Barbara Lamagna

Polyostotic lymphoma with vertebral involvement and spinal extradural compression in a dog.

A 10-year-old, male, mixed-breed dog that developed cervical pain and neurological deficits was diagnosed with primary lymphoma of the second cervical vertebra. The cervical lesion was not surgically resectable. A dorsal cervical hemilaminectomy was performed to provide temporary decompression. The dog had complete pain relief after surgery but was euthanized 6 weeks later with recurrent clinical signs and evidence of lymphoma in the right femur.

Canine Lipomas Treated with Steroid Injections: Clinical Findings

Lipomas are common benign tumours of fat cells. In most cases, surgical excision is curative and simple to perform; however, such a procedure requires general anaesthesia and may be associated with delayed wound healing, seroma formation and nerve injury in deep and intramuscular tumours. The objective of this study was to evaluate treatment of subcutaneous, subfascial or intermuscular lipomas using intralesional steroid injections in dogs. Fifteen dogs presenting with lipomas were selected for treatment with ultrasound-guided intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide at a dose of 40 mg/mL. Nine subcutaneous and subfascial tumours showed a complete regression. The other lipomas decreased in diameter, achieving, in some cases, remission of discomfort and regression of lameness. Steroid injection was a relatively safe and effective treatment for lipomas in dogs; only six dogs experienced polyuria/polydipsia for about 2 weeks post-treatment.

Acepromazine-dexmedetomidine-ketamine for injectable anaesthesia in captive European brown hares (Lepus europaeus)

OBJECTIVE To evaluate a combination of acepromazine, dexmedetomidine and ketamine (ADK) on induction and recovery from anaesthesia, and on physiological parameters in hares undergoing non-invasive procedures. STUDY DESIGN Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS Sixteen European hares (Lepus europaeus), seven males and nine females, aged (mean ± SD) 3.25 ± 0.9 months and weight 2.1 ± 0.6 kg. METHODS Acepromazine 1% (A), dexmedetomidine 0.05% (D) and ketamine 5% (K) were mixed and given intramuscularly (IM) at 0.25 mL kg(-1), representing 10 mg kg(-1) K, 0.25 mg kg(-1) A, 12.5 μg kg(-1) D. If the righting reflex was present after four minutes, a second injection of 0.15 mL kg(-1) (6 mg kg(-1) K, 0.15 mg kg(-1) A, 7.5 μg kg(-1) D) was administered IM. Surgical anaesthesia was judged as present when righting, palpebral, ear-pinch and pedal withdrawal reflexes were absent. Anaesthetized hares were tagged, and underwent blood sampling and ocular ultrasound examination. Physiological parameters were recorded every ten minutes, and were compared by Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS A single dose induced loss of righting reflex in 11/16 (69%) hares within four minutes; the second dose was effective in the remaining hares. Ten minutes after the loss of the righting reflex, a surgical plane of anaesthesia was present in all hares. Sleep time to regaining righting reflex was 34 ± 11 (range 21-62) minutes and recovery was calm. Although there were some statistical differences over time, cardiovascular parameters remained within an acceptable range but there was respiratory depression and hares were hypoxemic. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The ADK mixture produced a smooth and rapid induction of anaesthesia, a low incidence of untoward side effects and full recovery after four hours. Supplementary oxygen might be advisable if a deeper plane of anaesthesia was required. Chemical restraint was adequate to perform non-invasive procedures.

Isolated lepromatous conjunctivo-corneal granuloma in a cat from Italy

OBJECTIVE To describe a case of a conjunctivo-corneal mass in a cat associated with acid-fast bacilli. METHODS A 2-year-old female black European Short-Hair cat, living outdoors in a suburban environment in Italy, was referred for evaluation of a nodular, vascularized mass of 2 weeks duration. The mass involved the dorsal bulbar conjunctiva at the temporal canthus of OS and invaded the sclera and cornea. Routine ophthalmic and systemic examination, serologic testing, cytology and histology of the mass were performed. Mycobacterium specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of variable regions 1, 2 and 3 of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was also performed. RESULTS Neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and giant cells with intracytoplasmic acid-fast bacilli were seen on cytological examination. The histological examination confirmed the presence of a granulomatous lesion with acid-fast bacilli within macrophages. Bacteriological culture of the material from the lesion was negative for Mycobacterium spp. Mycobacterium 16S rRNA gene specific PCR was positive. A diagnosis of feline leprosy was made. The owners refused any treatment, and 1 year later the lesion was still present. CONCLUSIONS Veterinary ophthalmologists should be aware of conjunctivo-corneal leproma as an unusual symptom of leprosy.

Inflammatory Myopathy in Horses With Chronic Piroplasmosis

Horses affected by chronic piroplasmosis may develop poor performance and muscle atrophy. Here we investigate the pathological and immunopathological aspects of myopathy occurring in chronic equine piroplasmosis. The study included 16 horses serologically positive for equine piroplasms presenting with clinical signs and supporting serum biochemical evidence of a myopathy. Skeletal muscle was evaluated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, indirect immunofluorescence, and molecular detection of piroplasms and inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscle. Histologic lesions included muscle fiber atrophy (100% of cases), degenerative changes (13/16, 81%), and perivascular perimysial and endomysial lymphocytic infiltrates (81% of cases). In 15 cases (94%), muscle fibers had strong immunostaining for major histocompatibility complex classes I and II. T lymphocyte populations were mainly CD3+, CD8+, and CD4+ in equal proportions, with a lower number of CD79α+ cells. The serum from affected horses was tested by indirect immunofluorescence for binding of IgG, IgM, or IgA to sections of normal equine muscle to detect circulating autoantibodies against muscle antigen(s). In all cases, distinct sarcolemmal staining was detected in sections incubated with serum from affected horses, in contrast to sections incubated with phosphate-buffered saline or equine control sera. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing of muscles from affected animals revealed a significant increase of interferon-γ, interleukin-12, and tumor necrosis factor–α gene expression compared to healthy controls. Theileria equi or Babesia caballi was not detected in samples of affected muscle by RT-PCR. Thus, inflammatory myopathy associated with equine piroplasmosis may involve an autoimmune pathogenesis with upregulation of inflammatory cytokines that may cause myofiber atrophy and degeneration.

Lateral patellar luxation in nine small breed dogs

The objective of this paper was to describe the clinical features, the management and the outcome of nine small breed dogs affected with lateral patella luxation referred during the period between January 2010 and December 2014. Patellar luxations were classified according to: breed, age, sex, weight, and grade of patellar luxation, as well as if unilateral or bilateral, and concurrent cranial cruciate ligament lesion. In affected dogs, surgical correction consisted in the combination of tibial tuberosity transposition and soft tissue procedure. Adjunctive condroplasty or trochleoplasty was performed as needing. The outcome was found positive after surgical management with low complication rate and complications have been easily managed with high success rate.

Dacryocystography in a cat with orbital pneumatosis.

A 2-year-old neutered male European short-haired cat was presented for a persistent discharge from the scar of previous left eye enucleation, performed 6 months prior by the referring veterinarian. A surgical exploration of the orbit was performed and retained nictitating membrane glandular and conjunctival tissues were removed. Eleven days later, the cat developed an orbital pneumatosis caused by retrograde movement of air through a patent nasolacrimal system and diagnosed by survey radiographic examination of the skull. Nasolacrimal system patency was assessed by dacryocystography performed by injection of iodinated contrast medium under pressure into the orbital cavity. Computed tomography dacryocystography confirmed the radiographic findings. The condition resolved following dacryocystography, possibly as an inflammatory response to the contrast medium. To our knowledge, this is the first case of orbital pneumatosis reported in a cat.

Impression technique for conjunctival exfoliative cytology in healthy horses

ABSTRACT Conjunctival exfoliative cytology is a valuable tool in ophthalmology. Impression cytology (IC) and brush cytology (BC) are both described as methods of corneal and conjunctival cell collection. Few reports describe IC in the horse. To study conjunctivas of healthy horses by IC, to evaluate the normal cytological pattern and standardize the technique, and to compare feasibility and effectiveness of IC and BC. Conjunctival samples were taken from the eyes of 31 adult healthy horses using a Millipore filter for IC and a disposable brush for BC. The IC specimens were stained either with a modified haematoxylin and eosin protocol or Periodic Acid–Schiff (PAS) stains. The BC smears were stained with Diff‐Quick. Cellularity was evaluated in IC smears. Cell distribution and integrity and technique feasibility were scored and compared between IC and BC samples. Both techniques allowed collection of an adequate quantity of well‐preserved cells. Haematoxylin and eosin stain gave a better definition of cell morphology than PAS. Samples by BC had significantly better distribution than IC, whereas the cell damage was significantly lower in IC samples. The overall assessment of the IC smears was rated as insufficient in three samples. Feasibility was significantly better with BC. Impression cytology was confirmed to be a valuable complement for the evaluation of conjunctival surface. It may yield reliable information about conjunctival areas. Brush cytology, with its ease and safety of handling, is an effective tool for evaluating the conjunctival surface in clinical settings. HighlightsImpression and brush cytology are techniques of conjunctival exfoliative cytology.Impression cytology is a useful tool for the diagnosis of conjunctival changes.Brush cytology may be safer and easier to handle in clinical settings.

Ocular ultrasonographic and biometric features of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus)

The aim of this work is to assess the normal ultrasonographic features and dimensions of eyes in European hares. Corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth and eye axial length were measured by ultrasound in 40 healthy hares (Lepus europaeus), 20 males and 20 females, mean age of 5.5 months (range 2–15 months). The effects of sex, side, age and body weight on each feature were recorded. Results show that ocular dimensions were not affected by considered variables except for the lenses thickness and axial length that were correlated with age and body weight. Our study concludes that although ocular structures had similar feature compared to other species, the description of the characteristics of the eye of the European hare is important to widen the knowledge of a species not completely known from the normal anatomical point of view. The lens dimensions could have a predictive value in determining the age of young hares.

Comparison of intraocular pressure and pupil diameter after sedation with either acepromazine or dexmedetomidine in healthy dogs

OBJECTIVE To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupillary diameter (PD) following intravenous (IV) administration of dexmedetomidine and acepromazine in dogs. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized experimental trial. ANIMALS A group of 16 healthy adult dogs aged (mean ± standard deviation) 4.9 ± 3.3 years and weighing 15.7 ± 9.6 kg, without pre-existing ophthalmic disease. METHODS IV dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (0.002 mg kg-1; DEX) or acepromazine maleate (0.015 mg kg-1; ACE) was administered randomly to 16 dogs (eight per group). The IOP and PD, measured using applanation tonometry and Schirmers strips mm scale, respectively, and the heart rate (HR), systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures and respiratory rate (fR) were recorded at baseline, at time of injection, and then 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 minutes after injection. A single ophthalmologist, unaware of treatment, performed all measurements under consistent light conditions. Values were compared with baseline and among treatments using a multivariate mixed-effects model (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS The IOP was significantly lower in the DEX group compared with the ACE group at 10 (p < 0.01) and 15 minutes (p < 0.01) after drug injection. PD was significantly smaller compared to baseline for the entire duration of the study (p < 0.01) in both groups. Dogs in the DEX group had significant lower HR (p < 0.01) and fR (p < 0.01), higher SAP (p < 0.01) and DAP (p < 0.01) at all time points, and higher MAP (p < 0.01) during the first 15 minutes following drug injection in comparison with the ACE group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our results suggest that premedication with IV dexmedetomidine temporarily decreases IOP when compared with IV acepromazine. Both drugs cause miosis.