Ultrasonographic evaluation of the coelomic cavity in Rhode Island Red hybrid hens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Backyard chickens are gaining popularity, and so is individual veterinary care for their health and management. Ultrasonography represents an important part of the imaging diagnostic arsenal in veterinary medicine; however, published data on its use in chickens are scarce and mostly focus on the reproductive tract. The objectives of this prospective, reference interval study were to describe a standard protocol for a full coelomic evaluation and the normal ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the coelomic organs in awake and anesthetized healthy hens. The liver, gallbladder, gonad, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and spleen were clearly visualized in 21 Rhode Island Red hybrid hens (8 immatures, 13 adults) included in this study. In all animals, there was a scant amount of coelomic fluid, which was more visible at the cardiac apex. The cysticoenteric duct and hepatoenteric duct were visualized in 57% (12/21) of the hens. Seven hens were anesthetized and placed in dorsal decubitus, as the kidneys were not visualized in the hens while standing. Reference intervals were calculated for the splenic short and long axes, proventricular wall thickness, ventricular wall thickness, and duodenal wall thickness. Reference values were measured for the thickness of the pancreas, gallbladder wall, and kidneys, as well as the diameters of the biliary ducts. Moreover, five hens of different breeds were examined, and the results obtained were comparable to those of previous studies. The results of this study support the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Rhode Island Red hybrid hens and provide reference ranges for use in hens with clinical diseases involving coelomic organs.

Congenital Partial Colonic Agenesis in Dogs and Cats: Clinical, Biological, Diagnostic Imaging, Endoscopic and Histopathologic Characterization, a Retrospective Study.

Congenital diseases of the large intestine of dogs and cats have scarcely been reported and mostly include fistula, atresia or colonic duplication. Cases of partial colonic agenesis have rarely been described. The purpose of this study was to report a cohort of dogs and cats diagnosed with partial colonic agenesis. The colon was measured during colonoscopy or contrast-radiography and compared to the average length described in the literature. Six dogs and 17 cats were retrospectively included. Depending on the case, partial colonic agenesis could represent an incidental finding or the likeliest cause of clinical signs. Diarrhea was reported in most cases, and no specific clinical or biological abnormality was observed. Median age of presentation was variable and long asymptomatic periods were common. Abdominal ultrasound was useful and identified a short colon in 14/17 cats but only in one dog. Endoscopy was useful to confirm the diagnosis and to identify associated lesions and complications. Among others, colonic stenosis was reported in 8/9 cases that had lifelong clinical signs and the shortest colon length. This anatomical abnormality could promote chronic inflammation that might generate fibrosis and ultimately stenosis.

Spinal epidural and synovial lipomatosis in a 3-year-old Eurasian dog receiving sustained steroid therapy.

This report describes a spinal cord epidural and synovial lipomatosis in a 3-year-old neutered male Eurasian dog. This dog presented for ambulatory paraparesis and was previously treated with immunosuppressive dosages of prednisolone for 2 years. Computed tomography (CT) myelography and magnetic resonnance imaging (MRI) images identified dorsal compression of the thoraco-lumbar spinal cord by hypertrophic epidural fat. Histological examination identified extensive well-differentiated mature adipose tissue in the subepithelial area of the tarsal synovium. Prednisolone is a reported predisposing factor in humans with lipomatosis.