Association of colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the canine large intestine and ileum abnormalities: 54 cases series

ABSTRACT: Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to assess the large intestine through direct inspection of the intestinal mucosa. When associated with histopathological examination of fragments collected from the intestine, the definitive diagnosis can be obtained. This retrospective study evaluated colonoscopy and histopathological exams of the large intestine and ileum of dogs with gastrointestinal disorders admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and the Veterinary Hospital São Francisco de Assis to determine the frequency of injuries, their distribution in the intestinal segments, and the relationship of the findings observed in these two analyzes. The colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the case series were described using absolute and relative frequencies, as well as nature and intensity classification of the findings. Cohens Kappa coefficient was obtained to assess the concordance of nature and intensity classifications between colonoscopy and histopathology, and its 95% confidence interval constructed. The analyses were performed using the Software SAS University Edition. It was observed a moderate agreement between the classification of the nature of the findings by endoscopy and histopathology (Kappa coefficient = 0.39, CI = 0.20-0.59). This can also be observed when assessing the frequency of similar diagnoses between the methods, since only 39 (72.22%) were consistent, i.e., 15 (22.78%) diagnoses differed depending on the nature of the finding, which could have a great influence on the final diagnosis if histopathology was disregarded. For the intensity of the injuries, little agreement was observed between the methods (Kappa coefficient = 0.1243, C = -0.05-0.30). This was even more evident in the frequency of similar diagnoses in terms of intensity, of which 20 (37.04%) were similar and 34 (62.96%) were different. Inflammatory affections are the most frequently observed alterations in the large intestine and ileum of dogs. The most common finding that reveals inflammatory changes is the lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. As for the proliferative and neoplastic lesions, adenomatous polyps and lymphoma were common. The most affected sites of the large intestine were the descending colon and the rectum. Findings such as edema and reddening of the mucosa were frequent by macroscopy. Although the changes observed by colonoscopy and histopathology may not be similar, these techniques are complementary, which makes biopsies mandatory for a diagnostic conclusion.

RESUMO: A colonoscopia é uma técnica pouco invasiva utilizada para avaliação do intestino grosso por meio de inspeção direta da mucosa intestinal. Quando associada ao exame histopatológico, com a coleta de fragmentos do intestino, o diagnóstico definitivo pode ser obtido. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo foi associar os achados de exames de colonoscopia e histopatologia do intestino grosso e íleo em 54 cães com distúrbios gastrointestinais dos Hospitais Veterinários da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) e São Francisco de Assis. Na colonoscopia, as alterações mais frequentemente observadas foram edema, friabilidade e avermelhamento de mucosa. Quanto à distribuição de lesões por segmento intestinal, houve maior incidência de alterações inflamatórias, das quais foram as mais frequentes, com o infiltrado linfoplasmocitário sendo o mais comum em todos segmentos analisados (i.e. reto, cólon, ceco e íleo). O cólon ascendente e o reto foram os locais de alterações mais frequentes na colonoscopia e na histopatologia. Os pólipos hiperplásicos e o linfoma foram as lesões proliferativas de ocorrência mais comum. Houve baixa concordância entre as classificações por natureza e intensidade dos achados na colonoscopia e histopatologia. Assim, não foi possível associar alterações descritas nos exames histopatológicos quanto à natureza e intensidade das lesões utilizando a colonoscopia, o que leva à conclusão de que é essencial a realização de biópsias em todos os exames para conclusão diagnóstica.

Radiographic study of the development of the pelvis and hip and the femorotibial joints in domestic cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to monitor, by radiographic examination, the skeletal development of the pelvis and the femorotibial joints of the domestic cat from the first week of life until the closing of the growth plates. METHODS: Radiographic examinations were collected from 15 domestic cats at weekly intervals during the first month and every 2 weeks from the second to the fourth month of age. After that, examinations were performed monthly until the age of 18 months. RESULTS: The ischiopubic growth plate closed at 2 months of age, followed by the fusion of the iliopubic, ilioischial, proximal femoral, greater trochanter and proximal fibular growth plates. The distal femur and proximal tibial growth plates were the last to close, with fusion occurring at 18 months. The mean time to closure of the iliopubic, ilioischial and distal femoral growth plates was shorter in females. The ossification centers first appeared, in ascending order, beginning with the lesser trochanter, followed by the greater trochanter, proximal fibular epiphysis, tibial tuberosity, patella, ischial tuberosity and lateral sesamoid of the popliteus muscle. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The complete closure of the growth plates of domestic cats occurs at approximately 18 months of age. Skeletal maturation at approximately 18 months of age is an important parameter to be considered in radiographic evaluation of certain skeletal changes, evolution of fractures and nutritional imbalance.