Maia C, Farr M, Dowell S
… +2 more, Finnis T, Flint H
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42170887
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Tryptophan metabolites, such as serotonin and kynurenine, are neurotransmitters that play crucial roles in regulating mood, sleep, and various physiologic functions. We developed and validated a robust and sensitive meth...Tryptophan metabolites, such as serotonin and kynurenine, are neurotransmitters that play crucial roles in regulating mood, sleep, and various physiologic functions. We developed and validated a robust and sensitive method for the simultaneous quantification of serotonin (5-HT), kynurenine (KYN), and tryptophan (TRP), in feline and canine plasma using electrospray ionization liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-LC/MS/MS). Plasma samples underwent protein precipitation followed by chromatographic separation on a reversed-phase C18 column under isocratic elution. The method was validated, assessing linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, and matrix effects in both cat and dog plasma. The method had high sensitivity, with limits of detection of 0.2 ng/mL for 5-HT, 0.08 ng/mL for KYN, and 2.5 ng/mL for TRP, and limits of quantification of 0.35, 0.22, and 4.2 ng/mL, respectively. Calibration curves showed excellent linearity ( > 0.995) across biologically relevant concentration ranges. Intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were within acceptable limits (<15% relative SD). The method had good recovery and minimal matrix effects. The method was further applied to plasma samples from healthy dogs and cats to demonstrate its applicability to biological samples and to report analyte concentrations in clinically healthy animals. Our validated LC-MS/MS method enables precise and reliable quantification of 5-HT, KYN, and TRP in feline and canine plasma.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42163787
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An epizootic of equine viral arteritis (EVA) occurred over an 8-wk period in the summer of 1993 at a midwestern Thoroughbred (TB) racetrack that ceased operations in 2021. Based on clinical signs, viral isolation, and se...An epizootic of equine viral arteritis (EVA) occurred over an 8-wk period in the summer of 1993 at a midwestern Thoroughbred (TB) racetrack that ceased operations in 2021. Based on clinical signs, viral isolation, and serology, 223 horses (213 TBs, 10 lead ponies) were affected. Consistent clinical signs included fever (38.3-40.6°C; 101-105°F), depression, inappetence, and diffuse urticaria, including distal limb and preputial edema. Equine arteritis virus (EAV) was cultured from buffy coat samples from 24 of 28 acutely ill horses. Seventeen of 18 convalescent horses and 1 of 92 non-affected horses were EAV-positive on virus neutralization testing. Geldings (OR 2.08; < 0.001) and 2-y-olds (OR 2.33; < 0.001) were at greater risk than intact males and older horses, respectively. The source of infection was traced to 2 horses that earlier had been hospitalized for unrelated elective procedures at a nearby veterinary referral clinic. Initially, 2 of 33 barns were affected. Subsequent relocation of horses resulted in secondary spread to 7 additional barns of similar design. All EVA-affected barns were of one design; no EVA cases occurred in horses in barns with an older, better-ventilated design despite the transfer of horses from EVA-affected barns into those barns. Isolation of acute cases, restriction of movement of horses, and vaccination were combined effectively to halt the epizootic while permitting racing to continue. Thirty-nine cases developed despite EAV vaccination. Of 213 affected TBs, 58% returned to racing within 60 d of the last clinical case (1993 Aug 21).
Munster A, Høy-Petersen J, Davis MA
… +4 more, Tomke SA, Niedringhaus KD, Gagne RB, Gibison M
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42163590
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Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly transmissible, global prion disease of captive and wild cervids. The approved tests for the detection of the infectious CWD prion (PrP) are ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC),...Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly transmissible, global prion disease of captive and wild cervids. The approved tests for the detection of the infectious CWD prion (PrP) are ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC), but both have limitations and can yield discrepant results. ELISA requires a fresh or frozen medial retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN); IHC requires the RPLN to be formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded, thus requiring 2 different storage protocols. Real-time quaking-induced conversion (rtQuIC) is a sensitive amplification technique used commonly in research to detect prions. Here, we optimized a rtQuIC assay for CWD prion detection in formalin-fixed (FF) and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE) from white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania with various prion protein () genotypes. Our proposed protocol differs from other publications because it does not require hazardous solvents such as xylene. We found that FF RPLN samples can be tested by rtQuIC with up to 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and FFPE RPLN samples can be tested by rtQuIC with up to 98% sensitivity and 99% specificity for PrP detection. Our results are comparable to testing fresh or frozen tissue, and we did not find an effect of prion protein genotype on assay performance. This application of rtQuIC has the potential to improve surveillance and disease management in regions with limited access to cold storage and allow testing of RPLNs with discrepant PrP results when tissue of sufficient quality is unavailable.
Barrantes Murillo DF, Smith RC, Wahl E
… +5 more, Gagliardi R, Croce A, Peregrine AS, Moorhead AR, Duncan KT
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42157592
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A 7-y-old American Quarter Horse mare was presented to a veterinary hospital for ongoing reproductive monitoring and management of endometritis. During physical evaluation, several nodular lesions of unknown origin and d...A 7-y-old American Quarter Horse mare was presented to a veterinary hospital for ongoing reproductive monitoring and management of endometritis. During physical evaluation, several nodular lesions of unknown origin and duration were discovered in the mammae. Histologically, biopsies from the lesions were confirmed as severe granulomatous mastitis with intralesional rhabditid nematodes. A putative diagnosis of or infection was assigned, and ivermectin (1.2 mg/kg PO) treatment was given every 2 wk. When lesions persisted after the initial dose of ivermectin, PCR testing of and gene targets confirmed infection. Given the lack of response after 4 doses of ivermectin and the zoonotic concern, euthanasia was elected. Analysis of sediments of the skin tissues recovered eggs, larvae, and female nematodes with a blunt tail terminating in a mucro and the rhabditid esophagus of spp. Spread to the left inguinal lymph node was confirmed. sp. is a saprophytic nematode that has very rarely been reported as a cause of verminous mastitis in horses and in a single fatal case of meningoencephalitis in a human. Differentiation between , , and by histopathology alone is unreliable because of morphologic similarities; molecular identification should be pursued.
Holl W, Avila Martinez AA, Scully CM
… +3 more, Martinez DA, Carossino M, Del Piero F
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42157587
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Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; family , taxon species ) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that is endemic to the Western Hemisphere and well established in freshwater hardwood swamps. EEEV is environmentally maint...Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; family , taxon species ) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that is endemic to the Western Hemisphere and well established in freshwater hardwood swamps. EEEV is environmentally maintained through a mosquito-and-avian cycle, primarily by mosquitoes. Transmission to mammals, which are considered dead-end hosts, is well known and seasonal through or other bridging mosquito vectors. EEE is well described in horses and humans, with relatively few reports in ruminants. Information regarding infection and disease localization, and particularly disease in the caprine species, is even more sparse. Here, we describe a case of naturally occurring EEEV infection and disease in a 4.5-y-old American pygmy goat wether with neurologic abnormalities, confirmed postmortem by reverse-transcription real-time PCR testing and indirect immunohistochemistry. The histologic alterations were confined to the CNS and were moderate-to-marked, multifocal, lymphocytic polioencephalomyelitis and meningitis, with satellitosis, neuronal necrosis, neuronophagia, and glial nodules.
Rebollada-Merino A, Shallop SL, Durham MA
… +1 more, Demeter EA
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42136153
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Paratuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic infection caused by subsp. (MAP). The gold standard test for detection of MAP is culture, which requires 8-16 wk. We reviewed archived intestinal cases of goat PTB and performed RNA...Paratuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic infection caused by subsp. (MAP). The gold standard test for detection of MAP is culture, which requires 8-16 wk. We reviewed archived intestinal cases of goat PTB and performed RNA scope-based chromogenic pan-mycobacterial in situ hybridization (ISH) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue in 20 cases and 5 negative controls. Cases included 11 multibacillary and 9 paucibacillary infections, 2 of which had postmortem autolysis. At the time of diagnosis, we compared the results with ancillary testing (MAP culture and/or PCR testing of fresh tissues), Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, and pan- PCR testing of FFPE tissues. MAP had been confirmed in 9 of 10 cultured cases. MAP had been detected by PCR in fresh tissue in 7 of 7 cases. We detected spp. by PCR in FFPE tissue in 18 of 20 cases; the 2 negative cases had been confirmed at the time of diagnosis. We detected hybridization signal in 19 of 20 cases, including 8 of 9 paucibacillary cases, in 6 cases of which we did not detect bacilli by ZN; the case lacking hybridization signal had severe autolysis. We did not see hybridization signal in the negative controls. We found that ISH and PCR tests of FFPE tissues are more sensitive than ZN, can reduce turnaround time, and contribute to the diagnosis of PTB, especially when fresh tissue is unavailable for culture and PCR. Incorporation of ISH into an integrated diagnostic framework could aid in the confirmation of MAP infection.
Bagatella S, Kauer R, Polidori M
… +1 more, Oevermann A
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42136122
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Intracranial neoplasms are rare in cattle. Bovine ependymomas have been reported only sporadically, with limited morphologic descriptions and, to our knowledge, without immunohistochemical characterization. Here, we desc...Intracranial neoplasms are rare in cattle. Bovine ependymomas have been reported only sporadically, with limited morphologic descriptions and, to our knowledge, without immunohistochemical characterization. Here, we describe the gross, histologic, and immunophenotypic features of a papillary ependymoma in the brain of a 7.5-y-old cow that was a bovine spongiform encephalopathy suspect. Grossly, a large, intraparenchymal, well-demarcated mass occupied the left cerebral hemisphere, extending from the frontal to the occipital lobe and communicating with the left lateral ventricle. Histologically, the neoplasm was composed of elongated-to-columnar cells arranged predominantly in perivascular pseudorosettes with prominent papillary architecture. Immunohistochemically, >95% of neoplastic cells had strong cytoplasmic glial fibrillary acidic protein immunolabeling, which was accentuated in perivascular processes; ~20% of neoplastic cells were also immunolabeled for vimentin. Neoplastic cells lacked immunolabeling for pan-cytokeratin, S100, oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2, NeuN, synaptophysin, and E-cadherin. The combined morphologic and immunophenotypic findings supported a diagnosis of papillary ependymoma and excluded morphologic mimics.
Peters H, Kaspers L, Brangsch H
… +7 more, Liebler-Tenorio EM, Bunzenthal C, Kühling AK, Kuczka A, Golestan M, Seifert S, Barth SA
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42136114
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Infections with can lead to clinical tuberculosis in many mammals. Here, we describe infections in 4 of 7 cats from 1 household in Germany. These cats had respiratory disorders at intervals of several months. Two of 4...Infections with can lead to clinical tuberculosis in many mammals. Here, we describe infections in 4 of 7 cats from 1 household in Germany. These cats had respiratory disorders at intervals of several months. Two of 4 euthanized animals (cats 3 and 4) were submitted for postmortem examination; lungs failed to collapse and were firm in both cats. In cat 4, a severely enlarged pulmonary lymph node was found, as well as small white granulomas in the spleen, liver, and kidney. Bacterial cultivation identified spoligotype SB0120 as the causative pathogen in cats 3 and 4. Molecular genetic fine typing revealed that this genotype had not been reported previously in animals or humans in Germany. Serum from cat 4 shortly before euthanasia, and from cats 5-7, were tested for TB-specific antibodies by ELISA. Cat 4 was strongly positive. In contrast, cats 5-7 were negative and remained negative 4 mo later. Based on our case series, tuberculosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in pet animals, even in countries that are officially free of the disease. A lack of awareness about tuberculosis could increase the risk of zoonotic infections with -for both owners and other animals living in affected households.
Casagrande G, Flores RS, Bossardi M
… +3 more, Streck AF, Trindade-Gerardi AB, Theodoro H
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42136113
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Canine chronic enteropathy (CCE) includes persistent gastrointestinal disorders that may be associated with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. We evaluated the correlation between clinical severity of CCE and the presence...Canine chronic enteropathy (CCE) includes persistent gastrointestinal disorders that may be associated with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. We evaluated the correlation between clinical severity of CCE and the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing in dogs with CCE. We assessed 64 dogs using the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) and analyzed rectal swabs for and ESBL detection. was isolated from 28 dogs (44%), with ESBL-positive strains identified in 8 (12%). All ESBL-positive cases had severe clinical scores (CCECAI ≥ 9), with a strong association between ESBL phenotype and disease severity ( < 0.001). These multidrug-resistant isolates remained susceptible to imipenem. Histologic findings confirmed marked intestinal inflammation in ESBL-positive cases. No age or sex association was observed. Our results emphasize the clinical relevance of ESBL-producing in severe CCE and support the inclusion of microbial profiling in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Piñeyro PE, Burrough ER, Almeida M
… +2 more, Radke SL, Siepker C
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42116569
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Interstitial pneumonia in swine is an important respiratory condition in which inflammation and thickening of the pulmonary interstitium result in impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress. The multifactorial etiolo...Interstitial pneumonia in swine is an important respiratory condition in which inflammation and thickening of the pulmonary interstitium result in impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress. The multifactorial etiology of the disease includes viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens, as well as environmental or toxic insults. Clinical signs range from acute respiratory distress and fever to chronic weight loss and reduced growth performance, contributing to economic losses due to decreased productivity and increased mortality. Pathogenesis typically begins with a primary insult, commonly viral infection, septicemia, parasitic migration, or toxic exposure, triggering inflammation and immune cell infiltration within the lung parenchyma. This process may progress to alveolar septal thickening and impaired pulmonary function. Gross lesions vary depending on the etiologic agent and chronicity, ranging from rubbery-to-firm lungs that appear bright-red to tan with a patchy, lobular, or diffuse distribution. Histologically, lesions include interstitial septal thickening, mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia. Several infectious agents are associated with interstitial pneumonia. Viral pathogens such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine circovirus 2, swine influenza A virus, porcine parainfluenza virus, porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus, and porcine astrovirus 4 may induce interstitial or bronchointerstitial pneumonia. Bacterial pathogens such as , , , and , and parasites including and spp., may contribute through septicemia or larval migration. Accurate diagnosis requires integration of gross and histopathologic findings with ancillary techniques such as PCR, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42116562
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Histiocytic sarcoma (HS)-an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy originating from dendritic cells or cells of the macrophage lineage with gross and histologic features that overlap with other neoplasms in laboratory roden...Histiocytic sarcoma (HS)-an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy originating from dendritic cells or cells of the macrophage lineage with gross and histologic features that overlap with other neoplasms in laboratory rodents-is a diagnostic challenge in exotic species. HS has not been reported previously in the Brazilian red-rumped agouti (), to our knowledge. Here, we describe a case of an agouti in which the primary differential diagnosis, based on its location and gross appearance, was chemodectoma. Although the mass grossly resembled a neuroendocrine tumor, histologic and immunohistochemical findings confirmed HS, with variable immunoreactivity for IBA1, CD204, MHC II, and CD163, and no immunolabeling by neuroendocrine and endothelial cell markers. Our case highlights the diagnostic challenges of cranial mediastinal tumors in exotic animals-emphasizing the value of integrating gross, histologic, and immunohistochemical data in the evaluation of thoracic neoplasia and the utility of comparative pathology in exotic species with minimal data available.
Maeda K, Kusumoto K, Takanosu M
… +5 more, Kagawa Y, Kawasaki N, Kakizaki T, Iwai S, Okano S
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 42043308
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A 5-y-old Holland Lop rabbit, initially presumed male based on a small penis-like structure and pet store information, became anorexic and lethargic. Imaging revealed a large caudal abdominal mass distinct from the urina...A 5-y-old Holland Lop rabbit, initially presumed male based on a small penis-like structure and pet store information, became anorexic and lethargic. Imaging revealed a large caudal abdominal mass distinct from the urinary bladder and rectum. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the mass was associated with uterine-like structures, which were excised. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with a malignant paramesonephric (Müllerian) tumor. PCR analysis of Y-linked genes (, , ) found none of these genetic markers, suggesting the rabbit was genetically female. No gonadal structures were identified on imaging or at surgery. Despite initial postoperative improvement, the rabbit died 2 wk later as a result of severe rhinitis. This rare case highlights the challenges of identifying reproductive tumors in rabbits, especially when sex is misidentified, and emphasizes the importance of accurate clinical and genetic sex determination for early detection, intervention, and preventive care.
Miller LR, Harley SK, Pollock IL
… +2 more, Amerman HK, Sobotyk C
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 42015729
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Here, we report a case of proliferative sparganosis caused by sp. 3 infection in a domestic dog in Pennsylvania, USA. Proliferative sparganosis is an unusual and often fatal condition caused by the multiplication of the...Here, we report a case of proliferative sparganosis caused by sp. 3 infection in a domestic dog in Pennsylvania, USA. Proliferative sparganosis is an unusual and often fatal condition caused by the multiplication of the larval cestode stage, spp., within various organs and tissues of intermediate hosts, including humans, dogs, and cats. Although domestic dogs and cats are often definitive hosts of spp., they can also act as paratenic or second intermediate hosts. These animals may develop high parasite burdens within muscle, connective tissue, or visceral organs after ingesting the cestode plerocercoid larvae through predation, scavenging, or contaminated water or food. As a zoonotic agent with potentially devastating consequences, accurate species identification through molecular and phylogenetic analysis is imperative for a better understanding of the genus and other poorly understood parasites.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 42003239
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Two immunocompetent dogs from separate households were presented to a tertiary referral hospital with soft tissue wounds attributable to severe bacterial infection. A 5-y-old, castrated male Golden Retriever dog (case 1)...Two immunocompetent dogs from separate households were presented to a tertiary referral hospital with soft tissue wounds attributable to severe bacterial infection. A 5-y-old, castrated male Golden Retriever dog (case 1) was presented with extensive hemorrhagic cellulitis of the forelimbs and neck that developed over 48-h and was attributable to infection. Additionally, an 8-y-old, spayed female Labrador Retriever-mix dog (case 2) sustained a deep penetrating wound over the left hip that progressed over 24 h to necrotizing fasciitis, from which was isolated. Histopathologic findings in both cases included severe acute, skeletal muscle necrosis and necrosuppurative myofasciitis, dermatitis, and panniculitis with intralesional rod-shaped bacteria. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the bacterial isolates revealed numerous cytolytic toxins and other virulence genes carried by the isolates, expanding the profile of these 2 bacteria. To our knowledge, canine cases of and associated with necrotizing fasciitis have not been reported previously. In both cases, progression from an inciting incident to septic disease was extremely rapid, occurring within 48 h in case 1 and 24 h in case 2, underscoring the fulminant nature of necrotizing fasciitis.
Resendiz-Pozos RA, Cornish T, Macías-Rioseco M
… +4 more, Soper M, Lapham-Simpson C, Siegrist A, Ochoa J
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 42003132
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Here, we detail the pathology findings in a hooded pitta (), a beautiful fruit dove (), and a golden-crested myna (), all housed together in a mixed-species aviary at a zoo in central California that experienced mortalit...Here, we detail the pathology findings in a hooded pitta (), a beautiful fruit dove (), and a golden-crested myna (), all housed together in a mixed-species aviary at a zoo in central California that experienced mortalities over 3 mo. was identified as the primary pathogen, responsible for necrotizing heterophilic and histiocytic hepatitis, splenitis, pneumonia, nephritis, myositis, myocarditis, and enteritis. We also share the results of a field investigation to identify the source(s) of infection in the aviary; no bacteria were detected in samples of water, soil, feces, earthworms, earwigs, or organs from mice and fox squirrels, leading to the suspicion that the hooded pitta was a carrier. The zoo's veterinary team implemented control measures, including an 11-mo quarantine and the acquisition of birds before the cold, rainy season, allowing them to acclimate safely. No new cases of yersiniosis occurred at the aviary in the year following the outbreak.
Lawhon SD, Cummings KJ, Wu J
… +30 more, Yang CY, Whipple N, Prarat Koscielny M, Lindemann S, Kiener S, Kmet M, Reddy R, Goodman LB, Franklin-Guild RJ, Sams K, Cronk B, Cui J, Lawrence K, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Ensley S, Olsen K, Tomaszewski J, Shen Z, Zhang S, Dasgupta S, Mann S, Patil A, Thakur S, Rankin SC, Ruesch L, Garcia-Fernandez N, Guag J, Nemser SM, Reimschuessel R
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41983274
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is a leading cause of human foodborne illness, and pet dogs can be a source of infection. Despite recognition of this zoonotic potential, tests for detection of are not performed routinely in dogs. We compared bacterial...is a leading cause of human foodborne illness, and pet dogs can be a source of infection. Despite recognition of this zoonotic potential, tests for detection of are not performed routinely in dogs. We compared bacterial culture and molecular methods for the detection of directly from canine feces and from Bolton enrichment broth inoculated with feces in a multi-laboratory randomized-method test. Although culture offers the advantage of collection of isolates for further epidemiologic study, real-time PCR (rtPCR) to detect from DNA isolated directly from canine feces was more sensitive than culture and more accurate than rtPCR using DNA isolated from enrichment cultures. The limit of detection for our rtPCR was 320 cfu/g.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41983267
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An unprecedented increase in the number and the size of yellow mealworm beetle () farms in North America and Europe has been driven, among other factors, by the demand for sustainable proteins. Insect farming offers ecol...An unprecedented increase in the number and the size of yellow mealworm beetle () farms in North America and Europe has been driven, among other factors, by the demand for sustainable proteins. Insect farming offers ecologic advantages, including lower land and water use and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. As in conventional livestock farming, veterinarians are essential to maintain insect health because disease outbreaks can reduce productivity, compromise animal welfare, and cause monetary loss. Yet, the role of veterinary diagnosticians remains limited in this emerging sector because of the lack of standardized diagnostic tools and anatomic references. The autopsy of an invertebrate is a valuable tool that can, just as in any other species, serve to determine the cause of death, identify underlying disease processes, and guide herd health management. However, performing beetle autopsies is technically challenging given their small size, rigid exoskeleton, and fragile internal organs. Here, we offer an illustrated, step-by-step dissection protocol for adult using standard laboratory equipment. Our method emphasizes an aqueous immersion approach that preserves tissue integrity, enhances visibility, and yields consistent results. We describe the abdominal anatomy of both sexes, including the digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems. Structures include 6 testicular follicles, bean-shaped accessory glands, and a spermathecal gland in females that exceeds the spermatheca in size. The abdominal nerve cord comprises 7 metameric ganglia, with caudal fusion.
Krückemeier S, Fernandez-Prada C, Benoit-Biancamano MO
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41954332
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spp. are parasitic nematodes with a worldwide distribution that infect mammals, birds, and reptiles. is composed of at least 13 taxa; the latest taxon, T13, was identified in wolverines in northwestern Canada in 2020....spp. are parasitic nematodes with a worldwide distribution that infect mammals, birds, and reptiles. is composed of at least 13 taxa; the latest taxon, T13, was identified in wolverines in northwestern Canada in 2020. is of public health importance because trichinellosis (trichinosis) is a zoonosis transmitted by eating undercooked meat from wild or domestic animals. In Canada, wild game species are the main source of infection; outbreaks in people originate almost exclusively from consumption of bear and walrus meat. Black bears (), with a population of ~70,000 individuals, are widespread in Quebec; they are a commonly hunted species and a potential source of infection. To estimate the incidence of this parasite in the black bear population, we collected 250 tongue samples from 14 different Quebec regions. A single sample from a female black bear from the Côte-Nord region was positive, resulting in an estimated prevalence of 0.4% (95% CI [0.01, 2.21]). The larval content of >5 larvae/g in this sample was 5 times the minimal infectious dose for humans. Hence, although the prevalence of spp. in our survey of black bears in Quebec was relatively low, clinical manifestation in humans is likely to occur when eating meat from such an infected animal, underscoring the need to follow the recommended cooking practices before consuming bear meat.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41954236
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Autopsy of a 16-y-old, castrated male Pomeranian dog revealed an incidental, friable, tan mass attached to the base of the skull. The mass stretched from the sella turcica to the foramen magnum, anatomically correspondin...Autopsy of a 16-y-old, castrated male Pomeranian dog revealed an incidental, friable, tan mass attached to the base of the skull. The mass stretched from the sella turcica to the foramen magnum, anatomically corresponding to the clivus. The mass neither firmly adhered to the cranium nor the medulla oblongata. No associated neurologic signs had been observed. Histologically, the mass had nests of round cells and islands of immature chondroid matrix. At the periphery of the chondroid matrix, physaliphorous cells with hyperchromatic nuclei were identified. Histochemical (von Kossa, Watanabe silver, Verhoeff-Van Gieson, and Masson trichrome stains; periodic acid-Schiff reaction) and immunohistochemistry (IHC; MUM1, CD3, CD20, IBA1, Ki67, S100, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, E-cadherin, vimentin, brachyury) procedures were performed. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, E-cadherin, vimentin, S100, and brachyury, and negative for MUM1, CD3, CD20, IBA1, and Ki67, supporting a diagnosis of chordoma. Our case highlights the potential for diverse morphology in chordomas and emphasizes the utility of an IHC panel, including anti-brachyury antibody, to aid in diagnosis. Our case also demonstrates the importance of evaluating the clivus during postmortem CNS examination.
Beecroft M, Fefer G, Patterson W
… +2 more, Troan B, Velez-Contreras R
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41952282
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A 7-y-old, castrated male Standard Poodle was presented to the North Carolina State University Small Animal Neurology Service (Raleigh, NC, USA) with a 2-wk history of progressive neurologic signs, including inappropriat...A 7-y-old, castrated male Standard Poodle was presented to the North Carolina State University Small Animal Neurology Service (Raleigh, NC, USA) with a 2-wk history of progressive neurologic signs, including inappropriate mentation, ataxia, seizures, hyporexia, and nasal discharge. Neurologic examination indicated a forebrain lesion, and MRI revealed a large, contrast-enhancing mass centered at the right cribriform plate, extending into the cranial vault and causing brain compression. CSF analysis showed neutrophilic pleocytosis with neoplastic epithelial cells. Because of further clinical deterioration, the patient was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a large nasal mass extending into the brain and right orbit, with infiltration into the right olfactory lobe. Histologically, the mass was identified as an undifferentiated carcinoma with metastases along the leptomeninges as far caudal as the L3-L4 segment of the spinal cord. Nasal origin was supported by strong pan-cytokeratin and E-cadherin positivity and negative staining to synaptophysin, neural-specific enolase, S100, and CD18; partial positivity to vimentin suggested epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in portions of the neoplasm. These findings confirmed leptomeningeal carcinomatosis secondary to the primary nasal carcinoma.