Cytopathological diagnostic in canine lymphoma

Lymphomas are tumors that may be frequently diagnosed in dogs. The main suspicion for this neoplasic disease arises when lymphnodes become enlarged without the existence of any obvious antigenic stimulation. Fine needle aspiration from enlarged lymphnodes with the preparation of cytological slides allows for an early and relatively precise diagnostic in lymphoma cases. We used this technique, along with the May Grunwald Giemsa staining method to search for cytological and nuclear abnormalities that might indicate the evolution of a lymphoma in dogs that presented with enlarged lymphnodes. We found a constant mixture of medium sized and large lymphocytes, multinucleated cells, anisokaryosis, various nuclear shapes (multiple indentations), multiple visible nucleoli, variable cytoplasmic/nuclear ratios and cytoplasmatic chromatic properties (basophilia, light basophilia). Also, the mitotic index measured per 5 HPF fields (x400) was sometimes a strong indicative of malignancy. All of the cases diagnosed with lymphoma based on cytopathological examination were later confirmed through histopathological examination. This suggests that this simple and fast technique that is applicable also in small animal practices may be used to diagnose lymphomas in dogs with a relative high accuracy

A case of mixed granulomatous inflammation in a turkey hen

Granulomatous inflammation may be caused in birds either by various infectious diseases (with the formation of Langhans type giant cells) or by the presence in different tissues and organs of foreign bodies (with the formation of Muller type giant cells), the most common being uric acid crystals in gout. We examined the cadaver of a two year old turkey hen that had multiple yellowish-white nodular formations located in the liver. Histopathological examination showed that these were formed mainly through an infectious type granulomatous inflammation caused by a chronic colibacillosis with the presence of bacterial colonies and necrotic debris in the center and Langhans giant cells with foamy cytoplasm. The liver also had early stage foreign body granulomas caused by the precipitation of uric acid crystals in the parenchyma. We were then able to establish that the bird suffered from both coligranulomatosis and also visceral gout, as a consequence of improper microclimate and feeding parameters. It is uncommon to find both types of granulomatous inflammations in the same patient or even in the same organ. The tophy gout had not yet started to form Muller type giant cells, but still, the architecture of the granulomas was clear enough to be compared to the adiacent infectious type one

Malignancy – aspects to consider in histopathological diagnosis

The histopathological exam is the most important tool when formulating a diagnosis in tumoral diseases. When we consider the examination of a tumor, the prognosis of the disease often depends of the character of that neoplasia (benign or malignant). To properly evaluate the future behavior of a neoplasia means to carefully observe and characterize several specific features. An abnormal differentiation degree of the cells can sometimes determine the presence of abnormal, monstruous cells, with little homogeneity between tumoral cells and a high rate of anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, anisonucleoliosis, multiple nuclei and various types of indentations or expansions of the structures of the cells. The mitotic index is another factor to take into consideration. A high mitotic index will always indicate a malignancy, and if it is associated with abnormal mitotic figures, the severity of the disease is even worse. Along with a multitude of other factors that need to be evaluated when establishing a diagnosis, from a histopathological point of view, the two mentioned criteria are the ones that need the most attention

Immune mediated glomerulonephritis (immune GN) – a literature review

The kidney is often the target of many aggressions of extra-renal origin. Its structure and function make it vulnerable and part-taking to the pathological changes than develop inside the living organism. The increased blood presure inside the glomerular capillaries, its purpose in ultrafiltration and the negatively charged glycoproteins from the structure of the glomerular filtration barrier participate in increasing the sensitivity to the toxic action of exogenous or endogenous circulating substances. Based on their pathogenesis, immune mediated glomerulonephritis may be divided into two categories: 1. glomerulonephritis caused by immune complexes deposited inside the glomerulus; 2. glomerulonephritis caused by anti-basal membrane antibodies

Performing a renal biopsy in dogs

Performing a renal biopsy has its reasons in establishing a specific diagnosis, evaluating the severity of the renal lesions and establishing an etiological treatment. Kidney diseases have a high incidence rate in dogs and cats. In order to make a differential diagnosis of a chronic or acute renal insufficiency or of a glomerular lesion , the anamnesis, clinical examination and lab results are not always enough. Renal biopsy is always necessary to establish the degree of severity, a definitive diagnostic and a treatment plan. The succes of the treatment is related to knowing the type and extension of the lesion. The literature indicates that the risks and complications that follow a renal biopsy are extremely low. Still, how we choose the patient and the proper technique may considerably decrease the risk and increase the succes rate of the biopsy. In the final stages of kidney disease, assesed through clinical and laboratory exams, renal biopsy is useless. In the less advanced stages the diagnosis offered by a histopathological examination of the biopsy fragment may proove to be an important factor in achieving a succesfull treatment of the glomerular illness in both dogs and cats. The studies that have approached this subject show that kidney biopsy performed in patients that suffer from a chronic renal insufficiency are not recommended, due to the fact that the risks are higher

Inguinal herniated pregnant uterus in a 3years old common breed bitch. A case study

A 3 years old bitch was admitted with an inguinal mass. The ultrasound exam determined that the mass contained one live fetus and another 2 hyperechoic areas that surrounded one hypoechoic area each. We made an incision on the mass and found both uterine horns herniated through the left inguinal ring. We decided to perform ovariohysterectomy through the inguinal ring and after we did herniorrhaphy. The bitch recovered in a few days

The quality of life after a major surgical intervention: mandibulectomy

The tumours localised on the mandibular bone are one of the patologies with a serious prognosis, difficult to approach for the veterinary cliniciens and to accept by the owners. The treatment of choice for most of the cases is the surgical one. The surgical technique varies depending on the portion that has to be removed. For the cliniciens, this intervention represents a challenge requiring solid knowledge of anatomy and possession of a numerous and diverse instruments. For the owners, the decision to choose the surgical solution is difficult to make, the main threats being the change of the animal´s facial aspect after the intervention and the fear that their quality of life will be affected. However, the results are the most time satisfactorily: the pacients not only live for many years after, but they get used very fast to make the prehention of food and to swallow, living a normal life. The only aspect that cannot be controlled is the risk of a recurrence

Macroendoscopical and histopathological aspects in Helicobacter pylori gastroenteritis in dogs– case report

In current veterinary medical practice, more clinical and imaging investigations are needed to fully assess a patient with digestive symptoms. In this case, the anamnesis and patient history are the starting points in staging a diagnosis. Questions with uncertain answers lead to laboratory tests – blood count and blood biochemistry. The etiologic diversity in digestive pathologies implies these blood tests to exclude some of the diseases. X-ray and ultrasound examinations are the next steps to follow; these are diagnosis methods that precede the endoscopic examination. After the macroendoscopic evaluation of the digestive tract, biopsy samples must be taken for the Helicobacter pylori quick test (Figure 1). Histological examination of the biopsy samples taken from canine patients, which were positive for Helicobacter pylori, can reveal another lesions in the digestive tract; in this moment a treatment can be initiated to reduce or even to abolish the simptomatology