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Introduction An analysis of samples originating from domestic and exotic animals from Lower Silesia but also from other parts of Poland was carried out based on research conducted in 2014–2017. Material and Methods The materials used for the study were 11,338 tumour samples taken in vivo during surgery and as biopsies and posthumously during necropsies. They were sent to the Department of Pathology at Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences for histopathological diagnosis. Results The largest group were canine tumours, of which there were 9,745 (85.95%), followed by feline tumours, totalling 1,397 (12.32%), tumours from exotic animals (186; 1.64%), from horses (7; 0.06%), and from cows (2; 0.02%). A significant number of cases of animals suffering from more than one tumour were also found, which had not been frequently diagnosed previously. Conclusion The number of neoplasms diagnosed in pets and exotic animals is increasing every year. The average animal age at diagnosis continues to fall. The greatest number of neoplasms were diagnosed in mixed-breed dogs and cats, and the number of tumours in a pure breed strictly correlated with breed’s popularity in the research period. Mesenchymal tumours are still the most prevalent type of tumours in dogs, while in cats epithelial tumours predominate. The neoplasm case pattern in animals conforms to that in humans in the same area.

Background Partial resection of the ovary carries a possible risk of fertility reduction. We studied the influence of open ovarian biopsy on ovarian reserve, including anti-Mullerian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone serum level evaluation, in a prepubertal rat model. Methods Interventions – the initial surgery was unilateral ovarian biopsy (38 rats, group B1, B2) or unilateral ovarian biopsy and ovarian resection of the contralateral gonad (38 rats, group BR1, BR2). The second operation was bilateral ovarian resection and total resection of the remaining ovary. All rats had hormone serum levels evaluated. The control group had only a blood test taken and bilateral ovarian resection done at the second intervention (30 rats, group C1, C2). The collected tissue was examined estimating follicle count and anti-Mullerian hormone immunoexpression. Results Anti-Mullerian hormone levels were significantly lower at the second intervention in the group BR2 but significantly higher in the group C2. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly higher in all but one group (BR2). Conclusions Biopsy itself might not reduce ovarian reserve if done properly but we should know its possible negative effects in the case of a single remaining ovary.

Background/aim Mammary neoplasms are very common tumours in female dogs. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the oncogenesis process. One of the useful proteins used in the diagnostics of CAFs cells is podoplanin (PDPN). The aim of our study was to assess the expression of PDPN in mammary cancer in female dogs. Materials and methods Our study cohort included 61 cancers and 21 adenomas of the mammary tumour in bitches. Expression of podoplanin, Ki-67 and HER2 was determined using the Immunohistochemical (IHC) method. PDPN expression at the mRNA level was determined using real-time PCR. Results Expression of PDPN in CAFs was observed in 22.9% of cases of mammary cancers in bitches, with no PDPN expression in adenomas. A positive correlation was found between the expression of PDPN in CAFs and the grade of histological malignancy and expression of Ki-67. Conclusion PDPN plays a significant role during the process of carcinogenesis of mammary tumours in female dogs.

Background This paper presents the first described case of laparoscopy-assisted prepubic urethrostomy and laparoscopic resection of a tumor of the distal part of the urethra in a female dog as a palliative treatment. Case presentation An intact, 11 -year-old, mixed breed female dog, weighing 15 kg, was admitted with signs of urinary obstruction and difficulty with catheterization. Vaginal, rectal, and endoscopic examinations revealed a firm mass in the pelvic cavity at the level of the pelvic urethra. Ultrasound and computed tomography examination showed enlargement of the urethral wall (5.5 cm width and 3 cm thick), which was significantly restricting the patency of the urethra. The lesion affected only the distal part of the urethra without the presence of local or distant metastatic changes. The affected portion of the urethra was laparoscopically removed while performing pre-pubic urethrostomy with laparoscopy. The patient regained full consciousness immediately after the end of anesthesia, without signs of urinary incontinence. Histopathological examination of the removed urethra revealed an oncological margin only from the side of the bladder. In the period of 2.5 months after the procedure, the owner did not notice any symptoms that could indicate a postoperative recurrence, which was diagnosed three months after the procedure. Conclusions Pre-pubic urethrostomy can be successfully performed with the assistance of laparoscopy. The use of minimally invasive surgery will allow, in selected cases, removal of the urethral tumor, and in inoperable cases, to perform a minimally invasive palliative pre-pubic urethrostomy.

Background Pulmonary hemorrhage is a rare cause of death in horses. Hemorrhage within the respiratory tract has many causes, including mycosis of the guttural pouch, invasive procedures causing serious trauma to nasal conchae, or lung biopsy. We report on a rare case of a fatal pulmonary hemorrhage in a horse after a severe cough during bronchoalveolar lavage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous hemorrhage in a horse during bronchoalveolar lavage. Case presentation A 21-year-old mare which belonged to the didactic herd of The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine underwent BAL procedure for training purposes. Clinical examination prior to the procedure did not reveal any abnormalities and the horse had been classified as healthy. The horse was sedated with 0.01 mg/kg of detomidine and 0.01 mg/kg of butorphanol. The silicon BAL catheter was passed through the nasal passage into the trachea and then into the bronchus. Before catheter was wedged, the mare began to cough heavily and massive haemorrhage from mouth and nostrils occurred. Despite fluid therapy, shock occurred within 15 min and the mare was euthanized. Upon necropsy, site of hemorrhage was identified in the left lobar caudal bronchi, from a large blood vessel running directly beneath the bronchial wall. Upon histology, a chronic lympho-plasmocytic inflammatory process in left bronchi was identified. Moreover, Masson’s trichrome staining revealed severe, perivascular fibrosis. Conclusion Although BAL is a relatively safe procedure, and such complications should be treated as extremely rare, this case indicates that, in some individuals with specific subclinical problems, even mild physical force such as a cough can lead to rupture of the artery.

Introduction. The study aimed to diagnose urothelial cancer of prostate gland (UCPG) in dogs as the primary focus and in its metastasis based on the expression of specific proteins used in immunohistochemical diagnosis of prostate cancer in men. Material and methods. The study was carried out on specimens collected during a post-mortem examination from macroscopic lesions of the prostate glands from two dogs. The immunoexpression of the following proteins was verified: prostate-specific antigen (PSA), high molecular weight cytokeratins (HMWCK), cytokeratin 7 and 20 (CK-7,-20), E-cadherin, von Willebrand factor, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal PGE2-1 synthase (mPGES-1) and component of the minichromosome 7 maintenance complex (MCM7). Results. All markers, except for PSA, were expressed both at the primary tumour site and in the metastasis. Conclusions. The immunohistochemical approach was more useful for the diagnosis of UCPG in dog than typical histopathological staining methods because it allowed for precise determination of features, type and grade of the tumour that may affect its early detection and treatment.

Background/aim Periostin (POSTN) has a significant role in proliferation and migration of tumour cells as well as tumour progression. This study aimed to determinate POSTN expression in cancer cells in malignant and benign tumours of the mammary gland in female dogs. Materials and methods All together 83 cancers, 24 adenomas and 7 unchanged fragments of the mammary glands of bitches were investigated. Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-POSTN, Ki-67 and HER2 antibodies. Results POSTN expression was observed in cancer cells in 31.3% of malignancies and 12.5% of benign tumours. A significantly positive correlation between expression of POSTN in cancer cells and the degree of histological malignancy, expression of Ki-67 antigen and expression of POSTN in CAFs was found. Conclusion The obtained results suggest the possible participation of POSTN in the process of carcinogenesis and progression of mammary tumors in bitches.

Background/aim Mammary neoplasms, like breast neoplasms in women, are one of the most common tumours in female dogs. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) found in the tumour stroma play a role in angiogenesis and increase cell migration, contributing to tumour growth and progression, as well as metastasis. The aim of our work was to determine the level of periostin (POSTN) expression in CAFs in mammary tumours of female dogs. Materials and methods The research material consisted of 77 carcinomas and 24 adenomas of the mammary ridge in female dogs. Immunohistochemistry tests were performed using antibodies directed against the antigens POSTN, Ki-67, ERB-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (HER2), vimentin, and alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Expression of POSTN at the mRNA level was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction methods in 20 cases of mammary neoplasms. Results Expression of POSTN in CAFs was observed in 92% of mammary cancer samples and in 25% of mammary adenoma samples in female dogs. A statistically significant increase in POSNT expression in CAFs was found in the carcinomas compared with mammary adenomas in female dogs. Expression of POSTN in CAFs in mammary carcinomas in female dogs positively correlated with the histological malignancy grade of tumours and the expression of Ki-67 proliferative antigen. Conclusion Our results suggest a role of POSTN on the pathogenesis of mammary tumours in female dogs. Moreover, POSTN may prove to be a useful marker in the evaluation of cancerous stroma of mammary tumours in female dogs, and may have prognostic significance.

This study investigated the effect of exposure to zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites on the characteristics of epididymal spermatozoa, testicular and epididymal biometry and histology, and the concentration of testosterone in blood plasma in male wild boars. The study was performed during more than one year on 18 clinically healthy male wild boars with initial and final body weight, of 39 ± 4 kg and 59 ± 3 kg, respectively. The animals were divided into two experimental groups (group I and group II) and one control group (group C) comprising 6 boars per group. Group I animals were administered per os pure zearalenone (ZEN) at 150 μg/kg BW for 7 consecutive days every two months, while group II animals received a dose of 50 μg/kg BW/day via feed that was naturally contaminated with ZEN. These male wild boars were exposed to ZEN over a period of 1 year. Control animals were fed a placebo. Testicles with epididymides of the boars were collected on the last day of the experiment within 3 min after slaughter. Blood samples were collected from each of the male wild boars. Testes and epididymides were measured and sampled for histological examination. Epididymides were dissected and epididymal spermatozoa were harvested. The spermatozoa were diluted with swine-specific BTS extender and stored at 17°C for 144 h. Sperm motility was analyzed with CASA, and other parameters including viability, acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation index, lipid peroxidation and apoptosis were assessed with flow cytometry. In these wild boars, per os exposure to natural sources of ZEN or a combination of ZEN and its metabolites changed the testicular interstitium and led to modification of some epididymal sperm parameters. The interstitial glands in testes of experimental group I were markedly reduced and hyperemic with evident blood stasis in small capillaries. Also in group I were single degenerating seminiferous tubules. In both groups I and II, immediately after dilution of spermatozoa with BTS remarkable decreases in motility rate as well as in progressive motility and the subpopulation of cells with rapid movement were noted compared with the control group (P 0.05). But unexpectedly, after 24 h incubation of boar semen in the BTS diluent, these sperm properties improved and were not significantly different from the control group. Thus, exposure to ZEN has no lasting but only a temporary, reversible effect on wild boar sperm motility. There was no influence of exposure to ZEN and its metabolites on the integrity of membranes, intensity of lipid peroxidation and apoptosis or on sperm chromatin structure. This study is the first using these direct measures of sperm motility and integrity to show a redundant adverse effect of ZEN exposure on wild boar sperm characteristics. There were no effects of exposure to ZEN and its metabolites on body weight, testicular and epididymal biometry, gonadosomatic index and the concentration of testosterone in blood plasma in the male wild boars.

Of all the tumours in dogs, three percent are located in the intestines, and 36-60% of those tumours affect the large intestine. Adenocarcinomas of the intestines account for 20-35% of the gastrointestinal tumours and for almost 60% of the large intestine tumours. The aim of the study was to analyze clinical disorders and endoscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in colorectal adenocarcinomas in dogs with the use of the E-cadherin, β-catenin, cytokeratin 20 (CK20), Ki-67 and minichromosome maintenance 3 (MCM-3). The study comprised 11 dogs of both genders and of different breeds diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the large intestine. They were from 4 to 11 years old. The large intestine adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in all the patients. 72.7% cases were diagnosed with a rectal adenocarcinoma, and 27.3% were found to have a colonic adenocarcinoma. All the studied proteins were expressed at different levels and, together with the histological findings, indicated different levels of malignancy (G). The statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin in the studied tissues (p=0.79) and between the expression of Ki-67 andMCM-3 (p=0.39). A strong positive correlation was found between the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin (r=0.86; p

The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency and location of tumors in domestic as well as exotic animals in Lower Silesia. The research material consisted of 4174 cases of malignancies from dogs, cats, horses and exotic animals taken at the time of surgery or biopsy sections. The largest group consisted of tumors of dogs – 3519 cases (84.31%), followed by cat – 498 cases (11.93%), ferrets – 27 cases (0.65%), rats – 24 cases (0.57%), horses – 12 cases (0.28%), rabbits – 21 cases (0.5%), guinea pigs, 21 (0.5%). The average annual number of tests performed (2087 cases per year) may suggest an increased awareness of the need for veterinarians’ testing for histopathology, whose purpose is to determine the prognosis of their patients, as well as the further proceedings. Tumors were divided into 6 histological types. The largest group were malignant epithelial and mesenchymal. It can be concluded that in domestic animals cancer most often occurs in carnivores, 60% of the cases considered as malignant tumors, and 40% benign (dogs), and correspondingly in cats (76% and 24%) equally in both sexes in dogs and 20% prevalence of disease in male cats. In contrast, among the 146 reported cases referred to by us as exotic, cancer accounted for 59.6% and 40.4% benign.

Immunohistochemical studies have become an indispensable element of establishing the correct histopathological diagnosis of poorly differentiated lesions, proving particularly suitable, and occasionally indispensable, for diagnosis of poorly differentiated neoplastic tumours. Knowledge of the mechanism of action and normal reaction of individual proteins is required in selection of the antibody pattern for a given tissue and in evaluation of the obtained results. This paper aims to promote the application of immunohistochemical techniques in routine diagnosis, especially in cases of poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumours.

A two-year-old red-lored amazon parrot (Amazona autumnalis) presented with progressive weight loss and general poor condition. In the radiograph a bounded egg was diagnosed, which was surgically removed under general anaesthesia. Two weeks later a fibrino-mucous cloacal discharge was observed. Clinical examina- tion revealed a thickened structure along the left side of the cloaca. Bacterial culture was performed, in which Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth was demonstrated. Radiographs and blood examination showed no abnormalities. Despite treatment, no improvement in the bird's clinical condition was observed. The owner decided to euthanise the parrot. At autopsy a large tumour of the cloaca was disclosed. Microscopic examination of the lesion revealed a mycobacterial tubercle with numerous giant cells. In addition, Ziehl-Neelsen staining was performed and revealed numerous acid-resistant bacilli within the granulomatous lesions.

Aim : The study aimed atimmunohistochemical evaluation of LIMS-1 (PINCH-1-cysteine-histidine-rich) protein expression and localization in squamocellular cancer of uterine cervix, grades IB1 (T1b) and IIIB, in endometrial cancer, grades IB (T2b, NO, MO) and IIIB (T1, T2, T3, N1, MO) and in serous ovarian cancer, grades IB (pT1b) and IIIB (pT3b). Methods : The immunohistochemical studies were conducted in paraffin sections, using rabbit polyclonal antibodies specific for LIMS-1 (Sigma R ), diluted 1/200. The reaction was developed using EnVision IM FLEX DAB + Chromogen DAB solution. The expression was evaluated using modified IRS scale according to Remmele. Statistical analysis involved application of Kolmogonov–Smirnov test of normal distribution, Kruskall–Wallis test, analysis of K–means cluster and R-Spearman test. Results : there was no relationship between the expression of LIMS-1 and the advancement of neoplastic disease according to FIGO classification in squamocellular cancer of uterine cervix: the significance coefficient in the chi-square test amounted to p = 0.086. In cases of endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, the relationship between these variables showed the level of significance to be p = 0.045 and p = 0.041, respectively. In the cases where the chi-square test demonstrated a relationship between the stage of FIGO classification and the LIMS-1 expression, the R correlation coefficients of Spearman presented values of 0.66 (p=0.003) for endometrial cancer and 0.88 (p=0.005). Conclusion : Increase in expression level of LIMS-1 protein in studied neoplasms was demonstrated to manifest positive correlation with degree of histological malignancy according to FIGO, or with neoplastic progression.

The aim of the study was to assess the microvessel density based on the analysis of the expression of the CD31, VEGF, and LIMS-1 proteins in canine mast cell tumours. The study was conducted on 60 mastocytomas; 16 cases were classified as the grade I, 26 as the grade II, and 18 as the grade III. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation only between the grade of the tumour and the expression of LIMS-1. In conclusion, LIMS-1 could be successfully used as a prognostic endothelial cell marker in mast cell tumour. CD31 may be a useful marker, but further examinations are necessary. VEGF is not recommended

Immunohistochemical profiles of the most common canine testicular tumours, including the Leydig cell tumours, seminomas, and Sertoli cell tumours were analysed, and the results were compared with those obtained in the corresponding types of human testicular neoplasms. The expressions of vimentin, von Willebrand factor (FVIII), chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and MCM3 were quantified. In the case of Sertoli cell tumours, only canine ones were analysed, since this type of tumour is very rarely diagnosed in men. The expression of the analysed proteins in the testicular tumours was similar. The von Willebrand factor exhibited the strongest expression in Leydig cell tumours in dogs and men, while vimentin was expressed more strongly in dogs (96.7% had an intensity at +++) than in men (62.5% had +++) in the Leydigioma. The immunoexpression of MCM3 in seminomas was high in both men and dogs – 90% +++ and 100% +++ respectively. The lack of chromogranin A and synaptophysin was observed in almost 100% of seminomas in men and dogs. This differed from the results obtained for Leydigioma, where chromogranin A was expressed in 70% of dogs at +++ and in 100% of men at ++++. The results may indicate that the antibodies were selected correctly. Their analysis and interpretation provides valuable information concerning the nature of the studied tumours.

This report presents canid cranial skeletal pathology from an excavation associated with the Przeworsk culture (III c. BC – V c. AD). The dog skull, an intentional inhumation, was dated to the Roman influence and the Migration period (I – V c. AD. The dog was a relatively large animal with a shoulder height calculated as approximately 60 cm. Massive bone changes localized on the facial surface of the left maxilla required a multistage diagnostic protocol. In addition to traditional macroscopic and morphometric evaluation, we used modern diagnostic imaging techniques such as digital radiography, computed tomography and 3D reconstruction. These, along with histopathological studies, allowed us to identify a primary malignant bone tumor: telangiectatic osteosarcoma.

Introduction. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) are common heart conditions in dogs. They have different etiology and pathogenesis and although other studies focused on changes in the left ventricles of the affected hearts, the aim of our study was to assess the expressions of some intrinsic proteins in the enlarged left atria. Material and methods. We performed an immunohistochemical analysis of left atrial specimens obtained from 15 dogs with DCM, 35 dogs with MMVD and six control dogs. We assessed the expression of following proteins: SERCA1, SERCA2, sarcomeric actinin, smooth muscle actin, and dystrophin. Results. We noted a higher percentage of SERCA1-positive cells in the MMVD group and lower percentage of dystrophin-positive cells in the DCM group as compared to control group. The expression of other proteins was similar in the hearts of control dogs and dogs with heart diseases. Conclusions. The observed changes in the expression patterns of some proteins in the atria of dogs with DCM and MMVD suggest that atrial enlargement relies not only on volume overload, but also alterations of the intrinsic proteins can contribute to the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2017, Vol. 55, No. 2, 52–61)

This study investigated the prevalence of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) infections during the past five years (2010-2014) in broiler chicken flocks in Poland. The diagnosis of IBH was based on anatomopathological investigations and histopathological analyzes. IBH was the most prevalent disease in broiler flocks in Poland (10.4%) during this time period, and occurred as a primary infection. The fewest cases of IBH occurred in the summer, suggesting that the temperature may have been a possible stressor that increased susceptibility to IBH. However, over the last 5 years the occurrence of clinical IBH cases in Poland has systematically decreased.

Skin papilloma in humans and animals is a relatively common dermatological problem. The most common form of these changes are acquired papillomas, and while congenital ones are rare, they were most often described in humans and horses. The present article describes the first case in Poland of congenital single skin papilloma in a newborn thoroughbred foal, surgically removed using a CO2 laser. The treatment was carried out after 3 months from birth when the change began to progress. Removal was performed on the standing animal with pharmacological sedation. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The convalescence process proceeded without complications, with quick healing and no scar remaining.

The study aimed at the analysis of prevalence frequency and localisation of tumours in domestic animals. The research material comprised 4,212 tumours developed in dogs, cats, horses, and exotic animals, isolated during surgery, autopsy or biopsy, performed for the purpose of histopathological diagnosis. The most numerous group involved canine tumours, including 3,585 cases (85.1%), followed by tumours in cats (532 cases, 12.6%), ferrets (34 cases, 0.81%), rats (19 cases, 0.45%), horses (15 cases, 0.36%), and rabbits (14 cases, 0.33%). A significant increase in incidence of tumours was noted, as compared to studies performed in the same region of Poland in 1957-1995 and 2000-2004 or in 2005-2008. This was particularly evident in exotic animals, in which 80 cases (1.9%) were detected in 2009-2011 but only 20 cases (1.2%) in 2005-2008. The most frequent localisation of neoplasia involved the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and mammary gland.

Primary heart tumours affect less than 1% of dogs. Due to their rare incidence, every research showing the frequency of cardiac tumours is valuable. Routine diagnostics is often complemented with immunohistochemical analysis. This study was conducted on 110 patient records from all veterinary faculties in Poland from dogs diagnosed with heart tumours between 1970 and 2014. The dogs’ age, breed and sex with tumour localisation and histopathological diagnosis were analysed. Because of its most common incidence, samples of haemangiosarcoma underwent further examination with assessment of the expression of cell markers that have not been evaluated earlier (i.e. minichromosome maintenance proteins and beta-catenin). We noted 111 tumours including 88.3% malignant and 10.8% benign ones. Haemangiosarcoma and aortic body tumour were the most frequent cardiac neoplasms in the dogs examined (45.9% and 27.9% of all tumours, respectively). Immunohistochemical analysis of haemangiosarcoma showed a positive expression of all markers examined. CD31, vimentin, and beta-catenin showed a positive reaction in all 11 samples examined. At least one proliferative marker (Ki-67, MCM-3 or MCM-7) showed a positive reaction in each sample. MCM-3 showed a higher expression than the two other proliferative markers (P = 0.006), but only Ki-67 showed a positive correlation with the mitotic index (P > 0.05, r = 0.89). Although beta-catenin, MCM-3 and MCM-7 showed a positive reaction in the haemangiosarcomas examined, their usefulness as diagnostic and prognostic factors should be a topic of further research.

Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and chronic mitral valve disease (CMVD) in dogs are associated with heart chamber enlargement, also of the left atrium. DCM is often accompanied by rhythm disturbances (mainly atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias). In CMVD, arrhythmias are observed less frequently. It is still unclear whether left atrial enlargement in these diseases results from volume overload or if it is also connected with other factors (e.g. rhythm disturbances). This study was conducted on the left atrial myocardial specimens from 31 dogs, including those from 16 dogs with clinically diagnosed DCM and 15 dogs with CMVD. After fixation and staining (using haematoxylin-eosin and Masson-Goldner trichrome stain), the specimens underwent evaluation. Parenchymal changes (fibrosis, fatty infiltration, and vessel narrowing), degenerative changes (loss of striation, changes in cardiomyocyte structure, and abnormal cell nuclei) and the presence of inflammatory infiltrates were assessed. Results More interstitial fibrosis (median 4 vs. 2.5 grid fields; p

Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) are the most common diseases noted in dogs. Although their pathogenesis varies, both include a significant enlargement of the left atrium. The study was carried out on left atrial specimens obtained from 56 dogs, including those from 34 dogs with clinically diagnosed MMVD, 15 dogs with DCM and 7 dogs without heart disease (control group). Dogs in the MMVD and the DCM groups presented with left atrial enlargement and stage D heart failure. The specimens underwent immunohistochemical examination using desmin, vimentin, periostin and caspase-3 antibodies. Results There were alterations in the expression of the studied proteins in the study groups compared to the control group. The changes included: irregularity of desmin cross-striation and desmosomes, a higher amount of vimentin-positive cells, a change in the periostin expression pattern from cytoplasmic to extracellular, and a lower expression of caspase-3. The alterations were more pronounced in the DCM group than in the MMVD group. Conclusions During heart failure, the pattern of desmin, vimentin, periostin and caspase-3 expression alters in the left atrium, regardless of the cause. The changes are more pronounced in dogs with DCM than in dogs with MMVD and similar left atrial enlargement, suggesting that volume overload may not be the only cause of myocardial changes in DCM.

The study aimed at presenting the most frequent male gonadal tumours in dogs, their clinical and histopathological aspects, at outlining aetiopathogenesis and differential diagnosis of the tumours. As examples of the most frequently manifested testicular tumours, three clinical cases were presented, involving tumour of interstitial (Leydig) cells, tumour of Sertoli cells, and seminoma. Respective clinical diagnosis employed USG, X-ray patterns, and morphological and biochemical tests. The surgically sampled material was stained with H+E and an attempt was made to establish expression of E-cadherin, calretinin, and Ki-67. It was shown that histopathological diagnosis of testicular tumours in dogs is frequently very difficult and complex and requires multidirectional studies.

Background The aim of the study was to demonstrate the immunohistochemical expression of proteins that affect the metastatic potential of a tumour, including matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and E-cadherin. Another objective was to determine their correlation with the expression of the Ki-67 antigen in metastasizing and non-metastasizing mammary carcinomas in female dogs. The study was conducted on 32 canine mammary carcinomas (12 metastatic and 20 non-metastatic), classified as simple tubular and tubulopapillary carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of MMP-2, E-cadherin and Ki-67 antigen. Results MMP-2 was expressed in 85 % of the non-metastatic tumours and in all the metastatic tumours, while E-cadherin was expressed in 85 % of the non-metastatic tumours and in 66 % of the metastatic tumours. The Ki-67 antigen was expressed in 65 % of the non-metastatic tumours and in 91 % of the metastatic tumours. The mean Ki-67 expression was slightly higher in tumours that had metastasized (1.5 ± 0.90 vs 1.1 ± 0.94; p = 0.22). A similar relationship was found in terms of the intensity of the MMP-2 expression (2.9 ± 1.9 vs 2.7 ± 2.4; p = 0.50). A decrease in the expression of E-cadherin (2.8 ± 2.5) was found in metastatic tumours compared to the expression in non-metastatic tumours (3.2 ± 2.3). However, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.63). Conclusion We did not show significant differences in MMP-2, E-cadherin and Ki-67 expression between metastatic and non-metastatic tumours due to low number of cases studied, however further experiments are necessary to assess the role of these antigens in the process of canine mammary tumours metastasis.

Postmortem examination of a 43-yr-old male southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) revealed gross lesions and histopathologic findings consistent with endocarditis. The animal was born in Umfolozi National Park, South Africa, and then it was moved at 2 yr of age to two successive European zoologic collections. For several weeks prior to death, the animal was increasingly recumbent or assuming a dog-sitting position. Postmortem examination revealed cutaneous pressure sores and multiple rough nodular structures on the mitral valve and left ventricular endocardium. Histopathologic examination revealed vegetative endocarditis, myocardial and hepatocellular degeneration, hepatic fibrosis, and chronic nephritis. Bacterial culture from the oral cavity, trachea, lung, skin, and heart isolated beta hemolytic Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis and Streptococcus ovis. The cause of death was acute cardiopulmonary failure due mainly to endocarditis and moderate myocardial degeneration. Streptococcal infections are not uncommon causes of morbidity and mortality in rhinoceros. This is the first detailed report of streptococcal endocarditis in a rhinoceros.

The study aimed at immunohistochemical analysis of various markers of cell proliferation and comparison of the results with canine mast cell tumours grading systems according to the Patnaik and Kiupel. Tissue sections were stained using classical technique with haematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemical studies were performed with Ki-67, PCNA and MCM-3 antibodies. Additionally the mitotic index was assessed. Statistical analysis including rank correlation Spearman’s and ANOVA Friedman analysis was performed. The significance was set at p

Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of 45 canine mast cell tumours was performed to determine whether the proteins examined are useful for a more precise description of tumour morphology and a more reliable determination of the prognosis in patients. Tissue sections were stained according to the standard haematoxylin and eosin (HE) technique and with toluidine blue to demonstrate cytoplasmic granules. Immunohistochemical studies were performed, using the cell markers CD117 (c-kit), p16 and von Willebrand factor (FVIII). In CD117 three different staining patterns were observed: (1) membranous reaction, (2) intense staining of cytoplasm, and (3) a diffuse, delicate cytoplasmic reaction. Von Willebrand antibody was evaluated on the basis of the number of blood vessels stained. p16 expression was evaluated by scoring positive nuclear reaction. Positive expression was demonstrated for all examined antigens, but their level of expression differed depending on the grades of tumour malignancy. Statistical analysis of the results documented a pronounced positive correlation between the markers studied and the grade of tumour malignancy (P < 0.001). It was shown that each of the cell markers examined represents a useful prognostic indicator for patients with mast cell tumours. The calculated correlation coefficients demonstrate a strong association between the expressions of CD117, FVIII and p16, and the histological malignancy of a tumour.

Background Myocarditis is a disease caused by numerous etiological factors and characterized by a non-specific course. The only method allowing for precise characterization of inflammatory changes is the histopathological examination of heart muscle specimens. The study was conducted on heart muscle preparations from 11 dogs with ante-mortem diagnosis of cardiac disease. Animals presented with a poor response to an applied treatment or had suspected sudden cardiac death. The heart specimens were taken post-mortem, preserved and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Subsequently, the presence and intensity of changes, i.e. inflammatory infiltration, the amount of connective tissue and features of cardiomyocyte degeneration were estimated. The specimens from dogs suspected of having a myocarditis of bacteriological etiology underwent additional bacteriological and immunohistochemical examination. Results The examination revealed an inflammatory infiltration of variable intensity combined with the degenerative changes in all dogs. There were vegetative and abnormal cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in 6 dogs. A Staphylococcus aureus infection was confirmed in one dog and an acute coronary syndrome with neutrophil infiltration was revealed in another one. Conclusions Although the clinical pattern in patients with myocarditis is diverse, the definitive morphological diagnosis is made based on the histopathological examination. This examination can lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of myocarditis combined with the presence of spore forms of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the heart specimens of dogs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13620-014-0028-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.