Computed tomographic anatomic variations of the phrenicoabdominal veins in cats.

There are no published reports describing the anatomic variations of the phrenicoabdominal (PhAbd) veins in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomic variations of the PhAbd veins in cats without adrenal disease. This is an anatomic study. Abdominal CT images of cats acquired from January 2021 to February 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were the presence of pre- and postcontrast CT images of the abdomen and the absence of any abdominal diseases that compromise the left and right PhAbd veins visualization. A total of 128 cats were included. Three different vascular anatomic variations were found in the distal pericaval segment of the left phrenicoabdominal (LPhAbd) vein. In the first type, found in 65 cases (50.8%), the LPhAbd vein drained directly into the caudal vena cava. In the second type defined IIa, found in 25 cases (19.5%), the LPhAbd vein drained into the distal third of the left renal vein, less than 5 mm from its opening into the caudal vena cava. In the third type defined IIb, found in 38 cases (29.7%), the LPhAbd vein drained into the distal third of the left renal vein, more than 5 mm from its opening into the caudal vena cava. The right phrenicoabdominal vein had a consistent path and drained into the caudal vena cava in all cases. The knowledge of these vascular variations is expected to help the surgeon during adrenalectomy due to masses with vascular invasion in cats.

The vertebral right heart index: A new radiographic method to assess right heart enlargement in dogs.

In veterinary medicine, the radiographic assessment of right heart enlargement (RHE) is essentially subjective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vertebral right heart index (VRHi) as a new quantitative radiographic method to detect RHE in dogs. This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational study, including dogs with RHE and control dogs. All dogs had to have a thoracic radiographic study and a complete echocardiography on the same day. Right heart enlargement was defined as the presence of right atrial enlargement, right ventricular enlargement, and/or hypertrophy based on echocardiography. For the radiographic study, all the radiographic views available for each case were considered for measurement: right lateral (RL), left lateral (LL), ventrodorsal (VD), and dorsoventral (DV). The VRHi was measured using LL, RL, VD, and DV views. A total of 204 dogs were included: 91 dogs with RHE and 113 control dogs. The VRHi (RL), the VRHi (LL), and the VRHi (VD) were significantly greater in dogs with RHE compared with controls (P < .0001). The best diagnostic accuracy was observed for VRHi (LL) (area under the curve [AUC] 0.86, P < .0001; cutoff ≥ 3.5 vertebrae, sensitivity [Se] 71%, specificity [Sp] 89%), followed by VRHi (RL) (AUC 0.85, P < .0001; cutoff ≥ 3.5 vertebrae, Se 68%, Sp 86%) and VRHi (VD) (AUC 0.80, P = .0004; cutoff ≥ 3.0 vertebrae, Se 57%, Sp 95%). In conclusion, the lateral VRHi in LL and RL and the VD VRHi could represent useful radiological tools for the detection of RHE in dogs.

Effect of gadolinium contrast medium administration on susceptibility-weighted imaging of the canine brain.

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a gradient echo (GE) MRI sequence. Intravenous administration of gadolinium (Gd) may affect GE images, but its effect on SWI has not been investigated in veterinary medicine. This cross-sectional prospective study evaluated the effects of Gd on SWI. Seventy-one dogs that underwent brain MRI were included and distributed in two groups. Susceptibility-weighted imaging was performed pre- and postcontrast, obtained immediately after Gd administration (Group A: n = 35) or delayed (Group B: n = 36; median delay 19.9 min). Pre- and post-Gd SWI were analyzed for signal intensity changes in the lentiform nuclei of gray matter (GM), in the centrum semiovale of white matter (WM), and in brain lesions. No difference in GM signal intensity was identified in either group between pre- and postcontrast images (Group A, P = .395; Group B, P = .895). In group A, WM signal intensity was lower in pre- than post-Gd sequences (P = .019). Brain lesions were identified in 30/71 (41%) cases; the signal intensity of intracranial lesions was significantly lower in pre- than post-Gd images in both groups (P < .001); the number of lesions influenced the difference in signal intensity in group B (P = .043). Susceptibility artifacts did not change in appearance between pre- and postcontrast images in either the normal brain or in parenchymal lesions. In conclusion, Gd may modify the signal intensity of WM and brain lesions but does not affect the susceptibility artifacts and does not interfere with SWI interpretation.

Subcutaneous fat sclerosis in a domestic short-hair cat.

The authors describe a case of presumptive feline subcutaneous fat sclerosis, a condition reported only once previously (in 1987) and diagnosed with postmortem examination. We describe radiographic, computed tomography scan and histopathological findings, and partial response to oral methylprednisolone and Vitamin E.

Normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in cats.

Introduction: The primary objective of this retrospective study was to document the normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in cats and possible associations with bodyweight, age, sex, sexual status, breed and skull morphology. Secondarily, the radiographic appearance of the mandibular symphysis and possible associations with the analyzed data were evaluated. Materials and methods: Two hundred and sixteen cats of 15 different breeds that underwent maxillofacial, oral and dental procedures from April 2015 to December 2021 were included. Clinical mobility was evaluated under general anesthesia using a 0 to 3 scale in lateromedial (LM) and dorsoventral (DV) directions. The symphysis was radiographically classified on the occlusal radiographic view of the rostral mandibles as fused or open, and with parallel or divergent margins. Results: Bodyweight ranged from 2.2 to 12.5 kg (median 4.0 kg), age from 4 months to 17 years and 4 months (median 6 years and 4 months). At the first evaluation DV symphyseal mobility was 0 in 177 cases (82%), 1 in 32 cases (14.8%) and 2 in 7 cases (3.2%), LM mobility was 0 in 61 cases (28.3%), 1 in 110 cases (50.9%) and 2 in 45 cases (20.8%). 81.1% of the radiographs were included in the statistical analysis. Three symphyses (1.6%) were classified as fused and 190 (98.4%) as open, 129 (68.8%) having divergent margins and 61 (31.6%) parallel. One hundred and forty-eight cases (76.7%) did not show the presence of odontoclastic replacement resorption on the canine teeth (TR subgroup 1), 23 (11.9%) showed stage ≤3 lesions (TR subgroup 2) and 22 (11.4%) stage 4 lesions (TR subgroup 3). Logistic regression models exploring factors that affected DV and LM mobility were statistically significant (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) with an increase in LM mobility predicting an increase in DV mobility, and vice versa. An increase in DV mobility was associated with an increase in age and in having resorptive lesions. A decrease in LM symphyseal mobility was associated with being brachycephalic. Conclusion: The great majority of cases showed some degree of LM symphyseal mobility, and 18% showed DV mobility. Symphyseal bony fusion is rare but possible.

Normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in dogs.

Introduction: The primary objective of this retrospective study was to document the normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in dogs, and evaluate possible associations with breed, bodyweight, age, sex, and skull morphology. Secondarily, the radiographic appearance of the mandibular symphysis and possible associations with the analyzed data were also evaluated. Methods: Medical records of dogs that underwent anesthetic procedures for maxillofacial, oral and dental evaluation from April 2015 to December 2021 were included. Results: 567 dogs of 95 different breeds were included, with a total of 695 evaluations. Body weight ranged from 0.8 kg to 79 kg (median 14.4 kg) and age from 3 months to 16 years and 4 months (median 6 years and 9 months). Clinical mobility was evaluated under general anesthesia using a 0 to 3 scale, in lateromedial (LM) and dorsoventral (DV) directions. The symphysis was radiographically classified as being fused or open. The open symphyses were further radiographically divided in having parallel or divergent margins. At the time of the first evaluation DV mobility was 0 in 551 cases (97.2%) and 1 in 16 cases (2.8%). LM mobility was 0 in 401 cases (70.7%), 1 in 148 cases (26.1%) and 2 in 18 cases (3.2%). There was not a significant change in mobility over time for cases examined more than once (P= 0.76). All cases had an intraoral radiographic examination. 83.8% of the radiographs were included in the statistical analysis. Two symphyses (0.4%) were classified as fused and 473 (99.6%) as open, 355 (74.7%) having divergent margins and 118 (24.8%) parallel margins. Logistic regression models exploring factors that affected DV and LM mobility were statistically significant (P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001), with an increase in LM mobility predicting an increase in DV mobility, and vice versa. An increase in age and in bodyweight was associated with a decrease in mobility. There was no statistical difference in clinical mobility across specific breeds or sexes. Increased probability of a divergent symphysis and increased DV mobility was found to be associated with a brachycephalic conformation. The increase in LM mobility was comparatively higher in small brachycephalic breeds compared with larger brachycephalic breed. Discussion: The majority of the cases showed little to no mobility of the mandibular symphysis and radiographically bony fusion can be rarely seen.

Corrigendum: Ultrasonographic assessment of early leakage in intestinal sutures in dogs.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1094287.].

Ultrasonographic assessment of early leakage in intestinal sutures in dogs.

Intestinal suture dehiscence is one of the most feared complications following gastrointestinal surgery in both human and veterinary medicine, increasing the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Clinical and laboratory early signs of septic peritonitis are not always easily identifiable while prompt treatment should help decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to describe the ultrasonographic (US) features of confirmed leakage of intestinal sutures (LIS) and to evaluate if this imaging technique can be useful as noninvasive tool for the early diagnosis of LIS. Seven dogs developed LIS in a range of three-four days after gastrointestinal surgery and four of these developed a second dehiscence. On B-mode ultrasonography, all intestinal surgical sites were identified and characterized by a bowel focal thickening with reduced or absent wall layering and the presence of hyperechoic, double-walled foci at regular intervals (suture material). Furthermore, hyperechoic linear interfaces associated with dirty acoustic shadowing and comet-tail artifacts crossing the intestinal wall to free-float in peritoneal cavity or in a saccate collection have been documented. On the basis of these preliminary results, canine abdominal ultrasound seems to be a useful diagnostic technique for post-operative monitoring of patients undergoing intestinal surgery, allowing early detection of signs of a LIS, before the patient develops clinical signs of septic peritonitis.

Strain elastography for the assessment of skin nodules in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Strain elastography (SE) is a modern imaging technology that provides an additional way of evaluating the changes in soft tissue elasticity caused by pathophysiological processes. Despite its widespread use in human medicine, only a few studies on the application of SE in veterinary medicine are available. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential usefulness of SE as an integrative imaging model in the standard ultrasound technique to better discriminate between inflammatory and neoplastic skin nodules in dogs. ANIMALS: Fifty-one client-owned dogs with clinical evidence of single or multiple skin nodules detected during routine dermatological examination. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Margins, echogenicity, echo-structure, calcification and vascularisation of 65 skin nodules were assessed with ultrasound, and SE was used to score qualitative (E-score, E-index, E2) and semiquantitative (SR) parameters. A comparison of diagnostic yields with cytological and histological findings as the gold standard was performed. RESULTS: Mast cell and benign follicular tumours showed the highest E-scores and SRs among neoplastic nodules; statistically significant differences were not detected. Calcific and nonvascularised nodules showed significantly higher E-index values than the others. Overall, a negative correlation was observed between the longitudinal diameter of skin nodules and the qualitative elastic parameters. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In this study, SE proved to be useful to identify only a subset of nodules such as mast cells and hair follicular tumours. Although evidence supporting the use of SE in evaluating skin nodules was demonstrated to below, indicators to guide further research were developed.

Gastrointestinal ultrasonographic findings in cats with Feline panleukopenia: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is very resistant and highly contagious and infects domestic cats and other felids. FPV is particularly widespread among sheltered cats, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, causing severe gastroenteritis characterized by anorexia, lethargy, fever, dehydration, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and vomiting. There is currently no data on the ultrasonographic features of cats affected with FPV. This case series describes abdominal ultrasonographic findings in shelter cats with naturally-occurring FPV, and assesses whether are associated with clinical and laboratory findings. Cats affected by FPV were enrolled in the study if an abdominal ultrasound was performed within 12 hours of diagnosis. Clinical, laboratory and survival data were collected from medical records. Ultrasonographic examinations were reviewed for gastrointestinal abnormalities and their associations with the above data were explored. RESULTS: Twenty-one cats were included. Nine cats (42.9%) died and 12 (57.1%) recovered. Based on ultrasonography, the duodenum and jejunum showed thinning of the mucosal layer in 70.6% and 66.6% of cats, thickening of the muscular layer in 52.9% and 57.1% of cats, and hyperechogenicity of the mucosa in 41.2% and 33.3%. Jejunal hyperechoic mucosal band paralleling the submucosa and irregular luminal surface were both observed in 33.3% of the cats. Survival was positively associated with increased jejunal mucosal echogenicity (P = 0.003) and hyperechoic mucosal band (P = 0.003). Peritoneal free fluid was positively associated with vomiting (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides ultrasonographic features of naturally-occurring FPV in cats, which, as expected, are compatible with gastroenteropathy. The most frequent findings were diffuse small intestine mucosal layer thinning, muscular layer thickening and mucosal hyperechogenicity, jejunal hyperechoic mucosal band and irregular luminal surface. Ultrasonographic features may be useful to complete the clinical picture and assess the severity of the gastroenteropathy in FPV cats. Prospective studies are needed to confirm ultrasonographic prognostic factors.

Evaluation of the effects of helmet continuous positive airway pressure on laryngeal size in dogs anesthetized with propofol and fentanyl using computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 5 cm H2 O of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on laryngeal size in spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs via computed tomography (CT). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, cross-over clinical study. SETTING: University teaching hospital and referral private practice. ANIMALS: Eight healthy client-owned dogs undergoing CT. INTERVENTIONS: Dogs were sedated with acepromazine 20 µg/kg IM and induced with fentanyl 2 µg/kg and propofol 3-5 mg/kg IV before being maintained on fentanyl (5 µg/kg/h) and propofol (0.3 mg/kg/min) constant rate infusion. Dogs received an air/oxygen mixture with (CPAP) and without (NO-CPAP) 5 cm H2 O of CPAP in a random order. Each study step lasted 15 minutes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ten minutes after the beginning of each study period, a CT scan of the laryngeal region was obtained at end-expiration. CT images were analyzed to determine the laryngeal cross-sectional area (CSA; cm2 ), total volume (VTOT ; cm3 ), and laterolateral and dorsoventral diameters (DLL and DDV , respectively; cm). Differences between the 2 treatments were analyzed with t-test for paired data (P < 0.05). Compared to the NO-CPAP, during CPAP the CSA increased by 53.3 ± 23.1% (ie, from 3.3 ± 0.8 to 5.1 ± 1.3 cm2 , P = 0.0004), VTOT increased by 52.4 ± 13.6% (from 6.2 ± 1.7 to 9.4 ± 2.4 cm3 , P < 0.0001), and DLL and DDV were 55.5 ± 13.3% (3.6 ± 0.8 vs 2.4 ± 0.5 cm, P = 0.006) and 20.3 ± 8.8% larger (3.2 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 0.6 cm, P = 0.0002), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal volume and cross sectional area increased during the application of 5 cm H2 O of helmet CPAP in spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs.

Combined interventional procedure and cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in a dog with cor triatriatum dexter, patent foramen ovale, and pulmonary stenosis.

A 2-year-old American Pit Bull dog was presented for surgical evaluation of imperforate cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Echocardiography identified an imperforate CTD associated with a right-to-left shunting PFO and valvular pulmonary stenosis. A 2-step interventional and surgical approach was used. Initially, a pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty was performed, and subsequently the dog underwent a surgical correction of the atrial anomaly under cardiopulmonary bypass.

64-multidetector CT anatomical assessment of the feline bronchial and pulmonary vascular structures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to provide a detailed anatomical study of the feline bronchial and vascular structures by using CT angiography (CTA). METHODS: Adult cats with no respiratory clinical signs were enrolled in a CTA protocol to provide an anatomical study of the thorax. The dimensions, number of branches and branching pattern (monopodial vs dichotomic) of both bronchial and pulmonary vascular structures were evaluated under positive inspiration apnoea. A linear generalised estimating equations analysis (Spearman's rho) was used to identify statistical correlation between tracheal diameter, age and body weight of the cats. RESULTS: Fourteen cats met the inclusion criteria. The pulmonary arteries had larger diameters than the pulmonary veins, and the pulmonary veins had larger diameters than the bronchial structures. A higher number of segmental bronchial and pulmonary vascular branches was observed in the left caudal lung lobe than in the other lobes. The monopodial branching pattern of both bronchial and pulmonary vascular structures was predominant in all cats of our study (100%) in cranial, caudal and right middle lung lobes, while a dichotomic branching pattern of the bronchial and pulmonary vascular structures of the accessory lung lobe was seen in 13 cats (93%). Thirteen cats (93%) had three pulmonary vein ostia, and one cat (7%) also presented with an additional left intermediate pulmonary vein ostium. Variation in the number of segmental pulmonary vein branches was noted in the right caudal lung lobe. There was no statistical correlation between tracheal diameter, age and weight. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Architecture of the feline bronchovascularr structures belongs to a mixed type of monopodial and dichotomic branching pattern. In cats, the pulmonary venous drainage system predominately presents three pulmonary vein ostia. Variations in the type of formation and the number of branches of the pulmonary venous drainage system were noted.

Vascular conspicuity differs among injection protocols and scanner types for canine multiphasic abdominal computed tomographic angiography.

Multiphasic multidetector computed tomographic angiography is a standard diagnostic test for canine abdominal vascular disorders. Three imaging protocols have been previously described. The test-bolus protocol allows precise timing but can be time consuming to perform. Bolus-tracking software is fast and easy to use but can be problematic for exact timing of vascular phases. A recently described fixed-injection-duration protocol is not influenced by body weight and provides a wider temporal window for arterial acquisitions. Objectives of this retrospective and prospective, multicentric, method comparison study were to determine which of the three multidetector computed tomographic angiography protocols allows best vascular conspicuity of the canine abdomen and to assess the influence of different multidetector computed tomography (CT) scanners on study quality. Triple-phase multidetector computed tomographic angiography canine abdominal studies from 30 dogs were retrospectively retrieved from three different institutions. Each institution performed one of the three computed tomographic angiography protocols (4-row and 16-row multidetector CT). Prospectively, the three protocols were also acquired with similar conditions on a 64-row MDCT in 21 dogs. Main abdominal vessels were scored by blinded readers for each phase. The fixed-injection-duration protocol had the best combined arterial and portal vascular conspicuity on scanners of limited speed, while the test-bolus protocol provided the best overall vascular conspicuity on 64-row multidetector CT scanner. The quality of arterial studies performed on 64-row MDCT scanner was improved compared to the ones performed on four- to 16-row multidetector CT scanners. Findings supported the fixed-injection-duration protocol as the best compromise between an ideal portal vascular enhancement and an easily reproducible protocol on scanners with low and high number of detector rows.

Electrocardiogram-gated 16-multidetector computed tomographic angiography of the coronary arteries in dogs.

The aims of this study were to assess if ECG-gated 16-multidetector CT (MDCT) provides sufficient temporal and spatial resolution to evaluate canine coronary arteries and provide a detailed description of their anatomy. A total of 24 dogs were included. Images were reviewed to assess: (1) coronary artery opacification and dominance; (2) choice of optimal R-R ECG reconstruction interval for both left coronary artery (LCA) and right coronary artery (RCA); (3) branching patterns of the left main coronary artery (LMCA); and (4) diameter and length of the LCA and RCA and classification of their branches by adapting a previously described segmental coding system. The degree of opacification of the coronary arteries was subjectively judged as excellent or good in five and 19 dogs, respectively. All hearts showed a left coronary dominance. The best R-R reconstruction interval for both LCA and RCA arteries was 75 per cent. Seven different subtypes of LMCA branching patterns were noted. The rami circumflexus and interventricularis paraconalis were divided into three angiographic segments, and the ramus septi interventricularis and the RCA in two and three segments, respectively. ECG-gated 16-MDCT coronary angiography provides adequate resolution to assist the basic anatomy of the main coronary artery branches.

Survival estimates and outcome predictors for shelter cats with feline panleukopenia virus infection.

OBJECTIVE To determine survival estimates and outcome predictors for shelter cats with feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infection. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 177 shelter cats with FPV infection. PROCEDURES Medical records of cats treated for FPV infection from 2011 through 2013 were reviewed to collect information pertaining to signalment; history; results of physical examination, CBC, serum biochemical analysis, and blood gas analysis; and treatments (antimicrobials, antiparasitics, antivirals, antiemetics, analgesics, crystalloid or colloid solutions, and blood products). Survival time and outcome predictors were determined by means of Kaplan-Meier estimation, logistic regression, and mixed-model ANOVA. RESULTS Median survival time after hospital admission was 3 days; 20.3% (36/177) of cats survived to discharge from the hospital. Risk of nonsurvival was greater in cats with (vs without) signs of lethargy, rectal temperature < 37.9°C (I00.2°F), or low body weight at hospital admission. Lower (vs higher) leukocyte count on days 3,4, and 7 of hospitalization, but not at admission, was associated with nonsurvival. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, antiparasitics, and maropitant but not interferon-ω were associated with survival, whereas glucose infusion was associated with nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that FPV infection carried a poor prognosis for shelter cats. Several variables measured at admission or during hospitalization were associated with outcome. Remarkably and contrary to the existing literature, leukopenia at admission had no association with outcome, possibly owing to early prevention of complications.

Multidetector computed tomographic pulmonary angiography in a cat with fatal heartworm disease.

A 17-month-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was referred for a computed tomographic (CT) study of the thorax due to respiratory distress. Multidetector CT angiography showed a multifocal interstitial ground glass opacity, tortuous and blunted pulmonary arteries consistent with thromboembolism with perivascular lung infiltration and hypoventilation in multiple lung lobes. A blood antigen test was positive for Dirofilaria immitis. The cat's clinical condition rapidly declined and the owners elected euthanasia. The histopathologic examination confirmed heartworm disease with parasitic pulmonary thromboembolism.

Ultrasonography as a complementary diagnostic method for evaluating the skin of healthy cats.

Ultrasonography is not often used in feline dermatology. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness and applicability of ultrasonography for skin evaluation in 21 clinically healthy cats. Ultrasonographic examination was conducted in 4 cutaneous regions (frontal, dorsal neck, sacral, and abdominal) using an 18-MHz linear-sequential-array transducer. Findings were assessed using histomorphometric analysis of skin samples set as reference standards. Morphologic evaluation, thickness measurements, measurement variability, and comparison between regions and genders were carried out. The ultrasonographic pattern of feline skin was characterized by 3 distinct layers of different echogenicity and echostructure. Skin was thickest at the dorsal neck region and thinnest at the abdominal region. Skin at the frontal region and dorsal neck region was thicker in males. Variability was < 10% in all regions. No apparent correspondence was found between ultrasonographic and histometric measurements of skin thickness. Collectively, these findings suggest that ultrasonography is a simple, noninvasive, and reproducible technique that allows cutaneous layers to be identified and accurately measures skin thickness in cats.

L'échographie en dermatologie féline est actuellement peu utilisée. L'objectif de ce travail était d'estimer l'utilité et l'applicabilité de l'échographie pour l'évaluation de la peau chez 21 chats cliniquement sains. L'examen échographique a été effectué sur 4 régions cutanées (frontale, dorsale du cou, sacrée et abdominale) avec une sonde linéaire de 18 MHz. Les résultats ont été évalués en utilisant une analyse histomorphométrique établie comme référence standard. L'évaluation morphologique, les mesures d'épaisseur, la variabilité des mesures et la comparaison entre les régions et les sexes ont été effectuées. Le pattern échographique de la peau féline a été caractérisé par 3 couches distinctes pour échogénicité et échostructure différentes. La région dorsale du cou était la plus épaisse et l'abdominale la plus fine. Les régions frontale et dorsale du cou étaient plus épaisses chez le mâle. La variabilité était < 10 % en toutes les régions. Aucune correspondance apparente n'a été trouvée entre les mesures échographiques et histométrique. En général, ces résultats suggèrent que l'échographie représente une technique simple non invasive et reproductible, permettant d'identifier les couches cutanées et de mesurer l'épaisseur de la peau avec précision aussi chez les chats.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Computed tomographic and angiographic assessment of spinal extradural arteriovenous fistulas in a dog.

A 6-month-old German shepherd dog was presented for progressive paraparesis. Multiple arteriovenous fistulae and hyperostosis of the thoracic vertebrae with secondary thoraco-lumbar spinal cord compression were diagnosed. Arteriovenous spinal fistula is a rare condition but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young dogs with progressive paraparesis.

Évaluation par tomodensitométrie et angiographie de fistules artérioveineuses extradurales spinales chez un chien. Un chien Berger allemand âgé de 6 mois a été présenté pour une paraparésie progressive. De nombreuses fistules artérioveineuses et de l'hyperostose des vertèbres thoraciques avec une compression de la colonne vertébrale thoraco-lombaire secondaire ont été diagnostiquées. Les fistules spinales artérioveineuses sont une rare affection mais elles devraient être considérées comme un diagnostic différentiel chez les jeunes chiens atteints de paraparésie progressive.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).