Serous Atrophy Of Fat Research Articles

A Severe Clinical Case of Theileriosis with Terminal Wasting in Adult Cattle: A Veterinary Clinical and Pathology Case Report

This veterinary clinical and pathology case report describes a severe clinical case of theileriosis in adult cattle with prolonged recumbency and terminal wasting because of complications due to chronic theileriosis in two adult (2-year-old) Jersey-Friesian Cross. The case was referred to the large animal clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital (UVH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The animals were presented as recumbent, dull, depressed, hypothermic, dehydrated, and cachexic. There were poor responses of the patients to fluid therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatments, and they both died within 24 hrs of clinical presentation. Haematology (complete blood count and serum biochemistry) results revealed haemoconcentration and faecal examinations were negative for liver fluke infestation and blood smear examination was positive for intraerythrocytic piroplasms of Theileria (0.01% parasitaemia). Post-mortem examination further revealed advanced cachexia, generalised serous atrophy of fat, hepatomegaly, hepatic congestion, pulmonary congestion, and pulmonary oedema. Histological findings revealed atrophy of the hepatic cord, hepatic congestion, splenic hemosiderosis, pulmonary oedema and congestion. The clinicopathological findings supported an aetiological diagnosis of a severe clinical case of Theileriosis with terminal wasting because of complications due to chronic Theileriosis infection.

Immunohistochemical Examination of TNF-α and SAA Expressions in Goats Infected with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis

Paratuberculosis (Johne Disease), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) and commonly seen in ruminants, is a contagious disease that causes chronic diarrhea and serious economic losses. In this study, the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokine and acute phase protein expressions in lesional tissues of naturally infected goats with MAP was investigated. For this purpose, paratuberculosis suspected goats complaining of chronic diarrhea and excessive weight loss were examined by ELISA method for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection. After sacrificing 20 animals found to be infected with MAP, tissue samples taken from the intestines and lymph nodes were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) for histopathological examination and Ziehl-Nelsen (ZN) to show acid-fast mycobacterium. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expressions of TNF-α as a pro-inflammatory cytokine and SAA as an acute phase protein. Macroscopic examination revealed in serous fat atrophy, mesenteric lymphadenitis, and granulomatous enteritis in the intestines. Histopathological examination revealed atrophy in villi, degeneration of enterocytes, inflammatory cell infiltration consisting mostly of mononuclear leukocytes in the mucosa, and epithelioid macrophage aggregation. Lymphoid hyperplasia and epithelioid histocyst aggregates were found in the mesenterial lymph nodes. In staining with ZN revealed the presence of bright red acid-fast agents in the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes. In immunohistochemical examination, TNF-α and SAA expressions were observed in all samples. With this study, for the first time, the expressions of TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine, and SAA, an acute phase protein, were shown in the lesional tissues of MAP-infected animals, contributing to the immunopathogenesis of the disease.

Effects of long-term dehydration on stress markers, blood parameters, and tissue morphology in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Dromedary camels robustly withstand dehydration, and the rough desert environment but the adaptation mechanisms are not well understood. One of these mechanisms is that the dromedary camel increases its body temperature to reduce the process of evaporative cooling during the hot weather. Stress in general, has deleterious effects in the body. In this study, we sought to determine the effects of dehydration and rehydration on stress parameters in the dromedary camels and how it pacifies these effects. Nineteen male camels were randomly divided into control, dehydrated and rehydrated groups, and fed alfalfa hay ad-libitum. The dehydrated and rehydrated groups were water-restricted for 20 days after which the rehydrated camels were provided with water for 72 h. The control and dehydrated camels were slaughtered at day 20 from the start of experiment whereas the rehydrated group was killed 72 h later. Many biochemical, hematological histopathological parameters and gene analysis were performed in relevant tissues collected including blood, plasma, and tissues. It was observed that severely dehydrated camels lost body weight, passed very hard feces, few drops of concentrated urine, and were slightly stressed as reflected behaviorally by loss of appetite. Physiologically, the stress of dehydration elicited modulation of plasma stress hormones for water preservation and energy supply. Our results showed significant increase in cortisol, norepinephrine and dopamine, and significant decrease in epinephrine and serotonin. The significant increase in malondialdehyde was accompanied with significant increase in antioxidants (glutathione, retinol, thiamin, tocopherol) to provide tissue protection from oxidative stress. The physiological blood changes observed during dehydration serve different purposes and were quickly restored to normality by rehydration. The dehydrated/rehydrated camels showed reduced hump size and serous atrophy of perirenal and epicardial fat. The latter changes were accompanied by significantly increased expression of genes encoding proteins for energy production (ANGPTL4, ACSBG1) from fat and significantly decreased expression of genes (THRSP; FADS 1&2) encoding proteins enhancing energy expenditure. This process is vital for camel survival in the desert. Dehydration induced no major effects in the vital organs. Only minor degenerative changes were observed in hepatic and renal cells, physiological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in heart and follicular hyperplasia in splenic but lipidosis was not depicted in liver hepatocytes. Ketone bodies were not smelled in urine, sweat and breathing of dehydrated animals supporting the previous finding that the ß hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in ketone body formation, is low in the camel liver and rumen. Rehydration restored most of blood and tissues to normal or near normal. In conclusion, camels are adapted to combat dehydration stress and anorexia by increasing anti-stressors and modulating genes involved in fat metabolism.

Esophageal Stricture and Occlusion in a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Abstract In December 2022, a juvenile female green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was stranded in North Carolina, USA. On admission to rehabilitation, physical exam and point-of-care diagnostics found severe emaciation, a healing wound to the left cranial neck, abnormal buoyancy, a heavy burden of epibiota on its carapace, anemia, and hypoproteinemia. Over time, the turtle exhibited progressive weight loss, dysphagia, and regurgitation characterized by forcefully ejecting water and masticated fish from its nares. When attempted tube feeding was unsuccessful, a cranial esophageal stricture was suspected. Computed tomography and ultrasonography revealed no evidence of an esophageal foreign body or intraluminal and extraluminal masses. Esophagoscopy confirmed a cranial esophageal stricture; however, neither bouginage nor surgical resection via an esophagostomy was successful, and the turtle was euthanized. Necropsy confirmed an esophageal stricture and occlusion, diffuse serous atrophy of fat, and widespread muscle atrophy. Histopathology revealed the esophageal stricture was comprised of focal marked fibrosis with edema and mild perivascular lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. Given the age class and size of the turtle, the authors suspect the esophageal stricture and occlusion were acquired secondary to unknown prior trauma. Esophageal stricture in sea turtles is a possible severe sequela of esophageal injury and likely carries a guarded prognosis for survival and release.

Diffuse Alopecia and Thyroid Atrophy in Sheep.

Simple SummaryThyroid dysfunction substantially affects quality of life, causing disturbances in different organs. A low intake of selenium and zinc can predispose to thyroid changes, resulting in hypothyroidism. A deficiency of selenium and zinc causes thyroid dysfunction and skin lesions. This paper describes natural cases of diffuse alopecia and thyroid abnormalities in sheep with selenium and zinc deficiency. The sheep had severe alopecia, and the thyroid hormones serum concentrations were below the reference values for the species. Zinc and Se concentrations were low in the serum and liver, and the thyroid gland was smaller than normal size. The present study is important as it is the first study examining zinc and Se deficiencies causing hypothyroidism in sheep. Furthermore, thyroid disorders affect the quality of life of humans and animals, and are associated with many organ-specific and non-organ-specific disorders.Thyroid dysfunction substantially affects the quality of life due to its association with various disorders in different organs. A low intake of selenium and zinc can predispose to thyroid alterations, resulting in hypothyroidism. A deficiency of selenium and zinc causes direct and indirect skin lesions, both by the action of free radicals on the skin and by thyroid dysfunction. The aim of this study was to describe natural cases of diffuse alopecia and thyroid abnormalities in sheep with selenium and zinc deficiency. Five adult sheep presented marked and diffuse alopecia, and the residual hairs were dry and brittle. The skin was thick and crusty, with marked peeling. The triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) serum concentrations were below reference values for the species. Zinc and Se concentrations were low in both the serum and liver. During necropsy, cachexia associated with serous fat atrophy was observed, and the thyroid glands showed marked atrophy. Microscopically, the thyroid presented multifocal to coalescent atrophy, with atrophied and dilated follicles, macrophage infiltration, and the presence of fibrous connective tissue. The skin revealed hyperkeratosis and edema. It is concluded that thyroid atrophy, alopecia, and hyperkeratosis are associated with low serum and liver concentrations of zinc and selenium in sheep.

Development of an image-based body condition score for giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) and a comparison of zoo-housed and free-ranging individuals

Historically, giraffes (Giraffa spp.) in zoos are known to have a high prevalence of deaths associated with serous fat atrophy, which has been linked to the impression that as browsers, they are more difficult to feed appropriately compared to grazing ruminants. Therefore, one could expect zoo-housed giraffes to be peculiar in that they might have, on average, a lower body condition than their free-ranging conspecifics. We collected photographs of free-ranging and zoo-housed individuals and used information on sex, age, body mass, and height for a subset of the zoo animals to develop and validate a body condition score (BCS). We developed an overview BCS for the shoulder area (4 levels) and hip area (7 levels), and validated and applied the score to 532 free-ranging and 232 zoo-housed giraffes. The rib area was not useful for BCS; skin folds in the rib area occurred across all BCS hip levels but were particularly prominent at higher BCS hip. The BCS hip was positively correlated with body mass index for adult female giraffes, suggesting it reflects body condition. The BCS hip differentiated better between age, gender, season in free-ranging animals, and habitat (zoo vs. free-ranging). The BCS shoulder was less precise, most likely because the visibility of the shoulder does not only reflect subcutaneous adipose tissue, but also muscle tissue and skin thickness, especially in males as an adaptation to the giraffe’s typical mode of intraspecific combat. Using the shoulder score or the presence of skin folds on the side of the thorax/abdomen for routine BCS application is therefore not recommended. Juvenile animals had the highest BCS hip (6.04±0.69 for free-ranging, 6.00±1.07 for zoo), which decreased with age in both populations. Adult males in the wild generally had higher BCS hip (3.52±1.35) scores than the females in the wild (3.31±1.31), indicating the increased energetic strain on females due to reproduction. This was not the case in zoo animals. In contrast to our prediction, zoo-housed animals had higher scores than the free-ranging population (4.53±1.54; 3.74±1.55; P<0.001), especially compared to the free-ranging population scores from the end of the dry season (3.46±1.56; P<0.001). This indicates that on average, zoo-housed giraffe are less constrained by dietary resources than their free-ranging counterparts, and corresponds to reports of an improvement of zoo diets in European zoos and the subjective impression of a reduced incidence of serous fat atrophy in recent years. Nevertheless, the highest score, often equated with obesity in other BCS systems, was observed in both zoos and in the wild, possibly excluding obesity as a pathological condition in this zoo-housed giraffe population. While low scores should be avoided in zoo-housed giraffes, there are no indications so far that high scores in our BCS are detrimental. The hip-based BCS is easily applicable to free-ranging animals by direct observation or based on photographs, and allows for reproducible data collection to monitor giraffes at a population level.

Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow in a rabbit.

A 9-y-old, spayed female rabbit was presented for evaluation of hypoglycemia and lateral recumbency. The patient was hypothermic and had diffuse muscle wasting; weight loss since a previous visit was also noted. Hematologic abnormalities included progressive nonregenerative anemia and severe heteropenia. Evaluation of a bone marrow aspirate sample revealed active hematopoiesis with abundant pink matrix. The matrix material stained positively with periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue, and a diagnosis of gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow (GTBM, serous atrophy of fat) was made. Although its precise prevalence remains to be determined, GTBM should be suspected in rabbits with persistent cytopenias following prolonged starvation or gastrointestinal disease.

Emaciation and Sporadic Mortality in Older Laying Hens Caused by Intussusception of the Proventriculus

Laying hens (n = 2267) ranging in age from 2 to 4 yr in a study evaluating ovarian cancer prevention were necropsied. Those that died or were culled during the 2-yr study (n = 1591) were necropsied weekly to determine the most probable cause of death or culling and cancer status. Hens surviving until the end of the study (n = 676) were euthanized and necropsied. Hens necropsied before and after a hen with proventricular intussusception served as cohorts (n = 38). Nineteen hens (13 dead, 6 culled) had intussusceptions of the proventriculus into the ventriculus. Mean age of affected hens was 154 wk (range 110-204 wk). None of the hens in the study had an intestinal intussusception, and none of the hens euthanized at the end of the study had a proventricular intussusception. Hens with proventricular intussusceptions were severely emaciated; mean body weights were 1040 and 1736 g for affected and cohort hens, respectively. Necropsy findings included prominent keel, marked muscle atrophy, generalized serous atrophy of fat, no visible proventriculus, esophagus directly entering the ventriculus, and an enlarged, spherical, firm ventriculus, which contained an invaginated, swollen, diffusely ulcerated proventriculus. Eighteen affected hens were anovulatory (94.7%) compared to 27 cohorts (71.1%). Severe, diffuse necrosis and ulceration of the proventricular mucosa was confirmed microscopically, but no etiologic agent was identified. In conclusion, proventricular intussusception of undetermined etiology was identified as a cause of sporadic emaciation, culling, and mortality in older laying hens.

Serous atrophy of bone marrow: a rare cause of paediatriccytopenia

Serous atrophy of bone marrow also known as gelatinous transformation or serous fat atrophy is a rare finding. It is characterised by focal loss of hematopoietic elements, fat cell atrophy, and extracellular deposition of gelatinous substance with adjacent marrow hypoplasia. Pathogenesis of such atrophy is poorly understood and is considered to be a non specific finding, which can be associated with various haematological and non haematological conditions. It is mostly seen in adults with a few cases reported in the paediatric age group. We present a case of an 8 year old female patient with bilateral knee joint pains since one year. Blood counts and peripheral smear examination revealed bicytopenia (anemia and thrombocytopenia) along with a low normal total leucocyte count and a low reticulocyte count. Bone marrow aspirate consisted predominantly of sinusoidal blood and hence was inconclusive. Bone marrow biopsy from the iliac crest of right and left sides showed hypocellular marrow spaces with deposition of extracellular pink amorphous material suggestive of serous atrophy. Alcian blue at a pH of 2.5 was done to confirm the diagnosis and it stained the deposits blue. Therefore a diagnosis of hypoplastic bone marrow with associated serous atrophy was made. Bone marrow study is a vital tool in evaluation of cytopenias in pediatric age group as it helps to narrow down the list of differential diagnosis. In case of extracellular eosinophilic deposits with marrow hypoplasia, a differential of serous atrophy should be borne in mind.

Pathological lesion survey and financial losses associated with organs and carcass condemnation in cattle slaughtered at selected abattoirs in Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from September, 2014 to August, 2015 on cattle brought to Bachuma, Aleta Wondo and Masha abattoirs in SNNPR to investigate major pathological conditions attributing to organs and carcasses condemnations and to estimate the direct financial losses. For this, a total of 1152 cattle were included in the study using systematic random sampling, of which 56(4.86%) animals showed signs of diseases and abnormalities; 21(1.82%) were conditionally approved and 35(3.04%) were rejected. The results indicated that adult male cattle with body conditions had statistically higher (p<0.05) rejection probabilities. On post-mortem examination, a total of 1965 gross lesions resulting in condemnations of organs and carcasses were investigated. Fasciolosis, hydatidosis, cirrhosis, and focal to multiple abscessation scalcification, tuberculosis and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) lesions, tumor, serous atrophy of fat and myositis were some of the abnormalities causing condemnation of organs and carcasses. Based on average price of condemned organs and carcasses, the annual loss was estimated to be US $ 68, 513.11. The highest financial loss was found to be due to carcasses rejections followed by liver and tongue condemnations with estimated losses of US $ 33656.95, 16831.15 and 6647.8, respectively, and the least encountered loss was US $ 453.14 by spleen. The highest condemnation rate was found at Aleta Wondo (37.5%) with US $ 28, 868.47 loss than condemnation rates at Bachuma (32.1%) and Masha (30.7%) abattoirs with US $14977.21 and 24667.43 losses, respectively.

Circumstances, Descriptive Characteristics, and Pathologic Findings in Dogs Suspected of Starving.

The authors reviewed the case circumstances, population characteristics, gross, and histopathologic findings in 40 cases of emaciated dogs with a suspected diagnosis of starvation. The dogs' estimated age ranged from 3 months to geriatric. Nineteen breeds were represented, including small-breed (n = 11), large-breed (n = 13), and pit bull-type (n = 16) dogs. The median body condition score was 1 out of 9 (Purina scale). Various diseases were identified as the cause of death in 7 dogs, while the cause of death in the other 33 dogs was starvation due to exogenous causes (SEC). Circumstances associated exclusively with SEC included being found in a vacated residence and death during temperature extremes or severe weather. Dogs with SEC did not differ significantly from diseased dogs in body condition score, sex, neuter status, or breed category (small, large, or pit bull type). Gross findings associated exclusively with SEC included severe hair matting and traumatic injuries. Diseased dogs had an empty stomach significantly more often than SEC dogs, which frequently had food and/or foreign material in the stomach. In 5 of the 7 cases where disease was the cause of death, disease involved the gastrointestinal tract. Gross and histopathologic changes commonly found in SEC and diseased dogs included the following: gross loss of muscle mass and absence of subcuticular fat; serous atrophy of omental, perirenal, epicardial, and bone marrow fat; atrophy of the liver, skin, thyroid gland, and testicle; gastric mucosal petechiae and ecchymoses; melena; and splenic hemosiderophages.

Pathology of Haemonchus contortus in New World camelids in the southeastern United States: a retrospective review.

Most small ruminant farms in tropical climates are plagued by Haemonchus contortus, a hematophagous, abomasal parasite. Heavy burdens of this parasite can cause anemia, hypoproteinemia, weight loss, and mortality in susceptible animals. Haemonchus contortus is becoming a major health concern in New World camelids as well, namely llamas (Llama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna pacos), yet little research has been conducted regarding its prevalence or pathology in these species. Herein, we present a retrospective review of llamas and alpacas that were admitted to The University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Athens Diagnostic Laboratory between the years 2002 and 2013. Antemortem fecal egg count (FEC) estimates performed on 30 alpacas were negatively correlated with hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count. Total protein was not significantly correlated with FEC. On postmortem examination, 55 of 198 camelids, including 2 from the aforementioned antemortem review, were infected with H. contortus, with llamas (42.6%) having a significantly higher infection rate than alpacas (22.2%). In 15.7% of the total cases, the parasite was the major cause of death. Common gross lesions included peritoneal, thoracic, and pericardial effusions, visceral pallor, subcutaneous edema, and serous atrophy of fat. Histologic lesions included centrilobular hepatic necrosis, hepatic atrophy, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation of the mucosa of the third gastric compartment (C3), extramedullary hematopoiesis in both the liver and spleen, and the presence of nematodes in C3. Our study emphasizes the importance of H. contortus diagnosis and herd monitoring in New World camelids, particularly llamas.

Sinais clínicos e patologia da intoxicação crônica experimental de caprinos por Palicourea marcgravii

Palicourea marcgravii é considerada a principal planta tóxica de interesse pecuário no Brasil, porém, até o momento, é conhecido apenas o quadro agudo da intoxicação. Esse estudo avaliou as alterações clínico-patológicas de 10 caprinos cronicamente intoxicados por P. marcgravii. Os animais receberam, diariamente, 0,2g/kg de peso corporal da planta fresca por 6 a 38 dias. Os caprinos apresentaram como principais sinais clínicos anorexia, apatia, taquicardia, arritmia, pulso venoso jugular positivo e decúbito. Nas necropsias, os achados macroscópicos foram hidropericárdio, palidez dos rins e do miocárdio, atrofia gelatinosa da gordura cardíaca, evidenciação do padrão lobular hepático e edema pulmonar. Os principais achados microscópicos foram tumefação e vacuolização de cardiomiócitos, necrose de fibras cardíacas e infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear no miocárdio. Nos rins foi encontrada marcante degeneração hidrópico-vacuolar difusa. Os achados demonstraram nos caprinos cronicamente intoxicados, quadro clínico-patológico com características distintas do observado na forma aguda da intoxicação por P. marcgravii. Essas observações comprovam o risco para caprinos da ingestão da planta, mesmo que em pequenas doses, resultando no surgimento de quadro clínico e graves lesões ainda pouco conhecidas, e que poderiam ser confundidas com outras enfermidades.

Pathobiology of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N2 infection in juvenile ostriches from South Africa.

In 2011, over 35,000 ostriches were slaughtered in the Oudtshoorn district of the Western Cape province of South Africa following the diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N2. We describe the pathology and virus distribution via immunohistochemistry in juvenile birds that died rapidly in this outbreak after showing signs of depression and weakness. Associated sialic acid (SA) receptor distribution in uninfected birds is also described. At necropsy, enlarged spleens, swollen livers, and generalized congestion were noted. Birds not succumbing to acute influenza infection often became cachectic with serous atrophy of fat, airsacculitis, and secondary infections. Necrotizing hepatitis, splenitis, and airsacculitis were prominent histopathologic findings. Virus was detected via immunohistochemistry in abundance in the liver and spleen but also in the air sac and gastrointestinal tract. Infected cells included epithelium, endothelium, macrophages, circulating leukocytes, and smooth muscle of a variety of organs and vessel walls. Analysis of SA receptor distribution in uninfected juvenile ostriches via lectin binding showed abundant expression of SAalpha2,3Gal (avian type) and little or no expression of SAalpha2,6Gal (human type) in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, as well as leukocytes in the spleen and endothelial cells in all organs, which correlated with H5N2 antigen distribution in these tissues.

Right ventricular hypertrophy with heart failure in Holstein heifers at elevation of 1,600 meters

A syndrome of progressive right-sided heart failure occurred among yearling Holsteins at a heifer-raising facility and 2 dairies on the Colorado Front Range between 2007 and 2011. Most cases were seen at the heifer-raising facility, where the disease ranked second only to pneumonia as a major cause of death in animals aged <1.5 years. The disease resulted in the death or premature sale of 55 animals over the 5-year period. Affected heifers were 4-15 months old when they developed dyspnea, tachycardia, distention and pulsation of jugular veins, lethargy, and weight loss. Clinical progression in most was rapid (2 days to 2 weeks). Ten cattle with typical clinical signs were examined postmortem between 2008 and 2010. Seven developed clinical signs after transportation 57-238 days earlier from Wisconsin (elevation: < 275 m); the remaining 3 animals were born and raised at an altitude of 1,600 m. At necropsy, the 10 cattle had marked hypertrophy of right ventricular myocardium, dilated right atria, right ventricles, and pulmonary trunks, as well as hepatomegaly, ascites, and serous atrophy of fat. The principal histological change in lungs was hypertrophied tunicae adventitia and media of muscular arteries. Hepatic changes were typical of chronic passive congestion. Ultrastructural changes in heart were consistent with uncomplicated hypertrophy of cardiocytes with no evidence of primary cardiomyopathy. The syndrome most likely represents brisket disease due to pulmonary hypertension at the modest elevation of 1,600 m.

Quantitative Assessment of the Percent Fat in Domestic Animal Bone Marrow*

Measurement of the amount of fat in femoral bone marrow can provide a quantitative assessment of the nutritional status of an individual animal. An analytical method is presented for quantitating the percent fat in bone marrow from three domestic species: bovine, canine, and equine. In this procedure, fat is extracted from bone marrow using pentane, and the percent fat recovered is determined gravimetrically. Based on analyses from adult animals (normal body condition scores), the average percentage of fat in the bone marrow was >80%. In cases in which animals have been diagnosed as emaciated or exhibit serous atrophy of fat (body scores of 1 or 2), the femoral bone marrow fat was less than 20%. In domestic animals, bone marrow fat analysis can be a useful, quantitative measure that, when used in conjunction with all other data available, can support a diagnosis of starvation or malnutrition.

Gelatinous Marrow Transformation and Hematopoietic Atrophy in a Miniature Horse Stallion

Gelatinous marrow transformation, or serous atrophy of bone marrow fat, has been noted in livestock, laboratory animals, and wildlife in association with an inadequate plane of nutrition, inanition, or intoxication. This is a report of gelatinous marrow transformation and hematopoietic marrow atrophy in a 5-year-old miniature horse stallion. The horse had oral malformations leading to poor food assimilation and emaciation. A bone marrow biopsy obtained to investigate persistent anemia and leukopenia showed hematopoietic atrophy and replacement of fat with a granular extracellular substance, which stained with alcian blue, consistent with acidic mucopolysaccharide content. Surgical correction of the dental abnormalities resulted in improved food assimilation, weight gain, and resolution of cytopenias. In humans, gelatinous bone marrow transformation and hematopoietic atrophy are commonly associated with malnutrition from anorexia nervosa and other causes. The cause of hematopoietic atrophy is unknown but may relate to a nonsupportive marrow microenvironment and inadequate hematopoietic substrate availability. Similar pathogenic mechanisms were suspected in this horse.

Actinobacillosis as cause of pneumonia in a goat

A 3-year-old female goat was referred to the veterinary hospital of Tehran University with a history of respiratory problems, emaciation, and poor body condition. At necropsy, the lungs were heavier than normal and showed grayish sulfur granules. The pleura had adhesion to the thoracic wall with fibrous tissue. The heart was partly flaccid and had serous atrophy of fat at the base. In microscopic sections, granulomatose pneumonia with club shape colonies and asteroid bodies were obvious. Tissue gram staining showed gram-negative colonies. Bacterial culture and biochemical tests directed us to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae as cause of pneumonia in the goat.

Case of Severe Serous Fat Atrophy

A 21-year-old man with a history of hemochromatosis and chronic heart failure presented with a 6-month history of weight loss (13.5 kg), fatigue, and generalized weakness. On physical examination, he appeared older than stated age, had cachexia with temporal wasting, and was unable to get up from a sitting position. Laboratory test results were as follows: hemoglobin, 10.7 g/dL; hematocrit, 30.2%; red blood cells, 3.13 × 1012/L; white blood cell count, 2.9 × 109/L; total iron-binding capacity, 190 μg/dL; iron, 75 μg/dL; ferritin, 306 μg/L; alanine aminotransferase, 77 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase, 40 U/L; and alkaline phosphatase, 32 U/L. The peripheral blood smear was unremarkable (not shown). Subsequent bone marrow biopsy showed marked hypocellularity and gelatinous stromal transformation, consistent with advanced serous fat atrophy. The gelatinous substance stained strongly with alcian blue at a pH of 2.5. Serous fat atrophy (gelatinous bone marrow transformation) is a rare condition that presents with weight loss and anemia.1 Although the pathogenesis is unknown, serous fat atrophy has been associated with acute febrile states, AIDS, alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, cachexia, carcinomas, chronic heart failure, and lymphoma.1-3 Serous fat atrophy has an adult male predominance, with maximal severity in men aged 20 to 29 years.1 Bone marrow changes are characterized by fat cell atrophy, focal to diffuse loss of hematopoietic cells, and deposition of extracellular mucopolysaccharides rich in hyaluronic acid, without reticulin fibers.1,4 The mucopolysaccharide gelatinous material is confirmed by strong alcian blue staining at a pH of 2.5.5 The bone marrow changes can be reversed by treating the associated condition.3

Case of Severe Serous Fat Atrophy

A 21-year-old man with a history of hemochromatosis and chronic heart failure presented with a 6-month history of weight loss (13.5 kg), fatigue, and generalized weakness. On physical examination, he appeared older than stated age, had cachexia with temporal wasting, and was unable to get up from a sitting position. Laboratory test results were as follows: hemoglobin, 10.7 g/dL; hematocrit, 30.2%; red blood cells, 3.13 × 1012/L; white blood cell count, 2.9 × 109/L; total iron-binding capacity, 190 μg/dL; iron, 75 μg/dL; ferritin, 306 μg/L; alanine aminotransferase, 77 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase, 40 U/L; and alkaline phosphatase, 32 U/L. The peripheral blood smear was unremarkable (not shown). Subsequent bone marrow biopsy showed marked hypocellularity and gelatinous stromal transformation, consistent with advanced serous fat atrophy. The gelatinous substance stained strongly with alcian blue at a pH of 2.5. Serous fat atrophy (gelatinous bone marrow transformation) is a rare condition that presents with weight loss and anemia.1Böhm J Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow: the spectrum of underlying diseases.Am J Surg Pathol. 2000 Jan; 24: 56-65Crossref PubMed Scopus (112) Google Scholar Although the pathogenesis is unknown, serous fat atrophy has been associated with acute febrile states, AIDS, alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, cachexia, carcinomas, chronic heart failure, and lymphoma.1Böhm J Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow: the spectrum of underlying diseases.Am J Surg Pathol. 2000 Jan; 24: 56-65Crossref PubMed Scopus (112) Google Scholar, 2Delacrétaz F Perey L Schmidt PM Chave JP Costa J Histopathology of bone marrow in human immunodeficiency virus infection.Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat HistoPathol. 1987; 411: 543-551Crossref PubMed Scopus (58) Google Scholar, 3Tavassoli M Eastlund DT Yam LT Neiman RS Finkel H Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow in prolonged self-induced starvation.Scand J Haematol. 1976; 16: 311-319Crossref PubMed Scopus (79) Google Scholar Serous fat atrophy has an adult male predominance, with maximal severity in men aged 20 to 29 years.1Böhm J Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow: the spectrum of underlying diseases.Am J Surg Pathol. 2000 Jan; 24: 56-65Crossref PubMed Scopus (112) Google Scholar Bone marrow changes are characterized by fat cell atrophy, focal to diffuse loss of hematopoietic cells, and deposition of extracellular mucopolysaccharides rich in hyaluronic acid, without reticulin fibers.1Böhm J Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow: the spectrum of underlying diseases.Am J Surg Pathol. 2000 Jan; 24: 56-65Crossref PubMed Scopus (112) Google Scholar, 4Seaman JP Kjeldsberg CR Linker A Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow.Hum Pathol. 1978; 9: 685-692Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (88) Google Scholar The mucopolysaccharide gelatinous material is confirmed by strong alcian blue staining at a pH of 2.5.5Clarke BE Brown DJ Xipell JM Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow.Pathology. 1983; 15: 85-88Crossref PubMed Scopus (19) Google Scholar The bone marrow changes can be reversed by treating the associated condition.3Tavassoli M Eastlund DT Yam LT Neiman RS Finkel H Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow in prolonged self-induced starvation.Scand J Haematol. 1976; 16: 311-319Crossref PubMed Scopus (79) Google Scholar