CT features of gastrointestinal spindle cell, epithelial, and round cell tumors in 41 dogs.

There is sparse published information on computed tomographic (CT) characteristics of canine gastrointestinal tumors. The purposes of this multi-center, retrospective, descriptive study were to describe the CT features of histologically-confirmed canine gastrointestinal spindle cell, epithelial, and round cell tumors and, when available, describe the corresponding ultrasound findings. The inclusion criteria were as follows: availability of pre-and post-contrast CT study, and a histopathological diagnosis of the lesions. Recorded parameters were tumor size, location, gastrointestinal wall layers involvement, lesion's growth and enhancement patterns, tumor margination, presence of stenosis, mineralization, ulcerations, lymphadenopathy, or other lesions in the abdomen/thorax. When available, ultrasound images were evaluated. Forty-one dogs met the inclusion criteria and had the following histological diagnoses: 21/41 (51%) spindle cells (7 leiomyomas, 14 leiomyosarcomas/gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)), 13/41 (32%) epithelial (adenocarcinoma), and 7/41 (17%) round cell (lymphoma) tumors. The growth pattern was concentric, eccentric, and mixed in epithelial, spindle cell, and round cell tumors, respectively. Spindle cell tumors had the largest main volume and involved the outer gastrointestinal layer with an unaffected inner layer. Leiomyosarcomas/GISTs showed irregular margins compared to leiomyomas. Only lymphomas showed multifocal gastrointestinal involvement. Nine carcinomas and six spindle cell tumors caused partial stenosis with secondary sub-obstruction. Mineralizations were more frequent in spindle cell tumors (10/21) and absent in lymphomas. Lymphadenomegaly was widespread in lymphomas, regional in leiomyosarcomas-GISTs and adenocarcinomas, and absent in leiomyomas. The reported CT features may be useful in prioritizing the differential diagnosis between spindle cell, epithelial, and round cell tumors, similar to those reported on ultrasound.

Relationship between ultrasonographic and histopathological measurements of small intestinal wall layers in fresh cat cadavers.

The relationship between histological and ultrasonographic thickness of the intestinal wall and its layers in cats is unknown so far. The aims of this study were to establish the relationship between ultrasonographic measurements in the transverse and longitudinal planes of the small intestine and to establish the agreement between ultrasonographic and histologic thickness of the overall intestinal wall and layers in cat cadavers. Seventeen adult cats were euthanased for reasons unrelated to gastrointestinal tract disease and ultrasonography was performed immediately after death using a high-frequency linear transducer. Ultrasound images of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and distal ileum were acquired in both the longitudinal and transverse planes. Small intestinal samples were collected close to where ultrasonographic images were obtained, fixed in formalin, and histological sections were obtained. Measurements of the intestinal layers and the overall wall thickness were performed on the ultrasonographic images and histological sections. No statistical differences were found between the ultrasonographic measurements of thickness obtained in the transverse and longitudinal planes except for the distal ileum (P<0.05). There was good agreement between the ultrasonographic and histologic measurements of the overall wall thickness and the layers of the different intestinal segments except at the submucosa and muscularis of the duodenum. Immediate postmortem ultrasonographic and histological thickness measurements of the different layers of the small intestine obtained in this study could serve as a reference for ultrasonographic scans and histological samples in cats.

Bone density of elbow joints in Labrador retrievers and Golden retrievers: Comparison of healthy joints and joints with medial coronoid disease.

The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the inter-observer repeatability of particular regions of the canine elbow joints; (2) to assess the effect of age, bodyweight and breed on bone density in healthy young dogs; (3) to compare Hounsfield units (HU) and bone density (BD) measurements between normal elbow joints and diseased elbow joints; and (4) to determine the sensitivity and specificity for HU and BD measurements in specific regions in the canine elbow joint. Regions with the highest repeatability were located at the medial coronoid process (MCP) base and apex, and at the level of the humerus, on the sagittal and sagittal oblique planes of the elbow joint. Age and breed were significantly associated with several regions of interest; conversely, none of the measurements were associated with bodyweight. Increased HU and BD values in the MCP base and apex regions are likely to be related to medial coronoid disease. Labrador retrievers had higher HU and BD values than Golden retrievers and an increase in BD was found in older animals. Cut-offs determined with receiver operating characteristic plots of the MCP base and apex suggested fairly good sensitivity and specificity (base: area under the curve 0.85, sensitivity 75.0%, specificity 88.8%; apex: area under the curve 0.89, sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 92.5%).

Anatomical study of fibrous structures of the medial aspect of the canine elbow joint.

Forces exerted by fibrous structures on the medial aspect of the canine elbow joint have been reported to be involved in elbow pathology. The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationships of the ligamentous and muscular structures of this region of the canine elbow joint, and how they relate to the medial coronoid process. Six cadavers of adult German shepherd cross-breed dogs were used in this study to make intra-articular and vascular injections of this region. Some joints were dissected and some were frozen to saw sagittal or dorsal cryosections to assess the relationships of the myotendinous structures. The brachialis muscle tendon passed through the division of the bicipital tendon of insertion which formed a fibrous tendon sheath that was reinforced by the oblique ligament. The biceps' brachii's main insertion is the radial tuberosity where it inserts along with the cranial branch of the oblique ligament and the cranial branch of the medial collateral ligament. Rotational and compression forces exerted by the insertion of the biceps brachii-brachialis tendon complex onto the ulna might influence medial coronoid disease. Therefore, sectioning these tendons could be considered as a treatment for medial coronoid disease.

Colour and pulsed Doppler ultrasonographic study of the canine testis.

This study was performed to characterize the normal blood flow of the canine testis and to measure the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of testicular arteries weekly during a period of 6 months in five healthy Beagle dogs and to evaluate whether there were any change along this time. The ultrasonographic exams were made with an 11 MHz linear transducer. The vessels of the testes were subdivided into three categories: supratesticular arteries, marginal artery and intratesticular vessels. At the supratesticular arteries, two measurements were recorded at the cranial and the looping parts. No significant differences in any of the parameters studied were observed for the 6 months that the study was performed. The cranial part of the supratesticular artery showed a flow pattern of high-resistive vessel, whereas in the looping part of the supratesticular artery, marginal and intratesticular arteries, the flow showed a low-resistance pattern. PSV, RI and PI values were higher at the cranial part of the supratesticular artery, followed by the looping part of the supratesticular artery, marginal and intratesticular vessels. EDV measurements were higher in the looping part of the supratesticular artery.

Unusual systemic metastases of malignant seminoma in a dog.

Unilateral enlargement of left testicle and scrotum was detected in an 8-year-old West Highland White Terrier. The histopathological diagnosis after surgery was a seminoma (SEM) tumour, and a diagnosis of metastatic foci was also detected in vaginal tunic and scrotum. Two months later, new metastatic SEM foci in the skin were diagnosed. Twenty-two months after the initial orchiectomy new multiple cutaneous nodules and a swelling of periesophageal structures were observed. Finally, the necropsy revealed multiple malignant metastatic SEM focus. To the author's knowledge, this is the first description of a canine SEM with unusual widespread metastasis on the base of tongue, soft palate, trachea and pericardium.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the equine temporomandibular joint anatomy.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: In human medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the 'gold standard' imaging procedure to assess the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, there is no information regarding MRI evaluation of equine TMJ. OBJECTIVES: To describe the normal sectional MRI anatomy of equine TMJ by using frozen and plastinated anatomical sections as reference; and determine the best imaging planes and sequences to visualise TMJ components. METHODS: TMJs from 6 Spanish Purebred horse cadavers (4 immature and 2 mature) underwent MRI examination. Spin-echo T1-weighting (SE T1W), T2*W, fat-suppressed (FS) proton density-weighting (PDW) and fast spin-echo T2-weighting (FSE T2W) sequences were obtained in oblique sagittal, transverse and dorsal planes. Anatomical sections were procured on the same planes for a thorough interpretation. RESULTS: The oblique sagittal and transverse planes were the most informative anatomical planes. SE T1W images showed excellent spatial resolution and resulted in superior anatomic detail when comparing to other sequences. FSE T2W sequence provided an acceptable anatomical depiction but T2*W and fat-suppressed PDW demonstrated higher contrast in visualisation of the disc, synovial fluid, synovial pouches and articular cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: The SE T1W sequence in oblique sagittal and transverse plane should be the baseline to identify anatomy. The T2*W and fat-suppressed PDW sequences enhance the study of the articular cartilage and synovial pouches better than FSE T2W. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The information provided in this paper should aid clinicians in the interpretation of MRI images of equine TMJ and assist in the early diagnosis of those problems that could not be diagnosed by other means.

Late abscess formation caused by silk suture following hysterectomy in a female dog.

A 5-year-old female cross-breed dog was presented for a one-month history of lethargy, poor appetite and weight loss. A hysterectomy had been performed 2 years ago. Abdominal palpation revealed a mid-abdominal mass and haematological analysis showed leucocytosis with left shift. On abdominal radiographs, a 9 cm in diameter soft tissue opacity mass ventral to the colon and caudal to the left kidney was observed. The abdominal ultrasonography revealed a mass well circumscribed, with a hyperechoic capsule and hypoechoic center with echoic debris. The presumptive diagnosis was an abscess due to foreign body granuloma. Laparotomy was performed and a mass close to the left ovary was found. Adhesions and residues of the suture material were observed close to the right ovary and the uterine body stump. The mass, both ovaries and adhesions were removed. On cut section of the mass two cavities were observed. The small one contained three embedded silk suture residues. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a chronic abscess caused by silk suture.

Computed tomographic anatomy of the temporomandibular joint in the young horse.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its surrounding structures can be difficult to investigate in cases with a clinical problem related to the region. Little previous attention has been given either to a computed tomographic (CT) imaging protocol for the joint or an interpretation of the structures displayed in CT images of the normal joint. OBJECTIVES: To provide a CT atlas of the normal cross-sectional anatomy of the equine TMJ using frozen and plastinated sections as anatomical reference. METHODS: Eight TMJs from 4 immature pure-bred Spanish horses were examined by helical CT. Scans were processed with a detailed algorithm to enhance bony and soft tissue. Transverse CT images were reformatted into sagittal and dorsal planes. Transverse, sagittal and dorsal cryosections were then obtained, photographed and plastinated. Relevant anatomic structures were identified in the CT images and corresponding anatomical sections. RESULTS: In the CT images, a bone window provided excellent bone detail, however, the soft tissue components of the TMJ were not as well visualised using a soft tissue window. The articular cartilage was observed as a hyperattenuating stripe over the low attenuated subchondral bone and good delineation was obtained between cortex and medulla. The tympanic and petrous part of the temporal bone (middle and inner ear) and the temporohyoid joint were seen in close proximity to the TMJ. CONCLUSIONS: Helical CT provided excellent images of the TMJ bone components to characterise the CT anatomy of the normal joint. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Detailed information is provided that may be used as a reference by equine veterinarians for the CT investigation of the equine TMJ and serve to assist them in the diagnosis of disorders of the TMJ and related structures (middle and inner ear). The study was performed at an immature stage and further studies of mature individuals are required in order to confirm that the clinical interpretation is not affected by changes occurring with age.

Sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of three doses of romifidine in comparison with medetomidine in five cats.

This study was designed to compare the effects of three doses of romifidine (200, 400 and 600 microg/kg) with medetomidine (80 microg/kg) administered intramuscularly to five cats. The quality of sedation and the cardiovascular and respiratory effects of each treatment were evaluated, and the onset and duration of the sedation, and the cats' recovery times, were measured. Cardiorespiratory variables were also analysed. The dose of 200 microg/kg romifidine was clinically superior to the other doses of romifidine, providing moderate sedation, with minor cardiorespiratory and other adverse effects. However none of the doses of romifidine induced as deep and reliable sedation as the dose of medetomidine.

Computed tomography (CT) of the lungs of the dog using a helical CT scanner, intravenous iodine contrast medium and different CT windows.

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of helical computed tomography (CT) for visualizing pulmonary parenchyma and associated formations in normal dogs. CT scan was performed by using intravenous contrast medium and by applying different types of CT windows: soft tissue and lung windows, and high-resolution computed tomography of the lung. This technique allowed, especially with lung window types, a good view of the parenchyma, bronchial tree, vascular structures and pleural cavity. The selected images, with high anatomical quality and tissue contrast, may be a reference for future clinical studies of this organ. Thus, helical CT is a promising non-invasive method of diagnosing a wide variety of pulmonary diseases in dogs.

A urethrorectal fistula due to prostatic abscess associated with urolithiasis in a dog.

An 8-year-old, entire male crossbreed dog had a 2-day history of abdominal pain and straining to urinate and defecate. A diagnosis of urolithiasis with urinary retention, and probable prostatitis was made. The dog was treated with fluids and enrofloxacin. Five days later, ultrasonography of the prostate showed two hypoechoic areas compatible with abscesses. Twelve hours later, the patient started to urinate from the rectum during micturition and urethrorectal fistula was diagnosed. The omentalization of the prostatic abscesses and castration were performed and calculi were removed. The urethrorectal fistula was treated conservatively with an indwelling urinary catheter, a low residue diet and antibiotics. The dog recovered uneventfully without recurrence of the fistula.

Anatomy of the equine temporomandibular joint: study by gross dissection, vascular injection and section.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The minute anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in horses is poorly documented in the literature. OBJECTIVES: To examine in detail the anatomy of the normal equine TMJ and the relationship of the joint to adjacent structures. METHODS: The anatomy of the TMJ was examined in 12 equidae using dissections, synovial and vascular injections and frozen and plastinated sections. Relevant structures were photographed. RESULTS: Rostral and caudal compartments were identified in the dorsal and ventral synovial pouches of the TMJ. Lateral and caudal ligaments were identified and attachments of the masticatory muscles over the TMJ were documented. Direct relationships between the TMJ and components of the ear were found, and the vascular supply described. CONCLUSIONS: This joint is related to some components of the ear as in man, and has its own peripheral vascular supply. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: A knowledge of the detailed anatomy of the equine TMJ is a prerequisite to interpreting the imaging techniques, and will enable improved diagnosis of TMJ pathologies.

Left perinephric abscess associated with nephrolithiasis and bladder calculi in a bitch.

An eight-year-old, entire female Pekingese cross, weighing 3.8 kg, had been inappetent with fever, depression, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea for seven days. The radiographic and ultrasonographic findings were consistent with glomerulonephritis, nephrolithiasis in both kidneys, bladder calculi and an accumulation of fluid in the left perinephric space. The clinical signs, together with the results of the diagnostic imaging, suggested that this fluid could be pus. A definitive diagnosis of a subcapsular abscess in the left kidney was established when this kidney was removed surgically. A histopathological examination of the kidney revealed a diffuse suppurative interstitial nephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis and an abscess invading the perinephric adipose tissue from the renal cortex. Twelve months after surgery the dog remains clinically stable, but owing to the disease of its remaining kidney its long-term prognosis is poor.

Clinical and radiographic study of bone and joint lesions in 26 dogs with leishmaniasis.

Twenty-six dogs with parasitologically confirmed leishmaniasis and abnormalities of gait were studied to determine the most common radiological patterns of bone and joint lesions. The clinical findings included either lameness, joint pain and crepitation, soft tissue swelling and/or muscle atrophy. Bone lesions were observed radiographically in 12 of the 26 dogs; the radius and ulna were affected in seven, the tibia in six and the femur in six. Joint lesions were observed radiographically in 15 of the 26 dogs; the carpus and stifle were affected in all 15, and the tarsus in nine. There was a tendency for the bones and joints to be affected bilaterally. The radiographic patterns observed were different in the long bones and the joints. In the long bones, the most common pattern was periosteal and intramedullary proliferation, involving the diaphyses and related to the nutrient foramen; in the joints, two patterns, either non-erosive or erosive polyarthritis with soft-tissue swelling, were observed. The changes observed in the synovial fluid were associated in most cases with osteolytic lesions. However, Leishmania organisms were identified in the synovial fluid from joints without bony radiographic changes.

Nitrate leaching in important crops of the Valencian Community region (Spain).

In the Valencian Community there are many areas in which the nitrate content of groundwater is higher than the limit of 50 mg l(-1) established by the European Union. A recent survey of drinking water quality showed that around 8% of the Valencian Community population had water supplies with nitrate content above that limit. The Valencian Community has an intensive agricultural base that includes citrus trees, fruit trees, and vegetables. A summary of the available nitrate leaching results in vegetable fields and citrus orchards is presented. It is demonstrated in the main vegetables grown, that N inputs were much higher than the values recommended by some researchers, and that nitrate leaching values were in most cases within the range of 150-300 kg N ha(-1). Artichoke, early potato, and onion were the three crops with higher leaching rates than other crops, based on simulation studies made for several of the main vegetable growing areas of the Valencian Community. The mineral N content in the 0-60 cm layer at planting time in the vegetable fields is, in many cases, greater than 200 kg ha(-1); fertilizer application could be greatly reduced if some recommendation system similar to the N(min) system used in other European countries was adopted. A simplified N balance in onion and early potato crops showed that the lower limit for mineralization in the 0-60 cm soil layer during the crop period varied from 65 to 130 kg N ha(-1). In these two crops nitrate leaching varied from 240 to 340 kg N ha(-1), depending on the N fertilizer treatment, and representing about 66-70% of total N input in the onion crop, and from 38 to 65% in the potato crop. Nitrate leaching losses in citrus orchards were, in general, lower than 100 kg N ha(-1) year(-1), representing about 33% of the total N input. A comparison of these results with those obtained in other studies is made. Finally, prospects for improvements in the fertilizer practice of vegetable crops and citrus orchards in the Valencian Community are discussed.

Unilateral renal agenesis associated with additional congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract in a Pekingese bitch.

An eight-month-old Pekingese bitch with urinary incontinence was found to have three congenital anomalies of the urinary tract: left renal agenesis, bilateral ectopic ureters with a left cranial blind-ending ureter, and urinary bladder hypoplasia. The diagnoses were made by retrograde vaginourethrography, excretory urography, ultrasonography and duplex Doppler ultrasonography. Although urological anomalies associated with renal agenesis have been frequently observed, a cranial blind-end ectopic ureter has not, to the authors' knowledge, been described in the bitch. The dog was managed medically with a restricted protein diet because of a compromised unilateral kidney with hydronephrosis and hydroureter.

Ocular complications of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous in three dogs.

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) syndrome associated with either severe ocular complications or multiple ocular lesions was diagnosed in three young dogs, a Samoyed, a Spanish Pachon, and a mixed breed dog. Due to opacification of the anterior ocular structures, B-mode and color-flow Doppler ultrasonography were performed to aid diagnosis. The Samoyed presented with unilateral hyphema; the Spanish Pachon presented with unilateral secondary glaucoma associated with uveitis and hyphema OD and leucocoria OU; and the mixed breed presented with bilateral leucocoria. B-mode ultrasonography of the Samoyed revealed a subcapsular cataract and a hyperechoic tubular structure attached from the optic disk to the posterior lens capsule. In the Spanish Pachon B-mode ultrasonography of the right eye indicated microphakia, cataract formation, and a retrolental mass with a thin hyperechoic strand stretching from the optic disk to the posterior lens; and for the right eye cataract formation, PHPV, retinal detachment, and vitreous hemorrhage. In the mixed breed dog, B-mode ultrasonography of both eyes indicated microphthalmia, retrolental mass, and hyperechoic lenses. By color-flow Doppler imaging, blood flow was present in the retrolental mass of the right eye suggesting a persistent hyaloid artery.