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Barrett A, Holder K, Knowles S, LaDouceur EEB. Retrospective review of the pathology of American pikas. J Vet Diagn Invest 2024:10406387241256907. [PMID: 38804174 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241256907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
American pikas (Ochotona princeps) are small lagomorphs that live in mountainous talus areas of western North America. Studies on the histopathology of American pikas are limited. We summarize here the clinical histories, and gross and histologic findings of 12 American pikas, including 9 captive (wild-caught) and 3 wild animals. Death was often attributed to stress (transport, handling, anesthesia) with few-to-no premonitory clinical signs. Infection was the cause of death in 2 cases: 1 had bacterial pyogranulomatous dermatitis, cellulitis, and lymphadenitis with sepsis; the other case had oomycete-induced necrotizing colitis. Incidental parasitic infections included sarcocystosis, nematodosis (oxyurids), and ectoparasitism. Most animals with adequate nutritional status had periportal hepatic lipidosis; this finding was absent in all animals with adipose atrophy, and it is possible that periportal hepatic lipidosis is non-pathologic in American pikas. Three cases had myocardial necrosis that was considered the cause of death; the cause of necrosis was not determined, but it may have been caused by stress or vitamin E-selenium deficiency. Esophageal hyperkeratosis was noted in animals with a history of anorexia and negative energy balance; accumulation of esophageal keratin can result from lack of mucosal abrasion by ingesta. Several histologic findings that are likely normal in American pikas include splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis, thymic tissue in adults, and Clostridium sp. in the enteric lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kali Holder
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Susan Knowles
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, USA
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Sousa AC, Santos JC, Landolt C, Gomes C, Dias-Pereira P, Baptista CS. Clinicopathological and imaging features of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in a dog - a case report. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:376. [PMID: 33028333 PMCID: PMC7539460 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02593-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aetiology of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) in animals is still unknown. In humans, this pulmonary disorder is a rare autosomal recessive disorder triggered by a mutation in the gene SLC34A2, which causes deposition and aggregation of calcium and phosphate in the pulmonary parenchyma with formation of microliths. Although histopathological examination is required for a definite diagnosis, in humans, imaging modalities such as computed tomography can demonstrate typical patterns of the disease. This is the first description of the computed tomographic (CT) features of a histologically confirmed PAM in dogs. Case presentation The following report describes a case of a 7-year-old female Boxer dog evaluated for paroxysmal loss of muscle tone and consciousness with excitement. The main differential diagnoses considered were syncope, seizures, and narcolepsy-cataplexy. The results of the complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, urinalysis, arterial blood pressure, echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound, Holter monitoring, and ECG were all within normal limits. Additional exams included thoracic radiographs, head and thorax CT, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and CT-guided cytology. Thoracic radiographs revealed micronodular calcifications in the lungs, with sandstorm appearance. Computed tomography of the thorax showed the presence of numerous mineralized high-density agglomerates of multiple sizes throughout the pulmonary parenchyma, a reticular pattern with ground glass opacity and intense mineralized fibrosis of the pleural lining. Head CT was unremarkable. BAL and CT-guided cytology were inconclusive, but imaging features strongly suggest the diagnosis of PAM, which was histologically confirmed after necropsy. Conclusions This case report contributes to the clinicopathological and imaging characterization of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in dogs. In this species, the diagnosis of PAM should be considered when CT features evidence a reticular pattern with ground glass opacity and the presence of an elevated number and size of calcifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Canadas Sousa
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar - University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-31, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana C Santos
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar - University of Porto (ICBAS- UP), Veterinary Hospital of the University of Porto (UPVet), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Clara Landolt
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar - University of Porto (ICBAS- UP), Veterinary Hospital of the University of Porto (UPVet), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Gomes
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar - University of Porto (ICBAS- UP), Veterinary Hospital of the University of Porto (UPVet), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Dias-Pereira
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar - University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-31, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia S Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar - University of Porto (ICBAS- UP), Veterinary Hospital of the University of Porto (UPVet), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. .,Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (ICETA-CECA), Instituto de Ciências e Tecnologias Agrárias e Agro-Alimentares da Universidade do Porto, Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado, 55412, 4051-401, Porto, Portugal.
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Shirai N, Evans MG. Testicular microlithiasis in a clinically healthy cynomolgus monkey ( Macaca fascicularis). J Toxicol Pathol 2018; 31:147-150. [PMID: 29750004 PMCID: PMC5938216 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2017-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The present article describes an occurrence of testicular microlithiasis in a cynomolgus
monkey from a routine regulatory toxicology study. The monkey was from a negative control
group. Microscopically, the lesion was characterized by multiple extracellular mineralized
calculi within seminiferous tubular epithelia of both testes without any tissue reaction
or abnormal condition such as cryptorchidism, testicular neoplasm, or hypogonadism. The
present case is remarkable in that there is a paucity of reports on spontaneous testicular
microlithiasis in nonhuman primates. It is hoped that this case report will help to
facilitate the differentiation of spontaneous changes from induced changes in nonhuman
primate toxicology studies that are designed to use limited numbers of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norimitsu Shirai
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Eastern Point Road, Office B274-1706D, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Mark G Evans
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Science Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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Kubba MAG. Pulmonary ossification and microlithiasis in a bitch with multicentric mammary tumors. Open Vet J 2017; 7:273-276. [PMID: 29038780 PMCID: PMC5633661 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v7i3.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microliths and ossification were found in the lungs of a 12-year-old bitch suffering from compound mammary gland tumor which has disseminated in the inguinal lymph node glands and the lungs. Pulmonary ossification appeared grossly as irregular stony sharp particles which infiltrated the lung tissue and were readily recognizable from under the pleura as grayish sharp protruding particles. Microscopic examination revealed the existence of intra-alveolar single or multilobular particles of ossification which are formed of lamellated osseous substance with osteocytes in lacunae. Microlith particles were also seen and were smaller, usually solitary and less frequent. They comprised strongly basophilic smooth laminated spherical particles which may enclose faintly stained substances. Both structures were not associated with inflammatory response. Larger particles appeared as white miliary spots by radiography. This article documents for a very rare case of pulmonary microlithiasis and ossification in a dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahir A G Kubba
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Libya
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de Brot S, Hilbe M. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with concurrent pleural mesothelioma in a dog. J Vet Diagn Invest 2013; 25:798-802. [PMID: 24081932 DOI: 10.1177/1040638713504571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare pulmonary disorder characterized by the accumulation of calcium phosphate microliths within the alveoli, with only a few cases described in animals. A 10-year-old female Bulldog was euthanized due to history of dyspnea and recurrent pleural and pericardial effusions. At necropsy, numerous multifocal to coalescent protruding nodules of 1-5 mm in diameter were scattered throughout the thoracic serosal surfaces. Moreover, lungs showed a diffuse pale gray color and had a generalized fine grainy consistency. Histological investigations revealed abundant intra-alveolar laminated microliths that stained positive with periodic acid-Schiff and von Kossa stains. The pulmonary interstitium showed multifocal, mild to moderate thickening, due to collagen deposition and mild hyperplasia of type 2 pneumocytes. The pulmonary lesion was not associated with any inflammatory response, and mineral deposition was not observed in any other organ or tissue. In addition, pulmonary, pericardial, and pleural surfaces were extensively infiltrated by an epithelioid mesothelioma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed neoplastic cells that strongly coexpressed vimentin and cytokeratin, supporting the diagnosis of mesothelioma. An overview of PAM, including pathogenesis and histological characteristics, are discussed in relation to the concurrent pleural mesothelioma. The potential cause and effect relationship between the 2 conditions could neither be established nor ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone de Brot
- 1Simone de Brot, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Wijesundera KK, Izawa T, Tanaka M, Nakao T, Maezono Y, Ito S, Kuwamura M, Yamate J. Pulmonary dystrophic oxalosis and its possible relation to fibrosis in an aged Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua). J Vet Med Sci 2012; 75:365-8. [PMID: 23075923 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.12-0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A 20-year-old Gentoo penguin was found dead with a clinical history of inappetence and dyspnoea. At necropsy, the lungs showed severe congestion/hemorrhage and atelectasis. Histopathologically, fibrosis was observed exclusively around parabronchi with severe collagen deposition. In fibrotic lesions, there were numerous depositions of crystalline structures accompanied by epithelioid cells and multinucleated giant cells (foreign body type). In addition to irregularly lamellar structures as the morphology, the crystals were demonstrated calcium oxalate (CaOx) by the Alizarin red S staining with and without polarized light and von Kossa's staining. Myocobacteria and fungi were not found by special and immuohistochemical stainings. Pulmonary dystrophic oxalosis is a very rare lesion in Gentoo penguin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavindra Kumara Wijesundera
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-ourai-kita, Izumisano city, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
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Abstract
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare, familial disease of unknown aetiology characterised by intra-alveolar formation and accumulation of microliths. Multiple formalin-fixed tissues were submitted from a 5-month-old female alpaca that died suddenly without significant clinical signs. No gross abnormalities were observed on postmortem examination. Histological findings included PAM and severe centrilobular hepatic necrosis. Although the hepatic lesion was the likely cause of death, PAM was an incidental finding that has not been reported previously in alpacas. An overview of PAM, including pathogenesis and histopathological characteristics, are discussed in relation to the concurrent hepatic disease in the present case.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Lee
- Department of Primary Industries, State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Woodbridge Road, Menangle, New South Wales 2568, Australia.
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Starost MF, Benavides F, Conti CJ. A variant of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in nackt mice. Vet Pathol 2002; 39:390-2. [PMID: 12014504 DOI: 10.1354/vp.39-3-390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Four adult mutant nackt mice, which demonstrate alopecia and CD4+ T-cell deficiency, and two outbred SENCAR mice (sentinels) were presented for routine health surveillance. Lesions were not observed at necropsy. Microscopically, all four nackt mice demonstrated multiple concretions that were 30-100 microm in diameter, irregularly rounded to oval, nonbirefringent, and amphophilic to basophilic. Many of the concretions appeared attached to or within the alveolar walls of all lung lobes. Approximately half of the concretions had irregular fracture lines. All concretions were periodic acid-Schiff positive, and Von Kassa staining revealed diffuse calcification. None of the concretions were associated with inflammatory cell infiltrates, and metaplastic ossification was not evident. A diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, a rare disease in both humans and animals, was made based on the size and location of the concretions and the lack of an inflammatory response. This is the first report of a laboratory mouse demonstrating pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Starost
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Bastrop 78602, USA.
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Brix AE, Latimer KS, Moore GE, Roberts RE. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis and ossification in a dog. Vet Pathol 1994; 31:382-5. [PMID: 8053136 DOI: 10.1177/030098589403100314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A E Brix
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602-7388
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