Piotr Jurka

Pregnancy in a unilaterally ovariohysterectomised queen

A 4-year-old female Russian Blue cat presented with signs of right-sided abdominal distension, anorexia and a mucoid vaginal discharge. On the basis of clinical and ultrasonographical findings a tentative diagnosis of uterine torsion was made. Exploratory coeliotomy revealed a 900º right uterine torsion along the longitudinal axis. Unilateral ovariohysterectomy was performed. Subsequently, the cat had two successful and uneventful pregnancies. To our knowledge this is the first case report of pregnancy in a unilaterally ovariohysterectomised queen.

Partial hydatidiform mole diagnosis in a cat: a case report

A case of a stillborn Norwegian Forest kitten characterised in the course of anatomopathological and genetic examination is reported. The hydatidiform mole was diagnosed by delayed development, low birth weight of the kitten and abnormal placental development. Anatomopathological diagnosis was confirmed in genetic tests based on the amplification of highly heterozygous microsatellite sequences located on the X (FCA311) and autosomal chromosomes (FCA506, FCA532 and FCA178), as well as the sex-specific Sry and amelogenin (Amel) genes. The presence of two microsatellite alleles of paternal origin and one allele of maternal origin was observed in all analysed tissues (kidney, liver, brain, heart and spleen) of the stillborn kitten. The kitten’s sex was diagnosed by the presence of the paternal Sry gene, and maternal and paternal products of Amel, as well as one maternal and one paternal X chromosome FCA311 microsatellite allele. The results thus confirmed that the haploid egg was fertilised by two sperm, yielding a triploid karyotype. In summary, the successful application of genetic markers in postnatal diagnosis of this condition in the cat confirms considerable usefulness of these techniques, especially in cases where cytogenetic diagnosis is insufficient or impossible.

Lack of in vitro effect of aglepristone on IFN-γ and IL-4 production by resting and mitogen-activated T cells of luteal bitches

BackgroundAglepristone (RU534) is an antiprogestin used for pregnancy termination, parturition induction and conservative pyometra treatment in bitches. Its molecular structure is similar to mifepristone, an antiprogestin used in human medicine. Mifepristone has been shown to suppress proliferation and cytokine production by T cells, whereas the effect of aglepristone on T cell function remains elusive. The purpose of this project was to investigate the in vitro influence of RU534 on IFN-γ and IL-4 synthesis by peripheral blood T cells isolated from healthy bitches (N = 16) in luteal phase. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with three different dosages of aglepristone, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), with or without mitogen. The production of cytokines by resting or mitogen-activated T cells was determined by intercellular staining and flow cytometry analysis or ELISA assay, respectively.ResultsOur results showed no statistically significant differences in the percentage of IFN-γ and IL-4-synthesizing CD4+ or CD8+ resting T cells between untreated and aglepristone-treated cells at 24 and 48 hours post treatment. Moreover, mitogen-activated PBMCs treated with RU534 displayed similar concentration of IFN-γ and IL-4 in culture supernatants to those observed in mitogen-activated DMSO-treated PBMCs. Presented results indicate that administration of aglepristone for 48 hours has no influence on IFN-γ and IL-4 synthesis by resting and mitogen-activated T cells isolated from diestral bitches.ConclusionsWe conclude that antiprogestins may differentially affect T cell function depending on the animal species in which they are applied.

Influence of elevated temperature on bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of elevated temperature on bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs), based on the expression and localization of both heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), responsible for the cellular defence mechanism, and oviduct specific glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1) which is the most important embryotrophic protein. BOECs were cultured alone and co-cultured with cattle embryos at control (38.5°C) and elevated temperature (41°C) for 168 h. The elevated temperature had no effect on the viability of BOECs but exerted a negative effect on embryo development. The elevated temperature increased the expression of HSP70 and decreased the expression of OVGP1 at both mRNA and protein levels in BOECs cultured alone and those co-cultured with embryos. However, the presence of embryos limited the decrease in OVGP1 expression in BOECs at elevated temperature but did not alter the expression of HSP70. These results demonstrate for the first time the influence of elevated temperature on BOECs, consequently providing insights into the interactions between the embryo and the oviduct at elevated temperature.

Diagnostic efficacy of smear cytology and Robinson’s cytological grading of canine mammary tumors with respect to histopathology, cytomorphometry, metastases and overall survival

Cytology is a simple, rapid, and inexpensive method used for pre-operative diagnosis of canine mammary tumors (CMTs) in veterinary practice. Studies related to human breast cancer showed the Robinson’s grading system—established for invasive ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified (IDC, NOS) and used on cytological material—to not only closely correspond to the histopathological grading but also be helpful in assessing prognosis and selecting most suitable treatments before surgery. The objectives of this study were: to evaluate the accuracy of cytological diagnosis and cytological Robinson’s grading system compared to the histopathological examination of CMTs; to compare of cytological features and cytomorphometric parameters with tumor behavior, as well as cytological and histological grading; and to determine an association of the Robinson’s grading system and cytological background details with metastases, and patients’ survival. We report substantial diagnostic accuracy in detecting simple types and high grade tumors. Cytological diagnosis of tumor behavior showed relatively low sensitivity and specificity compared to human studies, and this might be caused by the heterogeneous morphology of CMTs. The presence of mucosecretory material and extracellular matrix was not significantly associated with tumor behavior. We report a positive correlation between both grading systems and cytological features (included in Robinson’s grading), the presence of necrotic debris, inflammation, and red blood cells. A negative correlation was determined only for the presence of extracellular matrix. The univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed a significantly higher risk of developing metastasis and shorter overall survival for dogs with tumors of grade 2 or 3 on cytology. In addition, these tumors were the most common cause of CMT-related deaths in dogs. Taken together, our findings suggest that the Robinson’s method of cytological grading applied for malignant CMTs evaluated in cytological smears regardless of tumor type can be adapted to veterinary cytology. Additionally, some background features seem to aid malignancy assessment.

Comparison of usefulness of different diagnostic procedures in slipped capital femoral epiphysis in cats

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has been described in human medicine as a condition of predominantly teenage males, with obesity being a contributing factor (11, 22). The disease develops mainly bilaterally and is of an atraumatic origin (14). Slipped capital femoral epiphysis has also been described in mainly young (4.5-24 months), neutered male cats (16, 18, 21). Some studies have shown that SCFE occurs predominantly in Siamese cats, but until now a breed predisposition has not been confirmed (18). Untreated, SCFE leads to hypertrophic pseudoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease in humans (1, 13, 18, 22). Clinical signs are non-specific. The main symptom is lameness, which can develop acutely or be of chronic duration, without a history of previous trauma. Muscle atrophy, crepitation and painful reaction to palpation with a limited range of hip joint motion can be detected. SCFE develops mostly bilaterally, but it may have different severity and affect one or both sides independently (2, 6, 9, 18, 27). Patients do not show any other abnormalities in addition to those mentioned above (11, 13, 18). Predisposing factors for SCFE are sex, obesity, castration, and delayed physeal closure as a secondary effect of gonadectomy (13, 25). The aim of the study was to compare the usefulness of different diagnostic procedures – radiology, computed tomography, and histopathology – in slipped capital femoral epiphysis in cats.

Disseminated hyaline ring granuloma in the omentum of a dog

BackgroundHyaline ring granuloma (HRG) is an uncommon histopathologic finding of unsolved etiopathogenesis. According to the exogenous theory, HRG develops due to implantation of foreign material, most probably indigestible plant fragments. HRG is a comparatively rare condition in humans, mostly involving the oral cavity with very rare extraoral locations.Case presentationAn 1-year-old mixed-breed dog in good condition was presented for routine ovariohysterectomy. Disseminated HGR were accidentally found in the omental adipose tissue during surgery. Histopathology revealed the presence of ring-like hyaline structures surrounded by granulomatous inflammation including foreign body-type multinucleated giant cells. The histochemical examinations indicated the exogenous plant origin of the foreign material.ConclusionsThe lesions were similar to the findings in humans with HRG. The definitive diagnosis remains largely based on histopathological examination supported by special histochemical stains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of hyaline ring granuloma reported in a non-human species. Moreover, the omentum is an uncommon location for this condition.

Changes in Ovaries and Uterus after Aglepristone Administration in the Third Week of Luteal Phase of Non-Pregnant Bitches

Objective The mechanism of aglepristone action in the placentation time in the bitch remains unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the mechanism by which aglepristone influences ovaries and uterus and to measure the levels of steroid sex hormones in non-pregnant bitches. Materials and Methods Fourteen bitches assigned to a study (n=9) and control (n=5) group were given aglepristone and saline solution, respectively, on the 19th and 20th day after LH peak. On the 26th day after LH peak an ovariohysterectomy was performed. Blood samples were screened for estradiol and progesterone concentrations. Ovaries and uterine horns and bodies were isolated for histological and morphometrical diagnosis and immunohistochemistry analysis of α-estrogen and progesterone receptor expression. Results A decrease of progesterone (p<0.01) and no differences in total estrogen level in the study group were observed. There were no significant differences either in the histomorphometry or α-estrogen and progesterone receptors expression in ovaries. Increase in expression of progesterone receptors in endometrium without surface epithelium of horns (p<0.05), endometrial surface epithelium (p<0.05), myometrium of uterine body (p<0.01) and estrogen receptors in endometrium without surface epithelium of horns (p<0.05) was observed. Elevated estrogen receptors probably increased sensitivity of tissues to estrogens in the bloodstream and led to notable inflammation, haemorrhages, and hyperplasia in endometrium with mononuclear immune cell infiltration. The myometrium of horns and endometrium of uterine body of study bitches were significantly thicker than in the control group (p<0.05 and p<0.01). Furthermore myometrium of uterine body was thicker than myometrium of horns (p<0.001) and expression of progesterone receptors was higher in uterine body (p<0.01). No differences were observed between endometrium of horns and body within groups. Conclusion To the knowledge of the authors this is the first study, which describes the inflammatory effect developing in uterus in response to aglepristone administration, and attempts to elucidate its mechanisms.

Effectiveness of obstetric procedures in miniature dogs

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the course of labour, incidence, and causes of dystocia and effectiveness of obstetric aid for minimising the neonatal loss in bitches that belong to miniature breeds. Fifty parturitions proceeded under obstetric supervision from the first to last puppy born. Most of the bitches (n = 34) belonged to the Chihuahua breed. Others included Yorkshire terrier (n = 14), Shih Tzu (n = 1), and Miniature Schnauzer (n = 1). Obstetric procedures consisted of conservative aid in the form of medication, manual manipulations and combination of both, or caesarean section. The litter size was 3.58 on average. Dystocia occurred in 68% of cases, mostly caused by foetomaternal disproportion. The condition took place less frequently in multiparas than in primiparas. A caesarean section was performed in 20 cases (40%), while remaining 30 bitches delivered puppies through genital tract using manual assistance, oxytocin injections or both procedures simultaneously. The shortening of expulsive stage using conservative aid or timely performed caesarean section resulted in low stillbirth rate (5.59%). The kind of obstetric aid used in the study was related to the specificity of miniature dogs enabling successful conservative treatment. However, conservative obstetric procedures require skills, clinical experience, and are time-consuming. These may be the reasons for a frequent overuse of caesarean section. It was concluded that both surgical and conservative treatment methods, if chosen appropriately, are effective at the same level.