Acute undifferentiated leukaemia in a dog

Non Epitheliotropic B-Cell Lymphoma with Plasmablastic Differentiation vs. Cutaneous Plasmacytosis in a 12-Years-Old Beagle: Case Presentation and Clinical Review

Cutaneous lymphoid neoplasms and cutaneous plasmacytosis are rare in the dog; in human and in veterinary medicine, these have many clinical, cytological, histological, and phenotypic similarities, and a diagnosis of certainty is not easy. The aim of this study is to describe a case of cutaneous non epitheliotropic B-cell lymphoma (CNEBL) with plasmablastic differentiation vs. multiple cutaneous plasmacytosis (CP) in a dog, since the scarce bibliographic data on these topics. A 12-year-old male Beagle dog was presented for multiple, nodular, cutaneous, and subcutaneous, indolent masses disseminated on the whole body. Cytological, histological, flow cytometric, and immunohistochemical examinations, as well as complete radiographic evaluation, echocardiography, and abdominal ultrasound were performed. Cytology, histopathology, flow cytometric, and immunohistochemical examination, performed on the skin lesions, revealed a B-cell phenotype with plasmablastic differentiation. Nevertheless, a final diagnosis could not be achieved and it was categorized as a case of borderline CNEBL with plasmablastic differentiation versus CP. The dog was treated with a COP chemotherapeutic protocol. Total remission was obtained and relapse occurred 120 days later. To our knowledge, specific markers are actually unavailable to certainly differentiate CNEBL and CP in the dog and future studies are needed to improve knowledge on these pathologies in veterinary medicine, since prognosis and therapy are different.

Clinical Value of CT-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration and Tissue-Core Biopsy of Thoracic Masses in the Dog and Cat

Simple Summary

Diagnostic imaging is of paramount importance in the diagnosis of thoracic lesions. Radiology has traditionally been considered the diagnostic procedure of choice for these diseases in addition to a correct cytological and histopathologic diagnosis. In human medicine, Computed Tomography (CT) and CT-guided biopsy are used in the presence of lesions which are not adequately diagnosed with other procedures. In the present study, thoracic lesions from 52 dogs and 10 cats of different sex, breed and size underwent both CT-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNAB) and tissue-core biopsy (TCB). In this study, 59 of 62 histopathological samples were diagnostic (95.2%). Cytology was diagnostic in 43 of 62 samples (69.4%). General accuracy for FNAB and TCB were 67.7% and 95.2%, respectively. Combining the two techniques, the overall mean accuracy for diagnosis was 98.4%. CT-guided FNAB cytology can be considered a useful and reliable technique, especially for small lesions or lesions located close to vital organs and therefore dangerous to biopsy in any other way.

Abstract

Diagnosis of thoracic lesions on the basis of history and physical examination is often challenging. Diagnostic imaging is therefore of paramount importance in this field. Radiology has traditionally been considered the diagnostic procedure of choice for these diseases. Nevertheless, it is often not possible to differentiate inflammatory/infectious lesions from neoplastic diseases. A correct cytological and histopathologic diagnosis is therefore needed for an accurate diagnosis and subsequent prognostic and therapeutic approach. In human medicine, Computed Tomography (CT) and CT-guided biopsy are used in the presence of lesions which are not adequately diagnosed with other procedures. In the present study, thoracic lesions from 52 dogs and 10 cats of different sex, breed and size underwent both CT-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNAB) and tissue-core biopsy (TCB). Clinical examination, hematobiochemical analysis and chest radiography were performed on all animals. In this study, 59 of 62 histopathological samples were diagnostic (95.2%). Cytology was diagnostic in 43 of 62 samples (69.4%). General sensitivity, accuracy and PPV for FNAB and TCB were 67.7%, 67.7% and 100% and 96.7%, 95.2% and 98.3%, respectively. Combining the two techniques, the overall mean accuracy for diagnosis was 98.4%. Nineteen of 62 cases showed complications (30.6%). Mild pneumothorax was seen in 16 cases, whereas mild hemorrhage occurred in three cases. No major complications were encountered. CT-guided FNAB cytology can be considered a useful and reliable technique, especially for small lesions or lesions located close to vital organs and therefore dangerous to biopsy in other way.

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Normal Canine Abdominal Lymph Nodes: Retrospective Study of Size and Morphology According to Body Weight and Age in 45 Dogs

The morphological characteristics of the largest lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes of the body have been described through ultrasonography, although food and gas in the gastrointestinal tract can often have negative effects on the response of small abdominal structures. The aim of the study was to describe the size of normal abdominal lymph nodes (ALs) in dogs affected by disease, not including lymphadenomegaly or lymphadenopathy, and divided according to body weight and age. The ALs studied included the jejunal, medial iliac, portal, gastric, splenic, and pancreaticoduodenal lymph nodes. Statistical correlation considering body weight and age as continuous variables showed that all measurements of the ALs increased according to body weight changes (p < 0.01). The most reliable values were the volume measurements (p < 0.001) compared to the length, thickness, and width. Mixed results emerged from a comparison of weight categories and age; only the jejunal lymph nodes showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05). Other characteristics (shape, attenuation, and enhancement) are subsequently reported. The resulting data can be used to categorize CT measurements of normal ALs displayed based on the body weight and age of the subjects. This study aimed to propose a new parameter of normalcy that may serve as a reference for the evaluation of infectious or neoplastic events.

A review of current knowledge of myeloproliferative disorders in the horse

Myeloid disorders are conditions being characterized by abnormal proliferation and development of myeloid lineage including granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils), monocytes, erythroids, and megakaryocytes precursor cells. Myeloid leukemia, based on clinical presentation and proliferative rate of neoplastic cells, is divided into acute (AML) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The most commonly myeloid leukemia reported in horses are AML-M4 (myelomonocytic) and AML-M5 (monocytic). Isolated cases of AML-M6B (acute erythroid leukemia), and chronic granulocytic leukemia have also been reported. Additionally, bone marrow disorders with dysplastic alterations and ineffective hematopoiesis affecting single or multiple cell lineages or myelodysplastic diseases (MDS), have also been reported in horses. MDSs have increased myeloblasts numbers in blood or bone marrow, although less than 20%, which is the minimum level required for diagnosis of AML. This review performed a detailed description of the current state of knowlegde of the myeloproliferative disorders in horses following the criteria established by the World Health Organization.

Effect of First Long-Term Training on Whole Blood Count and Blood Clotting Parameters in Thoroughbreds

Training has a strong effect on the physiology of hematological parameters and blood coagulation, both in humans and in horses. Several blood changes have been reported after exercise in horses but available data differ. We aimed to investigate modifications in complete blood count and some hemostatic parameters induced by the first training period in young untrained Thoroughbred racehorses to detect a possible labile blood coagulability in racehorses. Twenty-nine untrained 2-year-old Thoroughbreds were followed during their incremental 4-month sprint exercise schedule. Blood collection was performed once a month, five times (T-30, T0, T30, T60 and T90), before and during the training period for measurement of complete blood count (CBC) and blood clotting parameters (prothrombin time-PT, activated partial prothrombin time-APTT, thrombin clotting time-TCT, fibrinogen-Fb, thrombin-antithrombin complex-TAT). Differences among the time points for each parameter were analyzed (ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, p < 0.05). In Thoroughbreds, the first long-term exercise workout period was found to induce a statistical increase in red blood cell indexes and lymphocytes, eosinophils and platelet counts, as well as a hypercoagulability state evident at 30 days of training, which returned to basal levels after 90 days. Regular physical exercise seems to blunt the negative effects of acute efforts on hematological and clotting parameters, an effect that may be attributed to the training condition.

Hematological and Biochemical Reference Intervals for 5 Adult Hunting Dog Breeds Using a Blood Donor Database

Simple Summary

Hematological and biochemical profiles are essential in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease in veterinary medicine, requiring optimal Reference Intervals (RIs) for accurate interpretation. The aim of this study is to determine hematobiochemical RIs for 5 hunting dog breeds from a blood donor database and to compare them with laboratory established and published RIs to identify possible breed and attitude-related differences. A total of 445 healthy adult hunting dogs (156 Ariégeois, A; 52 Bleu de Gascogne, B; 64 Bracco italiano, C; 123 Segugio italiano, D; 50 Briquet Griffon Vandeen, E) were included in the study. Significant differences in 12 hematologic and serum biochemical analytes, for which a breed-specific variation appears to be the most plausible explanation, were detected, and new RIs for these parameters are provided.

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown the importance of breed-related differences between hematological and biochemical results in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study is to determine hematologic and biochemical Reference Intervals (RIs) for 5 hunting dog breeds from a blood donor database, adopting an indirect sampling method, and to compare them with laboratory established and published RIs to identify possible breed and attitude-related differences. The study analyzed the blood parameters of 445 adults (222 females and 223 male, with age ranging from 2 to 8 years, mean age 5.3 years), client-owned, clinically healthy blood donor dogs of 5 breeds: 156 Ariégeois, 52 Bleu de Gascogne, 64 Bracco italiano, 123 Segugio italiano, and 50 Briquet Griffon Vandeen. Statistical analysis was performed as recommended by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines. RIs for red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HB), main corpuscular volume (MCV), main corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), main corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red distribution widht (RDW), white blood cells (WBC), and differential leukocytes count, PLT, Albumin, Total Protein, Urea, Creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for each of the 5 breeds were performed, and significant differences with the established RIs were detected. We found significant differences in 12 hematologic and serum biochemical analytes for which a breed-specific variation appears to be the most plausible explanation. New RIs for HCT, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Albumin, Urea, Creatinine, AST, and ALT are provided for at least 1 breed. Breed-specific RIs for adult hunting dogs will help avoid misinterpretation of laboratory results in these breeds.

Metabolic and Biomolecular Changes Induced by Incremental Long-Term Training in Young Thoroughbred Racehorses during First Workout Season

Simple Summary

Sport training leads to adaptation to physical effort that is reflected by changes in blood parameters. The Thoroughbred racehorse is a valid animal model to investigate such changes. Twenty-nine clinically healthy, two-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses were followed during their first 4-month sprint training. Blood collection was performed at rest, once a month, five times. For each sample, blood parameters were determined. Moreover, before the beginning and at the end of the experimental period, serum protein electrophoresis and genetic analysis to evaluate the expression of key genes related to inflammatory and immunity responses were performed on all samples. Significant modifications were identified compared with the beginning of training for numerous metabolites and genes related to immunity response. In conclusion, the first long-term training period induces fundamental systemic changes in untrained Thoroughbreds probably as the result of the onset of physiologic adaptation to training.

Abstract

Training has a huge effect on physiological homeostasis. The Thoroughbred racehorse is a valid animal model to investigate such changes for training schedule fine-tuning. As happens in human athletes, it is hypothesized that biochemical and immune response changes and related biomolecular variations could be induced by training programs. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the long-term metabolic and biomolecular modifications in young untrained Thoroughbred racehorses in the first 4-month timeframe training period. Twenty-nine clinically healthy, untrained, two-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses were followed during their incremental 4-month sprint exercise schedule. Blood collection was performed once a month, five times (T-30, T0, T30, T60, and T90). For each sample, lactate concentration, plasma cell volume (PCV), and hematobiochemical parameters (glucose, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (Tbil), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin (Alb), total proteins (TPs), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁻), and chloride (Cl)) were determined. At T-30 and T90, serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), serum amyloid A (SAA), and real-time qPCR were performed on all samples to evaluate the expression of key genes and cytokines related to inflammatory and Th2 immunity responses: Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Octamer-Binding Transcription Factor 1 (OCT1), B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A). Statistical analysis was performed (ANOVA and t test, p < 0.05). Significant modifications were identified compared with T-30 for PCV, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, lactate, urea, creatinine, Tbil, ALP, LDH, Na⁺, K⁻, Ca²⁺, SAA, TPs, SPE, IL-6, IL-4, Oct-1, and BCL11A. In conclusion, the first long-term training period was found to induce fundamental systemic changes in untrained Thoroughbreds.

Serum protein concentrations and protein fractions in clinically healthy Italian Heavy Draft Horses using agarose gel electrophoresis

BACKGROUND

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) reference intervals (RIs) have been evaluated in different horses, but no specific values are shown for equine breeds as previously described in other species (dogs, cats), and no studies have been performed on SPE in draft horses.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine RIs for SPE in heavy draft horses (Italian Heavy Draft Horse-IHDH) living in central Italy. A comparison between different physiologic states (pregnancy and no pregnancy) and ages (foals and adults) was executed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 215 apparently healthy horses (mares, stallions, and foals). SPE (total proteins, albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-, and γ-fractions, A/G) was evaluated in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Perugia. RIs were determined using well-described, modern analytical and statistical methods. The normality of distributions was assessed using the Anderson-Darling test. Differences between subgroups were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. A P < .05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses.

RESULTS

Our results showed that IHDHs had increases in TPs and the α2-, β1-, β2-, and γ-fractions, and decreases in albumin, α1-globulins, and A/G ratios compared with the data reported in other horses. We also found that foals had significantly higher α1-globulins and significantly lower albumin concentrations, and A/G ratios compared with those of the adult horses.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, SPE RIs using agarose gels have been determined for the first time in a large number of draft horses (represented by IHDH). The obtained results provide a basis for the further investigation of equine breeds with natural breeding, and the impact of age and physiologic states on SPE.