Prevalence of middle ear effusion in French bulldogs without clinical signs of otic disease: A retrospective study of magnetic resonance imaging (2017-2022).

BACKGROUND: Canine middle ear effusion (MEE) is usually asymptomatic, being an incidental finding when computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head is performed for other reasons unrelated to otic disease. The clinical relevance of the presence of material in the tympanic bulla (TB) remains uncertain, and more detail about its prevalence and appearance in MRI are required. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of presence of material within the TB of French bulldogs (FB) with no clinical signs suggestive of otitis (externa, media or interna) that underwent high-field MRI for other medical reasons. ANIMALS: Two hundred fifty-two TB of 126 FB were included in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nonexperimental retrospective study in which MRI images were evaluated by a board-certified veterinary radiologist. RESULTS: Fifty-eight per cent of the dogs had material in the TB lumen (46% of the TB) and 59% were bilaterally affected. The signal intensity of this material related to the grey matter was variable on T1w and mainly hyperintense on T2w sequences. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FB are predisposed to MEE. This is important when assessing imaging studies of TB of FB with chronic otitis externa, as high percentage of cases may have concurrent MEE. MRI findings in FB with MEE are characterised by a hyperintense signal to the grey matter on T2w in most cases and variable on T1w sequences.

ENCHONDROMATOSIS IN AN ADULT DOG.

A 7-year-old crossbreed dog presented for lameness with diffuse soft tissue swelling in the right fore limb. Radiographs identified increased opacity of medullary cavity involving the radius and ulna. Whole-body computed tomography (CT) revealed mineral attenuation in the medullary cavity of multiple bones. Histopathology of the right distal tibia showed a fibrocartilaginous matrix occupying intertrabecular spaces. The final diagnosis was enchondromatosis. Long-term favorable progression of the dog's clinical condition further supported the benign histopathologic classification. This is the fifth case of canine enchondromatosis reported so far and the first documentation of further characterization with CT.

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-RADIOGRAPHY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF BILATERAL CONGENITAL URETEROVESICAL JUNCTION STENOSIS CAUSING HYDRONEPHROSIS AND HYDROURETER IN A FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO).

An 8-month-old neutered male ferret was presented for vaccination and preventive treatment for adrenal gland disease. Abdominal ultrasound revealed severe bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Excretory urography and negative contrast cystography showed bilateral ureterovesical junction stenosis. Positive retrograde cystography demonstrated right ureteral reflux. A subcutaneous ureteral bypass was placed in the left kidney; however, it had to be removed 3 months later due to an obstruction and persistent urinary tract infection. Bilateral ureteroneocystotomy was performed. Although congenital strictures are uncommon in veterinary patients, they should be included in the differential diagnosis in ferrets presenting with hydronephrosis and hydroureter of undetermined cause.

Imaging diagnosis--ultrasonographic appearance of small bowel metastasis from canine mammary carcinoma.

A 10-year-old entire female Beagle dog was evaluated for an acute history of lethargy, anorexia, and diarrhea. Mammary tumors were detected during physical examination. Ultrasonographic scanning revealed the presence of a unique pattern of multiple, well-defined and well-marginated hypoechoic nodules in the muscularis layer of the jejunum. These nodules were not associated with changes in the rest of the normal intestinal layering and were not causing signs of intestinal obstruction. Mammary carcinoma metastases to the intestinal muscularis layer were diagnosed based on histopathological examination.

Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for panic disorder in a specialized unit.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy for panic disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia is well established, but few data exist on its effectiveness using a group format. The goal of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of group CBT in a sample of PD patients in a specialized unit. METHODS: Treatment consisted of nine weekly group sessions. Patients with PD (n=56) were assessed at baseline, after the treatment and in one and three-months followups. RESULTS: There were significant reductions in panic/agoraphobia symptoms and related variables between baseline and post-treatment, and these reductions were maintained in three-month follow-up. No differences were observed between those patients who received only CBT and those who received pharmacological treatment as well as CBT. Only initial panic/agoraphobia symptoms were significant predictors of treatment response at the end of treatment (a greater severity was associated with a worse response to CBT). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that group CBT in a specialized unit is effective for PD patients.

Adipocytes in synovial fluid cytology: An approach for diagnosing synovial lipomatosis.

A 2-year-old neutered male bullmastiff dog was presented with chronic left hind limb lameness. Physical examination revealed left stifle effusion and medial buttress without cranial tibial thrust. Radiographs showed joint effusion and new bone formation at the patella apex. Magnetic resonance imaging showed increased synovial fluid, widening of the joint space, abnormal infrapatellar fat body and thinning of the cranial cruciate ligament. Synoviocentesis and cytologic evaluation of synovial fluid revealed marked mononuclear inflammation with abundant fatty tissue, suggesting synovial lipomatosis in conjunction with the imaging findings. The disease was confirmed histologically after sampling the lesion during arthrotomy. Synovial lipomatosis, characterized by extensive synovial adipose tissue proliferation of the synovial membrane, is a rare "tumor-like" disorder that usually affects the stifle. Although the etiology remains unclear, joint trauma, inflammation, instability, and lipid abnormalities have been proposed as causes. Inflammatory factors may promote synoviocyte and adipocyte hyperplasia that perpetuate the process. Surgical removal may be suggested to eliminate triggers and prevent future recurrences. The report provides the first cytological description of adipocytes in synovial fluid associated with the diagnosis of synovial lipomatosis in dogs. This case report underscores the potential effectiveness of cytologic analysis of synovial fluid smears, in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for diagnosing this condition and reducing complications associated with arthrotomy for sampling purposes. Additionally, the case highlights that synovial lipomatosis should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis for synovial masses in dogs. Further cases are needed to validate these observations in veterinary medicine.

Spinal magnetic resonance imaging in cats: differences in clinical significance of intervertebral disk extrusion, intervertebral disk protrusion, and degenerative lumbosacral stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence of degenerative changes affecting the vertebral column in cats, assess their clinical significance, and determine the occurrence in cats with intervertebral disk herniation compared to other spinal diseases. ANIMALS: 114 client-owned cats. METHODS: Hospital records were retrospectively reviewed for cats with suspected myelopathy that had undergone spinal MRI. Signalment; history; neurological examination; neurolocalization; primary diagnosis; presence, type, and location of intervertebral disk herniation; and presence and location of other degenerative spinal changes (intervertebral disk degeneration [IVDD], spondylosis deformans [SD], end plate changes, dorsal compressions [DC], and foraminal stenosis [FS]) were recorded. RESULTS: 70% of cats showed at least 1 spinal degenerative change. The most common change was IVDD, followed by SD and intervertebral disk protrusion (IVDP), while intervertebral disk extrusion (IVDE), end plate changes, DC, and FS were uncommon to rare. Primary complaint was attributed to a degenerative condition in 22% of cats, including 100% with IVDE, 9% with IVDP, and 43% with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS). The occurrence of degenerative spinal changes and number of intervertebral disks affected by IVDD significantly increased with age and body weight. Age was positively correlated with the occurrence of SD and DLSS. Intervertebral disk degeneration, IVDP, SD, DC, and FS were more prevalent in the lumbosacral junction. Cats with IVDD were significantly more likely to show IVDE and IVDP. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study revealed that in a population of cats presenting for signs of myelopathy, IVDE was always responsible for the clinical presentation, DLSS was commonly considered incidental, and IVDP was infrequently related to neurological signs.

Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Features, Tumour Localisation, and Survival of Dogs with Presumptive Brain Gliomas.

Brain gliomas are common tumours diagnosed in dogs. However, limited information is available on the clinical features and overall survival time (OS) in dogs receiving palliative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible associations between presenting complaint, tumour localisation, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features, survival times, and reason for the death of dogs with suspected intracranial glioma treated palliatively. Sixty dogs from a single institution were retrospectively included (from September 2017 to December 2021). Dogs were included if a presumptive diagnosis of brain glioma was obtained based on an MRI scan and medical history. French Bulldogs were overrepresented (40/60); 46 out of 60 dogs (77%) presented due to epileptic seizures (ES) and in 25/60 dogs (42%), cluster seizures or status epilepticus were the first manifestation of the disease. Dogs with suspected gliomas located in the piriform lobe showed a higher probability of presenting due to epilepsy compared to dogs with glioma in other regions, and more frequently died or were euthanised because of increased ES. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features differed between localisations. Fronto-olfactory tumours were more frequently, whereas piriform tumours were less frequently, classified as suspected high-grade glioma. The median survival time was 61 days. Dogs with contrast-enhancing suspected gliomas had significantly shorter OS. This study provides additional information on the clinical features and survival of dogs with suspected brain gliomas treated palliatively.

Multicenter Study of Clinical Presentation, Treatment, and Outcome in 41 Dogs With Spinal Epidural Empyema.

There is limited information on canine spinal epidural empyema (SEE). The aim of this multicenter retrospective study is to describe the clinical presentation and outcome of dogs undergoing spinal surgery or conservative management for SEE. Forty-one dogs met the inclusion criteria; the SEE was treated surgically in 17 dogs and conservatively in 24 dogs. Two dogs underwent spinal surgery after failure of conservative management, meaning that 19 dogs in total had spinal surgery. Long-term (i.e., >6 months) follow-up was available in 35 dogs (19 conservatively treated and 16 surgically treated dogs). Recovery to a functional pet status was achieved in 15/19 (78.9%) conservatively treated and 12/16 (75%) surgically treated dogs. There was no significant difference (p = 1.000) in long-term outcome between conservatively and surgically treated dogs (78.9 and 75%, respectively). However, significantly more surgically treated dogs were non-ambulatory at presentation (9/17 vs. 5/24, p = 0.048) compared with conservatively treated dogs. This study suggests that conservative treatment may be appropriate for dogs with SEE that are ambulatory at presentation and that surgically treated dogs generally have good outcomes. Age may be a negative prognostic indicator as dogs with poor long-term outcomes were significantly older than dogs with a good long-term outcome (p = 0.048). A larger prospective randomized study may provide further insight on treatment and outcome of SEE in dogs.

Prevalence, distribution, and clinical associations of suspected postictal changes on brain magnetic resonance imaging in epileptic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of presumed postictal changes (PC) on brain MRI in epileptic dogs, describe their distribution, and recognize possible correlations with different epilepsy features. ANIMALS: 540 client-owned dogs with epilepsy and a complete medical record that underwent brain MRI at 4 veterinary referral hospitals between 2016 and 2019. PROCEDURES: Data were collected regarding signalment, seizure type, seizure severity, time between last seizure and MRI, and etiological classification of epilepsy. Postictal changes were considered when solitary or multiple intraparenchymal hyperintense lesions were observed on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images and were hypointense or isointense on T1-weighted sequences, which were not confined to a vascular territory and showed no to mild mass effect and no to mild contrast enhancement. RESULTS: Sixty-seven dogs (12.4%) showed MRI features consistent with PC. The most common brain sites affected were the piriform lobe, hippocampus, temporal neocortex, and cingulate gyrus. Dogs having suffered cluster seizures or status epilepticus were associated with a higher probability of occurrence of PC, compared to dogs with self-limiting seizures (OR 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.33 to 4.30). Suspected PC were detected both in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and in those with structural epilepsy. Dogs with unknown-origin epilepsy were more likely to have presumed PC than were dogs with structural (OR 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.33) or idiopathic epilepsy (OR 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.20 to 0.87). Time between last seizure and MRI was significantly shorter in dogs with PC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MRI lesions consistent with PC were common in epileptic dogs, and the brain distribution of these lesions varied. Occurrence of cluster seizures or status epilepticus, diagnosis of unknown origin epilepsy, and lower time from last seizure to MRI are predictors of suspected PC.

CT characterisation of the feline os penis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of identification and to describe the CT features of the os penis in cats without genitourinary disorders. METHODS: CT studies from cats that underwent an abdominal or pelvic examination between October 2013 and May 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Cats with no signs of urinary disease and with the external genitalia included in the scan were recruited. Length, width, height and pre- and post-contrast attenuation values of the os penis in soft tissue and bone algorithms were measured independently by two observers. RESULTS: Twenty-three cats met the inclusion criteria. A cylindrical bone-attenuating structure inside the glans penis compatible with the os penis was visible in 20/23 (87%) cats. Mean length, width and height values were 3.48 mm × 1.41 mm × 1.37 mm in the soft tissue algorithm, and 3.26 mm × 1.15 mm × 1.06 mm in bone algorithm. The size of the os penis was not significantly different in neutered vs intact cats, but it was significantly larger in soft tissue vs bone algorithm. Age and body weight did not influence os penis size. Pre-contrast mean ± SD attenuation was 216.7 ± 69.5 Hounsfield units (HU) for soft tissue and 320.1 ± 135.9 HU for bone algorithms. Post-contrast attenuation was 289.1 ± 68.8 HU for soft tissue and 383.4 ± 130.9 HU for bone algorithms. A significant correlation between the attenuation in bone algorithm with body weight was noted, where the os penis was less attenuating with increased body weight (pre-contrast: r = -0.479; P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The feline os penis is commonly seen on CT images, being more frequently detected than on radiographs. Its presence should not be mistaken for uroliths in the penile urethra.

Disseminated Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as oesophageal disease in a cat.

CASE SUMMARY: An 11-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was referred with a 2-month history of ptyalism, hyporexia and weight loss. Physical examination revealed reduced body condition score (2/9) and decreased skin turgor. Laboratory abnormalities included mild erythrocytosis, elevated creatine kinase, hypercobalaminaemia and hypofolataemia. CT of the head and abdominal ultrasonography were within normal limits. Gastroesophagoscopy revealed mucosal ulceration and possible stenosis of the distal oesophagus. Thoracic radiographs and iodine oesophagram showed a soft tissue opacity in the caudodorsal thorax compatible with a parietal oesophageal mass causing luminal stenosis or an extra-parietal mass causing ventral displacement and compression of the oesophagus. Pulmonary nodules were observed in the cranial lung lobes. CT of the thorax confirmed the oesophageal origin of the mass and the presence of pulmonary nodules scattered throughout the lung parenchyma. The patient was euthanased given the imaging findings and perceived guarded prognosis. Post-mortem examination revealed multifocal nodular lesions affecting the oesophagus, lungs, kidneys and pancreas. Histopathological examination identified atypical round cells characterised by eosinophilic cytoplasm and pale nuclei with prominent nuclear grooves, compatible with neoplastic histiocytic cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong expression for CD18, Iba-1 and vimentin. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated intracytoplasmic organelles consistent with Birkbeck granules of Langerhans cell origin in lesional histiocytes. These findings were compatible with a diagnosis of disseminated Langerhans cell histiocytosis. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of disseminated Langerhans cell histiocytosis with oesophageal involvement in a cat.

Predictors of urinary or fecal incontinence in dogs with thoracolumbar acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion.

BACKGROUND: Urinary (UI) and fecal (FI) incontinence occur in up to 7.5% and 32% of dogs, respectively, after thoracolumbar acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE). HYPOTHESES/OBJECTIVES: To investigate clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic predictors of UI and FI in dogs with ANNPE affecting the T3-L3 spinal cord segments. ANIMALS: Hundred and eighty-seven dogs with T3-L3 ANNPE diagnosed based on clinical and MRI findings. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study. Data were obtained from medical records and telephone questionnaires and analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: UI and FI were reported in 17 (9.1%) and 44 (23.5%) dogs, respectively. Paraplegic dogs were 3 times (95% CI = 1.25, 10.87) more likely to develop UI (P = .018) and 4 times (95% CI = 1.94, 12.56) more likely to develop FI (P = .001) compared to nonparaplegic dogs. Dogs with an intramedullary hyperintensity greater than 40% of the cross-sectional area of the spinal cord at the same level on transverse T2-weighted MRI images were 4 times more likely to develop UI (95% CI = 1.04, 21.72; P = .045) and FI (95% CI = 1.56, 10.39; P = .004) compared to dogs with smaller lesions. FI was 3 times (95% CI = 1.41, 7.93) more likely in dogs that were not treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after diagnosis compared to dogs administered NSAIDs (P = .006) and 2 times (95% CI = 1.12, 5.98) more likely in dogs presented with clinical signs compatible with spinal shock compared to dogs without (P = .026). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The identification of clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic predictors of UI and FI in dogs with T3-L3 ANNPE can help to approach these autonomic dysfunctions occurring after spinal cord injury.

Membrane-like structure in the urinary bladder neck of a young cat: diagnosis and treatment using balloon dilatation and a balloon-expandable metallic stent.

CASE SUMMARY: A 33-month-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was referred to the Animal Health Trust for the investigation of urinary incontinence and straining to urinate. A membrane-like structure was detected in the bladder neck, which caused partial obstruction of the urinary bladder. A combination of different imaging techniques, including ultrasonography, radiography, CT and fluoroscopy, was essential in the diagnosis, surgical planning and treatment of this intravesicular stricture. During retrograde vaginourethrocystogram, unexpected subcapsular accumulation of contrast medium was seen around both kidneys on radiographs and confirmed with CT. Three different treatments were performed, including surgical debridement, balloon dilatation and placement of a self-expanding metallic stent across the stricture. Histopathology of the membrane was unable to differentiate whether the lesion was congenital or acquired. No urinary incontinence was observed 5 months after placement of the metallic stent. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This is the first reported case using fluoroscopic-guided balloon dilatation of the bladder neck for the treatment of a bladder neck stricture. Presence of renal subcapsular contrast medium secondary to a retrograde vaginourethrocystogram due to partial obstruction at the bladder neck in a cat has not been previously described.

Description and comparison of excretory urography performed during radiography and computed tomography for evaluation of the urinary system in healthy New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of excretory urography performed during radiography (REU) and CT (CTEU) in healthy rabbits, determine timings of urogram phases, and compare sensitivities of REU and CTEU for detection of these phases. ANIMALS 13 New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). PROCEDURES Rabbits were screened for signs of systemic and urinary tract disease. An REU examination of each was performed, followed ≥ 5 days later by a CTEU examination. Contrast images from each modality were evaluated for quality of opacification and intervals between initiation of contrast medium administration and detection of various urogram phases. RESULTS Excretory urograms of excellent diagnostic quality were achieved with both imaging modalities. For all rabbits, the nephrographic phase of the urogram appeared in the first postcontrast REU image (obtained between 34 and 40 seconds after initiation of contrast medium administration) and at a median interval of 20 seconds in CTEU images. The pyelographic phase began at a median interval of 1.63 minutes with both imaging modalities. Contrast medium was visible within the urinary bladder at a median interval of 2.20 minutes. Median interval to the point at which the nephrogram and pyelogram were no longer visible in REU images was 8 hours and 2.67 hours, respectively. The CTEU technique was better than the REU technique for evaluating renal parenchyma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that REU and, particularly, CTEU may be valuable tools for the diagnosis of renal and urinary tract disease in rabbits; however, additional evaluation in diseased rabbits is required.

Outcome comparison in dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of thoracolumbar fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy and acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion.

Dogs with fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) or acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) are reported to have a fair prognosis; however, persistent motor/autonomic deficits are possible. Specific MRI patterns have been suggested to differentiate these diseases although never been validated with histopathology in large studies. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate if these MRI patterns are associated with different clinical outcomes in dogs with peracute non-progressive T3-L3 myelopathy. Two hundred and one dogs were included. Outcome data were obtained via medical records and telephone questionnaires. MRIs were blindly reviewed by three board-certified observers, obtaining substantial to almost perfect interobserver agreement on diagnoses (κ=0.635-0.828). Presumptive ANNPE and FCEM were diagnosed in 157 and 44 dogs , respectively. Ambulatory function was regained in 99 per cent of cases, with persistent motor deficits in 83.6 per cent and 92.5 per cent of dogs with presumptive ANNPE and FCEM, respectively. The presumptive diagnosis was not associated with motor function recovery, recovery times or urinary continence. Faecal incontinence was five times more likely in dogs with presumptive ANNPE (23 per cent) compared with presumptive FCEM (7.5 per cent).Distinguishing between MRI patterns of presumptive ANNPE or FCEM in dogs with peracute non-progressive T3-L3 myelopathy may help predict the risk of developing faecal incontinence.

Comparison between ultrasonographic findings of benign and malignant canine mammary gland tumours using B-mode, colour Doppler, power Doppler and spectral Doppler.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the comparison between the ultrasonographic features of canine mammary tumours, assessed by B-Mode, colour Doppler, power Doppler, spectral Doppler, and histopathologic features, would help to differentiate if a tumour is benign or malignant. Ultrasonographic examinations of 104 tumours were performed. Volume, margins, presence of a capsule, echotexture and presence and distribution of the vascular flow of the tumours were evaluated. All the tumours were surgically removed, submitted for histopathologic examination and classified in two groups: Group I (benign tumours) and Group II (malignant tumours). Echotexture was the only parameter evaluated by B-Mode ultrasonography where significant differences were found (p<0.01), with tumours in Group I being homogeneous and tumours in Group II presenting greater heterogeneity. Presence of vascular flow was observed in most of the tumours from both groups and no differences between them were found. Regarding flow distribution, significant differences were observed between groups (p<0.05). In benign tumours, the most common vascular pattern was the peripheral, showing significant differences (p<0.05) compared to mixed and central patterns. In malignant tumours the mixed pattern was the most frequent. Also significant differences among other patterns (peripheral and central) were found. Concerning vascular resistivity and pulsatility indexes, there were no significant differences between the two groups. The echotexture and type of vascular flow pattern of canine mammary gland tumours may help, in a first examination of the tumour, to differentiate between benign and malignant tumours; however to reach a definitive diagnosis histological study is required.

Non-invasive in vivo measurement of cardiac output in C57BL/6 mice using high frequency transthoracic ultrasound: evaluation of gender and body weight effects.

Even though mice are being increasingly used as models for human cardiovascular diseases, non-invasive monitoring of cardiovascular parameters such as cardiac output (CO) in this species is challenging. In most cases, the effects of gender and body weight (BW) on these parameters have not been studied. The objective of this study was to provide normal reference values for CO in C57BL/6 mice, and to describe possible gender and/or BW associated differences between them. We used 30-MHz transthoracic Doppler ultrasound to measure hemodynamic parameters in the ascending aorta [heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), stroke index (SI), CO, and cardiac index (CI)] in ten anesthetized mice of either sex. No differences were found for HR, SV, and CO. Both SI and CI were statistically lower in males. However, after normalization for BW, these differences disappeared. These results suggest that if comparisons of cardiovascular parameters are to be made between male and female mice, values should be standardized for BW.