The expression of Ki67, BCL-2, and COX-2 was investigated in 53 canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to evaluate their prognostic significance and the association with the histologic grading and the mitotic index (MI). MCTs were graded according to the Patnaik grading system and the novel 2-tier grading system proposed by Kiupel. The numbers of mitotic figures/10 high-power fields (MI) were counted. Both grading systems were significantly associated with prognosis. The Patnaik grading was of limited prognostic value for grade 2 MCTs, with 23% being associated with mortality. The concordance among pathologists was strongly improved by the application of the 2-tier grading system, and 71% of high-grade MCTs were associated with a high mortality rate. MI and Ki67 protein expression were significantly associated with grading and survival. No significant association between BCL-2 protein expression and either grading system or health status was observed. BCL-2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in grade 2 than in grade 1 MCTs, while no statistically significant differences were detected between low- and high-grade MCTs. The increased BCL-2 mRNA level was significantly associated with increased mortality rate. The COX-2 protein expression was detected in 78% of the MCTs investigated. However, neither association with the tumor grade nor with the health status was observed. COX-2 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in MCTs compared to surgical margins and control skin tissue, but it was neither associated with tumor grade nor with survival.

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BackgroundOptimal procedure for storage of feline blood is needed. Open‐collection systems have been employed in feline medicine, thus limiting the possibility for storage.ObjectivesTo evaluate indicators of quality of feline blood stored for 35 days at +4°C in a closed‐collection system specifically designed for cats.AnimalsEight healthy adult European domestic shorthair cats with a weight of 5‐6.8 kg.MethodsThis is a case series study. A bacteriological test, CBC, blood smear, pH, osmotic fragility, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurement were performed weekly on whole blood (WB) units from day 1 to day 35 after donation. The hemolysis index, lactate and potassium concentrations, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen were measured on plasma aliquots.ResultsOne out of eight blood units (BUs) had bacterial growth (Serratia marcescens) at day 35. No significant differences were found regarding CBC, morphology, pH, and osmotic fragility. Despite high inter‐individual variability and low starting levels, significant decreases in the mean concentrations of 2,3‐DPG (T0 1.99 mmol/g Hb, SD 0.52, T35 1.25 mmol/g Hb, SD 1.43; P = .003) and ATP (T0 1.45 mmol/g Hb, SD 0.71, T35 0.62 mmol/g Hb, SD 0.51; P < .001) were detected during the study, as opposed to an increase in hemolysis (T0 0.11 mmol/L, SD 0.07, T35 0.84 mmol/L, SD 0.19; P < .001), lactate (T0 3.30 mmol/L, SD 0.86, T35 13.36 mmol/L, SD 2.90; P < .001), and potassium (T0 3.10 mmol/L, SD 0.21, T35 4.12 mmol/L, SD 0.35; P < .001) concentrations.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe commercial BU kit is appropriate for blood collection and conservation of WB in cats. The maintenance of WB quality indicators during storage is essential for future improvements of feline transfusion medicine.

Abstract. Cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) are among the most common neoplasms in dogs and show a highly variable biologic behavior. Histological grading, cell proliferation markers, and KIT immunohistochemistry are typically used to predict post-surgical prognosis. In the present study, c-KIT messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was measured in canine MCTs and its relationship with tumor grade, immunohistochemical staining pattern, post-surgical prognosis, and mutations was investigated. A significant increase of c-KIT mRNA was observed in MCTs versus healthy skin and surgical margins. Mutations were observed in 8.3% of cases. The KIT staining pattern was investigated for both grading systems. In particular, staining pattern III was associated with grade II (G2) and G3 MCTs, while staining patterns I and II were associated with G1 and G2 MCTs. Considering the 2-tier histological grading, the high grade was mainly associated with pattern III (71%) while the low grade was associated with patterns II (70%) and I (28%). A weak association between the KIT staining pattern and outcome was also observed. The results obtained suggest that c-KIT mRNA is overexpressed in canine MCT, although the fold variations were not associated with the protein localization or complementary DNA mutations. These observations suggested that the 3 events were independent. The histological grading and the KIT staining pattern have prognostic value as previously published. Staining pattern I could be especially helpful in predicting a good prognosis of G2 MCTs. Sequence mutations were not necessarily suggestive of a worse prognosis, but might be useful in choosing a chemotherapy protocol.

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Small ruminant lentivirus infections in goats affect both production and animal welfare. This represents a threat to the qualitative and quantitative growth of goat farming, recently observed in mountainous regions such as the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol (Italy). To monitor and eradicate the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus in this goat population, a compulsory eradication campaign was launched, based on a strict census of small ruminants and yearly serological testing of all animals, followed by the consequent culling of seropositive individuals. The campaign succeeded in completely eliminating cases of clinical disease in goats, while drastically reducing the seroprevalence at the herd as well as individual animal level. The serological outcome of the introduced control measures was determined using commercially available ELISA kits, demonstrating their suitability for use in this type of campaign, aimed at reducing seroprevalence as well as clinical manifestations of these infections. However, this clear success is diminished by the failure to achieve a complete eradication of these viruses. The reasons leading to the observed tailing phenomenon and the occurrence of new infections in already sanitised flocks are discussed and implementation of further measures are proposed.

BackgroundThe prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA 1) in canine population is approximately 40–60%. Often data are limited to a small number of breeds and/or dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate frequency of DEA 1 in a large population of purebred and mongrel dogs including Italian native breeds and to recognize a possible association between DEA 1 and breed, sex, and genetic and phenotypical/functional classifications of breeds. Frequencies of DEA 1 blood group collected from screened/enrolled blood donors and from healthy and sick dogs were retrospectively evaluated. The breed and the sex were recorded when available. DEA 1 blood typing was assessed by immunocromatographic test on K3EDTA blood samples. The prevalence of DEA 1 antigen was statistically related to breed, gender, Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and genotypic grouping.ResultsSixty-two per cent dogs resulted DEA 1+ and 38% DEA 1-. DEA 1- was statistically associated with Dogo Argentino, Dobermann, German Shepherd, Boxer, Corso dogs, the molossian dogs, the FCI group 1, 2 and 3 and the genetic groups “working dogs” and “mastiff”. DEA 1+ was statistically associated with Rottweiler, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, Bernese mountain dog, Golden Retriever, the hunting breeds, the FCI group 4, 6, 7 and 8 and the genetic groups “scent hounds” and “retrievers”. No gender association was observed.ConclusionsData obtained by this work may be clinically useful to drive blood donor enrollment and selection among different breeds.

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