Ultrasonographic findings in a cow with abomasal lymphosarcoma: Case report

Background: This case report describes the clinical and ultrasonographic findings in a Swiss Braunvieh cow with lymphosarcoma of the abomasum. Case Presentation: The main clinical findings were vomiting in response to eating and melena. The results of serum biochemistry and rumen fluid analysis were indicative of abomasal reflux syndrome. The main ultrasonographic findings were two enlarged lymph nodes caudal to the reticulum and a severely enlarged abomasum with thickening of the abomasal wall and folds. Based on all the findings, pyloric stenosis caused by lymphosarcoma was tentatively diagnosed and later confirmed at postmortem examination. Conclusions: This is an interesting case, which broadens the spectrum of abomasal reflux syndrome

Histologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic characterization of a malignant iridophoroma in a dwarf bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)

A dwarf bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni) was presented with a whitish subcutaneous mandibular mass and multiple nodules in the oral mucosa, heart, liver, kidney, intestine and visceral fat. Histologically, the tumor consisted of densely packed spindle-shaped cells with brownish intracytoplasmic pigment that exhibited white-bluish birefringence with polarized light. Immunohistochemical staining was negative for S-100 and weakly positive with Melan A. Negative contrast electron microscopic examination revealed cytoplasmic irregular, oblong empty spaces, laminated and often arranged into short stacks, compatible with reflecting platelet profiles typically seen in iridophores. However, in unstained ultrathin sections, electron dense crystalline material was present which filled the empty spaces described for stained sections before. Based on histology, immunohistochemistry and biological behavior, a malignant iridophoroma was diagnosed. To the authors’ knowledge, iridophoromas in lizards have not been characterized before by using electronic microscopy. Moreover, this is the first description of an iridophoroma in a dwarf bearded dragon

Project PathoPig—A practical approach to strengthen post mortem analyses and early detection of pig diseases and zoonoses

Post mortem examinations are important for early detection and diagnosis of animal diseases and zoonoses. Over the last ten years, the number of necropsies in livestock has decreased considerably in Switzerland. To counteract this decline, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) launched a project in 2014 called PathoPig. The aim is to evaluate the significance of pathologic-anatomical examinations for early detection of pig diseases and to investigate the impact of the findings on the improvement of pig health. Pig producers can participate if at least one of the following criteria is fulfilled: high morbidity and/or high mortality, unusual clinical signs, recurrent problems of unknown aetiology resistant to therapy or increased use of antimicrobials. Accordingly, the veterinarian examines the herd, fills in a standardised anamnesis protocol and submits one to three pigs representing the health problem to a designated pathology laboratory. After post mortem examination, the veterinarian offers specific recommendations to the farmer. Three to six months later, the Swiss Pig Health Service (SPHS) follows up the success of the veterinary recommendations. In 2014, 371 farms submitted pigs for PathoPig. In 84% of these cases, a conclusive diagnosis was obtained. In 56% of the cases, gastrointestinal problems were determined, most often (44%) caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli. In more than 80% of the cases, the animal health status could be improved considerably after the veterinary consultation. Increased post mortem examinations allowed more specific therapeutic treatments and management recommendations. Additionally, an improvement of collaboration between diagnostic laboratories, veterinarians and producers was achieved, thereby strengthening disease awareness and early detection of pig diseases and zoonoses in Switzerland

Efficacy of simultaneous vaccination with Enterisol® Ileitis and Ingelvac® CircoFLEXTM in a Swiss breeding farm

This study explores administration of two piglet vaccines as compared to the mono- and adjuvant-application. A vaccine against the Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) cap protein subunit and a vaccine with attenuated live culture against Lawsonia (L.) intracellularis were applied to piglets aged 23.5 days on average. 1'405 animals were divided randomly into four groups. One piglet group was immunized with both vaccines while two other groups were immunized with a combination of one vaccine and adjuvants of alternate vaccination protocol and vice versa. These piglet groups were also compared to a control group supplemented with both adjuvants only. During fattening, pigs, which were simultaneously immunized with Enterisol(®) Ileitis and Ingelvac(®) CircoFLEX(TM) vaccine, gained significantly more weight (792 g/day) when compared to piglet groups mono-vaccinated with Ingelvac® CircoFLEXTM (772 g/day) or either with Enterisol® Ileitis (774 g/day). Moreover, immunized piglet groups showed significantly higher daily weight gain when compared to adjuvants only inoculated control group (751 g/day). Additionally, during fattening the control group displayed higher mortality (6,3 %) than the three vaccinated groups (Ingelvac(®) CircoFLEX(TM) 2,5 %, Enterisol(®) Ileitis 2,3 % and the combination of both vaccines 1,1 %). These data imply that simultaneous immunization with PCV2- and L. intracellularis specific vaccines positively benefit piglet growth observed by an additive effect on growth parameters in farms harboring both pathogens. Return of investment was calculated of 2.10 on the additional Enterisol(®) Ileitis vaccination

Ultraschallbefunde bei einer Kuh mit extraskelettalem chondroblastischem Osteosarkom am Hals

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden die klinischen, sonographischen und pathologisch-anatomischen Befunde bei einer 5jährigen Braunviehkuh mit einem chondroblastischen Osteosarkom am Hals beschrieben. Die Kuh wies eine ca. 30 x 30 x 30 cm grosse, derbe, nicht schmerzhafte Umfangsvermehrung im unteren Bereich der linken Halsseite auf, die sich auch auf die rechte Halsseite erstreckte und sonographisch als gekammerte Struktur mit hyperechogenen Septen und echogenem Inhalt erschien. Aufgrund der histologischen Untersuchung einer Biopsie wurde die Diagnose chondroblastisches Osteosarkom gestellt, welche bei der postmortalen Untersuchung bestätigt werden konnte. ABSTRACT: This case report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and pathological findings in a five-year-old Swiss Braunvieh cow with extraskeletal chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the neck region. The cow was referred because of a firm, non-painful swelling, approximately 25 cm in diameter, which was situated mainly on the lower left side of the neck but extended to the right. Ultrasonographic examination of the mass revealed a chambered structure containing echoic material that was separated by hyperechoic septa. Chondroblastic osteosarcoma was diagnosed based on histological evaluation of a biopsy sample, and the diagnosis was confirmed by postmortem examination

Current knowledge of morbidities and direct costs related to diabetic foot disorders: a literature review

Diabetes is a chronic disease associated with numerous complications including diabetic foot disorders, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality as well as high costs. The costs associated with diabetic foot disorders comprise those linked to care (direct) and loss of productivity and poor quality of life (indirect). Due to the constant increase in diabetes prevalence, it is expected that diabetic foot disorder will require more resources, both in terms of caregivers and economically. We reviewed findings on management, morbidity, mortality, and costs related to diabetic foot disorder

The Dehn invariants of the Bricard octahedra

We prove that the Dehn invariants of any Bricard octahedron remain constant during the flex and that the Strong Bellows Conjecture holds true for the Steffen flexible polyhedron.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figure

Entrepreneurs’ achieved success: developing a multi-faceted measure

Firm performance is typically measured via objective financial indicators. However, researchers increasingly acknowledge that entrepreneurs do not measure their success solely in financial terms but that a range of often subjective indicators matter to them. This article contributes to the debate on entrepreneurial performance by studying how entrepreneurs assess their achieved success. ‘Entrepreneurs’ achieved success’ was conceptualized as a multi-faceted construct that includes entrepreneurs’ self-reported achievement of firm performance, workplace relationships, personal fulfilment, community impact, and personal financial rewards. It was measured via the Subjective Entrepreneurial Success–Achievement Scale (SES-AS). Over the course of three studies (N = 390) the factorial structure of ‘entrepreneurs’ achieved success’ was established and largely replicated in two cultures. Based on a nomological network, we documented relationships among ‘entrepreneurs’ achieved success’, quasi-objective indicators of firm performance, and entrepreneurs’ financial satisfaction, creativity, and health. Based on our research, we propose a new conceptual framework to study performance in the context of entrepreneurship. This framework acknowledges both the success criteria that entrepreneurs wish to achieve and those that they actually achieve, and extends our understanding of firm performance

Nachhandparese infolge eines malignen Lymphoms bei einer Ziege

Zusammenfassung:In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird ein Fall von Nachhandparese bei einer 4 Jahre alten Ziege durch ein malignes Lymphom beschrieben. Die Ziege wurde wegen einer progredienten Ataxie der Nachhand, welche schliesslich zur Nachhandparese und zum Festliegen geführt hatte, in die Klinik überwiesen. Die Ziege lag in Brustlage fest und konnte sich selbständig in den Hundshock erheben. Bei der neurologischen Untersuchung fielen als wichtigste Befunde eine verminderte Sensibilität der Hintergliedmassen auf Nadelstiche und ein beidseits verminderter Pannikulusreflex auf. Die Liquoruntersuchung ergab einen erhöhten Proteingehalt und einen erhöhten Leukozytengehalt. In der Differenzierung wurden 98 % Lymphozyten, 1 % Monozyten und 1 % neutrophile Granulozyten sowie 3 Mitosen gesehen. Aufgrund der klinischen Befunde wurde die Diagnose zentralnervöse Erkrankung mit Sitz im thorakolumbalen Bereich des Rückenmarks gestellt. Die Ziege wurde euthanasiert und pathologisch-anatomisch untersucht. Die Lymphknoten im Ileosakralbereich waren zu einer knotigen Masse von ca. 15 cm × 12 cm × 5 cm konfluiert, die auch die ventrale Wirbelsäule umschloss und in den Wirbelkanal eingedrungen war. Die histologische Untersuchung ergab ein kleinzelliges malignes Lymphom. Abstract: This report describes a 4-year-old goat with posterior paresis and subsequent paralysis caused by malignant lymphoma. The goat was referred to our clinic because of progressive posterior ataxia, which developed into posterior paresis and paralysis. The goat was presented in sternal recumbency but was able to assume a dog-sitting position. A neurological examination revealed reduced sensitivity to pricking of the skin with a needle, and a bilateral reduced panniculus reflex. The cerebrospinal fluid was slightly cloudy with increases in the protein concentration and leukocyte count, which consisted of 98 % lymphocytes, 1 % monocytes and 1 % neutrophils; three cells had mitotic figures. Based on the clinical findings, a tentative diagnosis of central nervous system disease of the thoracolumbar spinal cord was made, and euthanasia and postmortem examination were carried out. The lymph nodes in the ileosacral region appeared as a 15 × 12 × 5 cm confluent mass, which involved the ventral vertebral column and infiltrated the spinal canal. Histological examination of the tumour yielded a diagnosis of microcytic malignant lymphoma

Ruptured urinary bladder attributable to urethral compression by a haematoma after vertebral fracture in a bull

BACKGROUND: In male cattle, rupture of the urinary bladder is usually associated with urethral obstruction by uroliths. Less common causes include urethral compression or stricture. This case report describes the findings in a young Limousion breeding bull with rupture of the urinary bladder because of urethral compression by a haematoma after coccygeal fracture. CASE PRESENTATION: The bull had been introduced into a 40-head Red-Holstein herd one week before being injured. One week after introduction to the herd, the bull had an acute onset of anorexia and he was referred to the clinic. There was marked abdominal distension, reduced skin turgor and enophthalmus. The serum concentration of urea and creatinine was increased. Ultrasonographic examination revealed severe ascites and abdominocentesis yielded clear yellow fluid with high urea and creatinine concentrations, which supported a diagnosis of uroperitoneum. The bull was euthanatized because of a poor prognosis. Postmortem examination revealed a comminuted fracture of the first two coccygeal vertebrae associated with a massive haematoma that obstructed entire pelvic cavity. The haematoma compressed the urethra thereby preventing outflow of urine, which resulted in a 5-cm tear ventrally at the neck of the bladder. It was assumed that the newly-introduced bull had sustained the vertebral fractures when he was mounted by a cow. CONCLUSIONS: The present case study serves to expand the differential diagnosis of urinary bladder rupture. Therefore, in addition to obstructive urolithiasis, compression and stricture of the urethra might be considered in male cattle with uroperitoneum