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Wünschmann A, Franzen-Klein D, Torchetti M, Confeld M, Carstensen M, Hall V. Lesions and viral antigen distribution in bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and great horned owls naturally infected with H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. Vet Pathol 2024; 61:410-420. [PMID: 38197395 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231222227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
An epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) began in North America in the winter of 2021. The introduced Eurasian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus subsequently reassorted with North American avian influenza strains. This postmortem study describes the lesions and influenza A virus antigen distribution in 3 species of raptors, including bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, n = 6), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis, n = 9), and great horned owls (Bubo virginianus, n = 8), naturally infected with this virus strain based on positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and sequencing results from oropharyngeal swabs. The birds presented with severe neurologic signs and either died or were euthanized because of the severity of their clinical signs and suspected influenza virus infection. Gross lesions were uncommon and included forebrain hemorrhages in 2 eagles, myocarditis in 1 hawk, and multifocal pancreatic necrosis in 3 owls. Histological lesions were common and included encephalitis, myocarditis, multifocal pancreas necrosis, multifocal adrenal necrosis, histiocytic splenitis, and anterior uveitis in decreasing frequency. Influenza A viral antigen was detected in brain, heart, pancreas, adrenal gland, kidney, spleen, liver, and eye. In conclusion, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and great horned owls infected with the HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b virus strain and showing neurological signs of illness may develop severe or fatal disease with histologically detectable lesions in the brain that are frequently positive for viral antigen.
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Bolt CR, Singh VK, Wünschmann A, Richards HC, Gehlhaus KL, Mor SK. Embolic necrosuppurative pneumonia in domestic cats induced by a novel Neisseria species. Vet Pathol 2024:3009858241235392. [PMID: 38440886 DOI: 10.1177/03009858241235392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Three cats, aged 2 to 11 years, presented to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory over a 3-year period following euthanasia or death due to respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs revealed nodular, soft tissue opacities throughout the lung fields in all cases. On postmortem examination, approximately 60% to 80% of the lung parenchyma were expanded by multifocal to coalescing, well-demarcated, beige, semi-firm nodules. Histologically, large numbers of neutrophils, fewer macrophages, fibrin, and cellular and karyorrhectic debris effaced the pulmonary parenchyma. The inflammatory foci contained aggregates of gram-negative cocci. 16s rRNA Sanger sequencing and whole-genome sequencing identified the bacteria isolated from the lung of all cats under aerobic conditions as a novel Neisseria spp. Based on whole-genome sequence analysis, all 3 sequences shared 92.71% and 92.67% average nucleotide identity with closely related Neisseria animaloris NZ LR134440T and Neisseria animaloris GCA 002108605T, respectively. The in silico DNA-DNA hybridization identity compared to our isolates was 46.6% and 33.8% with strain DSM Neisseria zoodegmatis 21642 and strain DSM 21643, respectively. All 3 sequences have less than 95% average nucleotide identity and less than 70% DNA-DNA hybridization identity, suggesting that the 3 isolates are a novel species of the genus Neisseria. Infection with Neisseria spp. induces an embolic pneumonia in cats that radiographically and pathologically resembles a metastatic neoplastic process and should be considered among the etiologic differential diagnoses in cases of infectious pulmonary disease with a disseminated, nodular lung pattern.
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Torii EH, Wünschmann A, Torchetti MK, Koster L, van Geelen A, Atchison R, Rivas A. Outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in captive reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus). Vet Pathol 2024; 61:298-302. [PMID: 37650249 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231196797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
In September 2020, an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease occurred in captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and was associated with neurological signs and mortality. Four reindeer died or were euthanized after acute illness over a 12-day period. Affected reindeer displayed abnormal behavior, neurologic signs, lethargy, and/or lameness. The most consistent gross finding was dark red streaks throughout the adrenal gland cortices (4/4). One animal had acute hemorrhage involving the subcutis and skeletal muscles over the ventrolateral body wall and back, and abomasal serosa. Histologically, the most common lesions were adrenal gland cortical hemorrhage (4/4) with necrosis (3/4) and lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis with gliosis, glial nodules, satellitosis, and nonsuppurative perivascular cuffing (4/4). The brain lesions were most frequent in the gray matter of the cerebrum, hippocampus, and thalamus but also involved the cerebellum and brainstem. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 6 was detected through PCR and sequencing of the spleen in all cases.
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Elsmo EJ, Wünschmann A, Beckmen KB, Broughton-Neiswanger LE, Buckles EL, Ellis J, Fitzgerald SD, Gerlach R, Hawkins S, Ip HS, Lankton JS, Lemley EM, Lenoch JB, Killian ML, Lantz K, Long L, Maes R, Mainenti M, Melotti J, Moriarty ME, Nakagun S, Ruden RM, Shearn-Bochsler V, Thompson D, Torchetti MK, Van Wettere AJ, Wise AG, Lim AL. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b Infections in Wild Terrestrial Mammals, United States, 2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2451-2460. [PMID: 37987580 PMCID: PMC10683806 DOI: 10.3201/eid2912.230464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe the pathology of natural infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus of Eurasian lineage Goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b in 67 wild terrestrial mammals throughout the United States during April 1‒July 21, 2022. Affected mammals include 50 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 6 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), 4 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 2 bobcats (Lynx rufus), 2 Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), 1 coyote (Canis latrans), 1 fisher (Pekania pennanti), and 1 gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Infected mammals showed primarily neurologic signs. Necrotizing meningoencephalitis, interstitial pneumonia, and myocardial necrosis were the most common lesions; however, species variations in lesion distribution were observed. Genotype analysis of sequences from 48 animals indicates that these cases represent spillover infections from wild birds.
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Zeineldin M, Hicks J, Ward HJ, Wünschmann A, Camp P, Farrell D, Lehman K, Thacker TC, Cuthbert E. Complete genome sequence of Candidatus Mycobacterium wuenschmannii , a nontuberculous mycobacterium isolated from a captive population of Amazon milk frogs. Microbiol Resour Announc 2023; 12:e0054723. [PMID: 37747253 PMCID: PMC10586106 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00547-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A slow growing species of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) was isolated from the liver of an Amazon milk frog. The complete genome of this isolate comprises 5,102,433 bp, exhibiting 66.86% GC content, 4,940 protein-coding sequences, 52 predicted RNA genes, and 39 repeat regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Hicks
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Hilary J. Ward
- University of Minnesota, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- University of Minnesota, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Patrick Camp
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - David Farrell
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, Iowa, USA
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McDermott KA, Greenwood SJ, Conboy GA, Franzen-Klein DM, Wünschmann A. Massive hepatic trematodosis in 5 juvenile bald eagles. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:409-412. [PMID: 37204007 PMCID: PMC10331387 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231176227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic trematodosis by opisthorchiid flukes has been reported sporadically in North American fish-eating raptors. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) infected by these flukes often have various degrees of granulomatous cholangitis, pericholangitis, necrosis of adjacent hepatocytes, and subsequent hepatic fibrosis. Species identification has been complicated by the inability to dissect intact specimens from liver tissue. Between 2007 and 2018, 5 juvenile bald eagles with massive hepatic trematodosis were identified at autopsy. Histologically, flukes were non-spinous. Parasitologic identification revealed ventral suckers (80-93 µm diameter), and uteri containing golden, operculated eggs (~25.0 × 12.0 µm). An unfixed frozen liver sample of one eagle was analyzed by PCR and DNA sequencing targeting the large subunit rRNA, ITS region, and cox1 genes of the parasite. The fluke DNA sequences shared 99.6%, 98.4%, and 87.0% similarity, respectively, with Erschoviorchis anuiensis, a newly described opisthorchiid species infecting the liver and pancreas of fish-eating birds in Europe and Asia. Infection by E. anuiensis is highly pathogenic in several piscivorous bird species. The clinical significance of trematodosis in our 5 cases is uncertain because all birds had comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A. McDermott
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Spencer J. Greenwood
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
| | - Gary A. Conboy
- Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
| | | | - Arno Wünschmann
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
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Torii EH, Wünschmann A, Armién AG, Mor SK, Chalupsky E, Kumar R, Willette M. Adenoviral infection in 5 red-tailed hawks and a broad-winged hawk. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:796-805. [PMID: 35762098 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221105240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral infections among raptors are best described in falcons and are characterized most commonly by necrotizing hepatitis and splenitis; only one case has been reported in a hawk. Five red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and a broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) had an adenoviral infection based on history, histopathology, negative-stain electron microscopy, and PCR. All birds had acute onset of illness resulting in death; 3 had evidence of a concurrent bacterial infection. Microscopically, all 6 birds had solitary, pale eosinophilic-to-amphophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies within presumed hematopoietic cells in bone marrow and macrophages in spleen. Five of the 6 birds had similar inclusions within hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. All but one bird had severe bone marrow necrosis. There was moderate splenic necrosis (3 of 6) and mild-to-marked hepatic necrosis (4 of 6). Negative-stain electron microscopy demonstrated adenoviral particles in bone marrow (5 of 6), liver (1 of 5), and/or spleen (1 of 5). PCR was positive for adenovirus in bone marrow (3 of 5), liver (1 of 3), spleen (4 of 6), and/or intestinal contents (2 of 3). Viral DNA polymerase gene sequences clustered within the Siadenovirus genus. There was 99% nucleotide identity to one another and 90% nucleotide identity with the closest related adenovirus (Harris hawk, EU715130). Our case series expands on the limited knowledge of adenoviral infections in hawks. The splenic and hepatic necrosis, and particularly the hitherto unreported bone marrow necrosis, suggest that adenoviral infection is clinically relevant and potentially fatal in hawks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma H Torii
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Anibal G Armién
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sunil K Mor
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Emma Chalupsky
- The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Michelle Willette
- The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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Keane C, Marchetto KM, Oliveira-Santos LGR, Wünschmann A, Wolf TM. Epidemiological Investigation of Meningeal Worm-Induced Mortalities in Small Ruminants and Camelids Over a 19 Year Period. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:859028. [PMID: 35464381 PMCID: PMC9020814 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.859028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningeal worm, or Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (P. tenuis) is a nematode parasite that can invade the nervous system of small ruminant and camelid species such as alpaca, llama, goats and sheep. Limited reports exist on the epidemiology of disease caused by the nematode in susceptible livestock. We examined archived necropsy reports from small ruminant and camelid mortalities that were submitted, post mortem, to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MNVDL) during 2001–2019 for gross necropsy, histopathology, and pathogen screening. We estimated P. tenuis-induced mortality over time and developed temporal models to better understand patterns and drivers of P. tenuis-induced mortalities in these animals. During the period under examination, 5,617 goats, sheep, llamas and alpacas were necropsied, revealing an overall P. tenuis-induced mortality rate of 1.14% in the necropsy submission pool for these species. P. tenuis-induced mortality rates were highest in llamas (9.91%) and alpacas (5.33%) compared to sheep and goats (<1%), with rates in llamas and alpacas significantly higher than in sheep and goats. P. tenuis-induced mortalities exhibited one seasonal peak, around October to December. P. tenuis-induced mortality rates varied greatly between years, and have significantly increased over time. We also observed a positive correlation between summer temperature (range 20.4–22.4°C) and P. tenuis-induced mortality rates (range 0–3.9%), but not precipitation. This study demonstrates seasonal patterns and differences in mortality between alpacas, goats, llamas and sheep and helps us to better understand the epidemiology of P. tenuis mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlena Keane
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Katherine M. Marchetto
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Katherine M. Marchetto
| | - Luiz Gustavo R. Oliveira-Santos
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
- Department of Ecology, BioScience Institute, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Tiffany M. Wolf
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
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Rosenbaum CS, Wünschmann A, Armién AG, Schott R, Singh VK, Mor SK. Novel papillomavirus in a mallard duck with mesenchymal chondroid dermal tumors. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:231-236. [PMID: 35090373 PMCID: PMC8921809 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221075607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Papillomaviruses, which are epitheliotropic and may induce epithelial tumors, have been identified in several avian species, including ducks. An adult female mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) was admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center with 2 beige, well-demarcated, firm masses: one in the subcutis under a wing, and the other on a digit of the right foot. After euthanasia, the masses were fixed in formalin for histologic examination. Both tumors had a lobular organization with cartilage cores surrounded by densely cellular interlacing bundles of spindle cells. Neoplastic chondroblasts in both masses, particularly the digital mass, contained basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies, which consisted of assembly complexes of icosahedral virions of 44-nm diameter. Next-generation sequencing allowed whole genome assembly of a novel papillomavirus (Anas platyrhynchos papillomavirus 2) related most closely to Fulmarus glacialis papillomavirus 1 (59.49% nucleotide identity). Our case supports the observation that certain papillomaviruses can productively infect mesenchymal cells and induce neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire S. Rosenbaum
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Arno Wünschmann, Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1333 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
| | - Aníbal G. Armién
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Renee Schott
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, Roseville, MN, USA
| | - Vikash K. Singh
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Sunil K. Mor
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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Wünschmann A. Pathology in Practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 259:1410-1412. [PMID: 34757928 DOI: 10.2460/javma.19.07.0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- From the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
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Wünschmann A, Armién AG, Carstensen M. Pathology in Practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 259:998-1000. [PMID: 34647470 DOI: 10.2460/javma.259.9.998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Wünschmann A, Lopez-Astacio R, Armién AG, Reed L, Parrish CR. Parvovirus-induced encephalitis in a juvenile raccoon. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 33:140-143. [PMID: 33100176 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720967381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A juvenile raccoon was euthanized because of severe neurologic signs. At postmortem examination, no significant gross lesions were present. Histologic evaluation demonstrated nonsuppurative encephalitis in thalamus, brainstem, and hippocampus, cerebellar Purkinje cell loss, as well as poliomyelitis and demyelination of the spinal cord. Parvovirus antigen-specific immunohistochemistry revealed immunopositive neurons in the brainstem, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. A few Purkinje cells were also immunopositive. DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded brain tissue (thalamus, hippocampus, cerebral cortex) yielded a positive signal using PCR targeting both feline and canine parvovirus. Sequencing analyses from a fragment of the NS1 gene and a portion of the VP2 gene confirmed the presence of DNA of a recent canine parvovirus variant (CPV-2a-like virus) in the cerebellum. Our case provides evidence that a recent canine parvovirus (CPV) strain (Carnivore protoparvovirus 1) can infect cerebral and diencephalic neurons and cause encephalitis in an otherwise healthy raccoon. Parvovirus-induced encephalitis is a differential diagnosis of rabies and canine distemper in raccoons with neurologic signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - Robert Lopez-Astacio
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Aníbal G Armién
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.,California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab, Davis, CA
| | - Leslie Reed
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, Roseville, MN
| | - Colin R Parrish
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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Wünschmann A, Lopez-Astacio R, Armien AG, Parrish CR. Cerebellar hypoplasia and dysplasia in a juvenile raccoon with parvoviral infection. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:463-466. [PMID: 32404029 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720912229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A juvenile raccoon (Procyon lotor) was submitted dead to the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for rabies testing without history. The animal had marked hypoplasia of the cerebellum. Histology demonstrated that most folia lacked granule cells and had randomly misplaced Purkinje cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of parvoviral antigen in a few neurons and cell processes. PCR targeting feline and canine parvovirus yielded a positive signal. Sequencing analyses from a fragment of the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) gene and a portion of the viral capsid protein 2 (VP2) gene confirmed the presence of DNA of a recent canine parvovirus variant (CPV-2a-like virus) in the cerebellum. Our study provides evidence that (canine) parvovirus may be associated with cerebellar hypoplasia and dysplasia in raccoons, similar to the disease that occurs naturally and has been reproduced experimentally by feline parvoviral infection of pregnant cats, with subsequent intrauterine or neonatal infections of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann, Armien).,Baker Institute of Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Lopez-Astacio, Parrish)
| | - Robert Lopez-Astacio
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann, Armien).,Baker Institute of Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Lopez-Astacio, Parrish)
| | - Anibal G Armien
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann, Armien).,Baker Institute of Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Lopez-Astacio, Parrish)
| | - Colin R Parrish
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann, Armien).,Baker Institute of Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Lopez-Astacio, Parrish)
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Sobhy NM, Armién AG, Wünschmann A, Muldoon D, Goyal SM, Mor SK. Detection and molecular characterization of kobuvirus from diarrheic goats in Minnesota. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:873-879. [PMID: 33140709 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720949475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Kobuvirus infections are common among humans, rodents, carnivores, pigs, and ruminants. We report herein the complete genome sequence of a novel caprine kobuvirus (MN604700) from diarrheic kids in Minnesota. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a kobuvirus genome of 8,139 nt with a single ORF region encoding a polyprotein of 2,480 amino acids. Further analysis revealed nt substitutions along the genome compared with that of the caprine kobuvirus reference strain, with 93% identity. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the clade of the caprine kobuvirus was most closely related to porcine kobuviruses rather than bovine or ovine kobuviruses. Using primers designed from this genome, caprine kobuvirus was identified in the stools of other goats. Sanger sequencing of PCR products indicated 3D and VP1 gene nucleotides of this latter strain were 95% and 91% identical with those of MN604700, respectively. There were 35 and 101 nt substitutions in 3D and VP1 genes, respectively. Findings of kobuvirus over a 2-y period may indicate an endemic state, which needs further research. In addition, screening for kobuviruses over large geographic areas is needed to identify the evolutionary connections among different strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader M Sobhy
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.,Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Aníbal G Armién
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - Dean Muldoon
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - Sagar M Goyal
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - Sunil K Mor
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
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Abstract
Ulcers of the oral cavity, esophagus, and gastric compartments of South American camelids are uncommon. Multifocal-to-coalescing ulcers were identified in the oral cavity, esophagus, and/or gastric compartments of 5 alpacas submitted for postmortem examination. Fusobacterium necrophorum was isolated from the lesions in all alpacas, in combination with other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In 4 of these cases, F. necrophorum-associated lesions were considered secondary to neoplasia or other chronic debilitating conditions; in 1 case, the alimentary ulcers were considered the most significant autopsy finding. It is not known if this agent acted as a primary or opportunistic agent in mucosal membranes previously damaged by a traumatic event, chemical insult, immunodeficiency, or any other debilitating condition of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco R Carvallo
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino (Carvallo, Uzal) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Davis (Diab, Crossley) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile (Flores).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti).,University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann)
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino (Carvallo, Uzal) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Davis (Diab, Crossley) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile (Flores).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti).,University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann)
| | - Carlos Flores
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino (Carvallo, Uzal) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Davis (Diab, Crossley) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile (Flores).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti).,University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann)
| | - Santiago S Diab
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino (Carvallo, Uzal) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Davis (Diab, Crossley) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile (Flores).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti).,University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann)
| | - Federico Giannitti
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino (Carvallo, Uzal) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Davis (Diab, Crossley) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile (Flores).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti).,University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann)
| | - Beate Crossley
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino (Carvallo, Uzal) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Davis (Diab, Crossley) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile (Flores).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti).,University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann)
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino (Carvallo, Uzal) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Davis (Diab, Crossley) branches, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile (Flores).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti).,University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann)
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17
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Henriksen MDL, Sharkey L, Franzen-Klein D, Wünschmann A, Teixeira LBC, Dubielzig R, Willette M. Bilateral Anterior Uveitis in a Northern Saw-whet Owl ( Aegolius acadicus) With a Metastatic Pectoral Malignant Mesenchymoma. J Avian Med Surg 2020; 33:171-178. [PMID: 31251505 DOI: 10.1647/2017-326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A captive, adult, male northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) was examined for blepharospasm of the left eye. The owl was diagnosed with bilateral anterior uveitis and a corneal ulceration in the left eye. It was treated with oral and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and a topical antibiotic. Multiple recheck examinations and medication adjustments were performed over the next 4 months, at the end of which time the bilateral anterior uveitis was controlled with a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory applied 3 times per week to both eyes. The owl was re-examined 2 months later after 2 suspected neurologic episodes. On physical examination, the owl was quiet and had difficulty standing and ambulating. Five firm multilobular and immobile masses were identified overlying the pectoral muscle and sternum. Fine-needle aspiration from 1 mass revealed neoplastic cells consistent with a sarcoma. The owl was euthanatized. On the basis of results of histopathologic examination, the mass was diagnosed as a pleomorphic spindle cell sarcoma with features of rhabdomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Numerous tumor cells were immunopositive for myoglobin and desmin, indicating striated muscle origin. Although a metastatic lesion was present in 1 adrenal gland, lesions of inflammation or neoplasia were absent in either eye on histopathologic examination. This report describes an apparent ocular manifestation of systemic disease in an avian species with clinically diagnosed recurrent anterior uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michala de Linde Henriksen
- Comparative Ophthalmology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Leslie Sharkey
- Clinical Pathology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Dana Franzen-Klein
- The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Leandro B C Teixeira
- Department of Pathobiology Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Richard Dubielzig
- Department of Pathobiology Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Michelle Willette
- The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
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18
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Schwabenlander M, Buchweitz JP, Smith CE, Wünschmann A. Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury Concentrations in the Livers of Free-Ranging Common Garter Snakes ( Thamnophis sirtalis) from Minnesota, USA. J Wildl Dis 2019; 55:973-976. [PMID: 31009306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Livers of 25 common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) from Minnesota (2015-16) were analyzed for heavy metals by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Dry weight mean concentrations (ranges μg/g) were arsenic, 118.94 (0.26-1245.56); cadmium, 1.44 (0.15-7.59); lead, 0.21 (<0.10-0.78); and mercury, 0.30 (<0.5-2.25).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Schwabenlander
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1333 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - John P Buchweitz
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, Michigan 48910, USA
| | - Christopher E Smith
- Wildlife Research and Consulting Services, LLC, PO Box 803, Lakeland, Minnesota 55043, USA
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1333 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
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19
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Armstrong AR, Wünschmann A, Rigatti LH, Klein EC. Clostridium difficile Enterocolitis in a Captive Geoffroy's Spider Monkey ( Ateles geoffroyi) and Common Marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus). Vet Pathol 2019; 56:959-963. [PMID: 31382854 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819864307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a well-documented cause of enterocolitis in several species, including humans, with limited documentation in New World nonhuman primates. We report several cases of C. difficile-associated pseudomembranous enterocolitis, including a case in a Geoffroy's spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) and several cases in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). The histologic lesions included a spectrum of severity, with most cases characterized by the classic "volcano" lesions described in humans and several other animal species. C. difficile was isolated from the colon of the spider monkey, while the presence of toxin A or toxin B or of the genes of toxin A or B by polymerase chain reaction served as corroborative evidence in several affected marmosets. C. difficile should be considered a cause of enterocolitis in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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20
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Wünschmann A, Armién AG, Childress AL, Wellehan JFX, Giannitti F. Intrapericardial Encephalitozoon pogonae-associated arteritis with fatal hemopericardium in two juvenile central bearded dragons. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 31:467-470. [PMID: 30795726 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719834330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two male juvenile central bearded dragons ( Pogona vitticeps) were submitted for postmortem examination after dying at their respective homes. Dragon 1 had marked hemopericardium with restrictive epicarditis. The inner aspect of the distended pericardial sac was lined by a fibrinoheterophilic membrane. In addition, granulomas abutted the testes. Dragon 2 had acute hemopericardium and granulomatous arteritis of the great vessels exiting the heart. Histologically, both animals had granulomatous arteritis of the large arteries with intrahistiocytic gram-positive, slightly elongated, up to 2 μm long microorganisms that contained a vacuole. These microorganisms were also present in the paratesticular granulomas. On transmission electron microscopy, the microorganisms were identified as microsporidians given the presence of exospore, endospore, vacuole, nucleus, and a filament with 4-6 coils. The microsporidia were identified as Encephalitozoon pogonae based on sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 of the ribosomal RNA genes. Microsporidia are agents of disease in bearded dragons. Intrapericardial arteritis of large arteries with hemopericardium or restrictive epicarditis is a fatal manifestation of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann, Armién, Giannitti).,Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Childress, Wellehan).,Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)
| | - Aníbal G Armién
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann, Armién, Giannitti).,Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Childress, Wellehan).,Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)
| | - April L Childress
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann, Armién, Giannitti).,Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Childress, Wellehan).,Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)
| | - James F X Wellehan
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann, Armién, Giannitti).,Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Childress, Wellehan).,Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Wünschmann, Armién, Giannitti).,Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Childress, Wellehan).,Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA).,Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay (Giannitti)
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21
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Manning LK, Wünschmann A, Armién AG, Willette M, MacAulay K, Bender JB, Buchweitz JP, Redig P. Lead Intoxication in Free-Ranging Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Vet Pathol 2018; 56:289-299. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985818813099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lead toxicity due to ingestion of spent ammunition is an ongoing cause of mortality in bald eagles. While gross and histologic lesions of lead intoxication have been described in a few individuals of this species, the prevalence of lesions is underreported. A retrospective study of 93 bald eagles with severe lead intoxication was performed to describe the associated lesions and their prevalence and to compare the lesions with blood, liver, kidney, and/or bone lead concentrations. Gross lesions associated with lead toxicity were most frequent within the heart (51/93 birds) and consisted of multifocal myocardial pallor and rounding of the apex. Within the brain, gross lesions included petechiae or hemorrhagic necrosis (13/93 birds). Histologic lesions compatible with lead toxicity occurred within the heart (76/93 birds), brain (59/93 birds), and eyes (24/87 birds). Lead toxicity in bald eagles is characterized by fibrinoid necrosis of small- to medium-caliber arteries, most commonly affecting the heart, brain, and eyes. Gross and histologic lesions are consistent with ischemia caused by a primary vascular injury. A blood lead concentration of greater than 4 ppm and markedly elevated liver lead concentrations were associated with a greater likelihood of lesions in the heart. Severe lead intoxication is frequently associated with lesions that are histologically detectable in bald eagles. The presence of fibrinoid arterial necrosis and parenchymal degeneration, necrosis, and/or hemorrhage within the heart, brain, and/or eyes is suggestive of lead toxicity in bald eagles and warrants evaluation of liver or bone lead concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah K. Manning
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Anibal G. Armién
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Jeff B. Bender
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - John P. Buchweitz
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - Patrick Redig
- The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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22
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Grunenwald CM, Butler E, Wünschmann A, Armien AG, Carstensen M, Hildebrand E, Moon RD, Gerhold RW. Emergence of the arterial worm Elaeophora schneideri in moose (Alces alces) and tabanid fly vectors in northeastern Minnesota, USA. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:507. [PMID: 30201046 PMCID: PMC6131914 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3077-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Moose (Alces alces) are a culturally and economically valued species in Minnesota. However, the moose population has experienced a sudden, marked decline in their range, including extirpation in the northwest and a 66% decline in the last decade in the northeast portions of the state. Although the exact cause of this decline is unclear, parasitic metastrongylid and filarioid nematode infections are known causes of morbidity and mortality in moose across North America. Methods To determine if these parasitic nematodes could be contributing to the Minnesota moose population decline, we molecularly examined banked tissues obtained from moose that died of known and unknown causes for the presence of nematode DNA. Extracted brain DNA of 34 individual moose was amplified utilizing primers targeting the 18S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer regions of nematodes. Results DNA sequencing revealed that PCR products obtained from 15 (44.1%) of the moose were 99% identical to Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, a metastrongylid known to cause neurological disease and death. Additionally, brain tissue from 20 (58.8%) individuals yielded sequences that most closely aligned with Elaeophora schneideri, a parasite associated with neurological impairment but previously unreported in Minnesota. Setaria yehi, a common filarioid parasite of deer, was also detected in the brain tissue of 5 (14.7%) moose. Molecular screening of 618 captured tabanid flies from four trapping sites revealed E. schneideri was present (6%) in the Minnesota environment and transmission could occur locally. Prevalence rates among the flies ranged between 0–100% per trapping site, with Chrysops spp. and Hybomitra spp. implicated as the vectors. Conclusions Ultimately, these data confirm that P. tenuis is widespread in the Minnesota moose population and raises the question of the significance of E. schneideri as a contributing factor to morbidity and mortality in moose. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3077-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Grunenwald
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, M409 Walters Life Sciences, Knoxville, TN, 37996-0845, USA
| | - Erika Butler
- Nor-West Animal Clinic, 411 McIrvine Rd, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A3X7, Canada
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1333 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA
| | - Anibal G Armien
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1333 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA
| | - Michelle Carstensen
- Wildlife Health Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 5463C West Broadway, Forest Lake, Minnesota, 55025, USA
| | - Erik Hildebrand
- Wildlife Health Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 5463C West Broadway, Forest Lake, Minnesota, 55025, USA
| | - Roger D Moon
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 219 Hodson H, 1980 Folwell Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA
| | - Richard W Gerhold
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Room A205, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Protozoal meningoencephalitis is uncommon in raptors. An adult female bald eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was euthanized after several months of treatment for progressive neurologic signs. 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. Sarcocystis sp. infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in bald eagles with chronic neurologic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Olson
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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24
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Abstract
Over a period of 5 years, 10 pure-bred Boxer puppies, 9-16 weeks old, were presented with a history of sudden death and were diagnosed with pyogranulomatous myocarditis. The myocarditis was characterized by a mixed infiltrate composed predominantly of neutrophils and macrophages. In our retrospective study, original case records and archived materials were examined. All dogs were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi on immunohistochemistry (IHC). There was no evidence of infectious agents in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) heart tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Ziehl-Neelsen, Gram, Grocott methenamine silver, Warthin-Starry, Von Kossa, and Steiner-Chapman stains. IHC for Chlamydia sp., Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, West Nile virus, and canine parvovirus also yielded a negative result in all dogs. Polymerase chain reaction testing for vector-borne pathogens on heart tissue from 9 of the dogs (1 frozen and 8 FFPE samples) yielded positive results for 1 dog with B. burgdorferi as well as Anaplasma phagocytophilum in another dog. Subsequently, 2 additional cases were found in a French Bulldog and a French Bulldog-Beagle mix that had identical morphology, test results, age, and seasonality to these 10 Boxer dogs. The similarities in the seasonality, signalment of the affected dogs, and the gross and microscopic lesions suggest a common etiology. Positive IHC and morphologic similarities to human Lyme carditis indicate that B. burgdorferi is likely the agent involved. An additional consideration for these cases is the possibility of a breed-specific autoimmune myocarditis or potential predisposition for cardiopathogenic agents in young Boxers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Detmer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - Mostafa Bouljihad
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - David W Hayden
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - Jeremy M Schefers
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - Anibal Armien
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Detmer)Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA (Bouljihad)Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (Hayden, Schefers, Armien, Wünschmann)
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25
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Wünschmann A, Armién AG, Khatri M, Martinez LC, Willette M, Glaser A, Alvarez J, Redig P. Ocular Lesions in Red-Tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) With Naturally Acquired West Nile Disease. Vet Pathol 2016; 54:277-287. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985816669404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ocular lesions are common in red-tailed hawks with West Nile (WN) disease. These lesions consist of pectenitis, choroidal or retinal inflammation, or retinal necrosis, but detailed investigation of the ocular lesions is lacking. Postmortem examination of the eyes of 16 red-tailed hawks with naturally acquired WN disease and 3 red-tailed hawks without WN disease was performed using histopathology, immunohistochemistry for West Nile virus (WNV) antigen, glial fibrillary acid protein, cleaved caspase-3, and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling method. Retinal lesions were classified as type I or type II lesions. Type I lesions were characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the subjacent choroid with degeneration limited to the outer retina (type Ia lesion) or with degeneration and necrosis of the outer retina or outer and inner retina (type Ib lesion) while retinal collapse, atrophy, and scarring were hallmarks of type II lesions. Type II retinal lesions were associated with a more pronounced choroiditis. Although not statistically significant, WNV antigen tended to be present in larger quantity in type Ib lesions. Type I lesions are considered acute while type II lesions are chronic. The development of retinal lesions was associated with the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate in the choroid. A breakdown of the blood-retina barrier is suspected to be the main route of infection of the retina. Within the retina, virus appeared to spread via both neuronal and Müller cell processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - A. G. Armién
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - M. Khatri
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - L. C. Martinez
- The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - M. Willette
- The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - A. Glaser
- Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Cornell, NY, USA
| | - J. Alvarez
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - P. Redig
- The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
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Wünschmann A, Armien A, Wallace R, Wictor M, Oglesbee M. Neuronal Storage Disease in a Group of Captive Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). Vet Pathol 2016; 43:1029-33. [PMID: 17099167 DOI: 10.1354/vp.43-6-1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A neuronal storage disease affecting 5 captive Humboldt penguins is described. One bird died after 3 days of lethargy and anorexia. The 4 remaining birds died after a slowly progressing course of disease with signs that included lethargy, weakness, and neurologic dysfunction. Neurologic signs included dysphagia and ataxia. Gross lesions in the first animal to die consisted of hepatosplenomegaly indicative of avian malaria, which was confirmed histologically. The 4 remaining animals were mildly to moderately emaciated. Moderate to marked vacuolation of the neuronal perikarya was observed in Purkinje cells, neurons of the brainstem nuclei, and motorneurons of the spinal cord in all birds. By electron microscopy the vacuoles represented multilayered concentric lamellar structures. These findings were indicative of sphingolipidosis. All animals had been prophylactically treated for avian malaria, aspergillosis, and possible bacterial infections with chloroquine, itraconazole, and enrofloxacin. circumstantial evidence implicates chloroquine therapy as the possible cause of the storage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1333 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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Abstract
Cerebral cysticercosis by Taenia crassiceps was diagnosed in an adult female domestic shorthair cat. The animal was euthanized 6 weeks after the initial presentation with signs of vomiting, lethargy, and ataxia. The disease took an intermittent relapsing course with the neurological signs progressing eventually to recumbancy and coma. At necropsy, numerous cysticerci were found in the dilated left lateral ventricle and the adjacent brain parenchyma. The cysticerci were identified as metacestodes of T. crassiceps larvae based on size and morphology of the cysts; shape, number, and size of the rostellar hooks; and mode of proliferation, including endogenous and exogenous budding. Cerebral cysticercosis by T. crassiceps is rare in atypical intermediate hosts and has not been described in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1333 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Dean J, Latimer KS, Oaks JL, Schrenzel M, Redig PT, Wünschmann A. Falcon Adenovirus Infection in Breeding Taita Falcons (Falco Fasciinucha). J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 18:282-6. [PMID: 16789719 DOI: 10.1177/104063870601800310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Four female and 3 male Taita falcons ( Falco fasciinucha) out of a breeding colony of 14 Taita falcons (7 pairs) died during the breeding season after showing lethargy and anorexia for 1 to 2 days. All animals were submitted for necropsy. Gross lesions in the female falcons were characterized by anemia secondary to marked hemorrhage into the ovary and oviduct, serofibrinous effusion into the cardioabdominal cavity and serosal petechiae. In addition, marked necrotizing splenitis and pulmonary hemorrhage were present. Histologically, the female falcons had mild necrotizing hepatitis with numerous intranuclear inclusion bodies and necrotizing splenitis with rare inclusion bodies. There were no gross lesions in the male falcons, and the histological lesions were characterized by urate deposition and rare intranuclear inclusion bodies in the renal tubular epithelial cells. Adenoviral particles were found by electron microscopy in the cloacal contents of the female Taita falcons but not in the male falcons. DNA in situ hybridization revealed widespread aviadenoviral nucleic acid within the nuclei of hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelial cells, and adrenal cells in the female falcons but no aviadenoviral nucleic acid in 1 male falcon and only a low quantity of adenoviral nucleic acid in the liver and kidney of another male Taita falcon. PCR amplified aviadenoviral DNA in the liver and intestine of all Taita falcons. The amplicons were sequenced, and the virus was identified as falcon adenovirus. The deaths of the female and male birds were attributed to the aviadenovirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Dean
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Krüger MU, Wünschmann A, Ward C, Stauthammer CD. Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and hypoplastic right ventricle in an Arabian foal. J Vet Cardiol 2016; 18:284-289. [PMID: 27283083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, rudimentary tricuspid valve, hypoplastic right ventricle, and right-to-left atrial shunting were identified in a four-day-old, male Arabian foal with clinical signs of cyanotic heart disease. Pulmonary blood flow was apparently derived from a ductus arteriosus. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed the majority of cardiac abnormalities and also findings compatible with right-sided congestive heart failure. Congenital cardiac defects have a high incidence in this breed, and this is the first description of this combination of congenital cardiac defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M U Krüger
- Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN 55108, USA; Veterinary Health Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, MO 65211, USA.
| | - A Wünschmann
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN 55108, USA
| | - C Ward
- Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN 55108, USA
| | - C D Stauthammer
- Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN 55108, USA
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30
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Wünschmann A, Timurkaan N, Armien AG, Bueno Padilla I, Glaser A, Redig PT. Clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical findings in bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) naturally infected with West Nile virus. J Vet Diagn Invest 2014; 26:599-609. [PMID: 25085868 DOI: 10.1177/1040638714539960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fifteen bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and 3 golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) were diagnosed with West Nile disease based on 1) presence of lesions in brain, eyes, and heart, 2) viral antigen detection in brain, eyes, heart, kidney, and/or liver by immunohistochemical staining, 3) detection of viral RNA in tissue samples and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by polymerase chain reaction, and/or 4) detection of West Nile virus (WNV)-specific antibodies in CSF by serum neutralization assay. West Nile virus-associated gross lesions included cerebral pan-necrosis with hydrocephalus ex vacuo (7/15 bald eagles), fibrin exudation into the fundus in 1 golden eagle, retinal scarring in 1 bald eagle, and myocardial pallor and rounded heart apex in 4 bald eagles. Histologic lesions included lymphoplasmacytic encephalitis, most prominently in the cerebrum (17 eagles), lymphoplasmacytic pectenitis and choroiditis (15 and 8 eagles, respectively), and myocarditis (12 eagles). West Nile virus antigen was detected in the majority of the eagles in neurons of the brain (cerebrum and cerebellum), and less commonly present in neurons of the retina, tubular epithelial cells of the kidney, and cardiomyocytes. West Nile disease was diagnosed in 2 bald eagles based on the presence of cerebral pan-necrosis and WNV-specific antibodies in the CSF despite lacking viral antigen and RNA. In conclusion, WNV infection causes a fatal disease in bald and golden eagles. A variety of gross and histologic lesions are highly suggestive of WN disease in most eagles. A combination of detection of viral antigen and/or RNA or virus-specific antibodies proved useful in confirming the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Wünschmann, Armien), University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNThe Raptor Center (Padilla, Redig) College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNDepartment of Veterinary Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey (Timurkaan)The Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Glaser)
| | - Necati Timurkaan
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Wünschmann, Armien), University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNThe Raptor Center (Padilla, Redig) College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNDepartment of Veterinary Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey (Timurkaan)The Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Glaser)
| | - Aníbal G Armien
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Wünschmann, Armien), University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNThe Raptor Center (Padilla, Redig) College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNDepartment of Veterinary Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey (Timurkaan)The Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Glaser)
| | - Irene Bueno Padilla
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Wünschmann, Armien), University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNThe Raptor Center (Padilla, Redig) College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNDepartment of Veterinary Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey (Timurkaan)The Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Glaser)
| | - Amy Glaser
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Wünschmann, Armien), University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNThe Raptor Center (Padilla, Redig) College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNDepartment of Veterinary Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey (Timurkaan)The Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Glaser)
| | - Patrick T Redig
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Wünschmann, Armien), University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNThe Raptor Center (Padilla, Redig) College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MNDepartment of Veterinary Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey (Timurkaan)The Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Glaser)
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Simmerson SM, Armstrong PJ, Wünschmann A, Jessen CR, Crews LJ, Washabau RJ. Clinical features, intestinal histopathology, and outcome in protein-losing enteropathy in Yorkshire Terrier dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2014; 28:331-7. [PMID: 24467282 PMCID: PMC4857982 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A poorly understood protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) disorder has been reported in Yorkshire Terrier dogs. Objectives To describe clinical features, intestinal histopathology, and outcome in Yorkshire Terrier dogs with PLE, and to identify variables predictive of outcome. Animals Thirty client‐owned Yorkshire Terrier dogs with PLE. Methods Retrospective study. Records of dogs with a diagnosis of PLE were reviewed. Intestinal histopathology was interpreted using the World Small Animal Veterinary Association gastrointestinal histopathology classification system. Discriminate analysis techniques were used to identify variables predictive of outcome. Results Females outnumbered males (20/30). Median age was 7 years (range 1–12). Common clinical signs were diarrhea (20/30), vomiting (11), ascites and abdominal distension (11), and respiratory difficulty (8). Histopathologic abnormalities included villous lymphatic dilatation, crypt lesions, villous stunting, and variable increases in cellularity of the lamina propria. All dogs were treated with glucocorticoids. Of 23 dogs with long‐term follow‐up, 9 had complete, and 3 had partial, resolution of signs, and 11 failed to respond to treatment. Median survival of responders was 44 months and of nonresponders was 12 months, with 4 dogs experiencing peracute death. Vomiting, monocytosis, severity of hypoalbuminemia, low blood urea nitrogen concentration, and villous blunting were predictive of survival <4 months. Conclusions In addition to classic GI signs, Yorkshire Terriers with PLE often show clinical signs associated with hypoalbuminemia and low oncotic pressure. Lymphatic dilatation, crypt lesions, and villous stunting are consistent histopathologic findings. Clinical outcomes are variable, but many dogs experience remission of clinical signs and prolonged survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Simmerson
- Internal Medicine, Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital, Bowie, MD
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Chalkley MD, Armien AG, Gilliam DH, Johnson GS, Zeng R, Wünschmann A, Kovi RC, Katz ML. Characterization of Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinosis in 3 Cats. Vet Pathol 2013; 51:796-804. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985813502818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Three young domestic shorthair cats were presented for necropsy with similar histories of slowly progressive visual dysfunction and neurologic deficits. Macroscopic examination of each cat revealed cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, dilated lateral ventricles, and slight brown discoloration of the gray matter. Histologically, there was bilateral loss of neurons within the limbic, motor, somatosensory, visual, and, to a lesser extent, vestibular systems with extensive astrogliosis in the affected regions of all 3 cases. Many remaining neurons and glial cells throughout the entire central nervous system were distended by pale yellow to eosinophilic, autofluorescent cytoplasmic inclusions with ultrastructural appearances typical of neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses (NCLs). Differences in clinical presentation and neurological lesions suggest that the 3 cats may have had different variants of NCL. Molecular genetic characterization in the 1 cat from which DNA was available did not reveal any plausible disease-causing mutations of the CLN1 ( PPT1), CLN3, CLN5, CLN8, and CLN10 ( CTSD) genes. Further investigations will be required to identify the mutations responsible for NCLs in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. D. Chalkley
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - A. G. Armien
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - D. H. Gilliam
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - G. S. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - R. Zeng
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - A. Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - R. C. Kovi
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - M. L. Katz
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Michael HT, Sharkey LC, Kovi RC, Hart TM, Wünschmann A, Manivel JC. Pathology in practice. Renal nephroblastoma in a young dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 242:471-3. [PMID: 23363278 DOI: 10.2460/javma.242.4.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen T Michael
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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Abstract
Two Boxer dogs developed progressive ataxia in association with a neoplastic infiltration of the spinal leptomeninges. In the first dog, the leptomeningeal neoplasm encompassed the entire cord and the ventral aspect of the brainstem and extended bilaterally into the piriform lobes. In the second, the neoplasm surrounded the C1–C3 segments of the spinal cord and the brainstem without involvement of the brain or spinal cord parenchyma. In both dogs, the neoplastic cells had variably distinct cell borders, clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm, and a round to ovoid hyperchromatic nucleus. Neoplastic cells were immunopositive for Olig2 and doublecortin in both dogs and for vimentin in one dog but were immunonegative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, S-100, CD34, E-cadherin, cytokeratin, CD3, and CD20. The morphological and immunohistochemical features of the neoplastic cells were consistent with an oligodendrocyte lineage. This hitherto poorly recognized neoplasm in dogs is analogous to human leptomeningeal oligodendrogliomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. C. Kovi
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - A. Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - A. G. Armién
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - K. Hall
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - T. Carlson
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - J. Shivers
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - M. J. Oglesbee
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Dykstra JA, Rogers LL, Mansfield SA, Wünschmann A. Fatal disseminated blastomycosis in a free-ranging American black bear (Ursus americanus). J Vet Diagn Invest 2012; 24:1125-8. [PMID: 23012379 DOI: 10.1177/1040638712461788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An aged, free-ranging, female, radio-collared American black bear (Ursus americanus) died after an approximately 5 month long period of weight loss. Gross necropsy findings included severe diffuse pyogranulomatous bronchopneumonia, marked granulomatous lymphadenitis of tracheobronchial lymph nodes and multiple intra-abdominal lymph nodes, chronic focal jejunal ulceration, and widespread alopecia. Histopathologic examination revealed abundant fungal organisms morphologically compatible with Blastomyces sp. within pyogranulomatous inflammatory lesions in the lungs, multiple lymph nodes, liver, kidneys, jejunum, and right adrenal gland. In addition, the haircoat had a mild infestation of chewing lice (Trichodectes pinguis euarctidos), and large numbers of rhabditid nematodes consistent with Pelodera sp. were histologically observed within hair follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn A Dykstra
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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Armién AG, McRuer DL, Ruder MG, Wünschmann A. Purkinje Cell Heterotopy With Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Two Free-Living American Kestrels (Falco sparverius). Vet Pathol 2012; 50:182-7. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985812442690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Two wild fledgling kestrels exhibited lack of motor coordination, postural reaction deficits, and abnormal propioception. At necropsy, the cerebellum and brainstem were markedly underdeveloped. Microscopically, there was Purkinje cells heterotopy, abnormal circuitry, and hypoplasia with defective foliation. Heterotopic neurons were identified as immature Purkinje cells by their size, location, immunoreactivity for calbindin D-28 K, and ultrastructural features. The authors suggest that this cerebellar abnormality was likely due to a disruption of molecular mechanisms that dictate Purkinje cell migration, placement, and maturation in early embryonic development. The etiology of this condition remains undetermined. Congenital central nervous system disorders have rarely been reported in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. G. Armién
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - D. L. McRuer
- Wildlife Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, Virginia, USA
| | - M. G. Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - A. Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Wünschmann A, Armien AG, Reed L, Gruber AD, Olias P. Sarcocystis calchasi-Associated Neurologic Disease in a Domestic Pigeon in North America. Transbound Emerg Dis 2011; 58:526-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01254.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Wünschmann A, Honkavuori K, Briese T, Lipkin WI, Shivers J, Armien AG. Antigen tissue distribution of Avian bornavirus (ABV) in psittacine birds with natural spontaneous proventricular dilatation disease and ABV genotype 1 infection. J Vet Diagn Invest 2011; 23:716-26. [PMID: 21908314 DOI: 10.1177/1040638711408279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissues of 10 psittacines from aviary 1 ("case birds") and 5 psittacines from different aviaries were investigated for the presence of Avian bornavirus (ABV) antigen by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal serum specific for the viral nucleocapsid (N) protein. Seven of 10 case birds had clinical signs, and necropsy findings consistent with proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) while 3 case birds and the 5 birds from other aviaries did not exhibit signs and lesions of this disease. In birds with clinical signs of PDD, ABV antigen was largely limited to neuroectodermal cells including neurons, astroglia, and ependymal cells of the central nervous system, neurons of the peripheral nervous system, and adrenal cells. ABV antigen was present in the nuclei and cytoplasm of infected cells. In 2 case birds that lacked signs and lesions of PDD, viral antigen had a more widespread distribution and was present in nuclei and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the alimentary and urogenital tract, retina, heart, skeletal muscle, and skin in addition to the mentioned neuroectodermal cells. ABV RNA was identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in tissues of all 7 case birds available for testing from aviary 1, including 4 birds with PDD lesions and the 3 birds without PDD lesions. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of ABV genotype 1 in all cases. Findings further substantiate a role of ABV in PDD of psittacine bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- University of Minnesota, Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, 1333 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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Scheftel JM, Griffith JM, Leppke BA, Pantlin GC, Snippes PM, Wünschmann A. Tularaemia in Minnesota: case report and brief epidemiology. Zoonoses Public Health 2011; 57:e165-9. [PMID: 20163576 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2009.01318.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The 2008 case presented here of tularaemia in a cat and its owner occurred in an urban setting and was associated with animal contact, a relatively rare mode of transmission in Minnesota in recent years. Response to this case exemplified a 'One Health' approach involving pre-existing relationships, cooperation between multiple disciplines and laboratory infrastructure that facilitated information sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Scheftel
- Acute Disease Investigation and Control Section, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN 55155, USA.
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Wünschmann A, Wellehan JFX, Armien A, Bemrick WJ, Barnes D, Averbeck GA, Roback R, Schwabenlander M, D'Almeida E, Joki R, Childress AL, Cortinas R, Gardiner CH, Greiner EC. Renal infection by a new coccidian genus in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). J Parasitol 2010; 96:178-83. [PMID: 19863159 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2250.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel coccidian parasite from the kidney of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) is described. This coccidian (Nephroisospora eptesici nov. gen., n. sp.) was associated with a generally mild, focal or multifocal, well-demarcated cortical renal lesion less than 1 mm in diameter. The lesion represented cystic, dilated tubules with hypertrophied tubular epithelial cells and was present in the kidneys of 29 of 590 bats. Numerous coccidian parasites in various stages of development were present within the tubular epithelial cells and within the cyst lumina. Oocysts were collected from cystic dilated tubules. Thin-walled, sporulated ellipsoidal oocysts measuring an average of 18.9 x 20.8 microm were present in kidney tissue. The oocysts contained 2 sporocysts with 4 sporozoites. A polar body and a prominent oocyst residuum were present in the oocysts, but no micropyle, sporocyst residuum, or Stieda bodies were detected. Analysis of the 18S rRNA gene sequence put the parasite in the Sarcocystidae. The parasite is closely related to Besnoitia, Hammondia, Neospora, and Toxoplasma. Ultrastructural features, such as the presence of an apical complex in merozoites, support the identification of a coccidian. A new genus and species, Nephroisospora eptesicii, is proposed for this unusual coccidian in which the entire cycle is completed in the kidney of a single host; it has a membrane-like oocyst wall, sporogony occurs in the host rather than in the abiotic environment, and the positioning of the parasite by nucleic acid sequence indicates it to be closely allied to Sarcocystis and Besnoitia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine - Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1333 Gortner Avenue, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA.
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Wünschmann A, Rejmanek D, Conrad PA, Hall N, Cruz-Martinez L, Vaughn SB, Barr BC. Natural Fatal Sarcocystis Falcatula Infections in Free-Ranging Eagles in North America. J Vet Diagn Invest 2010; 22:282-9. [DOI: 10.1177/104063871002200222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Three bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and 1 golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos) were admitted to rehabilitation facilities with emaciation, lethargy, and an inability to fly. Intravascular schizonts and merozoites were present in 2 bald eagles, mainly in the lung tissue, whereas the third bald eagle and the golden eagle had lymphohistiocytic encephalitis with intralesional schizonts and merozoites. In all eagles, protozoal tissue cysts were present in skeletal musculature or heart. The protozoal organisms were morphologically compatible with a Sarcocystis sp. By immunohistochemistry, the protozoal merozoites were positive for Sarcocystis falcatula antigen in all cases when using polyclonal antisera. Furthermore, the protozoa were confirmed to be most similar to S. falcatula by polymerase chain reaction in 3 of the 4 cases. To the authors' knowledge, this report presents the first cases of natural infection in eagles with S. falcatula as a cause of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine/Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - Daniel Rejmanek
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Patricia A. Conrad
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Natalie Hall
- Department of Wildlife Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, VA
| | | | | | - Bradd C. Barr
- Department of California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, CA
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Abu J, Wünschmann A, Redig PT, Feeney D. Management of a Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber). J Avian Med Surg 2009; 23:44-8. [DOI: 10.1647/2007-039r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Wünschmann A, Rejmanek D, Cruz-Martinez L, Barr BC. Sarcocystis Falcatula—Associated Encephalitis in a Free-Ranging Great Horned Owl (Bubo Virginianus). J Vet Diagn Invest 2009; 21:283-7. [DOI: 10.1177/104063870902100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A great horned owl ( Bubo virginianus) was admitted to a rehabilitation clinic with severe neurologic signs that were unresponsive to supportive care. The animal was euthanatized because of a poor prognosis. Marked granulomatous encephalitis with focal brainstem malacia was detected microscopically. The brainstem was the most severely affected brain location and the only place in which schizonts and merozoites, morphologically compatible with Sarcocystis spp., were detected. Immunohistochemistry with the use of polyclonal antisera indicated the presence of Sarcocystis falcatula. The species identification of the protozoa as S. falcatula was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous S. falcatula–associated encephalitis in a great horned owl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Daniel Rejmanek
- University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN; and the Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology Department
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Luis Cruz-Martinez
- The Raptor Center
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Bradd C. Barr
- the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
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Firshman A, Wünschmann A, Cebra C, Bildfell R, McClanahan S, Valentine B, McKenzie E, Waitt L, Margiocco M, Sisson D. Thrombotic Endocarditis in 10 Alpacas. J Vet Intern Med 2008; 22:456-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0072.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Pauli AM, Cruz-Martinez LA, Ponder JB, Redig PT, Glaser AL, Klauss G, Schoster JV, Wünschmann A. Ophthalmologic and oculopathologic findings in red-tailed hawks and Cooper's hawks with naturally acquired West Nile virus infection. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007; 231:1240-8. [PMID: 17937556 DOI: 10.2460/javma.231.8.1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess ophthalmologic features and ocular lesions in red-tailed hawks and Cooper's hawks naturally infected with West Nile virus (WNV). DESIGN Original study. ANIMALS 13 hawks. PROCEDURES All hawks underwent complete ophthalmic examinations including slit lamp biomicroscopy and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Eleven hawks were euthanized because of a grave prognosis; complete necropsies were performed. Eyes, brain, heart, and kidneys were processed for histologic and immunohistochemical examinations. Pooled tissue homogenates and aqueous humor samples were assessed for WNV nucleic acid via PCR assay, and anti-WNV antibody titers in aqueous humor and plasma were determined. RESULTS All birds had similar funduscopic abnormalities including exudative chorioretinal lesions and chorioretinal scarring in a geographic or linear pattern. Eleven birds were euthanized, and 2 birds were released. Plasma from both released hawks and plasma and aqueous humor of all euthanized hawks that were evaluated contained anti-WNV antibodies. Except for 1 hawk, all euthanized hawks had WNV-associated disease (determined via detection of WNV antigen or nucleic acid in at least 1 organ). Histopathologic ocular abnormalities, most commonly pectenitis, were detected in all euthanized birds; several birds had segmental choroiditis, often with corresponding segmental retinal atrophy. West Nile virus antigen was detected in the retinas of 9 of the euthanized birds. In 2 hawks, WNV antigen was detected in the retina only. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that funduscopically detectable chorioretinal lesions appear to be associated with WNV disease in hawks. Detection of ocular lesions may aid in antemortem or postmortem diagnosis of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Pauli
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Lopes H, Redig P, Glaser A, Armien A, Wünschmann A. Clinical findings, lesions, and viral antigen distribution in great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) and barred owls (Strix varia) with spontaneous West Nile virus infection. Avian Dis 2007; 51:140-5. [PMID: 17461282 DOI: 10.1637/0005-2086(2007)051[0140:cflava]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) infection manifests itself clinically a nd pathologically differently in various species of birds. The clinicopathologic findings and WNV antigen tissue distribution of six great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) and two barred owls (Strix varia) with WNV infection are described in this report. Great gray owls usually live in northern Canada, whereas the phylogenetically related barred owls are native to the midwestern and eastern United States and southern Canada. Naturally acquired WNV infection caused death essentially without previous signs of disease in the six great gray owls during a mortality event. Lesions of WNV infection we re dominated by hepatic and splenic necrosis, with evidence o f disseminatedintravascular coagulation in the great gray owls. WNV antigen was widely distributed in th e organs of the great gray owls and appeared totarget endothelial cells, macrophages, and hepatocytes. The barred owls represented two sporadic cases. They had neurologic disease with mental dullness that led to euthanasia. These birds had mild to moderate lymphoplasmacytic encephalitis with glial nodules and lymphoplasmacytic pectenitis. WNV antigen was sparse in barred owls and only present in a few brain neurons and renaltubular epithelial cells. The cause of the different manifestations of WNV disease in these fairly closely related owl species is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Lopes
- The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1920 Fitch Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Swanson SJ, Snider C, Braden CR, Boxrud D, Wünschmann A, Rudroff JA, Lockett J, Smith KE. Multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium associated with pet rodents. N Engl J Med 2007; 356:21-8. [PMID: 17202452 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa060465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 1.4 million salmonella infections occur annually in the United States. The majority of these infections are foodborne, but many are acquired by contact with animals. In August 2004, isolates of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, which were indistinguishable from one another by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), were obtained from eight hamsters from a Minnesota pet distributor. We conducted an investigation to determine whether human cases of salmonella could be linked to this rodent-borne strain. METHODS To identify cases of human infection with S. enterica serotype Typhimurium potentially related to pet rodents, we reviewed salmonella PFGE patterns submitted to the National Molecular Subtyping Network for Foodborne Disease Surveillance. Patients with isolates matching the hamster strain were interviewed about exposure to pet rodents. Implicated rodents were traced to pet stores, distributors, and breeders. RESULTS We identified matching S. enterica serotype Typhimurium isolates from 28 patients in whom the onset of illness occurred between December 2003 and September 2004. Of 22 patients (or in the case of children, their parents) interviewed, 13 patients (59%) in 10 states reported exposure to pet hamsters, mice, or rats, and 2 (9%) had secondary infections. The median age of the 15 patients with primary or secondary rodent exposure was 16 years, and 6 patients (40%) were hospitalized. Thirteen associated pet stores supplied by seven distributors were identified in 10 states. No single source of the rodents was identified. The outbreak strain of S. enterica serotype Typhimurium was cultured from a patient's pet mouse and from seven hamsters from pet stores. Closely related S. enterica serotype Typhimurium isolates were cultured from rodent cages and reusable transport containers at a pet distributor. Human, rodent, and environmental isolates were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline. CONCLUSIONS Pet rodents probably are an underrecognized source of human salmonella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Swanson
- Epidemic Intelligence Service Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a quantitative PCR assay for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues; compare results of this assay with results of immunohistochemical staining of tissues from seropositive dogs; and determine whether B burgdorferi DNA could be detected in renal tissues from dogs with presumptive Lyme nephritis. DESIGN Cohort study. SAMPLE POPULATION Archived tissue samples from 58 dogs. PROCEDURES A quantitative PCR assay was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from the dogs. Results were compared with results of immunohistochemical staining, B burgdorferi serostatus, clinical signs, and necropsy findings. RESULTS 38 dogs were classified as having positive or equivocal results for Lyme borreliosis, and 20 were classified as having negative results on the basis of clinical signs, serologic findings, and pathologic abnormalities. Borrelia burgdorferi DNA was amplified from tissue samples from only 4 (7%) dogs, all of which had been classified as having positive or equivocal results for Lyme borreliosis and had signs of presumptive Lyme nephritis. Results of PCR assays of renal tissue were positive for only 1 dog, and there was no agreement between results of immunohistochemical staining (ie, detection of B burgdorferi antigen) and results of the PCR assay (ie, detection of B burgdorferi DNA) for renal tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that detection of B burgdorferi DNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues is feasible, but that intact B burgdorferi DNA is rarely found in tissues from naturally infected dogs, even tissues from dogs with presumptive Lyme borreliosis. Further, findings support the contention that Lyme nephritis may be a sterile, immune complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Chou
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Wünschmann A, Ziegler A. West Nile virus-associated mortality events in domestic Chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) and domestic Impeyan pheasants (Lophophorus impeyanus). Avian Dis 2006; 50:456-9. [PMID: 17039851 DOI: 10.1637/7507-012106r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) infection was diagnosed in captive juvenile chukars (Alectoris chukar), and captive juvenile Impeyan pheasants (Lophophorus impeyanus) on the basis of necropsy, histopathology, polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. The chukars were kept in a game bird farm that experienced two outbreaks with approximately 25% mortality in hundreds of chukars between September and October 2002 and during the same months in 2003. The submitted pheasants were part of a group of 15 juvenile Impeyan pheasants that all died within approximately 2 wk at the end of August 2002. The macroscopic lesions in the pheasants were dominated by mucosal hemorrhage at the proventricular to ventricular junction and cecal ulcers, whereas the gross lesions in the chukar partridges were nonspecific. The predominant microscopic lesion in the chukar partridges was myocardial necrosis, whereas fibrinous and necrotizing splenitis was prominent in the pheasants. Viral antigen was usually widespread in animals of both species. Spontaneously occurring WNV infection should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of mortality among select species of galliform birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Wünschmann
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1333 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine clinical signs, diagnostic findings, tissue tremetone concentrations, and clinical outcome or postmortem findings in horses evaluated for acute severe nonexertional rhabdomyolysis initially attributed to white snakeroot toxicosis. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 14 horses. PROCEDURES Records of the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center or Diagnostic Laboratory were searched from 1998 to 2005. Inclusion criteria included serum creatine kinase (CK) activity > 45,000 U/L, severe nonexertional myonecrosis of proximal postural muscles at necropsy, or signs of weakness without palpably firm muscles on physical examination. Vitamin E and selenium concentrations were measured in 6 horses; tremetone concentration was measured in 7. RESULTS Clinical signs occurred during unfavorable weather conditions. Clinical signs of generalized weakness (n = 11 horses), muscle fasciculations (10), lethargy (6), and prolonged recumbency (4) were common. Serum CK activity ranged from 46,487 to 959,499 U/L (reference range, 82 to 449 U/L), and aspartate transaminase activity was > 1,500 U/L (reference range, 162 to 316 U/L). Two horses survived with aggressive antioxidant and fluid treatment. Postmortem examination revealed acute severe myonecrosis with lipid accumulation primarily in neck, proximal forelimb and hind limb, intercostal, and diaphragm muscles. Histopathologic signs of myocardial necrosis were detected in 7 horses. Vitamin E and selenium concentrations were within reference limits. Tremetone was not detected in liver or urine samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cases of rhabdomyolysis have been attributed to white snakeroot toxicosis; however, tremetone was not detected in any horses. Similarities exist between cases of seasonal pasture myopathy and cases of atypical myopathy in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie J Finno
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
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