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The morphology of 58 apocrine tumors from 31 domestic Richardson's ground squirrels (

A 14-year-old, male sugar glider presented with lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, and paralysis of the hind limbs, and ultrasonography showed possible liver dysfunction. Some medications were administered, but the animal died 10 months after the first presentation, and a necropsy was performed. Histopathologically, hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis, severe deposition of hemosiderin in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes, bridging fibrosis, and regenerative nodules were observed in the liver. Variably amounts of hemosiderin deposition was observed in the heart, lungs, spleen, and kidney. These findings led to the diagnosis of hemochromatosis. No sugar glider cases with hemochromatosis have been reported. The pathological characteristics of hemochromatosis in this species were documented for the first time. The pathogenesis of hemochromatosis in animals remains unclear, but it has been suggested that some commercially available food for sugar gliders containing excessive amounts of iron and vitamin C may induce the disease.

A 5-y-old, male degu ( Octodon degus) was presented with a subcutaneous mass in the ventral aspect of the cervical area. The mass was removed surgically. Histologically, the mass was a densely cellular, expansile neoplasm, with compression of thymic tissue to the periphery. The neoplasm consisted of solid sheets of polygonal cells, mixed with fewer small lymphocytes. Rare Hassall bodies were scattered throughout the mass. Polygonal cells were positive for anti-keratin/cytokeratin AE1/AE3 antibody, and small lymphocytes were positive for anti-CD3 antibody. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a thymoma. In addition, an autopsy revealed myxosarcoma of the right thoracic wall with metastasis to the lung. To our knowledge, thymoma originating from the cervical component of the thymus has not been documented previously in a rodent species.

Inflammasomes play a pivotal role in gastrointestinal homeostasis and inflammation. However, it remains elusive whether the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family inflammasomes, such as NLR family pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) 3, NLRP6, and NLRP12, are involved in the pathogenesis of canine chronic enteropathy (CE), which includes antibiotic-responsive enteropathy (ARE), food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE), and non-responsive enteropathy (NRE). Thus, we measured mRNA expression of NLRP3, NLRP6, and NLRP12 in the intestinal mucosa of 35 dogs with CE (ARE, four dogs; FRE, 11 dogs; IRE and NRE, 20 dogs) and seven healthy dogs. As per real-time PCR analysis, significant increases in mRNA expression of NLRP3 and NLRP12 were noted in the colonic but not in the duodenal mucosa of dogs with FRE compared to healthy dogs. These findings suggested that the NLRP3 and NLRP12 inflammasomes might contribute to the development of colitis in dogs with FRE.

A 7-year 6-month-old, castrated male Shiba dog presented with a 1-month history of lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and frequent watery diarrhea. Weight loss, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, and leukocytosis were detected at the first visit. The dog was diagnosed with non-responsive enteropathy (NRE) based on clinical and histopathological examinations. Since the dog did not respond to the immunosuppressive drugs, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed during the treatment with chlorambucil. A single endoscopic FMT into the cecum and colon drastically recovered clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities and corrected dysbiosis in the dog. No recurrence or adverse events were observed. The present case report suggests that FMT, possibly together with chlorambucil, might be a treatment option for NRE in Shiba dogs that have poorer prognosis compared with other dog breeds.

Parasites of the genus Haemoproteus are vector-borne avian haemosporidia commonly found in bird species of the world. Haemoproteus infections are typically considered relatively benign in birds. However, some Haemoproteus species cause severe disease and mortality, especially for captive birds removed from their original habitat. In September 2018, a captive 15-year-old snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), kept in a zoological garden of Japan, died subacutely after presenting leg dysfunction. This case showed significantly low PCV and elevated AST, ALT, CK, and LDH values. Many megalomeronts with prominent morphological characteristics of Haemoproteus were observed in the left leg muscles. Those megalomeronts exhibited multilocular structures and were internally filled with merozoites. A new lineage of Haemoproteus was detected by subsequent PCR for the cytochrome b (cytb) gene of avian haemosporidia from DNA extracted from several organ tissues. The detected lineage was classified in the subgenus Parahaemoproteus and was similar to those from the wild birds inhabiting the region including the study area, suggesting that this snowy owl likely acquired its infection from wild birds. This is the first report of a fatal case of a captive bird with a locally transmitted Haemoproteus infection in Japan. We considered the pathogenicity of this infection in conjunction with the clinical course and hematology results. We surmise that snowy owls may be particularly susceptible to infection with Haemoproteus parasites, and warming northern temperatures may exacerbate the overall health of these and other high latitude birds. Further research into the prevalence of Haemoproteus in wild birds near zoological gardens and potential biting midge vectors is necessary for the ex situ conservation of introduced birds.

OBJECTIVE To assess variations in age, breed, and clinical signs in rabbits with neoplastic or nonneoplastic uterine lesions and to investigate potential relationships between endometrial adenocarcinoma and age at ovariohysterectomy or breed in rabbits. ANIMALS 1,928 rabbits that underwent ovariohysterectomy for treatment or prevention of possible uterine disease. PROCEDURES With an online questionnaire distributed to 441 veterinary hospital members of the Japanese Society of Exotic Pet Medicine, data were retrospectively collected regarding age, breed, and findings on physical and histologic examinations for pet rabbits that underwent ovariohysterectomy between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2018. Rabbits were grouped by reported age, breed, clinical signs, and uterine lesions, and results were assessed across groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential relationships between endometrial adenocarcinoma and breed or age at ovariohysterectomy in rabbits. RESULTS The questionnaire response rate was 9.8% (43/441), with data reported for 1,928 rabbits (mixed breed, 600 [31.1%]; Netherland Dwarf, 520 [27.0%]; Holland Lop, 286 [14.8%]; or various other breeds, 522 [27.1%]). The most commonly reported neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions were endometrial adenocarcinoma (1,035/1,928 [53.7%]) and endometrial hyperplasia (842 [43.7%]), respectively, and the most commonly reported clinical sign was hematuria or serosanguineous vaginal discharge (1,020/1,928 [52.9%]). As age at ovariohysterectomy increased, so did the odds (OR, 1.826; 95% CI, 1.640 to 2.033) of uterine adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results supported ovariohysterectomy in rabbits before 2 years of age as a key preventative measure to mitigate uterine disease, particularly endometrial adenocarcinoma.

EQUULEUS (EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft) will be the world's smallest spacecraft to explore the Earth-Moon Lagrange point. It is being jointly developed by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and the University of Tokyo, and will be launched by NASA's Space Launch System Exploration Mission-1. The spacecraft will fly to a libration orbit around the Earth-Moon L2 point (EML2) and will demonstrate low-energy trajectory-control techniques within the Sun-Earth-Moon region for the first time by a nano-class spacecraft. EQUULEUS also carries three scientific observation missions: imaging of Earth's plasmasphere by extreme ultraviolet wavelength, lunar impact flash observation on the far side of the moon, and micrometeoroid flux measurements in the cis-lunar region. While all these missions have their own scientific objectives, they will also contribute to future human activity and/or infrastructure development in the cis-lunar region. Most parts of the spacecraft system use commercial off-the-shelf components, or are designed based on the experiences of various past space missions, with the exception of the newly developed water resistojet propulsion system. EQUULEUS uses X-band frequency for deep space telecommunication. Japanese deep space antennas (64-m and 34-m) will be nominally used for spacecraft operation, and support from the deep space network of JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) is also being planned, especially for the initial phase of operation. The spacecraft will fly to EML2 in less than one year, and will remain there for scientific observations until shortly before the depletion of the onboard propellant, when the spacecraft will leave the orbit for space-debris compliance.

We describe a case of primary localized histiocytic sarcoma of the lumbar vertebrae in a four-toed hedgehog. The case showed aggressive osteolysis of lumbar vertebrae on radiography, and a soft-tissue mass effacing this region was noted, suggesting a neoplastic lesion. No metastatic lesions were apparent. Antemortem diagnosis was challenging, and necropsy was performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with localized histiocytic sarcoma. This report provides documentation of the clinical and pathologic features of an unusual form of histiocytic sarcoma localizing to lumbar vertebrae in a four-toed hedgehog.

An 8-year-and-9-month-old male, lop-eared rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented with gradual enlargement of the left eye to 4 × 4 × 4 cm and exophthalmos. The animal died 3 months later, and necropsy was performed. On gross pathology, the intraocular tissue was effaced and occluded by a hard, light-gray mass. Histologically, the mass comprised spindle-shaped to angular cells arranged in interlacing bundles with abundant production of osteoid, bone and cartilage, consistent with osteosarcoma. Limited cases of intraocular neoplasm have been reported in pet rabbits. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first pathologic documentation of intraocular osteosarcoma in a rabbit.

An 8-year-and-1-month-old female blue tegu (Salvator merianae) was brought to a clinician with severe cough. The patient died 11 days later despite supportive care, and necropsy was performed by a clinician. The lumen of the distal trachea was almost completely occluded by a milk-white, hard mass measuring 1 cm in diameter. Histopathologically, the mass comprised spindle-shaped to polygonal cells arranged in a loose sheet with abundant production of basophilic cartilaginous matrix, consistent with chondrosarcoma. Reports of tracheal neoplasms in reptiles are limited, and to the best of our knowledge this represents the first pathological documentation of tracheal chondrosarcoma in a reptile.

Samarium (Sm) has antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering at the hexagonal site at ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}(\text{hex})=106$ K, and at the cubic site at ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}(\text{cub})=14$ K at ambient pressure. The structural transition from the so-called Sm-type structure to the double hexagonal close-packed (dhcp) structure occurs at approximately 6 GPa. According to electrical resistance measurements, the shift of ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}$(hex) toward the low-temperature side occurs simultaneously with the shifting of ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}$(cub) toward the high-temperature side with increasing pressure. We conducted dc magnetic measurements on Sm at high pressure up to 30 GPa using a SQUID-based vibrating-coil-magnetometer to pursue ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}$(cub) at high pressure: The magnetic measurements revealed stepwise anomalies below 2 GPa. A ferromagnetic (FM) anomaly was observed in the dhcp structure, suggesting that spins at both structural sites formed the FM magnetization. In the face-centered cubic (fcc) structure at above 12 GPa, a reduction in the magnetic signal occurred. In the distorted fcc structure at above 20 GPa, sufficient suppression of the FM moment was observed and afterward the diamagnetic signal suggesting the possibility of superconductivity was observed.

In fifth-group element superconductors V, Nb, and Ta, the increase in superconducting transition temperature (Tc) was attempted by using both high-pressure torsion (HPT) and additional hydrostatic pressure (HP) compression. The former brings about the grain refinement and strain accumulation in the unit-cell level. The additional compression for severely strained superconductors triggers strengthening intergrain-contact and/or structural deformation in the unit-cell level. The manner of the appearance of the above two effects depends on the kind of elements: First, in V, there is no prominent effect of HPT, comparing to the hydrostatic compression effects on its non-strained material. Next, in Ta, the effect of strengthening intergrain-contact appears at small hydrostatic compression, resulting in temporal increase in Tc. Finally, Nb exhibits prominent increase in Tc by both effects and, in particular, the structural deformation in the unit-cell level promotes the increase in Tc. Thus, the accumulation of residual strain in the level of starting material can be a promising work to manipulate Tc under HP compression.

While urogenital diseases of the female African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) are common, such diseases in male animals appear rare. This case report describes a male African pygmy hedgehog presenting with urethral obstruction due to accessory gland enlargement. Preputial cystostomy provided effective treatment, and enabled maintenance of good quality of life over the long term. This suggests that preputial cystostomy may offer an effective salvage technique for African pygmy hedgehogs with unresolvable urethral obstruction.

Four-toed hedgehogs presented bloody stool and loss of appetite. Integumental masses were observed in two of the four cases. Intraabdominal masses were observed on radiographs and ultrasonography in the remaining two cases. The masses were surgically removed from all four cases. All samples were histologically and immunohistochemically consistent with histiocytic sarcoma (HS). At the time of surgery, 3 of 4 cases had grossly recognized metastatic/disseminated lesions. Survival time was 48 days, 64 days, and 113 days, respectively, and the remaining case is currently alive (at Day 207). The present report describes the clinical management and outcome of hedgehogs that were diagnosed with HS.

To assess variations in age, breed, and clinical signs in rabbits with neoplastic or nonneoplastic uterine lesions and to investigate potential relationships between endometrial adenocarcinoma and age at ovariohysterectomy or breed in rabbits.1,928 rabbits that underwent ovariohysterectomy for treatment or prevention of possible uterine disease.With an online questionnaire distributed to 441 veterinary hospital members of the Japanese Society of Exotic Pet Medicine, data were retrospectively collected regarding age, breed, and findings on physical and histologic examinations for pet rabbits that underwent ovariohysterectomy between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2018. Rabbits were grouped by reported age, breed, clinical signs, and uterine lesions, and results were assessed across groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential relationships between endometrial adenocarcinoma and breed or age at ovariohysterectomy in rabbits.The questionnaire response rate was 9.8% (43/441), with data reported for 1,928 rabbits (mixed breed, 600 [31.1%]; Netherland Dwarf, 520 [27.0%]; Holland Lop, 286 [14.8%]; or various other breeds, 522 [27.1%]). The most commonly reported neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions were endometrial adenocarcinoma (1,035/1,928 [53.7%]) and endometrial hyperplasia (842 [43.7%]), respectively, and the most commonly reported clinical sign was hematuria or serosanguineous vaginal discharge (1,020/1,928 [52.9%]). As age at ovariohysterectomy increased, so did the odds (OR, 1.826; 95% CI, 1.640 to 2.033) of uterine adenocarcinoma.Results supported ovariohysterectomy in rabbits before 2 years of age as a key preventative measure to mitigate uterine disease, particularly endometrial adenocarcinoma.

We describe a case of primary localized histiocytic sarcoma of the lumbar vertebrae in a four-toed hedgehog. The case showed aggressive osteolysis of lumbar vertebrae on radiography, and a soft-tissue mass effacing this region was noted, suggesting a neoplastic lesion. No metastatic lesions were apparent. Antemortem diagnosis was challenging, and necropsy was performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with localized histiocytic sarcoma. This report provides documentation of the clinical and pathologic features of an unusual form of histiocytic sarcoma localizing to lumbar vertebrae in a four-toed hedgehog.

House dust mite (HDM) is an environmental allergen ubiquitously present indoors, causing allergic inflammation in dogs. However, it is unclear whether HDM allergens can be detected in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of dogs. In addition, although expression of interleukin (IL)-1β is increased in the intestinal mucosa of dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE), the role of HDM allergens in the production of IL-1β has not been evaluated. The objectives of this study were to determine the presence of HDM allergens in the GI tract of dogs and to elucidate the effect of HDM on IL-1β expression in canine macrophages. HDM allergen, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1, was quantified in the gastric and duodenal fluids and the duodenal and colonic mucosae of dogs with CE and healthy laboratory dogs, and faeces of dogs with CE, healthy laboratory dogs and healthy client-owned dogs. Gene expression and protein levels of IL-1β were measured in HDM-stimulated canine peripheral macrophages from healthy laboratory dogs. Der p 1 was detected in the gastric and duodenal fluids of dogs with CE and healthy laboratory dogs, and faeces of all dogs examined. Der p 1 levels in the duodenal and colonic mucosae were significantly higher in dogs with CE than in healthy laboratory dogs. HDM increased both gene expression and protein levels of IL-1β in canine macrophages. These findings demonstrate the presence of HDM allergens in the GI tract of dogs and the possible involvement of HDM allergens in the pathogenesis of CE by promoting IL-1β expression in macrophages.

An entire, female, mixed-breed cat of unknown age was presented with a 6-week history of lethargy, anorexia and vomiting There was an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood, including neutrophils and eosinophils;moderate anaemia;ascites;and possible mesenteric peritonitis Exploratory laparotomy revealed firm, multifocal small nodules in the mesentery As the nodules were surgically unresectable, they were biopsied Histologically, the nodules were composed of thin trabeculae of dense collagen fibres mixed with plump fibroblasts and numerous eosinophils, consistent with feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia Bacteria were not detected on histological examination of the nodules and cytology of the ascites Remission of disease occurred following treatment with prednisolone and ciclosporin A for 22 days and antibiotics for 40 days After remission, ciclosporin A was administered for 236 days and then discontinued Eosinophilia also resolved after treatment with ciclosporin A The cat is still alive and in good condition on day 689 This report describes what may be an atypical case of feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia, lacking involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, and was apparently cured by treatment that involved ciclosporin A Copyright © 2019 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

Background Mucosal imbalance of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (Ra) has been reported in the duodenal mucosa of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the imbalance in the colonic mucosa and its role in duodenitis and colitis in IBD of dogs remain unclear. Objectives To measure the expression of IL-1β and IL-1Ra proteins in the colonic mucosa of dogs with IBD, and to determine the effect of IL-1β on expression of occludin (ocln) mRNA, a tight junction component, in the duodenal and colonic mucosa of dogs with IBD. Animals Twelve dogs with IBD and 6 healthy dogs. Methods IL-1β and IL-1 Ra proteins in the colonic mucosa were quantified by ELISA in 7 of the 12 dogs with IBD. Expression of ocln mRNA in the duodenal and colonic mucosa was examined in the 12 dogs by real-time PCR. Results The ratio of IL-1β to IL-1Ra in the colonic mucosa was significantly higher in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs. The ex vivo experiment determined that IL-1β suppressed expression of ocln mRNA in the colonic mucosa, but not in the duodenal mucosa, of healthy dogs. Expression of ocln mRNA in the colonic mucosa, but not in the duodenal mucosa, was significantly lower in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs. Conclusions and clinical importance A relative increase in IL-1β may attenuate ocln expression, leading to intestinal barrier dysfunction and promotion of intestinal inflammation in the colonic mucosa, but not in the duodenal mucosa, of dogs with IBD.

The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is becoming a popular pet in Japan. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of various diseases in African pygmy hedgehogs. We histologically investigated 105 samples from 100 privately-owned pet African pygmy hedgehogs that were submitted to two laboratories (North Lab and Patho Labo) between 2012 and 2017. Tissues submitted for this study were taken from female reproductive organs (33 cases; 31.43%), skin (20 cases; 19.05%), and the oral mucosa (19 cases; 18.1%). The most common histological diagnoses included endometrial stromal nodules identified as benign uterine neoplasia (14 cases; 13.33%); endometrial polyps identified as non-neoplastic polyps (7 cases; 6.67%), gingival hyperplasia and chronic suppurative inflammation in the oral mucosa (11 cases; 10.48%), fibrosarcomas in the skin (8 cases; 7.62%), and mammary tumors (8 cases; 7.62%). In this study, lymphoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma were less common than in the previous reports. The present study revealed the disease prevalence in captive African pygmy hedghogs that were histopathologically examined.

The neoplastic mass developed in the left flank of a Border Collie dog. The tumor was resected surgically and evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. Histologically a moderate number of spindle cells were proliferated with staghorn, placentoid, and myxoid growth patterns and a lack of perivascular whirling. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive to vimentin, laminin, S-100 protein, CD34 and CD117 antibodies. They were negative to cytokeratin AE1/3, desmin, α-SMA and calponin antibodies. Endothelial cells of the staghorn channels were positive for vWF antibody. The present case was diagnosed as spindle cell tumor, but it was similar to human classical hemangiopericytoma (HEP) and canine HEP classified by Avallon and others.

A 3.5-year-old, spayed female, African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) presented with neurologic signs. The tentative clinical diagnosis was wobbly hedgehog syndrome. After 3 months, the patient exhibited the following clinical disease signs, anorexia, weight loss, horizontal nystagmus, exophthalmos, and seizures. The patient's clinical condition gradually became more severe over the next 6 months, without response to any treatment, and subsequently died. Necropsy revealed no gross abnormalities of any internal organs other than the brain. On cross section of the fixed right cerebrum, an 8 × 5 × 5 mm, tan to gray mass was evident within the parenchyma. Histologically, the cerebral mass comprised polygonal to spindle-shaped cells arranged in interlacing bundles, whorls and sheets, consistent with meningioma. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this report represents the first description of meningioma in an African pygmy hedgehog, as also in the Erinaceidae family. Neoplasia should be included among the differential diagnoses when neurologic signs are observed in hedgehogs.