Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a clinically significant skin neoplasm in dogs, typically arising in areas exposed to chronic ultraviolet light. This report describes a 10-year-old intact male Pitbull dog weighing 33.00 kg that presented with a large, ulcerated, necrotic, and hemorrhagic mass in the inguinal mammary region. Initial hematological evaluation revealed marked leukocytosis with segmented neutrophilia, severe toxic changes, along with degenerated neutrophils observed in fine needle aspiration of the mass. Following a course of antibiotic therapy to control the severe infection, the mass was surgically excised using electrosurgery. The preoperative thoracic radiographs ruled out pulmonary metastasis. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous SCC. Despite complete initial removal, tumor recurrence was noted seven months postoperatively. The owner declined further chemotherapy and surgical intervention. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the surgical, radiological, and histopathological findings of a massive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma located in the ventral abdominal mammary region in a male Pitbull dog.

Abstract Tumors in cattle are uncommon, partly due to their relatively shorter lifespan, and vaginal neoplasms are rarely documented. Among vaginal and vulvar tumors, fibropapillomas are the most common, while leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas, fibrosarcomas, and fibroleiomyosarcomas occur far less frequently. We describe the clinical presentation, surgical management, and pathological characterization of a vaginal fibroleiomyosarcoma in a 5-year-old Holstein cow. Clinical examination revealed a firm intravaginal mass attached to the dorsal wall. Surgical excision was performed under epidural anesthesia, followed by appropriate post-operative antibiotic and analgesic therapy. The cow recovered without complication, and no recurrence was observed during six months of follow-up. Macroscopically, the tumor measured 65.00 × 52.00 × 40.00 mm, and it was firm in consistency and gray in color. Histopathologically, it was composed of spindle-shaped neoplastic cells arranged in fascicles and bundles, displaying marked pleomorphism, blunt-ended nuclei, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and numerous mitotic figures. The stromal component showed variable collagen deposition, giving the lesion a biphasic fibromatous and leiomyomatous pattern. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells showed strong cytoplasmic positivity for α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, confirming both smooth muscle and mesenchymal differentiation. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a primary vaginal fibroleiomyosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the second report of such a tumor in cattle and the first described in a Holstein cow. The case highlights the diagnostic value of combining histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses for accurate identification of rare bovine vaginal tumors.

Abstract Crocetin (CRT) is one of the active chemical compounds of saffron and has many biological effects such as antioxidant property. The present study investigated the effects of CRT on crushed sciatic nerve function. Vitamin (Vit) C was used as an antioxidant drug. Thirty rats were divided into six groups including intact, sham, crush, CRT 7.50, CRT 30.00 and Vit C 100. Nine other rats with no surgery were scheduled in three groups to receive 7.50 and 30.00 mg kg^-1 CRT and 100 mg kg^-1 Vit C. In anesthetized rats, right sciatic nerve was crushed using a small hemostatic forceps. Sciatic functional index values on days five, 10, 15 and 20 after crush were accelerated, the severities of sciatic nerve degeneration and gastrocnemius muscle atrophy were ameliorated, and the increased malondialdehyde level and the decreased superoxide dismutase activity in the serum were restored by 20 consecutive days of oral administration of 30.00 mg kg^-1 CRT and 100 mg kg^-1 Vit C. No significant differences were observed between 30.00 mg kg^-1 and 100 mg kg^-1 Vit C. The groups that did not have surgery but received CRT (7.50 and 30.00 mg kg-1) and Vit C (100 mg kg-1) showed no behavioral, histopathological and biochemical alterations when compared to intact group. It was concluded that CRT and Vit C produced similar improving effects on crushed-injured sciatic nerve function. Inhibition of oxidative stress, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant activity might be involved in improving effects of CRT and Vit C.

Abstract Hamartomas are mostly benign tumor-like malformations characterized by a disorganized overgrowth of mature cells and tissues indigenous to the affected anatomical site. A 20-day-old male Kurdish foal was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Urmia University, Urmia, Iran, with a history of hematochezia and tenesmus. Clinical examination identified a pedunculated tissue mass within the rectal lumen. The abnormal mass was surgically excised via polypectomy under local anesthesia. Tissue samples were obtained, fixed in 10.00% neutral buffered formalin, and processed routinely for histopathological examination. Histopathological evaluation of the resected tissue confirmed the diagnosis of a cystic polypoid rectal hamartoma characterized by normal rectal epithelium overlying multiple cystic, blood-filled vascular spaces. The foal recovered without complications and no recurrence was noted during a long-term follow-up exceeding 18 months. This report underscored that congenital rectal hamartoma, while rare, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in neonatal foals presenting with hematochezia or dyschezia. Prompt surgical intervention is curative and associated with a favorable prognosis.

Abstract Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) is a rare condition in dogs, primarily caused by improper feeding and care practices. It involves the accumulation of triacylglycerols in hepatocytes due to various toxic factors and dietary carbohydrate deficiencies. This case report describes the clinical, hematological, and pathological findings of an abandoned 8-year-old dog suffering from hepatic lipidosis that was referred to an animal shelter. The dog was unconscious, immobile, depressed, and severely obese. Pronounced abdominal distension and icteric mucous membranes were immediately noticeable during the initial examination. A blood sample was collected, and the case was referred to a veterinary hospital for diagnostic imaging. Unfortunately, before the referral could be completed, the dog suddenly died. Immediately following the death, a postmortem necropsy was performed to determine the cause. Necropsy revealed an extremely enlarged liver with a yellowish discoloration and abnormal kidneys with nodular lesions. Based on these findings, fatty liver was strongly suspected. Complete blood count and biochemical parameters, including triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate transferase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, were subsequently evaluated. Complete blood count results indicated leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and an increase in red cell distribution width. Biochemical analyses revealed hypertriglyceridemia and elevated levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Histopathological examination confirmed severe fatty degeneration in the liver, alongside marked degenerative and necrotic changes in the kidneys. The findings of the present study contribute to the limited data on canine hepatic lipidosis and underscore the necessity of raising awareness about its clinical presentation, diagnostic markers, and histopathological characteristics.

Abstract Infectious bronchitis, being caused by a coronavirus, is a significant disease affecting broiler and layer chickens, leading to substantial losses in the poultry industry due to the high mortality rates and decreased egg yield. Nearly 30 serotypes and 100 variants were described to date; developed vaccines are being for some severe cases, like the Massachusetts strain, to mitigate the effects. Determining the vaccinal strain's titer is crucial for creating an effective vaccine, and calculating the virus infectivity in the egg embryo is very important using dilutions ranging from 10^-3 to 10^-8, from each dilution 0.10 mL is used. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the avian bronchitis virus injected into the allantoic cavity of ten days old embryonated eggs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction tests determined the viral load in the allantoic fluid. The embryos were removed to study gross injuries. The trachea, lung, and mesonephros were removed and submitted for histopathological studies, and nuclear factor-kappa B immunofluorescence analysis. The results revealed that the dilution of one-thousandth of the virus in the embryos caused the highest organ damage and viral replication. Varying degrees of hyperemia, edema, cellular infiltration, and degeneration were observed in the trachea, lung, and mesonephros depending on the virus dilution. This study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of the avian bronchitis virus, and has a potential impact on achieving an effective vaccine.