Amyloidosis is a group of disorders characterised by the injurious deposition of abnormal proteins in tissues. Most common in cattle and other animals is secondary or reactive systemic amyloidosis associated with chronic inflammation, resulting in deposition of acute-phase serum amyloid A (SAA) in organs like the kidneys, liver, and spleen. While chronic diseases like mastitis, metritis and pododermatitis are usually the most common diseases identified as inflammatory sources, any persistent inflammation can trigger this disorder. Cattle affected by amyloidosis often exhibit symptoms like weight loss and kidney dysfunction. Here we present the case of a five-year-old Holstein Friesian referred to the University of Glasgow for weight loss and chronic diarrhoea. Clinical examination revealed low body condition score, watery diarrhoea, mild dehydration (5%), mild submandibular oedema, left renomegaly, and udder cleft dermatitis. Biochemistry and urine analysis indicated hypoalbuminemia with normal globulin levels and marked proteinuria. Given the poor prognosis, the animal was euthanised on welfare grounds. Gross postmortem findings suggested a diagnosis of secondary amyloidosis, and histopathology confirmed SAA deposition in the glomeruli and renal medullary interstitium. In the absence of another grossly appreciable chronic inflammatory focus/ foci the udder cleft dermatitis was considered the likely contributing comorbidity.

The creation of interactive livestreaming post-mortem examination sessions for veterinary students is described, including the technological and pedagogical issues that were considered and a detailed description of the solution developed. We used the Hero 7 Go Pro camera ( https://gopro.com/en/gb ) and livestreamed using Zoom ( https://explore.zoom.us/en/about/ ). We completed a thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis of the student perception of the value of the streaming platform and the sessions that were delivered to the second and third year students in the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) programme at the University of Glasgow. JISC Online surveys to BVMS2 and BVMS3 were central to the quantitative and qualitative analysis (MVLS Ethics reference 200,190,190). Students who responded to the survey found the material interesting, were able to interact effectively with the pathologists, enjoyed the “pathologists’ eye” view that the system afforded, and enjoyed the ability to review and revise the video recording. The disadvantage some mentioned was not being in the appropriate professional space, i.e. the post-mortem facility, although a few students found this advantageous and suggested that this was a useful introduction to the post-mortem facility but without the cold/smell/noise to detract from their learning. In addition, a short explanation of additional uses of the Zoom Go Pro to teach BVMS4 and Veterinary Bioscience BSc Level 3 students and use for extracurricular student activities, e.g. Pathology Club, Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association at the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, is given. The authors also consider other roles for the platform in the future, in particular the induction of students to the post-mortem facility environment.