Computed tomographic diagnosis and clinical outcomes of small intestinal obstruction caused by trichobezoars in client-owned rabbits.

Small intestinal obstruction in rabbits, although demonstrated to be common, is still poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to report features of small intestinal obstruction caused by trichobezoars in rabbits upon CT and their clinical outcomes. Rabbits with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction that underwent CT scanning were included in this study. From each CT scan, obstruction location, appearance, Hounsfield units, size (mm), volume (mm3), distance from the stomach, and diameter of the small intestine proximal and distal to it, were extracted. Nine rabbits were included in the study. All rabbits presented for anorexia and had a distended or enlarged stomach (7) or abdomen (2). CT scan showed a non-contrast-enhancing, ovoid, smoothly marginated structure with a hyperattenuating rim, heterogeneous center, and variable amount of centrally located gas, in the duodenum (5), the jejunum (2), or the ileum (2). The density of the trichobezoars ranged from -156 to 58 HU (median, -44 HU) and volume ranged from 86.1 to 633.8 mm3 (median, 320.6 mm3). Three rabbits underwent medical management. Two of them survived, and one of them died. Six rabbits underwent surgery, of which three were successfully discharged from the hospital. CT proved to be a valuable imaging modality in rabbits with a suspected intestinal obstruction to provide the exact location of the obstruction and the characteristics of the obstructive material. The location and size of the trichobezoar may have relevant clinical implications.

Sex identification in juvenile and adult Indonesian blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua gigas) through cystoscopy and accuracy of contrast radiography.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a nonsurgical endoscopic technique for sex identification in Indonesian blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua gigas) and to assess accuracy of contrast radiography of the hemipenile/hemiclitoral pouches. ANIMALS: 42 clinically healthy Indonesian blue-tongued skinks between 6 months and 3 years old and weighing between 22 and 550 g. METHODS: Cystoscopy was performed under general anesthesia. Gonads were visualized through the transparency of the urinary bladder, and their gross morphology was described. Contrast was applied in the tail pouches before obtaining full-body radiographs. Two radiologists, blinded to the sex of the skink, evaluated the radiographs. RESULTS: Cystoscopy was achieved in all 42 skinks. Visualization of the gonads through the urinary bladder was possible in 41 (98%; 95% CI, 87% to 99%) of the skinks, with 18 of them identified as males and 23 identified as females. Median procedure time was 60 seconds (range, 25 to 180 seconds) and was not associated with procedure order (-0.69; 95% CI, -1.83 to 0.45) or with the weight (0.02 g; 95% CI, -0.07 to 1.0) or the identified sex (11.7; 95% CI, -15.07 to 38.45) of the skink. Radiographs had a sensitivity of 69.6% (95% CI, 47.1% to 86.8%) and a specificity of 75.0% (47.6% to 92.7%) to identify female skinks. All the skinks recovered uneventfully. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cystoscopic sex identification is feasible in Indonesian blue-tongued skinks of various age and size. Considering the difficulty in identifying their sex otherwise, this technique could provide a significant improvement in the veterinary care of this species. In this population, contrast radiographs showed limited accuracy for sex identification.

Symmetrical parapagus diprosopus tetrophthalmos in a bovine calf, with computed tomography imaging, and review of craniofacial duplications.

Diprosopia, a congenital defect process also known as craniofacial duplication, is well-recognized in humans and has also been reported in numerous animal species. Here we describe a case of diprosopia in a live mixed-breed beef calf. We used computed tomography imaging to characterize internal and external abnormalities which, to our knowledge, have not been reported in any diprosopic veterinary species. Additional diagnostic tools included postmortem examination and histopathology. This case highlights distinct anatomic features associated with diprosopia and underscores the unique challenges associated with classifying and managing fetal malformations.

Sildenafil does not have a significant effect on the portal vein velocity, cross-sectional area, and congestion index in the dog.

In veterinary medicine, sildenafil is most frequently used to treat pulmonary hypertension, but has also been investigated and used as a treatment for congenital megaesophagus and ischemic infarcts. With the increasing use, the effects of sildenafil on the portal vasculature in the dog have not been previously evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects sildenafil has on the portal vasculature, which anecdotally may have caused decreased portal vein pressure in an adult dog. The ultrasound cross-sectional area of the aorta, cross-sectional area of the portal vein, and portal vein blood flow velocity were acquired in dogs prior to administration, and 45, 90, and 120 min after oral administration of sildenafil for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Thirteen dogs were enrolled in the study. No statistically significant difference was detected between all measured values and the congestion index at all time points. A trend was identified that demonstrated progressively lower portal vein velocity with each evaluation, but this was not significant. Although this study had a small sample size, sildenafil was not shown to have a significant effect on the size or blood flow velocity of the portal vasculature. The hepatic buffer system, designed to maintain a constant blood flow to the liver, may be a contributing factor, but further studies with a larger sample size will be required for further evaluation.

What Is Your Diagnosis?

In collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Radiology.

What Is Your Diagnosis?

In collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Radiology.