The present study was carried out to investigate paraneoplastic syndromes along with histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization. A total of 55 tumors cases were evaluated and about 10 canine mammary tumor cases were recorded at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh over a period of 6 months (April 2025-September 2025). General clinical signs shown by these dogs were cancer anorexia, cachexia, inappetence, dullness, dehydration along with pigmented plaques in a few cases. Grossly, the tumor masses were predominantly cystic, nodular and solid, exhibiting a texture that ranged from soft to firm. Some of these masses were pedunculated, either solitary or affecting the entire chain of the mammary gland. Cytological analysis of mammary tumors revealed an acinar pattern of glandular epithelial cells alongside a limited number of myoepithelial cells exhibiting significant anaplasia. Hematological findings indicated the presence of anemia accompanied by neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, monocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Assessment of serum showed reduced levels of alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST); elevated protein levels accompanied by increased gammaglobulin, along with hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia. The histopathological examination of the tumors identified simplex cystic papillary and mixed type carcinoma, tubulopapillary carcinoma, microacinar carcinoma, chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, capillary hemangioma, as well as mixed mammary tumors including cystic chondrolipofibroma and hemangiochondrocystic fibrolipoma. Van Geison staining was performed for required set of tissues for differentiation of tissue origin. Immunohistochemistry was conducted with vimentin, cytokeratin for tissue differentiation, estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor to confirm the presence or influence of hormones for tumor proliferation.
A Chippiparai female dog of five years old was presented with nodular swellings in neck and leg at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli. Grossly, slightly raised, firm masses were found subcutaneously over the neck, ear base, shoulder and leg. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed from individual masses and examined microscopically. Cytological smears were composed of bloody background with clusters of epithelial cells and multiple filiform-shaped microfilaria. Morphology of microfilaria were identified as L1 of Dirofilaria repens whereas cellular clusters were identified as sebaceous adenoma. The present study records the incidence of subcutaneous filariasis in a Chippiparai dog with neoplastic changes in associated tissues.
A total of 50 spleens and 250 lymph nodes collected from buffaloes were examined, in which amyloid deposition was identified in 3 spleens and 144 lymph nodes, included 30 prescapular, 38 prefemoral, 29 hepatic, 23 mesenteric and 24 bronchial lymph nodes. Cytological examination revealed the presence of amorphous, homogenous, extracellular material suggestive of amyloid along with associated cellular changes. Histopathological examination demonstrated eosinophilic, amorphous extracellular deposits within the lymphoid tissues, lead to partial distortion of the normal architecture of the affected organs. The findings of the present study indicated that increased occurrence of amyloidosis in the lymphoid organs of buffaloes and highlighting the significance of cytological and histopathological techniques in the detection of this condition.
Trichosomoides crassicauda is a nematode parasite inhabiting the urinary bladder of wild and laboratory rats. Its unique feature is the presence of the male worm permanently embedded within the uterus of the female worm. On gross examination, no specific lesions could be detected in the urinary bladder. Histopathological examination of urinary bladder revealed epithelial hyperplasia, mucosal thickening and multiple cut sections of parasite. Within the lumen and mucosa well-developed eggs and female parasites were embedded in the epithelium of urinary bladder with no inflammatory reaction around the parasite. Based on the gross examination and histopathological findings, the case was identified as incidence of Trichosomoides crassicauda in rat.
Collagen-rich extracellular matrices (ECMs) recovered from mammalian organs and tissue have found clinical uses in several formats like thin sheets, powder, ointments, gels, etc.; either as a standalone tissue engineering scaffold or in combination with other biomaterials and pharmaceuticals for many regenerative medical applications. Out of these, gel formulations of ‘advanced wound care products’ made of animal-derived ECMs have high utility because of structural adaptability, biocompatibility, and tunable physicochemical properties. This study demostrated the wound healing potential of a porcine cholecystic extracellular matrix gel formulation in rat full-thickness skin-excision wound model by gross and histomorphological studies.
An investigation was conducted to determine the cause of mortality and ill health in a captive musk deer farm at the Musk Deer Research Centre, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand. Six musk deer died within a period of two months, and pathological findings confirmed verminous pneumonia due to nematode infestation. Faecal samples collected from eleven animals and examined using standard flotation and sedimentation techniques revealed infection with Muellerius capillaris in all animals, with mild infection in 7 and moderate and severe infection in two animals. All animals were initially treated with ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously), but follow-up examination on day 10 indicated persistence of infection in seven animals. Subsequently, fenbendazole (5 mg/kg body weight orally for 15 days) was administered to all animals. Post-treatment faecal examinations on days 10 and 30 confirmed complete clearance of lungworm infection and overall improvement in animal health. The poor response to ivermectin may be due to limited drug availability within nodular lung lesions, whereas prolonged fenbendazole treatment proved effective in eliminating persistent M. capillaris infection in captive musk deer.
A review on cooperiasis in cattle caused by Cooperia pectinata was described based on the authentic episode of the malady in a calf. A four-month-old Jersey cross-bred calf was presented for necropsy with the clinical history of inappetence, anaemia, diarrhea, weakness and death. Systematic post-mortem examination was conducted. Externally, carcass was thin with blanched mucous membranes. Internally, edematous fluid accumulated in pericardial sac, thoracic and abdominal cavities. Proximal small intestine revealed scattered nodules. Lumen of the distal abomasum and duodenum contained pale viscous contents and numerous pale yellowish-brown, hairy nematodes. Histologically, small intestine revealed acute catarrhal enteritis. Mucosal villi were blunt, fused and showed scattered areas of epithelial necrosis. Muco-serosal nodules revealed necrotic cell debris, throngs of neutrophils, eosinophils and few macrophages encircling the dead and degenerating nematodes. Nodules were thought to be hypobiosis of parasitic larval (L4&L5) stages. Muco-serosal nodules upholds the penetrating nature of the parasite and explained the host cell-mediated immune response. Morphologically, the parasites were identified as Cooperia pectinata. Adult male was identified with its morphology of spicules, structure and arrangement of bursal rays. Adult female was identified with its morphology of vagina and ovijector. The penetrating nature of the C. pectinata was responsible of intestinal pathology which in turn caused acute malady characterized by anaemia, diarrhea, loss of body weight gain, emaciation and death. The paper elaborates the pathology and pathogenesis of C. pectinata in cattle and records the incidence in southern India at-long-last documented evidence after 1940 from Madras state.
Bovine tropical theileriosis (BTT), a tick borne lymphoproliferative disease of bovines, is caused by intracellular hemoprotozoan, Theileria annulata. It is one of the most economically significant disease of livestock in India. The blood sample from a month old HF cross cow calf with the history of high fever, anorexia and weakness was presented for hematological examination to Department of Veterinary Pathology, KNPCVS, Shirwal. The hematological analysis revealed anaemia as evident by decrease in Hb (6.5g/dl) and PCV (20.68%) values. The blood smear examination revealed piroplasms (annular rings/rods) of Theileria spp. in RBCs. The calf was died on same day and thorough necropsy was performed to note gross lesions. The carcass showed emaciation, pale/anaemic mucous membranes, swollen edematous prescapular lymphnodes, typical punched out ulcers in abomasum, multifocal epicardial ecchymotic hemorrhages along with paleness in myocardial muscles were salient gross findings. The microscopic examination of impression smear from lymphnode revealed typical Koch blue bodies in lymphocytes. The histopathological examination of affected tissues corroborated with gross findings. DNA was extracted from the blood sample and PCR targetting Tams 1 gene specific for Theileria annulata yielded expected product of 751 base pair confirming the tropical theileriosis.
A two-year-old female Pattanam sheep was submitted for necropsy to the Department of Veterinary pathology, Veterinary College and Research institute, Orathanadu. During necropsy, the gross lesions were observed and required tissue samples were collected for histopathology. Grossly, tracheal and bronchial lumen contained frothy exudate. Lungs were adhered to the pleura and showed dark red firm consolidated areas with grey or pale nodular areas. Histopathologically, lungs revealed multifocal adenomatous appearance of the parenchyma. Alveolar wall transformed into cuboidal epithelium as well as columnar epithelium which formed acinar and papillary pattern. Based on the gross lesions and histopathology, a very rare case of pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a Pattanam sheep is documented.
This study reports gross and histopathological findings in a 16-year-old pregnant female giraffe (≈13 months gestation) that died of systemic tuberculosis. Ante-mortem signs included anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, and weakness, which worsened despite supportive care. Postmortem examination revealed markedly enlarged, firm lungs studded with multiple grayish-white nodules throughout the parenchyma. Cut sections of lungs showed caseous, gritty areas consistent with chronic granulomatous inflammation. The heart was mildly enlarged with pale streaks and focal discoloration, suggesting degenerative and inflammatory changes. Histopathology of the lungs demonstrated classical granulomas with central caseous necrosis surrounded by epithelioid macrophages, Langhans-type multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes and fibrous tissue, confirming tuberculosis. Adjacent lung tissue showed congestion and inflammatory infiltration. Cardiac sections revealed myocardial fibre degeneration, interstitial edema and mononuclear cell infiltration, consistent with myocarditis. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis with myocardial involvement was established. The occurrence in an advanced pregnant animal suggests that physiological stress and immunomodulation may have contributed to disease progression. This study highlights the importance of thorough necropsy and histopathological evaluation in detecting infectious diseases in wild species and emphasizes the potential for multisystem involvement in tuberculosis, complicating clinical presentation and outcomes.
Uroabdomen is a critical condition resulting from leakage of urine into the peritoneal cavity, leading to hematological, biochemical, cytological and histopathological alterations. The present report describes a rare case of uroabdomen associated with traumatic herniation of the urinary bladder through the rectum in a three-month old male non-descript dog presented to Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Tirupati. Clinical examination revealed moderate abdominal distension, pallor of visible mucous membranes and a fluid-filled sac protruding through the rectal opening. Hematological evaluation showed severe anemia and neutrophilic leucocytosis with the left shift. Peritoneal fluid analysis revealed high total nucleated cell count (TNCC) with reactive mesothelial cells along with inflammatory cells. Biochemical analysis of peritoneal fluid revealed very high creatinine concentration compared to that in serum. Histopathological examination of the peritoneum revealed reactive changes characterized by vascular congestion, hemorrhage and marked neutrophilic infiltration. This case highlights the diagnostic significance and correlation of imaging with hematology, peritoneal fluid cytology, biochemical analysis, histopathology for definitive confirmation of uroabdomen.
Vascular tumours are seldom found in birds. An adult 35 weeks old indigenous chicken was brought for postmortem examination with the history of sudden death. On postmortem examination, multiple tiny reddish nodules were noticed on liver. Histopathological examination revealed wide blood-filled vascular structure densely packed with nucleated erythrocytes compressing liver parenchyma. Based on gross and histopathology, the case was diagnosed as cavernous haemangioma.
Cutaneous fibroma is a benign neoplasm of fibrous connective tissue that is occasionally encountered in horses often presenting as nodular growths on various body regions. The present study was conducted over a period of one year to evaluate the prevalence, haematological, biochemical and histopathological characteristics of cutaneous fibroma in horses maintained at the Bihar Police Academy, Rajgir. A total of 32 horses were examined, out of which 6 cases were diagnosed with fibroma, indicating a prevalence of 18.75%. The affected horses included both sexes with ages ranging from 16 to 18 years suggesting a higher occurrence in older animals. Clinically, the lesions were observed as solitary or multiple nodular, ulcerated and proliferative masses predominantly located on the lateral body wall involving the paralumbar (flank) and gluteal (rump) regions. The nodular masses were surgically excised under aseptic conditions and the excised tissues were subsequently submitted for histopathological examination. Haematological evaluation revealed mild anaemia, leucocytosis and neutrophilia, indicative of chronic inflammatory response while biochemical analysis showed slight elevation in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) along with increased total protein and globulin levels. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of fibroma, characterized by dense interlacing bundles of well-differentiated fibroblasts and collagen fibres with minimal cellular atypia and low mitotic activity. These findings indicate that cutaneous fibroma, although benign can occur with appreciable frequency in aged horses and may be associated with mild systemic alterations. This study emphasizes the importance of surgical excision followed by histopathological confirmation for accurate diagnosis and effective management of cutaneous fibroma in horses.
A nine-year-old male German Shepherd dog was presented with anorexia, lethargy and progressive weight loss. Clinical examination revealed emaciation, depression and dyspnoea. Haematological analysis showed leucocytosis and neutrophilia. The dog died following unsuccessful treatment and was submitted for necropsy. Gross examination revealed multiple tumour nodules in all liver lobes, lungs and lymph nodes (LN). The mesenteric lymph node (MSLN) appeared whitish-pink, whereas the mediastinal lymph node (MDSLN) showed black pigmentation on a greyish-white background. Cytology of hepatic nodules revealed clusters of neoplastic hepatocytes. Histopathology showed solid sheets of neoplastic cells consistent with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with compression and invasion of adjacent hepatic parenchyma. Metastatic neoplastic cells were observed in the lungs and LNs. Additionally, the MDSLN showed macrophages containing black pigments consistent with benign anthracotic lymphadenopathy (BAL). Immunoreactivity of arginase-1 showed marked expression in the neoplastic cells. Hep-Par-1 showed minimal expression in neoplastic cells and strong expression in the normal hepatocytes. Mild expression of glypican-3 and AFP were noticed in the neoplastic cells. Both the MSLN and MDSLN showed strong expression of CD3 and moderate expression of CD20 in the lymphoid cells. Gross, cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent in the diagnosis of HCC coexist with BAL in a dog.
The present study evaluated the toxic effects of glyphosate and the ameliorative potential of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha/ Indian ginseng) powder on growth performance and organ integrity in kuroiler birds. A total of 75 birds were observed over a period of three months for changes in body weight and pathological alterations in the lungs, brain, spleen, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract (proventriculus, gizzard and intestine). Orally glyphosate-exposed birds exhibited a significant reduction (p<0.05) in body weight gain compared to control and Ashwagandha-supplemented groups. The growth suppression was associated with marked gross and histopathological lesions in the examined organs, indicating systemic cellular stress and tissue damage. In contrast, birds co-administered with Ashwagandha showed significant improvement in body weight and reduced severity of pathological alterations. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of liver, kidneys, brain and skeletal muscle samples did not detect residues of the parent glyphosate compound. This finding suggests possible rapid metabolism or elimination of glyphosate, or that tissue damage may be mediated by its metabolites rather than by persistence of the parent compound. The study demonstrates the systemic toxic potential of glyphosate exposure and highlights the protective efficacy of Ashwagandha as a natural ameliorative agent against herbicide-induced toxicity in poultry.
A 5-year-old female New Zealand White rabbit weighing 2.4 kg was presented with a history of repeated infertility following three unsuccessful matings and progressive abdominal distension. Owing to chronic infertility and clinical deterioration, the animal was euthanised and subjected to post-mortem examination. Necropsy revealed marked enlargement of both uterine horns and the uterine body with multiple firm, irregular masses and absence of fetuses. Histopathological examination showed an endometrial neoplasm infiltrating the myometrium, composed of papillary, tubular and cystic arrangements of epithelial cells supported by fibrovascular stroma. The neoplastic cells exhibited moderate pleomorphism with low mitotic activity and no metastatic lesions were observed in other organs. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed strong cytoplasmic positivity for cytokeratin-7 and moderate apical to cytoplasmic expression of epithelial membrane antigen. Based on histomorphological features, the tumour was diagnosed as papillary and cystic adenocarcinoma of the uterus.
Cancer is a condition characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, tissue invasion and metastasis. Animal cancers, which are on rise in the recent past, resemble human cancers and serve as valuable models for comparative research in cancer biology and drug development. Biomarkers are defined as measurable molecules indicating biological processes, disease or treatment response to cancer. Historical evolution of biomarkers spans from simple protein markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to advanced microRNAs and circulating tumour cells (CTCs). Ideal biomarkers must be tumor-specific, detectable in minimally invasive samples, correlate with tumor burden and enable high-throughput testing. Important proliferation markers of cancer include Ki-67, which is higher in malignant tumors, PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) which correlates with tumor grade and invasion, AgNORs (Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions) which distinguish tumors as benign/malignant and telomerase which is 95% tumor-specific. Tumor suppressors like p53 and adhesion molecules like E-cadherin predict aggressiveness of tumors. Serum markers like AFP, TK1 (Thymidine Kinase-1), VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) aid in diagnosis and prognosis of hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma and prostate cancers. Tumor biomarker detection includes immunological methods, cytogenetic analysis and genetic analysis. Tumour biomarkers are beneficial in early detection of cancer, assessing prognosis, therapy response and monitoring relapse across species.
A 12-year-old non-descript male dog was presented with a history of lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite. A complete blood count revealed elevated haematocrit, neutrophilia and thrombocytopenia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a mass at the splenic tail with a characteristic honeycomb appearance. Cytological examination showed large, pleomorphic, oval to spindle-shaped cells exhibiting nuclear hyperchromasia and a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio. Splenectomy was performed and the excised mass was subjected to histopathological evaluation. Histological examination revealed large cavernous vascular spaces lined by markedly pleomorphic and plump endothelial cells. Based on the histopathological features, a diagnosis of splenic hemangiosarcoma was made.
Spirocerca lupi is a nematode responsible for causing true malignancies in dogs. Esophageal nodular granulomas are pathological lesions of Spirocercosis. Spirocercosis is a disease occurring predominantly in Canidae, caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi. The present case was noted in 3 years old German shepherd dog with esophageal nodular growth having neoplastic transformation following S. lupi infection was histologically elaborated with possible pathologic mechanism. Typical clinical signs are regurgitation, vomition and dyspnoea. Grossly, there was presence of round nodular masses on wall of esophagus occupied almost obliterating the whole lumen of the esophagus. On section, red-colored worms were noticed in the mass and were identified as Spirocerca lupi by parasitological examination. The nodular masses were processed routinely and stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) and microscopically, esophageal mass revealed numerous parasitic eggs (Spirocerca lupi) encircled by proliferating fibrous connective tissue with infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells, predominantly eosinophils and histopathologic lesions of other organs were recorded. Based on parasitic gross, microscopic and immunohistochemical evaluation, the case was diagnosed as Spirocercosis in the dog with acute renal failure.
Canine mammary osteosarcoma is a rare but highly aggressive extra medullary tumour, predominantly affecting older female dogs and marked by rapid progression and a high metastatic potential. While histopathology is the standard diagnostic and prognostic tool, it does not always accurately represent the true proliferative activity of tumour cells, necessitating more sensitive adjunct techniques. Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs), which contain argyrophilic proteins involved in ribosomal RNA synthesis, can be visualized using silver staining (AgNOR). AgNOR quantification has emerged as a valuable adjunct to routine histopathology, as increased AgNOR counts correlate with higher metabolic activity, faster cell cycles, and greater tumour proliferation. Recent advances involving zinc and silver co-localization have further improved the sensitivity and consistency of AgNOR-based assessments. The present study investigated naturally occurring mammary gland osteosarcoma in bitches. Tumour tissues were collected, formalin-fixed, and subjected to routine histopathology, followed by AgNOR staining and zinc–silver co-localization analysis. Proliferative activity was evaluated through quantitative assessment of cell-cycle phases and mitotic figures. Results revealed a significant positive association between mitotic counts and proliferative phases of the cell cycle, along with a negative correlation with the G1 phase across all staining methods. These findings highlight the reliability of AgNOR techniques and zinc-silver co-localization as sensitive markers for assessing tumour proliferation and biological aggressiveness in canine mammary osteosarcoma.
