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ABSTRACT: Male cross-breed lamb conjoined twins were sent for examination. The twins came from a farm located in the outskirts of Palermo. The twins were spontaneously delivered and found dead by the farmer. X-ray examination and necropsy were performed. The deformity was identified as deradelphus cephalo-thoracoomphalopagus. This condition has never been reported in veterinary literature. Our case reports of male conjoined twins characterized by two separated hearts with their own pericardial sacs and two separated livers. These findings represent a rare condition in conjoined twinning.
Anantomia Histologia Embryologia 12/2012; · 0.90 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This report describes the results of radiological, pathological and molecular examination of one farm-reared red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) affected by candidiasis. A juvenile farm-reared red-legged partridges was sent for clinical and pathological investigations. The animals had showed apathy, diarrhea, ruffled plumage and respiratory rattles. Post mortem total body lateral projection radiograph showed an increased perihilar interstitial pattern and air bronchogram signs due to lung edema. At necropsy, carcass showed cachexia; the pericloacal region was soiled by diarrheic fecal material. From the mouth to the intestine, a mucous yellowish fluid was present on a slightly reddish mucosa. At microscope, cytological smears revealed several hyphae, pseudohyphae and blastospores. Histopathology showed slight edema and congestion with different free fungal elements, referable to blastospores, hyphae and pseudohyphae. Molecular exam identified the most similar sequences as belonging to Leucosporidium scottii. To our knowledge, this case report describes for the first time this fungal species as a causative agent of candidiasis in birds. Leucosporidium scottii, synonymous Azymocandida scottii, Candida scottii, Vanrija scottii, is a fungal species frequently isolated from Antarctic and Italian waters, in terrestrial soil, in algae and decomposing plant, in chilled beef and fish, with high adaptability at medium-low temperatures, being the fungus a relative mesophyle. Different candida species have been reported in birds as commensal yeast and as causative agents of disease. In the last ten years, the application of PCR and the creation of specific data banks for fungi, has allowed to identify and to distinguish fungi morphologically almost similar. Candidiasis in birds is often associated with stress and poor husbandry, as is the case reported here. Thus, it is likely that those factors were the real problem in this bird.
XI Convegno EMOP, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 25-29 Luglio 2012; 07/2012
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Journal of Fish Diseases 03/2012; 35(3):239-42. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A tumour diagnosed as multicentric infiltrative lipoma affecting a single farmed seabass is described. The fish had 3 masses on the lateral side of its back, deforming the skin surface. The masses showed a tendency to invade the underlying musculature. Histologically, the neoplasm consisted of differentiated adipocytes. Biochemically, the neoplastic tissue showed lower values of monounsaturated fatty acids and higher values of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with adjacent normal muscular tissue, particularly of the n3 series, such as eicosapentanoic (C20:5n3) and docosahexanoic (C22:6n3) acids. Data obtained suggest a metabolic disturbance in the lipid component of the muscular tissue metabolic pathway, which could be the starting point to promote lipoma formation. This is the first report of lipoma in Mediterranean seabass.
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 10/2011; 96(3):259-64. · 2.20 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A case of unilateral hindlimb adactyly is described in a 3-month-old female Pointer dog. Clinical and radiographic findings are described. Adactyly or transverse hemimelia is a rare condition in most animal species. In dogs, this condition has been reported only three times as a deformity of the forelimb. To the authors' knowledge, the congenital pelvic limb deformity described here is the first case documented in a dog.
Anantomia Histologia Embryologia 11/2010; 40(2):104-6. · 0.90 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A case of neurofibroma is reported in a wild striped mullet Mugil cephalus. Macro- and microscopic features are described. The tumor arose on the head as a white-grayish, firm mass protruding outwards but covered by the epidermis. The neoplastic tissue showed well-defined borders and was encapsulated; it was predominantly composed of elongated cells with ellipsoid, hyperchromatic nuclei and pale cytoplasm. The cells were irregularly arranged; in the context of the neoplastic proliferation, these cells were usually densely packed, sometimes forming parallel arrays, but without distinctive nuclear palisades. The diagnosis of neurofibroma is also supported by the positive immunostaining for S-100 and vimentin as well as by the negative calretinin reaction.
Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 06/2010; 22(2):92-4. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cephalothoracopagus is a very rare form of conjoined twins and is characterized by fusion of heads and thoraxes with two separate spines, limbs and pelves. The aim of this study was to describe a case of female cephalothoracopagus kitten puppy. The most important gross findings involved the external body and some of the internal organs. Radiological features revealed main developmental abnormality of the head, spines and thorax. Authors discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of this condition, infrequently reported in veterinary practice, pointing out the importance of embryonic duplications commonly associated with dystocia.
Anantomia Histologia Embryologia 07/2009; 38(5):327-9. · 0.90 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In this study, an acquired pigmentation in Nero Siciliano pigs is reported and evaluated by a multidisciplinary approach to support the hypothesis it is caused by an ingested material. A total of 18 pigs were studied. Fourteen conventionally slaughtered animals showed black discoloration of lymph nodes. The lymph nodes were normal in size and shape but showed diffuse black discoloration of the cortex and medulla. Melanosis of fat was observed in 2 animals and was limited to the back. Histochemical tests performed on tissues enabled identification and differentiation of the pigment. Immunohistochemical staining for macrophage markers showed macrophages containing a variable amount of melanin-like granules. Stains for human melanoma, as well as S-100 protein, did not show any reaction. Histochemical methods for tyrosinase showed colorimetric patterns that confirmed the presence of the enzyme in acorns. The activity was mostly latent. A high tannin content was demonstrated, reaching about 76% of the total phenolic compounds. Our data, and the well-known steps on melanin formation, permit us to hypothesize that swine tyrosinase could act on phenolic substances found in acorns. Tyrosinase activation could take place in genetically predisposed swine after acorns are eaten, and this event could increase the biosynthesis and the anomalous storage of melanin.
Veterinary Pathology 04/2009; 46(2):329-33. · 1.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A tumour diagnosed as schwannoma with some unusual features affecting a single farmed seabream is described. The fish had a single mass on its back. The mass had well-defined limits and arose from the subcutis. The skin over the tumour was ulcerated. Histologically, the neoplasia consisted of Antoni Type A tissue forming irregularly dispersed bundles, within which a large number of fat cells was detected. No Antoni Type B tissue was observed. There was immunohistochemical evidence indicating a positive reaction of neoplastic cells tested with S-100 and calretinin. As far as we know, this is the first report of schwannoma in seabream.
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 01/2009; 82(3):249-52. · 2.20 Impact Factor
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Veterinary Research Communications 09/2008; 32 Suppl 1:S215-7. · 0.82 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Mycobacterium fortuitum, as well as Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium chelonae, are the etiological agents of fish Mycobacterioses. Mycobacteriosis has been reported to affect a wide range of freshwater and marine fish species, suggesting an ubiquitous distribution, and can cause zoonotic infections (known as "fish tank granuloma" or "swimming pool granuloma") in humans exposed to fish and contaminated water. Infection in human consists of nodular cutaneous lesions that can progress to tenosynovitis, arthritis, and osteomyelitis, depending on the immunological status. Authors describe some cases observed during routinary diagnostic activity in aquarium fish. Fish were sampled and histopathological, microbiological, and biomolecular exams were carried out. Histopathology showed systemic granulomatosis. Microbiological and biomolecular exams allowed us to identify the M. fortuitum as a main species. Finally, some considerations on the legal aspects of such disease are discussed.
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 08/2008; 6(4):240-4. · 1.50 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this paper is to show early results obtained during reproduction trials of Haliotis tuberculata under experimental conditions. Laboratory experiments were carried out at the CISS of the University of Messina (Italy). Two hundred adult abalones were collected, separated by sex and put in 20-litre tanks. In order to induce spawning, temperature was gradually increased. Cultures of eggs and sperm were allowed to develop for 4 h. The egg fertilisation, the formation of trocophora as well as the evolution of such larval stage in veliger were achieved. The adhesion to substrate remains up to now to be optimised. The success in obtaining the earlier stages of the life cycle of H. tuberculata is important considering the possible economic effects due to the industrialisation of the production process of this species.
Chemistry and Ecology 06/2008; 24(S1):159-164. · 0.62 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: S100 proteins are EF-hand calcium-binding protein highly preserved during evolution present in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues of the higher vertebrates. Data about the expression of S100 protein in fishes are scarce, and no data are available on zebrafish, a common model used in biology to study development but also human diseases. In this study, we have investigated the expression of S100 protein in the central nervous system of adult zebrafish using PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The central nervous system of the adult zebrafish express S100 protein mRNA, and contain a protein of approximately 10 kDa identified as S100 protein. S100 protein immunoreactivity was detected widespread distributed in the central nervous system, labeling the cytoplasm of both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. In fact, S100 protein immunoreactivity was primarily found in glial and ependymal cells, whereas the only neurons displaying S100 immunoreactivity were the Purkinje's neurons of the cerebellar cortex and those forming the deep cerebellar nuclei. Outside the central nervous system, S100 protein immunoreactivity was observed in a subpopulation of sensory and sympathetic neurons, and it was absent from the enteric nervous system. The functional role of S100 protein in both neurons and non-neuronal cells of the zebrafish central nervous system remains to be elucidated, but present results might serve as baseline for future experimental studies using this teleost as a model.
Microscopy Research and Technique 04/2008; 71(3):248-55. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We report two cases of bilateral malignant seminoma in the bursula testium of two mules, which had been slaughtered normally. Histologically, the testicular tumours consisted predominantly of large round to polyhedral cells with frequent mitotic figures. Metastases were found in the sublumbar lymph nodes. A final histopathological diagnosis of malignant seminoma with metastasis was made. To our knowledge, this paper appears to be the first report of two cases of bilateral malignant seminoma with metastases, in the mule.
Reproduction in Domestic Animals 03/2008; 43(1):121-3. · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Diseases caused by parasites are much more frequently described in cultured fish, which suffer from artificial conditions and numerous stress factors. This study investigates the histological, histochemical and morphometric modifications of splenic melanomacrophage centers (SMMCs) infected by Sparicotyle chrisophrii (Monogenea, ectoparasite of the gills) in sea breams (Sparus aurata), cultured in floating cages in the Gulf of Gaeta (Italy). Infected fish swam near the water surface, showing severe signs of anemia. Several spleens were collected from both healthy and dead fish (70-100 gr. body weight). A spleen histopathology was evaluated by using traditional stainings, such as Haematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Periodic Acid-Schiff reaction (PAS), Perl's reaction for haemosiderin and Schmorl's reaction for lipofuscins. Furthermore, SMMCs morphometry was performed on PAS-stained sections to study 7 morphometric parameters [Mean SMMCs profile area (MPA), Mean SMMCs maximum diameter (Media), Mean SMMCs minimum diameter (media), Mean SMMCs diameter (Dia), Mean SMMCs Perimeter (P), Mean SMMCs Form Factor (FF) and Mean SMMCs number per square millimeter of spleen tissue (MN)]. A light microscope of HE stained sections of spleen revealed a dramatic increase in the size and number of SMMCs in parasitized animals. Morphometric data illustrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) of all studied parameters between healthy and diseased fish. This study emphasizes the importance of using histopathological investigations to unravel the complex biological host/parasite interaction, which results in systemic lesions affecting reared marine species.
Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology 02/2008; 30(1):27-35. · 1.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A rare case of primary pleomorphic liposarcoma of the liver in an 8-year-old female German shepherd dog is described. The liver tumour, measuring 10x12x5 cm, was located in the right hepatic lobe. The diagnosis of pleomorphic liposarcoma was based on the morphological and immunohistochemical features of the tumour cells. To our knowledge, this is the second case of primary liposarcoma of the liver in the dog found in the veterinary literature.
Polish journal of veterinary sciences 02/2008; 11(4):385-8. · 0.56 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: S100 proteins are EF-hand calcium-binding protein highly preserved during evolution present in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues of the higher vertebrates. Data about the expression of S100 protein in fishes are scarce, and no data are available on zebrafish, a common model used in biology to study development but also human diseases. In this study, we have investigated the expression of S100 protein in the central nervous system of adult zebrafish using PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The central nervous system of the adult zebrafish express S100 protein mRNA, and contain a protein of ∼10 kDa identified as S100 protein. S100 protein immunoreactivity was detected widespread distributed in the central nervous system, labeling the cytoplasm of both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. In fact, S100 protein immunoreactivity was primarily found in glial and ependymal cells, whereas the only neurons displaying S100 immunoreactivity were the Purkinje's neurons of the cerebellar cortex and those forming the deep cerebellar nuclei. Outside the central nervous system, S100 protein immunoreactivity was observed in a subpopulation of sensory and sympathetic neurons, and it was absent from the enteric nervous system. The functional role of S100 protein in both neurons and non-neuronal cells of the zebrafish central nervous system remains to be elucidated, but present results might serve as baseline for future experimental studies using this teleost as a model. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Microscopy Research and Technique 11/2007; 71(3):248 - 255. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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Journal of Fish Diseases 04/2007; 30(4):251-3. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A rare case of a bilateral Leydig cells tumour located in the testis of a 15-year-old donkey slaughtered normally is presented. Histologically, the testicular tumour showed neoplastic Leydig cells arranged in solid growth as a pseudoadenomatous packet type. To our knowledge, this is the first bilateral Leydig cells tumour, a neoplasm never reported in the donkey.
Reproduction in Domestic Animals 03/2007; 42(1):109-10. · 1.36 Impact Factor
