Lymphoplasmacytic Enteritis Research Articles

Detection and molecular characterization of chicken parvovirus and chicken megrivirus in layer breeders affected by intestinal dilatation syndrome

ABSTRACT Intestinal dilatation syndrome (IDS) is a segmental enteropathy characterized by dilatation of the junction of the ileum and jejunum (Meckel’s diverticulum). IDS severely affects the poultry industry by causing a chronic and irreversible drop in egg laying, reducing feed conversion efficiency, and increasing the mortality rate. The clinical and pathological features of IDS in white laying hens were described, and viral molecular and metagenomic research was conducted. The 50 – to 60-day-old chickens presented pale mucosa, apathy, depression, ruffled feathers, and diarrhoea, accompanied by a 20% loss in fertile egg production, 20% culling of birds, and 5% mortality. The main findings at necropsy were marked intestinal dilatation with intestinal stasis, a narrow distal jejunum in the region of Meckel's diverticulum, and undigested food. Microscopic analysis revealed marked atrophic lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic enteritis with hyperplastic crypts, ulceration, and heterophilic and lymphoplasmacytic perineuritis. The molecular assays consistently detected the presence of chicken parvovirus in the three segments of the intestine, pancreas, and proventriculus, as well as chicken megrivirus in the intestinal contents. Marked atrophic enteritis with perineuritis and intestinal stasis were associated with clinical manifestations of poor intestinal absorption and secondary bacterial infection. Our data provide useful information about IDS and highlight the importance of further studies to determine the specific role of each detected virus in this syndrome. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS IDS presented pathognomonic dilatation of the jejunum up to Meckel's diverticulum. IDS caused weight loss, decreased egg production, and increased culling and mortality. Chicken parvovirus (ChPV) was consistently detected through PCR assays. Chicken megrivirus (ChMV) was consistently detected through viral metagenomics.

Findings and Prognosis in 149 Horses with Histological Changes Compatible with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease characterized by different cell infiltrates in the intestine. The aims of this study were to report the clinical and clinicopathological findings in horses with histological changes compatible with IBD in the duodenum. Further, the clinical progression of IBD and survival were investigated. Patient records were reviewed for horses in which histological evidence of IBD was found in duodenal biopsies collected during endoscopy. The histological changes were classified as mild, moderate or severe and the predominant infiltrating cell type was recorded. Clinical improvement was assessed by the owner via a questionnaire at 6 weeks after biopsy, along with survival after one year. In total, 149 horses were included, and the most common clinical signs were weight loss, reduced performance and pain during abdominal palpation. Most horses showed partial malabsorption during an oral glucose absorption test, and the horses with severe IBD had lower serum protein concentrations. Lymphoplasmacytic enteritis was the most common type of IBD (78.5% of cases), while in six horses neutrophilic infiltration of the duodenum was present. Overall, 71% of the cases had improved clinically after six weeks, mostly following treatment with corticosteroids. The results of a second biopsy were a poor predictor of improvement, and the horses that improved after 6 weeks were more likely to be alive after one year.

Short colon syndrome in cats.

Shortening of the colon has been described in cats, but its imaging and clinicopathological features remain poorly understood. Description of the signalment, clinical presentation, imaging, endoscopic and histological features of short colon syndrome in cats. Ninety-three cats diagnosed with short colon. Multi-institutional, descriptive, retrospective case series study. Medical records were searched for a diagnosis of short colon on abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, endoscopy, autopsy, or a combination of these modalities. The median age of included cats was 12 years at the time of diagnosis. Diarrhea was the most common clinical sign (60/92; 65%), followed by vomiting (36/92; 39%), weight loss (36/92; 39%), and inappetence (24/92; 26%). Thirteen percent of cats (12/92) had no signs of gastrointestinal disease at the time of diagnosis. In addition to a shortened colonic length, 79% (66/84) of cats had concomitant colonic thickening on ultrasonographic examination. On colonoscopy, mucosal ulcerations of the colonic wall were seen in 39% (9/23) of cats. Histopathologically, all cats but 1 (diagnosed simultaneously with colonic small cell lymphoma) had lymphoplasmacytic colitis, and when small intestinal biopsies were performed, concurrent lymphoplasmacytic enteritis or small cell lymphoma of the small intestine. Lymphoplasmacytic colitis is seen commonly in cats with short colon, suggesting a potential link between these entities.

The fecal bacterial microbiota is not useful for discriminating between lymphoplasmacytic enteritis and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma in cats nor for predicting therapeutic response.

To evaluate the fecal bacterial microbiota at the time of diagnosis (T0) and after 1 month of therapy (T1) in cats diagnosed with lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) or cats with low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITL) and to compare these findings with those of healthy cats. 5 healthy cats, 13 cats with LPE, and 7 cats with LGITL were prospectively enrolled between June 2020 and June 2021. Fecal samples were collected at T0 and T1, and DNA was extracted for 16S ribosomal amplicon sequencing. Alpha diversity and beta diversity were computed. The taxonomic assignment was performed using sequences from the Silva v138 formatted reference database. Differential abundant taxa were selected in each taxonomic level, with the P value adjusted < .05, as the cut-off. No significant differences in alpha and beta diversity were found either at T0 or T1 between healthy and diseased cats or between cats with LPE and LGITL. Beta-diversity analysis showed an increase in the Fusobacteriaceae family in cats with LGITL at T0, compared to cats with LPE. Regardless of histological diagnosis, several microbiota differences were found at T0 based on serum cobalamin levels. Fecal samples were successfully used to characterize the bacteriome of the intestinal tract in cats by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. However, results highlighted that the metagenomic evaluation was not useful to discriminate between LPE and LGITL nor to predict the therapeutic response in this study population.

ACVIM consensus statement guidelines on diagnosing and distinguishing low-grade neoplastic from inflammatory lymphocytic chronic enteropathies in cats.

Lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) and low-grade intestinal T cell lymphoma (LGITL) are common diseases in older cats, but their diagnosis and differentiation remain challenging. To summarize the current literature on etiopathogenesis and diagnosis of LPE and LGITL in cats and provide guidance on the differentiation between LPE and LGITL in cats. To provide statements established using evidence-based approaches or where such evidence is lacking, statements based on consensus of experts in the field. None. A panel of 6 experts in the field (2 internists, 1 radiologist, 1 anatomic pathologist, 1 clonality expert, 1 oncologist) with the support of a human medical immunologist, was formed to assess and summarize evidence in the peer-reviewed literature and complement it with consensus recommendations. Despite increasing interest on the topic for clinicians and pathologists, few prospective studies were available, and interpretation of the pertinent literature often was challenging because of the heterogeneity of the cases. Most recommendations by the panel were supported by a moderate or low level of evidence. Several understudied areas were identified, including cellular markers using immunohistochemistry, genomics, and transcriptomic studies. To date, no single diagnostic criterion or known biomarker reliably differentiates inflammatory lesions from neoplastic lymphoproliferations in the intestinal tract of cats and a diagnosis currently is established by integrating all available clinical and diagnostic data. Histopathology remains the mainstay to better differentiate LPE from LGITL in cats with chronic enteropathy.

MiRNA Profiles of Canine Intestinal Carcinomas, Lymphomas and Enteritis Analysed by Digital Droplet PCR from FFPE Material.

Most canine intestinal tumours are B-cell or T-cell lymphomas or carcinomas. They have to be distinguished from cases of enteritis. Non-invasive biomarkers such as miRNAs would be a step towards faster diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate shifts in miRNA expression in tissue samples collected from cases of enteritis, carcinoma and lymphoma of the small and large intestine to better understand the potential of miRNA as biomarkers for tumour diagnosis and classification. We selected two oncogenic miRNAs (miR-18b and 20b), two tumour suppressive miRNAs (miR-192 and 194) and two potential biomarkers for neoplasms (miR-126 and 214). They were isolated from FFPE material, quantified by ddPCR, normalised with RNU6B and compared with normal tissue values. Our results confirmed that ddPCR is a suitable method for quantifying miRNA from FFPE material. Expression of miR-18b and miR-192 was higher in carcinomas of the small intestine than in those of the large intestine. Specific miRNA patterns were observed in cases of enteritis, B-cell and T-cell lymphoma and carcinoma. However, oncogenic miR-18b and 20b were not elevated in any group and miR-126 and 214 were down-regulated in T-cell and B-cell lymphoma, as well as in carcinomas and lymphoplasmacytic enteritis of the small intestine.

Analysis of fecal microbial profiles in dogs with intestinal lymphangiectasia.

Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a common complication in dogs. This study analyzed intestinal microbiota using 16S rRNA amplicon analysis as candidate factors that strongly influence the small intestinal lymphatic vessels in dogs with and without IL. Twelve dogs were included, of which six were diagnosed with lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, four with small-cell lymphoma, and two with large-cell lymphoma. Seven of these dogs had IL, whereas five did not. First, the microbial diversity analyzed by Faith pd index was significantly decreased in dogs with IL compared to dogs without IL. Then, the relative amounts of each bacterial taxa were compared between dogs with and without IL using Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis. At the genus level, the Ruminococcus gnavus group significantly increased in dogs with IL compared to dogs without IL. A total of four genera, including Ruminococcus torques group and Faecalibacterium, which produce butyrate, significantly decreased in dogs with IL. This study showed decreased intestinal bacterial diversity and several alterations of intestinal microbiota, including a decrease in butyrate-producing bacteria in dogs with IL, compared to dogs without IL.

Gastrointestinal biopsy in the horse: overview of collection, interpretation, and applications.

Evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) biopsies is a multistep process that includes reviewing an appropriate history, determining sample quality, and evaluating histologic sections. Selected diagnostic parameters that, in combination with intestinal histopathology, can be useful to localize disease to the intestinal tract in the horse include hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, ultrasound evidence of increased thickness of the small intestinal wall, and alterations in glucose or D-xylose absorption tests. Biopsies may be acquired either endoscopically, or via laparoscopy or standing flank incisional approaches. GI sections should be evaluated using a systematic approach that includes both architectural changes and inflammatory cell infiltrates. Although strategies have been developed for assessment of GI biopsies from the dog and cat, a standardized approach to interpretation of the equine GI biopsy has yet to be developed. GI biopsies pose several challenges to the pathologist, especially for endoscopic biopsies in which the quality of the specimen and its orientation may vary greatly. Architectural changes are arguably the most critical changes to evaluate. In a horse with chronic GI inflammation, such as occurs in idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the cell types encountered frequently are macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Increased numbers of these cell types are categorized loosely as mild, moderate, and severe. Specific forms of idiopathic IBD have been further classified by this infiltrate as granulomatous enteritis, eosinophilic enteritis, and lymphoplasmacytic enteritis; there is limited information on microscopic changes with each. Unfortunately, microscopic GI lesions are usually nonspecific, and determination of etiology requires further investigation.

Prevalence of inflammatory versus neoplastic lesions in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs undergoing gastroduodenoscopy: 195 cases (2007–2015)

ObjectivesPrevalence of inflammatory enteropathy versus lymphoma in dogs undergoing gastroduodenoscopy has not been evaluated. This retrospective study assessed outcome from 195 client-owned dogs scheduled to undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as the next diagnostic step. Material and methodsCases were grouped into the following diagnoses according to WSAVA guidelines: lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE), eosinophilic enteritis (EE), mixed-cell enteritis (ME), histologically normal biopsies (N), and lymphoma (L). Clinical signs, and preendoscopic results from laboratory and ultrasonography examinations, were compared among groups. ResultsLPE was diagnosed in 133 (68%), EE in 17 (9%), ME in 9 (5%), 32 (16%) dogs had histologically normal biopsies. Four (2%) dogs were diagnosed with lymphoma. Vomiting was the most frequent clinical sign (61%), followed by weight loss (43%), and diarrhea (39%). Vomiting also predominated when looking at individual histological disease categories, however clinical signs did not differ significantly between groups. Dogs with lymphoma were more likely to have ultrasonographic abnormalities, had significantly lower haematocrit, albumin and total protein concentrations compared to dogs with LPE and histologically normal biopsies. Clinical significanceLymphoma was rarely found in this group of dogs with nonspecific results of pre-endoscopic work-up. Our results provide first reference for clinicians when discussing the possibility of a step-up therapeutic approach (such as multiple dietary trials) with owners before pursuing endoscopy. Understanding the likelihood of finding lymphoma is important in that histologic documentation of inflammatory enteropathy alone has limited therapeutic consequences. Future studies are needed to validate these findings in dogs undergoing combined upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsies.

Evaluation of the degree and distribution of lymphangiectasia in full-thickness canine small intestinal specimens diagnosed with lymphoplasmacytic enteritis and granulomatous lymphangitis.

Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is often observed in dogs with chronic small intestinal diseases. Hypoplasia of the lymphatic vessel due to decreased lymphangiogenesis, which has been suggested in human idiopathic IL, may contribute to the pathogenesis of canine IL. This study aimed to evaluate the diameter and number of lymphatic vessels in full-thickness small intestinal specimens of dogs with IL. Immunohistochemical labeling of lymphatic endothelial cell markers was performed on retrospectively retrieved full-thickness small intestinal specimens. Sixteen dogs with histologically confirmed IL were included, of which 10 had lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE), and six had granulomatous lymphangitis (GL). Nine dogs that died from non-gastrointestinal disorders and with little or no abnormalities in the small intestine were used as controls. Lymphatic vessel diameters in dogs with IL were significantly increased in all layers of the small intestine, including the villus lacteal, lamina propria, submucosa, muscularis, and mesentery, compared with controls (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the lymphatic vessel diameters between dogs with LPE and GL (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of lymphatic vessels between dogs with IL and the controls in all layers of the small intestine (all P>0.05). This study demonstrated that IL was observed in all layers of the small intestine, including the submucosa, muscularis, and mesentery, independent of the underlying disease. Factors other than reduced lymphatic vessels would contribute to the pathogenesis of IL in dogs.

Association between intestinal lymphangiectasia and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in dogs with lymphoplasmacytic enteritis.

Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a common complication in dogs. Since nitric oxide (NO) is known to relax the lymphatic vessel, we evaluated inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression using immunohistochemistry in 13 dogs with lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) with or without IL. The duodenal iNOS expressing cells were significantly increased in dogs with IL-negative or IL-positive LPE dogs (P=0.025, P=0.007) compared with control dogs. However, there was no significant difference in iNOS expression between IL-positive and IL-negative tissues. Based on these results, there is no clear evidence for the NO overproduction in the pathogenesis of IL in dogs with LPE. Factors other than NO could, thus, contribute to IL in dogs with LPE.

Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings differentiating low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma from lymphoplasmacytic enteritis in cats.

BackgroundLow‐grade intestinal T‐cell lymphoma (LGITL) is the most common intestinal neoplasm in cats. Differentiating LGITL from lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) is challenging because clinical signs, laboratory results, diagnostic imaging findings, histology, immunohistochemistry, and clonality features may overlap.ObjectivesTo evaluate possible discriminatory clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic features to differentiate LGITL from LPE.AnimalsTwenty‐two cats diagnosed with LGITL and 22 cats with LPE based upon histology, immunohistochemistry, and lymphoid clonality.MethodsProspective, cohort study. Cats presented with clinical signs consistent with LGITL or LPE were enrolled prospectively. All data contributing to the diagnostic evaluation was recorded.ResultsA 3‐variable model (P < .001) consisting of male sex (P = .01), duration of clinical signs (P = .01), and polyphagia (P = .03) and a 2‐variable model (P < .001) including a rounded jejunal lymph node (P < .001) and ultrasonographic abdominal effusion (P = .04) were both helpful to differentiate LGITL from LPE.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMost clinical signs and laboratory results are similar between cats diagnosed with LGITL and LPE. However, male sex, a longer duration of clinical signs and polyphagia might help clinicians distinguish LGITL from LPE. On ultrasonography, a rounded jejunal lymph node, and the presence of (albeit small volume) abdominal effusion tended to be more prevalent in cats with LGITL. However, a definitive diagnosis requires comprehensive histopathologic and phenotypic assessment.

Concordance of the Histopathologic Diagnosis of Concurrent Duodenal and Ileal Biopsy Specimens in Dogs.

Simple SummaryCanine chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) is a gastrointestinal (GI) inflammatory condition that requires histopathology of intestinal biopsies for definitive diagnosis. This can be performed endoscopically or surgically; with the former being more common as it is less invasive. In recent years, research has identified that different types of inflammatory disease and histologic severity can exist at different locations within the GI tract, known as discordance. There is a lack of understanding of the clinical impact of lesion oversight in dogs with discordant biopsies between locations. Therefore, current recommendations are to procure endoscopic biopsies from both the upper intestinal (stomach and duodenum) and lower small intestinal tract (ileum) when possible. The rate of discordance between different GI locations has not been assessed in dogs with non-inflammatory enteropathies, i.e., neoplastic etiology, nor compared between endoscopic and surgically collected biopsy specimens. Here, we report that the rate of discordance between the duodenum and ileum in CIE is similar between endoscopic biopsy and surgical biopsy specimens and confirm that discordance between upper and lower GI biopsies exist for small-cell lymphoma. There were no clinicopathologic variables that were correlated with discordance. We conclude that for all dogs with chronic GI signs, concurrent duodenal and ileal biopsies should be performed.Histopathologic discordance between gastrointestinal (GI) locations in canine chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) has prompted recommendations to biopsy both the duodenum and ileum, while further evaluation is required for non-CIE. We aimed to determine the concordance of histopathologic diagnosis between duodenal and ileal endoscopic or full-thickness biopsy specimens for all dogs with CIE and GI neoplasia and to assess the association between histopathologic discordance between GI locations with clinicopathologic variables. Seventy-nine dogs were eligible, with endoscopic (74) or full-thickness (5) biopsy specimens. Clinicopathological data were recorded for all dogs. Concordance of histopathologic diagnosis was retrospectively assessed for concurrent duodenal and ileal biopsy specimens by a single board-certified veterinary pathologist using the modified World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Gastrointestinal Standardization Group guidelines. Sixty-seven dogs were diagnosed with CIE and 5 with enteric-associated T-cell lymphoma-2 (EATL-2). Concordance of histologic diagnosis between duodenal and ileal sites was similar between endoscopic (73.0%) and full-thickness (80.0%) biopsy groups. For the CIE cases, lymphoplasmacytic enteritis had the highest concordance (73.0%) and eosinophilic enteritis the least (16.7%). Of the 5 neoplastic cases, 5/5 (100%) were present at the duodenum but only 3/5 (60%) in the ileum. No clinicopathologic variables demonstrated a statistically significant association with discordance. We conclude that the level of discordance necessitates concurrent biopsy of both duodenum and ileum in all dogs with chronic GI signs. The rate of EATL-2 was lower than rates reported for cats.

Histopathologic, phenotypic, and molecular criteria to discriminate low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma in cats from lymphoplasmacytic enteritis.

BackgroundDifferentiation of low‐grade intestinal T‐cell lymphoma (LGITL) from lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) in cats is a diagnostic challenge for pathologists.ObjectiveCharacterize histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of LGITL and LPE.AnimalsForty‐four client‐owned cats, 22 diagnosed with LGITL and 22 with LPE.MethodsProspective, cohort study. Clinical suspicion of LGITL or LPE was based on persistent gastrointestinal signs, unresponsive to empirical treatments. All cats underwent a standardized diagnostic evaluation, including biopsy (preferentially full‐thickness), and were diagnosed with LGITL or LPE after review of clinical, laboratory, sonographic, histologic, immunohistochemical, and clonality results.ResultsA monomorphic lymphocytic population (22/22, 100%) and in‐depth mucosal infiltration (15/22, 68%) were hallmarks of LGITL. Epithelial patterns (nests and plaques) were significantly more frequent in LGITL (11/22, 50%) than in LPE (1/22, 5%) cases (P = .001). A CD3+ lymphocytic apical‐to‐basal gradient was observed in 9/22 (41%) of LGITL vs 1/22 (5%) of LPE cases (P = .004). Most LPE cases (17/18, 94%) featured marked fibrosis in the superficial part of the lamina propria. The Ki‐67 20%‐ and 30%‐thresholds discriminated between LGITL and LPE within both the epithelium (specificity >95%) and lamina propria (specificity >95%), respectively. All LGITL cases were CD3+ pSTAT3− and pSTAT5+. T‐cell receptor gamma chain gene rearrangements indicated monoclonality in 86% of LGITL cases. Surprisingly, 70% of LPE cases featured monoclonality (40%) or monoclonality on a polyclonal background (30%).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWe identified new histologic, immunohistochemical, and clonality criteria to distinguish LGITL from LPE.

Molecularly confirmed Echinococcus equinus infection in a UK horse with concurrent intestinal disease

AbstractA 15‐year‐old Cob mare presented with a 1‐year history of weight loss. Blood work was compatible with inflammation and abdominal ultrasonography showed mild thickening of the intestinal wall and a hypoechoic cystic structure in the liver. Despite medical treatment, euthanasia was elected due to further weight loss and poor welfare. Necropsy revealed a cyst in the liver containing hydatid sand. Cytology of the cystic fluid and histopathology of the cyst wall confirmed infection by a metacestode. PCR of the cystic fluid yielded a sequence identical to that documented for the COX1 gene of Echinococcus equinus. Histopathology of a thickened area of intestine noted at post‐mortem was suggestive of mild lymphoplasmacytic enteritis and this was suspected to be the cause of clinical disease. The metacestode infection was considered sub‐clinical. Routine speciation of hydatid cysts using PCR should improve assessment of the epidemiology of E. equinus and help monitor its zoonotic potential.

Current practices in nutrition management and disease incidence of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

A survey was developed to characterize disease incidence, common pathology lesions, environmental characteristics, and nutrition programs within captive research marmoset colonies. Seventeen research facilities completed the electronic survey. Nutritional management programs varied amongst research institutions housing marmosets; eight primary base diets were reported. The most common clinical syndromes reported were gastrointestinal disease (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease like disease, chronic lymphocytic enteritis, chronic malabsorption, chronic diarrhea), metabolic bone disease or fracture, infectious diarrhea, and oral disease (tooth root abscesses, gingivitis, tooth root resorption). The five most common pathology morphologic diagnoses were colitis, nephropathy/nephritis, enteritis, chronic lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, and cholecystitis. Obesity was more common (average 20% of a reporting institution's population) than thin body condition (average 5%). Through review of current practices, we aim to inspire development of evidence-based practices to standardize husbandry and nutrition practices for marmoset research colonies.

Characterization of the intestinal mucosal proteome in cats with inflammatory bowel disease and alimentary small cell lymphoma.

BackgroundCurrent tests for diagnosis and differentiation of lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) and small cell lymphoma (SCL) in cats are expensive, invasive, and lack specificity. The identification of less invasive, more reliable biomarkers would facilitate diagnosis.ObjectivesTo characterize the mucosal proteome in endoscopically obtained, small intestinal tissue biopsy specimens. We hypothesized that differentially expressed proteins could be identified and serve as biomarker candidates for the differentiation of LPE and SCL in cats.AnimalsSix healthy control cats, 6 cats with LPE, and 8 cats with SCL.MethodsThe mucosal proteome was analyzed using 2‐dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) and nanoflow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. For 5 proteins, results were verified by Western blot analysis.ResultsA total of 2349 spots were identified, of which 9 were differentially expressed with a ≥2‐fold change between healthy cats and cats with LPE and SCL (.01 < P < .001). Eight of these 9 spots were also differentially expressed between cats with LPE and cats with SCL (P .001 < P < .04). However, Western blot analysis for malate dehydrogenase‐1, malate dehydrogenase‐2, apolipoprotein, annexin IV, and annexin V did not confirm significant differential protein expression for any of the 5 proteins assessed.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTwo‐D DIGE did not identify potential biomarker candidates in the intestinal mucosa of cats with LPE and SCL. Future studies should focus on different techniques to identify biomarker candidates for cats with chronic enteropathies (CE).

Poisoning by Megathyrsus maximus (Sin. Panicum maximum) cv. Colonião in horses in the state of Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT: Colic outbreaks in horses have been associated with the grazing of several Megathyrsus maximus (Sin. Panicum maximum) cultivars in the North and Central-West regions of Brazil. In this paper, we report a horse colic outbreak in the Southeast region of Brazil caused by ingestion of the “Colonião” cultivar of M. maximus, which has not previously been considered as toxic. The five affected horses belonged to the Veterinary Platoon based at the Central Ammunition Deposit of the Brazilian Army in the city of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The horses had access to treated water and commercial concentrate, and were located in a field of M. maximus at the time of the outbreak. All horses exhibited clinical signs of colic and bloat, and three of them died. The extend of the clinical course ranged from four to five days in the three animals that died; in the two animals that recovered from the colic episodes, the extend of the clinical courses were 10 and 15 days. Necropsy findings revealed intestinal and gastric bloating and hemorrhages involving the intestinal wall. Light microscopy showed moderate diffuse lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic enteritis with multifocal erosions, in addition to submucosal edema associated with multifocal vasculitis. The pathogenesis of colic caused by M. maximus ingestion in horses has not yet been elucidated. Some authors have suggested that higher starch concentrations in M. maximus during the rainy season may be responsible for the toxicity of this plant. However, the findings of this study do not support this hypothesis. As a prophylactic measure, it is suggested that horses do not graze exclusively M. maximus at the beginning of rainy periods, in which regrowth of this grass occurs. In Brazil, outbreaks of horse colic associated with ingestion of varieties of Megathyrsus can also occur outside the North and Midwest regions, under specific climate conditions.

Successful management of portal vein thrombosis in a Yorkshire Terrier with protein-losing enteropathy

BackgroundPortal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare presentation in dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). Rivaroxaban, an oral, selective, direct factor Xa inhibitor, has not been reported to be administrated for canine PVT and the effect is unclear in dogs with PLE.Case presentationAn 11-year-old Yorkshire Terrier presented with moderate ascites. The dog had severe hypoalbuminemia (1.2 g/dL), and a portal vein thrombus was confirmed on computed tomographic angiography (CTA). On endoscopic examination, it became apparent that the hypoalbuminemia was caused by PLE, which was consequent of lymphatic dilation and lymphoplasmacytic enteritis. Therefore, the dog was initially treated with oral administrations of spironolactone and clopidogrel, with dietary fat restriction. However, a follow-up CTA showed no changes in the ascites, thrombus, and portal vein to aorta (PV/Ao) ratio. Therefore, the dog was additionally prescribed rivaroxaban and low-dose prednisolone for the portal vein thrombus and hypoalbuminemia due to lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, respectively. Following the treatment, the PV/Ao ratio decreased because of a decrease in the thrombus and the ascites disappeared completely with an elevation of albumin concentration (1.9 g/dL).ConclusionsThis case report demonstrated that oral administration of rivaroxaban combined with low-dose glucocorticoid was effective management for PVT in a dog with PLE.

Usefulness of PCR-RFLP of 18S rRNA gene for rapid post-mortem diagnostics of highly pathogenic Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of European bison, Bison bonasus L. with histopathological correlation.

Eimeria spp. infection was investigated in 10 free-roaming European bison aged three months to 26 years by anatomopathological, histopathological, coproscopic and PCR-RFLP examination. The coproscopic study identified Eimeria oocysts in the faeces of five bison. The most prevalent morphotypes were E. bovis, present in all positive samples, and E. zuernii, in all but one. Additionally, mixed infections consisting of E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. alabamensis, E. auburnensis, E. canadensis, E. cylindrica, E. ellipsoidalis and E. subspherica were diagnosed in two bison calves. Besides being the most prevalent form, E. bovis also demonstrated the highest OPG (2,750). The presence of oocysts in the faeces was associated with those of macrogamonts, microgamonts and oocysts in the epithelium of the large intestine. Intestinal coccidiosis associated with lymphoplasmacytic enteritis was observed in many bison, not only those with positive OPG. Four animals with negative coproscopy results demonstrated early-stage gametogony in the large intestine; one case presented no endogenous stages of coccidians in the histopathological sections of the intestine, nor oocysts in the faecal samples. A 530 bp product of E. bovis 18S rDNA (GenBank: MK951685) was obtained from both the colon wall and oocysts; this was subjected to PCR-RFLP analysis based on AluI and Hin1II (NlaIII) restriction enzymes. Both samples yielded a consistent seven-band pattern, four of which (270 bp, 40 bp, 180 bp and 84 bp) were expected, and the other three represented undigested fragments. The obtained digestion pattern is indicative of Eimeria spp. infection, and can serve as a first-step diagnostic approach in detection of infection. The result of computer-based virtual digestion of the PCR product suggests that double digestion with Mval (BstNI) and KpnI restriction enzymes may be used as a second-step tool to distinguish between E. bovis, E. zuernii and E. alabamensis, all of which are highly-pathogenic species.