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Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Our research, made possible by recent advancements, has led to more accurate diagnoses of ancient pathologies, despite the rarity of well-preserved specimens, the predominance of bone remains, and the difficulty in distinguishing neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions in fossils. This study compiles reports of tumours in fossilised animals, highlighting that neoplasms are present in various vertebrates and drawing comparisons to modern instances of similar diseases, thereby providing unique insights into the presence of tumours in ancient animals. Paleo-oncology studies neoplastic diseases in fossilised animals, including human remains. Recent advancements have enabled more accurate diagnoses of ancient pathologies despite the inherent challenges in identifying tumours in fossils—such as the rarity of well-preserved specimens, the predominance of bone remains, and the difficulty in distinguishing neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions. This study compiles reports of tumours in fossilised animals, highlighting that neoplasms are present in a wide range of vertebrates and drawing comparisons to modern instances of similar diseases. The findings underscore the multifactorial aetiology of tumours, which involves genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, and suggest that tumours have been around for at least 350 million years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Equine melanomas are a common problem in clinical practice. Although a known issue in the equestrian world, there is still some lack of knowledge about various aspects of the disease. Due to the misconception that these tumors do not cause problems, there is a tendency to leave them to be treated at a later date. However, there is still little evidence regarding the effect of time on these tumors. This work aimed to study the clinical and histological differences between tumors excised sooner and later. In this retrospective study, information regarding 34 horses and 42 tumors was analyzed. According to the results, tumors with delayed excision were statistically more likely to acquire larger dimensions (p = 0.038) and be malignant (p = 0.035). Furthermore, delayed excision was also associated with a higher number of tumors (p = 0.011), since horses with a tumor for more than 6 years often had multiple tumors. With this study, we conclude that delayed excision has clinical and histological consequences for equine melanoma, highlighting the importance of surgical removed at an early stage, when excision is easier, preventing future complications. Equine melanomas are a common neoplasm in gray horses. However, scientific knowledge about their progression over time is quite scarce. Some owners and veterinarians still believe that early intervention is not necessary, stating that tumors evolve very slowly and intervention could worsen the animal's condition. This work aims to identify clinical and histological differences that may exist between equine melanomas with different excision intervals (time between tumor detection and surgical excision). A total of 42 tumors (13 benign and 29 malignant) from 34 horses were included in this study. There was a statistically significant association between excision interval and tumor size (p = 0.038), with tumors excised later being significantly larger than the ones excised sooner. The excision interval was also statistically associated with the number of tumors (p = 0.011), since the horses that carried a tumor for longer seemed to be prone to have multiple tumors. Furthermore, there was an association between excision interval and malignancy (p = 0.035), with tumor excised later being fives times more likely to be malignant. This study provides evidence of delayed excision's effect on the progression of equine melanomas. Additionally, it reinforces the importance of the early excision of these tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: While most research on claw diseases focuses on dairy cattle, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of claw disorders in beef cattle in northeast Portugal. The investigation was an observational study carried out at two slaughterhouses, in which claw lesions were assessed according to the ICAR Claw Health Atlas. The influence of sex and age and the potential economic impact on hot carcass weight, carcass classification, and fat coverage were investigated. The results revealed a high animal prevalence of claw lesions (65.8%), with the primary lesions being of a non-infectious mechanical nature, including heel horn erosion, double sole, and asymmetric claws. The lesions found are consistent with the production method in the area under study, where beef cattle are raised in small, rustic premises with uneven floors and beds made of a mix of manure and plant material. Also, the impact of claw lesions on carcass characteristics (weight, classification, and fat deposition) was not evident. Thus, the presence of claw lesions in beef cattle raised under the conditions of this geographical area does not seem to cause a negative impact on both animal health and the farm economy. Claw diseases have a profound impact on cattle welfare, affecting behaviors such as grazing, rumination, rest, decubitus, and water consumption. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of claw lesions and classify them according to the ICAR Claw Health Atlas (International Committee of Animal Recording) in two slaughterhouses. The influence of claw lesions on carcass weight, classification, and fat deposition was also examined. Involving 343 crossbreed cattle from 103 different extensive or semi-intensive farms, this study found an animal prevalence of claw disorders at 65.8%, with a higher incidence in females (n = 207, 60.35%) compared to males (n = 136, 39.65%). Despite the observed prevalence, claw lesions were not influenced by age or sex (p > 0.05). The main claw lesions identified, including heel horn erosion, double sole, and asymmetric claw, were consistent with the cattle management practices in the study area. These cattle were raised in small, rustic premises with uneven floors, utilizing a mix of manure and plant material as bedding and lacking access to pasture. Also, no negative economic impact was detected concerning carcass weight, classification, or fat deposition. Consequently, it was concluded that the presence of claw lesions in beef cattle raised under the characteristic management of this geographical area does not adversely affect animal health or farm economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in dogs is a severe type of cancer with difficult treatment and recovery. These dog cancers are quite similar to bladder cancers in humans, making them a good comparison for study. This research looked into how certain types of immune cells, specifically eosinophils (referred to as tumor-associated tissue eosinophils) and macrophages (tumor-associated macrophages), affect the development and severity of these cancers. This study examined 34 cases of dog bladder cancer and used specific staining techniques to identify eosinophils and macrophages. The tumors were divided into two groups based on their aggressiveness (low- and high-grade). It was found that the less severe cancers had more eosinophils, while the more severe ones had more macrophages. This suggests that the presence of these immune cells is linked to how aggressive the cancer is. This study proposes that targeting these cells could be a new way to treat this type of cancer in dogs, which might also provide insights into human cancer treatment. Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a significant neoplasm in dogs, characterized by a poor prognosis and a high metastatic potential. These canine spontaneous tumors share many characteristics with human transitional cell carcinoma, making them an excellent comparative model. The role of inflammatory infiltration in tumor development and progression is frequently contradictory, especially concerning tumor-associated tissue eosinophils (TATE) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). This study aims to analyze TATE and TAMs in canine transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Congo Red staining was used to identify TATE, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect TAMs in 34 cases of canine transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder carcinomas, categorized into low and high grades. Statistically significant differences were observed between the number of eosinophils and macrophages in the two groups of tumors. The number of TATE was higher in low-grade malignant tumors, but the number of TAMs was higher in high-grade tumors. Our findings suggest the importance of TATEs and TAMs in the aggressiveness of canine transitional cell carcinoma and propose their potential use as therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed by several tumors, promoting tumoral immunosuppression by binding to programmed cell death protein (PD-1). PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in human melanoma has been shown to result in tumor regression and prolonged tumor-free survival. Since there are only a few available treatments for equine melanoma, the search for new therapies is important. This work intended to study the immunolabeling of PD-L1 in equine melanocytic tumors. A total of 77 melanocytic tumors were classified as benign or malignant and evaluated by extension of labeling. A total of 59.7% of the tumors showed >50% of immunolabeled cells. Regarding malignant tumors (n = 38), 24 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, 13 tumors presented between 25–50% and one tumor presented <10%. Regarding benign tumors (n = 39), 22 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, nine tumors presented 25–50%, three tumors presented 10–25%, two tumors presented <10% and three tumors did not present expression. The results of this study suggest that PD-L1 may have therapeutic potential for equine melanomas. Currently available treatments for equine melanocytic tumors have limitations, mainly due to mass localization and dimension, or the presence of metastases. Therefore, a search for new therapies is necessary. Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed by several tumors, blocking T cell-mediated elimination of the tumor cells by binding to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). A novel therapeutic approach using PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in human melanoma resulted in tumor regression and prolonged tumor-free survival. This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in equine melanocytic tumors. A total of 77 melanocytic tumors were classified as benign or malignant and evaluated by extension of labeling. A total of 59.7% of the tumors showed >50% of immunolabeled cells. Regarding malignant tumors, 24/38 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, 13 tumors presented between 25–50% and one tumor presented <10%. Regarding benign tumors, 22/39 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, nine tumors presented 25–50%, three tumors presented 10–25%, two tumors presented <10% and three tumors did not present expression. Our results suggest that PD-L1 blockade may be a potential target for immunotherapy in equine melanocytic tumors and that future clinical research trials into the clinical efficacy of the anti-PD-L1 antibody are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Anaesthesia plays an important role in diagnosis procedures and the treatment and pain management of oncological patients. However, studies suggest that anaesthetic drugs may increase the risk of tumour dissemination in the perioperative period by directly and indirectly suppressing the immune system, which is primarily responsible for controlling tumour growth. Science faces the challenge of understanding their influence on the immune system to develop anaesthetic strategies that assure greater immune stability in patients with cancer or other immune-compromising diseases. Throughout the course of oncological disease, the majority of patients require surgical, anaesthetic and analgesic intervention. However, during the perioperative period, anaesthetic agents and techniques, surgical tissue trauma, adjuvant drugs for local pain and inflammation and other non-pharmacological factors, such as blood transfusions, hydration, temperature and nutrition, may influence the prognosis of the disease. These factors significantly impact the oncologic patient's immune response, which is the primary barrier to tumour progress, promoting a window of vulnerability for its dissemination and recurrence. More research is required to ascertain which anaesthetics and techniques have immunoprotective and anti-tumour effects, which will contribute to developing novel anaesthetic strategies in veterinary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Agonic aspiration of blood should be seen as a critical welfare problem in the slaughter of pigs, as it reflects a moment of pain, distress, and fear for the animal during its time of death. Our survey focused on assessing whether lesions of agonic blood aspiration could be used as a valuable indicator to guide the official veterinarian to immediately apply the necessary measures to ensure good practices of animal welfare at slaughter. Ineffective electrical stunning of pigs has been associated with the incidence of lung lesions suggestive of agonic blood aspiration at postmortem inspection. However, for the first time, the findings from this study indicate that aspiration of blood may be related to factors other than agonic status during slaughter process. One of them being that horizontal bleeding may favour slaughter technopathies. This process should not be neglected, as it may result in lesions resembling those resulting from the agonic lung aspiration of blood—which is not related to an agonic status. Agonic aspiration of blood (AAB) may result from an inadequate exsanguination with accidental trachea severing, that can be favoured by ineffective stunning of pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). This study aimed to evaluate AAB as an animal-based indicator of electrical stunning ineffectiveness, which could be used by official veterinarians during the post-mortem inspection of pigs. Information on 3584 finishing pigs was collected at a Portuguese abattoir that performs head-to-body electrical stunning with horizontal bleeding. Of them, 15.5% of the pigs presented signs of ineffective stunning. AAB lung lesions were found in 27.8% of lungs. Despite what was predicted, a strong correlation was found between well stunned animals and the presence of blood lesions in lungs (p = 0.006). Statistical significances were found between pigs' lateral recumbency at the conveyor and the presence of blood affecting one lung. Under the conditions of this study, the authors cannot point to AAB lung lesions as an animal-based indicator of electrical stunning ineffectiveness. Further studies should be conducted to establish a better understanding of the causes of aspiration of blood, in particular how horizontal bleeding may affect the occurrence of similar lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In comparison with other species, a large knowledge gap remains in Equine melanocytic tumors regarding their uncommon benign behavior, since invasion and metastasis are rarely present. Melanocytic tumors invasion and metastization have been associated with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, where the disruption of cell-adhesion molecules has a crucial role. E-cadherin is one of the most prominent adhesion molecules, and the loss of its expression is observed in malignant tumors being associated with aggressive behavior. This study aimed to evaluate E-cadherin immunostaining in equine melanocytic tumors. There was high immunolabeling of E-cadherin in most tumors, with 70.7% of melanomas remaining with high immunostaining. The typical loss of immunostaining in malignant tumors was not observed, and there were no differences between malignant and benign tumors. The high E-cadherin expression is well correlated with the benign biological behavior of equine melanocytic tumors being in accordance with the genetic development factors associated with this neoplastic disease in horses. Melanocytic tumors are an important neoplastic disease in human and veterinary medicine, presenting large differences regarding tumor behavior between species. In horses, these tumors present a prolonged benign behavior, with rare invasiveness and metastases. In humans and small animals, invasion and metastasis have been associated with an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, where the loss of E-cadherin expression plays a key role in tumor progression. This process and the role of E-cadherin have not yet been evaluated in equine melanocytic tumors. This study aimed to assess the immunolabeling of E-cadherin in equine melanocytic tumors and relate this with clinicopathological variables. A total of 72 equine melanocytic tumors were classified as benign and malignant and evaluated by immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin expression. A different pattern of immunostaining was found, contrasting with other species. A total of 69.4% of tumors presented raised immunolabeling of E-cadherin, with 70.7% of melanomas remaining with high expression. The typical loss of immunostaining was not seen in malignant melanomas and no differences were found between benign and malignant melanomas regarding E-cadherin immunostaining. The high immunolabeling of E-cadherin may contribute to the low invasiveness of these tumors, and it is in accordance with the benign behavior of equine melanoma and with the genetic factors associated with its development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aims to investigate the admission causes, outcomes, and mortality of vultures admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and necropsy service in Northern Portugal. The data were obtained from the Rehabilitation of Wild Fauna archives centre of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Over 17 years (2005–2022), 84 animals were admitted: 10 A. monachus, 69 G. fulvus, and 5 N. percnopterus. The main causes of admission to the centre were 80% (n = 63) unknown cause, 13% (n = 10) found debilitated, 6% (n = 5) vehicle collision, 4% (n = 3) captivity, 1% (n = 1) gunshot, and 1% (n = 1) electrocution. Most animals were admitted during the summer (45.2%) and autumn (36.9%). Analysis of outcome data showed that 73% (n = 58) of the animals that arrived alive at the centre could be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Thirteen animals died during treatment and five were found dead. Portugal is the habitat of three species of vultures. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Neophron percnopterus is an Endangered species, Aegypius monachus is nearly Threatened, and Gyps fulvus is of Least Concern. This study aims to investigate the admission causes, morbidity, and outcomes of vultures admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and necropsy service in Northern Portugal. Over 17 years (2005–2022), 84 animals were admitted: 10 A. monachus, 69 G. fulvus, and 5 N. percnopterus. The main causes of admission to the centre were 80% (n = 63) unknown cause, 13% (n = 10) found debilitated, 6 % (n = 5) vehicle collision, 4% (n = 3) captivity, 1% (n = 1) gunshot, and 1% (n = 1) electrocution. Most animals were admitted during the summer (45.2%) and autumn (36.9%). Analysis of outcome data showed that 73% (n = 58) of the animals that arrived alive at the centre could be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Thirteen animals died during treatment and five were found dead. This is the first time that such a lengthy study of results and mortality has been carried out for these species in Portugal. Although the data are limited, they can already provide some information about these populations, particularly for the endangered species that are so rare to observe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) includes several proteins that can be dysregulated contributing to oral carcinogenesis. We have investigated the role of some SAC components (BUBR1, BUB3 and SPINDLY proteins) in canine oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by immunohistochemical analysis of 60 canine OSCCs. We observed that all proteins were detected in almost all cases and with a high expression rate in some cases. Furthermore, we found an independent prognostic value for BUBR1, where high BUBR1 expression was associated with a lower survival rate of these canine patients. These results suggest a potential role of BUBR1 as a prognostic biomarker in canine OSCC and should motivate further studies aimed at the role of these SAC proteins not only as biomarkers but also as pharmacological targets in canine OSCC. Chromosomal instability (CIN) plays a key role in the carcinogenesis of several human cancers and can be related to the deregulation of core components of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) including BUBR1 protein kinase. These proteins have been related to tumor development and poor survival rates in human patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). To investigate the expression of the SAC proteins BUBR1, BUB3 and SPINDLY and also Ki-67 in canine OSCC, we performed an immunohistochemical evaluation in 60 canine OSCCs and compared them with clinical and pathological variables. BUBR1, Ki-67, BUB3 and SPINDLY protein expressions were detected in all cases and classified as with a high-expression extent score in 31 (51.7%) cases for BUBR1, 33 (58.9%) cases for BUB3 and 28 (50.9%) cases for SPINDLY. Ki-67 high expression was observed in 14 (25%) cases. An independent prognostic value for BUBR1 was found, where high BUBR1 expression was associated with lower survival (p = 0.012). These results indicate that BUBR1 expression is an independent prognostic factor in these tumors, suggesting the potential use for clinical applications as a prognostic biomarker and also as a pharmacological target in canine OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Observation of small ruminants showing differing degrees of leanness or emaciation is a common occurrence at slaughterhouses. Although either condition may result from similar causes, emaciation and cachexia are usually pathological conditions, warranting total condemnation of the carcass during post-mortem inspection. This is done in order to prevent unfit meat from entering the human food chain. Scrapie, a naturally occurring transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in small ruminants, is characterized by loss of body conditioning and a wasting appearance. Since atypical scrapie has been identified as occurring at a low, but very consistent, the prevalence in small ruminant populations, it is advisable to include this disease as a differential diagnosis of wasting conditions detected during meat inspection at the abattoir. Vigilance for detection of putative scrapie in slaughterhouses, and its differential diagnosis from other conditions associated with wasting carcasses, are of paramount importance for post-mortem decisions on the fate of carcasses, offal, as well as animal by-products. Wasting disease in small ruminants is frequently detected at slaughterhouses. The wasting disorder is manifested by the deterioration of the nutritional and physiological state of the animal indicated by thinness, emaciation, and cachexia. Evidence of emaciation and cachexia, alone, are pathological conditions leading to carcass condemnation during an inspection. Several diseases are associated with a wasting condition, including scrapie, pseudotuberculosis, tuberculosis, paratuberculosis, Maedi Visna, and tumor diseases. On the other hand, parasitic diseases, nutrition disorders, exposure or ingestion of toxins, metabolic conditions, inadequate nutrition due to poor teeth, or poor alimentary diet are conditions contributing to poor body condition. Classical and atypical scrapie is naturally occurring transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in small ruminants. The etiological agent for each one is prions. However, each of these scrapie types is epidemiologically, pathologically, and biochemically different. Though atypical scrapie occurs at low incidence, it is consistently prevalent in the small ruminant population. Hence, it is advisable to include differential diagnosis of this disease, from other possibilities, as a cause of wasting conditions detected during meat inspection at the abattoir. This manuscript is a review of the measures in force at the abattoir for scrapie control, focusing on the differential diagnosis of gross lesions related to wasting conditions detected in small ruminants during meat inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Western European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the most common mammals in urban areas. We collected data over 17 years (2002–2019) regarding outcomes and causes of mortality on this species from two of the main wildlife rehabilitation centers in the north of Portugal. A total of 740 animals were admitted; the majority were juveniles, with the highest admission rate occurring during summer (36.8%). The main cause of admission was debilitation (30.7%). Of the total number of individuals admitted to these centers, 66.6% were released successfully. The main cause of death was trauma of unknown origin (32.7%). This study aimed to analyze the admission causes, outcomes, primary causes of death, and main lesions observed in the post mortem examinations of Western European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the north of Portugal. The data were obtained by consulting the records from the two main wildlife rehabilitation centers located in the north of Portugal (Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Parque Biologico de Gaia and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro). Over 17 years (2002–2019) a total of 740 animals were admitted. Most of the animals were juveniles, with the highest number of admissions occurring during summer (36.8%) and spring (33.2%). The main reasons for admission were debilitation (30.7%) and random finds (28.4%). Of the total number of individuals admitted to these centers, 66.6% were successfully released back into the wild. The most relevant causes of death were trauma of unknown origin (32.7%), nontrauma causes of unknown origin (26.6%), and nutritional disorders (20.2%). The main lesions observed were related to trauma, including skeletal and skin lesions (fractures, hemorrhages, wounds) and organ damage, particularly to the lungs and liver. The hedgehog is a highly resilient and adaptable animal. The urban environment has many benefits for hedgehogs, yet the presence of humans can be harmful. In the future, the public needs to become even more involved in the activities of the wildlife centres, which will make a positive difference for these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]