A 10-y-old American Paint Horse mare was presented to the Equine Field Services at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (Blacksburg, VA, USA) for evaluation of mastitis and a possible abscess in the right mam...A 10-y-old American Paint Horse mare was presented to the Equine Field Services at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (Blacksburg, VA, USA) for evaluation of mastitis and a possible abscess in the right mamma. Histologic evaluation of a mammary biopsy revealed a densely cellular, infiltrative neoplasm with cells arranged in packets supported by thin stroma. In a neuroendocrine immunohistochemistry panel, the neoplastic cells did not immunolabel for neuron-specific enolase or synaptophysin, positively immunolabeled for chromogranin A, and had moderate scattered immunolabeling for S100. These findings confirmed a diagnosis of mammary neuroendocrine tumor. Although the cells also did not immunolabel for cytokeratin, we cannot rule out a neuroendocrine carcinoma. Neuroendocrine mammary neoplasms are very rare and, to our knowledge, they have not been reported previously in horses. This neoplasm should be considered as a differential diagnosis for mammary tumors in mares.
Lawhon SD, Wu J, Pabilonia KL
… +39 more, Helal Z, Risatti G, Nemethy A, Ray JN, Simon D, Tirado W, Zhou L, Bartlett P, Fernandez I, Sanchez S, DeShambo V, Jung N, Maddox C, Ensley S, Balasuriya U, Strother K, Yan L, Zhang C, Shen Z, Zhang S, Dasgupta S, Mann S, Patil A, Goodman LB, Sams K, Cui J, Prarat Koscielny M, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Madden R, Ramachandran A, Bower J, Fang L, Tewari D, Thirumalapura N, Zellers C, Guag J, Nemser SM, Tyson GH
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42396851
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We evaluated a semi-automated method for DNA extraction, expanded to herbivore feces a PCR method for the detection of in canine feces, added an internal positive control (IPC) DNA to specimens before DNA extraction, a...We evaluated a semi-automated method for DNA extraction, expanded to herbivore feces a PCR method for the detection of in canine feces, added an internal positive control (IPC) DNA to specimens before DNA extraction, and multiplexed the PCR assay with the IPC assay. The addition of IPC DNA and multiplexing of the IPC assay did not affect the performance of the PCR assay. The method was repeatable with no significant difference in results across 6 d (F = 0.715; = 0.614 with = 0.818). In a single-laboratory randomized method test evaluating detection in bovine feces, sensitivity was 96.1%, specificity was 100%, and accuracy was 94.1%. In a multi-laboratory randomized method test (M-RMT) in bovine feces, agreement was 90% between laboratories on test results with κ = 0.80 (95% CI [0.64, 0.96]). Comparison of manual DNA extraction kits with a semi-automated extraction method in canine feces found 88.9% agreement, with κ = 0.78 (95% CI [0.64, 0.92]). In a second M-RMT in canine feces, accuracy was 78% with 90% agreement between the laboratories and κ = 0.80 (95% CI [0.64, 0.96]), even though inoculation of the intended fractional level was lower than intended at 45 cfu/g feces. Overall, the PCR assay was extended to an additional matrix, the inclusion of an IPC DNA and assay was successful, and the PCR assay for the detection of provided repeatable results in multiple laboratories.
Hata A, Tateishi N, Toita H
… +2 more, Kanaki N, Fujitani N
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42396768
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We investigated the analytical performance and robustness of a flow-type immunosensor (FIS)-based canine C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement system against analytical interferents. To improve the clinical applicability...We investigated the analytical performance and robustness of a flow-type immunosensor (FIS)-based canine C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement system against analytical interferents. To improve the clinical applicability of the canine FIS CRP measurement system, we reduced the measurement time to 9 min. Statistical analyses, including scatter plots, Bland-Altman plots, and Passing-Bablok regression analyses, were performed to evaluate agreement with a comparative method (particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay). Within-run imprecision (10 replicates) was 8.2% and 6.4% at ~39 and 115 mg/L; between-run imprecision (20 measurement days) was 9.9% and 6.5% at ~39 and 115 mg/L, respectively. The lower limit of quantification in the FIS measurement system was 4.0 mg/L, and quantification linearity was confirmed from 4.0 to 300 mg/L. CRP content was measured in canine heparinized plasma samples ( = 43) using both the comparative method (x) and the FIS (y). The regression equation for our new method (y) as a function of the reference method (x) was y = 0.979x + 0.592 ( = 0.974). The system was robust against typical interfering components, including hemoglobin, lipids, and bilirubin. The FIS method was not suitable for KEDTA plasma. Based on between-run imprecision (20 measurement days) and concentration-specific targeted bias derived from Passing-Bablok regression, the observed total error was 20.3% and 14.6% at ~39 and 115 mg/L, respectively, meeting the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology desirable and minimum performance goals, as well as optimal performance at the higher concentration level.
Alotaibi N, Browne JA, Courcier EA
… +1 more, Jahns H
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42381112
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subsp. (MAP) infection in deer causes paratuberculosis (PTb; Johne disease), a slowly progressive chronic granulomatous enteritis. Accurate and rapid detection of MAP shedding by subclinical animals is essential for eff...subsp. (MAP) infection in deer causes paratuberculosis (PTb; Johne disease), a slowly progressive chronic granulomatous enteritis. Accurate and rapid detection of MAP shedding by subclinical animals is essential for effective control of infection in deer herds. The VetMAX MAP 2.0 qPCR assay targeting IS was developed for cattle, sheep, and goats. However, the performance of the assay in sika deer () has not been evaluated. Here, we describe the use of the VetMAX MAP 2.0 qPCR assay on fecal samples from sika deer for the detection of MAP and its correlation with bacterial culture. DNA was extracted from fecal samples from 115 sika deer with known culture results (79 from a PTb-endemic herd and 36 from a PTb-free herd), using the QIAamp PowerFecal Pro DNA extraction kit. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 100% (76 of 76) and 92.3% (36 of 39), respectively, with an overall accuracy of 97.4% compared with bacterial culture. A strong positive correlation was observed between culture time to detection and the qPCR Cq-value ( = 0.70, area under the curve = 0.96). Our findings offer correlation between bacterial culture and VetMAX MAP 2.0 qPCR assay results in feces of farmed sika deer and highlight the quantitative value of the qPCR assay as a rapid indicator of bacterial load and shedding intensity.
Schild CO, Moeller R, Yant P
… +5 more, Blea J, Asin J, Henderson E, Nyaoke A, Uzal FA
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42324744
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We investigated a case of severe infection in a racehorse. The horse had developed progressive lameness associated with swelling of the left tarsal region, which progressed to ulcerative dermatitis, tendinitis, tenosyno...We investigated a case of severe infection in a racehorse. The horse had developed progressive lameness associated with swelling of the left tarsal region, which progressed to ulcerative dermatitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, and desmitis. The plantar side of the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon was visible through the skin ulcer, and coalescing nodules were present in the dermis. The horse was euthanized and an autopsy was performed. Grossly, in addition to the changes described above, severe edema of the soft tissues was associated with the ulcer. Microscopically, necrotizing and ulcerative, chronic-active dermatitis with granulation tissue was noted, along with lymphoplasmacytic and suppurative tendinitis (SDF), tenosynovitis (SDF and lateral digital flexor), and desmitis (long plantar ligament and flexor retinaculum [FR]), with collagen degradation and intralesional gram-negative bacteria. was isolated in pure culture from the ulcerated skin, SDF tendon, FR, and synovial fluid of the tarsus joint. To our knowledge, soft-tissue inflammation caused by has not been described in horses previously.
Hartmann G, Lamego ÉC, Daoualibi Y
… +5 more, Echenique JVZ, Sanches MVG, Bandinelli MB, Pavarini SP, Sonne L
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42310831
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Histiocytic sarcomas (HSs) are uncommon malignant neoplasms in cats, typically affecting older animals and not previously associated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Here, we describe 2 cases of disseminated HS in youn...Histiocytic sarcomas (HSs) are uncommon malignant neoplasms in cats, typically affecting older animals and not previously associated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Here, we describe 2 cases of disseminated HS in young FeLV-positive domestic shorthair cats that clinically and grossly mimicked lymphoma. Case 1, a 1-y-old female cat, was presented with hemiplegia and dysuria and was euthanized because of the clinical suspicion of spinal lymphoma. Case 2, a 4-y-old male cat, had hyporexia, ocular abnormalities, and bilateral renal enlargement and was euthanized because of the clinical suspicion of renal and ocular lymphoma. Both cases tested positive for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection with a SNAP test. At autopsy, case 1 had a white, irregular, intradural spinal cord mass at the C6-C7 segment, and case 2 had coalescing, unencapsulated, white nodules that effaced both renal cortices, along with uveal thickening in the left eye with hyphema. Both cases had highly pleomorphic neoplastic round-cell proliferation in neoplastic masses, with strong cytoplasmic labeling for vimentin and IBA1 on immunohistochemistry and no CD20 or CD3 labeling, confirming disseminated HS. The neoplastic cells also had strong cytoplasmic immunolabeling for FeLV, suggesting a possible oncogenic role of FeLV in feline HSs.
Crakes KR, Stephen HM, Oshima K
… +3 more, Trupkiewicz JG, Choi EA, Brayton C
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42310828
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Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) affects a range of veterinary species, but its heterogeneous morphology complicates diagnosis, particularly when features overlap with benign biliary lesions, congenital anomalies, and other neop...Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) affects a range of veterinary species, but its heterogeneous morphology complicates diagnosis, particularly when features overlap with benign biliary lesions, congenital anomalies, and other neoplasms. To identify common diagnostic pitfalls and define practical diagnostic criteria, we retrospectively reviewed 24 suspected CCA cases across 16 species submitted to Johns Hopkins University between 1986 and 2024. Twelve cases were confirmed as CCA, 2 were unclassified, and 10 were reclassified as biliary adenoma, biliary hamartoma, polycystic liver disease, primary neuroendocrine tumor, or metastatic adenocarcinoma based on histology and immunohistochemistry (cytokeratin, synaptophysin). From recurring diagnostic patterns, we developed a diagnostic flowchart emphasizing mass effect, growth pattern, architectural pattern (cystic vs. solid), features of malignancy, and immunohistochemical criteria to aid in stepwise interpretation of proliferative ductular lesions. Furthermore, confirmed CCA cases aligned with large- and small-duct subtypes described in human pathology. Collectively, our cases underscore both the diagnostic challenges and shared histomorphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics across species within the spectrum of biliary proliferative disorders.
Peixoto PV, Rocha JF, Santos BBN
… +5 more, Galvão A, Olegário JC, Barros CSL, Rissi DR, França TN
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42299665
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Upper digestive tract neoplasms associated with ingestion of spp. (bracken fern) have been documented in cattle but not in buffalo. Here, we describe upper digestive tract lesions associated with the ingestion of subsp...Upper digestive tract neoplasms associated with ingestion of spp. (bracken fern) have been documented in cattle but not in buffalo. Here, we describe upper digestive tract lesions associated with the ingestion of subsp. in 3 water buffalo () in Brazil. Gross inspection revealed proliferative and ulcerative lesions in the mucosa of the base of the tongue, oropharynx, and esophagus in all 3 cases. Proliferative lesions were well-demarcated, white-to-brown, exophytic nodules on the lingual and oropharyngeal mucosa (papillomas, cases 1-3); a well-demarcated, white nodular fibroma in the distal esophageal submucosa (case 1); and locally infiltrative areas of mucosal thickening with ulceration and dark red-to-brown areas of hemorrhage in the base of the tongue and oropharynx (squamous cell carcinomas [SCCs], cases 1-3). Histologically, non-neoplastic lesions were irregular (cases 2, 3) or pseudocarcinomatous (case 1) mucosal hyperplasia with parakeratosis (cases 1-3) and dysplasia (cases 1, 2) in the base of the tongue, oropharynx, and esophagus. Neoplastic lesions were papillomas affecting the base of the tongue, oropharynx, and esophagus (cases 1-3); a submucosal distal esophageal fibroma (case 1); and SCCs affecting the base of the tongue and oropharynx (cases 1-3). Mucosal ulceration was associated with the SCCs in all cases. Inflammation was lymphoplasmacytic. Esophageal vascular myxomatous degeneration or proliferation with fibrosis were present. The diagnoses of -associated disease were based on the epidemiologic and pathologic findings, which were identical to those observed in cattle.
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 Jun · PMID 42266077
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A 2016-2018 outbreak in the United States demonstrated the importance of pet dogs as a source of . Canine feces are not tested routinely for . We previously compared culture-based and molecular methods for detection of...A 2016-2018 outbreak in the United States demonstrated the importance of pet dogs as a source of . Canine feces are not tested routinely for . We previously compared culture-based and molecular methods for detection of and found that a real-time PCR (rtPCR) assay using DNA isolated directly from canine feces was more reliable than culture, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 320 cfu/g. Later, during an outbreak investigation, a rtPCR assay had a LOD of 40 cfu/g. In our inter-laboratory comparison exercise, 27 analysts at 19 laboratories successfully detected in canine feces using the rtPCR. Samples inoculated with 45,600 cfu/g were correctly identified as positive by 100% of analysts. Samples inoculated with 4,700, 460, or 200 cfu/g were correctly identified by 96%, 77%, and 40% of analysts, respectively. The addition of rtPCR to previous methods allows laboratories to rapidly identify -positive canine fecal samples at a lower LOD. Isolation of DNA directly from feces rather than from enrichment broth offers the advantage of fewer opportunities for cross-contamination during testing and decreased time between specimen collection and test completion. The updated method, with the addition of the rtPCR, offers increased sensitivity and will ultimately improve overall detection of in canine feces at veterinary diagnostic laboratories, further supporting canine and public health.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42249751
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Acute-phase proteins (APPs) are used in veterinary science for diagnosing disease, identifying acute and subclinical inflammatory processes, monitoring disease progression, assessing patient response to treatment, and as...Acute-phase proteins (APPs) are used in veterinary science for diagnosing disease, identifying acute and subclinical inflammatory processes, monitoring disease progression, assessing patient response to treatment, and as a general health screening tool. In turtles, the utility of APPs, such as albumin, haptoglobin, fibrinogen, and myeloid-related protein (MRP)-126, as inflammatory markers has been investigated in a small number of studies. Serum or plasma protein electrophoresis, immunoassays, and biochemistry assays are most commonly employed to study such APPs, with mass spectrometry-based proteomics emerging as an important tool. Protein electrophoresis RIs have been established for a few turtle species. However, very few commercial assays are available for measuring specific APPs in turtles, with even fewer reported validated assays. Turtles have significant inter- and intraspecies biological variation; consequently, RIs of protein electrophoresis and specific APP assays for individual species should be established according to guidelines and referenced to determine if sex, age, reproductive status, and health status influence the results. For small populations of animals, particularly those of high conservation value, subject-based RIs are recommended if population-based RIs are not feasible. Further studies, especially biomarker identification, assay development, and validation, are required to increase the tools for disease diagnosis and monitoring of this taxon and contribute to the healthcare and conservation of many endangered turtle species.
Diab SS, Giannitti F, Hill A
… +6 more, Morgan J, Blea JA, Arthur R, Poppenga R, Stover S, Uzal FA
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42237699
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Horse racing has faced increased scrutiny because of concerns about equine welfare and the safety of both equine and human participants. Sudden death (SD) in racehorses is relatively uncommon, and its causes are still un...Horse racing has faced increased scrutiny because of concerns about equine welfare and the safety of both equine and human participants. Sudden death (SD) in racehorses is relatively uncommon, and its causes are still unclear. Little information and considerable confusion exist regarding the clinical significance of microscopic lesions in the hearts of horses with SD. We examined the hearts of 29 horses that suffered exercise-associated sudden cardiac death (EASCD) and 29 clinically healthy control horses that were euthanized because of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries. Acute cardiomyocyte injury (ACI) was found at a significantly higher overall prevalence and with a significantly higher severity score in the left atrial appendage in horses with EASCD than in control horses. ACI may be a very early stage of cardiomyocyte degeneration, perhaps driven by myocardial ischemia during high-intensity exercise. We found no significant differences in the prevalence, severity, and distribution of inflammation, fibrosis, or miscellaneous lesions between the 2 groups. Inflammation, fibrosis, and miscellaneous lesions in the heart may have clinical significance in individual cases, but they can also be confounding background lesions. Postmortem confirmation of sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains difficult, given that fatal arrhythmias can occur with no associated microscopic cardiac lesions. Elevated hepatic cobalt concentrations were overrepresented in SCD horses. Toxicology results for other performance-enhancing drugs or xenobiotics were negative or inconclusive.
Moabelo KC, Rauh R, Loots A
… +2 more, Parsons SD, Quan M
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42220162
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We evaluated the performance of the FMDV 2.1 dry RT-rtPCR prototype assay (Tetracore) to detect foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in lymph nodes. Various masses (20-100 mg) of FMDV-negative lymph node tissue were homog...We evaluated the performance of the FMDV 2.1 dry RT-rtPCR prototype assay (Tetracore) to detect foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in lymph nodes. Various masses (20-100 mg) of FMDV-negative lymph node tissue were homogenized, diluted, and spiked with FMDV RNA to determine the optimal amount for detection. Optimal amplification was obtained using 20 mg of tissue. Fifteen lymph nodes collected from animals challenged with FMDV that had clinical signs were subjected to manual and automated homogenization and tested using the FMDV 2.1 dry RT-rtPCR prototype assay on a T-COR 8 thermocycler (Tetracore). Additionally, automated homogenates were tested using the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-recommended RT-rtPCR assay on a CFX real-time thermocycler (Bio-Rad). Strong Pearson correlation was observed between homogenization methods using the FMDV 2.1 dry RT-rtPCR assay ( = 0.74, 95% CI [0.49, 1.00]; = 15, < 0.001). The Pearson correlation between the 2 RT-rtPCR assays was weak ( = 0.25, 95% CI [-0.78, 1.00]; = 15, = 0.076). When manual and automated homogenization methods were compared using the FMDV 2.1 dry RT-rtPCR prototype assay, 6 of the 15 samples tested positive, 7 tested negative, and 2 had a discrepant result. When the samples homogenized using the automated method were subsequently tested with both the FMDV 2.1 dry RT-rtPCR prototype assay and the WOAH-recommended RT-rtPCR assay, 5 of the 15 samples were positive, 5 were negative, and 5 were discrepant. The Cohen kappa coefficient indicated substantial agreement between homogenization methods (0.74) and fair agreement between assays (0.36). Our findings provide preliminary support for the FMDV 2.1 dry RT-rtPCR prototype assay, but the assay requires further optimization.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42220104
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National surveillance for -the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats-relies on methods optimized for highly sensitive detection of the pathogen. However, comparisons of methods that inform assay functionality ar...National surveillance for -the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats-relies on methods optimized for highly sensitive detection of the pathogen. However, comparisons of methods that inform assay functionality are sparse. We used a combination of conidia-spiking experiments and analysis of field-collected samples to compare methods for DNA extraction from bat guano, skin swabs, and environmental swabs for subsequent detection of DNA via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). We evaluated 2 methods for all sample types and a third method for guano samples. We created conidia-inoculated guano samples from 3 guano sources, as well as conidia-inoculated environmental swabs using sediment from 7 bat hibernacula. Detection of from environmental swabs was 2.94 times more likely from a purification-free method of DNA extraction, with up to 9.75 times more target DNA detected on average than a magnetic bead purification method, as evidenced by both laboratory-spiked and field-collected samples. We observed a similar result for skin swabs collected from -infected bat carcasses, with a 31.7-fold increase in the amount of target DNA detected on average. Between the same 2 extraction methods, a 3.3-fold difference was found in the odds of detecting from guano, but a third method designed for DNA extraction from soil had 12.6-41.8 times higher odds of detection. Our study further optimizes DNA extraction methods for the detection of from environmental swabs and offers a detailed comparison of extraction methods used for detection from bat skin swabs and guano.
Thungrat K, Thumarat P, Jenkins AL
… +1 more, Cruz-Espindola C
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42220103
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Phenobarbital, an anti-seizure medication with a narrow therapeutic window, requires therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for safe and effective use. Lipemia is a well-known interferent in turbidimetric immunoassays, yet it...Phenobarbital, an anti-seizure medication with a narrow therapeutic window, requires therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for safe and effective use. Lipemia is a well-known interferent in turbidimetric immunoassays, yet its impact on phenobarbital quantification compared with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has not been fully characterized. We evaluated the effect of lipemia on phenobarbital measurement using a particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (PETINIA; Dimension Xpand Plus clinical chemistry system, Siemens) versus HPLC. Simulated lipemic plasma was prepared by spiking normal canine plasma with lipid emulsion to achieve predefined lipemia indices. Naturally lipemic TDM samples (index ≥ 4; = 40) and non-lipemic controls (index ≤ 3, = 40) were also analyzed. Phenobarbital concentrations were compared before and after lipid reduction by double microcentrifugation using both methods. HPLC performance was stable across all lipemia indices, with consistent retention times (5.0 min), accuracy and precision within acceptance limits, and high linearity (² > 0.999). In contrast, PETINIA had a significant positive bias in lipemic samples, with median bias increasing from 9.1% at index 1 to 100% at index 6. Bias was significantly higher in naturally lipemic samples (median: 74.5%) compared with non‑lipemic controls (1.2%; < 0.001). PETINIA and HPLC had strong agreement in non-lipemic samples (Passing-Bablok regression, = 0.99), but poor agreement and proportional positive bias in lipemic samples ( = 0.16; slope CI [1.01, 1.89]). PETINIA overestimated phenobarbital concentrations in lipemic plasma. Microcentrifugation effectively mitigated lipemic interference and improved agreement with HPLC, supporting the use of microcentrifugation in clinical TDM workflows.
Stilz CR, Chan TC, Bhutta A
… +8 more, Niedringhaus KD, Burrell CE, Andreasen VA, Maxwell L, Signore E, Mowrer A, Ruder MG, Nemeth NM
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42220098
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Noninflammatory hypotrichosis includes a spectrum of disorders with 2 phenotypes: follicular or ectodermal dysplasia. Here, we describe 6 follicular dysplasia cases in 2 wild adult male raccoons () and 4 wild yearling or...Noninflammatory hypotrichosis includes a spectrum of disorders with 2 phenotypes: follicular or ectodermal dysplasia. Here, we describe 6 follicular dysplasia cases in 2 wild adult male raccoons () and 4 wild yearling or adult white-tailed deer (), and 1 case of ectodermal dysplasia in a captive-reared stillborn male white-tailed deer, all from the eastern United States. All cases had regional or body-wide hairlessness. Skin hyperpigmentation was observed in those with follicular dysplasia. The stillborn fawn also had multiple developmental defects, including craniofacial dysplasia and unilateral anophthalmia. Histologic features of affected skin were heterogeneous. Follicles were typically normal in number and distribution, but their stage of development varied (primitive, anagen, telogen, kenogen, or a combination thereof). Hair shafts were either formed, poorly differentiated, or absent. Sebaceous glands were variably hypoplastic, normal, or hyperplastic. We did not definitively determine an underlying etiology; however, a genetic cause is suspected.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42219686
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Samples collected to conduct pathogen surveillance for the causative fungus of bat white-nose syndrome, (Pd), are analyzed by multiple laboratories in the United States and Canada using various sample storage and molecu...Samples collected to conduct pathogen surveillance for the causative fungus of bat white-nose syndrome, (Pd), are analyzed by multiple laboratories in the United States and Canada using various sample storage and molecular techniques. Comparative analyses among methods have been lacking, and discordant results from field samples can be confusing for wildlife managers. Using Pd-inoculated sterile swabs (10-10 conidia), we evaluated Pd DNA recovery via qPCR following different storage conditions and subsequent DNA extraction in 2 commonly used methods. Method B resulted in significantly greater quantities of recovered DNA regardless of storage duration (3 d, 1 mo, 3 mo), storage temperature (ambient temperature, 4ºC, -20ºC), and whether samples were stored with or without RNAlater preservative. Limit of detection (LOD) analyses indicated that method B provided Pd detection from 75% of extracted samples inoculated with just 4 conidia compared with 20% for method A; theoretical LODs, based on a 95% detection rate, were 10.0 conidia (95% CI: 5.7, 14.3) and 537 conidia (95% CI: 176, 897) for a single qPCR replicate, respectively. Our results provide an initial step in validating methods to support surveillance efforts for early detection of fungal invasion, enabling laboratories to select an approach that will preserve sample integrity, benefit Pd detectability, and reduce variability in DNA recovery across a wide range of conidia concentrations.
Uzal FA, Asin J, Diab S
… +4 more, Henderson E, Engiles JB, Kennedy L, Schild C
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42216684
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Sudden death (SD) is the second most important syndrome associated with death in racehorses. The cause of SD in a large number of horses remains undetermined, and, in many of these cases, causes are not found by gross or...Sudden death (SD) is the second most important syndrome associated with death in racehorses. The cause of SD in a large number of horses remains undetermined, and, in many of these cases, causes are not found by gross or microscopic postmortem examinations. Among the known causes of SD are traumatic injuries, including fractures of skull, neck, and pelvis; intoxications (e.g., anticoagulant rodenticides); and others. For many cases of SD in which no significant lesions are found, heart failure, probably associated with arrhythmias, is suspected. Precise phenotypic characterization of SD in horses is critical for diagnosis and prevention. Standardized gross and microscopic postmortem protocols are needed to discern normal background changes that may be present in healthy horses from significant changes that directly contribute to SD. Here, we review the current knowledge on the pathology of SD in racehorses.
Ferreira B, Mota SM, Costa T
… +4 more, Morrison L, Cazzini P, Brazier H, Girling S
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42212733
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In 2019, a wild-caught Malayan sun bear (), rescued from the illegal pet trade and relocated to the Edinburgh Zoo (UK), was diagnosed with mast cell tumor (MCT) affecting a hindlimb. Surgical excision was performed at th...In 2019, a wild-caught Malayan sun bear (), rescued from the illegal pet trade and relocated to the Edinburgh Zoo (UK), was diagnosed with mast cell tumor (MCT) affecting a hindlimb. Surgical excision was performed at the initial site in the tarsal region, with a repeat excision 2 y later following a relapse, without evidence of metastatic spread. In 2023, MCT metastases were detected in the popliteal lymph node and prostate, prompting a novel treatment approach combining prednisolone and toceranib to alleviate the clinical signs. Four months after initiating treatment, the sun bear was euthanized on welfare grounds. The autopsy and histopathology confirmed the presence of a MCT involving the prostate and the popliteal and iliac lymph nodes. An incidental pheochromocytoma was identified in an adrenal gland. MCT and pheochromocytoma in the family, with detailed description of these neoplasms, their microscopic and immunohistochemical features, have not been reported previously, to our knowledge.
Sattarova A, Tseng AE, O'Connell AK
… +5 more, Gertje HP, Lisboa C, Beiler R, Moore TL, Crossland NA
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 May · PMID 42212715
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A 23-y-old female rhesus macaque () from a long-term research colony developed progressive clinical decline, with lethargy, nasal discharge, and hematologic abnormalities, including persistent leukocytosis, neutrophilia,...A 23-y-old female rhesus macaque () from a long-term research colony developed progressive clinical decline, with lethargy, nasal discharge, and hematologic abnormalities, including persistent leukocytosis, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Despite treatment with enrofloxacin, deterioration led to euthanasia. Autopsy revealed severe vegetative endocarditis of the left atrioventricular (mitral) valve with intralesional gram-positive cocci, confirmed immunohistochemically as . Histologically, disseminated thromboembolic arterial disease was present in the lungs, tracheobronchial lymph node, kidneys, and spleen, with concurrent hepatic central vein thrombosis and coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes, supporting a concurrent hypercoagulable state. A PCR assay of the mitral valve tissue targeting the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene was negative for (interpreted as a false-negative result), acknowledging the limitation of PCR testing of formalin-fixed tissues caused by DNA damage and fragmentation. The absence of heart-failure cells and pulmonary edema made primary congestive heart failure unlikely and instead supported systemic inflammatory response syndrome with secondary multi-organ ischemic injury as the cause of death. In infective endocarditis, sustained bacteremia and inflammatory mediator release drive endothelial dysfunction, a hypercoagulable state, and widespread microvascular thrombosis, resulting in impaired tissue perfusion and organ failure. Accordingly, the dominant life-threatening process in our case was not mechanical cardiac failure, but disseminated thromboembolic disease and ischemic injury to downstream organs. This pattern is well recognized in both human and veterinary literature; morbidity and mortality in infective endocarditis are frequently driven by septic embolization and systemic complications, rather than intrinsic cardiac dysfunction.