild interstitial fibrosis, and mild to moderate
interstitial lympho-plasmacytic infiltrations.

Pheochromocytoma in Six New World Primates. Vet Pathol 46:662–

666 (2009). Unilateral (4/6) or bilateral (1/6) adrenal or extra-adrenal
(1/6) pheochromocytoma by Chromogranin A positive. No invasion or
metastasis, these are benign. All 6 primates had myocardial fibrosis, and
some had arteriosclerosis.

Cutaneous and Systemic Poxviral Disease in Red (Tamiasciurus

hudsonicus) and Gray (Sciurus carolinensis) Squirrels. Vet Pathol
46:667–672 (2009). Alopecic cutaneous nodules, two had pulmonary
nodules. Epidermal hyperplasia, with ballooning degeneration ,
spongiosis, and eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions, atypical
mesenchymal cells with cytoplasmic inclusions. Additional findings
included pulmonary adenomatous hyperplasia with cytoplasmic
inclusions, renal tubular epithelial hyperplasia with cytoplasmic inclusions,
atypical mesenchymal proliferation in the liver, and atypical mesenchymal
proliferation with cytoplasmic inclusions in the seminal vesicles.
Ultrastructurally, poxviral particles were observed in skin scrapings and
sections of cutaneous and pulmonary nodules. Leporipoxvirus- Squirrel Pox
virus.

Entamoeba invadens Myositis in a Common Water Monitor Lizard

(Varanus salvator). Vet Pathol 46:673–676 (2009). Subacute
ulcerated skin wounds. Gross examination revealed multiple discrete to
coalescing, white-yellow to gray, caseous foci scattered in the skeletal
muscles and liver. The mucosa of small intestine was thickened, red, MF
ulcers, with depressed and hemorrhagic centers. Histopathologic
examination revealed severe necrotizing and granulomatous myositis,
hepatitis, and enteritis accompanied by large numbers of intralesional, 10–
20-mm diameter, periodic acid–Schiff-positive, amoeboid protozoa.

Anal Sac Gland Carcinoma in 64 Cats in the United Kingdom (1995–

2007). Vet Pathol 46:677–683 (2009). Immunohistochemistry and the
use of the glandular cytokeratin antibody (CAM 5.2). Median survival of 3
months. Survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 19 and 0%, respectively.

Degenerative Myelopathy in Two Boxer Dogs. Vet Pathol 46:684–

687 (2009). Thoracic and cranial lumbar segments. Lesions consisted of
myelin vacuolation and degeneration, myelophagocytosis, reactive
astrocytosis, and ellipsoid formation most prominent in the lateral and
ventral funiculi. Breeds: German Shepherd Dog and Pembroke Welsh Corgi,
Now Boxers. All funiculi affected.

Collagenofibrotic Glomerulonephropathy with Fibronectin

Deposition in a Dog. Vet Pathol 46:688–692 (2009). Histologically,
renal glomeruli were enlarged with massive deposition of a homogeneous
eosinophilic substance within the mesangium and capillary walls. The
deposits reacted weakly with periodic acid–Schiff, stained deep blue
with Masson’s trichrome, and were positive by immunofluorescence for
type III collagen and fibronectin. Ultrastructurally, the deposits consisted
of fibrils and amorphous material in the mesangial matrix and
beneath the glomerular capillary endothelium. The fibrils had transverse
bands analogous to those of collagen fibrils. Electron microscopy also
revealed focal detachment of podocytes and foot process effacement in
glomerular tufts, which suggested that podocyte injury had contributed to
the development of proteinuria in this dog.

Purkinje Fiber Dysplasia (Histiocytoid Cardiomyopathy) with

Ventricular Noncompaction in a Savannah Kitten. Vet Pathol
46:693–697 (2009). Abnormal Purkinje fibers and biventricular
myocardial trabeculation or noncompaction. The Purkinje fibers were
large, angular, and tightly packed. They contained few disorganized
myofibrils among a rarified cytoplasm. The fibers were distinct from adjacent
myocytes and were immunohistochemically positive for desmin, muscle
actin, myoglobin, sarcomeric actin, and chromogranin A. These findings are
identical to those that occur in children with histiocytoid cardiomyopathy, a
fatal genetic mitochondrial disorder of Purkinje fibers. Ventricular
noncompaction likely has a multifactoral cause that results from
fetal arrest of ventricular organizational development that might occur
in conjunction with, or independent of, histiocytoid cardiomyopathy.

Pathology of Inhalational Francisella tularensis spp. tularensis SCHU

S4 Infection in African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). Vet
Pathol 46:698–706 (2009). heart, mediastinum, diaphragm, liver, urinary
bladder, urethra, and mesentery. Necrotizing vasculitis of blood vessels
within a pulmonary lesion. Surrounding parenchyma is obscured by
necrosis, inflammation, edema, and hemorrhage. Ultrastructurally, bacteria
were present within cytoplasmic vacuoles of alveolar macrophages, many of
which were degenerate.

Reproductive Failure Experimentally Induced in Sows via Artificial

Insemination with Semen Spiked with Porcine Circovirus Type 2.
Vet Pathol 46:707–716 (2009). All live-born piglets -PCV2 viremic at
birth. Stillborn fetuses-congestive heart failure. Mummified fetuses - crown-
rump length from 7 to 27 cm, indicating fetal death between 42 and 105
days of gestation. PCV2 antigen was detected in the myocardium by
immunohistochemistry of 7/8 (88%) live-born piglets, 2/2 (100%) of the
stillborn fetuses, and 25/25 (100%) of the mummified fetuses. In addition,
4/25 mummified fetuses had PCV2 antigen associated with smooth muscle
cells and fibroblasts. The results of this study indicate that intrauterine
administration of PCV2 causes reproductive failure in naıve sows.

Early Phase Morphological Lesions and Transcriptional Responses of

Bovine Ileum Infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp.
Paratuberculosis. Vet Pathol 46:717–728 (2009). MAP invades the
intestinal mucosa as early as 0.5 hour postinoculation. Along with
cytokines, intestinal-trefoil factor, profilin, lactoferrin, and enteric ß-defensin,
were elaborated. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and -2 (MCP-1 and
MCP-2) are C-C chemokines that are chemotactic for monocytes but not
PMNs. CCR2, the ligand for MCP-1, has been shown to be up-regulated in T
lymphocytes isolated from the intestine of Crohn’s patients.
Chemoattractants for PMNs include the C-X-C chemokines GRO-a, GRO-c,
and IL-8. A synchronized up-regulation of IL-8 and GRO-a has been
proposed to be involved in the PMN- mediated tissue injury in patients
with inflammatory bowel disease.

Investigation into the pathology of shoulder ulcerations in sows.

Veterinary Record (2009) 165, 171-174. Stage 1- epidermal necrosis,
thrombosis of dermal blood vessels, multiple colonies of bacteria. Stage 2
Dermal necrosis, and multiple colonies of bacteria. Stage 3 – Subcutis
necrosis, the periosteum of the tuber spina scapula was reactive and
thickened. Stage 4 - Exposed bone of the tuber spina scapula was covered
with a thin layer of granulation tissue that was superficially necrotic. tuber
spina scapula was extremely deformed and had developed into a mushroom-
like shape due to the formation of an excessive volume of osseous tissue (no
osteitis or osteomyelitis). The initial lesions were due to thrombosis (failures
of the blood supply) and secondary infection. Similar to pressure sores in
humans.

Endocarditis in a British heifer due to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

infection. VETERINARY RECORD | 164, 2009 28-29Right AV valve affected
with right sided heart failure and angiocentric pneumonia.

Infertility and venereal disease in cattle inseminated with semen

containing bovine herpesvirus type 5. VETERINARY RECORD | 164, 2009
111-113 A group of 20 cows and heifers experienced poor conception rates
and probable ovarian dysfunction after being artificially inseminated. Some
showed signs of vulvovaginitis, with pustular, ulcerative lesions consistent
with a herpesvirus infection (BHV-1). They had had no contact with bulls
during the current breeding season. Bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BHV-5) was
isolated from samples of frozen semen from the batch that had been used
for the artificial insemination program.

Clostridium perfringens type D epsilon intoxication in one-day-old

calves. VETERINARY RECORD | 164, 2009 816-817 Abundant protein-rich
edema fluid was present in the cerebral and cerebellar meninges, and there
were perivascular eosinophilic hyaline globules in the grey matter of the
cerebral cortex, perivascular proteinaceous edema in the thalamus and
marked widening of the perivascular spaces.
There was marked pulmonary edema and multifocal acute purulent
bronchopneumonia. Renal autolysis was marked and associated with recent
red blood cell extravasation. C perfringens alpha and epsilon toxins, but not
beta toxin, were demonstrated by ELISA in a sample of large intestinal
contents. Cryptosporidia, Rotavirus, Coronavirus and Salmonella species
were not detected by standard diagnostic methods. The lesions observed in
the brain of both calves were indicative of altered vascular permeability and
resembled those reported in cases of clostridial epsilon intoxication in sheep.
Pulmonary edema, which was observed in both calves, was a feature of
experimental epsilon intoxication in cattle.

Bilateral otitis media with facial paralysis in a Japanese black calf

Veterinary Record (2009) 165, 212-213 History: A three-month-old Japanese black
calf showing clinical signs of bilateral facial paralysis and anorexia. Infection within the middle
ear appears to be an extension of otitis externa in the vast majority of cases in small animals
(Neer 1982). However, in the large animals, haematogenous spread and ascending infection from
rhinitis, pharyngitis and guttural pouch empyema, rather than otitis externa with rupture of the
tympanic membrane, are frequently the routes of infection (Mayhew 1989b, Braun and others
2004). Pasteurella species, Streptococcus species and Arcanobacterium species have been
isolated from the infected ears of cattle (Jensen and others 1983), and the relationship between
mycoplasma infections and otitis media/interna has been well documented in calves.

Extreme monocytosis in a dog with chronic monocytic leukaemia.

VETERINARY RECORD | 164, 2009 54-56 Anemia; Leukocytosis
(Monocytosis) with immature forms. CD18 (leukocyte), CD45 (leukocyte),
CD14(monocyte/macrophage) and CD11b(Monocyte/granulocyte) positive on
flow cytometry.

Uncommon mediastinal cyst-like manifestation of feline infectious peritonitis Veterinary

Record (2009) 165, 239-241 Gross lesions: Thickening of the parietal and visceral pleura and a
cyst-like encapsulated effusion originating from the mediastinal pleura and taking up a large part
of the left thorax, compressing the mediastinum and the heart over to the right side of the thorax.
Histopathology: The encapsulated lesion originated from mediastinal pleura and had severe,
diffuse, pyogranulomatous inflammation of the pleurae and pericardium. The pleura was positive
for FVCoV by IHC.

Diagnosis of placental pathogens in small ruminants by

immunohistochemistry and PCR on paraffin-embedded samples.
VETERINARY RECORD | 164, 2009 175-178 35 abortions in sheep (from 25
flocks) and 23 abortions in goats (from 21 flocks). All the animals had been
vaccinated with a live vaccine against B melitensis, and 26 animals from 18
of the flocks had been vaccinated with combined killed vaccines against C
abortus and S Abortusovis. The results of this study indicate that the
commercially available killed vaccines provide little protection against C
abortus. Severe necrotizing placentitis with an abundant inflammatory
infiltrate composed mainly of neutrophils was associated with C burnetii. The
basophilic material found in the cytoplasm of the swollen trophoblast cells in
all the cases with suppurative placentitis was confirmed by IHC to be
composed of C burnetii microorganisms. However, several cases that tested
positive for C burnetii showed ‘non-classical’ C burnetii lesions, such as mild
changes or necrotizing placentitis with a poor inflammatory infiltrate.

Meningoencephalitis associated with Brucella species in a live-

stranded striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) in south-west
England. VETERINARY RECORD | 164, 2009 86-89 Amplification of an IS711
element downstream of the bp26 gene by PCR confirmed that the isolate
possessed this unique feature, specific to marine mammal strains of Brucella
species. Non-suppurative meningoencephalitis and choroiditis lesions
involving the brainstem, cerebrum, cerebellum, midbrain and choroid plexus,
is consistent with what has been described in other striped dolphins with
Brucella species infection.

Haemorrhages in the pulmonary artery and aortic valve associated with Streptococcus
gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus in a roe deer Veterinary Record (2009) 165, 237-239
DDx: Pulmonary artey hemorrhages: Orbivirus, Rift Valley fever sheep
Heartwater in sheep, Pulpy kidney disease in sheep, Septicaemic
pasteurellosis in sheep Haemorrhages of the pulmonary artery (with
unspecified location) have been associated with adenovirus haemorrhagic
disease in deer. And also include Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus
induced septicemia, Streptococcus bovis (mink and humans) Histopathology: Vasculitis
characterized by fibrinoid degeneration of the tunica media with intramural and peripheral
haemorrhages in blood vessels of the wall of the pulmonary artery and the myocardium.

REVIEW PAPER: Host-Pathogen Interactions in the Kidney during

Chronic Leptospirosis. Vet Pathol 46:792–799 (2009). During chronic
infection, renal colonization and leptospiruria persist despite cellular and
humoral responses by the host. Tubulointerstitial nephritis is the most
common lesion associated with chronic infection, and this may progress to
fibrosis and subsequent renal failure. For leptospires to disseminate within
the host, leptospiral invasion is likely mediated by enzyme secretion,
hemolysins, sphingomyelinases. Tubulointerstitial nephritis is a
primary lesion during acute renal injury in leptospirosis, with characteristic
lesions, such as interstitial edema and lymphocytic infiltrates. proteins called
Len (leptospiral endostatin-like) proteins, some of which were
shown to bind complement regulatory proteins, e.g., plasma factor H.
Pathogenic Leptospira spp. can also bind the human complement
regulator C4BP, which can provide added resistance against host
complement. LPS from Leptospira is atypical in that it activates
human cells through TLR2 and not the conventional TLR4 pathway.
Leptospiruria persists despite active immune processes, such as
interstitial nephritis characterized by lymphocyte infiltration, anti-
leptospiral immunoglobulin production, MHC II expression, and TLR
activation.

Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Antigens in

Porcine Leptospiral Nephritis. Vet Pathol 46:800–809 (2009).
cytokine-stimulated tubular epithelial cells express MHCII. Leptospirosis
in fattening pigs is characterized by several degrees of nephritis, from
absence of lesions to severe multifocal tubulo-interstitial inflammation.
Nephritic lesions were classified histologically into perivascular lymphocytic
(4 pigs), lymphofollicular (6 pigs), lymphohistiocytic (8 pigs), and neutrophilic
(2 pigs) pattern. MHCII expression by histiocytes and lymphocytes was
observed in all lesions. Prominent MHCII expression in regenerating tubular
epithelium was observed in lymphofollicular and lymphohistiocytic nephritis.
MHCII contributes to the intensity of the inflammatory response.

Retinal Function and Morphology Are Altered in Cattle Infected with

the Prion Disease Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy. Vet Pathol
46:810–818 (2009). Using Bovine Adapted TME prion. Here we show
altered retinal function, as evidenced by prolonged implicit time of the
electroretinogram b-wave, in transmissible mink encephalopathy–infected
cattle before the onset of clinical illness. We also demonstrate
disruption of rod bipolar cell synaptic terminals, indicated by decreased
immunoreactivity for the alpha isoform of protein kinase C and vesicular
glutamate transporter 1, and activation of Muller glia, as evidenced by
increased glial fibrillary acidic protein and glutamine synthetase expression,
in the retinas of these cattle at the time of euthanasia due to clinical
deterioration.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9

Expression in Canine and Feline Meningioma. Vet Pathol 46:836–
845 (2009). The most common histotype was malignant in dogs (12/28)
and transitional in cats. MMPs showed a diffuse cytoplasmic pattern.
highest values of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were observed in a psammomatous and
meningothelial tumor. It has been reported that a high proliferative index in
the tumor is associated with low progesterone receptor (PR) concentration,
suggesting that PR expression in canine and feline meningiomas is a reliable
prognostic factor in the evaluation of this tumor, as well as in humans
respectively.

Expression of Connexins in Normal and Neoplastic Canine Bone

Tissue. Vet Pathol 46:846–859 (2009). Connexins are
phylogenetically preserved proteins that compose gap junctions in
different tissues, sharing a basic structure in which 6 subunits form a
hemi-channel called the connexon. The main connexin involved in the
development, differentiation, and regulation of bone tissue is connexin (Cx)
43. In normal bone tissue, the Cx43 protein was found mainly in the
intercellular membranes. However, in all bone tumors studied here, the Cx43
was present in both cell membranes and also aberrantly in the cytoplasm.
Cx46 had lower levels of expression in neoplastic bone tissues. Many
physiological roles have been proposed for gap junctional intercellular
communication (GJIC), and some are briefly cited: 1) Maintenance of
homeostasis. 2) Gap junctions serve as electrical synapses in
electrically excitable cells such as cardiac myocytes, smooth muscle cells,
and neurons.3,29 In these tissues, electrical coupling permits more rapid
cell-to-cell transmission of action potentials than chemical synapses. In
myocytes, this enables their synchronous contraction. 3) Tissue response
to hormones. GJIC may enhance the responsiveness of tissue on external
stimuli.24,36 4) Regulation of embryonic development.27 In bone tissue,
cellular communication by gap junctions is associated with physiological
processes such as formation, remodelling, and ossification as well as
proliferation of osteogenic cells.

Reduced PTEN Protein Expression and Its Prognostic Implications in

Canine and Feline Mammary Tumors. Vet Pathol 46:860–868 (2009).
Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) belongs to the group of
gatekeeper tumor suppressor genes. Significant loss of PTEN protein
expression found in simple carcinoma histotype, lymphatic vessel invasion,
lymph node metastases, distant organ metastases, tumor
dedifferentiation, tumor recurrence, and shorter overall survival. In
feline mammary tumors, a significant correlation between loss of PTEN
protein expression and lymphatic vessel invasion was found. Loss of PTEN
expression could be a useful prognostic marker in canine mammary
carcinomas.

Expression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor and the Proto-oncogenic

Receptor c-Met in Canine Osteosarcoma. Vet Pathol 46:869–877
(2009). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and the proto-oncogenic receptor
c-Met are implicated in growth, invasion, and metastasis in human cancer.
Coexpression of HGF and c-Met mRNA in all canine osteosarcoma samples
suggested autocrine or paracrine receptor activation. Expression of c-Met
was significantly associated with metastasis via the lymphogenic route.
Immunolabeling with c-Met revealed a cytoplasmic staining pattern in all
osteosarcoma cell types.

Expression of KIT Receptor in Feline Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors.

Vet Pathol 46:878–883 (2009). According to the results, there was no
correlation between the type of MCTs and KIT expression, although the use
of feline KIT immunohistochemistry could be useful to assess the mast cell
origin. Well-differentiated MCTs, Atypical MCTs, pleomorphic MCT showed
diffuse cytoplasmic KIT stain.

Expression of the Tumor Suppressor Genes NF2, 4.1B, and TSLC1 in

Canine Meningiomas. Vet Pathol 46:884–892 (2009). These results
suggest that loss of these tumor suppressor genes is a frequent
occurrence in canine meningiomas and may be an early event in
tumorigenesis in some cases. In addition, it is likely that other, as yet
unidentified, genes play an important role in canine meningioma formation
and growth. neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), protein 4.1B (4.1 B), and tumor
suppressor in lung cancer-1 (TSLC1) genes.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of GATA-4 in Canine Testicular

Tumors. Vet Pathol 46:893–896 (2009). GATA-4 is a transcription factor
expressed in Sertoli cells and less commonly in Leydig (interstitial) cells but
not germ cells in adult human beings, cattle, pigs, and mice. Sex cord–
stromal cells of MGSCT were also positive.

Myocardial Adenomatoid Tumor in Eight Cattle: Evidence for

Mesothelial Origin of Bovine Myocardial Epithelial Inclusions. Vet
Pathol 46:897–903 (2009). Adenomatoid tumors typically arise in the
genital tract, exceptionally in the heart, and usually represent an incidental
finding. Microscopically, they are constituted by epithelioid cells that
form tubular structures and anastomosing channels within a
fibrous stroma. Mesothelial origin of these lesions is suggested by
their immunohistochemical characteristics. lesions were in the left
ventricular myocardium, adjacent to the epicardium, and composed of
epithelioid cells that formed cords and tubules, and were immunoreactive for
pan-cytokeratins, cytokeratin 5/6, vimentin, calretinin, Wilms’ tumor 1
suppressor gene, and CD30 (TNFRsf8) antigen. By electron microscopy,
numerous long slender microvilli were associated with desmosomes and
tonofibrils. The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features were
considered consistent with mesothelial origin.

Localized, Plexiform, Diffuse, and Other Variants of Neurofibroma in

12 Dogs, 2 Horses, and a Chicken. Vet Pathol 46:904–915 (2009).
Neurofibromas of this study had localized, plexiform, diffuse and combined
plexiform and diffuse growth patterns, and microscopic features similar to
those in classic, collagenous, cellular, myxoid, and pigmented
neurofibromas of humans. One diffuse neurofibroma contained areas of
schwannian differentiation (hybrid neurofibroma-schwannoma). Benign
peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) in humans include schwannomas
(neurilemmomas) and neurofibromas, as well as perineurial cell tumors,
nerve sheath myxomas (neurothekeomas). Important features of
schwannomas include the concurrent presence of highly and poorly cellular
areas of fusiform neoplastic Schwann cells in a stroma that is either
collagenous and scant, or is myxoid and abundant (designated Antoni A
areas and Antoni B areas, respectively). Other features are nuclear
palisading, the formation of Verocay bodies, and hyalinized
microvessels, S-100 positive. Neurofibromas are a mixture of Schwann
cells, perineurial cells, and fibroblasts. neurofibromas are composed of very
slender, elongated cells with characteristic buckled and/or wavy nuclei in a
fibromyxoid stroma with thin, wire-like collagen fibers. Within the mass,
nerve fibers can be identified; S100 immunoreactivity is restricted to a
subpopulation of the tumor cells. Patients with NF1 develop multiple
neurofibromas, which often undergo malignant transformation and
additional neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in multiple organs. In
contrast, NF2 is characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannoma
and possible additional tumors of the central nervous system and/ or
cutaneous schwannomas.

A Retrospective Study of Eyelid Tumors from 43 Cats. Vet Pathol

46:916–927 (2009). squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) > mast cell
tumors (MCTs) > 6 hemangiosarcomas (HSAs) > 4 adenocarcinomas
(ACAs) > 3 peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) > 3 lymphomas =
apocrine hidrocystomas (AHCs) > hemangiomas. HAS, MCT, SCC had
excisional cure and good prognosis.

Histologic Grade Predicts Recurrence for Marginally Excised Canine

Subcutaneous Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Vet Pathol 46:928–933 (2009).
Histologic grade is a strong predictor for recurrence of marginally
excised subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas. Clean margins predict
nonrecurrence. Tumor recurrence did not significantly reduce survival time.

Immunohistochemical Expression of c-KIT Protein in Feline Soft

Tissue Fibrosarcomas. Vet Pathol 46:934–939 (2009). KIT
immunoreactivity in feline ST FSA does not correlate with the histologic
grade (P 5 .141, X 2 5 2.166), survivability (P 5 .241, X 2 5 1.373), or
whether the neoplasm was a spontaneous or an injection site FSA (P 5 .074,
X 2 5 3.184).

Ectopic (Subcutaneous) Paragonimus miyazakii Infection in a Dog.

Vet Pathol 46:945–948 (2009). subcutaneous inguinal mass,
granulomatous panniculitis, intralesional adult trematodes and eggs, and
lymphadenitis. Extrapulmonary paragonimosis in animals is rare.

Solitary Intracerebral Plasmacytoma in a Dog: Microscopic,

Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features. Vet Pathol 46:949–
951 (2009). The neoplasm was composed of sheets of round cells with
distinct plasmacytoid features and marked anisocytosis and
anisokaryosis. Cells were positive for vimentin, CD18, CD79a, and
lambda light-chain, and negative for kappa light chain, cytokeratin,
lysozyme, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and S100 protein. Clonally rearranged
B-cell antigen receptor genes were detected by PARR (polymerase chain
reaction for antigen receptor rearrangements), confirming clonal
proliferation of B lymphocytes.

Mycoplasma pulmonis and Lymphoma in Bioassays in Rats. Vet

Pathol 46:952–959 (2009). Because the lymphoma type, cellular
morphology, and organ distribution reported in these studies are atypical of
lymphoma in rats, because lymphocyte and plasma cell accumulation in
the lung is characteristic of M. pulmonis disease, and because M.
pulmonis disease can be exacerbated by experimental manipulations,
including chemical treatment, we suggest that a plausible alternative
explanation for the reported results of these bioassays is that the studies
were confounded by M. pulmonis disease and that lesions of the
disease were interpreted as lymphoma.

Abortion and Neonatal Mortality in Sheep Poisoned with Tetrapterys

multiglandulosa. Vet Pathol 46:960–965 (2009). Tetrapterys spp. have
been reported as a cause of cardiac fibrosis, status spongiosus of the
nervous system, and abortion. Seven fetuses had anasarca. Seven lambs
from groups 1 and 4 were weak and died or were euthanatized. The other 2
were born weak with mild nervous signs but recovered. Cardiac fibrosis and
status spongiosus of the nervous system were observed in newborn lambs
and fetuses.

Pathology of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1)

Infection in Canada Geese (Branta canadensis): Preliminary Studies.
Vet Pathol 46:966–970 (2009). Immunohistochemistry was used to
locate influenza A virus nucleoprotein in brain, spinal cord, respiratory and
digestive systems, pancreas, heart, and peripheral and parasympathetic
nervous systems. HPAI virus replicates in endothelial cells throughout the
vascular system during initial infection in chickens.1 Penetration of the
blood-brain barrier by virus is followed by infection of neurons and glial cells,
and concurrently virus is able to infect a wide variety of parenchymal cells in
other organs. focal neuronal pycnosis and mild edema, usually near or
surrounding a capillary (Fig. 1). Purkinje cell necrosis and gliosis was
prominent in the cerebellum. Ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the
brain and spinal canal (Fig. 2) were surrounded by a mild glial
reaction, and focal gliosis w as present in some gray matter horns of
the spinal cord. Significant viral damage also occurred in many other
organs, including the heart, trachea, and pancreas.

___________________________

Pathology and Virus Distribution in Chickens Naturally Infected with

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A Virus (H7N7) During the 2003
Outbreak in The Netherlands. Vet Pathol 46:971–976 (2009).
Influenza virus antigen occurred in endothelial cells and mononuclear
cells, parenchymal cells of heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, and trachea, often
associated with multifocal inflammation and necrosis. edematous wattle
skin. Virus histochemistry showed that this H7N7 virus attached to more
endothelial cells in wattle skin than in other vascular beds.

Morphologic Evidence Suggestive of Hypertension in Western Gray

Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus). Vet Pathol 46:977–984 (2009).
increased thickness of the renal arteriolar tunica media with smooth muscle
hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia, accumulation of extracellular matrix
within arterioles, increased vascular tortuosity, and varying degrees of
juxtaglomerular hyperplasia. arteriolar endothelial cell hypertrophy and
disruption of the medial architecture.

Detection of Group C Rotavirus in Juvenile Ferrets (Mustela putorius

furo) with Diarrhea by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain
Reaction: Sequencing and Analysis of the Complete Coding Region
of the VP6 Gene. Vet Pathol 46:985–991 (2009). Histologically, small
intestines exhibited acute superficial atrophic enteritis. Transmission
electron microscopy of the small intestine showed rotavirus-like particles
within apical vacuoles. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
(RT-PCR) was negative for group A rotavirus.

Histopathology of Naturally Transmitted ‘‘Rat Respiratory Virus’’:

Progression of Lesions and Proposed Diagnostic Criteria. Vet Pathol
46:992–999 (2009). Irregular gray-white lesions suggestive of interstitial
pneumonia were grossly evident. multifocal, lymphohistiocytic interstitial
pneumonia or prominent perivascular lymphoid cuffing from weeks 5
through 13.

Granulomatous Pneumonia Caused by Mycobacterium genavense in

a Dwarf Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Vet Pathol 46:1000–1002
(2009). The main macroscopic findings were a watery red pleural effusion
and some whitish striated foci in the lungs. severe granulomatous
pneumonia with detection of acid-fast bacilli, in the kidneys, an interstitial
chronic lymphoplasmacellular nephritis with interstitial fibrosis, and in the
brain, a multifocal granulomatous and partly necrotizing encephalitis with
detection of spores, suggestive of encephalitozoonosis.

Expression of Tumor Invasion Factors Determines Systemic

Engraftment and Induction of Humoral Hypercalcemia in a Mouse
Model of Adult T-cell Leukemia. Vet Pathol 46:1003–1014 (2009).
Infection with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) leads
sometimes to the development of adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia (ATL). In
mice, inoculation of HTLV-1 cell lines mostly leads to development of
localized lymphomas. Inoculation of MET-1 cells into NOD/SCID mice
provided the best model system for slowly developing T-cell leukemia with
multiple organ involvement. In leukemic mice, an increase in serum
calcium levels correlated with expression of receptor activator of
nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ligand
on leukemic cells and secretion of parathyroid hormone–related protein
and interleukin-6. In contrast to the other cell lines that did not
spread systemically, MET-1 expressed both the adhesion molecules CD11a
(LFA-1a) and CD49d (VLA-4a) and produced or induced expression of matrix
metalloproteinases 1, 2, 3, and 9, thus underlining the importance of these
molecules in the spread of adult T-cell leukemia cells.

Diagnostic Exercise: Myocarditis Due to Histophilus somni in Feedlot

and Backgrounded Cattle. Vet Pathol 46:1015–1017 (2009). focal red
discoloration in papillary muscle of the left ventricular myocardium.
Histologically, the lesion corresponded to acute necrotizing myocarditis with
myriad intravascular and intralesional Gram-negative coccobacilli.
Histophilus somni was detected by bacterial culture and
Immunohistochemistry.

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Histologic, Immunohistochemical, and Electron Microscopic Features

of a Unique Pulmonary Tumor in Cockatiels (Nymphicus
hollandicus): Six Cases. Vet Pathol 46:1100–1108 (2009). compact
sheets of anaplastic round to polygonal cells. All tumors had a high mitotic
index, and had occasional large clear to slightly basophilic intranuclear
inclusions (cytoplasmic invaginations). Neoplastic cells stained positive for
vimentin, lysozyme, and in 1 bird, pan cytokeratin. All 6 pulmonary
neoplasms were negative for avian polyomavirus. may be poorly
differentiated carcinomas of pulmonary or thymic origin.

Gastric Neuroendocrine Carcinomas in Bearded Dragons (Pogona

vitticeps). Vet Pathol 46:1109–1116 (2009). gastric neuroendocrine
carcinomas, which readily metastasize. immunolabeling for somatostatin
was consistently observed in all neoplasms, a diagnosis of somatostatinoma
was made. In humans, pancreatic somatostatinomas are associated with a
syndrome of hypersomatostatinemia, which includes hyperglycemia,
weight loss, and anemia, as observed in some of these bearded dragons.
Somatostatinomas in humans are commonly associated with
neurofibromatosis type 1 (Von Recklinghausen’s disease), caused by a
mutation in the tumor suppressor gene NF1.
Naturally Occurring and Melengestrol Acetate-associated
Reproductive Tract Lesions in Zoo Canids. Vet Pathol 46:1117–1128
(2009). endometrial hyperplasia (predominantly cystic) (53%),
hydrometra (33%), and adenomyosis (25%).

Spontaneous Idiopathic Arteritis of the Testicular Artery in Raccoons

(Procyon lotor). Vet Pathol 46:1129–1132 (2009). Segmental arteritis
confined to the extratesticular portions of the testicular artery was present in
raccoons of all ages. The lesions consisted of proliferative endarteritis with
presence of inflammatory cells within the intima, media, and the adventitia.

Cerebellar Abiotrophy in an Alpaca (Lama pacos). Vet Pathol

46:1133–1137 (2009). cerebellar vermis, included marked absence of
Purkinje cells, decreased granule cells, narrowing of the molecular layer,
and thinning of white matter tracts consistent with abiotrophy. ↑ GFAP,
↓ Neurofilament.

Meningoencephalitis in a Polar Bear Caused by Equine Herpesvirus 9

(EHV-9). Vet Pathol 46:1138–1143 (2009). nonsuppurative pleocytosis
of cerebrospinal fluid. multifocal, random nonsuppurative
meningoencephalitis involving most prominently the rostral cerebral cortex,
as well as the thalamus, midbrain, and rostral medulla. equine herpesvirus
9.

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Reversible Fibroadenomatous Mammary Hyperplasia in Male and

Female New Zealand White Rabbits Associated with Cyclosporine A
Administration. Vet Pathol 46:1144–1148 (2009). glandular
hyperplasia with mild cellular atypia and ductal ectasia separated by
abundant hypercellular fibrous stroma, consistent with fibroadenomatous
mammary gland hyperplasia. The hyperplasia resolved within 2 weeks of
cessation of cyclosporine, and at necropsy identifiable mammary masses
were not found.

Cardiac Valvular and Vascular Disease in Bull Terriers. Vet Pathol

46:1149–1155 (2009). Bull Terriers (93%) had myxomatous degeneration
of the mitral valve or abnormalities of the left ventricular outflow tract. Small
vessel arteriosclerosis in the myocardium and fibrosis of cardiac
conduction tissue were common histologic findings. Vascular injury due
to any insult produces a stereotypical response that results in intimal
thickening. This response includes the migration of smooth muscle cells
or their precursors into the intima, where they proliferate and produce
extracellular matrix.17 Bull Terriers in this study not only had coronary
arteriosclerosis, but it was remarkably severe in young animals.
including myxomatous degeneration of mitral and aortic valves,
LVOTO, left ventricular hypertrophy, interstitial myocarditis and fibrosis
associated with cardiac conduction tissue, and an unusual form of coronary
arterial degeneration.

Melamine- and Cyanuric Acid–Associated Renal Failure in Pigs in

Thailand. Vet Pathol 46:1156–1159 (2009). kidneys of all 5 pigs were
yellowish and slightly swollen, with precipitation of crystalline material on the
cut surface. Histologically, epithelial degeneration and necrosis were
evident in proximal and distal tubules and collecting ducts. Round,
yellow-brown crystals with radiating striations were diffusely distributed
through the lumen of proximal and distal tubules and collecting ducts. Blood
urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were elevated. Melamine and analogs,
including cyanuric acid, were detected by gas chromatography mass
spectrometry.

Encephalomyelopathy and Polyneuropathy Associated with Neuronal

Vacuolation in Two Boxer Littermates. Vet Pathol 46:1160–1165
(2009). Laryngeal muscle atrophy, neuronal vacuolation, and a combined
central and peripheral axonopathy. Gross lesions were limited to atrophy of
the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Histopathologically, there was diffuse loss of
axons and myelin in the dorsolateral and ventral funiculi throughout the
spinal cord and extending into the caudal aspect of the brain stem.
Vacuolation of scattered neuronal cell bodies was present in the spinal cord
and selected brain stem nuclei. Multifocal axonal degeneration and
demyelination was observed in the recurrent laryngeal nerve, sciatic nerve,
and brachial plexus and was most severe in the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Ocular abnormalities included microphthalmia, cataracts, and retinal
dysplasia. The findings in these Boxer dogs, unrelated to the Rottweiler
breed, are analogous to the syndrome of neuronal vacuolation and
spinocerebellar degeneration reported in Rottweilers.

Feline Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: Histologic,

Immunohistochemical, and Clinicopathologic Correlation (59 Tumors
in 53 Cats) . Vet Pathol 46:1166–1180 (2009). All of the tumors
involved skin, subcutis, skeletal muscle, and/or mucous membranes.
Histologically, the tumors were composed of compact to loosely
arranged streams and fascicles of spindled cells with eosinophilic, often
wavy cytoplasmic processes; small to occasionally moderate amounts of
collagenous to myxoid matrix; and nuclear palisading.
Immunohistochemically, all tumors were positive for vimentin and S-100
protein, 44 of 59 were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and all
were negative for muscle specific actin. 34 benign tumors with Antoni A
areas that were S-100 protein and GFAP positive, 9 benign tumors that
lacked Antoni A areas and were S-100 protein positive and GFAP
negative, and 16 tumors with features of malignancy.

Rectal Plasmacytoma with Intracellular Hemosiderin in a Dog. Vet

Pathol 46:1181–1184 (2009). rectal mass that protruded through the
anus. Cytologically, the mass was composed of neoplastic round cells
consistent with an extramedullary plasmacytoma. Histiocytic sarcoma,
carcinoid tumor, and melanoma were also considered because of the
presence of golden-brown cytoplasmic granules. Histopathologic findings and
immunohistochemical reactivity for lambda light chains confirmed the
cytologic diagnosis of plasmacytoma. Prussian blue staining identified the
cytoplasmic granules as hemosiderin. The granules were negative by
Fontana Masson and Grimelius histochemistry. To our knowledge, this is the
first report of an extramedullary plasmacytoma containing hemosiderin in a
dog. Ultrastructural studies revealed that the iron granules were present
within the mitochondria of the plasma cells. Based on these observations,
Cook and colleagues proposed that excessive iron accumulation takes place
in the mitochondria of marrow plasma cells in alcoholic patients.3 The
mechanism is similar to that observed in ring sideroblast formation in alcohol
induced sideroblastic disease. The presence of chronic bleeding within
the mass could predispose to iron uptake by creating an iron-rich
environment around the neoplastic plasma cells. The other possibility is
that the neoplastic plasma cells acquired the possibility to phagocytize
erythrocytes.

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Canine Influenza Virus Replicates in Alveolar Macrophages and

Induces TNF-a. Vet Pathol 46:1187–1196 (2009). By 12 hours after
inoculation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-10 (IL-10)
mRNA levels were significantly (P , .05, n 5 11) increased over those
immediately following inoculation. Only TNF-a protein levels were
significantly increased (P ,.05, n 5 11) at 12 hours after inoculation. In
conclusion, the results indicate that CIV replicates in canine alveolar
macrophages and induces TNF-a expression and cell death.

An In Situ Hybridization and Immunohistochemical Study of

Cytauxzoonosis in Domestic Cats. Vet Pathol 46:1197–1204 (2009).
Immunohistochemistry with an antilysozyme antibody confirmed the
macrophage origin of the infected cells. Using an antibody specific for
calprotectin (Mac387), parasitized cells were markedly devoid of this protein,
which may explain the lack of diapedesis and vascular crowding of
parasitized cells. Immunohistochemical labeling for 2 proliferation
markers, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p53, indicated that
parasitized cells have a heightened replicative ability, which is probably an
additional parasite-driven modification to facilitate survival and transmission.

Characterization of a US Sheep Scrapie Isolate with Short Incubation

Time. Vet Pathol 46:1205–1212 (2009). This indicates that inoculum
No. x124 appears to induce scrapie in shorter time than inoculum No.
13-7, especially in sheep homozygous or heterozygous for valine at codon
136.

Clinicopathologic Features of Experimental Clostridium perfringens

Type D Enterotoxemia in Cattle (Same as in Sheep). Vet Pathol
46:1213–1220 (2009). Gross findings were observed in these 10 animals
and consisted of acute pulmonary edema, excessive protein-rich pericardial
fluid, watery contents in the small intestine, and multifocal petechial
hemorrhages on the jejunal mucosa. The brain of one animal of group 2 that
survived for 8 days showed multifocal, bilateral, and symmetric
encephalomalacia in the corpus striatum. The most striking histologic
changes consisted of perivascular high protein edema in the brain, and
alveolar and interstitial proteinaceous pulmonary edema. The animal that
survived for 8 days and that had gross lesions in the corpus striatum showed
histologically severe, focal necrosis of this area, cerebellar peduncles, and
thalamus.

Histologic and Immunohistochemical Characterization of

Pheochromocytoma in 6 Cotton-top Tamarins (Saguinus oedipus).
Vet Pathol 46:1221–1229 (2009). On immunohistochemical examination,
6 of 6 of the cases (100%) stained positively for chromogranin A,
synaptophysin, N-CAM (or CD56), and protein gene product 9.5. None of the
cases stained for glial fibrillary acidic protein.

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Re-evaluation of Kidney Histopathology from 13-Week Toxicity and

Two-Year Carcinogenicity Studies of Melamine in the F344 Rat:
Morphologic Evidence of Retrograde Nephropathy. Vet Pathol
46:1248–1257 (2009) DOI: 10.1354/vp.08-VP-0317-F-FL. tubule dilatation
and tubule basophilia, fibrotic scars, in which tubule loss and collagen
deposition were prominent, --ascending form of nephropathy. The term
retrograde nephropathy is considered to be the appropriate nomenclature
for both the acute and chronic lesions. It can be speculated that melamine
precipitation in the lower urinary tract created pressure effects through
transient obstruction leading to the renal changes. These changes were
different from those involved in a major US outbreak of renal disease and
death in cats and dogs associated with triazine-contaminated pet food, in
which crystalluria from insoluble melamine/cyanuric acid complexes
occurred in the kidney. However, the rat findings may be relevant to
melamine-associated kidney disease recently reported in infants in China

The Experimental Induction of Leukoencephalomyelopathy in Cats.

Vet Pathol 46:1258–1269 (2009). Leukoencephalomyelopathy of
undetermined etiology has been described in specific pathogen-free cats. A
study was established to assess if the long-term feeding of a gamma-
irradiated diet could induce this disease. The elevated total antioxidant
status of spinal cord segments and hepatic superoxide dismutase
concentration of cats fed typical and high-end treated diets suggested free-
radical involvement in the pathogenesis. The significantly elevated peroxide
concentrations of the irradiated diets (1,040% and 6,440% of untreated
values) may have resulted in increased oxidative insult, a factor possibly
exacerbated by the treated diets’ reduced vitamin A content. This study has
reproduced leukoencephalomyelopathy in cats similar to spontaneous
outbreaks by feeding a gamma-irradiated dry diet with elevated peroxide
and reduced vitamin A concentrations.

Influence of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Genotypes on the

Prognosis of Canine Mammary Tumors. Vet Pathol 46:1270–1274
(2009. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an important enzyme
involved in inactivation of catechol estrogens, which are metabolites with
carcinogenic properties. Some investigations in human breast cancer
associate a genetic polymorphism in the COMT gene (COMT val158met) with
an increased risk and poor clinical progression of the disease.

Cox-2 Expression in Canine Mammary Carcinomas: Correlation with

Angiogenesis and Overall Survival. Vet Pathol 46:1275–1280 (2009).
Prostaglandin E2, the catalytic product of Cox-2, may promote tumor
development and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is essential for the growth and
metastasis of major solid tumors and has been correlated with prognosis in
human and canine breast cancer. Cox-2 protein expression correlated
positively with CD31 staining. Increased microvessel density and increased
Cox-2 expression were related to worse prognosis and shorter overall
survival. This suggests that Cox-2 inhibitors could be an alternative for the
treatment and control of advanced neoplastic mammary disease in female
dogs.

Comparative Skeletal Muscle Histopathologic and Ultrastructural

Features in Two Forms of Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy in
Horses. Vet Pathol 46:1281–1291 (2009). A dominant mutation in the
glycogen synthase 1 gene (GYS1) accounts for a substantial proportion of
PSSM cases in at least 17 breeds, including Quarter Horses, but some horses
diagnosed with PSSM by muscle histopathologic analysis are negative for the
mutation. Abnormal polysaccharide was fine granular or homogenous in
appearance (49/53; 92%), often amylase-sensitive (28/53; 53%), more
commonly located under the sarcolemma, and consisting of b glycogen
particles in GYS1-negative horses. However, in GYS1-positive horses,
abnormal polysaccharide was usually coarse granular (50/52; 96%),
amylase-resistant (51/52; 98%), more commonly cytoplasmic, and consisting
of b glycogen particles or, in some myofibers, filamentous material
surrounded by b glycogen particles. We concluded that 2 forms of PSSM exist
and often have distinctive abnormal polysaccharide. However, because
evaluation of the histologic appearance of polysaccharide can be subjective
and affected by age, the gold standard for diagnosis of PSSM at present
would appear to be testing for the GYS1 mutation followed by evaluating
muscle biopsy for characteristic abnormal polysaccharide in those horses
that are negative for the mutation.

Pro-inflammatory, Pleiotropic, and Anti-inflammatory TNF-a, IL-6,

and IL-10 in Experimental Porcine Intervertebral Disk Degeneration.
Vet Pathol 46:1292–1300 (2009). TNF-a and IL-10 are involved in the late
reparatory phases of the experimental disk lesion. Use of an experimental
model showed that strictly disk-directed manipulation and degeneration are
also reflected in the contiguous vertebrae, including adjoining cartilage,
bone, marrow, and ligaments.
Diagnostic Exercise: Sudden Death in a Mouse with Experimentally
Induced Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Vet Pathol 46:1301–1305 (2009).
Histologic analysis confirmed the mouse as being affected by a progressive
myeloid leukemia, with infiltration of the spleen, bone marrow, liver, kidneys,
and lungs. Variably sized intravascular clumps (emboli) of dense basophilic
material admixed with necrotic or lytic neoplastic cells were also observed in
multiple organs. A positive reaction to Feulgen and Hoechst stain confirmed
the high content in chromatin of these basophilic emboli. Cleaved caspase-3
activity was demonstrated both in the leukemic infiltrates and among the
intravascular necrotic or lytic neoplastic cells accompanying the basophilic
emboli. A diagnosis of acute tumor lysis syndrome related to therapy-
induced massive necrosis and/or apoptosis of leukemic cells with subsequent
dissemination of emboli of chromatin was proposed.