Multiple Myeloma in a Feline

Background: Multiple myelomas (MM) are malignant neoplasms originating in the bone marrow plasmacytes, and are characterized by the presence of persistent hyperglobulinemia. Although they are rarely found in domestic animals, the canine species is most affected. In felines, they represent less than 1% of hematopoietic neoplasms, and mainly occur in older animals aged 10-12 years. The aim of the present study was to report a case of multiple myeloma, with extramedullary plasmocytosis in a feline.Case: A 3-year-old feline, female, mixed breed, with a history of apathy, anorexia, halitosis, and vomiting was referred to the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel). Oral examination revealed a cyanotic oral mucosa and ulcerative lesions on the gingiva. The necropsy showed generalized lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, and hemorrhagic diathesis. Organ fragments were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. After 48 h, the samples were cleaved, embedded in paraffin, and stained using the routine hematoxylin and eosin technique. Selected sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the streptavidin-biotin method. The CD79a, CD138, CD3, and MUM1 antibodies were used. Histopathological evaluation of the bone marrow revealed hypercellularity with predominant round pleomorphic cells (90%), which presented an eccentric basophilic nucleus and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. The same neoplastic cells infiltrated the gingival mucosa, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. The IHC showed positive immunostaining for MUM1 and CD138 antibodies.Discussion: The diagnosis of MM in the present study was based on histopathology and by IHC. According to the literature, the presence of neoplastic plasmocytes in the bone marrow (>20%), osteolytic lesions, monoclonal gammopathy, and Bence-Jones proteinuria should be investigated in suspected MM cases. The presence of two or more of these characteristics is necessary for confirmed diagnosis. However, studies show that only 50% of felines with MM have two or more of these characteristics, with cell morphology and neoplastic infiltration in other organs being important parameters for the definitive diagnosis of MM in them. For MM diagnosis by IHC, CD79a, CD138, and MUM1 can be used. In this report, there was positive immunostaining for MUM1 and CD138, which allowed the exclusion of other neoplasms of hematopoietic origins. The origin of MM is unknown, but chronic immune stimulation is believed to be involved in humans. In felines, although infection by the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia (FeLV) is commonly associated with the occurrence of lymphomas, the same is not described for MM. This was corroborated in the present study, since the animal in this report tested negative for FIV and FeLV. In cats, MM has no apparent predilection for race or sex, and mainly affects older animals (average age, 10 years). Although MM is rare, it has been described not only in this case, but also in young cats. The infiltration of neoplastic plasmacytes in the extramedullary tissues (extramedullary plasmacytosis) is observed more frequently in felines than in canines, and mainly occurs in the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. In this case, there was disseminated extramedullary plasmacytosis involving multiple organs, such as the brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys. Persistent hyperglobulinemia is the main clinical manifestation of MM observed in 87.7% of cats with this neoplasm. However, this variation can also be observed in other pathologies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, B cell lymphoma, primary macroglobulinemia, and chronic infections (e.g., ehrlichiosis, leishmaniasis, and heartworm disease). Hence, MM should always be considered as differential diagnosis when diagnosing the aforementioned diseases

Mediastinal Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma in a Canine with Pulmonary and Cerebral Metastasis

Background: Extraskeletal osteosarcoma (EOS), a rare variant of osteosarcoma (OS), is a malignant neoplasm that develops in soft tissues without primary bone involvement. This study aims to describe a case of EOS with a mediastinal location in a canine.Case: A 10-year-old male, Uruguayan, Cimarron dog was presented to the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD/FV/UFPel) for necropsy. The dog had a history of submandibular swelling, progressive hind limb paralysis, muscle atrophy, and breathing difficulties. During necropsy, in the thoracic cavity, approximately 900 mL of serosanguinous exudate and a reddish-brown, bossed mediastinal mass measuring 15.0 cm in the longest axis were also noted. The lung exhibited multifocal to coalescent, white, firm nodules extending from the pleura to the parenchyma and measuring up to 4.5 cm in diameter. In the parietal and occipital region of the brain, a matte wine mass measuring 2.3 cm in the longest axis was observed. Fragments of the neoplastic mass, organs of the abdominal and thoracic cavities, and the brain were harvested and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. After 48 h, the samples were routinely processed, incorporated in paraffin, cut into 3 µm-thick sections, and stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE). Selected sections of the neoplasm, the lung, and the brain were subjected to Von Kossa staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. For IHC, primary anti-cytokeratin monoclonal antibodies (clone AE1 / AE3, BioCare Medical) at a 1:100 dilution, vimentin (clone V9, BioCare Medical) at a 1:100 dilution, S100 Protein (clone 15E2E2, BioCare Medical) at a 1:100 dilution, and Ki67 (SP6 clone, BioCare Medical) at a 1:50 dilution were used. Immunostaining was visualized using 3-3' diaminabenzidine (DAB). Histological evaluation of the mediastinal mass, the pulmonary nodules, and the central nervous system among polygonal mesenchymal cells was conducted. Marked pleomorphism with euchromatic, rounded to oval nuclei, evident nucleoli, and poorly delimited eosinophilic cytoplasm. Neoplastic cells were arranged in nests and bundles with an invasive growth pattern. Osteoid and bone matrix formation as well as multinucleated giant cells of the osteoclast type were observed. The bone matrix was better evidenced in Von Kossa staining. IHC in all analyzed sections of the neoplastic cells showed positive immunostaining for Vimentin and Ki67. In the sections incubated with anti-cytokeratin and S100 protein antibodies showed no presence of neoplastic cells.Discussion: The diagnosis of EOS was based on the absence of primary bone lesions during microscopic necroscopy and on the exclusion of other histogenetic origins using IHC. The absence of primary bone lesions was the main attribute that differentiates EOS from other variants osteosarcomas, such as central/medullary and surface OS (periosteal and paraosteal) most frequently in canine species. The origin of EOS is uncertain. However, its occurrence has been originated with in pluripotent cells or previous injuries, such as retention of surgical sponges and vaccination sites. In this case, since the animal had no clinical history of injuries or surgical procedures that could induce the formation of a mediastinal neoplasm, the probable origin of the neoplasm was pluripotent cells. In dogs, EOS occurs mainly in the mammary glands, digestive system, liver, spleen, and subcutaneous tissue. Furthermore, the mediastinal location observed in this study was described only in goats. The clinical signs are nonspecific and varies with the location of the tumor, as observed in the present report. EOS may also present mediastinal location in the canine species. Necropsy, histopathological examination, and IHC were essential to establish the diagnosis of this OS variant

Histomoníase em galinhas (Gallus gallus domesticus) de criações coloniais no sul do Brasil

Relata-se a ocorrência de histomoníase em galinhas domésticas (Gallus gallus domesticus) de criações coloniais no sul do Brasil. Os casos ocorreram em duas propriedades, localizadas nos municípios de Santa Vitória do Palmar (propriedade 1) e Pelotas (propriedade 2). As aves afetadas, em ambas as propriedades, eram jovens e apresentaram emagrecimento, apatia e anorexia com taxa de mortalidade de aproximadamente 35% nos plantéis. Na propriedade 1, de um total de 35 aves, 12 apresentaram sinais clínicos evoluindo para morte, já na propriedade 2, de um total de 19 aves, 7 tiveram sinais clínicos e morreram. Na necropsia das aves, foram observados na superfície capsular e parênquima hepático nódulos branco-amarelados, multifocais a coalescentes, por vezes, com área central deprimida e circundados por halo pálido medindo até 2,0 mm. O ceco estava dilatado, com lesões elevadas, amareladas e multifocais, estendendo-se da mucosa à serosa, exibindo ainda com parede espessada contendo material caseoso na luz do órgão. Microscopicamente observou-se hepatite e tiflite piogranulomatosa necrosante com numerosos trofozoítos de Histomonas meleagridis intralesionais. O diagnóstico de histomoníase foi confirmado através dos achados macroscópicos e histopatológicos. Destaca-se a ocorrência de histomoníase como causa de mortalidade em aves de criação colonial na região sul do Brasil

RAIVA PARALÍTICA EM SUÍNO NO RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Rabies is a potentially zoonotic infectious disease with worldwide distribution that affects domestic, wild and human mammals. In South America, paralytic rabies occurs in the form of cyclic outbreaks and is transmitted by hematophagous bats, mainly Desmodus rotundus. It is a disease responsible for economic losses in livestock, besides of presenting importance to public health. This paper aims to report a case of swine rabies diagnosed at the Laboratório Regional de Diagnostico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas. The case occurred in a property located in the county of Capão do Leão in a female pig, two-year-old, undefined breed, raised in a semi-extensive regime. According to the owner, the animal presented apathy, anorexia, progressive paralysis and lateral decubitus. Due to the evolution of the clinical condition, euthanasia was performed. At necropsy no significant lesions were observed. Histopathological examination of the brain showed non-suppurative meningoencephalitis, perivascular cuff of lymphocytes and rare eosinophils, as well as satelitosis and gliosis. Brain and spinal cord fragments were submitted to Direct Immunofluorescence and biological tests, confirming the diagnosis of rabies.A raiva é uma doença infecciosa, potencialmente zoonótica, de distribuição mundial que afeta mamíferos domésticos, silvestres e humanos. Na América do Sul a raiva paralítica ocorre na forma de surtos cíclicos e é transmitida por morcegos hematófagos, principalmente o Desmodus rotundus. É uma doença responsável por prejuízos econômicos na pecuária, além de apresentar importância para a saúde pública. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de raiva suína diagnosticado no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, da Faculdade de Veterinária, da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. O caso ocorreu em uma propriedade localizada no município do Capão do Leão em um suíno, fêmea, sem raça definida, de dois anos de idade, criada em regime semiextensivo. Segundo o proprietário o animal apresentou apatia, anorexia, paralisia progressiva e decúbito lateral. Devido a evolução do quadro clínico foi realizada a eutanásia. Na necropsia não foram observadas lesões significativas. No exame histopatológico do encéfalo observou-se meningoencefalite não supurativa, manguito perivascular de linfócitos e raros eosinófilos, além de satelitose e gliose. Fragmentos do encéfalo e medula foram submetidos ao exame de Imunofluorescência Direta e prova biológica, confirmando o diagnóstico de raiva

Aneurysm in the Distal Portion of the Extern Jugular Vein in a Horse

Background: Aneurysm is a vascular disease that causes the partial rupture of arteries and veins and subsequent blood leakage due to the weakening of the vessels elastic middle layer. Venous aneurysms in horses are rare, but the arterial aneurysms are commonly reported. The aim of this paper is to report a rare occurrence of jugular external aneurysm in a horse and propose the inclusion this disease as a differential diagnosis, both because it is rare in this specie and invariably fatal. The medical examination showed a firm well-defined mass, painless, nonpulsatile on palpation and with no changed in the local temperature.Case: The horse was referred to the Veterinarian Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel, RS-Brazil. It was a male, Crioulo breed, 10 years old, used as stallion. The owner reported a swelling in the pectoral region that occurred after a trauma episode that had gradually grown for two years. The patient was clinically stable, and would undergo surgery extirpation for aesthetic matters. Clinical examination showed the swelling was circumscribed and centralized and it presented about 20 centimeters in diameter. The ultrasound of the pectoral area showed an anechoic structure with hyperechoic spots inside limited by an hyperechoic layer similar to a fibrous capsule. Presumptive diagnostics were of: hematoma, subcutaneous abscess, neoplasia, and possible vascular involvement. The use of conventional ultrasound was not enough to set the diagnosis, and the patient was referred to surgical exploration, where the procedures of isolation and anastomosis were performed, however rupture occurred and the patient died. Necropsy revealed sacculation of the ventral region of the neck next to the entrance of the thorax, and the involvement of the external right jugular vein, being the adjacent muscle tissue not involved. Histopathological evaluation showed intense proliferation of sub-endothelial fibrous tissue which infiltrated the tunica media and adventitia and a mild inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes and histiocytes, which was diagnosed as an aneurysm of the right external jugular vein.Discussion: The reported patient had a venous aneurysm located superficially, which may have contributed to the absence of symptoms. The ultrasound is a diagnostic method available to most veterinarians nowadays, mainly in the countryside. However, when it is used in the diagnosis of an aneurysm it displays a dilatation with anechoic content, which is com­mon to several other skin diseases. A similar ultrasound image was observed in the case reported, but the diagnosis was difficult because the aneurysm presented intense proliferation of fibrous tissue infiltrated in the media and adventitia of the vascular wall, similar to a capsule of fibrous tissue, which lead to the presumptive diagnostics of hematoma, abscess and neoplasia, with possible vascular involvement. The options for the treatment of the aneurysms consider the location, size and extent of them and it determines the choice between clinical observation and surgery. In veterinary medicine it is difficult to keep the animals still and in the case of a horse, any movement can lead to the spontaneous rupture of the aneurism. Considering the risk of spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage, the surgical resolution, even if risky, emerges as the most suitable treatment. Venous aneurysms although rare, need to be included as a differential diagnosis in skin diseases along with increased volume, as hematomas, abscesses and tumors. The prognosis, however, is poor because of the surgical limitations and risks of imminent rupture in the clinical treatment.Keywords: venous aneurysm, differential diagnosis, equine

MIELOLIPOMA ESPLÊNICO FELINO

Myelolipomas are benign neoplasms of adipose cells that contain hematopoietic elements, considered infrequent and difficult to diagnose. The following paper reports a case of splenic myelolipoma diagnosed in a feline in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul. The patient was referred for care at a veterinary clinic but died. Macroscopically, a nodule measuring 2.0 cm in diameter was observed in the spleen, with a cut surface that was lighter in color than the organ and soft in consistency. Histologically, there was proliferation of mature and well-differentiated adipose tissue, with cells of round to oval shapes, with small and peripheral nuclei, together with a large number of hematopoietic cells consisting of megakaryocytes, mature erythrocytes, in addition to macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. These cellular components were also visualized in other organs, namely the pancreas, kidneys, liver and heart, characterizing the neoplasm. There are few descriptions of splenic myelolipoma in felines in the literature. In Brazil there is a description of this neoplasm in the spleen only in canines. Despite being a benign neoplasm, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pathologies that affect the lymphoid system.Os mielolipomas são neoplasias benignas de células adiposas que contêm elementos hematopoiéticos, consideradas infrequentes e de difícil diagnóstico. O seguinte trabalho relata um caso de mielolipoma esplênico diagnosticado em um felino na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. A paciente foi encaminhada para atendimento em uma clínica veterinária, porém ocorreu o óbito. Na necropsia foi observado um nódulo no baço, medindo 2,0cm de diâmetro, com superfície de corte de coloração mais clara que o órgão e de consistência macia. Histologicamente havia proliferação de tecido adiposo maduro e bem diferenciado, com células de formatos redondos a ovais, com núcleos pequenos e periféricos junto à grande quantidade de células hematopoiéticas constituídas por megacariócitos, eritrócitos maduros, além de macrófagos, linfócitos e plasmócitos. Estes componentes celulares foram visualizados, também, em outros órgãos, sendo eles: o pâncreas, rins, fígado e coração, caracterizando a neoplasia. Há poucas descrições de mielolipoma esplênico em felinos na literatura. No Brasil há descrição desta neoplasia no baço somente em caninos. Apesar de se tratar de uma neoplasia de caráter benigno, ela deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de patologias que acometem o sistema linfóide

Chronic cardiomyopathy and encephalic spongy changes in sheep experimentally fed Ateleia glazioviana Miocardiopatia crônica e degeneração esponjosa do encéfalo em ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Ateleia glazioviana

Fifteen mature crossbred sheep were fed different daily amounts (2.5-35g kg-1 bw) of the fresh green leaves of Ateleia glazioviana for different periods of time (1-24 days). One sheep was not fed the plant and served as a control. All 16 sheep were euthanatized at different stages of the experiment, necropsied, and several organs, including heart and brain were evaluated histologically. Samples of five brain regions from three affected sheep were evaluated by electron microscopy. Clinical signs observed in three sheep included depression, anorexia, general weakness, staggering gait and prolonged recumbency. One sheep had signs of congestive heart failure. Necropsy findings included subcutaneous dependent edema and edema of the body cavities in two sheep and nutmeg liver in one. Histopathological findings included degeneration, necrosis and interstitial fibrosis in the myocardium of four sheep and vacuolation of cerebral white matter (spongy degeneration, status spongiosus) in 10 sheep, although this latter change were marked only in two of those 10. The ultrastructure of the brain lesion was morphologically consistent with that found in diseases grouped as spongiform myelinopathies in which vacuolation of the myelin occurs in the absence of significant myelin breakdown or phagocytosis. The morphology and pathogenesis of the chronic cardiomyopathy and of the cerebral spongy degeneration in affected sheep in this experiment are discussed and compared with other similar conditions in domestic ruminants.Quinze ovinos mestiços adultos receberam quantidades variáveis (2,5-35g kg-1 pv), por via oral, das folhas verdes frescas de Ateleia glazioviana durante períodos de tempo que variaram de 1 a 24 dias. Um ovino não recebeu a planta e serviu como controle. Todos os 16 ovinos foram submetidos à eutanásia em diferentes estágios do experimento, necropsiados, e vários órgãos, incluindo coração e encéfalo, foram avaliados histologicamente. Fragmentos de cinco regiões do encéfalo de três ovinos afetados foram avaliados por microscopia eletrônica. Sinais clínicos observados em três ovinos incluíam depressão, anorexia, fraqueza geral, andar vacilante e decúbito prolongado. Um ovino apresentou sinais de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva. Achados de necropsia incluíram edema subcutâneo de declive e das cavidades orgânicas em dois ovinos e fígado de noz-moscada em umdeles. Achados histopatológicos incluíram necrose e fibrose intersticial no miocárdio de quatro ovinos e vacuolização da substância branca (degeneração esponjosa, status spongiosus) em 10 ovinos, embora essa última alteração fosse acentuada em apenas dois ovinos. A ultra-estrutura das lesões encefálicas foi morfologicamente consistente com o que é descrito em um grupo de doenças conhecidas como mielinopatias espongiformes nas quais a vacuolização da mielina ocorre na ausência de degradação significativa da mielina ou fagocitose. A morfologia e patogênese da miocardiopatia crônica e da degeneração esponjosa encefálica nos ovinos deste experimento são discutidas e comparadas com outras condições semelhantes em animais domésticos

Torção intestinal em bovino na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul: relato de caso.

Sabendo da grande importância médico-veterinária e econômica das doenças que acometem a bovinocultura leiteira, e da baixa frequência de relatos de torções e dilatações, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar um caso de morte por torção ileocecocólica diagnosticado em um bovino na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul