The lymph drainage of the neoplastic mammary glands in the bitch: a lymphographic study.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the lymph drainage of the neoplastic mammary glands in the bitch using indirect lymphography. The main conclusions drawn from the study of 41 natural cases were as follows: the first or cranial thoracic and second or caudal thoracic neoplastic mammary glands usually drain into the ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes and rarely into the ipsilateral axillary and sternal lymph nodes, simultaneously. The third or cranial abdominal neoplastic mammary gland usually drains into the ipsilateral axillary and superficial inguinal lymph nodes simultaneously, but sometimes only cranially into the ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes. Rarely, it drains only caudally into the ipsilateral superficial inguinal and medial iliac lymph nodes, simultaneously. The fourth or caudal abdominal neoplastic mammary gland usually drains only caudally into the ipsilateral superficial inguinal lymph nodes. Rarely, it drains into the ipsilateral axillary and superficial inguinal lymph nodes simultaneously. The fifth or inguinal neoplastic mammary gland usually drains into the ipsilateral superficial inguinal lymph nodes but rarely, does it also drain into the ipsilateral popliteal lymph node and into a lymphatic plexus at the medial aspect of the ipsilateral thigh. Lymphatic connections between the neoplastic and adjacent normal mammary glands were demonstrated in only one case. The lymph drainage pattern of the neoplastic mammary glands is slightly different to that described in normal glands using the same radiographic method.

Osseous lesion of the calcaneus following the use of shock wave therapy in a horse.

An 8-year-old Dutch warmblood gelding was presented with a mechanical lameness (2/10) because of the presence of a soft tissue injury on the top of the right tuber calcanei. Plain radiographs of the tarsus demonstrated the presence of soft tissue swelling caudal to the right tuber calcanei, without osseous involvement, and ultrasonography revealed excessive scar tissue within and around the superficial digital flexor tendon. Extra-corporeal shock wave therapy was applied on the right hock to decrease the amount of scar tissue. One month after the therapy the lameness was greater (3/10) and a marginal increase in the size of the swelling was found. Periosteal new bone formation associated with an ill-defined radiolucent area and two bony fragments were detected radiographically at the caudo-proximal aspect of the right tuber calcanei. A blister containing oil of croton, camphor, pine and thyme, turpentine and cantharides was applied on the right calcaneus. Twenty days after blister application, the size of the swelling had been reduced by 50% and the degree of lameness had also been decreased (1/10). On clinical re-evaluation 6 months after treatment, the degree of lameness was stable (1/10) and flexion test of the limb was negative.

Ultrasonographic findings of intestinal intussusception in seven cats.

The medical records of seven cats with intestinal intussusception that were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography and exploratory laparotomy were reviewed. In transverse ultrasonographic sections the intussusception appeared as a target-like mass consisting of one, two or more hyperechoic and hypoechoic concentric rings surrounding a C-shaped, circular or non-specific shaped hyperechoic centre. Part of the intestine representing the inner intussusceptum, located close to the hyperechoic centre and surrounded by concentric rings, was also detected. In longitudinal sections the intussusception appeared as multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic parallel lines in four cases and as an ovoid mass in three cases. In one case the ovoid mass had a 'kidney' configuration. Additional ultrasonographic findings associated with intestinal intussusception included an intestinal neoplasm in one cat. The results of the present study demonstrate that the ultrasonographic findings of intestinal intussusception in cats bear some similarities to those described in dogs and humans, are relatively consistent, and facilitate a specific diagnosis.

Computed tomography diagnosis of isolated splenic torsion in a dog.

Isolated splenic torsion in a dog was diagnosed using computed tomography (CT). The enlarged non enhanced spleen and a twisted soft tissue mass effect represented the rotated pedicle were the main findings. Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography were not conclusive.

Behaviour of an artery enclosed within a normal or hypertrophic callus of a long-bone fracture.

The behaviour of the brachial artery enclosed in a hypertrophic or a normal callus was investigated in experimentally produced fractures of the humerus in 22 dogs. The brachial artery was displaced in a bony groove created at the fractured ends of the bone. The fracture was immobilized with a metal plate and four screws. The progress of the callus formation was studied and the patency of the artery was evaluated. In 15 out of the 22 animals a medium-sized or hypertrophic callus had developed that engulfed the brachial artery without obstructing its lumen and blood flow. In five dogs the fracture site was infected and the resultant osteomyelitis obstructed the artery. In the remaining two dogs the arterial lumen was extremely narrowed, due to breaking of the plate and formation of pseudarthrosis in one and injury of the artery in the other. Unless complicated by infection resulting in vascular occlusion, callus at the fracture site may engulf an artery without interference in its patency and blood flow. The possible involvement of a functioning artery within a callus or a mass of heterotopic ossification (myositis ossificans) should be kept in mind during surgical treatment of old fractures, hypertrophic callus with pseudarthrosis or extensive heterotopic ossification.

Absence of cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities and spinal cord lesions after iotrolan cervical myelography in normal cats: an open placebo-controlled study.

Iotrolan (Isovist 300, Schering AG) at a volume of 0.5 ml/kg B.W. was injected into the cerebellomedullary cistern of 12 cats (Isovist group); the same volume of normal saline was injected in four other cats (control group). Two ml of CSF was collected from each anaesthetized cat by cisternal tap immediately before, and 7 and 15 days after, injection. The physical characteristics, specific gravity, total cell count and total protein concentration of each CSF sample were recorded. The cats were euthanized on day 15 immediately after CSF samples and spinal cord specimens had been obtained. Spinal cord histopathology was examined with the aid of light and transmission electron microscopy. The physical characteristics of all the CSF samples were within the reference range. No significant differences were found for CSF specific gravity, total cell count and total protein concentration between the pre-injection samples and those collected 7 and 15 days post-injection in both groups; no spinal cord lesions were detected in histopathology.

Hip dysplasia in the cat: a report of three cases.

Hip dysplasia was diagnosed in three cats. Two were presented with a history of hindlimb lameness and the other had a history of constipation. All were confined for two weeks and showed considerable clinical improvement. At follow-up examination the cats were free of clinical signs despite the deterioration in the radiological appearance of their hips. Luxation or subluxation of the hips, insufficient development of the craniolateral acetabular edges, loss of the arched shape of the cranial subchondral acetabular bones, shallow acetabula and secondary degenerative changes on the femoral heads and necks were the main radiological findings in the affected cats.