HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF PHOSPHOLIPASE B (LYSOLECITHINASE) ACTIVITY IN RAT TISSUES

A method has been developed for the histochemical demonstration of phospholipase B (lysolecithinase) of rat tissues. The enzyme attacks lysolecithin with liberation of 1 mole of glycerylphosphorylcholine and 1 mole of fatty acid. The recommended procedure involves use of 6-10 µ frozen sections, fixed in cold calcium-formol and incubated at 37°C in Tris buffered medium at pH 6.6 containing 2.2 x 10–3 M lysolecithin and 1% cobalt acetate. The fatty acid liberated by enzymatic hydrolysis is trapped as a cobalt precipitate and is then converted to a blackbrown precipitate by treatment with dilute ammonium sulfide in cold isotonic saline. Equivalent amounts of fatty acid and glycerylphosphorylcholine are recovered by extraction and analysis of the incubated sections and of the incubation medium, thus proving that lysolecithin hydrolysis occurs under the proposed reaction conditions. Staining is reduced by treating the sections with copper ions, mercury compounds, alcohols, acetone and by heating at 60°C prior to incubation with substrate. Lowering of the pH of the incubation medium has similar effect. These findings are interpreted as evidence of the enzymatic nature of the reaction. Cells exhibiting a positive staining are found in the lamina propria of the intestinal villi and crypts, in the red pulp of the spleen and in the interstitial tissue of lung, liver and thymus. Similar elements are present in bone marrow smears and in leukocyte preparations obtained by peritoneal lavage. The morphologic and staining characteristics of these cells correspond to those of the eosinophilic leukocytes. Physical and chemical agents (x-irradiation corticosteroids) which sharply decrease the number of eosinophils also reduce the number of cells shown histochemically to hydrolyze lysolecithin. A correspondent. diminution of phospholipase B activity of homogenates of the same tissues can be shown in vitro. Differences in tissue distribution and chemical properties distinguish the phospholipase B from less specific esterases and lipases.

Mixed infection caused by Lecythophora canina sp. nov. and Plectosphaerella cucumerina in a German shepherd dog

We describe an opportunistic, disseminated infection in a German shepherd dog associated with two fungal organisms not previously reported to cause disease. Lecythophora canina, a new species here described, was isolated from an osteolytic bone lesion. A fine needle aspirate of the lesion demonstrated septate hyphae. Plectospharella cucumerina (anamorph Plectosporium tabacinum) was isolated from a urine sample. Clinical manifestations were blindness, altered mentation, and osteomyelitis. Treatment with itraconazole and terbinafine for greater than one year resulted in stable clinical disease.

Ophthalmic examination findings in a colony of Screech owls (Megascops asio)

OBJECTIVE

To report ophthalmic findings in the Screech owl (Megascops asio). Sample population Twenty-three, apparently healthy adult captive Screech owls in Maryland.

PROCEDURES

OU of all owls underwent complete ophthalmic examination. One randomly assigned eye of each bird was measured by phenol red thread tear test (PRT), and the other eye by Schirmer tear test (STT). TonoVet rebound tonometry and TonoPen-XL applanation tonometry were performed in each eye to measure IOP. Conjunctival swabs were cultured from one eye of 10 birds, corneal diameter was measured in OU of eight birds, and streak retinoscopy was performed on OU of seven birds. Ten birds were anesthetized, and A-scan ultrasonography using a 15-MHz probe was performed to obtain axial intraocular measurements.

RESULTS

Ophthalmic abnormalities were noted in 24/46 (52%) of eyes. Median STT result was < or = 2 mm/min, ranging < or = 2-6 mm/min, and mean +/- SD PRT was 15 +/- 4.3 mm/15 s. Mean +/- SD IOP were 9 +/- 1.8 mmHg TonoVet-P, 14 +/- 2.4 mmHg TonoVet-D, and 11 +/- 1.9 mmHg TonoPen-XL. Coagulase negative staphylococcal organisms were cultured from all conjunctival swabs. Mean +/- SD corneal dimensions were 14.5 +/- 0.5 mm vertically and 15.25 +/- 0.5 mm horizontally. All refracted birds were within one diopter of emmetropia. Mean +/- SD axial distance from the cornea to the anterior lens capsule was 4.03 +/- 0.3 mm, from cornea to the posterior lens capsule was 10.8 +/- 0.5 mm, and from cornea to sclera was 20.33 +/- 0.6 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports ophthalmic examination findings in Screech owls, and provide means and ranges for various ocular measurements. This is the first report of rebound tonometry and PRT in owls.

Ophthalmic examination findings in adult pygmy goats (Capra hicus)

OBJECTIVE

To document normal ophthalmic findings and ocular abnormalities in captive adult pygmy goats.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Ten healthy adult pygmy goats (five male, five female; 5-11 years of age; 26-45 kg body mass) underwent complete ophthalmic examinations.

PROCEDURE

Direct illumination, diffuse and slit-beam biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, IOP measurements and Schirmer tear tests were performed. TonoVet rebound tonometry, followed by topical application of 0.5% ophthalmic proparacaine, and Tono-Pen XL applanation tonometry were performed in each eye to obtain estimates of IOP.

RESULTS

Ophthalmic abnormalities included corneal scars and pigmentation, incipient cataracts, lenticular sclerosis, and vitreal veiling. Mean STT values were 15.8 mm/min, with a range of 10-30 mm/min. Mean IOP values were 11.8 mmHg for TonoVet-D, with a range of 9-14 mmHg; 7.9 mmHg for TonoVet-P, with a range of 6-12 mmHg; and 10.8 mmHg for Tono-Pen XL, with a range of 8-14 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

Ophthalmic examination findings in adult pygmy goats, including normal means and ranges for STT and IOP measurements, using applanation and rebound tonometry, are provided.

Presumed and confirmed striatocapsular brain infarctions in six dogs

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and diagnostic features of the canine sensorimotor syndrome caused by striatocapsular brain infarctions (SCI).

ANIMALS STUDIED

Six dogs with diagnostic imaging or postmortem evidence of SCI.

PROCEDURES

Medical records of dogs with SCI were retrospectively reviewed and the signalment, history, clinical signs, antemortem clinicopathologic test results, diagnostic imaging findings, case outcomes, and pathologic findings recorded.

RESULTS

All dogs had an acute onset of nonprogressive homonymous visual field deficits and contralateral general proprioceptive (GP) deficits. Contralateral hemiparesis and facial hypalgesia were noted in 5/6 dogs. CT scans were normal in 2/4 dogs, and revealed poorly defined hypoattenuating lesions in the subcortical white matter in two dogs. MRI exams were performed in 5/6 dogs and revealed unilateral, variably sized, striatocapsular lesions consistent with nonhemorrhagic infarctions. Diagnostic imaging (6/6) and postmortem examinations (2/6) suggested that SCI resulted from lesions in the vascular territories of the rostral choriodal (6/6) and lenticulostriate arteries (2/6). Diseases predisposing to infarction were not identified in 5/6 dogs. Improvements in mentation, behavior, proprioceptive deficits, and hemiparesis were seen in surviving dogs, but persistent, symptomatic sensory deficits were noted during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

SCI should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with acute onset, nonprogressive homonymous hemianopia, contralateral GP deficits or hemiparesis, and facial hypalgesia. MRI is the preferred modality for the antemortem imaging diagnosis of SCI. Although partial recovery occurred in all surviving dogs, visual and facial sensory disturbances persisted.

Congenital stationary night blindness in a Thoroughbred and a Paso Fino

This report documents congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in two non-Appaloosa horse breeds (Thoroughbred and Paso Fino). History of vision impairment since birth, normal ocular structures on ophthalmic examination, and electroretinographic findings were consistent with CSNB. In one horse (Thoroughbred), a 9-year follow-up was carried out. In the Paso Fino, severe vision impairment from birth to approximately 1 year of age in both dim and bright light situations led to humane euthanasia and histopathologic confirmation of the disorder.

Cardiovascular effects of topical ophthalmic 10% phenylephrine in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of topical ophthalmic 10% phenylephrine on systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse rate (PR) and electrocardiogram (ECG) in dogs.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Nine clinically normal dogs.

PROCEDURE

Arterial catheters were placed in the dorsal pedal artery of awake dogs and ECG leads were attached. After a 15-min acclimatization period, baseline PR, SAP, DAP and MAP were recorded every 5 min for 20 min. Two treatment groups (eight dogs each) were studied. Group I: one drop of phenylephrine was placed in each eye once. Group II: one drop of phenylephrine was placed in each eye three times at 5-min intervals. Following treatment, PR, SAP, DAP and MAP were recorded every 5 min for 90 min. The mixed procedure of the SAS system was used to perform a repeated measures analysis of variance to test for linear and quadratic trends across time.

RESULTS

Group I: There was a significant quadratic decrease in PR across time (P = 0.0051). Systolic arterial pressure increased linearly with time (P = 0.0002), MAP increased linearly with time (P = 0.0131), and DAP increased linearly with time (P = 0.0001). Group II: There was a significant quadratic decrease in PR across time (P = 0.0023). There was a significant quadratic increase in SAP (P = 0.0324), MAP (P = 0.0103) and DAP (P = 0.0131) across time.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical ophthalmic application of 10% phenylephrine in normal dogs results in elevation of arterial blood pressure and reflex bradycardia.

Effects of cyclophotocoagulation with a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser on corneal sensitivity, intraocular pressure, aqueous tear production, and corneal nerve morphology in eyes of dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine effects of cyclophotocoagulation via administration of 100 J with a neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser on corneal touch threshold (CTT), intraocular pressure (IOP), aqueous tear production, and corneal nerve morphology in eyes of dogs.

ANIMALS

15 dogs.

PROCEDURE

Noncontact Nd:YAG laser was transsclerally applied (10 applications; 25 W for 0.1 seconds for each application to each of 4 quadrants) to the ciliary body of the left eye of 15 dogs; the right eye was the control eye. Corneal integrity, CTT, tear production as measured by the Schirmer tear test (STT), and IOP were evaluated for 14 days following laser treatment. On day 14, dogs were euthanatized, eyes harvested, and corneas stained with gold chloride. Major nerve bundles were analyzed by use of a drawing tube attached to a light microscope, and maximum diameters were measured by use of image analysis software.

RESULTS

All laser-treated eyes had significantly higher CTT values, compared with control eyes. Six of 15 laser-treated eyes developed ulcerative keratitis. On most days, IOP was significantly lower in laser-treated eyes in both morning and evening. Laser-treated eyes had a significant decrease of approximately 1 nerve bundle/corneal quadrant. Values for STT or nerve bundle diameters did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Administration of 100 J with a Nd:YAG laser effectively reduced IOP while increasing CTT and caused a significant decrease in number, but not diameter, of major corneal nerve bundles. Nerve damage and corneal hypoesthesia are etiologic factors in ulcerative keratitis following Nd:YAG cyclophotocoagulation.

Feline leukemia virus detection in corneal tissues of cats by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry

OBJECTIVES

To determine the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in the corneas of FeLV-infected cats.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Thirty-four random source cats.

PROCEDURES

Seventeen cats were found positive for FeLV serum p27 antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Twelve ELISA positive cats were also positive on peripheral blood samples by immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) testing. Seventeen ELISA negative cats served as negative controls. Full thickness corneal specimens were collected from the left cornea of all cats and analyzed for FeLV proviral DNA and gp70 antigen by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC) testing, respectively.

RESULTS

Eleven (64.7%) positive corneal PCR results were obtained from 17 ELISA positive cats. Of 12 cats that were both ELISA and IFA positive on peripheral blood, 10 (83.3%) had positive corneal PCR results. All corneal tissues from ELISA negative cats were PCR negative. IHC staining of corneal sections revealed the presence of FeLV gp70 in corneal tissues of nine (52.9%) ELISA positive cats. Of the 12 cats that were both ELISA and IFA positive on peripheral blood, eight (66.7%) had positive corneal IHC results. Positive IHC staining was localized to the corneal epithelium. Corneal tissues of all ELISA negative cats and all IFA negative cats were negative on IHC testing.

CONCLUSIONS

FeLV antigens and proviral DNA are present in corneal tissues of some FeLV-infected cats. Screening corneal donors for FeLV infection is warranted.

Evaluation of aqueous tear production in dogs following general anesthesia

Pre- and postanesthetic Schirmer tear test (STT) values were measured in 46 dogs. All subjects had normal preanesthetic STT values (18.3 +/- 2.8 mm per min in the left eye [OS] and 18.3 +/- 3.0 mm per min in the right eye [OD]). Significant differences were found between pre- and postanesthetic STT values. Significant decreases in tear production were evident for up to 24 hours following the anesthetic event. Subject age did not significantly influence the results. Duration of anesthesia significantly affected the rate of return to preanesthetic STT values, with anesthetic events greater than two hours in duration having a prolonged effect as compared to anesthetic events less than two hours in duration. Anticholinergic administration prior to or during anesthesia further lowered postanesthetic STT values.

Argon laser trabeculoplasty and pilocarpine effects on outflow facility in the cynomolgus monkey

PURPOSE

We sought to determine whether and how prior argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) alters outflow facility, the pilocarpine-induced facility increase, and the morphology of the trabecular meshwork in cynomolgus monkeys.

METHODS

Eleven cynomolgus monkeys underwent unilateral 360 degrees argon laser trabeculoplasty, eight in two 180 degrees sessions (seven 3 months apart, one 11 days apart) and three in a single session. Intraocular pressure (IOP, Golmann ap-planation tonometry), aqueous humor flow rate (AHFR, fluorophotometry), total outflow facility (two-level constant pressure perfusion) and response to intracameral pilocarpine, and morphology (light and scanning/transmission electron microscopy) were determined at various times.

RESULTS

Resting total perfusion outflow facility 3 and 6 months after 360 degrees ALT was 30% higher in ALT-treated than in contralateral untreated eyes. There were no consistent or statistically significant differences between ALT-treated and contralateral untreated eyes in (a) IOP or AHFR before ALT, 5 weeks after initial 180 ALT, or 5 weeks after the second 180 ALT; (b) post-intracameral pilocarpine facility, or the dose-dependent facility response to pilocarpine 10 weeks after the initial 180 ALT or 3 and 6 months after the second 180 ALT; or (c) light or electron microscopic appearance of the trabecular meshwork or inner wall of Schlemm's canal 3-17 months after 360 ALT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that (a) ALT alters the biomechanical properties of the monkey trabecular meshwork so as to modestly increase its hydraulic conductivity without affecting the facility response to pilocarpine-induced ciliary muscle contraction; and (b) young healthy monkey outflow tissues exhibit remarkable reparative and homeostatic capabilities.

Comparison of kittens fed queen's milk with those fed milk replacers

Fifteen 2-week-old kittens were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 milk treatment groups as the sole source of nutrition for 4 weeks: queen's milk, commercially available kitten milk replacer (CMR), and an experimental milk replacer (EXP). Kittens fed queen's milk suckled ad libitum, whereas CMR- and EXP-fed kittens were tube-fed every 6 hours. Kittens were weaned at 6 weeks of age and were fed a feline growth diet ad libitum for an additional 4 weeks. Kittens were examined at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks of age; the procedure included an ophthalmic examination and blood sample collection for CBC and serum biochemical and amino acid analyses. Kittens fed CMR and EXP diets had weight gain greater than that for queen's milk-fed kittens. The kittens fed CMR, however, had diarrhea throughout most of the milk-feeding trial and developed diffuse anterior and posterior lens opacification and vacuolation at the posterior Y-sutures. The lens opacities noticed in the kittens during the milk treatments resolved to a residual perinuclear halo, and a few incipient cortical opacities were observed by the end of the growth diet-feeding period. Serum arginine concentration was significantly (P < or = 0.05) lower in the CMR-fed kittens, but was not different during the growth diet-feeding period. We concluded that the EXP diet supported normal growth in 2- to 6-week-old kittens; CMR supported normal kitten growth rate, but resulted in diarrhea and cataract formation; and serum amino acid data indicated that low arginine concentration may have been related to the CMR-induced cataract formation.

Comparison of the human and canine Schiotz tonometry conversion tables in clinically normal dogs

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in 114 eyes of 57 clinically normal dogs with 2 applanation tonometers (Tono-Pen and Mackay-Marg) and the Schiotz indentation tonometer, using the 5.5- and 7.5-g weights. Significant differences were not detected between measurements obtained with the Tono-Pen and Mackay-Marg tonometers the Mackay-Marg and Schiotz tonometers using either weight and conversion with the human calibration table, or the Tono-Pen and Schiotz tonometers using the 7.5-g weight and the human calibration table. Values obtained by use of the Tono-Pen tonometer were significantly less (P less than 0.005) than values obtained with the Schiotz tonometer when a 5.5-g weight and the human calibration table were used, but the amount was clinically unimportant. Estimates of IOP using the Schiotz tonometer and the canine calibration table, and either the 5.5- or 7.5-g weight were clinically and significantly much higher (P less than 0.0001) than estimates obtained with the Tono-Pen, Mackay-Marg, or Schiotz tonometers, using the human calibration table and either weight. Sixty to 70% of clinically normal dogs had an IOP greater than or equal to 30 mm of Hg when Schiotz scale measurements were converted with the canine conversion table. For clinically normal dogs, the human calibration table was the most clinically useful table for converting Schiotz tonometer measurements to mm of Hg. Normal mean (+/- SD) canine readings with the Schiotz tonometer and the 5.5-g weight was 4.9 +/- 1.5 tonometer scale units (range, 2 to 11; 95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 7.9).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of the human and canine Schiotz tonometry conversion tables in clinically normal cats

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in 73 eyes of 37 clinically normal cats with 2 applanation tonometers (Tono-Pen and Mackay-Marg) and the Schiotz indentation tonometer, using the 5.5- and 7.5-g weights. Statistically, the Tono-Pen tonometer underestimated IOP compared with the values obtained by use of the Mackay-Marg tonometer (P less than 0.0001) and the Schiotz tonometer, with either weight and either the human (P less than 0.01) or the canine (P less than 0.0001) calibration tables. Estimates of IOP using the human calibration table and either the 5.5- or 7.5-g weight were not significantly different from each other or from those obtained with the Mackay-Marg tonometer. Schiotz measurements obtained with either weight and converted using the canine calibration table were not only significantly (P less than 0.0001) different from each other, but were also clinically and significantly (P less than 0.0001) higher than measurements obtained with the Tono-Pen and Mackay-Marg tonometers or the Schiotz tonometer, using the human calibration table and either weight. Approximately three quarters of clinically normal cats had an IOP greater than or equal to 30 mm of Hg when Schiotz tonometer measurements were converted with the canine conversion table. The human calibration table was the most clinically useful table for converting Schiotz measurements from clinically normal feline eyes to estimates of IOP in mm of Hg. Normal mean (+/- SD) feline readings with the Schiotz tonometer and the 5.5-g weight was 3.9 +/- 1.4 tonometer scale units (range, 1.0 to 7.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 6.7).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation of two applanation tonometers in cats

Comparisons of the MacKay-Marg and Tono-Pen applanation tonometers in open and closed in vitro systems were made for the eyes of cats. Both instruments significantly underestimated intraocular pressure (IOP) vs direct manometry (P less than 0.001), but in readily predictable manner, with high coefficients of determination (r2 = 0.99). For tonometer 1 (MacKay-Marg), calculated actual IOP = 1.36 x (MacKay-Marg measurement) - 1.67 mm of Hg; and for tonometer 2 (Tono-Pen), calculated actual IOP = 1.37 x (Tono-Pen measurement) + 0.8 mm of HG, using measurements from 11 enucleated eyes. In vivo comparisons were initially made in 81 clinically normal eyes (n = 41 cats) by applying the Tono-Pen first followed by the MacKay-Marg. Compared with the MacKay-Marg, the Tono-Pen significantly (P less than 0.001) underestimated IOP in these cats. When the order of tonometer applanation was subsequently reversed in 73 clinically normal eyes (n = 37 cats) the Tono-Pen again significantly (P less than 0.001) underestimated IOP, compared with the MacKay-Marg. Alterations in tonometer order did not result in significant differences in measured IOP for the MacKay-Marg when compared with itself, but Tono-Pen measurements were significantly (P less than 0.05) less when its use followed, rather than preceded, that of the MacKay-Marg. Mean (+/- SD) IOP in clinically normal cats when each tonometer was used first was 22.6 +/- 4.0 mm of Hg (range, 14 to 32 mm of Hg) for the MacKay-Marg and 19.7 +/- 5.6 mm of Hg (9 to 31 mm of Hg) for the Tono-Pen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation of two applanation tonometers in horses

Comparisons were made of measurements obtained in horses, using 2 applanation tonometers in vivo and in vitro. In vitro comparisons indicated that although neither instrument accurately recorded intraocular pressure (IOP), compared with manometric measurements, results of both instruments indicated linear digression from manometric IOP values that could readily be corrected, thereby accurately estimating IOP in horses. For tonometer 1 (MacKay-Marg), calculated actual IOP = 1.48 - 0.9 mm of Hg; and for tonometer 2 (Tono-Pen), calculated actual IOP = 1.38 + 2.3 mm of Hg. The coefficients of determination (r2) values were markedly high (0.99 for both equations). In vivo comparisons in clinically normal horses did not reveal significant differences in measured IOP between the 2 instruments, and IOP was not altered from baseline after auriculopalpebral nerve block. Mean (+/- SD) IOP in clinically normal horses was 23.5 +/- 6.10 mm of Hg and 23.3 +/- 6.89 mm of Hg, for tonometers 1 and 2, respectively.

Comparison of serum and plasma taurine values in Bengal tigers with values in taurine-sufficient and -deficient domestic cats

A white Bengal tiger was determined to have a central retinal lesion and a central visual defect. Because of the known association between feline central retinal degeneration (CRD) and taurine deficiency in domestic cats, plasma concentrations of taurine were measured in this tiger. Serum concentrations of taurine, methionine, and cystine also were measured in white Bengal tigers, orange Bengal tigers, taurine-sufficient domestic cats, and taurine-deprived and tissue-taurine-depleted visually impaired cats with CRD. Hepatic and brain enzymes responsible for taurine synthesis were identified in tissue specimens from an orange Bengal tiger. Serum taurine concentrations were lower in white vs orange tigers, but were not as low as those in cats with CRD. Thus, we concluded that taurine depletion did not account for the central retinal lesion in the white Bengal tiger.

Management of facial injuries

Because of the excellent blood supply to the head region, superficial lacerations to the soft tissue structures of the head generally heal rapidly without treatment. Lacerations of the equine tongue frequently go unnoticed because difficulty in eating usually is not apparent. The majority of lacerations heal if left untreated, with no loss in function. Surgical repair is indicated to promote healing and prevent deformity, to amputate a severely compromised apex, and to alter a scar or defect that is unacceptable to the owner. Surgical principles to be adhered to include thorough debridement and copious lavage, multiple layer closure, and placement of tension sutures away from the primary suture line and tied on the dorsum of the tongue. Full-thickness lip lacerations should be repaired using multiple-layer closure and tension sutures tied on the skin surface away from the primary suture line. Reconstructive techniques have been described for extensive lip lacerations when primary repair was inadequate or tissue loss was severe. Thorough evaluation of the equine lid, adnexa, and orbit is essential in determining severity of injury and appropriate treatment methods as well as for establishment of a prognosis. The injury may be minor or more severe, leading to blindness, disfigurement, or loss of the eye itself. Depression fractures involving the frontal, maxillary, or nasal bones are frequently open fractures. Skin abrasions, epistaxis, facial deformity, crepitus, and pain are clinical signs seen with this type of injury. Bone and soft tissue reconstruction should be performed to minimize potential complications. Facial fractures left untreated can result in facial deformity, sequestration, sinusitis, and osteomyelitis.

Pseudallescheria boydii keratomycosis in a horse

The fungal organism Pseudallescheria boydii was isolated from the cornea of a Quarter Horse with ulcerative keratitis. Despite aggressive hourly medication through a subpalpebral lavage system, with drugs including miconazole and natamycin, the cornea developed a stromal abscess. Orbital exenteration was performed after 3 weeks. The fungal isolate was later determined to be resistant to all 8 antifungal drugs tested. Microscopic examination of the cornea revealed fungal hyphae throughout the corneal stroma and penetrating the Descemet membrane. Pseudallescheria boydii has not been implicated previously as a cause of keratomycosis in horses or in other domestic animals, although cases in human beings have been described.

Zygomatic salivary gland mucocele in a ferret

A zygomatic salivary gland mucocele was diagnosed in a 1-year-old female domestic ferret with exophthalmos. A T-shaped incision from near the lateral canthus to the base of the ear and continuing ventrally to the level of the commissure of the mouth was made to expose the mucocele. Surgical removal was complicated by the large open orbit of the ferret, adjacent cellulitis, extension ventromedial to the globe, and difficulty in identifying important motor nerves. Vision was maintained, but slight postoperative enophthalmos and mild upper eyelid paresis developed.

Arthritis and panuveitis as manifestations of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in a Wisconsin pony

Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi caused panuveitis and arthritis in a pony. Spirochetes were detected by direct immunofluorescence in the anterior chamber of the eye. The carpal joints had severe degenerative joint disease, with synovial proliferation. The synovium and serum had B burgdorferi antibody titers of 1:1024. The pony lived in an area of Wisconsin where infection with B burgdorferi is endemic in human beings. Previously, serum antibodies to B burgdorferi had been found in horses, but disease had not been reported.

The concurrence of hypoparathyroidism provides new insights to the pathophysiology of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets

Controversy exists over the role that PTH and extracellular fluid calcium concentration may play in modulation of the renal phosphate transport defect in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. In previous studies, administration of PTH to affected subjects resulted in an increase or no effect on renal phosphate excretion, while calcium infusion increased renal tubular phosphate transport. In contrast, patients with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and hyperparathyroidism have no change in their renal phosphate wasting after parathyroidectomy. However, none of these were permanently hypoparathyroid postoperatively. We describe a patient with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism in whom we proved the coexistence of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets using family history and dental abnormalities. Initially, the patient had a mean serum calcium level of 5.6 +/- 0.07 (+/- SE) mg/dl and a renal tubular maximum for reabsorption of phosphate per liter glomerular filtrate (TmP/GFR) of 6.5 +/- 0.46 mg/dl. Hypoparathyroidism was confirmed, and therapy with vitamin D (50,000 U/day) and calcium (1,000 mg/day) was begun. On this regimen, serum calcium rose to 8.1 +/- 0.2 mg/dl, and TmP/GFR declined to 2.59 +/- 0.12 mg/dl. Bone biopsy revealed the persistence of osteomalacia. Subsequently, therapy with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1.0 microgram/day) was initiated, and serum calcium rose to 9.6 +/- 0.07 mg/dl, and TmP/GFR declined to 1.79 +/- 0.16 mg/dl. The prevailing serum calcium level correlated inversely with the TmP/GFR (r2 = 0.91; P less than 0.001). These data indicate that calcium and/or PTH are involved in modulation of the renal phosphate transport defect in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets.

Staining of minerals and solubility of iron in tissues

Iron deposits in ethionine induced aortic siderosis of rats, in splenic deposits in sickle cell anemia and siderocalcific vessels in cerebral arteriosclerosis were completely removed by exposure to 20 percent hydrochloric acid for 30 min. This contrasted with idiopathic hemochromatosis and idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis in which the iron containing organs had to be exposed to 40 percent hydrochloric acid for two hours. The more soluble iron appeared colorless in unstained tissues, purplish blue with hematoxylin and eosin, turquoise blue with Perls' stain, violet blue with gallocyanin and dark-drown with sodium rhodizonate. The less soluble iron was golden yellow in unstained tissues. It appeared golden yellow with hematoxylin and eosin and sodium rhodizonate, but it stained greenish blue with Perls' method and dark brown with gallocyanin. Lead and copper were capable of deposition in some tissues in vitro in the presence of iron and/or calcium but not when these minerals were removed. This phenomenon may be of importance in certain pathological conditions, e.g. hemochromatosis, where on preexisting tissue-iron-complexes there is a secondary deposition of copper.

Rapid histological staining procedures for material from immune-suppressed patients

Immunocompromised patients require rapid diagnosis of infectious conditions, if treatment is to be effective. This paper describes rapid techniques for the identification of pathogens from transbronchial and other biopsy specimens. Included are rapid procedures for the following stains: Grocott-Gomori methenamine silver; Dieterle silver; periodic acid-Schiff; alcian blue; MacCallum-Goodpasture; and Kinyoun's acid-fast. The clinical usefulness of transbronchial biopsy is discussed.

Comparative demonstration of pulmonary fat emboli by "en bloc" osmium tetroxide and oil red O methods

The presence and localization of fat in human lung tissue was evaluated by the "en bloc" staining procedure with osmium tetroxide performed with formalin fixed tissue with subsequent paraffin sectioning and with the oil red O technique performed with frozen sections. Fifty-one autopsy cases were divided into three clinical groups: group A, consisting of 17 patients with severe skeletal trauma; group B, consisting of 14 patients with minor skeletal trauma; and group C, consisting of 20 control patients without trauma. Adjacent sections of lung were selected from all cases, stained with the "en bloc" osmium tetroxide and oil red O methods, coded, and examined under the light microscope without knowledge of the clinical grouping, Stainable fat was graded on a 1 to 4+ scale, and attention was given to histologic localization in tissue sections. The "en bloc" osmium tetroxide technique revealed greater amounts of stainable lipid in clinical groups A and B and was most effective in demonstrating lipid when present in small quantities (group B). Since the method permits the employment of paraffin sections, evaluation of fine histologic detail is an advantage that is not always obtained in frozen sections. It is concluded that the "en bloc" osmium tetroxide technique is superior to the oil red O technique in terms of visualization and histologic localization of minute amounts of lipid in lung tissue.