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Solanum glaucophyllum is a toxic plant with calcinogenic effect that causes enzootic calcinosis (EC) characterized by soft tissue metastatic mineralization mainly in cattle and rarely sheep, buffaloes, pigs, horses, and goats. We describe an outbreak of EC in a herd of 64 goats due to S. glaucophyllum consumption. Thirty-four goats were affected exhibiting hirsutism, stiffening, kyphosis and emaciation. Twelve goats died. Grossly, tissue mineralization was observed in the aorta and carotid arteries, lungs, and heart. Lesions were characterized by multiple rough white plaques, and hardened tissues with loss of elasticity. Microscopically, multisystemic mineralization was observed in aorta and carotid arteries, heart, lung, abomasum, intestine, spleen, lymph nodes, kidney, spleen, and meninges, characterized by extensive granular basophilic deposits of tunica media and/or intima of blood vessels; confirmed as calcium salt deposits with Von Kossa stain. We conclude that ingestion of S. glaucophyllum can cause EC in goats. Though EC is rare in goats under some conditions such as heavy drought and abundant S. glaucophyllum exposure disease can develop., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Tendon calcification is a commonly associated with degenerative tendinopathy of the Achilles tendons in dogs. It is characterised by the formation of calcific deposits and is refractory to treatment, often re-forming after surgical removal. Little is known about its pathogenesis and therefore the aims of this study were to develop an in vitro model of canine tendon calcification and use this model to investigate mechanisms driving calcification. Cells from the canine Achilles tendon were cultured with different calcifying media to establish which conditions were best able to induce specific, cell-mediated calcification. Once optimum calcification conditions had been established, the effect of ATP treatment on calcification was assessed. Results revealed that 2 mM di-sodium phosphate combined with 2 mM calcium chloride provided the optimum calcifying conditions, increasing calcium deposition and expression of osteogenic-related genes similar to those observed in tendon calcification in vivo. ATP treatment inhibited calcification in a dose-dependent manner, reducing calcium deposition and increasing cell viability, while osteogenic-related genes were no longer upregulated. In conclusion, the in vitro model of canine tendon calcification developed in this study provides the ability to study mechanisms driving tendon calcification, demonstrating that ATP plays a role in modulating tendon calcification that should be explored further in future studies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

A focal area of mineral attenuation is commonly observed in the diaphragmatic crura of canine patients undergoing a thoracic CT. There is no mention of this finding in either the human or veterinary medicine literature. This retrospective study evaluates 300 canine thoracic CT studies with the aim of describing the CT appearance of this finding and establishing a prevalence in a large cohort of dogs. The presence of the mineral focus and its CT characteristics, including length, attenuation, and appearance, were recorded and correlated with the patient's signalments and anamnesis. The focus was observed in 43 of 300 studies (14.3%). The most common appearance was a thin, millimetric, toothpick-like mineral attenuating structure in the confluence of the diaphragmatic crura, just ventral to the aorta. There was no association with adjacent potentially pathological changes. A significant correlation was found between the presence of the focus and the patient's body weight (P = .03), as well as with a brachycephalic conformation (P = .03). This focus of mineralization represents a relatively common incidental finding in the canine diaphragm and has no evident association with pathology., (© 2024 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Case History: Necropsies on Toggenburg goats culled from a small farm in the Manawatū district of New Zealand, performed at Massey University (Palmerston North, NZ) over a period of 29 years (1991-2019), revealed soft tissue mineralisation, particularly of cardiovascular tissues. The farm spans 10 acres and runs between 15 and 30 Toggenburg goats. The goats are predominantly on pasture comprising a variety of types., Pathological Findings: Necropsies were performed on all adult goats (n = 45) that died or were euthanised. Histopathology was performed on 42 goats (93%), of which 33 (73%) included sufficient tissues diagnostically relevant to soft tissue mineralisation. The most significant gross findings were in various arteries, with the aorta most commonly affected, followed by the heart and lungs. The aortic intima showed prominent, multifocal to coalescing, raised, wrinkled, white plaques. Microscopically there were multiphasic lesions of mineralisation, chondroid, and osseous metaplasia in the elastic arteries, aorta, heart and lungs. A lumbar vertebra from one goat had prominent, basophilic, fibrillar, tangled matrix lining Haversian canals and lamellae., Laboratory Findings: Blood samples were collected from 15 adult goats in the affected herd and from 10 adult Toggenburg goats from an unaffected herd. Samples were collected by jugular venipuncture at 2-month intervals for 12 months (April 2018-March 2019). Concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 2 and D 3 (25OHD 2 , 25OHD 3 ) in serum were analysed. The concentration of total 25OHD in serum was 34.2 (95% CI = 18.9-49.4) nmol/L (p < 0.001) higher in goats from the affected herd than in goats from the unaffected herd. Serum 25OHD 2 concentration was 46.2 (95% CI = 39.2-53.2) nmol/L higher (p < 0.001) in goats from the affected herd compared to the unaffected herd. Serum Ca concentrations in affected goats were 0.101 (95% CI = 0.005-0.196) mmol/L higher (p = 0.039) than unaffected goats, but remained within the reference range. There was no evidence of a difference in serum 25OHD 3 and P concentration between the herds., Vegetation Survey: All paddocks on the property were surveyed every 2 months along evenly spaced line transects, and then further traversed perpendicularly to form a grid. No known calcinogenic species were identified. Known plant sources of vitamin D identified on the farm included mushrooms (species not defined), Dactylis glomerata , lichen, pine pollen, and algae., Diagnosis: Soft tissue mineralisation and enzootic calcinosis., Clinical Relevance: Veterinarians are alerted to the possibility of either enzootic calcinosis in goats and the potential occurrence of calcinogenic plants in New Zealand; or chronic vitamin D toxicosis of non-plant origin.

This report presents an intriguing case of a mineralized lesion resembling calcinosis circumscripta observed in the caudal peduncle of a wels catfish, housed in a public aquarium in northern Italy. The investigation encompasses a comprehensive analysis of various aspects, including clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, as well as gross and microscopic pathology, and immunohistochemistry. Histopathology, in particular, highlighted a severe focally extensive granulomatous reaction, confirmed by dense histiocytic inflammatory infiltrates and the massive presence of multinucleated foreign body type giant cells localized around lakes and aggregates of mineralized material. Moreover, the usefulness and limitations of immunohistochemistry and special stains in characterizing fish tissues and cell types are highlighted. Although reported in elasmobranchs and sturgeons, to our knowledge, this is the first description of calcinosis circumscripta in teleost fish and it offers valuable insights into the understanding of similar pathologies in aquatic organisms.

Vascular mineralization is a hallmark of enzootic calcinosis. Histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical investigations were performed on the external carotid arteries of seven sheep naturally poisoned by Nierembergia veitchii . Histologically, moderate to marked hyperplasia of the tunica intima was observed without mineralization. The tunica media exhibited mild to severe mineralization and osteochondroid metaplasia. Sheep with enzootic calcinosis showed arterial overexpression of osteopontin and tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase and immunolabeling for osteonectin and osteocalcin in both intima and media layers of the tested arteries. The main ultrastructural finding in the tunica media was a marked phenotypic change of vascular smooth muscle cells from a contractile phenotype (VSMC-C) into a synthetic phenotype (VSMC-S). In the tunica media, VSMC-S produced matrix and extracellular vesicles, forming mineralizable granules associated with arterial mineralization. VSMC-S were also present in the tunica intima, but matrix and extracellular vesicles and mineralization were not observed. The absence of matrix and extracellular vesicles in the intimal hyperplasia, even in the presence of noncollagenous bone proteins, tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D receptors, reinforces the hypothesis that the presence of matrix and extracellular vesicles are crucial for the development of vascular mineralization in enzootic calcinosis. It is proposed that the two different VSMC-S phenotypes in calcinosis are due to the expression of at least two genetically different types of these cells induced by the action of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 .

In veterinary medicine, calcinosis circumscripta is a morphological diagnosis for which the cause may be known or idiopathic. The aetiology of the lesion must be investigated because the nature of the underlying disease process will dictate appropriate treatment. We present a case of oral calcinosis circumscripta in a cat caused by a wasp sting and associated with moderate unilateral facial oedema. Following corticosteroid therapy and oedema resolution, hyperaemic, circular, firm, elevated lesions were observed on the buccal mucosa and evolved into whitish, slightly elevated multifocal plaques with an irregular surface. As antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy was ineffective, an excisional biopsy was performed after 6 months of lesion development and a diagnosis of calcinosis circumscripta of dystrophic aetiology was made. To our knowledge, this is the first report of calcinosis circumscripta in association with an insect sting in an animal. Insect stings should be included in the differential diagnosis of calcinosis circumscripta in cats., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Twice daily low trilostane doses have proven to be effective to manage canine Cushing's syndrome. However, survival and prognostic factors in dogs treated with this protocol have not been evaluated. The aim of the study was to evaluate survival and prognostic factors, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) at diagnosis, in dogs with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) treated with low trilostane doses., Methods: Medical records of 91 dogs newly diagnosed with PDH initially treated with 0.2-1.1 mg/kg of trilostane twice daily were retrospectively included. Survival times were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis., Results: Overall, median survival was 998 days (range 26-1832 days, 95% confidence interval = 755-1241 days). In the multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.337, p < 0.001), presence of calcinosis cutis (HR = 5.271, p < 0.001), body condition score (BCS) ≤3/9 (HR = 8.100, p < 0.001) and higher platelet count (HR = 1.002, p = 0.022) were negatively correlated with survival. SBP was not associated with survival., Conclusions: Low-dose trilostane treatment twice daily provides slightly longer survival than previously reported for dogs with PDH treated once or twice daily at higher doses. Older age, presence of calcinosis cutis, low BCS and higher platelet count, but not systemic hypertension, are predictive of poorer prognosis in dogs with PDH., (© 2022 The Authors. Veterinary Record published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.)

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of canine patients diagnosed with corneal ulceration associated with presumed calcareous corneal degeneration (CCD) that were treated with diamond burr keratotomy (DBK) and ongoing postoperative topical 3% or 4% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)., Procedures: Retrospective assessment of CCD cases treated with ongoing topical EDTA following DBK between 2011 and 2020 at Veterinary Ophthalmic Referrals. Descriptive statistics of the study population were assessed, and a survival analysis was performed using R statistical software., Results: A total of 51 eyes from 41 dogs were assessed, with small terrier breeds overrepresented (27/41, 65.9%). Median age of dogs at the time of diagnosis was 14.3 years (range 8-17.2 years). Following DBK, the median time to commencement of topical EDTA was 11 days (range 0-28 days). Cases were followed for a median duration of 216 days (range 42-1379 days). Corneal ulceration recurred in 7/51 (13.7%) eyes at a median duration of 80 days (range 63-156 days). The probability of recurrence of corneal ulceration associated with CCD at 12 months was 15.6% (95% CI: 4.1-25.7%). A second DBK procedure followed by ongoing topical EDTA was performed in 4/7 (57.1%) of the recurred eyes. These retreated eyes had no further recurrence recorded and a median follow-up time of 401 days (range 120-858 days)., Conclusion: Ongoing topical EDTA following DBK is an effective adjunct treatment method for CCD with reduced rates of recurrence of CCD-associated corneal ulceration when compared to published rates of recurrence when treated with DBK alone., (© 2022 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

A 12-year-old, spayed female, Maltese dog with a round and firm mass on the dorsal part of the left rear paw and a cervical mass was brought to the clinic. The paw mass was contiguous to the adjacent tendon; it was composed of neoplastic mesenchymal cells and had scattered foci of calcification with chondroid differentiation microscopically. The neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin and S100, but negative for desmin and smooth muscle actin. Microscopic features and immunohistochemistry results were consistent with calcifying aponeurotic fibroma (CAF). The cervical mass was composed of polygonal cells forming acini with marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and diagnosed as thyroid follicular carcinoma. No recurrence or metastasis occurred during follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of canine CAF with features identical to its human counterparts. Key clinical message: This report describes the rare case of calcifying aponeurotic fibroma on the paw in a dog. This is apparently the first case in the veterinary literature with identical clinical and pathological features to the human counterpart., (Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.)

Two aborted Chester White pig fetuses were presented to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Illinois. Postmortem examination identified no gross abnormalities. Histologic evaluation revealed multifocal necrosis of chorionic epithelial cells, coalescing areas of mineralization in the placenta, and focal accumulations of viable and degenerate neutrophils in the lung. Intra- and extracellular acid-fast bacilli were identified in the lesions in both the placenta and lungs. Bacterial culture of stomach contents yielded heavy growth of Mycobacterium fortuitum , a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), which was further confirmed through whole-genome sequencing. NTM are opportunistic pathogens commonly found in the soil and in contaminated water supplies. In animals, M. fortuitum is typically introduced through cutaneous wounds leading to infections limited to the skin, with systemic infection being uncommon. To our knowledge, abortion caused by M. fortuitum has not been reported previously.

Background: Strain elastography (SE) is a modern imaging technology that provides an additional way of evaluating the changes in soft tissue elasticity caused by pathophysiological processes. Despite its widespread use in human medicine, only a few studies on the application of SE in veterinary medicine are available., Objectives: To evaluate the potential usefulness of SE as an integrative imaging model in the standard ultrasound technique to better discriminate between inflammatory and neoplastic skin nodules in dogs., Animals: Fifty-one client-owned dogs with clinical evidence of single or multiple skin nodules detected during routine dermatological examination., Methods and Materials: Margins, echogenicity, echo-structure, calcification and vascularisation of 65 skin nodules were assessed with ultrasound, and SE was used to score qualitative (E-score, E-index, E2) and semiquantitative (SR) parameters. A comparison of diagnostic yields with cytological and histological findings as the gold standard was performed., Results: Mast cell and benign follicular tumours showed the highest E-scores and SRs among neoplastic nodules; statistically significant differences were not detected. Calcific and nonvascularised nodules showed significantly higher E-index values than the others. Overall, a negative correlation was observed between the longitudinal diameter of skin nodules and the qualitative elastic parameters., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In this study, SE proved to be useful to identify only a subset of nodules such as mast cells and hair follicular tumours. Although evidence supporting the use of SE in evaluating skin nodules was demonstrated to below, indicators to guide further research were developed., (© 2021 ESVD and ACVD.)

A 10-year-old, neutered female, Australian Shepherd was referred for acute respiratory distress and a history of chronic exogenous steroid administration. On thoracic radiographs, a severe increase in mineral opacity characterized as a generalized unstructured interstitial pulmonary pattern, diffuse calcinosis cutis, and moderate hepatomegaly were noted. Cor pulmonale was identified on echocardiography. The patient developed a pneumothorax following sampling and had a cardiac arrest. Postmortem histopathology of the lungs revealed pulmonary interstitial mineralization and alveolar microlithiasis. This report supports including generalized pulmonary mineralization due to chronic exogenous steroid administration as a differential diagnosis for dogs with these clinical and imaging findings., (© 2019 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Subperiosteal hematomas are accumulations of blood between a bone and the periosteum leading to elevation of the periosteum. When ossified they have a mineralized outer rim. For this retrospective, multi-institutional case series, medical records were searched to identify dogs that underwent CT for focal calvarial swellings noted acutely after trauma. A total of four dogs were included. Computed tomography images were reviewed for each case. The focal swellings had progressed in size during the weeks after the head trauma until the time of imaging. Findings in all cases included a fluid to soft tissue attenuating mass-like lesion with smoothly marginated peripheral mineralization. Diagnosis was confirmed in two cases by cytology and/or histopathology. Therefore, authors recommend that subperiosteal hematoma be included in the differential diagnosis list for dogs with these clinical and CT characteristics. Based on our review of the literature, this is the first report to describe the CT features of calvarial subperiosteal hematomas in dogs., (© 2020 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Enzootic calcinosis (EC), is a chronic disease, caused by toxic plants, which has mainly affected ruminants for more than 100 years. It is characterized by a soft tissue calcification, hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoparathiroidism, hypercalcitoninism, osteonecrosis, and osteopetrosis. The toxic compound reported in some of these plants are 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 glycosides. Characterization of calcinogenic principles were performed with Solanum glaucophyllum, Trisetum flavescens, Cestrum diurnum, and Stenotaphrum secundatum. Other plant species involved in EC are: Nierembergia rivularis, Nierembergia veitchii, Solanum torvum, and Solanum stuckertii. Clinical and pathological findings are well characterized. We present different aspects of the pathogenic mechanism of EC, including genetic modulation, expression of bone proteins, cellular de-differentiation of arterial smooth muscle cells, phenotypic changes, production of a calcifiable matrix, and modulation of the calcium and phosphorus balance. The use of comparative pathology can bring significant advances in the understanding of the pathogenic mechanism. In this review we present a broad approach to the different aspects of intoxication: history of EC on different continents; plant species, distribution and morphology; toxic principle; pathogenesis; epidemiology; clinical signs; diagnosis; and control and prophylaxis., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Calcinosis has been reported for a broad range of different animals. Causes for calcinosis include metabolic disorders due to kidney failure, intoxication with calcinogenic plants, or iatrogenic overdose of vitamin D. Especially young animals seem to be very susceptible to developing calcinosis. Currently, however, there is a lack of information on calcinosis in wildlife., Case Presentation: The following case report describes a roe deer fawn admitted to a clinic due to general weakness and myiasis. Plasma levels for creatinine, urea and phosphate were highly elevated, whereas the total calcium level was decreased. Necropsy revealed calcinosis due to calcification in many organs. The reason for calcinosis in this particular case might be kidney failure. Plasma samples from other hunted roe deer fawns also showed high phosphate levels., Conclusions: Roe deer fawns might be susceptible to calcinosis due to high plasma phosphate, which could be a result of kidney failure or different feed. Further research into calcium and phosphate homeostasis in roe deer is necessary.

Background: In this 4-year prospective observational study, all elbows in a dysplasia screening program including 14,073 dogs were studied using radiographs in two projections. Elbows were evaluated for the presence of medial humeral epicondylar lesions or discreet calcified structures and were described as they appeared. The age, breed, and sex of affected dogs were recorded. The prevalence for each lesion was calculated exclusively on breeds where the number of radiographed dogs exceeded 500., Results: Medial humeral epicondylar lesions or medial discreet calcified structures were diagnosed in 183 dogs and 211 elbows. The prevalence of true Flexor enthesopathy (FE) in this Norwegian population of mainly young, large breed dogs was calculated to be approximately 1.4 per 1000 dogs and varied by breed. Also, the prevalence of the other lesions varied considerably by breed. The most common finding was discreet calcified structures, termed medial ossified structures (MOS) (0.7%). In elbows affected with fragmented medial epicondyles (FME) (0.07%) and especially FE (0.14%), the degree of periarticular new bone formation (PNBF) was increased when compared to unaffected elbows. In joints affected with MOSs or medial lucent lesions MLLs (0.25%), there was no difference in the presence or degree of PNBF compared to unaffected joints, even in older dogs., Conclusions: The prevalence of medial humeral epicondylar lesions and MOSs differs considerably among dog breeds. Elbow joints with FMEs and particularly FE had a highly increased presence and degree of PNBF compared to joints without these lesions. Elbow joints with MOSs or MLLs did not have an increased presence or degree of PNBF compared to joints without these lesions.

Background: The aetiology of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) in animals is still unknown. In humans, this pulmonary disorder is a rare autosomal recessive disorder triggered by a mutation in the gene SLC34A2, which causes deposition and aggregation of calcium and phosphate in the pulmonary parenchyma with formation of microliths. Although histopathological examination is required for a definite diagnosis, in humans, imaging modalities such as computed tomography can demonstrate typical patterns of the disease. This is the first description of the computed tomographic (CT) features of a histologically confirmed PAM in dogs., Case Presentation: The following report describes a case of a 7-year-old female Boxer dog evaluated for paroxysmal loss of muscle tone and consciousness with excitement. The main differential diagnoses considered were syncope, seizures, and narcolepsy-cataplexy. The results of the complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, urinalysis, arterial blood pressure, echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound, Holter monitoring, and ECG were all within normal limits. Additional exams included thoracic radiographs, head and thorax CT, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and CT-guided cytology. Thoracic radiographs revealed micronodular calcifications in the lungs, with sandstorm appearance. Computed tomography of the thorax showed the presence of numerous mineralized high-density agglomerates of multiple sizes throughout the pulmonary parenchyma, a reticular pattern with ground glass opacity and intense mineralized fibrosis of the pleural lining. Head CT was unremarkable. BAL and CT-guided cytology were inconclusive, but imaging features strongly suggest the diagnosis of PAM, which was histologically confirmed after necropsy., Conclusions: This case report contributes to the clinicopathological and imaging characterization of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in dogs. In this species, the diagnosis of PAM should be considered when CT features evidence a reticular pattern with ground glass opacity and the presence of an elevated number and size of calcifications.

The present work describes the microtomographic characterization of macro- and microcalcifications present in excised canine mammary glands. In human breast cancer, microcalcifications are highly relevant for diagnosis and prognosis, often being the sole element determining biopsy. Canine mammary tumours are considered a model for human breast cancer, but the morphological features of calcifications had still to be studied in this species. The objective of this research is to contribute to the characterization of the mineralization features of the canine mammary gland. In the present study, the excised mammary glands of 33 bitches underwent fluoroscopic examination. In 30 of the samples, the presence of calcification was suspected, and multiple biopsies were taken of these areas. Biopsy fragments underwent microtomographic scanning. Microcalcifications were found in non-neoplastic glandular tissue, benign and malign lesions, as it is known to happen in humans. Qualitative evaluation regarding morphology of the imaged calcifications showed similarities to breast cancer findings, based on the BI-RADS 2013 classification, such as pleomorphism and shape. No differences in the quantitative morphological parameters of volume, surface, surface/volume, SMI and structure thickness were found when macrocalcifications were considered. However, although significant differences existed in these parameters between microcalcifications from malignant canine mammary tumours and the two other groups, none were found between non-neoplastic and benign tumours. Findings further support the use of this spontaneous animal model for the study of human breast cancer, considering how clinically relevant microcalcifications are in humans., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Cholesterinic granulomas are mass-like lesions that form at the choroid plexus of the ventricular system. Large cholesterinic granulomas within the lateral ventricles have been reported to cause severe neurological signs. However, little data are available about their prevalence or appearance in the overall population. The objective was to report the prevalence of presumed cholesterinic granulomas on CT in a population of horses, and investigate associations between presumed cholesterinic granuloma presence, lateral ventricle size, age, and neurological signs. The study was cross sectional, CT scans of the head were assessed for presumed cholesterinic granuloma presence and size, and lateral ventricle height. Computed tomography findings and clinical information were compared using nonparametric testing. Computed tomography scans of 139 horses were included. Presumed cholesterinic granulomas were found in 22 horses (15.8%), nine were unilateral and 13 bilateral. A significant increase in prevalence was observed with age (P < .0001), with 38% of horses over 15 years old affected. The median volume of presumed cholesterinic granulomas was 242 mm 3 with a range from 51 to 2420 mm 3 . The mean lateral ventricle height was significantly increased in horses with presumed cholesterinic granulomas present (P = .004), with a median of 7.3 mm compared to 4.9 mm without. Neurological signs were not associated with presumed cholesterinic granuloma presence or lateral ventricle height. Fourth ventricle mineralizations were found in seven horses, which may represent cholesterinic granulomas. In conclusion, presumed cholesterinic granulomas occurred in a large proportion of the examined population and are associated with increased lateral ventricle dilation and advanced age., (© 2020 The Authors. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Background: Three Nordic countries have national breeding programs to reduce the frequency of intervertebral disc disease in dachshunds. The programs include a radiographic examination of the vertebral column and dachshunds with more than four calcified discs visible on radiographs (CDVR) are discouraged from use in breeding. However, disc extrusion is also diagnosed in dachshunds without CDVR. The utility of the breeding programs is therefore questioned., Results: A prospective study of 25 dachshunds surgically treated for disc extrusion was conducted. For all the dogs, preoperative radiographs were evaluated for detectable disc calcifications and preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were evaluated for presence of calcified material in the vertebral canal. Postoperatively, extruded disc material was examined for degeneration and calcification by histology. Diagnostic imaging and histology were done independently. Radiographically visible calcification was identified in 17 (68.0%) of 25 extruded discs. Calcification was seen in the disc space for all these 17 discs, and for eight of the 17, there was also calcified material visible in the vertebral canal. Extruded material from all the 25 discs was found to be calcified, both by CT and histopathology., Conclusions: In dachshunds with acute disc extrusion, radiographically visible calcification will frequently be found in the affected disc space, but not all affected disc spaces contain radiographically visible calcification. Using histopathology as the gold standard, a sensitivity of 0.3 (8/25) for radiography and 1.0 (25/25) for CT was found for detecting calcified disc material in the vertebral canal. Further, a sensitivity of 0.7 (17/25) was found for radiography for detecting remaining calcified material in the disc space. Thus, extruded disc material should be considered to be calcified, even in the absence of radiographically visible calcification.

Background: It is commonly accepted that canine dystrophic mineralization of the hair follicle glassy membrane can be seen in hyperadrenocorticism and as a senile change in poodles. Pathology textbooks define this change as deposition of calcium salts in the form of basophilic, amorphous, granular material along collagen fibrils., Hypothesis/objectives: The aim was to evaluate whether the incidence of the lesion is specific to poodles and if it is always associated with calcium deposition., Animals: One hundred and forty-seven dogs divided into three groups: (i) 91 normal poodles; (ii) 40 dogs of other breeds; and (iii) 16 dogs with clinical/histopathological diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism., Methods and Materials: Retrospective study; with haematoxylin and eosin, and von Kossa staining., Results: Our findings demonstrate that perifollicular changes of the hair follicle glassy membrane of poodles are not always associated with calcium deposition., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A specific staining is needed to identify true calcium deposition when performing histological examination of the skin of poodles., (© 2018 ESVD and ACVD.)

Background: Microdamage accumulation leads to subchondral bone injury and/or fracture in racehorses. An understanding of this process is essential for developing strategies for injury prevention., Objectives: To quantify subchondral bone microdamage in the third metacarpal bone of Thoroughbred racehorses at different stages of the training cycle., Study Design: Cross-sectional., Methods: Bone blocks from the palmar aspect of the medial condyles of third metacarpal bones from 46 racing Thoroughbred horses undergoing post-mortem were examined with micro computed tomography (microCT) to detect calcified microcracks, and light microscopy to quantify bulk stained microcracks. Racing and training histories were obtained for comparison with microdamage data using regression modelling., Results: Subchondral bone microcracks were observed in all bones with at least one method. Microdamage grade was greater in older horses, levelling-off for horses 5 years and older (quadratic term P = 0.01), and with lower bone material density in the parasagittal groove (P = 0.02). Microcrack density was higher in older horses (P = 0.004), and with higher bone volume fraction (BV/TV) in the parasagittal groove in horses in training (interaction effect, P = 0.01) and lower in horses resting from training (P = 0.02)., Main Limitations: Cross-sectional data only. Incomplete detection of microdamage due to the limits of resolution of microCT and lack of three-dimensional imaging with microscopy. Multicollinearity between variables that indicated career progression (e.g. age, number of career starts, duration of training period) was detected., Conclusions: Fatigue damage in the distal metacarpal subchondral bone is common in Thoroughbred racehorses undergoing post-mortem and appears to accumulate throughout a racing career. Reduced intensity or duration of training and racing and/or increased duration of rest periods may limit microdamage accumulation. Focal subchondral bone sclerosis indicates the presence of microdamage., (© 2018 EVJ Ltd.)

The development of interventions to prevent congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) has been limited by the lack of an established nonhuman primate model. Here we show that infection of female rhesus monkeys early in pregnancy with Zika virus (ZIKV) recapitulates many features of CZS in humans. We infected 9 pregnant monkeys with ZIKV, 6 early in pregnancy (weeks 6-7 of gestation) and 3 later in pregnancy (weeks 12-14 of gestation), and compared findings with uninfected controls. 100% (6 of 6) of monkeys infected early in pregnancy exhibited prolonged maternal viremia and fetal neuropathology, including fetal loss, smaller brain size, and histopathologic brain lesions, including microcalcifications, hemorrhage, necrosis, vasculitis, gliosis, and apoptosis of neuroprogenitor cells. High-resolution MRI demonstrated concordant lesions indicative of deep gray matter injury. We also observed spinal, ocular, and neuromuscular pathology. Our data show that vascular compromise and neuroprogenitor cell dysfunction are hallmarks of CZS pathogenesis, suggesting novel strategies to prevent and to treat this disease., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Solanum glaucophyllum, a toxic plant known for its calcinogenic effects, causes enzootic calcinosis in ruminant and monogastric animals. We describe an outbreak of enzootic calcinosis that occurred in a herd of 110 horses grazing pastureland heavily contaminated with S. glaucophyllum in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Ten horses developed clinical signs, and 6 horses died. Clinical signs included abnormal gait (stiff-legged action, short strides), stiffness, thoracolumbar kyphosis, reluctance to move, wide stance, chronic weight loss, weakness, recumbency, and difficulty standing. Autopsy of 2 horses revealed severe mineralization of the aorta, pulmonary arteries, heart, and lungs, consistent with enzootic calcinosis. Although horses usually have very selective grazing behavior, under food restriction conditions, they can ingest the toxic plants and can develop the disease. Enzootic calcinosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses grazing S. glaucophyllum-invaded pasturelands with compatible clinical signs and lesions.

Mannheimia haemolytica is causative agent of pneumonic pasteurellosis (mannheimiosis) that causes huge economic losses to livestock farmers. We investigated the microbial and clinico-pathological patterns associated with ovine pneumonic pasturellosis during an outbreak. Prior to death, infected sheep revealed clinical signs including dyspnoea, salivation, pyrexia and mucopurulent nasal discharge. Mortality was significantly (p < 0.05) high in young sheep as compared to adults. Necropsy findings revealed presence of froth in trachea, congestion and consolidation of lungs, pulmonary edema, severe pleural adhesions, pericarditis, hemorrhages on mucosa of jejunum and kidneys. Histopathological examination revealed circumscribed and centrally calcified necrotic areas punctuated with chronic inflammatory cells and interstitial pneumonia. Moreover, bronchial epithelial hyperplasia, edema, congestion, mononuclear cell infiltration, thick interlobular septae and peri-vascular cuffing were the striking changes in lungs. Furthermore, lungs showed severe fibrin depositions along with abundant amount of fibrin meshwork on pleura infiltrated with chronic inflammatory cells. Histologically, liver, kidneys and lymph nodes showed degenerative changes. Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida were differentially identified on the basis of culture characteristics and biochemical tests. M. haemolytica was further confirmed by using polymerase chain reaction. From the findings of current study, it is concluded that M. haemolytica is a major respiratory threat in small ruminants that causes severe pneumonic changes in infected animals., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Three juvenile, genetically related African lions (Panthera leo) were evaluated for discrete dome-shaped subcutaneous masses present over the proximal lateral metatarsal-tarsal area. The lesions measured 3-8 cm in diameter, were fluctuant to firm, nonulcerated, and attached to underlying structures. On radiographic evaluation, the lesions were characterized by well-circumscribed punctate mineralizations in the soft tissue surrounded by soft tissue swelling without evidence of adjacent bony involvement. On cut surface, the lesions were made of numerous loculi containing 2-5-mm round-to-ovoid, white-to-gray, firm structures interspersed with fibrous tissue and pockets of serosanguinous fluid. Hematology, serum biochemistry, serum thyroid screening (including total thyroxine, total triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine), and serum vitamin D panels (including parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D) were unremarkable. Histopathologic evaluation of the lesions was consistent with calcinosis circumscripta with fibroplasia, chronic inflammation, and seroma formation. An additional two genetically related lions were considered suspect for calcinosis circumscripta based on presentation, exam findings, and similarity to the confirmed cases. All masses self-regressed and were not associated with additional clinical signs other than initial lameness in two cases.

Background: Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is a rare congenital cardiac malformation with various manifestations and has been sporadically described in dogs. Clinically the dogs present with nonspecific signs of right heart failure or Budd-Chiari-like syndrome. Other associated concurrent cardiovascular anomalies are commonly reported. Diagnosis and full characterization of this complex malformation requires careful investigation and often a multimodal imaging approach., Case Presentation: A 10-week-old, male intact, Golden Retriever was presented with clinical signs of stunted growth, anorexia, and progressive ascites. CTD imperforate with sole separation of the caudal vena cava (CdVC) and concurrent venous wall mineralization was conjointly diagnosed and fully characterized by echocardiography, non-selective angiography, computed tomography angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This was successfully treated surgically and the dog returned to normal activity., Conclusion: To the author's knowledge, this is the first case of CTD imperforate separating the CdVC from the right atrium (RA) with presumed secondary CdCV wall and hepatic parenchyma mineralization reported in a dog. CTD is an important and potentially correctable cause for the development of ascites in a young puppy. Accurate diagnosis of this complex cardiac anomaly is important for selection of the most appropriate curative treatment option.

Objective: To compare signalment, presentation, treatment, and outcome in horses diagnosed with corneal degeneration (CD) or calcific band keratopathy (CBK) at a referral hospital., Animals Studied: Sixty-nine horses (87 eyes) diagnosed with either CD or CBK., Procedures: Medical records of horses diagnosed with CD or CBK at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UCD-VMTH) between 2000 and 2013 were reviewed. Signalment, concurrent ophthalmic diagnoses, previous therapies, diagnostic tests, systemic diagnoses, treatment, follow-up, and outcomes were compared between horses diagnosed with CD or CBK. Age, breed, and gender were compared between the CD/CBK and UCD-VMTH populations., Results: Thirty-three horses (42 eyes) and 36 horses (45 eyes) were diagnosed with CD and CBK, respectively. Horses with CD or CBK were significantly older (P < 0.001) than the UCD-VMTH population with a median age of 16 or 18 years, respectively. Appaloosas were significantly overrepresented in the CD/CBK population (33%) in comparison with the UCD-VMTH population (1.8%, P < 0.001). Equine recurrent uveitis was concurrently diagnosed in 67% and 84% of horses with CD or CBK, respectively. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) was diagnosed significantly less often in horses with CD vs. CBK (P = 0.03). Chemical chelation with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was performed significantly less frequently in horses diagnosed with CD (7.1%) vs. CBK (31.1% of eyes) (P = 0.012)., Conclusions: Despite some differences, equine CD and CBK are relatively similar conditions and may represent a continuum of disease severity. Horses with PPID should be monitored closely for corneal disease including CBK., (© 2016 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, size, location and appearance of mineralisations in feline stifle joints, and to evaluate their relationship with osteoarthritis and cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) status. Methods Presence or absence, and size of mineralisations were determined from lateral stifle radiographs of 25 cats with CrCL rupture, and 44 cat cadavers without CrCL rupture. Mineralisations were classified as small, medium or large. Prevalence was compared between the clinically affected cats and the cadavers; the cadaver group was subdivided into an age-matched and an older group. Ten stifles with varying sizes of mineralisations were prepared as whole-knee specimens for histopathology. Location and appearance of the mineralisations, and degenerative changes in the cruciate ligaments, menisci, articular cartilage and joint capsule are described. Results Prevalence of articular mineralisations was 0.76 in stifles of cats with CrCL rupture (mean ± SD age 8.6 ± 4.5 years), 0.64 in stifles of age-matched cat cadavers and 0.74 in older cat cadavers (mean ± SD age 17.0 ± 2.4 years). Cats with CrCL rupture had a higher percentage of medium and large mineralisations than cats without CrCL rupture. Microscopically, small mineralisations were calcifications usually located in the cranial horn of the medial meniscus. Larger mineralisations were found to be ossifications, commonly located in the joint capsule and fat pad. Cats with larger mineralisations showed more signs of osteoarthritis, including degenerative changes in the CrCL. Conclusions and relevance Mineralisations in feline stifle joints were found to differ in size, appearance and location. Small mineralisations were usually confined to the medial meniscus, as described previously; larger mineralisations tended to be located in the tissues cranial to the menisci and seemed to be associated with osteoarthritis and CrCL pathology. Large mineralisations in feline stifles are ossifications in periarticular tissue and are associated with degenerative joint disease.

Introduction: This report describes 2 sheep with enzootic calcinosis characterized by abnormal cardiovascular and respiratory findings and ascites causing abdominal distension. Both sheep were anorexic and listless and had increased heart and respiratory rates. Auscultation of the heart revealed a gallop rhythm in sheep 1 and a loud systolic heart murmur in sheep 2. The activities of liver enzymes were severely increased in both sheep. Abdominal ultrasonography showed severe ascites and congestion of the liver and caudal vena cava. Echocardiography in sheep 2 showed hyperechoic and markedly thickened mitral and aortic valves with moderate-severe mitral insufficiency and generalized cardiomegaly. Both sheep were euthanized and examined postmortem. In addition to ascites and pleural effusion, the principal lesions were nodular thickening of the heart valves and calcification of the aorta and other arteries. Nutrition of the sheep did not include hay pellets, but the sheep were kept together with alpacas and lamas and had access to the hay pellets of these animals. In addition visitors were allowed to feed the sheep with hay pellets offered by the zoo in a dispenser. The two types of hay pellets had Vit D concentrations of 9'900 IU VitD3/kg and 7'000 IU Vit D2/kg, respectively. The definitive diagnosis was enzootic calcinosis.

A 9-month-old, captive-bred, female tawny eagle (Aquila rapax) presented with a nonpainful, firm, nodular structure attached to the digital extensor tendon. The mass was surgically resected without complications and was submitted for histopathologic examination. Grossly, cut surfaces of the lesion had chalky-white deposits. Histologically, the resected tissue was identified as calcinosis circumscripta. No recurrence was observed in follow-up after 6 and 12 months. To our knowledge, this is the first case of calcinosis circumscripta in a bird involving a limb extremity, similar to the presentation recognized more commonly in domestic animals. Calcinosis circumscripta should be included in the differential diagnosis list for nodular masses attached to the tendons in birds.

Objective: To document the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of mineralization of the equine palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL)., Study Design: Retrospective study., Animals: Ponies (n=7)., Methods: Case records from 2 referral hospitals were examined to identify cases with lameness associated with PAL mineralization treated surgically. Follow-up information was obtained from the owners by telephone questionnaire., Results: Duration of lameness before referral ranged from 5 weeks to 6 months, and degree of lameness from grade 1 to 5 out of 10. In 3 cases, records noted obvious pain when pressure was applied over the PAL. Pain resulting in lameness was localized to this area and all cases were treated surgically, although the extent of resected tissue varied among cases. Histological examination of resected tissue (4 cases) revealed fibrocartilaginous and/or osseous metaplasia. Following surgery, 6 of the 7 ponies became sound., Conclusion: Based on this limited case series, surgical treatment for mineralization of the PAL offers a favorable success rate without severe complications where conservative methods have failed., (© Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

To document the biochemical and pathologic features of vitamin D intoxication in lynx and to characterize mineral metabolism in healthy lynx, blood samples were obtained from 40 captive lynx that had been receiving excessive (approximately 30 times the recommended dose) vitamin D3 in the diet, and from 29 healthy free ranging lynx. Tissue samples (kidney, stomach, lung, heart and aorta) were collected from 13 captive lynx that died as a result of renal disease and from 3 controls. Vitamin D intoxication resulted in renal failure in most lynx (n = 28), and widespread extraskeletal calcification was most severe in the kidneys and less prominent in cardiovascular tissues. Blood minerals and calciotropic hormones in healthy lynx were similar to values reported in domestic cats except for calcitriol which was higher in healthy lynx. Changes in mineral metabolism after vitamin D intoxication included hypercalcemia (12.0 ± 0.3 mg/dL), hyperphosphatemia (6.3 ± 0.4 mg/dL), increased plasma calcidiol (381.5 ± 28.2 ng/mL) and decreased plasma parathyroid hormone (1.2 ± 0.7 pg/mL). Hypercalcemia and, particularly, hyperphosphatemia were of lower magnitude that what has been previously reported in the course of vitamin D intoxication in other species. However, extraskeletal calcifications were severe. The data suggest that lynx are sensitive to excessive vitamin D and extreme care should be taken when supplementing this vitamin in captive lynx diets.

Objective: To describe a case of a Boxer dog with radiculopathy due to mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas and subsequent resorption and resolution of clinical signs after atlantoaxial arthrodesis and odontoidectomy., Case Report: A five-year-old neutered female Boxer dog was presented with a four-month history of cervical hyperaesthesia refractory to medical management. Neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a diagnosis of radiculopathy due to cervical nerve root impingement by dystrophic mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas. Odontoidectomy was performed by a ventral approach and atlantoaxial arthrodesis was achieved with a ventral composite polymethylmethacrylate and pin fixation., Results: Atlantoaxial arthrodesis and progressive resorption of the mineralization following stabilization facilitated indirect decompression. The radioclinical diagnosis and response to arthrodesis was considered analogous to retro-odontoid pannus in the human., Clinical Relevance: A clinical condition similar to retro-odontoid pannus may exist in the canine and may be amenable to atlantoaxial arthrodesis.

Soft tissue mineralization was diagnosed in 19 captive 2-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylusandCholoepus hoffmanni) ranging from 2 months to 41 years of age. Gross mineralization was evident at necropsy in 6 of 19 sloths and was prominent in the aorta and arteries. Histologically, 11 sloths had arterial mineralization, including mural osseous and chondroid metaplasia and smooth muscle hyperplasia consistent with arteriosclerosis. Visceral mineralization most commonly involved the gastric mucosa (17 sloths), kidneys (17 sloths), and lungs (8 sloths). Eleven sloths ranging in age from 5 to 41 years old had moderate to severe renal disease, which may be an important underlying cause of soft tissue mineralization in adult sloths. However, 5 sloths (juveniles and adults) had severe soft tissue mineralization with histologically normal kidneys or only mild interstitial inflammation or fibrosis, suggesting other causes of calcium and phosphorus imbalance. Degenerative cardiac disease was a common finding in 10 sloths with vascular mineralization and varied from mild to severe with fibrosis and acute noninflammatory myocardial necrosis. Although the prevalence of cardiac disease in adult sloths has not been documented, disease may be exacerbated by hypertension from degenerative arteriosclerosis as noted in this study group. Although renal disease likely contributed substantially to mineralization of tissues in most sloths in this study, nutritional causes of soft tissue mineralization-such as imbalances in dietary vitamin D or calcium and phosphorus-may be an important contributing factor., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Canine distemper virus commonly infects free-ranging, terrestrial mesopredators throughout the United States. Due to the immunosuppressive effects of the virus, concurrent opportunistic infections are also common. Among these, secondary systemic protozoal infections have been described in a number of species. We report an unusual presentation of necrotizing encephalitis associated withSarcocystissp in four raccoons and one skunk concurrently infected with canine distemper virus. Lesions were characterized by variably sized necrotizing cavitations composed of abundant mineral admixed with inflammatory cells and protozoa.Sarcocystissp was confirmed via immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody toSarcocystis neurona The pathologic changes are similar to lesions in human AIDS patients infected withToxoplasma gondii., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Background: Intervertebral disc disease (IDD) is a hereditary condition particularly common in Dachshunds. The breed is predisposed to early intervertebral disc degeneration and intervertebral disc calcification (IDC). When calcified, these severely degenerated discs are visible in spinal radiographs. Since the number of calcified discs (NCD) is associated with IDD, spinal radiography can be utilized in screening programmes in attempts to diminish the incidence of IDD in Dachshunds. Our aims were to estimate the heritability and genetic trend of NCD in Dachshunds in Finland and to explore the effect of age at the time of radiographic screening. Since the NCD has a highly skewed distribution, a log-transformed NCD (lnNCD) was also used as an analysed trait. The variance components for both traits were estimated, using the restricted maximum likelihood method. The fixed effects of breed variant, sex, as well as year of screening and the random effects of litter and animal were included in the model. The genetic trends in the NCD and lnNCD were assessed from the estimated breeding values (EBVs) of individual dogs by comparing the mean EBV of dogs born in different years. The breeding values were estimated, using the best linear unbiased prediction animal model. The pedigree in the genetic analyses included a total of 9027 dogs, of which 1567 showed results for NCDs., Results: The heritability estimates of the NCD and lnNCD in Dachshunds were high (0.53 and 0.45, respectively). Small genetic improvements were seen as the mean EBVs increased from 100 to 104 and 105 over a 15-year period. The gain in the entire Dachshund population in Finland may differ from that observed, since less than 10 % of the Dachshunds registered have a screening result for NCD. Age at the time of the screening did not significantly affect the NCD or lnNCD., Conclusions: We recommend systematic radiographic screening for IDC in Dachshunds and adopting EBVs as a tool for selecting breeding dogs. Age at the time of the radiographic screening may not be as important as previously suggested.

Among dog breeds, the Dachshund has the highest lifetime incidence of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Intervertebral disc (IVD) calcification is an indicator of severe degeneration that predisposes to disc herniation. IVDD is heritable in Dachshunds, and in some countries, breeding candidates are screened to reduce IVDD occurrence by selecting dogs according to their score of radiographically detectable intervertebral disc calcification (RDIDC) and excluding dogs with ≥5 RDIDCs from breeding. This study evaluated the precision of scoring spinal radiographs for IVD calcification and subsequent classification of Dachshund dogs for breeding based on their RDIDC score. Digital radiographs of the spine were obtained in 19 clinically healthy, young adult Dachshunds, and scored for RDIDC independently by five scorers with varying levels of experience, three times each. Within scorer (repeatability) and between scorer (reproducibility) variability was estimated both at the individual IVD level and at the whole dog level for breeding classification purposes. At the IVD level, some degree of scorer effect was supported by the pairwise repeatability (92.3%; 95% CI: 88.8-94.7%) being marginally higher than the reproducibility (89.2%; 95% CI: 85.7-91.8%). Scorer-specific patterns confirmed the presence of scorer subjectivity. Repeatability significantly increased with scorer experience but the reproducibility did not. RDIDC scoring repeatability and reproducibility substantially decreased at the cervicothoracic spine region, likely due to anatomical superimpositions. At the dog level, a breeding classification could be repeated by the same scorer for 83.6% (95% CI: 73.8-90.2%) of the dogs, and was reproduced between two scorers for 80.2% (95% CI: 66.6-89.1%) of the dogs. The repeatability of breeding classification also seemed to increase with scorer experience but not the reproducibility. Overall, RDIDC scoring revealed some degree of inconsistency explained by scorer subjectivity and inexperience, and anatomical superimpositions. Scorer training and experience is strongly recommended to improve test precision and ensure appropriate classification of Dachshunds for breeding., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)