JVDI Summaries 2007:

Atypical scrapie in a Swiss goat and implications for

transmissible spongiform encephalopathy surveillance. J Vet
Diagn Invest 19:2–8 (2007). No difference between the molecular
characteristics of PrPsc in this animal and those of atypical scrapie in
sheep, differences in the distribution of histopathologic lesions and
PrPsc deposition were observed. In particular the cerebellar cortex, a
major site of PrPsc deposition in atypical scrapie in sheep, was found to
be virtually unaffected in this goat. In contrast, severe lesions and
PrPscdeposition were detected in more rostral brain structures, such as
thalamus and midbrain.

A prospective, case control study evaluating the association

between Clostridium difficile toxins in the colon of neonatal
swine and gross and microscopic lesions. J Vet Diagn Invest
19:52–59 2007). Clostridium difficile --suckling pigs with
mesocolonic edema and typhlocolitis.

Genetic characterization of canine rotavirus isolated from a

puppy in Korea and experimental reproduction of disease. J Vet
Diagn Invest 19:78–83 (2007). Canine rotavirus - mild diarrhea,
and the isolate was genetically characterized. Group A rotaviruses
cause neonatal diarrhea in human and many animal species. Rotavirus
is a nonenveloped and double-stranded RNA virus with 2 outer capsid-
independent neutralizing antibody-inducing proteins, VP7 and VP4,
which are used for classification into G and P serotypes, respectively.
Both proteins are involved in protective immunity.8 Canine rotavirus
most often causes mild enteritis, especially in pups younger than 2
weeks.

Brain lesions in pigs affected with postweaning multisystemic

wasting syndrome. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:109–112 (2007).
Cerebellar lymphohistiocytic vasculitis and fibrinoid degeneration
combined with hemorrhages or with lymphohistiocytic meningitis in
pigs with PMWS.

Necrotizing encephalitis of unknown cause in Fennoscandian

arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus). J Vet Diagn Invest 19:113–117
(2007). Severe necrotizing encephalitis affecting mostly the cranial
cerebrum, basal ganglia, and olfactory bulbs. Tests for Toxoplasma
gondii, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Neospora caninum, canine distemper
virus, rabies, adenovirus type 1, Borna disease virus, and Listeria
monocytogenes were negative.
Abomasal coccidiosis associated with proliferative abomasitis
in a sheep. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:118–121 (2007). The abomasal
mucosa was grossly thickened with a nodular surface and focal areas
of hemorrhage. Microscopically, the middle to deep abomasal mucosa
contained many intact and ruptured giant protozoal schizonts
associated with hyperplasia of mucous neck cells, parietal cell atrophy,
moderate lymphocytic-plasmacytic inflammation, and fibrosis centered
on mineralized remnants of degenerate schizont walls. Sexual tissue
stages and oocysts were not present.

Atypical coccidiosis in South American camelids. J Vet Diagn

Invest 19:122–125 (2007). Anorexia of a few days duration, sudden
death, and diarrhea. No coccidial oocysts detected on antemortem
fecal flotation ( Eimeria lamae, Eimeria alpacae, Eimeria
macusaniensis, Eimeria punoensis, and Eimeria peruviana, Eimeria
ivitaensis). Histopathology revealed numerous Eimeria oocysts at
various life-cycle stages in the mucosa and lamina propria of the
jejunum and ileum. Hepatocytes were swollen and had vacuolated
cytoplasm consistent with hepatic lipidosis.

Accidental intra-auricular artery injection of ceftiofur in two

beef steers. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:125–128 (2007). Oil-based
formulation of ceftiofur died within 5 minutes of injection. Notable
pathologic findings included distention and obstruction of cerebral and
cerebellar arteries by a whitish tan material and hemorrhages within
meningeal spaces, the choroid plexus, cerebrum, and cerebellum. Lipid
material was identified within cerebral blood vessels in frozen sections
stained with oil red O. This report describes an unusual case of brain
ischemia in beef cattle.

Hypertrichosis in a horse with alimentary T-cell lymphoma and

pituitary involvement. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:128–132 (2007).
Hyperhidrosis, and abnormal fat distribution in addition to severe
diarrhea. A presumptive clinical diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy
and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction was made. T-cell lymphoma
was diagnosed in a rectal biopsy specimen. The pituitary gland was
diffusely enlarged. Histologically, neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrated the
gastrointestinal mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes, and the pituitary
gland. In addition, there was hyperplasia of the pituitary gland pars
intermedia. Pituitary adenoma was not present. Hypertrichosis in this
case could have been triggered by a combination of adenomatous
hyperplasia of pars intermedia and lymphoma resulting in disruption of
the hypothalamic dopaminergic tone or disruption of the hypothalamic
thermoregulatory center.
Aflatoxicosis in nine dogs after exposure to contaminated commercial
dog food. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:168–175 (2007). Aflatoxin B1
metabolite M1 –Gross  Enlarged, pale yellow livers with subacute
hepatopathy, and cirrhosis in the dog with chronic hepatopathy.
Histopathologic  hepatic lipidosis, portal fibroplasia, and biliary
hyperplasia, marked lobular atrophy, bridging portal fibrosis, and
regenerative hepatocellular nodules characterized the dog with chronic
hepatopathy.

Serological prevalence of canine respiratory coronavirus in

southern Italy and epidemiological relationship with canine
enteric coronavirus. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:176–180 (2007). Of adult
domestic dogs, 23.3% had antibodies to CRCoV, compared with 86.1%
with antibodies to CECoV.
Amongst a population of kenneled pups, 4.0% had antibodies to
CRCoV, and 97.0% had antibodies to CECoV. A number of pathogens
have been associated with CIRD, including canine adenovirus 2 (CAV-
2), canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine
herpesvirus (CHV), and mycoplasmas, and disease may result from one
or a combination of these agents.

Toxoplasma gondii in an African crested porcupine (Hystrix

cristata). J Vet Diagn Invest 19:191–194 (200). Brain- Protozoal cysts
associated with inflammation. Immunohistochemical staining of brain
tissue for Toxoplasma gondii was strongly positive.

Unilateral orchitis and epididymitis caused by Salmonella

enterica subspecies diarizonae infection in a ram. J Vet Diagn
Invest 19:194–197 (2007). A case of unilateral suppurative epididymo-
orchitis associated with Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae serovar
61:k:1,5,(7 with fibrous adhesions between testicular layers,
coexistence of epididymal abscesses and foci of fibrinous exudate, and
testicular atrophy. Microscopically, testicular and epididymal
microabscesses and diffuse inflammatory infiltrates with abundant
macrophages containing short Gram-negative rods were observed.
Superimposed on the chronic lesions were fibrin deposits with clusters
of neutrophils, as well as walled-off granulation tissue. Bacterial
colonies were also identified in thrombosed spermatic cord vessels,
scrotal lymph nodes, lung, and liver.

Muscular pseudohypertrophy (steatosis) in a bovine fetus. J

Vet Diagn Invest 19:198–201 (2007). Muscular pseudohypertrophy
was diagnosed in the cervical musculature of a full-term crossbred
Simmental fetus delivered by fetotomy. The neck musculature of the
fetus was markedly deformed by 23 cm and 18 cm in diameter, firm,
spherical masses that consisted of enlarged and pale left splenius and
right serratus ventralis cervicis muscle, respectively, covered by intact
skin. Additionally, lipomatous masses were present within the cervical
vertebral canal, compressing the spinal cord. Microscopically, the
prominent muscular enlargement was due to massive adipose and
fibrous connective tissue replacement of atrophic muscle. Focal
myelodysplasia and astrocytosis affecting the grey matter was
detected in the mid-cervical region of the spinal cord, accompanied by
degeneration in the ascending and descending tracts of the remaining
cord segments. Abnormal spinal cord development as a result of
severe spinal cord compression by the lipomatous masses within the
spinal canal leading to replacement of muscle by fat and fibrous tissue
was considered to be the cause of the muscular malformation in this
fetus.

Vertebral polyostotic lymphoma in a young dog. J Vet Diagn

Invest 19:205–208 (2007). Lymphoma with vertebral involvement.
Ventral fusion of the lumbar vertebrae by new bony tissue deposition
and neoplastic lymphoid cells in lymph nodes and bone marrow.
Histologically, vertebral bone and osteophytes, liver, bone marrow,
kidney, and lymph nodes were diffusely infiltrated by neoplastic,
lymphoid cells, with scant cytoplasm and round hyperchromatic nuclei.

Kernicterus in a neonatal foal. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:209–212

(2007). Seizure activity and severe icterus. Degeneration and necrosis
of cerebral neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells; severe hepatocellular
degeneration and necrosis; and deposition of amorphous golden-yellow
material in the cerebellar granular cell layer, pulmonary alveoli, renal
tubular epithelium, splenic trabecula, and the lamina propria of the
small and large intestine. (bilirubin encephalopathy).

Arsenic and metaldehyde toxicosis in a beef herd. J Vet Diagn

Invest 19:212–215 (2007). Over a 12-day period, 13 animals in a herd
of 110 beef cattle developed ataxia with profound muscle
fasciculations progressing to recumbency. A toxic level of arsenic (6.18
ppm) was detected in the kidney, and metaldehyde was detected in
the liver, consistent with a discontinued molluscicidal product.

Fatal ricin toxicosis in a puppy confirmed by liquid

chromatography/mass spectrometry
when using ricinine as a marker. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:216–220
(2007). Ricin, a lectin from the castor bean plant (Ricinis communis).
Ingestion of masticated seeds results in high morbidity, with vomiting
and watery to hemorrhagic diarrhea. Histopathologic findings included
superficial necrotizing enteritis of the jejunum and occasional, random
foci of coagulative necrosis in the liver. The alkaloid ricinine was
detected in gastric content by using a newly developed LC/MS method.
This confirmation of exposure is important in the diagnosis of ricin
toxicosis, because ingestion of castor beans is not always fatal,
histologic lesions are nonspecific, and the degree of mastication can
influence the effective dose of ricin.

Taxus sp. intoxication in three Francois’ langurs

(Trachypithecus francoisi). J Vet Diagn Invest 19:221–224 (2007).
Taxine alkaloids were detected by gas chromatography and mass
spectrometry of the gastric contents. Taxine produces an immediate
cardiotoxic effect by inducing conduction abnormalities and cardiac
arrest, with few premonitory signs. The toxic component, taxine B,
inhibits both calcium and sodium transport across the cell membrane
of the myocardial cells.

May

Detection of mixed infections with ‘‘Candidatus Mycoplasma

haemominutum’’ and Mycoplasma haemofelis using real-time
TaqMan polymerase chain reaction. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:250–255
(2007). Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are epierythrocytic
mycoplasmas that have never been cultured in vitro. At least 3 species
infect cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma
haemominutum’ (Mhm), as well as ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’
(Mtc), a new species that was recently described in cats in Switzerland.
The latter species appears to be present in cats in North America, as
well as an organism related to ‘Candidatus M. haematoparvum’ (Mhp),
which was first identified in dogs. Mhf is capable of causing severe
anemia in cats, whereas Mhm has yet to be associated with disease in
immunocompetent cats.

Growth and metabolic characterization of Macrorhabdus

ornithogaster. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:256–265 (2007). Macrorhabdus
ornithogaster (M. ornithogaster) is an anamorphic ascomycetous yeast
found only in the stomach of birds. Infection is often benign but has
also been associated with disease in some species of birds under some
circumstances. has been associated with a chronic wasting disease in
budgerigars, canaries, and finches and an acute hemorrhagic gastritis
in budgerigars and parrotlets. A stunting syndrome was noted in
chickens naturally infected with M. ornithogaster, but these birds were
also affected by a number of other pathogens.

Characterization of rupture of abdominal artery aneurysm in

dairy cattle. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:273–278 (2007). Marked
hemoabdomen, marked dilation and rupture of the abdominal aorta or
one of its branches, including the mesenteric, left gastric, celiac artery,
right ruminal artery, or left ruminal artery. Histologically, the tunica
media was thin and irregular in width with disrupted, fragmented, and
coiled elastin. There was hyperplasia of the tunica intima with adjacent
smooth-muscle hyperplasia.

Sodium fluoride/copper naphthenate toxicosis in cattle. J Vet

Diagn Invest 19:305–308 (2007). ingestion of a wood preservative
compound
containing sodium fluoride and copper naphthenate. perirenal edema,
pale kidneys, and forestomach ulceration. renal cortical tubular
necrosis.

Polypoid uterine leiomyosarcomas in a sheep. J Vet Diagn

Invest 19:309–312 (2007) . Uterine leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed
based on cellular morphology and atypia and positive
immunohistochemistry for a-SMA. intraluminal polypoid masses of
variable sizes (0.5–4 cm). The masses were red, with white, smooth,
and glistening cut surfaces. Histologically they comprised variably
dense sheets of moderately pleomorphic, plump spindle cells
embedded in richly vascularized stroma.

Diagnosis of Amanita toxicosis in a dog with acute hepatic

necrosis. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:312–317 (2007). Microscopically,
the liver showed panlobular coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes. A
presumptive diagnosis of amanitin poisoning was based on suspect
history of exposure to mushrooms, clinical signs, and pathologic
findings. Exposure to amanitin was confirmed through detection of a-
amanitin in the liver by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Infections caused by pathogenic free-living amebas

(Balamuthia mandrillaris and Acanthamoeba sp.) in horses. J
Vet Diagn Invest 19:317–322 (2007). Granulomatous amebic
encephalitis caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris and Acanthamoeba
culbertsoni and systemic infections caused by Acanthamoeba sp. The
systemic amebic infection was perhaps ‘‘opportunistic’’ considering the
visceral involvement by this protozoan in association with Aspergillus
sp. and/or Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp.

Systemic nocardiosis in a reindeer (Rangifer tarandus

tarandus). J Vet Diagn Invest 19:326–329 (2007). enlarged
tracheobronchial lymph nodes, pleural and peritoneal effusions, and
numerous, multifocal to coalescing, yellow, firm nodules with
inspissated pus in the lung, pleura, omentum, liver, heart, adrenal
glands, and left kidney. Microscopically, the nodules consisted of foci of
pyogranulomatous inflammation. Microscopic lesions were present in
the grossly affected organs as well as spleen and brain. gram-positive,
variably acid fast, beaded and branching filamentous organisms in the
necrotic centers

Toxinotypes of Clostridium perfringens isolated from sick and

healthy avian species. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:329–333 (2007).
All C. perfringens isolates were classified as type A regardless of
species or disease history. Although many isolates (from all avian
groups) had the gene encoding the C. perfirngens beta2 toxin, only
54% produced the toxin in vitro when measured using Western blot
analysis. Surprisingly, a large number of healthy birds (90%)
carried CPB2-producing isolates, whereas over half of the cpb2-positive
isolates from diseased birds failed to produce CPB2. These data from
this investigation do not suggest a causal relationship between beta2
toxin and necrotic enteritis in birds.

July

Detection of botulinum type E toxin in channel catfish with visceral

toxicosis syndrome using catfish bioassay and endopep mass
spectrometry. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:349–354 (2007). Visceral
toxicosis of catfish (VTC) was first recognized in the spring of 1999 in
the Mississippi Delta in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).24 This
syndrome is characterized by the sudden death of otherwise healthy
market-sized fish when pond water temperatures are approximately 18
to 22uC. Because diagnostic submissions were negative for bacterial,
parasitic, fungal, and viral pathogens, the etiology of this disease was
considered to be a toxin.

Comparative evaluation of Rose Bengal plate agglutination

test, mallein test, and some conventional serological tests for
diagnosis of equine glandersJ Vet Diagn Invest 19:362–367
(2007). Glanders is a bacterial disease primarily of equines caused by
Burkholderia mallei and is communicable to man and other animal
species.

Association of myocarditis with high viral load of porcine

circovirus type 2 in several tissues in cases of fetal death and
high mortality in piglets. A case study. J Vet Diagn Invest
19:368–375 (2007). High number of mummifications and stillbirths,
a high neonatal mortality rate, and many piglets with congenital
tremors or hind leg ataxia. A high load of PCV2 DNA was observed in
myocardium, liver, and spleen from mummified or stillborn piglets,
lower in piglets with myocarditis, and even further lower in pigs
without myocarditis. Neither porcine parvovirus nor
encepaholomyocarditis virus was detected.
Tympany, acidosis, and mural emphysema of the stomach in
calves: report of cases and
experimental induction. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:392–395 (2007).
neonatal calves with a peracute syndrome of abdominal distention,
diarrhea, dehydration, shock, and death revealed abomasal tympany,
marked edema, hemorrhage, and emphysema of ruminal and
abomasal walls and histopathologic lesions characteristic of
forestomach acidosis. Rather, it is proposed that the natural
occurrence of disease requires a quantity of highly fermentable
substrate (starch, glucose, lactose, etc.) and a bacterial flora that is
capable of rapidly fermenting that particular substrate with a resultant
production of gas and acid.

Evaluation of tongue as a complementary sample for the

diagnosis of parvoviral infection in
dogs and cats. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:409–413 (2007). Real-time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and
direct fluorescent antibody testing (FA). Parvoviral DNA was detected
by PCR in both small intestine and tongue. Nineteen of 22 animals
(86%) with suspect or positive FA staining in the small intestine also
had positive FA and IHC staining in the tongue. Three of 3 dogs (100%)
whose carcasses had been frozen and thawed prior to necropsy had
more consistently positive staining in tongue than in small intestine by
FA and IHC. These data confirm tongue as an excellent complementary
sample for parvoviral testing in dogs and cats, especially in cases in
which postmortem autolysis has occurred.

Application of polymerase chain reaction fingerprinting to

differentiate Ornithobacterium
rhinotracheale isolates. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:417–420 (2007).
Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is an infectious respiratory
pathogen of chickens, turkeys, and wild birds. The disease caused by
ORT is characterized by tracheitis, airsacculitis, and fibrinous
pneumonia in severely affected birds.

Immunohistochemical diagnosis of canine ovarian epithelial

and granulosa cell tumors. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:431–435
(2007). Granulosa cells were negative for cytokeratin 7 and displayed
variable expression of vimentin, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, and inhibin-a
toward follicular maturation. Granulosa cell tumors were negative for
cytokeratin 7 and positive for inhibin-a. Conversely, ovarian epithelial
cells tumors were positive for cytokeratin 7 and negative for inhibin-a.
Both granulosa and epithelial cell tumors
displayed variable expression of vimentin. Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 was
expressed by all epithelial-derived tumors and 6 of 8 granulosa cell
tumors.
Light-chain multiple myeloma in a cat. J Vet Diagn Invest
19:443–447 (2007). IN general, the monoclonal immunoglobulin
produced in multiple myeloma may be an entire immunoglobulin of
any class, a heavy chain only, or a light chain only (light-chain multiple
myeloma, also called Bence-Jones myeloma). In this case, the cat had
atypical plasma cell infiltration in the bone marrow, biclonal
gammopathy caused by polymerization of myeloma protein (M-
protein), and Bence-Jones proteinuria.

Precursor B-1 B cell lymphoma in a newborn calf. J Vet Diagn

Invest 19:447–450 (2007). A newborn Holstein female calf had
neoplastic lesions in the skin and within the thoracic and abdominal
cavities but not in the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, or most lymph
nodes. Because the tumor cells were positive for CD79a (B cell
marker), CD5 (B-1 cell marker) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl
transferase (marker for immature lymphoid precursors), a diagnosis of
precursor B-1 B cell lymphoma was made. The diagnosis was strongly
supported by the fact that B-1 cells can develop in the fetus, unlike B-2
cells, which are produced after birth. The lymphoma was distinct from
the typical calf form of lymphoma of B-2 cell origin, which does not
express CD5 and is characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy
and involvement of the bone marrow, blood and spleen.

Carcinoma in a mixed mammary tumor in a llama (Lama

glama). J Vet Diagn Invest 19:450–453 (2007). Histopathologic
examination revealed tubulopapillary acinar or solid nest-like clusters
of neoplastic epithelial cells surrounded by whorls and sheets of
proliferative myoepithelial cells. Histologic criteria for malignancy
observed in neoplastic epithelial cells included marked cellular and
nuclear atypia, high mitotic index, and numerous bizarre mitoses. The
presence of osseous metaplasia in the proliferative mesenchymal
component justified classification as a mixed tumor.

Osteocartilaginous metaplasia in the right atrial myocardium

of healthy adult sheep. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:518–524 (2007).
3.49% had palpable evidence of osteocartilaginous foci. An additional
8% prevalence was estimated based on radiographs of hearts that
contained #1 mm foci of nonpalpable, radiographically dense bone.
Microscopically, the nodules in the atria were characterized by mature
lamellar bone enclosing adipose tissue, with occasional new
bone formation by endochondral ossification. No degenerative
changes were evident in the affected atrial myocardium, suggesting
that these lesions were clinically insignificant background changes.
Outbreaks of renal failure associated with melamine and
cyanuric acid in dogs and cats in 2004 and 2007. J Vet Diagn
Invest 19:525–531 (2007). Distal tubular lesions were present in all
16 animals, and unique polarizable crystals with striations were
present in distal tubules or collecting ducts in all animals. The proximal
tubules were largely unaffected. A chronic pattern of histologic
change, characterized by interstitial fibrosis and inflammation, was
observed in some affected animals. Melamine and cyanuric acid were
present in renal tissue from both outbreaks. Oxalate crystals are
predominantly in proximal tubules, lighter green with a glassy
appearance, often oblong in shape, and more difficult to appreciate
without polarization. In contrast, melamine/ cyanuric acid crystals are
predominantly within distal tubular segments, green to blue in
appearance, often exhibit striations, and easily visualized histologically
without polarization.

Differentiation of Moraxella bovoculi sp. nov. from other

coccoid moraxellae by the use of
polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease
analysis of amplified DNA. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:532–534
(2007). Moraxella ovis was historically the only coccoid Moraxella
identified in cultures of ocular fluid from cattle with infectious bovine
keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) and could be morphologically and
biochemically differentiated from Moraxella bovis. Moraxella bovoculi
sp. nov. is a recently characterized Moraxella isolated from ulcerated
eyes of calves with IBK in northern California in 2002. affected animals
exhibit corneal ulceration leading to corneal scarring. Pathogenic
proteins of M. bovis include pilin that enable the organism to attach to
corneal epithelial cells4,16,18 and a pore-forming cytotoxin9
(cytolysin; hemolysin) that lyses corneal epithelial cells7 and host
neutrophils resulting in a release of neutrophil-derived degradative
enzymes into corneal stroma.

Occurrence of canine parvovirus type 2c in the United States. J

Vet Diagn Invest 19:535–539 (2007). Canine parvovirus (CPV) type
2 (CPV-2) emerged around 1978 as a major pathogen of dogs
worldwide. In the mid-1980s, the original CPV-2 had evolved and was
completely replaced by 2 variants, CPV- 2a and CPV-2b. In 2000, a new
variant of CPV (named CPV-2c) was detected in Italy and now
cocirculates with types 2a and 2b in that country. Arizona, California,
Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Transmission of bovine viral diarrhea virus to adult goats from

persistently infected cattle. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:545–548
(2007). The transmission of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) from
persistently infected (PI) heifers to adult seronegative goats was
examined in this study. Ten seronegative adult goats were exposed to
4 PI heifers. None of the goats developed any clinical signs but all
goats seroconverted by 42 days after exposure to the PI cattle. Results
indicate that goats are susceptible to BVDV infection when housed with
PI cattle.

Abomasal and uterine adenocarcinomas with ovarian

metastasis in a captive elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni). J Vet
Diagn Invest 19:560–563 (2007). A captive, 20-year-old female elk
(Cervus elaphus nelsoni ) euthanized due to progressive lameness and
weight loss . Within the uterus there was a poorly demarcated,
multilobulated mass measuring 10 cm in diameter. Histologically the
tumor was an adenocarcinoma. Histologic examination of the ovaries
revealed unilateral metastasis. A focal, 1-cm diameter adenocarcinoma
was identified within the abomasum; this tumor was histologically
distinct from the neoplasm found in the uterus and ovary.

Sarcocystis sp.-associated meningoencephalitis in a bald eagle

(Haliaeetus leucocephalus). J Vet Diagn Invest 19:564–568
(2007). Protozoal meningoencephalitis -The predominant histologic
lesion was lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic meningoencephalitis
involving the cerebrum and cerebellum. There was a marked
segmental loss of granular cells and Purkinje cells, as well as
segmental atrophy of the molecular layer in the cerebellum. Protozoal
merozoites and schizonts were observed in the gray matter of the
cerebellum. Ultrastructurally, the merozoites were classified as a
species of Sarcocystis due to the lack of rhoptries.
Immunohistochemistry of the agent revealed a positive reaction for
Sarcocystis neurona, while sections were negative for Toxoplasma
gondii and Neospora caninum.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type III in a

simultaneous infection of Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria
immitis in a dog. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:569–572 (2007). MPGN is
subdivided, based on ultrastructural alterations in the glomerular
basement membrane (GBM), as type I (subendothelial deposits), type II
(intramembranous dense deposits), and type III (immune complex
subendothelial and mesangial region, similarly to type I); in addition,
numerous subepithelial deposits are present. Heavy and coarse
granular complement C3 deposition and a weaker positive reaction to
immunoglobulin G were present along peripheral glomerular basement
membrane and in the mesangium in the immunofluorescent study.

Sinonasal plasmacytoma in a cat. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:573–

577 (2007). The right nasal cavity and the right frontal sinus were
partially occluded by a soft whitish mass. Microscopically, the mass
was composed of well-differentiated plasma cells that were
immunopositive for immunoglobulin G and lambda light chains. These
findings were consistent with a mature type sinonasal plasmacytoma.

Nocardia tenerifensis genome identification in a cutaneous

granuloma of a cat. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:577–580 (2007).
subcutaneous mass in its tail. Histologically, this mass consisted of ill-
defined pyogranulomas centered around aggregates of gram-positive,
acid-fast filamentous bacteria, consistent with Nocardia.

Evaluation of the toxicity of Adonis aestivalis (Summer

Pheasants Eye) in calves. The Holstein calves had transient, mild
cardiac abnormalities during the feeding trial. Mild, transient
gastrointestinal and cardiac signs were noted in the preruminating
calves. No gross or microscopic lesions were seen on necropsies
performed at the end of the study. Based on the results of this study,
cattle do not appear to be as susceptible to toxicosis from A. aestivalis
as other species, such as horses and pigs.

Nov

Assessment of melamine and cyanuric acid toxicity in cats. J

Vet Diagn Invest 19:616–624 (2007). Urine and touch impressions of
kidneys from all cats dosed with the combination revealed the
presence of fan-shaped, birefringent crystals. Histopathologic findings
were limited to the kidneys and included crystals primarily within
tubules of the distal nephron, severe renal interstitial edema, and
hemorrhage at the corticomedullary junction. The kidneys contained
estimated melamine concentrations of 496 to 734 mg/kg wet weight
and estimated cyanuric acid concentrations of 487 to 690 mg/kg wet
weight. The results demonstrate that the combination of melamine and
cyanuric acid is responsible for acute renal failure in cats.

Development of a sensitive and specific indirect enzyme-linked

immunosorbent assay based on a baculovirus recombinant
antigen for detection of specific antibodies against Ehrlichia
canis. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:635–642 (2007). Canine monocytic
ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by Ehrlichia canis, is a tick-borne disease
transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. 3 phases
are described in the pathogenesis of CME: acute phase, subclinical
phase, and chronic phase. Clinical signs of canine ehrlichiosis are often
nonspecific and include fever, anorexia, lymphadenomegally, lethargy,
depression, splenomegaly, and hemorrhagic tendencies. Different
clinical abnormalities, such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and
hyperproteinemia due to hypergammaglobulinemia, can be found in
dogs infected by E. canis.

Antemortem diagnosis and characterization of nasal

intranuclear coccidiosis in Sulawesi tortoises (Indotestudo
forsteni ). J Vet Diagn Invest 19:660–667 (2007). Rhinosinusitis is a
common clinical syndrome in tortoises, often caused by Mycoplasma
agassizii or herpesvirus.4,5,14,16 This study documents the presence
of intranuclear coccidia and Mycoplasma spp. moderate-to-marked
hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium. A lymphoplasmacytic
inflammatory response with smaller numbers of granulocytes and
macrophages was evident in the submucosa with occasional migration
into the overlying epithelial layers. Focal necrosis was noted in the
mucosal epithelial layers. Intranuclear coccidian gametes and meronts
were detected in the apical respiratory epithelial cells; rarely, oocysts
were noted
in the surface mucus. Infected nuclei were often enlarged and
contained one or more organisms. Trophozoites were 2–5 mm in
diameter. Meronts were up to 7 mm in diameter and contained
numerous (.16) merozoites (Fig. 4). Merozoites were banana shaped,
measured 4.0 3 1.5 mm, and budded
from a residuum. The merozoites had apicomplexan features
characterized by a distinct apical conoid apparatus, numerous
rhoptries, and a single central to
slightly eccentric nucleus (Fig. 5). Macrogametes and microgametes
measured up to 6 mm in diameter.

Age-related lesions in laboratory-confined raccoons (Procyon

lotor) inoculated with the agent of chronic wasting disease of
mule deer. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:680–686 (2007). Spongiform
encephalopathy was not observed by light microscopy, and the
presence of abnormal prion protein (PrPd) was not detected by either
Immunohistochemistry or Western blot techniques. Agerelated lesions
observed in these raccoons included islet-cell pancreatic amyloidosis
(5/6), cystic endometrial hyperplasia (3/4), cerebrovascular
mineralization (5/6), neuroaxonal degeneration (3/6), transitional-cell
adenoma of the urinary bladder (1/6), and myocardial inclusions (4/6).
The latter 2 pathologic conditions were
not previously reported in raccoons.

Detection of Leptospira interrogans DNA and antigen in fixed

equine eyes affected with
end-stage equine recurrent uveitis. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:686–690
(2007) positive immunoreactivity (open arrows) with Leptospira
antibody for antigens in the ciliary body of an horse affected with
equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). All test samples and controls were
negative for Leptospira DNA by realtime PCR analysis.

Toxic hepatopathy in sheep associated with the ingestion of

the legume Tephrosia cinerea. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:690–694
(2007). A disease known as water belly (barriga d’a´gua),
characterized by chronic progressive ascites, affects sheep in the
semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Only sheep grazing for long
periods in pastures where Tephrosia cinerea represents 80% to 100%
of the available forage are affected. At necropsy, large amounts of
liquid were found in the abdominal cavity, and the liver was hard, with
an irregular surface. On histology examination, the main liver lesion
was chronic periportal and
subcapsular fibrosis with bridging. Seeds and leaves of the plant were
negative for pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Diagnostic evidence of Staphylococcus warneri as a possible

cause of bovine abortion. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:694–696
(2007). Microscopic evaluation of fetal tissue sections showed
extensive necrotizing lesions of the tongue, lung, and placenta in
which there were numerous coccoid shaped gram-positive bacteria
with morphology consistent with Staphylococcus spp. Staphylococcus
warneri was isolated in pure culture from the lung, liver, and stomach
contents, whereas the placenta yielded S. warneri and a number of
contaminants.

Toxoplasmosis in a woodchuck (Marmota monax) and two

American red squirrels
(Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). J Vet Diagn Invest 19:705–709 (2007).
Woodchuck- acute subdural hemorrhage over the right cerebral
hemisphere. Histologic lesions included meningoencephalitis,
myocarditis, and hepatitis. Protozoal cysts were present in affected
and unaffected neuroparenchyma. In both squirrels, the lungs were
consolidated with numerous nodules up to 2 mm in diameter.
Histologically, pneumonia and encephalitis were associated with
intracellular and free protozoa. Additional histologic lesions included
multifocal lymphoplasmacytic encephalitis with intralesional protozoa
in both squirrels.

Peribiliary cysts associated with severe liver disease: a

previously unrecognized tumor in
a lion (Panthera leo). J Vet Diagn Invest 19:709–712 (2007).
Histologically, the neoplasm was surrounded and composed of
compact collagenous tissue. The inner cystic single layer resembled
biliary mucosa and was composed of cuboidal or flattened epithelial
lining that was strongly immunopositive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3. This
layer was surrounded by fibrous tissue that stained blue by Masson’s
trichrome staining. Given the presence of multiple organized cysts in
the liver, the lesion was consistent with peribiliary
cysts.

Hepatic lipidosis and other test findings in two captive adult

porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) dying from a ‘‘sudden death
syndrome’’. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:712–716 (2007). Routine
postmortem examination and histologic evaluation of tissue sections
demonstrated hepatic lipidosis (HL) in 2 adult captive porcupines with
a history of sudden death. The male porcupine had
a markedly enlarged pale liver that microscopically showed large
unilocular vacuoles within hepatocellular cytoplasm. The periparturient
female had similar but less marked hepatic lesions and an incidental
pulmonary mycosis. May be dietary.