Canine meningeal disease: associations between magnetic resonance imaging signs and histologic findings.

In order to compare the accuracy of MR sequences for diagnosis of meningeal disease, MR images of the brain, and histopathologic specimens including the meninges of 60 dogs were reviewed retrospectively by independent observers in a cross-sectional study. MR images included T1-weighted pre- and postgadolinium images, subtraction images, T2-weighted images, and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images. Pathologic changes affected the pachymeninges in 16 dogs, leptomeninges in 35 dogs, and brain in 38 dogs. The meninges were normal in 12 dogs. Meninges were classified histopathologically as normal (grade 0), slightly or inconsistently affected (grade 1), or markedly affected (grade 2). When applying relaxed pathologic criteria (grades 0 and 1 considered normal), the results of ROC analysis (area under curve, AUC) were: T1-weighted postcontrast images 0.74; subtraction images 0.7; T2-weighted images 0.68; FLAIR images 0.56. The difference in AUC between T1-weighted postgadolinium images and FLAIR images was significant (P = 0.04). AUC for FLAIR images was not significantly different from 0.5. When applying strict pathologic criteria (only grade 0 considered normal), none of the MR sequences had AUC significantly different from 0.5. On the basis of T1-weighted postgadolinium images and subtraction images, correct anatomic classification of lesions occurred more often for pachymeningeal than leptomeningeal lesions (P < 0.001). Overall, MR imaging had low sensitivity for diagnosis of meningeal pathology in dogs, particularly for changes affecting the leptomeninges. Subtraction images had similar accuracy to T1-weighted postgadolinium images for meningeal lesions in dogs. T2-weighted FLAIR images appear to have limited diagnostic utility for meningeal lesions.

Use of computed tomography sinography for evaluation of draining tracts in 27 dogs and one cat.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical findings, imaging findings and outcome in patients in which CT sinography was performed, and assess to what degree this technique adds information about the extent of a tract or increases the accuracy of diagnosis of foreign bodies on CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of 27 dogs and one cat with draining tracts that had CT sinography. Pre- and post-intravenous (IV) contrast CT series were compared with CT sinography in each patient. RESULTS: Median duration of clinical signs before referral was 85 days (range 2 to 1478 days). The most common reported clinical signs were swelling (14/28, 50%) and regional pain (5/28, 18%). CT sinography revealed a more extensive tract than post-IV contrast CT in 21% cases. On post-IV contrast CT, 31% of foreign bodies were detected compared to 23% on CT sinography. All four foreign bodies detected by CT were observed in the non-contrast images. Surgery was performed after CT in 22 (79%) cases. Thirteen (46%) draining tracts resolved after surgery, three (11%) resolved without surgery, six (21%) persisted or recurred after surgery, and six (21%) were lost to follow-up. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CT sinography provides limited additional information about the extent of draining tracts compared to pre- and post-IV contrast CT images and did not increase the number of foreign bodies identified.

Diagnostic imaging observations in cats treated with the subcutaneous ureteral bypass system.

OBJECTIVES: To describe pre- and post-operative ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic findings, including any abnormalities, in cats treated for ureteral obstruction with a subcutaneous ureteral bypass system. METHODS: Retrospective review of imaging findings in cats with ureteral obstruction that had surgery to place the first version of the bypass system and at least one follow-up ultrasound or fluoroscopic study. Pre- and post-operative renal pelvic diameter on ultrasound, fluoroscopic appearance of the bypass system and any related abnormality were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-one cats were included (47 unilateral, 34 bilateral bypass systems). Median preoperative renal pelvic diameter was 9 mm (range 3 to 28 mm) and median renal pelvic diameter at the first postoperative ultrasound was 3 mm (range 2 to 23 mm). The median number of postoperative imaging studies was two (range 1 to 8) and the median follow-up period after surgery was 205 days (range 1 to 1378 days). Bypass system abnormalities were identified postoperatively in 43 (53%) cats, including nephrostomy or cystostomy catheter blockage due to an undetermined cause or kinking of the catheter, nephrostomy or cystostomy catheter leakage, non-obstructive kinking of the catheter and loose nephrostomy pig-tail loop. Many abnormalities required repeat surgery, but others were managed conservatively. Fifty-four percent of obstructed ureters became patent after bypass placement, although the majority remained slightly dilated or had irregular margins compatible with chronic inflammation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bypass abnormalities, mainly tube blockage, occurred frequently in cats treated for ureteral obstruction. Ultrasonography and fluoroscopy were useful for postoperative examination, including documenting renewed ureteral patency and investigation of suspected abnormalities.

Histiocytic sarcoma in miniature schnauzers: 30 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To summarise the clinical presentation and outcomes in a series of miniature schnauzers diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of miniature schnauzers diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma between 2008 and 2019 at two referral centres in the UK. Signalment, clinical signs at initial presentation, imaging results and clinico- and histopathological findings, treatment type and outcome were recorded. Progression-free survival and overall survival time were calculated. RESULTS: Thirty dogs were included. Twenty-four of 29 dogs undergoing imaging of the thorax had lung and/or mediastinal involvement. The median overall survival time for dogs that were not euthanased within 3 days of diagnosis was 117 days (range 10 to 790). Three dogs underwent surgery; 13 received treatment with lomustine as a sole therapy - with partial responses documented on imaging in five of six dogs and 11 of 13 showing clinical improvement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Histiocytic sarcoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis for miniature schnauzers with pulmonary masses. Although responses to treatment were common, they were usually short-lived because of the aggressive nature of the disease.

Radiographic appearance of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in 23 cats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the radiographic appearance of pulmonary oedema in cats with cardiac failure. METHODS: Thoracic radiographs of 23 cats presented to a first opinion practice with signs of cardiac failure were reviewed. All cats had tachypnoea and/or dyspnoea and enlarged left atrium on echocardiography. RESULTS: Pulmonary oedema was characterised radiographically by an increased opacity associated with a range of patterns and variable distribution. All cats had evidence of a reticular or granular interstitial pattern. This occurred in combination with alveolar pattern in 19 (83 per cent) cats, including six with air bronchograms, with increased diameter of pulmonary vessels in 16 (71 per cent) cats and with bronchial pattern in 14 (61 per cent) cats. The distribution of pulmonary oedema was considered to be diffuse/non-uniform in 14 (61 per cent) cats, diffuse/uniform in four (17 per cent) cats, multi-focal in four (17 per cent) cats and focal in the remaining one (4 per cent). Nine (39 per cent) cats were considered to have a regional distribution of oedema, including five (22 per cent) with a ventral distribution, three (13 per cent) with a caudal distribution and one (4 per cent) cat with a hilar distribution. The distribution of pulmonary opacities was bilaterally symmetrical in five (22 per cent) cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The variable appearance of feline pulmonary oedema is likely to complicate its radiographic diagnosis.

Spectrum of computed tomographic findings in 58 canine elbows with fragmentation of the medial coronoid process.

OBJECTIVE: To describe in detail the computed tomographic findings in elbows of dogs with fragmentation of the medial coronoid process of the ulna. METHODS: Retrospective review of computed tomographic images of 58 elbows that had displaced medial coronoid process fragment(s), non-displaced medial coronoid process fragment or a stable fissure in the articular cartilage of the medial coronoid process at arthroscopy. RESULTS: Bone fragments were observed in 85 per cent elbows with a displaced fragment at arthroscopy, in 18 per cent elbows with a non-displaced fragment and in 29 per cent elbows with a stable fissure. Fissures in the subchondral bone were observed in computed tomographic images of 43 per cent elbows that had a stable fissure at arthroscopy. Abnormal shape, sclerosis and lucency affecting the medial coronoid process, subchondral sclerosis of the ulna and humerus, irregular radial incisure of the ulna and periarticular osteophytes were observed in a similar proportion in dogs regardless of the arthroscopic findings. Kissing lesions affecting the medial aspect of the humeral condyle were mainly associated with displaced fragments. Signs of joint incongruity were observed in dorsal and sagittal reconstructed computed tomographic images in 24 per cent elbows. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A wide range of abnormalities may be observed in computed tomographic images of dogs with fragmented medial coronoid process. Computed tomographic is moderately sensitive for detection of fragments.

Determining the anatomical origin of canine hepatic masses by CT.

OBJECTIVES: To identify CT features of canine hepatic masses that could be used to determine their divisional or lobar origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative, postcontrast CT images of 57 surgically resected hepatic masses were reviewed with respect to their size, position relative to the midline, gallbladder and portal vein, nearest recognisable hepatic lobar vein or portal vein and point of contact with the diaphragm and displacement of adjacent organs. RESULTS: The most prevalent histological diagnoses were hepatocellular carcinoma (n=26; 46%) and adenoma (n=10; 18%). Based on surgical assessment, it was observed that masses originated in the left hepatic division in 30 (53%) instances, central division in seven (12%) and right division in 20 (35%). All masses to the left of midline were left divisional, but only 18/30 (60%) masses to the right of midline were right divisional. Most (26/31; 84%) masses to the left of the gallbladder were left divisional and 84% (16/19) masses to the right of the gallbladder were right divisional. Half (10/20; 50%) of the right-divisional masses were medial, lateral or dorsal to the portal vein, but all other hepatic masses were ventral to the portal vein. A hepatic lobar vein or portal vein branch adjacent to the mass was observed in 53 (93%) instances; this feature correlated with surgical assessment of the affected division in 53 (93%) hepatic masses and the affected lobe in 32 (56%). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Combining CT features of hepatic masses appears to be an accurate method for determining their divisional or lobar origin.

How useful is abdominal ultrasonography in dogs with diarrhoea?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of abdominal ultrasonography in the diagnostic work-up of dogs with diarrhoea. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study based on a referral population of dogs with diarrhoea. Associations between the clinical signs, use of abdominal ultrasonography, results of abdominal ultrasonography and subsequent work-up were examined. The utility of abdominal ultrasonography was scored as high, moderate, none or counterproductive based on review of medical records. RESULTS: Medical records of 269 dogs were reviewed, of which 149 (55%) had abdominal ultrasonography. The most frequent result was no ultrasonographic abnormalities affecting the intestine in 65 (44%) dogs. Ultrasonography results were associated with subsequent work-up as follows: (1) no detected abnormalities and dietary trial; (2) focal thickening of the intestinal wall, loss of intestinal wall layers or enlarged abdominal lymph nodes and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates; (3) diffuse thickening of the intestinal wall or hyperechoic striations in the small intestinal mucosa and endoscopy; and (4) small intestinal foreign body and coeliotomy. Abdominal ultrasonography was considered to be diagnostic without further testing in only four (3%) dogs: two had a portosystemic shunt identified ultrasonographically, one had a linear foreign body and one had a perforated pyloric ulcer. Abdominal ultrasonography had moderate utility in 56 (38%) dogs and no utility in 79 (53%) dogs. Abdominal ultrasonography was considered counterproductive in 10 (7%) dogs because results were either falsely negative or falsely positive. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results should prompt clinicians to reconsider routine use of abdominal ultrasonography in dogs with diarrhoea.

CT findings in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in five dogs.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is a rare disease in dogs. It is primarily reported in cavalier King Charles spaniels and miniature dachshunds with suspected underlying immunodeficiency. This case series reports the findings in five dogs (four cavalier King Charles spaniels and one Bedlington terrier) with confirmed P. carinii pneumonia. Thoracic (CT) revealed ground glass opacity of the pulmonary parenchyma with a diffuse or multifocal distribution. The severity of this pattern was variable. Less consistent imaging findings included parenchymal bands, bronchial dilation and signs consistent with pulmonary hypertension. Four dogs recovered well with treatment and there was resolution of CT abnormalities in all dogs with follow-up.

Congenital oesophageal stricture in a Japanese shiba inu.

An 11-week-old, female, Japanese shiba inu, weighing 1.3 kg, was presented with a history of intermittent regurgitation since birth. An oesophagram showed a partial obstruction of the caudal cervical oesophagus associated with a narrow, transverse tissue band. Following surgical resection, the regurgitation resolved and the dog attained a normal bodyweight. Histological examination revealed focally hyperplastic epithelium with dense fibrous underlying connective tissue forming the band. The diagnosis was a congenital oesophageal stricture.

Errors in radiographic interpretation made by veterinary students.

As a means of identifying student weaknesses in radiographic interpretation that could be used as foci for teaching, a cohort of 96 students joining the final-year radiology rotation were randomly allocated to one of three radiographic interpretation quizzes, each based on radiographs of small-animal patients together with the signalment and a brief, relevant history. Students' quiz scores were analyzed by multiple logistic regression, using an outcome variable with the score for each item as numerator and maximum possible mark as denominator. Students' median quiz score was 49% of the maximum (range 23-80%). Students were more likely to gain a mark for items based on abnormal radiographs than for those based on normal radiographs (odds ratio 3.4, p < 0.001). Skeletal radiographs were associated with lower scores (OR 0.75, p = 0.03). The fewest marks were awarded for interpretation of a radiograph of a normal canine stifle and interpretation of a radiograph of a normal canine pelvis; these items were misinterpreted as abnormal by 86% and 80% of the students, respectively. Students' tendency to over-interpret normal radiographs may reflect a lack of knowledge of radiographic anatomy or an unrealistically high expectation that the radiographs are abnormal.

Clinical findings and results of diagnostic imaging in 82 dogs with gastrointestinal ulceration.

OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and imaging findings in dogs with confirmed gastrointestinal ulceration, to compare findings in dogs with perforated and non-perforated ulcers and to estimate the sensitivities of radiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) for gastrointestinal ulceration and perforation. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of 82 dogs that had a macroscopic ulcer in the gastric or intestinal mucosa diagnosed directly at endoscopy, surgery or necropsy and had survey radiography, ultrasonography or a CT scan of the abdomen during the same period of hospitalisation. RESULTS: The most frequent clinical signs were vomiting in 88% dogs, haematemesis in 32%, melaena in 31% and weight loss in 7%. The most frequent imaging findings in dogs with non-perforated ulcers were gastrointestinal mural lesion in 56%, mucosal defect compatible with an ulcer in 44% and peritoneal fluid in 21%. In dogs with perforated ulcers the most frequent imaging findings were peritoneal fluid in 83%, gastrointestinal mural lesion in 48%, peritoneal gas in 31% and mucosal defect compatible with an ulcer in 29%. Sensitivities of radiography, ultrasonography and CT were 30, 65 and 67% in dogs with non-perforated ulcers and 79, 86 and 93% in dogs with perforated ulcers, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In dogs with non-perforated ulcers, survey radiography was usually negative whereas ultrasonography and CT frequently enabled detection of the site of the ulcer; in dogs with perforated ulcers, radiography was frequently positive for peritoneal gas and CT was a sensitive modality for both the ulcer and signs of perforation.

Brain and spinal cord haemorrhages associated with Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in four dogs.

Multifocal haemorrhages associated with Angiostrongylus vasorum infection were observed in the central nervous system of four dogs with neurological signs including depression, seizures, spinal pain and paresis. In magnetic resonance images the majority of the lesions were isointense or slightly hyperintense in T1-weighted images, hyperintense in T2-weighted images and hypointense in T2*-weighted (gradient echo) images, compatible with haemorrhages more than seven days old. Lesions were found in the brain of three of the dogs and in the spinal cord of two. The cerebrospinal fluid contained high concentrations of protein and evidence of erythrophagia. All the dogs had coagulopathy and pulmonary haemorrhage of varying severity. A vasorum larvae were detected in the faeces of each of the dogs. Neural A vasorum was confirmed at postmortem examination in two dogs.

Associations between respiratory signs and abnormalities reported in thoracic CT scans of cats.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of subclinical abnormalities reported in thoracic (CT) scans of cats and to investigate associations between respiratory signs and CT signs. METHODS: Retrospective review of signalment, indications, respiratory signs and reported CT findings in a series of cats. Associations between patient variables, respiratory signs and CT signs were analysed using multi-variable regression methods. RESULTS: Records of 352 consecutive cats were reviewed. Abnormalities affecting thoracic structures were reported in CT scans of 138/179 (77%) cats that did not have respiratory signs; the most prevalent CT findings were pulmonary collapse (41%), evidence of bronchial disease (24%) and space-occupying lesions (21%). Dyspnoea, cough and tachypnoea were associated with space-occupying lesions. Dyspnoea was also associated with pulmonary consolidation and atelectasis. Increasing body weight was associated with pulmonary atelectasis and increasing age was associated with evidence of bronchial disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Abnormalities were commonly detected in thoracic CT scans of cats that did not show respiratory signs. The most prevalent abnormality - pulmonary atelectasis - is probably a temporary effect of sedation or anaesthesia. A high prevalence of subclinical abnormalities and limited correlations between clinical signs and CT findings will complicate diagnosis.

Acceptance rates for manuscripts submitted to veterinary peer-reviewed journals in 2012.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Relatively few journals publish their annual acceptance rate, although this figure is of scientific and academic interest. OBJECTIVES: To determine the acceptance rate for manuscripts submitted to veterinary peer-reviewed journals during 2012 and to determine the proportions of submitted manuscripts that were accepted without revision, accepted after revision or rejected. STUDY DESIGN: Self-reporting email questionnaire METHODS: Editors of 118 peer-reviewed journals listed in the Web of Science in the subject category veterinary sciences were invited by email to submit data pertinent to manuscripts submitted to their journal in 2012. RESULTS: Data were received from 30 (26%) journals. Mean ± s.d. acceptance rate was 47 ± 15%. On average 3 ± 5% submitted manuscripts were accepted without revision, 44% ± 15% manuscripts were accepted after revision, 4 ± 4% manuscripts were withdrawn by authors, 46 ± 17% manuscripts were rejected and 3 ± 5% manuscripts were still pending at the end of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: With so few manuscripts accepted without revision, prospective authors must expect to expend time and effort revising and resubmitting their manuscripts for publication. Although authors are frequently able to correct manuscript flaws identified by reviewers, the knowledge that less than half submitted manuscripts are accepted might help stimulate prospective authors to try to submit better quality manuscripts.

Assessment of mitral regurgitation in dogs: comparison of results of echocardiography with magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: Echocardiography is used routinely to assess mitral regurgitation severity, but echocardiographic measures of mitral regurgitation in dogs have not been compared with other quantitative methods. The study aim was to compare echocardiographic measures of mitral regurgitation with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived mitral regurgitant fraction in small-breed dogs. METHODS: Dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging assessment of neurological disease were recruited. Correlations were tested between cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived mitral regurgitant fraction and the following echocardiographic measures: vena contracta/aortic diameter, transmitral E-wave velocity, amplitude of mitral prolapse/aortic diameter, diastolic left ventricular diameter:aortic diameter, left atrium:aortic diameter, mitral regurgitation jet area ratio and regurgitant fraction calculated using the proximal isovelocity surface area method. RESULTS: Measurement of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived mitral regurgitant fraction was attempted in 21 dogs. Twelve consecutive, complete studies were obtained and 10 dogs were included in the final analysis: vena contracta/aortic diameter (r = 0 · 89, p = 0 · 001) and E-wave velocity (r = 0 · 86, p = 0 · 001) had the strongest correlations with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived mitral regurgitant fraction. E velocity had superior repeatability and could be measured in all dogs. The presence of multiple jets precluded vena contracta/aortic diameter measurement in one dog. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Measurement of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived mitral regurgitant fraction is feasible but technically demanding. The echocardiographic measures that correlated most closely with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived mitral regurgitant fraction were vena contracta/aortic diameter and E-wave velocity.

Vertebral plasma cell tumors in 8 dogs.

The case histories of 8 dogs with spinal pain and neurologic deficits associated with vertebral plasma cell tumor are reviewed. Four dogs had solitary plasmacytoma, 3 had multiple myeloma, and 1 dog had 2 vertebral lesions with no evidence of disseminated disease. Four dogs were treated: 2 with multiple myeloma received chemotherapy only and survived 17 and 26 months, respectively. Two dogs with solitary plasmacytomas of the spine had chemotherapy and radiotherapy: the 1st survived 4 months and was euthanized after developing radiation myelopathy; the 2nd survived 65 months before developing multiple myeloma. The diagnosis of solitary plasmacytoma of the spine versus multiple myeloma is discussed.

Radiographic signs in cats with nasal disease.

Radiographic signs in 64 cats that had radiography as part of the diagnostic work-up for suspected nasal disease were reviewed in a blinded fashion. Final diagnoses in these cats were rhinitis in 27, primary nasal neoplasia in 21 and non-nasal disease in 16. The signs with highest predictive value for nasal neoplasia were displacement of midline structures (73%), unilateral generalised soft tissue opacity (70%), unilateral generalised loss of turbinate detail (69%) and evidence of bone invasion (64%). The only radiographic finding that occurred more frequently in cats with rhinitis was a nasal cavity within normal limits, and the predictive value of this sign was only 38%. Radiographic signs in cats with nasal neoplasia are similar to those reported in dogs, whereas the radiographic signs in cats with rhinitis are variable and non-specific, and may be absent.

Acute intervertebral disc extrusion in a cat: clinical and MRI findings.

A 5 year old, neutered male, domestic shorthaired cat had acute left hemiparesis and Horner's syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a loss of the normal signal from the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc at C3/4, narrowing of the ventral subarachnoid space and slight dorsal displacement of the spinal cord and a focal hyperintense lesion affecting the left side of the spinal cord at the same level. The presumptive diagnosis was focal spinal cord oedema associated with intervertebral disc extrusion. A traumatic aetiology was suspected. The cat was treated conservatively and improved gradually over a period of 6 months.

Reduction of hydronephrosis and hydroureter associated with ectopic ureters in two dogs after ureterovesical anastomosis.

Severe hydronephrosis and hydroureter associated with ectopic ureters were diagnosed in 2 dogs. Surgical transplantation of the ectopic ureters into the urinary bladder resulted in urinary continence in both dogs. Intravenous urography revealed a marked decrease in the size of hydronephrosis and hydroureter in both dogs 28 to 35 weeks after surgery. In 1 dog with bilateral ureteral ectopia, kidney size and renal function remained normal for 5 years after surgery. A dog with one ectopic ureter and an associated ureterocele had a marked reduction in size of the affected kidney and an apparent decrease in function of that kidney, as indicated by decreased opacification on an intravenous urogram.