Diagnostic imaging of migrating kebab (sosatie) sticks--a review of 8 cases.

Complications related to extraluminal migration of ingested kebab (sosatie) sticks are infrequently diagnosed in small animals. A total of 8 cases diagnosed with extragastric migration of ingested kebab sticks were retrospectively evaluated. No significant breed or sex predilection was found but there was a tendency for animals to present at a younger age (less than 3 years). Clinical signs (of variable duration) were non-specific and included haemoptysis, abdominal pain, regurgitation, subcutaneous abscessation and chronic draining sinus tracts, making a clinical diagnosis difficult. Ultrasonography proved invaluable in facilitating the diagnosis of kebab stick migration in 6 of the cases and computed tomography unexpectedly identified a kebab stick that had migrated into the thorax in 1 patient. Survey radiography was generally found to be insensitive in identifying the kebab sticks. The aim of this article is to alert veterinarians to a clinical syndrome that may not be considered a differential diagnosis in patients with non-specific inflammatory disease of the thorax, abdomen or pelvic regions and to illustrate the usefulness of the various diagnostic imaging modalities in facilitating a diagnosis of kebab stick ingestion and its possible secondary complications.

Bilateral multiple cystic kidney disease and renal cortical abscess in a Boerboel.

Cystic renal disease is rare in dogs and although infected renal cysts have been reported in humans, no report could be found in dogs. A 58 kg, 5-year-old, castrated, male Boerboel presented with weight loss, pyrexia, lethargy and vomiting, 20 months after an incident of haematuria was reported. The initial ultrasonographic diagnosis was bilateral multiple renal cysts of unknown aetiology. The cysts had significantly increased in size over the 20-month period and some contained echogenic specks which could be related to infection, normal cellular debris or haemorrhage. In both kidneys the renal contours were distorted (the left more than the right). The abnormal shape of the left kidney was largely due to multiple cysts and a large crescent-shaped septate mass on the cranial pole of the kidney. Aspirates of the septate mass were performed (left kidney) and the cytology and culture were indicative of an abscess. It is suggested that the previous incident of haematuria provided a portal of entry for bacteria into the cysts resulting in renal cortical abscess formation.

Temporomandibular joint injections in dogs with temporomandibular joint pain: 11 cases (2015-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To describe and evaluate the clinical application of temporomandibular joint injections using betamethasone and ropivacaine in German Shepherd dogs suffering from non-odontogenic orofacial pain due to temporomandibular dysplasia and/or osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Outcomes in dogs presented with clinical signs of non-odontogenic orofacial pain associated to temporomandibular joint dysplasia and/or arthritis and treated with a temporomandibular joint injection were retrospectively-prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The overall clinical signs free period ranged between 25 to 1579 days, with an average of 461 days. The clinical signs free period for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis scores 1, 2 and 3 were on average 659 days (180-1579 days), 134 days (42-355 days) and 723 days (25-1377 days), respectively. Similarly the temporomandibular dysplasia scores 1, 2 and 3 were on average 306 days (26-1579 days), 1377 days and 669 days (25-1429 days) respectively. Those dogs in which only one side was injected the clinical signs free period average was 639 days (25-1578 days), compared with dogs in which both temporomandibular joints were injected showing a clinical signs free period average of 378 days (42-1377 days). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The temporomandibular joint injection technique proved to be feasible with a decent outcome in dogs suffering from non-odontogenic orofacial pain associated with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and/or dysplasia. Further randomised studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of this intervention.

Infiltrative angiolipoma of the parotid salivary gland in a dog.

Solitary benign angiolipoma and infiltrative angiolipoma are rare tumours in dogs. Angiolipomata can be distinguished histologically from lipomata by the large number of tightly packed blood vessels seen between the adipocytes with multiple fibrin thrombi occupying some of the vessels' lumens. The dog presented with a solitary slow-growing mass in the cervical region. Histopathology revealed multifocal to coalescing single or clusters of blood-filled vessels lined by flattened endothelial cells with narrow, elongated, basophilic nuclei. These regions were embedded in adipose tissue with multifocal areas of intervascular remnants of differentiated serous salivary glandular tissue with multifocal small ducts. Fibrin thrombi occupied a few of the vessel lumens. A histological diagnosis of infiltrative angiolipoma was made. On computed tomography, the mass was bilobed with a suspected primary component involving the right parotid gland which was grossly enlarged. The mass had a slightly hypoattenuating mottled to lobulated appearance with a few hyperattenuating mineralised specks throughout. Hounsfield units of the mass ranged between 40 and 45, which was less than the 60-65 of the contralateral salivary glands and cranial musculature. Post contrast images showed no contrast enhancement of 90% of the mass with only a band of peripheral contrast uptake of the affected lateral lobe.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal development in the rat.

The study objectives were to measure gestational sac (GS) diameter and crown-to-rump (CR) length in conscious pregnant rats and to determine the chronological ultrasonographic appearance of heart beat and fetal organogenesis. The study formed part of a unilateral surgical salpingectomy trial with 16 female Sprague-Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus). Ten rats were operated on while the other six served as controls. After surgery all were mated at 8-10 weeks of age. Gestational length was taken as 22 days. Rats were manually restrained for abdominal ultrasonography and were scanned daily from day 7 until day 19 or 20 post-mating followed by immediate euthanasia. Measurements' were taken from two GSs per rat. The presence of several early GSs in a row were described as a "string of pearls". As a fetus developed features of organogenesis were recorded. There was no significant difference in GS diameters and CR length between the test and control groups. Mean GS diameters ranged from 2.9 mm (day 7) to 18.1 mm (day 20). A string of pearls was seen on days 8-11. The CR length ranged from 1.6 mm (day 11) to 26.4 mm (day 20). A heart beat was first seen on day 11 and the echogenic vertebral column at day 14-15. From day 16, ribs, feet and the isoechoic lungs and liver were seen. The lungs became hyperechoic to the liver from day 18-19. The tail and mandible were visible on day 18 and the aorta and caudal vena cava were seen on day 19, as well as an occasional bladder. These measurements and staged in utero ultrasonographic appearance of various organ and skeletal structures will assist in a reasonably accurate prediction of the day of impending parturition by laboratory personnel and researchers.

The scintigraphic evaluation of the pulmonary perfusion pattern of dogs hospitalised with babesiosis.

The possibility of coagulopathy in Babesia canis rossi infections in the canine patient has been suggested in the literature, but minimal work has been done to evaluate the clinicopathological nature of it in further detail. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) has not yet been implicated in canine babesiosis (CB), but may also be one of the causes of the sudden dyspnoea and tachypnoea that are frequently seen in complicated CB patients. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the scintigraphic pulmonary perfusion pattern in hospitalised dogs with babesiosis in an attempt to ascertain whether a scintigraphic pattern consistent with clinically relevant PTE does indeed occur in these patients. The study consisted of a normal control group of 9 mature healthy Beagle dogs (group 1) and a Babesia group with 14 dogs of a variety of breeds that were naturally infected with Babesia (group 2). Pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy was performed after making thoracic radiographs and performing a blood gas analysis in both groups. The scintigraphic images were visually inspected for changes suggestive of PTE, but not a single dog in group 2 had pleural-based, wedge-shaped perfusion defects which would have resulted in a high probability for clinically relevant PTE. The scintigraphic pulmonary perfusion pattern demonstrated was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = 1.00).

Incidence of canine elbow dysplasia in South Africa.

In South Africa, 1919 canine elbow dysplasia grading evaluations were performed from 1999-2006. Of these 1827 were evaluated by the senior author and form the basis of this article. Each report recorded the breed, age, sex, side affected and elbow dysplasia grading. The relationship between breed, age, sex, side affected, origin of radiographs and elbow dysplasia incidence was then analysed. Statistical evaluations were performed including means and standard deviations. The Rottweiler had the highest incidence of elbow dysplasia at 55 % followed by the Bullmastiff, Chow chow, Boerboel and Golden retriever, all of which had elbow dysplasia incidences of >38%. Males were significantly more affected than females. The incidence of elbow dysplasia in the various breeds was compared with those of the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals in the United States and was found to be much higher in South Africa.

Doppler ultrasonographic changes in the canine kidney during normovolaemic anaemia.

The haemodynamics of the canine left renal artery (LRA) and interlobar artery (ILA) were evaluated in eleven fasted, healthy, conscious beagles with severe acute (haematocrit [Hct] 16%), moderate chronic (Hct 26%) and mild chronic (Hct 34%) normovolaemic anaemia using Doppler ultrasound. Heart rate, peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), time-averaged mean velocity (TAVmean), pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) were recorded. Doppler values in the dogs following the induction of anaemia states were compared with corresponding values in the same dogs prior to the induction of anaemia. Left renal artery mean PSV, mean PI and mean RI were significantly higher and the mean EDV was significantly lower in severe acute anaemia. No significant change was seen in mean values of the same parameters in moderate or mild chronic anaemia. There was no significant change in TAVmean of the LRA or mean PI and mean RI of the ILA in any grade of anaemia. Acute, severe normovolaemic anaemia significantly altered LRA Doppler parameters in resting dogs without influencing those of the ILA. Moderate or mild chronic anaemia had no effect on any renal Doppler parameter.

Aortic foreign body (airgun pellet) embolism in a cat.

A five-year-old female domestic shorthair cat presented with clinical signs typical of an aortic saddle thromboembolism. An echocardiogram and thoracic radiographs excluded cardiac disease as a source of the thrombus. Two heavy metal opacity, pellet-like objects were seen in the thoracic and abdominal radiographs. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated occlusion of aortic blood flow by the abdominal pellet but could not indicate whether this was due to a penetrating aortic wound or pellet embolisation. A necropsy confirmed a penetrating left ventricular cardiac wound with subsequent embolisation of the pellet to the abdominal aorta.

A canine model of normovolaemic acute anaemia.

The objective was to develop a non-terminal, acute normovolaemic anaemia model in dogs that has minimal effects on patient well-being. Eleven normal Beagle dogs were used. About 20% of the circulating blood volume was removed from the jugular vein 1-3 times per day over a 3-4 day period until a haematocrit (Ht) of 13-17% was obtained. Normovolaemia was maintained by replacing the volume deficit of the red blood cells with Ringer's lactate and re-infusing the plasma. Full blood count and Ht were monitored twice daily. The 13-17% Ht was reached within 3-4 days with the number of phlebotomies ranging from four to seven. The model was primarily developed to determine echocardiographic values as well as Doppler abdominal splanchnic blood flow parameters in anaemic dogs as part of a study that will compare these results to similar studies in babesiosis-induced anaemia. The model may also be useful in the evaluation of the pathophysiology of anaemia in dogs or as a model for anaemia in humans.

Effect of various thoracic radiographic projections on the appearance of selected thoracic viscera.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of different radiographic projections on thoracic width, as well as position and visibility of the trachea, principal bronchi, cardiac silhouette, aorta, caudal vena cava (CVC) and oesophagus. METHODS: Right lateral recumbency (RLR), left lateral recumbency (LLR), dorsoventral (DV) and ventrodorsal (VD) thoracic radiographs of 42 dogs were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In 78 per cent of cases the thoracic width was significantly larger on the VD projection than on the DV projection. The angle of divergence formed by the principal bronchi was significantly larger on the VD projection than on the DV projection in 80 per cent of dogs. A cardiac silhouette bulge at 1 to 2 o'clock was apparent on the VD projection in 22 per cent of dogs but was never seen on DV projections. The descending aorta was more visible at the 4 to 5 o'clock cardiac silhouette level on the DV projection and laterally at the T8 level on LLR projections. The CVC was better seen on VD and LLR projections. The oesophagus was visible as a soft tissue opacity in LLR in large dogs with normal thoracic conformation in 35 per cent of cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The DV projection appears to be more reliable for assessing the cardiac silhouette, the descending aorta and the angle of divergence of the principal bronchi. The VD projection should be considered for evaluating the CVC. LLR should be used for assessing the descending aorta and CVC.

Diagnosis of suspected hypovitaminosis A using magnetic resonance imaging in African lions (Panthera leo).

Vitamin A deficiency is described in captive lions. Ante mortem diagnosis can either be made by serum analysis or liver biopsy, both of which may be problematic. This study utilised magnetic resonance imaging to identify vitamin A deficiency in lions with relatively mild clinical signs, which could otherwise be attributed to numerous other neurological conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive, reliable diagnostic tool to demonstrate pathology typically associated with this condition. To accommodate varying lion ages and sizes, a number of cranium and brain measurements were compared with that of the maximum diameter of the occular vitreous humor. Occular ratios of the tentorium cerebelli osseum and occipital bone were most reliable in diagnosing the thickened osseous structures characteristic of hypovitaminosis A. The ratio of maximum:minimum dorsoventral diameter of the C1 spinal cord was also of value.

Comparison of effects of uncomplicated canine babesiosis and canine normovolaemic anaemia on abdominal splanchnic Doppler characteristics--a preliminary investigation.

A preliminary study was conducted to compare uncomplicated canine babesiosis (CB) and experimentally induced normovolaemic anaemia (EA) using Doppler ultrasonography of abdominal splanchnic vessels. Fourteen dogs with uncomplicated CB were investigated together with 11 healthy Beagles during severe EA, moderate EA and the physiological state as a control group. Canine babesiosis was compared with severe EA, moderate EA and the physiological state using Doppler variables of the abdominal aorta, cranial mesenteric artery (CMA), coeliac, left renal and interlobar, and hilar splenic arteries, and the main portal vein. Patterns of haemodynamic changes during CB and EA were broadly similar and were characterised by elevations in velocities and reductions in resistance indices in all vessels except the renal arteries when compared with the physiological state. Aortic and CMA peak systolic velocities and CMA end diastolic and time-averaged mean velocities in CB were significantly lower (P < 0.023) than those in severe EA. Patterns of renal haemodynamic changes during CB and EA were similar. However, the renal patterns differed from those of aortic and gastrointestinal arteries, having elevations in vascular resistance indices, a reduction in end diastolic velocity and unchanged time-averaged mean velocity. The left renal artery resistive index in CB was significantly higher (P < 0.025) than those in EA and the physiological state. Renal interlobar artery resistive and pulsatility indices in CB were significantly higher (P < 0.016) than those of moderate EA and the physiological state. The similar haemodynamic patterns in CB and EA are attributable to anaemia, while significant differences may additionally be attributed to pathophysiological factors peculiar to CB.

Ultrasonographic and laparoscopic evaluation of the reproductive tract in older captive female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

The study uniquely described the clinical value of transabdominal ultrasonography for monitoring features characterizing the estrous cycle in female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). The reproductive tracts of 21 female, nulliparous, and relatively aged (median: 11 and interquartile range: 9.25-14 years) captive cheetahs resident on two sites in Namibia were assessed by transabdominal ultrasound. Subsequently, the ovarian findings on ultrasound were compared with direct visualization while performing laparoscopic sterilization. A combination of these observations supported by concurrent sampling for vaginal cytology and serum progesterone concentrations defined the estrous status of individual animals. At one site, six cheetahs had been implanted with the GnRH agonist, deslorelin as a contraceptive at least once within the preceding 11 years. On ultrasound, 31 uterine horns and 35 ovaries with discernible structures on 28 (86%) were visualized in the 21 cheetahs. The uterine body was difficult to visualize because of its intrapelvic location. Eleven of 19 uteri (58%) visualized showed endometrial edema suggestive of estrogenization. The uteri of four cheetahs (19%) showed evidence of mild cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Paraovarian cysts were seen on ultrasound (n = 21) and laparoscopy (n = 26) in 16 (76.2%) and 18 (85.7%) cheetahs, respectively. Ovarian volumes obtained from ultrasonographically determined dimensions predicted cyclic activity. Laparoscopy showed that 19 ovaries had discernible follicular structures. In the study population, 10 (47.6%) cheetahs were in proestrus or estrus; none in the luteal phase; and 11 (52.4%) in anestrus. Transabdominal ultrasound, in combination with serum progesterone concentrations and vaginal cytology, was used with acceptable accuracy to assess cyclic ovarian activity in captive cheetahs. A considerable proportion of this aged population showed ovarian activity and the prevalence of paraovarian cysts was notable. A history of prior deslorelin treatment was not associated with either reproductive activity or uterine pathology.

Pulsed wave Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of intracardiac blood flow in normal sheep.

The blood flow velocities and flow patterns were evaluated in normal sheep across the four cardiac valves using pulsed wave spectral Doppler echocardiography. Merino ewes (n = 20) aged between 16 and 61 months with bodyweights ranging between 51 to 72 kg were evaluated. The sheep were fully conscious and required no sedation. The mean peak velocities for the left atrioventricular, right atrioventricular, aortic and pulmonary valves were 68.4, 51.9, 99.1 and 92.7 cm s-1, respectively. Additionally the wave forms were described and mean velocities and a variety of flow variables determined for each of these flow areas. The mean left atrioventricular valve E:A ratio was under 1 which differs from humans and dogs. Aortic and pulmonary flow variables were compared to each other.

Radiological appearance of air introduced during equine regional limb anaesthesia.

Twelve horses were injected intra-articularly into the metacarpophalangeal joint and extra-articularly in the region of the lateral palmar digital nerve with 1 ml air and local anaesthetic to simulate gas accidentally introduced during regional anaesthesia. Half the horses underwent limited exercise after which all horses were radiographed at 15 and 45 min and then every 24 h until all evidence of gas had disappeared. Intra-articular gas appeared as gas capped radiolucencies (GCR) in the proximal aspect of the joint. Extra-articular gas appeared as linear radiolucencies (LR) which initially tended to migrate proximally. There was no significant difference in gas resorption in exercised and nonexercised horses. All gas was resorbed within 96 h with most of the gas already gone at 48 h.

Hepatic ultrasonography and pathological findings in dogs with hepatocutaneous syndrome: new concepts.

In dogs, hepatocutaneous syndrome (superficial necrolytic dermatitis) belongs to a group of syndromes in which cutaneous signs signal the presence of systemic disease. It is characterized by parakeratosis, superficial necrolysis, and basilar hyperplasia of the epidermis, in association with an unusual hepatopathy accompanied by certain metabolic derangements. Hepatocutaneous syndrome was diagnosed in 3 dogs on the basis of typical dermatologic changes and clinicopathologic findings. Hepatic ultrasonography revealed a hyperechoic network surrounding hypoechoic areas of parenchyma, resulting in a Swiss cheese-like appearance. The ultrasonographic image corresponded to the pathological findings. The liver had a nodular appearance, both grossly and microscopically; this was attributed to collapse of the areas of parenchyma surrounding the nodules, rather than to the cirrhosis and/or nodular hyperplasia reported previously.

Congenital malformation and variation of the lumbar vertebrae in a dog.

The clinical, radiological and anatomical changes in a 6 1/2-month-old Fox Terrier bitch with congenital malformation and variation of the lumbar vertebrae are described. The dog has 5 lumbar vertebrae and the first lumbar vertebra was malformed resulting in a dorsal hemivertebra, kyphosis and spinal cord compression. The possible pathogenesis of the dorsal hemivertebra is mentioned.

Mitral valve E point to ventricular septal separation in the dog.

Mitral valve E point to septal separation (EPSS) was measured (mean = 3.27 +/- 1.29 mm) in healthy non-anaesthetised Beagle and German Shepherd dogs (n = 50). The minimum and maximum values recorded were 1 and 6mm respectively. Breed, age, sex, mass and heart-rate had no significant effect on the EPSS value.

Atrial septal defect in a dog: the value of Doppler echocardiography.

A four-month-old German Shepherd Dog was presented with an atrial septal defect. An estimated pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio in the range of 2,5 to 2,9:1 was determined by means of Doppler echocardiography. This technique allows for the non-invasive determination of the Qp:Qs ratio by calculating aortic versus pulmonary artery cardiac output or by determining mean trans-atrial septal velocities. In addition, the flow patterns across the valves are characterised and the direction of the shunt determined. Atrial septal defect is reviewed with special reference to the value of Doppler echocardiography.