Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(10): 832-834
832
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine
journal homepage: www.apjtb.com
Document heading
Calcinosis
Chisoni Mumba
doi:10.12980/APJTB.4.2014C1332
襃 2014
by the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. All rights reserved.
circumscripta in a captive African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
, David Squarre2, Maxwel Mwase1, John Yabe1, Tomoyuki Shibahara3
1*
University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
1
Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), Private Bag 1, Chilanga, Zambia
2
National Institute of Animal Health, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
3
PEER REVIEW
ABSTRACT
Peer reviewer
Dr. Palanivelu M, Scientist, Division of
Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research
Institute, Izatnagar.
Tel: +915812310074
E-mail: drpalvet@gmail.com
This article reports a first case of calcinosis circumscripta in a captive African cheetah (Acinonyx
jubatus). Histopathology demonstrated well defined multiple cystic structures containing granular,
dark basophilic materials with peripheral granulomatous reaction, characterized by presence of
multinucleated giant cells surrounded by a varying amounts of fibrous connective tissues. Special
staining with von Kossa revealed black stained deposits confirming the presence of calcium salts.
Comments
This is a rarely documented condition
in wild cats and appears to be the first
recorded case in cheetah. The authors
have neatly described the gross and
histopathological lesions, supported
with adequately good quality images
or photomicrographs.
Details on Page 834
KEYWORDS
Calcinosis circumscripta, von Kossa, Cheetah, Zambia
1. Introduction
Calcinosis circumscripta is an uncommon syndrome
of ectopic mineralization characterized by deposition of
calcium salts in soft tissues. It has been thought to be
associated with cystic apocrine glands of the skin, and
some researchers called this lesion ‘‘cystic apocrine
calcinosis’’[1]. However, calcinosis circumscripta has been
found in the tongue, which lacks apocrine glands[1]. The
focal mineralized lesions are most frequently located in the
region of extremity joints as well as cervical and thoracic
spine segments[2]. The other sites predisposed to develop
*Corresponding author: Chisoni Mumba, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary
Medicine, Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia.
E-mail: sulemumba@yahoo.com
such pathological changes, with very few references in the
literature, may include the mouth, gingiva, frenulum of the
tongue, salivary glands, pinna, mandible, chest region and
jejunum[2].
Dystrophic calcinosis circumscripta occurs when the
serum calcium and phosphate levels are normal and
the calcification is localized to a specific area of tissue
damage. The primary lesion can be due to injury, necrosis,
inflammation or neoplasia. Tissue damage may be due
to mechanical, chemical, infectious or other factors[3].
Calcinosis circumscripta has not previously been reported
in a cheetah, hence necessitating the publication of this
Article history:
Received 26 Apr 2014
Received in revised form 7 May, 2nd revised form 27 May, 3rd revised form 4 Jun 2014
Accepted 23 Jun 2014
Available online 26 Jun 2014
Chisoni Mumba et al./Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(10): 832-834
article.
2. Case report
A growth on the skin, covering the upper left hind leg of
a male cheetah was reported during routine deworming of
captive cheetahs. The attending veterinarians were informed
that the cheetah was one year old and born as 4 cubs (2
males and 2 females). At the age of one year, the 2 males
were separated and taken to Chaminuka Lodge and game
reserve where they were used for cheetah walks (an event
called ‘The Cheetah Experience’). The cheetahs are fed on
3 kg of chicken each day. They were vaccinated against
rabies and cat flu at the age of 3 months and then booster
vaccine administered at 6 months. The growth was observed
on the bone prominence of the femur (gluteal area) of the
left hind leg. The growth was freely movable under the skin
but attached to the facia on upper thigh muscles. Surgery
was done after anaesthetising the cheetah with xylazine and
ketamine. The site was aseptically prepared and incision
made around the mass. Blunt dissection using haemostatic
forceps was used to detach the mass from underlining
muscles and fascia until the mass was freely detached.
T hree layers of suture were used to close the surgical
incision and cheetah was premedicated with procaine
penicillin intramuscularly and topical terramycin wound
spay was applied on the surgical wound. Wound healing
progressed well and the cheetah is now in a good condition.
Blood samples were collected for serum biochemistry at
the University of Zambia and the biopsy sample was sent to
the laboratory for histopathological examination at National
Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Japan.
The biopsy sample was fixed in 10% neutral buffered
formalin, embedded in paraffin wax, trimmed, and sections
were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Special staining
with von Kossa was used to demonstrate calcium deposition.
The von Kossa (Calcium Stain) was intended for use in the
histological visualization of calcium deposits in paraffin
sections. This method is not specific for calcium itself,
instead it stains calcium deposits or salts.
On physical examination, a mass was observed on the
bone prominence of the head of femur of the left hindleg
(Figure 1). After shaving the site, a long scar on the skin
across the mass was observed, which was suggestive of
mechanical trauma by a sharp object (foreign body).
A fter surgical removal of the mass, gross pathology
demonstrated a mass measuring 5 cm伊3 cm in diameter,
which was very firm, white in colour and hard to cut. The
cut surface had several areas of white chalky materials
which were git-like in appearance.
Histopathology demonstrated well defined multiple cystic
structures containing granular, darkly basophilic materials
with peripheral granulomatous reaction, characterized by
presence of multinucleated giant cells surrounded by a
833
varying amounts of fibrous connective tissues (Figure 2). The
lesion reacted positive to van Kossa special stain as black
coloured calcium deposits were seen (Figure 3). Serum
calcium levels did not show any significant pathological
finding.
Figure 1. Mass on the bone prominence of the head of femur of the left hind
leg.
Figure 2. Multiple cystic structures containing granular, dark
basophilic materials (hematoxylin and eosin 伊400).
Figure 3. Special staining (von Kossa) showing black coloured
calcium deposits (positive reaction) (von Kossa 伊400). Furthermore,
serum calcium levels were normal.
834
Chisoni Mumba et al./Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4(10): 832-834
3. Discussion
C alcinosis circumscripta has been reported in nonhuman primates and humans[4]. Calcinosis circumscripta
in humans is more common in females than males and
may be associated with various connective tissue disorders
such as calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal
dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia (CREST syndrome),
and dermatomyositis. In addition, trauma, insect bites,
metabolic calcification (e.g., renal failure), and inherited
disorders ( e.g., pseudoxanthoma elasticum, W erner’s
syndrome, and E hlers- D anlos syndrome ) may cause
calcinosis circumscripta[5]. In animals, the syndrome has
been reported in several species. According to Jeong et
al.[6], calcinosis in general is the deposition of calcium
salts in tissues other than bone and teeth and may be
divided into localised (dystrophic), systemic (metastatic)
and calcinosis circumscripta (skin/subcutis). In localised
( dystrophic ) calcinosis, the pre-requisite is injury to
tissues or cells which result into deposition of calcium
and phosphorus in a localised area[3]. Idiopathic calcinosis
may also occur in absence of localised tissue or systemic
tissue injury. In the dermis and subcutis, partial calcium
deposition that has a cystic-like structure and contains
calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate is called
calcinosis circumscripta[5], which is typical of this case.
B ody serum calcium levels were within normal limits
which ruled out the possibility of systemic (metastatic)
calcinosis, the condition which occurs in hypercalcemic
state[7]. According to Tafti et al.[3], dystrophic calcinosis
circumscripta occurs in the setting of normal serum
calcium and phosphate levels and the calcification is
localized to a specific area of tissue damage.
To conclude, the diagnosed case of dystrophic calcinosis
circumscripta in a male cheetah under report might be due
to repetitive trauma by a sharp object, probably needle as
evidenced by presence of long scar mark and history of
repeated injection of vaccines against rabies and cat flu.
We also used the same site for subcutaneous administration
of ivermectin and sedating the cheetah during surgery.
Conflict of interest statement
We declare that we have no conflict of interest.
Comments
Background
Although these localized tissue calcification are not
life-threatening, they may significantly interfere with the
functional ability particularly in wild cats which solely
depends on hunting for their survival. S o these types
of cases are needed to be reported to take necessary
therapeutic measures before it get complicated.
Research frontiers
Since there are only a few reports are available in wild
animals per se, a rare case of calcinosis circumscripta in a
cheetah warrants to put in the record.
Related reports
There are very meager reports available on this condition
in canines, non-human primates and humans, but no
reports are available in wild cats or cheetah as such.
Innovations and breakthroughs
It is a rare and probably a first documented report of
calcinosis circumscripta in cheetah correlated to chronic/
repeated trauma.
Applications
This type of case report would potentially help wild life
authorities and veterinarians associated with wild animals
to identify this type of conditions and take therapeutic
measures well in advance before it gets complicated.
Peer review
T his is a rarely documented condition in wild cats
and appears to be the first recorded case in cheetah.
T he authors have neatly described the gross and
histopathological lesions, supported with adequately good
quality images or photomicrographs.
References
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[2] L ojszczyk- S zczepaniak A , O rzelski M , S miech A . C anine
calcinosis circumscripta- retrospective studies. Medycyna Wet
2008; 64: 1397-1400.
[3] Tafti AK, Hanna P, Bourque AC. Calcinosis circumscripta in
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[4] Radi ZA, Sato K. Bilateral dystrophic calcinosis circumscripta
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[5] Olsen KM, Chew FS. Tumoral calcinosis: pearls, polemics, and
alternative possibilities. Radiographics 2006; 26(3): 871-885.
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Calcinosis circumscripta on lingual muscles and dermis in a
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Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company; 1984.