Chromatoforoma's bij reptielen

Tumors of the pigment cells or chromatophores in reptiles are classified as melanophoromas, iridophoromas, xanthophoromas, erythrophoromas or mixed type chromatophoromas based on the predominant type of pigment, and constitute a relatively common neoplastic disorder in captive reptiles. Especially melanophoromas and iridophoromas are frequently observed. The diagnosis of chromatophoromas is usually made through histological examination. The use of immunohistochemistry or electron microscopy may be required to discriminate the different types of chromatophoromas. Whenever possible, complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Due to the distinct malignancy and tendency to metastasize, the prognosis of cutaneous chromatophoromas in reptiles is generally guarded. Consequently, an early and correct diagnosis of these neoplastic disorders in reptiles is vital. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the occurrence, the performance, the pathogenesis and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of chromatophoromas in reptiles with emphasis on melano- and iridophoromas

Persistent goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus infection on a Belgian goose farm

Goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV) is the causative agent of hemorrhagic nephritis enteritis of geese (HNEG), one of the major diseases of domestic geese in Europe. This case report describes a persistent outbreak of a GHPV infection on a Belgian goose farm. Clinical symptoms, necropsy lesions, and histopathologic lesions observed were compatible with previous reports of HNEG outbreaks. PCR analysis confirmed the diagnosis of GHPV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an outbreak of a GHPV infection on a Belgian goose farm. This is evidence that GHPV is not only present in countries known for extensive waterfowl production, but disease outbreaks also occur in countries with less extensive goose production

Haemangiosarcoma in a captive Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)

A 2.7-year-old male captive Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) died unexpectedly without preceding symptoms. Gross necropsy revealed liver and lung tumours, which proved to be haemangiosarcomas by histopathology. Some of the liver tumours were ruptured, leading to massive intra-abdominal haemorrhage and death. Haemangiosarcomas are rare in domestic and exotic felids, occurring in skin, thoracic-abdominal cavity and bones. Although these tumours mainly appear to be occurring in older cats, they are sometimes observed in younger animals, as in the present case. This is the first description of haemangiosarcoma in a young Asiatic lion

Computed tomographic characteristics of a spinal epidural hemangiosarcoma in a young dog

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Mycobacterieel conjunctivaal granuloom bij een Chinese zaagbekeend (Mergus squamatus)

A five-year-old, female scaly-sided merganser was presented with a chronic recurrent conjunctivitis of the left eye. Physical examination showed a caseous nodular lesion at the palpebral conjunctiva associated with excessive tearing. Necropsy revealed caseous necrotic debris at the left conjunctiva and infra-orbital sinus, but also multiple granuloma in several internal organs. Histological examination showed granulomatous splenitis, hepatitis, arteritis, fibrinonecrotic enteritis and conjunctivitis, and also amyloidosis of liver and spleen. Bacterial and molecular tests of a conjunctival swab in the live animal showed the presence of a multiresistant Escherichia coli strain and Chlamydia psittaci, respectively. These bacteria had only a secondary pathogenic role. No premortem cytological examination or Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining of the histological section of the conjunctiva biopt or additional tests, such as blood test and radiographs, were performed. Finally, a Mycobacterium avium infection of the conjunctiva and internal organs was confirmed following necropsy by ZN staining and PCR analysis. Local and systemic antimicrobial treatments with fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides were unsuccessful

Botpathologie bij apen van de Nieuwe en Oude Wereld

Primates are frequently used lab animals in biomedical research, due to their close relationship to humans. Especially, the genus Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset) and the genus Macaca mulatto (rhesus monkey) are commonly used in scientific research. In this article, a systematic overview is given of the main bone pathologies of primates. Bone pathologies may occur spontaneously, but can also be induced experimentally for research into human diseases. Knowledge about these pathologies is not only important for the prevention and treatment of human and primate bone diseases, it also contributes to choosing the correct animal models. The historically most important bone pathologies belong to the group of metabolic disorders, among which rickets/osteomalacia and osteoporosis are the best known. Congenital disorders, developmental pathologies, intoxications and deficiencies with effects on the skeleton are also discussed. Finally, bone tumors are described, which do not occur frequently, but which should not be neglected

Pheochromocytoma in a horse with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

A twenty-four-year-old mare, which had been examined seven years earlier for mitral valve regurgitation and mild left sided cardiomegaly, was presented with tachycardia, profuse sweating and muscle fasciculations. Blood examination revealed an increased packed cell volume, meta-bolic acidosis, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia and increased cardiac troponin I concentration. ECG revealed ventricular premature beats and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia followed by polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with R-on-T phenomenon. The horse was treated immediately with hypertonic solution followed by isotonic solution and calcium, but the general condition deteriorated within forty-five minutes after arrival. The horse was euthanized due to poor prognosis. On necropsy, a pheochromocytoma of the left adrenal gland was found. Although this horse had undergone a cardiovascular examination seven and one year prior to the onset of the clinical signs, no indications for a neoplastic process or symptoms of a pheochromocytoma were found at that time. Early diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is based on catecholamine mediated cardiovascular effects, blood examination, blood pressure measurement, rectal palpation and rectal ultrasound of the adrenal gland. Based on a retrospective analysis of echocardiographic images and measurements, no predisposing factors were found. In this article, the importance of including pheochromocytoma as a differential diagnosis is highlighted, especially in older horses with acute polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, sweating, muscle tremors and signs of acute abdominal pain