Radiographic and computed tomographic characteristics of intraluminal tracheal adenoma in a cat.

A 13-year-old spayed female Persian cat presented with dyspnea and nasal discharge. Thoracic radiography revealed a dome-shaped soft-tissue opacity in the carina. Computed tomography confirmed a soft tissue-attenuating mass in the carina and the left and right proximal main bronchi that appeared to arise from the tracheal wall. Tracheoscopy revealed an intraluminal broad-based mass with multilobulated borders at the same location. Histopathological evaluation revealed a benign neoplastic process of the glandular epithelial lineage, which was considered an adenoma. Tracheal adenomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of tracheal masses.

Ultrasonographic quantitative evaluation of acute and chronic renal disease using the renal cortical thickness to aorta ratio in dogs.

The renal cortical thickness (RCT) has been correlated with renal function. Previous studies have also reported that the RCT:Abdominal aorta(Ao) ratio is constant in normal dogs with various physical factors. This multi-center, retrospective, analytical study aimed to determine if there are differences between actual RCT and predicted value of RCT considering physical factors in dogs with acute or chronic renal disease. We also aimed to demonstrate whether the RCT and Ao ratio index would be useful for evaluating renal pathology. A total of 54 dogs with acute or chronic renal disease and 30 normal healthy dogs were included in this study. The RCT was measured at the center of the renal pyramid as the shortest distance perpendicular to the renal capsule from the base of the renal medullary pyramid at three points. The diameter of the Ao was measured just caudal to the branch of the left renal artery in the sagittal plane in systole. The RCT:Ao ratio of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients was 0.50 ± 0.11 (mean ± standard deviation). The RCT:Ao ratio in normal dogs was 0.67 ± 0.07. The RCT:Ao ratio in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) was 0.83 ± 0.05. There was a statistically significant difference between normal dogs and dogs with CKD (P < 0.001) and between normal dogs and dogs with AKI (P < 0.001). In conclusion, findings from the current study supported using the RCT:Ao ratio as a non-invasive quantitative method for characterizing kidney pathology in dogs with acute or chronic renal disease.

Fungal balls detected using ultrasonography in the urinary bladder of a dog.

A 9-year-old dog was presented with hematuria and urinary incontinence. Ultrasonography revealed multiple mobile echogenic ball-shaped structures without distal acoustic shadowing within the lumen. A cystocentesis was performed and a urinalysis of the urine revealed fungus. Candida albicans was identified using an additional urine culture. The patient was finally diagnosed with fungal cystitis with mobile fungal balls and managed with Itraconazole. Follow-up ultrasonography demonstrated the resolution of cystitis without fungal balls. Our findings suggest that fungal balls should be considered as a differential diagnosis when echogenic mobile ball-shaped structures are identified in the urinary bladder of a diabetic or immunocompromised patient.

Measurement of renal cortical thickness using ultrasound in normal dogs: a reference range study considering bodyweight and body condition score.

The renal cortical thickness (RCT) reflects the pathological condition of the kidney, and measuring this parameter can help diagnose renal fibrosis in dogs. The normal reference range of RCT in dogs is broad (3-8 mm) because of the extreme diversity in body size. Therefore, this retrospective, reference interval, and observational design study aimed to establish a normal reference range for RCT in dogs measured using ultrasound by considering bodyweight (BW), body surface area (BSA), body condition score (BCS), and abdominal aorta (Ao) diameter. A total of 60 dogs met the inclusion criteria, and abdominal ultrasound images and medical records of these dogs were analyzed. RCT was measured at 1-3 points where the renal capsule and broad base of the medullary pyramid were clearly observed. Ao diameter was measured caudal to the branch of the left renal artery in the mid-sagittal view. The RCT showed positive correlations with BW and BSA and a negative correlation with BCS, which can be described as follows: RCT (mm) = 0.131 × BW - 0.166 × BCS + 3.580. The RCT:Ao ratio was 0.70 ± 0.09 (mean ± standard deviation). No significant differences were found in the RCT:Ao ratio depending on BW or BCS. In conclusion, the RCT:Ao ratio and relative RCT considering both BW and BCS are potentially useful for evaluating the normality of the renal cortex on ultrasound examination in dogs with various physiques.

Multimodality imaging characteristics of tension pyopneumothorax secondary to pulmonary carcinoma in a cat.

A 3-year-old Himalayan cat was presented with respiratory distress. Radiography showed multiple gas opacity foci, with the locations dependent on patient positioning, and severe pleural effusion with a contralateral mediastinal shift. A large volume of fluid and air was aspirated, and the fluid components were consistent with a nonseptic exudate. A pulmonary mass, pleural nodules, and an air-fluid interface with air bubbles trapped in fibrous septations were identified using thoracic ultrasonography and CT. The cat died 2 days after imaging studies. Necropsy revealed tension pyopneumothorax caused by pulmonary carcinoma and multiple pleural metastases.

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS - RADIOGRAPHY, ULTRASONOGRAPHY, AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF A GIANT FECALOMA CAUSING STERCORAL PERFORATION OF THE COLON IN A DOG WITH A PROSTATIC ABSCESS.

A mixed-breed dog presented with tenesmus, hematochezia, and abdominal distension of 2 weeks duration. Radiography showed a large round mass with a "soap-bubble" appearance and shell-like mineralization in the caudal abdomen. Computed tomography revealed a lamellate mineralized mass 8 cm in diameter and containing air in the descending colon and prostatic abscess. Heterogeneously contrast-enhanced, irregularly thickened colonic wall with intramural and peritoneal free gas indicated stercoral colonic perforation. Surgical intervention revealed a tumor-like giant fecaloma in the descending colon adjoining the prostate with extensive wall rupture and fecal peritonitis. Hypothetically, prostatic inflammation may affect colonic motility with resultant fecaloma formation.

Ultrasonographic measurement of caudal vena cava to aorta ratios for determination of volume depletion in normal beagle dogs.

A noninvasive method for quantifying hydration status would be helpful for clinical management and for research applications in dogs. This prospective, experimental, pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of ultrasonographic measurement of the caudal vena cava to aorta ratio as a method for quantifying volume depletion in dogs. In 12 normal beagle dogs, furosemide was administered intravenously at a dose of 1 mg/kg, every 2 h, for 8 h, to induce consecutive volume depletion. Every 30 min after administration, ultrasonographic images of the caudal vena cava and aorta, and physical and biological parameters related to dehydration were acquired. On transverse and longitudinal planes of caudal vena cava and aorta images, the height and area of the caudal vena cava and aorta were measured to calculate the caudal vena cava/aorta ratios. All images were acquired by approaching from the right intercostal space with the dogs in left lateral recumbency. A negative correlation was present between the percentage of weight loss in dogs and all four investigated caudal vena cava/aorta ratios (transverse plane width of the caudal vena cava [TW]/aorta; transverse plane height of caudal vena cava [TH]/aorta; longitudinal plane area of the caudal vena cava [TA]/aorta; and longitudinal plane maximal height of the caudal vena cava [L]/aorta). Significant differences (P < 0.001) were seen between dogs with and without clinical signs of dehydration for all caudal vena cava/aorta ratios. Findings indicated that ultrasonographic caudal vena cava/aorta ratios are feasible methods for quantifying volume depletion and for use as an adjunct to standard subjective methods for estimating hydration status in dogs.

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY CHARACTERISTICS OF MULTIPLE VASCULAR ANOMALIES IN A SENIOR DOG WITH LATE-ONSET REGURGITATION.

A 10-year-old dog weighing 3.4 kg presented with intermittent regurgitation. Esophagography revealed that the thoracic esophagus was compressed dorsally at the region of the fourth intercostal space and segmentally dilated from the second to third intercostal region. Three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) angiography confirmed a suspected vascular ring anomaly and also revealed multiple other vascular anomalies. These included aberrant right subclavian artery, absence of bilateral external jugular veins, right-gastric caval shunt, and a completely duplicated caudal vena cava. Findings supported the use of thoracic CT angiography to rule out additional vascular malformations in dogs with suspected vascular ring anomaly.

Successful management of lymphangiosarcoma in a puppy using a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

A puppy was diagnosed with lymphangiosarcoma associated with lymphedema based on lymphography and histopathology. The lesions resolved after toceranib therapy, and the dog remains in remission 1 year later. This is the first report of a successful outcome following oral toceranib as first-line therapy for lymphangiosarcoma in a dog.

Gestion réussie d'un lymphangiosarcome chez un chiot à l'aide d'un inhibiteur de la tyrosinekinase. Un chiot a été diagnostiqué avec un lymphangiosarcome associé à un lymphoedème en se basant sur une lymphographie et l'histopathologie. Les lésions se sont résorbées après un traitement au tocéranib et le chien demeurait en rémission un an plus tard. Il s'agit du premier rapport d'un résultat favorable après le recours au tocéranib oral comme traitement de premier recours pour le lymphangiosarcome chez un chien.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-A LUMINAL LAMINATED DEBRIS BALL IN THE URINARY BLADDER OF A DOG.

A 5-year-old dog presented with pollakiuria and urinary incontinence. Abdominal radiographs revealed an oval, multilayered structure with soft tissue opacity and gas lucency in the urinary bladder. Ultrasonography showed an oval luminal structure with hyper- and hypoechoic layers and internal reverberation artifacts. Following cystotomy, the hemisected plane showed a layered, pale whitish matrix with a gas layer around the core. Histopathological examination showed no evidence of cells, bacteria, or fungi. The core and laminae comprised fibrinous and mineral debris. A final diagnosis of a freely floating, gas-filled laminated debris ball was made.

Fluoroscopic and endoscopic diagnosis of a lower esophageal ring causing foreign body impaction in a dog.

A dog was presented because of regurgitation over a 3-day period. Radiographic examination revealed a bean-shaped filling defect and an annular narrowing at the level of the gastroesophageal sphincter. The contractile ring-like structure was sharply demarcated, and its appearance varied according to gastroesophageal distension. Endoscopic findings revealed lower esophageal ring and foreign body impaction.

Diagnostic fluoroscopique et endoscopique d'un anneau œsophagien inférieur causant la surcharge d'un corps étranger chez un chien. Un chien a été présenté en raison de régurgitation pendant une période de 3 jours. L'examen radiographique a révélé un défaut en forme de haricot et un rétrécissement annulaire au niveau du sphincter gastro-œsophagien. La structure contractile en forme d'anneau présentait une délimitation marquée et son apparence variait selon la distension gastro-œsophagienne. Les résultats de l'endoscopie ont révélé un anneau œsophagien inférieur et la surcharge d'un corps étranger.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Changes in echocardiographic indices and left ventricular strain values by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography following pre-anesthetic oral pimobendan administration compared with intravenous pimobendan in dogs.

Introduction: The effects of pre-anesthetic single-dose oral pimobendan during inhalational anesthesia, including the comparison with the effects of single intravenous pimobendan under anesthesia, remain unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to determine changes in hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters induced by pre-anesthetic administration of oral pimobendan under isoflurane general anesthesia and to compare them with those induced by intravenous pimobendan. Methods: Thirteen clinically normal dogs (4 laboratory and 9 client-owned dogs) with no clinical signs and not on any medical treatment were included. Anesthesia was performed three times: no pimobendan (Control), oral pimobendan (PIMO PO, 0.3 mg/kg), and intravenous pimobendan (PIMO IV, 0.15 mg/kg). Echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters were monitored at 30-min intervals in all groups. Results: Compared to the Control group, end-systolic volume index (ESVI) and normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole (LVIDSN) were significantly lower, and fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) were significantly higher in the PIMO PO and IV groups (p < 0.001). Global radial strain (GRS) was significantly higher in the PIMO PO and IV groups (p = 0.015). Conclusion: Under general anesthesia, oral pimobendan preserved LV systolic and myocardial function in a manner comparable to intravenous pimobendan. Pre-anesthetic administration of oral pimobendan can be used to compensate for cardiac systolic function in dogs who require therapeutic and diagnostic procedures under general anesthesia with potential risk of circulatory failure.

Radiographic and echocardiographic evaluation in rescued Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis).

Introduction: Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis (Korean raccoon dog), a member of the Canidae family, is anatomically similar to dogs. Previous studies have used vertebral heart scale measurements to measure the cardiac size of Korean raccoon dogs on thoracic radiographs; however, the use of additional cardiac size indices, such as vertebral left arial score, intercostal space, cardiothoracic ratio, and echocardiographic indices, has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to establish normal reference ranges for various thoracic radiographic and echocardiographic indices in normal Korean raccoon dogs. Methods: Twenty-six Korean raccoon dogs (11 males and 15 females) were included in this study. The thoracic radiographic indices, vertebral heart scale score, and vertebral left atrial score were measured in the right lateral view. The intercostal space and cardiothoracic ratio were measured in the ventrodorsal view. The echocardiograms were evaluated in the right parasternal long and short axis view and left parasternal apical view. Results: The mean values for the thoracic radiographic and echocardiographic indices were as follows: vertebral heart scale, 9.12 ± 0.74; vertebral left atrial score, 1.5 ± 0.31; intercostal spaces, 3.17 ± 0.34; cardiothoracic ratio, 0.69 ± 0.07; left atrial to aortic root ratio, 1.22 ± 0.14; main pulmonary artery to aorta ratio, 1.22 ± 0.14; left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter normalized for body weight, 1.36 ± 0.19; end-diastolic volume index, 51.07 ± 19.6; end-systolic volume index, 16.54 ± 7.45; the peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow, 73.13 ± 15.46 cm/s; and the ratio between the transmitral flow velocities and the peak early diastolic velocity, 1.77 ± 0.47. Only percent increase in the left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter was negatively correlated with body weight. The remaining indices showed no correlations with body weight. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report covering both thoracic radiographic and endocardiographic indices for Korean raccoon dogs. Thus, the thoracic radiographic and echocardiographic indices established in this study may be used to evaluate the cardiac condition of Korean raccoon dogs.

Evaluation of intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses before and after oxygen supplementation, using transthoracic agitated saline contrast echocardiography in rescued Korean raccoon dogs.

Introduction: Intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVAs) are defined as relatively large, dynamic shunt vessels that connect the pulmonary arterial and venous systems, thereby bypassing the pulmonary capillary system. IPAVAs lower elevated pulmonary arterial pressure; however, the presence of the shunt can result in impaired pulmonary gas exchange and paradoxical embolism. Furthermore, the prevalence and effects of IPAVAs in raccoon dogs remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPAVA among rescued Korean raccoon dogs and evaluate the changes in IPAVA following oxygen supplementation. Methods: Nineteen raccoon dogs rescued by the Jeonbuk Wildlife Centre between August 2022 and December 2023 were subjected to echocardiography. Sixteen healthy and three abnormal raccoon dogs were subjected to transthoracic agitated saline contrast echocardiography (bubble study) based on the echocardiography results. IPAVA was considered to be present if the left heart contrast was visualised after four cardiac cycles following the visualisation of the first right heart contrast. Bubble scores (BS0-5) were assigned based on the maximum number of microbubbles observed in the left ventricular lumen per frame of the ultrasound image. BS was assigned before and after supplementation with 100% oxygen for 5 min. Results: IPAVA was detected in 12 of the 16 healthy raccoon dogs at rest (75%). The BS of the 15 IPAVA-positive raccoon dogs ranged from 1 to 4 points (BS1, 1; BS2, 4; BS3, 8; and BS4, 2). Blood flow through the IPAVA (QIPAVA) was reduced or absent in the 15 IPAVA-positive raccoon dogs after supplementation with 100% oxygen (BS0, 11; BS2, 4). Moreover, BS of the IPAVA showed a significant correlation with the cardiac output per body weight (BW). Conclusion: The prevalence of IPAVA in healthy raccoon dogs at rest was 75%. Adequate oxygen supplementation was found to be effective in reducing QIPAVA, which may help prevent potential negative factors such as pulmonary gas exchange impairments and paradoxical embolism that can occur with IPAVA.

Detection of spondylosis deformans in thoracolumbar and lumbar lateral X-ray images of dogs using a deep learning network.

Introduction: Spondylosis deformans is a non-inflammatory osteophytic reaction that develops to re-establish the stability of weakened joints between intervertebral discs. However, assessing these changes using radiography is subjective and difficult. In human medicine, attempts have been made to use artificial intelligence to accurately diagnose difficult and ambiguous diseases in medical imaging. Deep learning, a form of artificial intelligence, is most commonly used in medical imaging data analysis. It is a technique that utilizes neural networks to self-learn and extract features from data to diagnose diseases. However, no deep learning model has been developed to detect vertebral diseases in canine thoracolumbar and lumbar lateral X-ray images. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a segmentation model that automatically recognizes the vertebral body and spondylosis deformans in the thoracolumbar and lumbar lateral radiographs of dogs. Methods: A total of 265 thoracolumbar and lumbar lateral radiographic images from 162 dogs were used to develop and evaluate the deep learning model based on the attention U-Net algorithm to segment the vertebral body and detect spondylosis deformans. Results: When comparing the ability of the deep learning model and veterinary clinicians to recognize spondylosis deformans in the test dataset, the kappa value was 0.839, indicating an almost perfect agreement. Conclusions: The deep learning model developed in this study is expected to automatically detect spondylosis deformans on thoracolumbar and lumbar lateral radiographs of dogs, helping to quickly and accurately identify unstable intervertebral disc space sites. Furthermore, the segmentation model developed in this study is expected to be useful for developing models that automatically recognize various vertebral and disc diseases.

Case report: Echocardiographic and computed tomographic features of congenital bronchoesophageal artery hypertrophy and fistula in a dog.

Introduction: Studies on aberrant bronchoesophageal arteries are limited. Herein, we report a case of a multi-origin systemic-to-pulmonary shunt with suspected bronchoesophageal artery hypertrophy and fistula in a dog. Case report: A 4-year-old castrated male beagle weighing 11 kg underwent routine medical screening. Physical examination revealed a right-sided continuous murmur of grades 1-2. Thoracic radiography revealed a mild cardiomegaly. Echocardiography revealed a continuous turbulent shunt flow distal to the right pulmonary artery (RPA) branch from the right parasternal short axis pulmonary artery view. Computed tomography demonstrated systemic-to-pulmonary shunts originating from the descending aorta at the level of T7-8, the right 5th and 6th dorsal intercostal arteries, and the right brachiocephalic trunk, which formed anomalous networks around the trachea and esophagus that anastomosed into a large tortuous vessel at the level of T6-7 and entered the RPA. Surgical ligation of multiple shunting vessels was performed. Postoperative echocardiography and computed tomography showed decreased left ventricular volume overload and markedly decreased size of the varices. Additionally, most of the shunting vessels were without residual shunt flow. Conclusion: The present study provides information regarding imaging features and the successful surgical management of multiple systemic-to-pulmonary shunts originating from the descending aorta, right brachiocephalic trunk, and intercostal arteries and terminating at the RPA. Multimodal imaging features after surgical ligation have also been described.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of bilateral multiloculated extraneural ganglion cysts of the occipito-atlanto-axial joint causing hypoglossal nerve paralysis in a dog.

A 14-year-old spayed female Miniature Pinscher presented with tongue curling, dysphagia, hypersalivation, and sublingual gland swelling. Comprehensive evaluation, including neurologic and musculoskeletal examinations, blood work, and urinalysis, revealed no abnormalities other than tongue-related signs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a multilobed cystic structure in the occipito-atlanto-axial joint, compressing the right hypoglossal canal. The lesion appeared cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-like on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, and hyperintense compared with CSF on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery T2-weighted images. The scans suggested mucinous content with enhanced peripheral areas on contrast-enhanced images. Surgical removal and drainage of this cyst were performed, and clinical signs improved markedly. The dorsal cyst was tentatively diagnosed as a ganglion cyst based on histopathologic and imaging findings. Ganglion cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs with similar MRI findings and neurologic signs.

RNA sequencing provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease stage B1 in beagle dogs.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiovascular disorder in dogs with a high prevalence, accounting for approximately 75% of all canine heart disease cases. MMVD is a complex disease and shows variable progression from mild valve leakage to severe regurgitation, potentially leading to heart failure. However, the molecular mechanisms and age-related changes that govern disease progression, especially at the early stage (B1) before the development of discernable clinical signs, remain poorly understood. In this prospective study, we aimed to compare gene expression differences between blood samples of aged beagle dogs with stage B1 MMVD and those of healthy controls using RNA sequencing. Clinical evaluation was also conducted, which revealed minimal differences in radiographic and echocardiographic measurements despite distinct biomarker variations between the two groups. Comparative transcriptomics revealed differentially expressed genes associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, prostaglandin metabolism, immune modulation, and interferon-related pathways, which bear functional relevance for MMVD. In particular, the top 10 over- and under-expressed genes represent promising candidates for influencing pathogenic changes in MMVD stage B1. Our research findings, which include identified variations in clinical markers and gene expression, enhance our understanding of MMVD. Furthermore, they underscore the need for further research into early diagnosis and treatment strategies, as, to the best of our knowledge, no prior studies have explored the precise molecular mechanisms of stage B1 in MMVD through total RNA sequencing.

Review of outcomes of using lower ethanol concentration (83%) in percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal cyst sclerotherapy in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous renal cyst sclerotherapy (PRCS) as a treatment for renal cysts is usually performed with a high concentration of ethanol (≥ 90%). This study reviewed cases in which a lower concentration of ethanol (83%) was used for the procedure in dogs. METHODS: Records of cases of renal cysts treated by sclerotherapy using 83% ethanol in dogs were reviewed. Outcomes of the treatment were evaluated by comparing volumes of renal cysts before the procedure and the volumes after treatment, using ultrasound images with the volume reduction rates classified as follows: < 50% of initial volume (failed); ≥ 50% but < 80% of initial volume (partial success); ≥ 80% but < 95% of initial volume (great success); ≥ 95% of initial volume (complete success). RESULTS: Out of nine dog kidneys, renal cysts sclerotherapy with 83% ethanol achieved partial success in one kidney, great success in four, and complete success in the other four. No side effect was observed. The mean of the volume-reduction rates was 90.00 ± 11.00 while the minimum and maximum reduction rates were 65% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The lower ethanol concentration (83%) is good for disinfecting kidneys in PRCS.