Summary Small intestinal strangulation was found at necropsy in the left mesometrium of a nonpregnant 10‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare subjected to euthanasia because of colic. The tear had smooth fibrotic edges, consistent with its development in one of two normal pregnancies, the last one at least 1 year preceding admission. This is a rare lesion and this report demonstrates that such a tear can develop during pregnancy without inducing small intestinal strangulation and that pregnancy is not required for strangulation to develop later. Therefore, all attempts should be made to close such tears at the time of initial surgery, if accessible, or later as a planned laparoscopic procedure.

Brief Communication A 15-y-old neutered male domestic shorthaired cat was presented to the Emergency and Critical Care service at the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital (UFVH, Gainesville, FL) after a 16-d history of hindlimb paralysis in conjunction with 1-wk duration of inappetence and lethargy. Prior to admission to UFVH, the patient had been treated by a referring veterinarian with a steroid (identity and dose not provided) and diagnosed with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) on radiographs (further characterization of the radiographic findings was not provided). Upon admittance to UFVH, the cat was obtunded, hypothermic, hypotensive, and mildly dehydrated. During the physical examination, no spinal trauma or pain was noted on palpation. Bloodwork (complete blood count and serum chemistry) was unremarkable, and overnight intravenous fluids were started. The following morning, the patient had multiple seizures, and euthanasia was elected. The patient was submitted for autopsy ~6 h after euthanasia. Autopsy confirmed IVDD at T1-T2, T9-T10, and L3-L4. At these locations, there was either mild-to-moderate extrusion of degenerate disk material or, in one instance (T1-T2), a firm, smooth nodule (~3 × 5 mm) that mildly protruded into the spinal canal. The main differentials for the clinical signs and spinal cord disease in our case included IVDD, spinal cord neoplasia (lymphoma), and infectious conditions, including feline infectious peritonitis and cryptococcosis. An autopsy was performed with sections of all major organs, as well as the entire brain and spinal cord to the level 822683V DIXXX10.1177/1040638718822683Feline leptomeningeal gliomatosisZoll et al.

A 3-year-old female red corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was presented for a three-week history of anorexia and decreased defecations. On physical examination, a soft midbody intracoelomic swelling was palpated. Transcutaneous coelomic ultrasound revealed a target-like mass on a transverse section of the stomach, suggesting the presence of a gastrointestinal intussusception. On exploratory coeliotomy, a double compounded esophagogastric and gastroduodenal intussusception was diagnosed and reduced surgically. A gastropexy was also performed to prevent recurrence. On histopathology, the gastric glandular mucosa showed moderate to marked proliferation. Diffusely lining the luminal surface of glandular epithelium and free within the lumen were a myriad of protozoa consistent with Cryptosporidium sp. A diagnosis of chronic proliferative gastritis due to Cryptosporidium sp. was made based on these findings. Intussusceptions are rare in reptiles and are infrequently reported in snakes. This is the first report of a double compounded intussusception in a nonmammalian species and the first report of an intussusception involving the stomach in a snake with gastritis due to Cryptosporidium sp.

A 15-year-old female blue and gold macaw ( Ara ararauna) was presented for evaluation after being found laterally recumbent, reluctant to move, and lethargic. Results of a complete blood count showed an increased number of immature heterophils with increased cytoplasmic basophilia and degranulation and the presence of a left shift. Radiographs and a computed tomography scan were performed and revealed a markedly enlarged spleen. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate of the spleen was submitted for cytologic examination and aerobic bacterial culture. While the culture revealed no growth, cytologic examination identified mononuclear phagocytes with cytoplasmic vacuoles containing structures consistent with bacteria. Pan-bacterial 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction of the splenic sample followed by direct sequencing identified a Coxiella-like agent identical to one previously isolated in the liver of a golden-mantled rosella ( Platycercus eximius). Phylogenetic analysis shows that avian coxiellosis agents and Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, represent 2 independent events of development of vertebrate pathogenicity in this group of tick endosymbionts. This report suggests diagnostic and treatment directions for coxiellosis in avian patients and indicates where further study is needed.