Comparison of two cleaning and sterilization protocols of diamond burr tips used in debridement for canine superficial chronic corneal epithelial defects.

OBJECTIVES: To serially evaluate morphologic and elemental composition changes to diamond burr tips (DBTs) comparing two sterilization protocols. ANIMALS STUDIED: A total of 300 fresh cadaver porcine globes. PROCEDURES: Six DBTs were randomly, equally assigned into Group 1 or 2, and then analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) at 0, 25, 50, and 100 cycles. Diamond burr debridement (DBD) was performed for 120 seconds on corneal stroma using the Algerbrush®. DBTs were cleaned, and then: Group 1 was sterilized by Germinator 500™; and Group 2 underwent ultrasonic cleaning and pre-vacuum autoclave. A cycle is defined as one DBD, cleaning and sterilization protocol. Data were quantified using custom MatLab program. RESULTS: Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy revealed minor buildup of sulfur on both groups. Group 1 displayed major buildup of carbon and calcium. All DBTs were stippled with inorganic particulate at baseline. Particulates were no longer present on Group 2 by 25 cycles, but remained on Group 1 at all time points. There was significantly more buildup on Group 1 at all time points (P = 0.0000, 0.0009, and 0.0003 for 25, 50, and 100 cycles, respectively). More damage to Group 2 at all time points (P = 0.003, 0.002, and 0.003 for 25, 50, and 100 cycles, respectively) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: No significant damage to Group 1 DBTs was noted after 100 cycles, however, particulate matter is not adequately removed using this sterilization technique. Ultrasonic cleaning is warranted between DBDs to achieve adequate particulate removal prior to sterilization; greater damage occurs with this technique which supports replacing DBTs regularly.

Effectiveness of a Daily Honeycomb-Shaped Dental Chew in Reducing Calculus, Plaque, Gingivitis and Malodor in Dogs.

Periodontal disease in dogs is common. Client compliance with oral hygiene and oral care for pets is low. The gold standard is annual dental prophylaxis under general anesthesia with imaging followed by home care including daily brushing. Clients should be offered methods to reduce calculus, plaque, gingivitis, and resulting halitosis that are time efficient, cost-effective, and easy to administer between annual preventative dental prophylaxis with the goal to move into maintenance phase of managing periodontal disease. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a honeycomb-shaped dental chew in reducing hardened calculus, plaque, gingivitis, and malodor in client-owned dogs in their normal home environment including various breeds, skull types, ages, and weights. Calculus, plaque, and gingival scores with volatile sulfur compounds readings were performed under sedation and evaluated under general anesthesia after 60 consecutive days of receiving a daily honeycomb-shaped dental chew treat. There was an overall statistically significant percentage reduction of calculus (26.6%), plaque (14.2%), and malodor (46.71%). Gingival scores did not demonstrate statistically significant reduction (0.99%). Use of this honeycomb-shaped daily dental chew significantly reduced calculus, plaque, and associated malodor in dogs when fed consecutively for 60 days.

Prevalence of root fusion in canine maxillary second molar teeth using cone-beam computed tomography.

This study evaluated the prevalence of root fusion in the right and left maxillary second molar teeth in dogs using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 180 dog CBCT scans, or a total of 360 maxillary second molar teeth, were analyzed in this study. Dogs were divided into weight categories of small (<10 kg), medium (10-25 kg), and large (>25 kg). Skull type (brachycephalic, mesocephalic, dolichocephalic) and sex were also recorded for each dog. Overall, 65% of maxillary second molar teeth had some type of root fusion. Of the teeth that had fusion, the only configuration represented was fusion of the distobuccal root with the palatal root. The most common root morphology overall (all dogs and both right and left maxillary second molar teeth included) was partial fusion (177/360, 49%). With the high prevalence of fused roots in maxillary second molar teeth in dogs found in this study, CBCT will help clinicians to more accurately assess a dog's anatomy and implications for treatment.

Plasma syndecan-1 concentration as a biomarker for endothelial glycocalyx degradation in septic adult horses.

BACKGROUND: Limited information is available regarding endothelial glycocalyx degradation during sepsis in horses. Plasma syndecan-1 concentrations are increased in consequence of sepsis in other species and have been useful for prognostication. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether plasma syndecan-1 levels are increased in adult horses affected with sepsis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Adult horses were assigned to one of three groups based on results of physical and laboratory examinations, clinical diagnosis, and results of previously described SIRS classification: Group 1 horses included healthy, nonseptic horses; Group 2 included horses in which clinical illness was identified but that were not considered to be septic; Group 3 included horses with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis. Plasma syndecan-1 concentration was determined in blood obtained at admission into the hospital for each horse, using an equine specific ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA and linear regression (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-one horses were included and divided into three groups. Scores for SIRS were highest for Group 3 horses and lowest in Groups 1 and 2. Plasma syndecan-1 concentrations in Group 3 horses (50.73 ± 84.24 µg/ml; n = 42) were greater than those for Group 1 (15.69 ± 11.28 µg/ml; n = 66) and Group 2 (16.88 ± 15.30 µg/ml; n = 83). There was no difference regarding syndecan concentrations between Groups 1 and 2. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study design, solitary time point of measurement for each patient, and lack of a widely accepted consensus regarding definitive diagnosis of sepsis in adult horses. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating plasma levels of syndecan-1, a biochemical marker of endothelial glycocalyx damage, are increased in septic adult horses.

The relationship of the canine femoral head to the femoral neck: an anatomic study with relevance for hip arthroplasty implant design and implantation.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To evaluate a novel method for characterizing the relationship of the canine femoral head to the femoral neck and (2) to determine whether the femoral head is symmetrically positioned upon the femoral neck. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric dog femurs (16 dogs, 32 femurs) METHODS: Femurs were photographed in frontal and sagittal planes simultaneously using 2 cameras positioned orthogonally. Ten measurements were made by 2 independent observers and agreement assessed by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Repeatability in specimen positioning was assessed by repositioning and imaging a single femur10 times. RESULTS: ICC values exceeded 0.6 for 8 of the 10 different measurements made. Mean ± SD femoral head offset ratios in the frontal and sagittal planes were 0.14 ± 0.08 and 2.66 ± 1.16. The mean specimen positioning error (±SD) for the single specimen that was repositioned 10 times was 0.93° ± 1.92° and 2.39° ± 1.13° in the frontal and sagittal planes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Correlations between observers were moderately strong or strong for 8 of 10 measurements. Specimen positioning was repeatable. The offset ratios indicate that dogs have a substantial cranial and ventral offset of the femoral head from the femoral neck.

Anthelmintic resistance in a herd of alpacas (Vicugna pacos).

A herd of alpacas was examined because of a history of severe endoparasitism, anemia, hypoproteinemia, and weight loss. Resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes to albendazole, fenbendazole, and doramectin was documented. This report suggests that anthelmintic resistance may be an emerging problem in South American camelids in North America.

Résistance aux anthelminthiques dans un troupeau d'alpagas(Vicugna pacos) . Un troupeau d'alpagas a été examiné en raison d'une anamnèse d'endoparasitisme grave, d'anémie, d'hypoprotéinémie et de perte de poids. La résistance des nématodes gastro-intestinaux à l'albendazole, au fenbendazole et à la doramectine a été documentée. Ce rapport suggère que, en Amérique du Nord, la résistance aux anthelminthiques peut être un problème émergent chez les camélidés sud-américains.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Gross necropsy, histopathology, and ancillary test results from neonatal beef calves submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal findings in gross necropsy, histopathology, and ancillary test results from neonatal beef calves submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Samples: This retrospective clinical case study was conducted by reviewing necropsy reports submitted between 2015 to 2020. Case inclusion criteria were animals had to be a bovine, 2 to 21 days of age, and a nondairy breed. Procedures: Gross necropsy, histopathology, and laboratory test results were recorded. Identified lesions and abnormal test results were categorized based on body systems and infectious agent type. Age and system affected were analyzed using a 1-way ANOVA and Bonferonni pairwise comparisons. Results: Overall, 1,060 reports were reviewed and 95 met the inclusion criteria. Median age of enrolled calves was 9 days (range, 2 to 21). A total of 252 lesions were identified with a median of 3 lesions/calf (range, 0 to 7) and 2 different body systems involved/calf (range, 0 to 5). The most common disorders were classified as digestive (42.1% [106/252]), respiratory (12.7% [32/252]), and multisystemic (11.1% [28/252]). With respect to age and system affected, calves with neurologic lesions were significantly younger (mean age, 5.1 days) than calves with digestive lesions (mean age 9.6 days). Clinical Relevance: These data suggest a high prevalence of infectious diseases, mainly digestive, respiratory and multisystemic in origin. These findings could help guide producers and veterinarians when assessing factors contributing to neonatal beef calf loss.

Assessment of cerebrospinal fluid analysis and short-term survival outcomes in South American camelids: A retrospective study of 54 cases (2005-2021).

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is commonly analyzed in South American camelids with suspected neurologic disease because of ease of collection and characteristic findings associated with certain diseases. OBJECTIVES: To assess CSF findings associated with short-term survival or non-survival in South American camelids in which neurologic disease was a differential diagnosis based on history and physical examination. ANIMALS: Twenty-one llamas and 33 alpacas that underwent CSF analysis at the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. METHODS: Retrospective study. Medical records of camelids that underwent CSF analysis between January 2005 and September 2021 were studied. Short-term survival was defined as survival to discharge from the Veterinary Health Center. A Fisher's exact test was used to compare species, CSF results, and survival. RESULTS: Odds of survival were 3.9 times higher in camelids with a total nucleated cell count (TNCC) <3 cells/µL (P = .04). No significant association was found between survival and total protein concentration (TPC; P = .15) or percentage of eosinophils (P = 1.0). No significant correlation was found between species and increased TNCC (P = .63), TPC (P = .55), or percentage of eosinophils (P = .30). Among camelids diagnosed with Paralephostrongylus tenuis infestation, odds of survival were 4.95 times higher in alpacas (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebrospinal fluid TNCC ≥3 cells/µL is associated with decreased odds of short-term survival in South American camelids.

Risk Factors and Outcomes in Dogs With Respiratory Disease Undergoing Diagnostic Airway Lavage.

Advanced diagnostic testing is becoming increasingly important to accurately assess pulmonary parenchymal, airway, and pulmonary vascular diseases in dogs. Due to respiratory system compromise, diagnostic procedures performed under general anesthesia, including thoracic computed tomography (CT) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), are thought to carry significant risk to dogs with respiratory disease. In lieu of performing these diagnostics, empirical medical therapy is often administered, potentially delaying appropriate therapy or providing unnecessary treatment. This study prospectively evaluated risk factors and outcomes for dogs with respiratory disease undergoing general anesthesia for thoracic CT and BAL. Arterial blood gas samples were taken pre- and post-BAL to evaluate pulmonary gas exchange. Pre-BAL arterial partial pressure of oxygen-to-fractional inspired oxygen ratio was used to stratify dogs into groups of mild or moderate to severe disease severity. A novel thoracic CT disease severity scoring system was used to independently stratify dogs into mild or moderate to severe groups. Statistical comparisons between groups were made for signalment, body weight, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, WBC count, ventilator-acquired pulmonary mechanics (specific compliance and resistance), change in arterial partial pressure of oxygen post-BAL, and outcomes. Seventeen dogs were prospectively enrolled. A comparatively lower heart rate at presentation was the only potential marker of increased disease severity identified when stratified by CT severity score. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen did not significantly decrease post-BAL regardless of disease severity or stratification method. The CT scoring system significantly correlated with the pre-BAL arterial partial pressure of oxygen-to-fractional inspired oxygen ratio. Incidence of post-procedural complications was 18%, with all complications being transient. Mortality as a direct complication of diagnostics was 0%. When considering euthanasia secondary to severity of the underlying disease and poor prognosis or death due to unrelated disease, mortality was 18%. In dogs with respiratory disease undergoing advanced diagnostic procedures, the overall incidence of post-procedural morbidity was low with no mortality directly attributed to the procedures. A novel CT disease severity scoring system was utilized and shows promise as a tool for evaluation of disease severity in this patient population when compared to arterial blood gas analysis.

Evaluation of factors affecting serum IgG concentrations in bottle-fed calves.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of time interval from birth to first colostrum feeding on colostrum intake and serum IgG concentration and the effect of varying colostral volume intake and colostral IgG concentration on the probability of failure of passive transfer (FPT) in bottle-fed calves. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study. ANIMALS: 104 calves. PROCEDURES: Equal numbers of calves were randomly assigned to groups and fed 3 L of their dam's colostrum at 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours after birth by use of a nipple bottle. Calves were allowed to feed for 15 minutes, and intake was recorded. A second 3-L bottle feeding of colostrum was offered at 12 hours of age. RESULTS: 17.2% of calves ingested 3 L of colostrum at the first feeding and 3 L at 12 hours of age. Calf age, up to 4 hours, had no significant effect on the calf's ability to ingest colostrum or on 48-hour serum IgG concentration. Colostral intake at 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours had no effect on intake at the second feeding. Probability of FPT in calves ingesting 3 L at both feedings was < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Allowing calves fed by nipple bottle to ingest as much colostrum as they can within 4 hours after birth and at 12 hours of age substantially reduced the probability of FPT. Bottle-fed calves that do not ingest 3 L of colostrum within the first 4 hours after birth should be targeted for oroesophageal intubation.

Oronasal and Oroantral Fistulas Secondary to Periodontal Disease: A Retrospective Study Comparing the Prevalence Within Dachshunds and a Control Group.

The prevalence of oronasal and oroantral fistulas (ONF/OAF) was retrospectively identified in a population of dachshund patients (dachshund group) and was compared to a population of small breed dogs of significantly similar age and weight (control group). When compared with the control group, the dachshund group was significantly more likely to have an ONF/OAF (P < .0001). The odds ratio indicates that dachshunds were 3.3 times more likely to have an ONF/OAF than individuals within the control group. This study statistically confirms previous reports and clinical observations that dachshunds are predisposed to ONF/OAFs. When ONF/OAFs are present, the maxillary canines are the most commonly affected dentition in both study groups.

Effect of colostrum administration by use of oroesophageal intubation on serum IgG concentrations in Holstein bull calves.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the amount of colostral IgG required for adequate passive transfer in calves administered colostrum by use of oroesophageal intubation and evaluate the impact of other factors on passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in calves. ANIMALS: 120 Holstein bull calves. PROCEDURES: Calves were randomly assigned to specific treatment groups on the basis of volume of colostrum administered and age of calf at administration of colostrum. Colostrum was administered once by oroesophageal intubation. Equal numbers of calves received 1, 2, 3, or 4 L of colostrum, and equal numbers of calves received colostrum at 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, or 22 hours after birth. Serum samples were obtained from calves 48 hours after birth for IgG determination by radial immunodiffusion assay. Effects of factors affecting transfer of colostral immunoglobulins were determined by use of a stepwise multiple regression model and logistic regression models. RESULTS: A minimum of 153 g of colostral IgG was required for optimum colostral transfer of immunoglobulins when calves were fed 3L of colostrum at 2 hours after birth. Substantially larger IgG intakes were required by calves fed colostrum > 2 hours after birth. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Feeding 100 g of colostral IgG by oroesophageal intubation was insufficient for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. At least 150 to 200 g of colostral IgG was required for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. Use of an oroesophageal tube for administration of 3 L of colostrum to calves within 2 hours after birth is recommended.

Tibial post failures in a condylar posterior cruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty.

In posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasties, a femoral cam and polyethylene tibial post are commonly used to restore posterior stability after sacrifice of the posterior cruciate ligament. This article reports a high incidence of early tibial post failures in one design of prosthesis and examines the variables that may have contributed to such. Five hundred sixty-four consecutive posterior-stabilized total knees were implanted in 512 patients, using a total knee prosthesis with a polyethylene tibial post and femoral cam. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were measured at a mean follow-up of 40 months after surgery (range, 24-83 months). At follow-up, 70 knees in 62 patients (12%) had undergone revision surgery because of symptoms related to catastrophic failure of the tibial post.

Determination of serologic and colostral response in late-gestation cows vaccinated with a Mycoplasma bovis bacterin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether vaccinating cows during late gestation against Mycoplasma bovis will result in adequate concentrations of M bovis-specific IgG(1) in serum, colostrum, and milk. ANIMALS: 78 dairy cows. PROCEDURES: Serum samples were obtained 60 and 39 days prior to expected parturition in vaccinated and control cows from a single herd. Serum and colostrum samples were also obtained at parturition. Milk samples were obtained 7 to 14 days after parturition. Samples were analyzed for anti-M bovis IgG(1) concentrations. RESULTS: Prior to vaccination, control and vaccinated cows had similar anti-M bovis IgG(1) concentrations. After initial vaccination and subsequent booster and at parturition, there was a significant difference between the 2 groups, with vaccinated cows having higher IgG concentrations. Colostrum from vaccinated cows had higher anti-M bovis IgG(1) concentrations, compared with control cows; however, IgG(1) concentrations in milk did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vaccination of late-gestation cows resulted in increased concentrations of anti-M bovis IgG(1) in colostrum. However, ingestion of colostrum by calves may not guarantee protection against M bovis infection.

Prevalence of and risk factors for hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs.

OBJECTIVE-To evaluate prevalence of and risk factors for hip dysplasia (HD) and cranial cruciate ligament deficiency (CCLD) in dogs and determine change in prevalence over time. DESIGN-Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS-1,243,681 Dogs for which information was reported to the Veterinary Medical Database between 1964 and 2003. PROCEDURES-Information on breed, sex, and age was collected, and prevalences and odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS-Castrated male dogs were significantly more likely than other dogs to have HD (odds ratio [OR], 1.21), and castrated male (OR, 1.68) and spayed female (OR, 2.35) dogs were significantly more likely to have CCLD. Dogs up to 4 years old were significantly more likely to have HD (OR for dogs 2 months to 1 year old, 1.22; OR for dogs > 1 to 4 years old, 1.48), whereas dogs > 4 years old were significantly more likely to have CCLD (OR for dogs > 4 to 7 years old, 1.82; OR for dogs > 7 years old, 1.48). In general, large- and giant-breed dogs were more likely than other dogs to have HD, CCLD, or both. Prevalences of HD and CCLD increased significantly over the 4 decades for which data were examined. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Results suggested that sex, age, and breed were risk factors for HD, CCLD, or both in dogs and that prevalences of HD and CCLD have increased over time.

Surgical approaches for cesarean section in cattle.

Bovine practitioners are often presented with dystocias that require a cesarean section. Many practitioners perform this surgery using the same approach each time due to their comfort with one specific approach or lack of familiarity of other available options. The goal of this article is to explain the advantages, disadvantages, and indications for each of the different approaches to aid the practitioner in achieving better surgical success rate.

Younger patients have less severe radiographic disease and lower reported outcome scores than older patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been successful for many younger patients, but some experience residual symptoms or dissatisfaction. We performed this study to assess the relationship between radiographic disease severity and patient demographic features on patient reported TKA outcome scores. METHODS: We compared 100 TKAs performed for 82 patients ≤55years old with 100 gender-matched TKAs performed for 85 patients between 65 and 75years old. These study cases represented 25% and 21%, respectively, of TKAs performed between January 2006 and June 2011. Radiographic disease severity was determined from preoperative weight bearing AP and lateral radiographs. Patient reported outcome instruments (SF-12, Knee Society function, and WOMAC) were assessed for all patients within six months before surgery and postoperatively at a mean of 20months after TKA. RESULTS: Although younger patients had less mean articular cartilage loss (p<0.01), osteoarthritis severity (p<0.01), and Kellgren-Lawrence grade (p=0.05), they reported lower preoperative scores (p<0.01) exceeding the MCID for SF-12 mental health (8.3 points), WOMAC pain (12.1 points), and WOMAC physical function (6.9 points). While substantial improvement was noted, WOMAC pain scores remained lower than those reported by older TKA patients (11.5 points, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Younger patients with less severe radiographic arthritis experience significant improvement with TKA, but outcome scores do not match those attained by older patients with more severe radiographic disease.

Improving Patient Satisfaction Through Computer-Based Questionnaires.

Patient-reported outcome measures are helping clinicians to use evidence-based medicine in decision making. The use of computer-based questionnaires to gather such data may offer advantages over traditional paper-based methods. These advantages include consistent presentation, prompts for missed questions, reliable scoring, and simple and accurate transfer of information into databases without manual data entry. The authors enrolled 308 patients over a 16-month period from 3 orthopedic clinics: spine, upper extremity, and trauma. Patients were randomized to complete either electronic or paper validated outcome forms during their first visit, and they completed the opposite modality at their second visit, which was approximately 7 weeks later. For patients with upper-extremity injuries, the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS) was used. For patients with lower-extremity injuries, the Foot Function Index (FFI) was used. For patients with lumbar spine symptoms, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used. All patients also were asked to complete the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Health Status Survey, version 1. The authors assessed patient satisfaction with each survey modality and determined potential advantages and disadvantages for each. No statistically significant differences were found between the paper and electronic versions for patient-reported outcome data. However, patients strongly preferred the electronic surveys. Additionally, the paper forms had significantly more missed questions for the FFI (P<.0001), ODI (P<.0001), and PSS (P=.008), and patents were significantly less likely to complete these forms (P<.0001). Future research should focus on limiting the burden on responders, individualizing forms and questions as much as possible, and offering alternative environments for completion (home or mobile platforms).

Acute phase proteins in naturally occurring respiratory disease of feedlot cattle.

The aim of this study was to evaluate three acute phase proteins (APP) [haptoglobin (HPT), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and transferrin (Tf)] in feedlot cattle with naturally occurring respiratory disease diagnosed by a calf health scoring chart (CHSC). Seventy-seven beef calves were observed for signs of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) during the first 28 days after arrival at the feedlot. Fourteen cases and pen matched controls were selected based on the CHSC. BRD cases were defined as a score of ≥ 5, while controls were defined as a score ≤ 4. The mean CHSC score in cases was 6.9 which was significantly greater than the controls 2.8 (P < 0.01). Mean plasma LBP and HPT concentrations were significantly greater in cases than controls (P < 0.01). Our study results show that measurement of HPT and LBP could be useful in detecting respiratory disease in feedlot conditions. Transferrin concentrations between the two groups were not statistically different.

Effects of furosemide on ureteral diameter and attenuation using computed tomographic excretory urography in normal dogs.

One of the limitations of computed tomographic excretory urography (CTEU) for diagnosis of ureteral disease in dogs is that normal ureteral peristalsis can cause intermittent and inconsistent filling. The aims of this study were to determine if the addition of furosemide to a standard CTEU protocol would increase identification of the ureteral segments, increase ureteral attenuation and increase ureteral diameter in normal dogs. Standard and furosemide-enhanced CTEU scans were acquired in 14 healthy dogs 3 and 10 minutes postcontrast. Ureteral diameters, attenuation values, and percent ureteral filling scores were recorded without the knowledge of furosemide treatment. Comparisons were made between treatments for each postcontrast scan time. The addition of furosemide to the CTEU protocol improved visualization of the ureters by significantly increasing the number of ureteral segments that were able to be identified, as well as their diameter when imaging the patient 3 min following contrast injection (P = 0.012). No major side effects were observed at the dose of 4 mg/kg. There was no advantage to imaging dogs 10 min following contrast administration as the ureteral segments were less attenuating and a smaller percentage of the ureter could be identified. We conclude that the addition of furosemide to canine CTEU studies is safe and may help improve visualization of the ureters.