Rare presentation of Limb Body Wall Complex in a Neonate: Case report and review of literature

The Limb Body Wall Complex (LBWC) aka. Body Stalk Syndrome is an uncommon congenital disorder characterized by severe malformations of limb, thorax, and abdomen, characterized by the presence of thoracoschisis, abdominoschisis, limb defects, and exencephaly. This condition is extremely rare with an incidence of 1 per 14,000 and 1 per 31,000 pregnancies in large epidemiologic studies. Majority of these malformed fetuses end up with spontaneous abortions. We present this rare case with occurrence in a preterm infant of 35 weeks gestation. Our report highlights majority of the clinical presentations as reported in previous literature, but the significant pathological findings of absent genitalia and malformed genitourinary, anorectal malformations make this case presentation an even more rare occurrence. Infant karyotyping was normal male and there is no specific underlying genetic correlation in this condition which has fatal prognosis.

Pathological Diagnosis and Genomic Characterization of ICP4 Gene of lnfectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) Isolates in Clinically Infected Chicken in Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an economically important viral respiratory disease in poultry. Recently, re-emergence of Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) has been reported in several countries including India. The current study aimed to evaluate the poultry flocks of Tamil Nadu with circulating GaHV-1 and to elucidate the origin of the virus involved in the outbreak. Methods: In this study, a molecular based survey on the overall occurrence of natural cases of Infectious laryngo-tracheitis in poultry flocks from Tamil Nadu, India were performed. Pathological findings in respiratory and secondary lymphoid organs like caecal tonsils and harderian gland was carried out. The PCR technique targeting Infected Cell Protein-4 (ICP4) gene along with molecular characterization was performed. Result: The overall prevalence rate in the outbreak was 42.86% with highest incidence in layer flocks (62.85%) than the broiler flocks (22.85%). The highest susceptible age groups were between 20-30 weeks old. Tracheal pathology revealed epithelial sloughing, syncytial cell formation, eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies and heterophilic exudation microscopically. Partial genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of ICP4 gene revealed high genetic homology between field isolates and the virulent strains from Turkey, Germany, China and Brazil. In the present study, along with pathological findings, a rapid and sensitive PCR assay was used for detection of ILT virus specific ICP4 gene in commercial poultry farms in the region.

Neonatal osteofibrous dysplasia: Synchronous tibial and fibular involvement is common

Osteofibrous dysplasia is a rare non-malignant fibro-osseous bone tumour, first described and characterised under this name by Campanacci (1976). It is most commonly encountered in the tibia of children and young adults, but less frequently seen in the neonate with only few prior reports in the literature. We report a case of neonatal congenital osteofibrous dysplasia, presenting with unilateral limb deformity at birth. Radiographs demonstrated well-defined mixed lytic-sclerotic lesions, in a previously unreported distribution in this age-group, confined to the distal metadiaphysis of the affected tibia and fibula. Open surgery was performed for deformity correction, with tissue biopsy confirming the radiographically-suspected diagnosis. We present the up-to-date clinical, radiological, and pathological findings in this case of a rare pathology with some novel features, within this age group, in disease distribution and consequent radiographic appearances. OFD should be considered in the differential of similar congenital deforming bone lesions of the lower limb. We also review the small number of previously published cases of congenital OFD in the neonate, noting in particular that the frequency of ipsilateral fibular involvement appears to be higher than that observed in older patients.

THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF THREE IMPORTED HOLSTEIN HERDS IN IRAQ

The reproductive performance of three imported Holstein herds in Iraq was investigated in a field study. For this purpose a total number of 889 cows and heifers from three dairy stations that had been on a poor fertility management were palpated rectally for pregnancy determination. Of these, only 289 cows (32.5 %) were pregnant and 541 (60.85 %) were not pregnant. Regarding the non pregnant cows, 385 cows (70.38 % of the non pregnant, 43.3 % of the total) had a normal genital tracts (normal uteri and functional corpora lutea), indicating that they were cycling; the rest had palpable pathological findings; 69 (12.6 % of the total non pregnant) had ovarian inactivity, 56(10.2%) had purulent metritis; 14 (2.55 %) had cervical fibrosis; 12 (2.19 %) had cystic ovary and only two cows (0.36 %) had a mucometritis. The present data indicate low reproductive performance of these herds. Causes of high conception failure in these herds are discussed.

Normal Chest X-Ray in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism May Involve Increased Risk of Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Purpose: Chest radiography is normal in approximately 20-40% of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients without cardiopulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any difference between the patients with normal chest X-ray and those with pathological findings in terms of clinical severity and prognosis. Methods: 178 of PE patients were included in the study. 110 patients had no parenchymal pathology, whereas group 1 (n = 110); group 2 (n = 68) had various pathological parenchymal findings in 68 patients. Clinical and radiological parameters were compared between these groups. Following the diagnosis of PE, the cases were recorded in the fifth year. Results: In 178 participants; those with normal chest X-ray (group 1), with parenchymal pathological findings on the chest X-ray (group 2); echocardiographic systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) (p = 0.68), gender (p = 0.9) and thrombus type (p = 0.41) were similar. The patients in group 1 were not different in terms of central thrombus detected in computed tomography pulmonary angiogram compared to the patients in group 2; however, the chest radiograph of the patients in group 1 had no parenchymal pathology. Central thrombus group 1, group 2, respectively; 97 (89.0%), 53 (77.9%), p = 0.07. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mortality which was followed up in fifth year (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Normal chest X-ray in PE can determine mortality and may involve increased risk of massive PE.

Clinical, surgical, and pathological findings in client-owned rabbits with histologically confirmed appendicitis: 19 cases (2015–2019)

OBJECTIVE To report clinical, surgical, and pathological findings in client-owned rabbits with histologically confirmed appendicitis. ANIMALS 19 rabbits. PROCEDURES Medical records for client-owned rabbits that had a histologic diagnosis of appendicitis were reviewed. RESULTS Median age of the rabbits at presentation was 24.0 months (range, 4 to 84 months). Seventeen cases occurred during the summer and fall seasons. Decreased appetite (17/19 rabbits), abnormal rectal temperature (hyperthermia, 9/16 rabbits; hypothermia, 4/16 rabbits), hypocalcemia (8/11 rabbits), and hypoglycemia (7/15 rabbits) were common signs. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT findings were suggestive of appendicitis in 6 of 8 rabbits and in 1 of 2 rabbits, respectively. Of the 6 rabbits that received medical treatment, 3 died at 48 hours, 1 died at 24 hours after hospitalization, and 1 died at 10 days after presentation; 1 rabbit was alive at 1,030 days after presentation. Of the 8 rabbits that underwent appendectomy, 3 died before discharge from the hospital and 1 died 113 days after surgery; 4 rabbits were alive at 315, 334, 1,433, and 1,473 days after presentation. The remaining 5 rabbits either died or were euthanized before treatment could be instituted. In each of the 19 rabbits, the appendix had evidence of severe inflammation with mucosal ulceration, heterophilic inflammation, and necrotic debris. CLINICAL RELEVANCE For rabbits with decreased appetite and an apparently painful abdomen, hyperthermia, hypocalcemia, or hypoglycemia, appendicitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Further comparisons of medical and surgical treatments are required to establish treatment recommendations for rabbits with appendicitis.

Downer cow syndrome causing rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in a 17-month-old Guzerá heifer

ABSTRACT: The downer cow syndrome (DCS) is characterized by an alert cow showing inability or reluctance to stand for 12 hours or more. This paper reported clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings in a Guzerá heifer with rhabdomyolysis, pigmenturia and acute renal failure following DCS. A 17-month-old Guzerá heifer was transported via a 350-km ride in a truck and showed sternal recumbency and severe difficulty in standing and walking. Neurological examination was unremarkable, and the heifer presented normal response to cranial nerves and spinal cord tests. Rectal palpation revealed a 5-month gravid uterus. No other abnormalities were noted in the pelvis or around the coxofemoral joints. Biochemical abnormalities included extremely high muscular enzyme activities (creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase) and high creatinine levels. Urinalysis revealed blackish and cloudy urine, proteinuria, and a positive occult blood test. Spinal cord ultrasonography showed no abnormalities. This report highlighted an uncommon clinical presentation (myoglobinuria) and pathological findings in a heifer with DCS as a consequence of severe compressive muscle damage. Practitioners and producers must be aware of the risk of careless road transportation for long distances of cattle, especially obese cows, avoiding unnecessary suffering and expenses due to DCS.