LETTER TO THE EDITOR DISEASE RESEMBLING FELINE LEPROSY that lesion. Bacteriological study of lymph node tissue was not rewarding. As far as the public health aspect is concemed, there appears to be no reason for excessive concern at this time. Firstly,-it still remains to be proven that the spontaneous feline leprosy cases are caused by the same agent that is responsible for the disease in man. Secondly, it should be remembered that although leprosy is listed as a contagious disease, it is generally accepted that only prolonged intimate contact with an open untreated case will transmit the disease to a non-infected person. The study of this disease could result in a significant contribution to an understanding of cell-mediated immunity and its role in other infectious processes. We are soliciting the referral of cats with suspicious lesions and the submission of fixed and unfixed tissue specimens to facilitate this needed study. Sincerely, B. R. GEE, D.V.M. B. SCHIEFER, Dr. Med. Vet. G. E. WARD, D.V.M. Department of Pathology Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Dear Sir:
We would like to draw to the attention of veterinary practitioners in Canada the presence of lesions in cats resembling leprosy. Evidence of feline leprosy was first encountered in 1971 during examination of suspect skin tumors submitted as formalin-fixed specimens to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, W.C.V.M. To date, nine specimens have been submitted from British Columbia and one from Alberta (1). The lesions at presentation were described as single or multiple skin nodules located in a variety of sites including the elbow, flank, ventral abdominal wall, back and tail. Ulceration was reported in three cases. Two cats were examined retrospectively and both were free of cutaneous lesions. The right superficial inguinal lymph node was enlarged in one cat and the node was surgically removed for histological and bacteriological investigation. Histologically, there was extensive granulomatous inflammation involving the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. The lesions were composed principally of histiocytes and in some areas they resembled foam cells. The numbers of neutrophils, plasma cells and lymphocytes varied. Large numbers of acid-fast stained bacteria were scattered throughout the lesions. A granulomatous lymphadenitis was found in the References 1. SCHIEFER, B., B. R. GEE and G. E. WARD. A surgically removed lymph node but acid-fast disease resembling feline leprosy in western staining failed to demonstrate any bacteria in Canada. J. Am. vet. med. Ass. 165: 1974.
ABSTRACT Leptospiral serogroup hebdomadis in Ontario cattle. B. Kingscote (An. Path. Lab., H of A., Agr. Canada, Guelph, Ontario).
tories can identify the serotype (s) involved. Treatment should aim to prevent abortion and eliminate renal carriers. Vaccine, if it becomes available, may prevent abortion but allow subclinical infection. Control depends on knowledge of the infective and pregnancy status of each cow in the herd, the leptospiral serotype involved, and the reservoir of infection.
Bovine serological reactors to Leptospira serotype se/roe are increasingly common in Ontario. The syndrome includes abortion, breeding problems, and atypical mastitis. The cause may be one of several members of the Research Rostrum of the Twenty-sixth Canaleptospiral serogroup hebdomadis. With the dian Veterinary Medical Association Annual cooperation of practitioners, diagnostic labora- Convention, Guelph, Ontario 1974. 30
Dear Sir:
We would like to draw to the attention of veterinary practitioners in Canada the presence of lesions in cats resembling leprosy. Evidence of feline leprosy was first encountered in 1971 during examination of suspect skin tumors submitted as formalin-fixed specimens to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, W.C.V.M. To date, nine specimens have been submitted from British Columbia and one from Alberta (1). The lesions at presentation were described as single or multiple skin nodules located in a variety of sites including the elbow, flank, ventral abdominal wall, back and tail. Ulceration was reported in three cases. Two cats were examined retrospectively and both were free of cutaneous lesions. The right superficial inguinal lymph node was enlarged in one cat and the node was surgically removed for histological and bacteriological investigation. Histologically, there was extensive granulomatous inflammation involving the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. The lesions were composed principally of histiocytes and in some areas they resembled foam cells. The numbers of neutrophils, plasma cells and lymphocytes varied. Large numbers of acid-fast stained bacteria were scattered throughout the lesions. A granulomatous lymphadenitis was found in the References 1. SCHIEFER, B., B. R. GEE and G. E. WARD. A surgically removed lymph node but acid-fast disease resembling feline leprosy in western staining failed to demonstrate any bacteria in Canada. J. Am. vet. med. Ass. 165: 1974.
ABSTRACT Leptospiral serogroup hebdomadis in Ontario cattle. B. Kingscote (An. Path. Lab., H of A., Agr. Canada, Guelph, Ontario).
tories can identify the serotype (s) involved. Treatment should aim to prevent abortion and eliminate renal carriers. Vaccine, if it becomes available, may prevent abortion but allow subclinical infection. Control depends on knowledge of the infective and pregnancy status of each cow in the herd, the leptospiral serotype involved, and the reservoir of infection.
Bovine serological reactors to Leptospira serotype se/roe are increasingly common in Ontario. The syndrome includes abortion, breeding problems, and atypical mastitis. The cause may be one of several members of the Research Rostrum of the Twenty-sixth Canaleptospiral serogroup hebdomadis. With the dian Veterinary Medical Association Annual cooperation of practitioners, diagnostic labora- Convention, Guelph, Ontario 1974. 30
