Early post-infection treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected macaques with human convalescent plasma with high neutralizing activity had no antiviral effects but moderately reduced lung inflammation.

Early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there was a high level of optimism based on observational studies and small controlled trials that treating hospitalized patients with convalescent plasma from COVID-19 survivors (CCP) would be an important immunotherapy. However, as more data from controlled trials became available, the results became disappointing, with at best moderate evidence of efficacy when CCP with high titers of neutralizing antibodies was used early in infection. To better understand the potential therapeutic efficacy of CCP, and to further validate SARS-CoV-2 infection of macaques as a reliable animal model for testing such strategies, we inoculated 12 adult rhesus macaques with SARS-CoV-2 by intratracheal and intranasal routes. One day later, 8 animals were infused with pooled human CCP with a high titer of neutralizing antibodies (RVPN NT50 value of 3,003), while 4 control animals received normal human plasma. Animals were monitored for 7 days. Animals treated with CCP had detectable but low levels of antiviral antibodies after infusion. In comparison to the control animals, CCP-treated animals had similar levels of viral RNA in upper and lower respiratory tract secretions, similar detection of viral RNA in lung tissues by in situ hybridization, but lower amounts of infectious virus in the lungs. CCP-treated animals had a moderate, but statistically significant reduction in interstitial pneumonia, as measured by comprehensive lung histology. Thus overall, therapeutic benefits of CCP were marginal and inferior to results obtained earlier with monoclonal antibodies in this animal model. By highlighting strengths and weaknesses, data of this study can help to further optimize nonhuman primate models to provide proof-of-concept of intervention strategies, and guide the future use of convalescent plasma against SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other newly emerging respiratory viruses.

Osteosarcoma with widespread metastasis in a 1-year-old crossbred rabbit.

A 14-month-old female spayed, small crossbred rabbit presented for assessment of a small, hard subcutaneous nodule in the right axilla. Serum biochemistry showed markedly increased serum ALP activity. A whole-body CT revealed an aggressive, monostotic osteolytic, and productive lesion within the left alveolar process of the maxilla, with erosion of the alveolar bone and secondary premolar depression. Innumerable metastatic osseous masses were present throughout the body, including cerebral, pulmonary, hepatic, subcutaneous, and skeletal muscular metastases. Postmortem findings confirmed widespread, metastatic osteosarcoma, with the primary lesion within the left maxilla.

Early treatment with a combination of two potent neutralizing antibodies improves clinical outcomes and reduces virus replication and lung inflammation in SARS-CoV-2 infected macaques.

There is an urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2, including new variants that continue to arise. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies have shown promise in clinical studies. We investigated the therapeutic efficacy of a combination of two potent monoclonal antibodies, C135-LS and C144-LS that carry half-life extension mutations, in the rhesus macaque model of COVID-19. Twelve young adult macaques (three groups of four animals) were inoculated intranasally and intra-tracheally with a high dose of SARS-CoV-2 and 24 hours later, treated intravenously with a high (40 mg/kg) or low (12 mg/kg) dose of the C135-LS and C144-LS antibody combination, or a control monoclonal antibody. Animals were monitored for 7 days. Compared to the control animals, animals treated with either dose of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies showed similarly improved clinical scores, lower levels of virus replication in upper and lower respiratory tract, and significantly reduced interstitial pneumonia, as measured by comprehensive lung histology. In conclusion, this study provides proof-of-concept in support of further clinical development of these monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19 during early infection.

Perioperative visual loss and consent for adult spine surgery: a national survey of the practice amongst spine surgeons and anaesthetists†.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative Visual Loss (POVL) is a devastating complication for patients undergoing spine surgery. Consent process for POVL amongst spine surgeons and anaesthetist remains variable. The aim of this study is to evaluate their practice and views about it. METHODS: Two similar questionnaires were distributed to members of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS), British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS), and Neuroanaesthsia and Critical Care Society (NACCS). RESULTS: A total of 271 responses were received (SBNS/BASS n = 149, NACCS n = 122). Fewer surgeons considered POVL as a material risk for patients compared to the anaesthetists (57.7 versus 79.7%). Outpatient/pre-assessment clinics were considered as the optimal setting for discussing POVL by the majority of the clinicians (81.2 and 93.4%). POVL should be discussed by both specialists according to 75% of the anaesthetists. Estimated incidence of POVL was considered to be higher by the anaesthetists (0.03-0.2% by 63% of the anaesthetist versus 0.0001-0.004% by 57% of the surgeons). Twenty-three surgeons and 10 anaesthetists had a patient who suffered from POVL, which led to a change of practice in most of them. This questionnaire will lead to a change in practice/consent to 18.1% of the surgeons and 23.5% of the anaesthetists. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the surgeons and anaesthetist feel that POVL is a material risk that ideally needs to be firstly discussed before the day of surgery, by both specialties. However, a significant number of clinicians have an opposite view. A national guidance from respective societies should encourage POVL to be discussed routinely.

Effect of conventional multilevel brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome surgery on clinical and videofluoroscopic evidence of hiatal herniation and gastroesophageal reflux in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of conventional multilevel surgery (CMS) for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) on associated sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) and/or gastroesophageal reflux (GER). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Sixteen client-owned dogs with clinical signs consistent with BOAS and associated SHH and GER. METHODS: All dogs were treated with 1 or more components of CMS including soft palate resection, laryngeal ventriculectomy, and alaplasty. A standardized Dog Swallowing Assessment Tool (Dog SAT) questionnaire was completed by owners preoperatively and postoperatively. Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) were used to evaluate esophageal motility, gastroesophageal reflux, and hiatal herniation preoperatively, and in a subset of dogs postoperatively. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic studies were performed to document esophagitis and lower esophageal sphincter pathology. RESULTS: All dogs were discharged from the hospital. One dog experienced aspiration pneumonia immediately postoperatively. Owner-assigned clinical scores improved in scores related to regurgitation after eating and regurgitation (P = .012) during increased activity/exercise (P = .002) between preoperative and postoperative time points. However, no improvement was detected in masked assessment of preoperative and postoperative VFSS studies in terms of GER frequency (P = .46) or severity (P = .79), SHH frequency (P = .082) or severity (P = .34) scores. CONCLUSION: Owners of dogs treated with CMS perceived an improvement in clinical signs of SHH and GER that was not confirmed by VFSS studies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conventional multilevel surgery in dogs with BOAS does not appear to consistently resolve SHH and GER, although clinical signs may improve.

Clinical and videofluoroscopic outcomes of laparoscopic treatment for sliding hiatal hernia and associated gastroesophageal reflux in brachycephalic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a laparoscopic technique for treatment of sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) and associated gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in brachycephalic dogs and document clinical and videofluoroscopic outcomes postoperatively. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Eighteen client-owned dogs. METHODS: A three-port laparoscopic approach was used. Intracorporeal suturing was used for hiatal plication and esophagopexy, and left-sided laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy was performed. A standardized canine dysphagia assessment tool (CDAT) questionnaire was completed by owners pre- and postoperatively. Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) were used to evaluate esophageal function, and impedance planimetry was used to assess lower esophageal sphincter geometry preoperatively and in a subset of dogs postoperatively. RESULTS: Median age was 27.5 (range 5-84) months. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 1 (5.5%) of 18 dogs. Regurgitation after eating, and associated with activity/exercise, improved significantly when comparing pre- and postoperative CDAT assessments. Hiatal hernia and GER severity scores improved significantly between pre- and postoperative VFSS assessments, whereas SHH and GER frequency scores did not. One dog developed pneumothorax intraoperatively, underwent cardiopulmonary arrest, and died. Minor complications included splenic (n = 6) and hepatic lacerations (n = 3) that did not require specific therapy. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach to treatment of SHH and GER led to improvements in clinical and VFSS indices in the majority of brachycephalic dogs. However, a subset of dogs still demonstrated some clinical signs postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In experienced hands, laparoscopic treatment of SHH and GER offers a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery.

Evaluation of radiographic predictors of left heart enlargement in dogs with known or suspected cardiovascular disease.

Radiographic assessment of heart size is important for clinical management of dogs with cardiovascular disease (CVDz). We sought to compare the ability of vertebral heart size (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and radiologists' assessment of left atrial size (RadLAE) to predict echocardiographic left atrial size (EchoLAE), an important marker of left heart disease severity. We also compared the ability of VHS and VLAS to predict echocardiographic criteria for ACVIM stage B2 (EchoB2) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). This prospective observational study enrolled 183 dogs with known or suspected CVDz that had an echocardiographic examination and thoracic radiographs obtained within 24 h. Compared to increased VHS, VLAS >2.3 was a more accurate predictor of EchoLAE (P = .002). VLAS >2.3 and RadLAE (both P <.0001) were independently associated with EchoLAE but VHS was not (P = .45). Optimal cutoffs for VLAS and VHS to predict EchoLAE were >2.3 vertebrae (sensitivity [Sn] = 90.3%, specificity [Sp] = 73.6%) and >11.1 vertebrae (Sn = 75.8%, Sp = 76.0%), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of VLAS (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.92) and VHS (AUC 0.78, 95% CI 0.66-0.88) to predict EchoB2 in dogs with subclinical MMVD (n = 64) were not significantly different (P = .17). Results demonstrate that VLAS and RadLAE were superior indicators of EchoLAE compared to VHS in dogs with known or suspected CVDz. Both VLAS and VHS are useful predictors of EchoB2 in dogs with subclinical MMVD. When echocardiography is unavailable, VLAS represents a useful radiographic measurement to aid clinical management of dogs with known or suspected CVDz.

FGF4 retrogene on CFA12 is responsible for chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease in dogs.

Chondrodystrophy in dogs is defined by dysplastic, shortened long bones and premature degeneration and calcification of intervertebral discs. Independent genome-wide association analyses for skeletal dysplasia (short limbs) within a single breed (PBonferroni = 0.01) and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) across breeds (PBonferroni = 4.0 × 10-10) both identified a significant association to the same region on CFA12. Whole genome sequencing identified a highly expressed FGF4 retrogene within this shared region. The FGF4 retrogene segregated with limb length and had an odds ratio of 51.23 (95% CI = 46.69, 56.20) for IVDD. Long bone length in dogs is a unique example of multiple disease-causing retrocopies of the same parental gene in a mammalian species. FGF signaling abnormalities have been associated with skeletal dysplasia in humans, and our findings present opportunities for both selective elimination of a medically and financially devastating disease in dogs and further understanding of the ever-growing complexity of retrogene biology.

Ultrasonographic characterization of cervical lymph nodes in healthy dogs.

Ultrasonography provides a minimally invasive method to evaluate the cervical lymph nodes in dogs as part of staging head and neck cancer; however, standardized cohesive reports of the normal lymph node size and appearance are lacking. The purpose of this prospective, descriptive, reference interval study was to characterize the ultrasonographic appearance of cervical lymph nodes in 27 clinically healthy dogs. The size, shape, echogenicity, and margination of the mandibular, medial retropharyngeal, and superficial cervical lymph nodes were evaluated and correlated with age, breed, sex, body weight, and stage of dental disease. The appearance of the lymph nodes was variable among the population. The majority were cigar or ovoid in shape with smooth margins. The echogenicity of the mandibular lymph nodes was predominantly hypoechoic whereas the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes were predominantly isoechoic compared to the salivary glands. The superficial cervical lymph nodes were predominantly hyperechoic to the surrounding muscle bellies. Higher body weight and younger age were associated with increased size in the medial retropharyngeal and superficial cervical lymph nodes (P-values < .05). Sex and breed were not found to correlate with lymph node characteristics, and there was no trend noted in lymph node appearance associated with dental disease. These data establish normal parameters for the ultrasonographic size and appearance of cervical lymph nodes in dogs and can provide a reference of comparison for future canine cervical ultrasounds, which can be considered for routine staging procedures for head and neck cancer.

The prevalence of dynamic pharyngeal collapse is high in brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy.

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of pharyngeal collapse in a large group of brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopic assessment of swallowing or airway diameter. We hypothesized that brachycephalic dogs would have pharyngeal collapse more frequently than dolichocephalic or mesocephalic dogs with or without airway collapse. The medical records database was searched for brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy of swallowing or airway diameter between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015. A cohort of dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs with videofluoroscopically confirmed airway collapse was age and time matched for comparison. A control group of dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs that did not have documented airway collapse was also evaluated. All fluoroscopic studies were assessed by a board certified veterinary radiologist for the presence and degree of pharyngeal collapse. Results demonstrate that pharyngeal collapse was significantly more common in brachycephalic dogs (58/82; 72%) than in nonbrachycephalic dogs with (7/25; 28%) and without (2/30; 7%) airway collapse. Pharyngeal collapse is more prevalent in brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy than in dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs with or without airway collapse.

Ultrasonography does not consistently detect parathyroid glands in healthy cats.

Ultrasound is used to evaluate the parathyroid glands of several species but there are limited reports of its use in cats. With this prospective anatomic study, we hypothesized that ultrasound could identify two parathyroid glands as hypoechoic nodules associated with each thyroid lobe and that a normal size range could be established. Six cat cadavers were imaged with ultrasound and histopathology of the thyroid and parathyroid tissue was performed for comparison. In addition, clinically healthy adult cats were prospectively recruited and placed in Group 1 (2-6 years; n = 11) or Group 2 (7-13 years; n = 9). Ultrasound of the cervical region was performed using a 7-15 MHz linear transducer. Number, size, and location of all hypoechoic nodules within or immediately adjacent to the thyroid lobes were documented. Ultrasound identified between 0-6 hypoechoic nodules per thyroid lobe in cat cadavers and between 0-3 hypoechoic nodules per thyroid lobe in clinically healthy cats, which does not correlate with the normal anatomy. In conclusion, parathyroid glands were frequently not ultrasonographically observed or were not distinguishable from thyroid tissue and this problem was worse in older cats because of the prevalence of nodular thyroid lesions, which primarily included foci of adenomatous hyperplasia.

Prospective evaluation of surgical management of sliding hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate response to surgical management of sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in dogs using standardized clinical scoring, videofluoroscopic swallow studies, and impedance planimetry. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 17 client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs were included if they had clinical signs and videofluoroscopic evidence of SHH and/or GER. Owners were asked to complete a standardized canine dysphagia assessment tool (CDAT) preoperatively and postoperatively. Conscious videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and impedance planimetry (IP) were used to evaluate esophageal function and lower esophageal sphincter location and geometry preoperatively and in a subsection of dogs postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 13/17 dogs included in the study had a history of regurgitation, and 4/17 had radiographic evidence of aspiration pneumonia. Postprandial regurgitation improved in 8/10 dogs with preoperative regurgitation, and for which completed preoperative and postoperative CDAT questionnaires were available (P < .01). The hiatal hernia severity score improved postoperatively (P = .046) in dogs with preoperative and postoperative videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (n = 12). However, hernia frequency score (P = .2) and IP parameters did not differ significantly between time points. CONCLUSION: Clinical signs of SHH generally improved with surgery but did not consistently resolve. Videofluoroscopic studies provide evidence that GER and SHH can persist postoperatively in some patients. Based on IP findings, clinical improvement may be attributed to a mechanism independent of lower esophageal sphincter attenuation.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING OUTCOME OF ULTRASOUND-GUIDED RADIOFREQUENCY HEAT ABLATION FOR TREATMENT OF PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM IN DOGS.

Radiofrequency (RF) parathyroid ablation is a noninvasive treatment for hyperparathyroidism in dogs. There are no published data assessing factors associated with RF parathyroid ablation success or failure in order to guide patient selection and improve outcome. The purpose of this retrospective analytical study was to determine whether imaging findings, biochemical data, or concurrent diseases were associated with RF heat ablation treatment failure. For inclusion in the study, dogs must have had a clinical diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism, undergone cervical ultrasound and RF ablation of abnormal parathyroid tissue, and must have had at least 3 months of follow-up information available following the date of ultrasound-guided parathyroid ablation. Dogs were grouped based on those with recurrent or persistent hypercalcemia and those without recurrent or persistent hypercalcemia following therapy. Parathyroid nodule size, thyroid lobe size, nodule location, and presence of concurrent disease were recorded. Recurrence of hypercalcemia occurred in 9/32 dogs that had ablation of abnormal parathyroid tissue (28%) and one patient had persistent hypercalcemia (3%) following parathyroid ablation. Nodule width (P = 0.036), height (P = 0.028), and largest cross-sectional area (P = 0.023) were larger in dogs that had recurrent or persistent hypercalcemia following ablation. Hypothyroidism was more common in dogs with recurrent disease (P = 0.044). Radiofrequency ablation was successful in 22/32 (69%) dogs. Larger parathyroid nodule size and/or concurrent hypothyroidism were associated with treatment failure in dogs that underwent ultrasound-guided RF parathyroid nodule ablation.

Diagnostic outcome of contrast videofluoroscopic swallowing studies in 216 dysphagic dogs.

Determining the anatomic and functional origin for dysphagia is critical for development of an appropriate therapeutic plan and determination of the prognosis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the quantitative and qualitative outcome of contrast videofluoroscopic swallowing studies in a large cohort of dysphagic dogs presenting to a tertiary veterinary care hospital. The videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were reviewed to generate values for pharyngeal constriction ratio, timing of swallowing events (maximum pharyngeal contraction, opening of upper esophageal sphincter, closing of upper esophageal sphincter, and reopening of epiglottis), type of esophageal peristalsis generated, and esophageal transit time. One or more anatomic locations for origin of dysphagia were assigned (pharyngeal, cricopharyngeal, esophageal (primary motility disorder), other esophageal (stricture, vascular ring anomaly, mass), lower esophageal sphincter/hiatus. Sixty-one of 216 studies (28%) were deemed unremarkable. Twenty-seven of 216 dogs (13%) had pharyngeal dysphagia, 17/216 dogs (8%) had cricopharyngeal dysphagia, 98/216 dogs (45%) had dysphagia secondary to esophageal dysmotility, 19/216 dogs (9%) had dysphagia secondary to focal esophageal disorders, and 97/216 dogs (45%) had dysphagia of lower esophageal sphincter/hiatus origin. Multiple abnormalities were present in 82/216 (38%) dogs. Elevated pharyngeal constriction ratio was associated with pharyngeal, cricopharyngeal, and esophageal motility disorders, delayed upper esophageal sphincter opening was associated with cricopharyngeal disorders, a lower percentage of primary esophageal peristaltic waves was associated with cricopharyngeal, pharyngeal, or primary esophageal motility disorders. In conclusion, videofluoroscopic swallowing studies was pivotal in the diagnosis of dysphagia with 155/216 (72%) dogs receiving a final diagnosis.

INDIRECT COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC LYMPHOGRAPHY FOR ILIOSACRAL LYMPHATIC MAPPING IN A COHORT OF DOGS WITH ANAL SAC GLAND ADENOCARCINOMA: TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTION.

Sentinel lymph node mapping can help to direct surgical oncologic staging and metastatic disease detection in patients with complex lymphatic pathways. We hypothesized that indirect computed tomographic lymphography (ICTL) with a water-soluble iodinated contrast agent would successfully map lymphatic pathways of the iliosacral lymphatic center in dogs with anal sac gland carcinoma, providing a potential preoperative method for iliosacral sentinel lymph node identification in dogs. Thirteen adult dogs diagnosed with anal sac gland carcinoma were enrolled in this prospective, pilot study, and ICTL was performed via peritumoral contrast injection with serial caudal abdominal computed tomography scans for iliosacral sentinel lymph node identification. Technical and descriptive details for ICTL were recorded, including patient positioning, total contrast injection volume, timing of contrast visualization, and sentinel lymph nodes and lymphatic pathways identified. Indirect CT lymphography identified lymphatic pathways and sentinel lymph nodes in 12/13 cases (92%). Identified sentinel lymph nodes were ipsilateral to the anal sac gland carcinoma in 8/12 and contralateral to the anal sac gland carcinoma in 4/12 cases. Sacral, internal iliac, and medial iliac lymph nodes were identified as sentinel lymph nodes, and patterns were widely variable. Patient positioning and timing of imaging may impact successful sentinel lymph node identification. Positioning in supported sternal recumbency is recommended. Results indicate that ICTL may be a feasible technique for sentinel lymph node identification in dogs with anal sac gland carcinoma and offer preliminary data to drive further investigation of iliosacral lymphatic metastatic patterns using ICTL and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Feasibility of quantitative contrast ultrasound imaging of bladder tumors in dogs.

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of Cadence contrast pulse sequencing ultrasound to predict clinical and angiogenic tumor response in dogs undergoing chemotherapy. Contrast ultrasound facilitated visualization of bladder tumors but failed to identify a straightforward relationship between ultrasound measures and clinical outcome.

Faisabilité de l'échographie de contraste quantitative des tumeurs des reins chez les chiens. Cette étude pilote avait pour but d'évaluer la faisabilité de l'échographie de contraste par séquençage des pulsations (CadenceTM) pour prédire la réponse clinique et angiogénique de la tumeur chez les chiens subissant la chimiothérapie. L'échographie de contraste a facilité la visualisation des tumeurs rénales mais n'a pas réussi à identifier un lien direct entre les mesures de l'échographie et le résultat clinique.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

EFFECT OF BOLUS SIZE ON DEGLUTITION AND ESOPHAGEAL TRANSIT IN HEALTHY DOGS.

Contrast videofluoroscopy is the gold standard procedure for evaluating dysphagia in humans, but quantitative measures vary depending on bolus size and consistency. We hypothesized that quantitative measures made during videofluoroscopy of swallowing in dogs would differ between bolus sizes and consistencies. Ten healthy adult dogs were enrolled a prospective, crossover experimental study and underwent contrast videofluoroscopy while swallowing liquid (5, 10, and 15 ml) and canned food (3, 8, and 12 g) boluses. Maximum pharyngeal contraction occurred significantly later with medium solid boluses than with medium liquid boluses, with a mean difference of 0.021 s (adjusted P = 0.042). Upper esophageal sphincter opening occurred significantly earlier with large solid boluses than with medium solid boluses, with a mean difference of 0.018 s (adjusted P = 0.025). Thoracic esophageal transit time was significantly longer with small solid boluses than with small liquid boluses, with a mean difference of 0.68 s (adjusted P = 0.004). Odds of primary esophageal peristalsis occurring were significantly (18.5 times) higher with large solid vs. large liquid boluses (adjusted P = 0.031). No other statistical comparisons reached significance. Based on these results, we recommend a standardized approach to videofluoscopy in dogs with determination of quantitative measures using medium liquid and soft food boluses to minimize effects of size. Furthermore, we conclude that measurements made on liquid swallows should not be directly compared to measurements made on soft food boluses.

Total laryngectomy for management of chronic aspiration pneumonia in a myopathic dog.

A 5-month-old female pit bull terrier dog evaluated for ataxia, progressive regurgitation, and recurrent aspiration pneumonia had markedly elevated creatine kinase activity, non-inflammatory generalized myopathy, and severe esophageal dysmotility. A narrow-field total laryngectomy was performed. The dog is doing well 30 months after surgery, and no longer has episodes of aspiration pneumonia, despite intermittent regurgitation. This case represents the first application of total laryngectomy for the prevention of chronic recurrent aspiration pneumonia in the dog.

Laryngectomie totale pour la gestion d'une pneumonie par aspiration chronique chez un chien myopathique. Une chienne Pit Bull Terrier âgée de 5 mois évaluée pour de l'ataxie, de la régurgitation progressive et une pneumonie par aspiration récurrente présentait une activité de la créatine kinase particulièrement élevée, une myopathie généralisée non inflammatoire et un trouble de motilité de l'œsophage grave. Une laryngectomie totale à champ étroit a été réalisée. La chienne se porte bien 30 mois après la chirurgie et n'a plus d'épisodes de pneumonie par aspiration, malgré une régurgitation intermittente. Ce cas représente la première application d'une laryngectomie totale pour la prévention d'une pneumonie par aspiration chronique récurrente chez un chien.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

COMPARISON OF THE RADIOGRAPHIC AND TRACHEOSCOPIC APPEARANCE OF THE DORSAL TRACHEAL MEMBRANE IN LARGE AND SMALL BREED DOGS.

The etiology and clinical significance of increased radiographic opacity along the dorsal margin of the tracheal lumen has long been debated. Most often, this opacity is attributed to redundancy of the dorsal tracheal membrane (DTM), a condition that occurs with tracheal collapse. We hypothesized that the underlying etiology of this radiographic opacity differs between small breed dogs with tracheal collapse and small or large breed dogs without tracheal collapse. The purpose of this prospective, cross-sectional study was to compare the radiographic appearance of an increased opacity within the trachea to tracheoscopy findings in a group of small and large breed dogs. A total of 17 small breed dogs and 16 large breed dogs were included. Of these, only one did not have a radiographically visible DTM. Small breed dogs were divided into groups with tracheal collapse (n = 8) and those without (n = 9) based on tracheoscopy. Tracheal collapse was absent in larger breed dogs, however both large and small breed dogs demonstrated inward invagination of the DTM. In dogs with tracheal collapse, the DTM occupied a larger percentage of the tracheal luminal height on radiographs and a larger percentage of tracheal circumference on tracheoscopy vs. dogs with an invaginated DTM on tracheoscopy and dogs with no collapse and no invagination of the DTM. Findings supported the hypothesis that increased radiographic opacity along the dorsal margin of the trachea arises from different etiologies in dogs with and without tracheal collapse.

Prevalence of incidental thyroid nodules in ultrasound studies of dogs with hypercalcemia (2008-2013).

Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the cervical region in dogs with hypercalcemia due to suspected hyperparathyroidism. Incidental thyroid nodules may be detected during these studies, however little information has been published to guide clinical decision-making when this occurs. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of incidental thyroid nodules in hypercalcemic dogs undergoing cervical ultrasound at our hospital during the period of 2008-2013. Dogs with a palpable neck mass were excluded. Cervical ultrasound images for each dog were retrieved and reviewed by a board certified veterinary radiologist who was unaware of patient outcome. Presence, number, and dimensions of thyroid nodules were recorded. Results of thyroid nodule aspirate, biopsy or necropsy were recorded from medical records when available. Ninety-one dogs met inclusion criteria. Of these, 14/91 (15%) dogs had at least one thyroid nodule. Mean (± standard deviation) thyroid gland nodule length, width, and height were 1.51 ± 0.74, 0.96 ± 0.73, and 0.75 ± 0.36 cm, respectively. A histologic diagnosis was available for the incidental thyroid lesions in eight dogs, including one dog with two nodules. Confirmed diagnoses for these nodules were thyroid cyst (3/9, 33%), thyroid adenoma (3/9, 33%), thyroid adenocarcinoma (2/9, 22%) and nodular hyperplasia (1/9, 11%). Findings indicated that incidental thyroid nodules may be present in hypercalcemic dogs with no palpable neck mass and no clinical signs of thyroid disease. Some of these nodules may be malignant and therefore a recommendation for cytology or biopsy may be justified.