M. Kandefer-Gola

Prevalence of tumours in domestic animals in the Lower Silesia (Poland) in 2009-2011.

Abstract The study aimed at the analysis of prevalence frequency and localisation of tumours in domestic animals. The research material comprised 4,212 tumours developed in dogs, cats, horses, and exotic animals, isolated during surgery, autopsy or biopsy, performed for the purpose of histopathological diagnosis. The most numerous group involved canine tumours, including 3,585 cases (85.1%), followed by tumours in cats (532 cases, 12.6%), ferrets (34 cases, 0.81%), rats (19 cases, 0.45%), horses (15 cases, 0.36%), and rabbits (14 cases, 0.33%). A significant increase in incidence of tumours was noted, as compared to studies performed in the same region of Poland in 1957-1995 and 2000-2004 or in 2005-2008. This was particularly evident in exotic animals, in which 80 cases (1.9%) were detected in 2009-2011 but only 20 cases (1.2%) in 2005-2008. The most frequent localisation of neoplasia involved the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and mammary gland.

Comparative analysis of markers of cell proliferation in canine mast cell tumours according to current classifications

The study aimed at immunohistochemical analysis of various markers of cell proliferation and comparison of the results with canine mast cell tumours grading systems according to the Patnaik and Kiupel. Tissue sections were stained using classical technique with haematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemical studies were performed with Ki-67, PCNA and MCM-3 antibodies. Additionally the mitotic index was assessed. Statistical analysis including rank correlation Spearmans and ANOVA Friedman analysis was performed. The significance was set at p<0.05. Expression of all examined antigens was detected. The results obtained allow concluding that there is a strong relationship between all the cell markers. However, due to the very strong response and positive reaction in the majority of tumours PCNA is not recommended as a prognostic indicator. Ki-67 and MCM-3 can be successfully used in the evaluation of canine mast cell tumours.

A comparison of the histopathologic pattern of the left atrium in canine dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic mitral valve disease

BackgroundDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and chronic mitral valve disease (CMVD) in dogs are associated with heart chamber enlargement, also of the left atrium. DCM is often accompanied by rhythm disturbances (mainly atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias). In CMVD, arrhythmias are observed less frequently. It is still unclear whether left atrial enlargement in these diseases results from volume overload or if it is also connected with other factors (e.g. rhythm disturbances).This study was conducted on the left atrial myocardial specimens from 31 dogs, including those from 16 dogs with clinically diagnosed DCM and 15 dogs with CMVD. After fixation and staining (using haematoxylin-eosin and Masson-Goldner trichrome stain), the specimens underwent evaluation. Parenchymal changes (fibrosis, fatty infiltration, and vessel narrowing), degenerative changes (loss of striation, changes in cardiomyocyte structure, and abnormal cell nuclei) and the presence of inflammatory infiltrates were assessed.ResultsMore interstitial fibrosis (median 4 vs. 2.5 grid fields; p < 0.05) and less perivascular fibrosis (median score 1 vs. 2; p < 0.05) was observed in the DCM group compared to the CMVD group. Moreover, less distinct vessel narrowing was observed in the DCM group than in the CMVD group (median lumen area ratio 0.3 vs. 0.26 respectively; p < 0.05). Dogs with DCM showed more strongly defined degenerative changes than the CMVD dogs (median nuclei enlargement score 3 vs. 1, median loss of striation score 3 vs. 2 and median structural alterations score 3 vs. 2, respectively; p < 0.05).ConclusionThe obtained results indicate a different nature of changes occurring in the left atrial myocardium of dogs with DCM compared to dogs with mitral valve disease, including differences in vessel narrowing, cardiomyocyte degeneration and in the distribution of connective tissue.

Streptococcal endocarditis in a captive southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum).

Abstract:  Postmortem examination of a 43-yr-old male southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) revealed gross lesions and histopathologic findings consistent with endocarditis. The animal was born in Umfolozi National Park, South Africa, and then it was moved at 2 yr of age to two successive European zoologic collections. For several weeks prior to death, the animal was increasingly recumbent or assuming a dog-sitting position. Postmortem examination revealed cutaneous pressure sores and multiple rough nodular structures on the mitral valve and left ventricular endocardium. Histopathologic examination revealed vegetative endocarditis, myocardial and hepatocellular degeneration, hepatic fibrosis, and chronic nephritis. Bacterial culture from the oral cavity, trachea, lung, skin, and heart isolated beta hemolytic Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis and Streptococcus ovis. The cause of death was acute cardiopulmonary failure due mainly to endocarditis and moderate myocardial degeneration. Streptococcal infections are not uncommon causes of morbidity and mortality in rhinoceros. This is the first detailed report of streptococcal endocarditis in a rhinoceros.

Morphological and immunohistological characteristics of follicular-compact thyroid carcinoma in dog

The case of a 14-year-old mongrel dog with a thyroid tumor treated by thyreoidectomy is described. The resected tumor was subjected to a detailed morphological and immunohistochemical analysis utilizing antibodies directed against thyroglobulin, calcitonin, chromogranin A, cytokeratin 19, thyroid transcription factor-1, CD31, Ki-67 and minichromosome maintenance protein 3. Expression level of the above mentioned antigens allowed to characterize the resected tumor as thyroid follicular-compact carcinoma. Common application of immunohistochemistry may increase the diagnosis precision and efficacy of thyroid tumor treatment in dogs.

Cardiomyocyte marker expression in dogs with left atrial enlargement due to dilated cardiomyopathy or myxomatous mitral valve disease

INTRODUCTION Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) are common heart conditions in dogs. They have different etiology and pathogenesis and although other studies focused on changes in the left ventricles of the affected hearts, the aim of our study was to assess the expressions of some intrinsic proteins in the enlarged left atria. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed an immunohistochemical analysis of left atrial specimens obtained from 15 dogs with DCM, 35 dogs with MMVD and six control dogs. We assessed the expression of following proteins: SERCA1, SERCA2, sarcomeric actinin, smooth muscle actin, and dystrophin. RESULTS We noted a higher percentage of SERCA1-positive cells in the MMVD group and lower percentage of dystrophin-positive cells in the DCM group as compared to control group. The expression of other proteins was similar in the hearts of control dogs and dogs with heart diseases. CONCLUSIONS The observed changes in the expression patterns of some proteins in the atria of dogs with DCM and MMVD suggest that atrial enlargement relies not only on volume overload, but also alterations of the intrinsic proteins can contribute to the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Immunohistochemical analysis of metastasising hepatocellular carcinomas in dogs

In this study, the immunohistochemical features of primary hepatocellular carcinomas and their metastases in visceral organs, including the lungs, spleen and kidneys were examined using antibodies against carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) cytokeratin (CK) 7 and 20, CD4, CD8, minichromosome maintenance protein 3 (MCM3), vimentin, and alpha 1 foetoprotein (AFP). In addition, Mallory’s connective tissue stain, van Gieson’s stain and Gomori methenamine silver stain were used. The study was performed on liver samples collected post mortem from five mixed-breed dogs aged 9–12 years. The tumours were classified according to the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours. Strong expression of MCM3 and AFP was found in the hepatic cancer cells and in the metastases to the lungs, spleen and kidneys. The primary tumours and metastatic foci did not react positively with the anti-CD4, anti-CD8, CEA, CK7 and CK20 antibodies. The connective tissue in the primary tumour and the metastases showed a positive reaction to vimentin. Canine hepatocellular carcinomas that metastasise are highly-malignant well-differentiated tumours that produce AFP and trace amounts of both carcinoembryonic antigen and cytokeratin. Therefore, the metastasis resembles the primary tumour and has a common phenotype and genotype with the primary tumour.

Mycobacteriosis of the red-lored amazon parrot: a case report

A two-year-old red-lored amazon parrot (Amazona autumnalis) presented with progressive weight loss and general poor condition. In the radiograph a bounded egg was diagnosed, which was surgically removed under general anaesthesia. Two weeks later a fibrino-mucous cloacal discharge was observed. Clinical examina- tion revealed a thickened structure along the left side of the cloaca. Bacterial culture was performed, in which Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth was demonstrated. Radiographs and blood examination showed no abnormalities. Despite treatment, no improvement in the birds clinical condition was observed. The owner decided to euthanise the parrot. At autopsy a large tumour of the cloaca was disclosed. Microscopic examination of the lesion revealed a mycobacterial tubercle with numerous giant cells. In addition, Ziehl-Neelsen staining was performed and revealed numerous acid-resistant bacilli within the granulomatous lesions.

Usefulness of immunohistochemical indicators for diagnosis and prognosis of poorly differentiated tumours

Abstract Immunohistochemical studies have become an indispensable element of establishing the correct histopathological diagnosis of poorly differentiated lesions, proving particularly suitable, and occasionally indispensable, for diagnosis of poorly differentiated neoplastic tumours. Knowledge of the mechanism of action and normal reaction of individual proteins is required in selection of the antibody pattern for a given tissue and in evaluation of the obtained results. This paper aims to promote the application of immunohistochemical techniques in routine diagnosis, especially in cases of poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumours.

The immunohistochemical evaluation of selected markers in the left atrium of dogs with end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy and myxomatous mitral valve disease – a preliminary study

BackgroundDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) are the most common diseases noted in dogs. Although their pathogenesis varies, both include a significant enlargement of the left atrium.The study was carried out on left atrial specimens obtained from 56 dogs, including those from 34 dogs with clinically diagnosed MMVD, 15 dogs with DCM and 7 dogs without heart disease (control group). Dogs in the MMVD and the DCM groups presented with left atrial enlargement and stage D heart failure. The specimens underwent immunohistochemical examination using desmin, vimentin, periostin and caspase-3 antibodies.ResultsThere were alterations in the expression of the studied proteins in the study groups compared to the control group. The changes included: irregularity of desmin cross-striation and desmosomes, a higher amount of vimentin-positive cells, a change in the periostin expression pattern from cytoplasmic to extracellular, and a lower expression of caspase-3. The alterations were more pronounced in the DCM group than in the MMVD group.ConclusionsDuring heart failure, the pattern of desmin, vimentin, periostin and caspase-3 expression alters in the left atrium, regardless of the cause. The changes are more pronounced in dogs with DCM than in dogs with MMVD and similar left atrial enlargement, suggesting that volume overload may not be the only cause of myocardial changes in DCM.