Mwakibete L, Hoarau AOG, Ahyong V
… +10 more, Waltari E, Bender SJ, Davison S, Niedringhaus KD, Gibison ML, Gagne RB, Miller EA, Murphy LA, Kistler AL, Tato CM
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41685543
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Investigations of wildlife diseases and mortality events can sometimes lead to inconclusive results because of limitations in testing combined with an ever-increasing number of emerging viruses. The use of tools such as...Investigations of wildlife diseases and mortality events can sometimes lead to inconclusive results because of limitations in testing combined with an ever-increasing number of emerging viruses. The use of tools such as unbiased metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can facilitate the identification of causative agents when conventional investigation methods fail. We performed a retrospective mNGS analysis on RNA isolated from postmortem samples collected during a mortality event in free-ranging, wild black vultures () that occurred in eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey in 2020. We describe the discovery and identification of a novel species of bandavirus (family ) in case specimens from this die-off, as well as some of the associated pathology findings. The genus comprises tickborne viral species that have been reported across 5 continents. These viruses have been implicated in outbreaks in a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans, and in avian species, making them important potential sources of zoonotic spillover events. Genomic and phylogenetic analyses of the bandavirus that we detected indicate that its closest relative is Hunter Island virus, a bandavirus previously implicated in albatross mortality events off the coast of Tasmania, Australia. Follow-up PCR testing of samples from 16 additional vultures from the same cohort indicate that this new bandavirus was the likely cause of death.
Righter DJ, Howey EB, Siepker CL
… +10 more, Burrough ER, Magstadt DR, Mainenti M, Fears A, Lehmkuhl AD, Murphy G, Lehman K, Torchetti MK, Robbe-Austerman S, Schmidt CE
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41685536
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Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus was identified in 4 cull dairy cows condemned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of pneumonia with accompanying systemic changes. Histologi...Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus was identified in 4 cull dairy cows condemned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of pneumonia with accompanying systemic changes. Histologic findings were bronchopneumonia in 3 cows and embolic pneumonia and nephritis in 1 cow. In addition to detection of HPAI A(H5N1) virus by reverse-transcription real-time PCR in various formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, influenza A virus was detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in the pulmonary respiratory epithelium of 2 of the cows with bronchopneumonia and in renal medullary tubules of the cow with nephritis. A PCR panel screening for common bovine respiratory pathogens in the cows with bronchopneumonia revealed variable coinfections with , , , , and bovine coronavirus. We describe the distribution of HPAI A(H5N1) virus in naturally infected cows while highlighting the need for research on the roles of coinfection and immune response in influenza viral replication.
Nakagun S, Gonzalez Vera CG, Ysrael M
… +1 more, Moore CE
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41685534
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A wild, male American crow () nestling found dead in a pond in San Diego, CA, USA, was submitted for postmortem examination. Autopsy revealed that the chick was markedly underweight for the presumed age with no grossly a...A wild, male American crow () nestling found dead in a pond in San Diego, CA, USA, was submitted for postmortem examination. Autopsy revealed that the chick was markedly underweight for the presumed age with no grossly appreciable fat stores. The primary histologic finding was lymphocytic vasculitis throughout the cerebrum and optic tectum, with lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalitis. The areas of inflammation were consistently associated with myriad, argyrophilic, curved bacilli with a characteristic "seagull" morphology. Additional significant findings included severe unilateral heterophilic and lymphohistiocytic pectoral myositis, with similar intralesional bacilli, and evidence of sepsis based on pancarditis, multifocal random hepatitis, and bilateral orchitis. Using conventional PCR and third-generation sequencing, the bacteria in the brain were identified as most closely related to , a recently described species of . Our finding of a novel pathogen inducing encephalitis and sepsis in a wild bird highlights the utility of advanced molecular techniques in diagnostic pathology.
Giannino D, Peters-Kennedy J, Lejeune M
… +2 more, Shearer L, Jager M
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41685531
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We describe a 3-y-old Standard Poodle that was fed a raw elk-meat diet and developed anorexia, icterus, and markedly elevated liver enzyme activities. Histopathology of the pancreatic and liver biopsy specimens revealed...We describe a 3-y-old Standard Poodle that was fed a raw elk-meat diet and developed anorexia, icterus, and markedly elevated liver enzyme activities. Histopathology of the pancreatic and liver biopsy specimens revealed lymphohistiocytic pancreatitis and hepatitis with intraepithelial protozoa. Histologically, spp. are indistinguishable from Therefore, we employed PCR and amplicon sequencing to further investigate our case. Amplification and sequencing of the ITS1 marker matched 100% with . Intrapancreatic involvement and the histopathologic features of hepatic and pancreatic infection have not been reported previously in dogs, to our knowledge. is a coccidian organism with an obligatory 2-host life cycle. The definitive hosts are dogs and coyotes; the intermediate hosts are mostly ruminants, including cervids. Ingesting tissue cysts within the skeletal muscle of the intermediate hosts leads to infection in the definitive hosts. has been considered clinically inconsequential; however, increasing reports note gastrointestinal and hepatic disease in dogs associated with this organism, and is considered an emerging pathogen in dogs. Infection in our case was associated with ingestion of raw cervid meat; cases of infection are invariably linked to ingestion of raw-meat diets.
Viner TC, Dirks D, Straughan DJ
… +1 more, Hauck T
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41685518
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Altered carcasses present a diagnostic challenge to veterinary pathologists. Autolysis and putrefaction may render organs unrecognizable, and scavenging by vertebrates and insects may remove organs entirely. Sampling for...Altered carcasses present a diagnostic challenge to veterinary pathologists. Autolysis and putrefaction may render organs unrecognizable, and scavenging by vertebrates and insects may remove organs entirely. Sampling for viral or bacterial testing is greatly hindered and determination of an infectious cause of death is nearly impossible. An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in California condors in the spring of 2023 offered an opportunity to explore the utility of blow fly larvae (maggots) as an alternative test sample. An 18-y-old male condor that died during the outbreak could not be accessed and sent for necropsy for ~16 d. At the time of retrieval, numerous third-instar fly larvae were associated with the body. HPAI A(H5N1) virus was detected in the spleen of the condor, with a Ct value of 15.7. A group of fly larvae collected from the bird at postmortem examination and stored frozen was also HPAI A(H5N1) virus-positive, with a Ct of 32. Blow fly larvae may be an acceptable alternative sample if ideal tissues are not available. Caution should be exercised in interpreting negative values, however, because the virus may be transient in larvae and other fly life stages.
Brun F, Pertuis M, Cochet-Faivre N
… +1 more, Reyes-Gomez E
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41655195
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An accessory tragus-a congenital malformation of part of the external ear-is an abnormal appendage developed from the first pharyngeal (or branchial) arch. In humans, an accessory tragus can be associated with other abno...An accessory tragus-a congenital malformation of part of the external ear-is an abnormal appendage developed from the first pharyngeal (or branchial) arch. In humans, an accessory tragus can be associated with other abnormalities as part of congenital malformative syndromes, most of which are transmitted in an autosomal dominant mode. Three cutaneous exophytic lesions were detected in the right preauricular region of a 2.5-y-old, castrated male European shorthair cat. Two of these lesions were submitted for histologic examination and were diagnosed as accessory tragi. They consisted of a vertical axis of loose collagenous tissue with hair follicles and sebaceous glands covered by a simple fold of epidermis. The epidermis was of normal thickness and slightly hyperpigmented. Only the pretragal lesion contained a central core of well-differentiated elastic cartilage. To our knowledge, accessory tragus has not been reported previously in cats and has been reported only once in veterinary medicine, in a dog with a solitary unilateral lesion. For pathologists, the diagnosis of this rare lesion may not be straightforward, especially if the cartilaginous core is absent or the location of the sample is unknown.
Hailmann R, Bergmann M, Hartmann K
… +4 more, Kämpfle M, Carstens S, Zablotski Y, Weber K
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41655194
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Canine leishmaniosis is a widespread, potentially fatal disease caused by infection with . We evaluated 5 commercial point-of-care tests (POCTs) for the detection of antibodies in dog sera and compared their performance...Canine leishmaniosis is a widespread, potentially fatal disease caused by infection with . We evaluated 5 commercial point-of-care tests (POCTs) for the detection of antibodies in dog sera and compared their performance with the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) as the reference method. We tested serum samples from 160 dogs that either had lived in or traveled to leishmaniosis-endemic areas using the following immunochromatography POCTs: the trüRapid Leish (Biotech), FASTest Leish (Megacor), Ab (Bionote), and Uranotest 2.0 and 3.0 (Uranovet). Practicality, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were determined. The prevalence of antibodies in all dogs was 28.1% as determined by IFA. The highest sensitivity among POCTs was achieved by the Ab and the Uranotest 2.0 (88.9%), followed by the trüRapid Leish (86.4%), the Uranotest 3.0 (84.4%), and the FASTest Leish (48.9%). The highest specificity was achieved by the FASTest Leish (100%) followed by the Ab (98.3%), the trüRapid Leish (96.5%), the Uranotest 3.0 (94.8%), and the Uranotest 2.0 (90.4%). Given its comparatively high sensitivity and specificity, the Ab may be considered for screening dogs from endemic areas and for confirming infection in clinical dogs.
Mendes RE, Summers BA, Laovechprasit W
… +1 more, Rissi DR
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41655192
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Reactive proliferative vascular disorders of the CNS are poorly documented in veterinary medicine. Here, we describe widespread CNS hemangiomatosis in a 1-y-old female donkey with weakness, recumbency, and lifelong unthr...Reactive proliferative vascular disorders of the CNS are poorly documented in veterinary medicine. Here, we describe widespread CNS hemangiomatosis in a 1-y-old female donkey with weakness, recumbency, and lifelong unthriftiness. Elevated serum creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were consistent with skeletal muscle injury attributed to prolonged recumbency. Despite supportive care, the donkey remained unable to stand and was euthanized 5 d after presentation. Gross findings consisted of poor body condition and multiple gastric ulcers. Histologically, clusters of sometimes tortuous, redundant leptomeningeal and neuroparenchymal capillaries and small- to medium-sized arterioles and venules were present throughout the CNS. These changes were more pronounced in the spinal cord and cerebellum. Immunohistochemistry highlighted these vascular proliferations, with membranous labeling of endothelial cells for CD31 and cytoplasmic labeling for factor VIII-related antigen. Vascular myocytes had cytoplasmic labeling for smooth muscle actin. Although CNS development appeared undisturbed, other neuroparenchymal changes included Purkinje cell degeneration and necrosis with dendritic and axonal swelling and gliosis; white matter vacuolation and microgliosis (with occasional early, mildly vacuolated macrophages) of the ventral funiculi and the dorsal portion of the lateral spinal cord, cerebellum, and cerebrum; and white and gray matter vacuolation and gliosis of the thalamus and brainstem. Inflammatory cells within these areas had cytoplasmic labeling for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1. Moderate-to-severe skeletal muscle degeneration, atrophy, and fibrosis affected the dorsal sacrocaudal muscle. Our findings are consistent with congenital, widespread CNS hemangiomatosis.
Jumper TM, Thoresen M, King EH
… +3 more, Loy DS, Loy JD, Smith DR
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41653017
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infection can cause reproductive losses and subsequent economic losses in cow-calf herds. Our objective was to determine if 0.9% sterile saline (saline) was noninferior to PBS as a transport medium for reverse-transcrip...infection can cause reproductive losses and subsequent economic losses in cow-calf herds. Our objective was to determine if 0.9% sterile saline (saline) was noninferior to PBS as a transport medium for reverse-transcription real-time PCR (RT-rtPCR) testing. Transport tubes were prepared with either 1.6 mL of PBS with preputial washing ( = 30) or 1.6 mL of saline with preputial washing ( = 30) and inoculated at 3 different concentrations of organisms (high = 100 org/100 µL; moderate = 10 org/100 µL; low = 1 org/100 µL) for a total volume of 1.7 mL/tube. Samples were submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for RT-rtPCR analysis. The effect of concentration and medium on mean Ct values was tested using linear regression. Normalized means were used to conduct a noninferiority -test, with a noninferiority margin of 1 Ct. For all analyses, α = 0.05. Mean Ct values (high = 18.5; moderate = 22.7; low = 30.4) differed by concentration ( <0.0001), whereas medium ( = 0.67) and the interaction of medium and concentration ( = 0.87) were not significant. The normalized mean Ct for PBS was 22.6 (min = 16.2; max = 27.0), and for saline was 22.8 (min = 20.9; max = 26.4). The normalized mean Ct of saline was noninferior to PBS ( = 0.037). The use of saline as a transport medium for RT-rtPCR should not affect Ct results.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41653013
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African horse sickness (AHS) is the only equine disease for which the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) gives official disease-free status, given that it poses a major threat to the equine industry. The disease...African horse sickness (AHS) is the only equine disease for which the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) gives official disease-free status, given that it poses a major threat to the equine industry. The disease is caused by AHS virus (AHSV; family , taxon species ), which is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is a rapid, sensitive detection method used in the diagnosis of AHS and the certification of animals as negative for AHSV for the purpose of movement. Genetic variability of AHSV may influence the accuracy of RT-qPCR detection methods because of possible mispriming and/or probe binding failures. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the current WOAH-recommended RT-qPCR assays for the detection of AHSV, namely the Agüero et al. and Guthrie et al. methods. Utilizing 150 AHSV-positive diagnostic samples, we performed in vitro analysis using both assays. The Agüero assay failed to detect AHSV in 13 samples (8.7% false-negative rate). The AHSV VP7 genes of the 13 negative samples, and publicly archived sequences were used to perform in silico analysis, and we incorporated minor changes into the primers and probes of modified Guthrie and modified Agüero assays. A second in vitro analysis yielded 100% sensitivity for both assays. Differences in both the in silico and in vitro analyses highlight the need for continuous monitoring of the efficacy of molecular protocols used for the detection of AHSV.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41653000
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) describes a severe, progressive, and ultimately fatal end-stage lung disorder in dogs and cats. The term was coined in dogs and cats for 2 reasons: 1) the cause of the fibrosis at the...Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) describes a severe, progressive, and ultimately fatal end-stage lung disorder in dogs and cats. The term was coined in dogs and cats for 2 reasons: 1) the cause of the fibrosis at the time of diagnosis was unknown (i.e., presumed idiopathic); and 2) the condition was believed to resemble human IPF, the most common type of progressive fibrotic lung disease in people. However, pulmonary fibrosis in dogs and cats is not a single homogeneous disorder, does not consistently resemble all histologic features of human IPF, and is rarely exhaustively evaluated for an underlying cause. Fibrosis is a response to injury, and knowledge of the type of injury has critical implications for disease management, especially if identified before end-stage lesions occur. We offer an approach to a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including clinical, imaging, laboratory, and pathology data, which sets the stage for multidisciplinary discussions. Given that thoracic computed tomography (CT) is increasingly utilized to identify features compatible with pulmonary fibrosis in dogs and cats, we describe these CT patterns and their pitfalls. Diagnostic respiratory evaluations should investigate possible inciting causes, provide information about disease extent and severity, and identify comorbid disorders. Such evaluations will allow optimized therapy, including avoiding treatments that may have adverse effects or be overtly harmful. Importantly, although end-stage fibrotic lungs currently have no viable treatment, early recognition of known triggers of fibrosis could ultimately enable novel targeted therapy while there is still time to alter the clinical course.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41612792
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The pulmonary consequences of congestive heart failure in domestic animals, particularly from clinical and gross morphologic perspectives, have been described. However, the full spectrum of mechanistic and microscopic al...The pulmonary consequences of congestive heart failure in domestic animals, particularly from clinical and gross morphologic perspectives, have been described. However, the full spectrum of mechanistic and microscopic alterations, especially at the molecular and cellular levels, remains less well integrated in the context of veterinary pathology. We examine the pathogenesis and consequences of pulmonary hypertension secondary to left heart failure, in which chronic elevation of hydrostatic pressure triggers complex molecular, physiologic, and morphologic responses. These include the epithelial and endothelial stress response, molecular signaling, and interstitial remodeling. Although pulmonary edema is often referred to as the ultimate consequence of pulmonary venous hypertension, other critical yet underappreciated aspects also exist, such as pulmonary remodeling. We also explore the molecular mechanisms that can be activated during venous hypertension, offering a framework for understanding the continuum from reversible congestion to irreversible parenchymal injury. Describing the physiologic and morphologic patterns associated with cardiogenic lung disease not only enhances diagnostic precision, but also promotes a shared vocabulary for use among pathologists, clinicians, and cardiologists.
Lehman KA, Leibsle SR, Detwiler L
… +6 more, Gaborick C, McCoy-Harrison L, Snekvik K, Lantz K, Torchetti MK, Robbe-Austerman S
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41612781
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Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype 3.13, was first confirmed in dairy cattle in March 2024 in a Texas dairy herd and has since spread to other states, likely via movement of...Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype 3.13, was first confirmed in dairy cattle in March 2024 in a Texas dairy herd and has since spread to other states, likely via movement of subclinically affected cattle. On 2024 May 5, a backyard poultry farm in Idaho reported sick and dying chickens. This pasture-based farm included 1,100 chickens, 32 ducks, 18 alpacas, 13 yaks, 3 cats, 3 dogs, 1 llama, and 1 goat. Most animals had direct access to a pond filled by the stream bordering the property. Additional dairy premises in the same county had been confirmed with HPAI during the same timeframe. The poultry were depopulated on May 10, the same day the first alpaca abortion was observed. Overall, 4 abortions occurred among the alpacas. In one of the abortions, HPAI A(H5N1) virus was isolated from fetal tissues. Additional testing documented seroconversion in several alpacas and detection of HPAI A(H5N1) virus in milk from an alpaca with a cria. To our knowledge, HPAI A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, has not been reported previously in alpacas.
Rodriguez CL, Fowler K, Lahmers K
… +5 more, Todd M, Parker RL, Uzal FA, Asin J, Carvallo-Chaigneau FR
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41612780
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A 4-y-old, male English Mastiff with a history of inflammatory neuromuscular disease developed progressive tetraparesis, ataxia, and severe temporal muscle atrophy, culminating in non-ambulatory status and euthanasia. Th...A 4-y-old, male English Mastiff with a history of inflammatory neuromuscular disease developed progressive tetraparesis, ataxia, and severe temporal muscle atrophy, culminating in non-ambulatory status and euthanasia. The autopsy revealed diffuse muscle atrophy and pale pulmonary nodules. Histologically, polyphasic myositis was evident, with apicomplexan organisms within skeletal muscle myofibers. Encephalomyelitis, myocarditis, and hepatitis with protozoal cysts and tachyzoites also were observed. Immunohistochemistry of brain tissue was strongly positive for and , but PCR testing confirmed and excluded , establishing a diagnosis of disseminated neosporosis. Despite extensive tissue involvement, antibody titers were below the diagnostic cutoff. Our case highlights that non-positive serologic results do not exclude neosporosis in clinically compatible cases, particularly in dogs undergoing corticoid therapy, and underscores the diagnostic value of histopathology with confirmatory molecular testing for definitive diagnosis.
Acevedo HD, Beeler E, Crossley B
… +5 more, Armién AG, Henderson EE, Asin J, Middleton J, Uzal FA
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41612773
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A panzootic caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, has affected many animal species around the world since 2021. In March 2024, genotype B3.13 of this virus was identified in da...A panzootic caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, has affected many animal species around the world since 2021. In March 2024, genotype B3.13 of this virus was identified in dairy cattle in the United States, following a spillover event from wild birds. Mammary gland lesions were a key finding in infected cows, with infectious virus detected in their milk. Raw milk is sold legally in retail establishments in multiple US states, including California. In November 2024, HPAI A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13, was detected in raw milk sold commercially in California and then in bulk milk tanks. The affected product later was recalled. We describe an 8-mo-old cat with a history of severe illness after consuming this raw milk before it was recalled. The cat was euthanized and submitted for postmortem examination and diagnostic workup. Autopsy and histopathology revealed icterus, nasal discharge, hydrothorax, gliosis, and necrotizing pneumonia, hepatitis, and salpingitis, among other lesions. Immunohistochemistry for influenza A virus revealed intralesional immunolabeling in many organs. Molecular detection was positive for HPAI A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13. To our knowledge, HPAI A(H5N1) virus has not been reported previously in cats after consuming raw milk purchased from a retail establishment, nor has salpingitis been associated with HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection in a mammal. Hepatic damage and icterus were prominent findings in our case rather than primary involvement of the CNS.
Caspe SG, Della-Rosa P, Sala JM
… +1 more, Uzal FA
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41612717
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Bovine botulism is a lethal disease caused by neurotoxins (BoNT). In cattle, the most frequent form of this disease in several South American countries and elsewhere is caused by BoNT type D, which has been associated w...Bovine botulism is a lethal disease caused by neurotoxins (BoNT). In cattle, the most frequent form of this disease in several South American countries and elsewhere is caused by BoNT type D, which has been associated with phosphorus deficiency, leading to pica and osteophagy. An outbreak of botulism occurred in a fully vaccinated 600-steer herd of cattle. The cattle were grazing on native pasture in a paddock in which several decomposing animal carcasses were found; the animals had performed osteophagy. The first 2 deaths were recorded in November 2016, and the number of fatalities increased to 84 through April of 2017. All the cases had similar clinical signs, which were consistent with botulism. The affected animals had hypophosphatemia and rear-leg weakness, ataxia, progressive flaccid paralysis of several muscles, recumbency, and death. Autopsies were performed on 3 animals; gross findings included hydropericardium, congestion of the cerebellum, and bone fragments and stones in the rumen and reticulum. Botulism was confirmed in the 3 animals by detecting BoNT type D by mouse bioassay. A large outbreak of botulism in vaccinated cattle associated with phosphorus deficiency and osteophagy has not been reported previously in Argentina, to our knowledge. Our case demonstrates that, even in vaccinated herds, rigorous carcass management is essential to reduce the risk of environmental contamination and to prevent fatal botulism outbreaks, especially in phosphorus-deficient areas. Improved reporting of similar cases is vital to refine prevention strategies and reduce the economic impact of the disease.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41612709
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An 18-mo-old Aberdeen Angus steer was unable to rise without assistance; and, when standing, the steer walked with flexed forelimbs. Due to the poor prognosis, it was euthanized and autopsied. Grossly, the cervical spina...An 18-mo-old Aberdeen Angus steer was unable to rise without assistance; and, when standing, the steer walked with flexed forelimbs. Due to the poor prognosis, it was euthanized and autopsied. Grossly, the cervical spinal cord was markedly enlarged at C5-C6 by a yellow, soft, well-demarcated nodule that affected ~70% of the parenchyma. Microscopically, the expansive, multinodular, unencapsulated neoplasm affected mostly the white matter and consisted of 2 distinct cell populations. Small, pleomorphic cells with scant cytoplasm predominated; nuclei were positive for oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (OLIG2) and cytoplasm was negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, compatible with oligodendrocytes. A second population of large round cells with abundant cytoplasm had positive cytoplasmic staining for S100 protein and synaptophysin (SYN), compatible with mature neurons. We diagnosed a spinal cord ganglioglioma in this steer based on histologic features and OLIG2 and SYN immunolabelling.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41612703
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A 12-y-old, 654-kg, Santa Gertrudis cow was presented to the veterinary hospital with acute abdominal distension and a large mass on the left side of the neck. Upon presentation, the patient was bright and alert, with a...A 12-y-old, 654-kg, Santa Gertrudis cow was presented to the veterinary hospital with acute abdominal distension and a large mass on the left side of the neck. Upon presentation, the patient was bright and alert, with a corticosteroid stress leukogram, hyperglycemia, and mildly increased blood urea nitrogen and creatine kinase activity. A firm, 15 × 10-cm, non-painful left-sided proximal cervical mass and ruminal tympany were appreciable. A fine-needle aspirate of the mass was performed, and cytological findings were consistent with a neuroendocrine neoplasm. Given the large size of the mass and poor prognosis, the owner elected euthanasia. At autopsy, a firm 15 × 12 × 8-cm mass effaced the left lobe of the thyroid gland. Histological examination confirmed a thyroid follicular-compact carcinoma with metastasis to the deep cervical lymph nodes. Neoplastic cells showed immunolabeling for thyroglobulin, 10% of the neoplastic cells exhibited immunolabeling for thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1), and none of the neoplastic cells showed immunolabeling for synaptophysin. Although the cytological features were typical of neuroendocrine neoplasia, immunohistochemistry excluded a thyroid medullary neoplasm. Unlike C-cell and ultimobranchial neoplasms, thyroid follicular carcinomas are rarely reported in cattle. The thyroid follicular-compact carcinoma described herein was associated with acute tympany.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 41612690
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Teratomas originate from pluripotent germ cells and differentiate into the 3 germ cell layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. Hence, these tumors arise most often in the gonads. Extragonadal teratomas are rare in vete...Teratomas originate from pluripotent germ cells and differentiate into the 3 germ cell layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. Hence, these tumors arise most often in the gonads. Extragonadal teratomas are rare in veterinary medicine. Congenital oropharyngeal teratoma, also known as epignathus, is a neoplasm that has been reported in humans and a few veterinary species. We describe the clinical, gross, cytologic, and histopathologic features of an oropharyngeal teratoma in a neonatal Boer × Nigerian Dwarf goat that died within 4 h of birth, and briefly review extragonadal teratomas in veterinary species.
Goldsmith D, Waine K, Legge C
… +6 more, Zachar E, Morrison B, Bravo Araya M, Boone V, Rogers L, Davies JL
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41612678
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Interstitial pneumonia and lymphocytic bronchiolitis with interstitial emphysema is an unusual reaction pattern in fetal and neonatal calves. These changes often are thought to suggest a chronic bacterial infection acqui...Interstitial pneumonia and lymphocytic bronchiolitis with interstitial emphysema is an unusual reaction pattern in fetal and neonatal calves. These changes often are thought to suggest a chronic bacterial infection acquired in utero, and an associated placentitis is expected. Viral agents can also be implicated. Specific known pathogens that can induce a similar inflammatory response include , , , bovine viral diarrhea virus, and bovine parainfluenza virus 3. We describe a series of 15 cases of interstitial pneumonia and lymphocytic bronchiolitis with interstitial emphysema in fetal and early neonatal (up to 3-d-old) beef calves collected over 10 y in Alberta, Canada. Where reported, calves appeared small, weak, and occasionally were dyspneic. On autopsy, lungs appeared diffusely voluminous with interstitial emphysema, bulla formation, and rarely mediastinal emphysema and pneumothorax. A few calves had additional features of bacterial infection, such as pericarditis. Placenta was not received. Histologic lung findings in the affected calves included alveolar septa expanded by mononuclear cells, sparse neutrophils and macrophages within alveoli, variable lymphocytic and histiocytic peribronchiolar cuffing, prominent lymphoid aggregates surrounding bronchioles, occasional vascular necrosis, and subpleural and interlobular emphysema. PCR testing and immunohistochemistry for the previously noted pathogens were negative, and the cause of this unique condition, although presumably infectious, remains unknown.