Diagnosis and histopathologic prognostication of canine melanocytic neoplasms: A consensus of the Oncology-Pathology Working Group

One of the primary objectives of the Oncology Pathology Working Group (OPWG) is for oncologists and pathologists to collaboratively generate consensus documents to standardize aspects of and provide guidelines for veterinary oncologic pathology. Consensus is established through review of relevant peer-reviewed literature relative to a subgroup's particular focus. In this article, the authors provide a critical review of the current literature for the diagnosis of, and histopathologic prognostication for, canine cutaneous and oral/lip melanocytic neoplasms, suggest guidelines for reporting, provide recommendations for clinical interpretation, and discuss future directions. This document represents the opinions of the working group and the authors and does not constitute a formal endorsement by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine or the Veterinary Cancer Society

Correlation of HAS2-associated gene duplications with biological aggressiveness of mast cell tumors in Chinese Shar-Pei dogs

2013 Fall.Includes bibliographical references.Cutaneous mucinosis in Shar-Pei dogs is the result of excessive dermal hyaluronan, a protein associated with angiogenesis and tumor cell motility in multiple human and canine neoplasms. Cutaneous mucinosis in Shar-Pei has been associated with gene duplications upstream of the hyaluronic acid synthase 2 gene (HAS2). The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between HAS2, cutaneous mucinosis, and features of mast cell tumor (MCT) aggressiveness in Shar-Pei dogs. Biopsies of cutaneous MCTs from 149 Shar-Pei and 100 non-Shar-Pei were graded according to two schemes for canine cutaneous MCTs. Biopsies of the Shar-Pei MCTs were also evaluated for degree of cutaneous mucinosis, depth of invasion, and microvessel density (MVD). Shar-Pei and non-Shar-Pei MCTs were evaluated via qPCR for relative copy number of the gene duplication upstream of HAS2. The proportion of grade III tumors was significantly higher in Shar-Pei than the general canine population (p=1.044e-11), with no difference in average age at diagnosis. Shar-Pei biopsies had significantly higher HAS2-associated gene segment duplications than non-Shar-Pei (p=1.128e-11), and copy number was significantly associated with the development of grade III tumors (p=0.0077), mitotic index > or = 7 (p=0.022), and tumoral MVD (p<0.05). Relative copy number was not significantly associated with the degree of cutaneous mucinosis or depth of invasion. Our data suggest a relationship between HAS2 gene duplications and features of MCT aggressiveness in Shar-Pei dogs

Vaccination of Elk (Cervus canadensis) with Brucella abortus Strain RB51 Overexpressing Superoxide Dismutase and Glycosyltransferase Genes Does Not Induce Adequate Protection against Experimental Brucella abortus Challenge

In recent years, elk (Cervus canadensis) have been implicated as the source of Brucella abortus infection for numerous cattle herds in the Greater Yellowstone Area. In the face of environmental and ecological changes on the landscape, the range of infected elk is expanding. Consequently, the development of effective disease management strategies for wild elk herds is of utmost importance, not only for the prevention of reintroduction of brucellosis to cattle, but also for the overall health of the Greater Yellowstone Area elk populations. In two studies, we evaluated the efficacy of B. abortus strain RB51 over-expressing superoxide dismutase and glycosytransferase for protecting elk from infection and disease caused by B. abortus after experimental infection with a virulent B. abortus strain. Our data indicate that the recombinant vaccine does not protect elk against brucellosis. Further work is needed for development of an effective brucellosis vaccine for use in el

Diagnosis and histopathologic prognostication of canine melanocytic neoplasms: A consensus of the Oncology‐Pathology Working Group

One of the primary objectives of the Oncology Pathology Working Group (OPWG) is for oncologists and pathologists to collaboratively generate consensus documents to standardize aspects of and provide guidelines for veterinary oncologic pathology. Consensus is established through review of relevant peer-reviewed literature relative to a subgroup's particular focus. In this article, the authors provide a critical review of the current literature for the diagnosis of, and histopathologic prognostication for, canine cutaneous and oral/lip melanocytic neoplasms, suggest guidelines for reporting, provide recommendations for clinical interpretation, and discuss future directions. This document represents the opinions of the working group and the authors and does not constitute a formal endorsement by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine or the Veterinary Cancer Society