Recommendations for standardized plane definition in canine cardiac MRI.

With the growing interest in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), veterinary radiologists will increasingly be asked to use this modality to answer complex cardiological questions. Plane alignment is crucial for reproducible assessment of the heart. Anesthesia time is a limiting factor in cMRI. Aims of this prospective experimental study were to introduce a flow chart for standardized cMRI-examination in dogs, to test it for reproducibility using a cardiac CT simulation and to estimate time requirements needed to complete the examination accurately. Six operators (3 radiologists, 1 cardiologist, 1 imaging-resident, 1 technician) simulated a cMRI examination on CT-scans of 6 healthy Beagle dogs twice within two to four weeks. Assessment included qualitative and quantitative scoring of plane quality and time requirements. The quality of planes was high for the left and moderate for the right side of the heart. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of linear measurements of structures on the left was good to excellent (ICC-range: 0.789-0.948) but dropped to moderate to poor levels for the right side (ICC-range: 0.429-0.738). The median time required to complete a full examination was 30 (range: 13-103) min in the first and 24 (range: 15-62) min in the second evaluation. It differed significantly between operators and was consistently shorter for the left than for the right side. In conclusion, a new standardized scheme for cMRI can be quickly adopted by radiologists with some expertise in cross sectional imaging. Qualitative and quantitative results were highly reproducible for the left but less for the right side.

The localization of a conjunctivoscleral foreign body via high-resolution microscopy coil magnetic resonance imaging in a dog.

A 3-year-old French bulldog was presented to the ophthalmology service of the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich with a 3-day history of conjunctival swelling of the left eye (OS). Ophthalmologic examination revealed a moderate conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis. A migrating foreign body having entered the conjunctival fornix behind the nictitating membrane was suspected. Within the first 24 hours of medical management, OS developed a panuveitis and a scleral perforation was highly suspected. Ocular and orbital ultrasound as well as conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations failed to confirm the presence of a perforating foreign body. A High-Resolution MRI (HR-MRI) using a microscopy coil was then performed with findings consistent with a perforating and migrating foreign body. A grass awn of 12 mm length was surgically retrieved "ab externo" from its' point of entry into the sclera. To the best of our knowledge, HR-MRI has not yet been used to examine canine eyes. This case report supports the idea that orbital imaging can be greatly enhanced with the introduction of HR-MRI using microscopy coils with clinically relevant implications.

Comparison between high-field 3 Tesla MRI and computed tomography with and without arthrography for visualization of canine carpal ligaments: A cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of visualization of canine carpal ligaments by using computed tomography (CT), MRI, CT arthrography (CTA), and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. STUDY POPULATION: Cadavers from dogs weighing more than 20 kg. METHODS: A 16-slice CT scanner and a 3 Tesla MRI were used for the investigation. A dilute contrast medium was injected into the middle carpal and radiocarpal joints under fluoroscopic control, and CTA and MRA images were acquired. To evaluate the difference between imaging modalities, 3 observers graded carpal ligaments of clinical interest using a scale from 0 to 4 for their quality of visualization. Data were analyzed by using a random-effect ordinal logistic regression with Bonferroni adjustment. The interobserver agreement was calculated by using the weighted Cohen's κ. RESULTS: Normal carpal joints (n = 9) were investigated. Magnetic resonance arthrography improved visualization of the majority of carpal ligaments compared with MRI (P < .05) and offered the best visualization overall. Magnetic resonance imaging and MRA offered better visualization compared with both CT and CTA (P < .05). There was no difference between CT and CTA. Interobserver agreement was discrete (0.2 < κ ≤ 0.4) for all observers. CONCLUSION: Arthrography improved the capabilities of MRI but not of CT for visualization of the canine carpal ligaments. Magnetic resonance arthrography was particularly useful for evaluation of the stabilizers of the antebrachiocarpal joint. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: 3 Tesla MRA and MRI allow excellent visualization of the ligamentous morphology and may be helpful in the diagnostic process of carpal sprains in dogs.

Cardiac-gated, phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography is a reliable and reproducible technique for quantifying blood flow in canine major cranial abdominal vessels.

Blood flow changes in cranial abdominal vessels are important contributing factors for canine hepatic disease. This prospective, experimental, pilot study aimed to evaluate cardiac-gated, phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PCMRA) as a method for characterizing blood flow in canine major cranial abdominal vessels. Eleven, healthy, adult beagle dogs were sampled. Cardiac-gated, phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography of the cranial abdomen was performed in each dog and blood flow was independently measured in each of the major cranial abdominal vessels by three observers, with two observers recording blood flow values once and one observer recording blood flow values three times. Each dog then underwent ultrasonographic examination of the liver with fine needle aspirations and biopsies submitted to cytologic and histologic examination. The mean absolute stroke volume and velocity were respectively 9.6 ± 1.9 ml and -11.1 ± 1.1 cm/s for the cranial abdominal aorta, 2.1 ± 0.6 ml and -6.6 ± 1.9 cm/s for the celiac artery, and 2.3 ± 1.0 ml and -7.9 ± 3.1 cm/s for the cranial mesenteric artery. The mean absolute stroke volume and velocity were respectively 6.7 ± 1.3 ml and 3.9 ± 0.9 cm/s for the caudal vena cava and 2.6 ± 0.9 ml and 3.2 ± 1.2 cm/s for the portal vein. Intraobserver reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). Interobserver reproducibility was also excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.89-0.99). Results of liver ultrasonography, cytology, and histopathology were unremarkable. Findings indicated that cardiac-gated, phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography is a feasible technique for quantifying blood blow in canine major cranial abdominal vessels. Blood flow values from this sample of healthy beagles can be used as background for future studies on canine hepatic disease.

Sub-Tenon's injection in equine cadaver eyes: MRI visualization of anesthetic fluid distribution and comparison of two different volumes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the localization and distribution of two different anesthetic fluid volumes around equine cadaver eyes to determine an appropriate volume for a single sub-Tenon's injection in horses. PROCEDURE: A single sub-Tenon's injection of 2% lidocaine was performed in 10 equine cadaver heads (20 eyes) using two different volumes (7 mL on one side and 10 mL on the opposite side). The posterior circular distribution of the anesthetic was quantified in sagittal, dorsal, and transverse MRI (T2W-TSE) sequences and evaluated independently by three board-certified radiologists. The distribution of the two fluid volumes was compared via a paired Student's t-test. The interobserver reliability was evaluated via a Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Extension of the injection fluid was observed along the dorsal and temporal quadrants of the globe within the subconjunctival space, the anterior and posterior sub-Tenon's space, and into the muscle sheaths along the extraocular muscles. Accumulation of anesthetic fluid directly surrounding the optic nerve was detected in three of 20 cadaver eyes. Circular distribution of the 7 and 10 mL anesthetic volumes was not significantly different (P = 0.849). More retrograde leakage of the anesthetic was observed using the 10 mL volume. Evaluation of interobserver reliability revealed no significant differences between observers (P = 0.21-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Sub-Tenon's anesthesia can have potential as an alternative to retrobulbar anesthesia for ophthalmic surgeries in equines. A 7- to 10-mL injection volume should be appropriate based on the results of this study. The distribution of the anesthetic solution in live tissues, the clinical effects, and the potential for complications will have to be evaluated in vivo.

Clinical and molecular investigation of a canine distemper outbreak and vector-borne infections in a group of rescue dogs imported from Hungary to Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a major pathogen of dogs and wild carnivores worldwide. In Switzerland, distemper in domestic dogs is rarely reported. In recent years, the import of dogs from Eastern Europe to Switzerland has steadily increased. In the present study, we describe a distemper outbreak in 15 rescue dogs that were imported from Hungary to Switzerland by an animal welfare organisation. The data on vaccination and medical history were recorded (14 dogs), and the samples were collected to investigate CDV and vector-borne infections (13 dogs) and canine parvovirus infection (12 dogs). The dogs were monitored for six months. RESULTS: One dog was euthanised directly after import. Thirteen dogs showed clinical signs after arrival, i.e., diarrhoea (57 %), coughing (43 %) and nasal and/or ocular discharge (21 %); radiographic findings that were compatible with bronchopneumonia were present in four dogs. CDV infection was diagnosed in 11 dogs (85 %); 10 dogs (91 %) tested PCR-positive in conjunctival swabs. Vector-borne infections (Babesia spp., Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis) were found in 4 dogs (31 %). Three dogs were hospitalized, and six dogs received ambulatory therapy for up to two months until recovery. None of the dogs developed neurological disease. CDV shedding was detected for a period of up to four months. Because dogs were put under strict quarantine until CDV shedding ceased, CDV did not spread to any other dogs. The CDV isolates showed 99 % sequence identity in the HA gene among each other and belonged to the Arctic-like lineage of CDV. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the imminent risks of spreading contagious viral and vector-borne infections through the non-selective import of sick dogs and dogs with incomplete vaccination from Eastern Europe. CDV shedding was detected for several months after the cessation of clinical signs, which emphasised the roles of asymptomatic carriers in CDV epidemiology. A long-term follow-up using sensitive PCR and strict quarantine measures is of upmost importance in preventing the spread of infection. Dog owners and animal welfare organisations should be educated regarding the importance of complete vaccinations and the impact of dog imports on the spread of viral and vector-borne pathogens.

Imaging diagnosis--Conventional and functional magnetic resonance imaging of a brain abscess in a goat.

A 2-month-old female goat was presented for depressed mental status and multifocal central neurologic signs 3 weeks after hot-iron disbudding. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings included a large intra axial mass in the left frontal lobe that was T2 hyperintense and T1 hypointense centrally with a contrast-enhancing peripheral capsule and perilesional T2 hyperintensity. A restrictive pattern was present in diffusion-weighted imaging. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated an increased amount of succinate, acetate, amino acids, lipids; minimal amounts of lactate; and decreased amounts of N-acetyl aspartate and choline. A cerebral abscess due to Trueperella pyogenes was confirmed from necropsy and tissue culture.

Peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a subadult golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).

A 5-year-old, female golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) was admitted with tetraplegia that progressed to a nonambulatory, spastic tetraparesis after a few days of treatment. Clinical and radiologic examinations, including radiography, computed tomography scan, and myelography, were indicative of neoplasia involving a spinal nerve root. Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging and necropsy findings confirmed the diagnosis of a peripheral nerve sheath neoplasia, not, to our knowledge, previously reported in a raptor.

Effects of prednisolone on 1,2-O-dilauryl-rac-glycero glutaric acid-(60-methylresorufin) ester-lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in healthy cats.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids are among the most commonly used drugs in cats and are increasingly discussed as a treatment for feline pancreatitis. However, its effects on serum lipase in healthy cats remain unknown. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of prednisolone on serum lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) in cats. ANIMALS: Seven clinically healthy colony cats, aged 4 to 7 years, with unremarkable CBC/biochemistry panel were studied. METHODS: Prospective study: Prednisolone (1.1-1.5 mg/kg, median 1.28 mg/kg PO) was given daily for 7 consecutive days. Lipase activity (LIPC Roche; RI, 8-26 U/L) and PLI (Spec fPL; RI, 0-3.5 µg/L) were determined at day 1 before first treatment and at days 2, 3, 8, 10, and 14. Cats were examined daily. An a priori power analysis indicated that 6 cats were needed to find a biological relevant effect at 1-ß = 0.8. Statistical analyses comprised the Friedman test, random intercept regression, and repeated-measures linear regression. RESULTS: Median (range) day 1 lipase activities and PLI were 22 U/L (14-52 U/L) and 3.2 µg/L (2.3-15.7 µg/L). One cat with abnormally high lipase activity (52 U/L) and PLI (15.7 µg/L) at day 1 continued having elevated lipase activities and PLI throughout the study. Lipase activities and PLI concentrations did not differ significantly among time points regardless of whether the cat with elevated values was included or not. All cats remained healthy throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Administration of prednisolone in anti-inflammatory doses does not significantly increase serum lipase activity and PLI concentration.

Effect of ventilation technique and airway diameter on bronchial lumen to pulmonary artery diameter ratios in clinically normal beagle dogs.

In dogs, a mean broncho-arterial ratio of 1.45 ± 0.21 has been previously defined as normal. These values were obtained in dogs under general inhalational anesthesia using a single breath-hold technique. The purpose of the study was to determine whether ventilation technique and bronchial diameter have an effect on broncho-arterial ratios. Four healthy Beagle dogs were scanned twice, each time with positive-pressure inspiration and end expiration. For each ventilation technique, broncho-arterial ratios were grouped into those obtained from small or large bronchi using the median diameter of the bronchi as the cutoff value. Mean broncho-arterial ratios obtained using positive-pressure inspiration (1.24 ± 0.23) were statistically greater than those obtained at end expiration (1.11 ± 0.20) P = 0.005. There was a strong positive correlation between bronchial diameter and broncho-arterial ratios for both ventilation techniques (positive-pressure inspiration rs = .786, P < 0.0005 and end expiration rs = .709, P < 0.0005). Mean broncho-arterial ratio for the large bronchi obtained applying positive-pressure inspiration was 1.39 cm ± 0.20 and during end expiration was 1.22 cm ± 0.20. Mean broncho-arterial ratio for the small bronchi obtained during positive-pressure inspiration was 1.08 cm ± 0.13 and during end expiration was 1.01 cm ± 0.13. There was a statistically significant difference between these groups (F = 248.60, P = 0.005). Findings indicated that reference values obtained using positive-pressure inspiration or from the larger bronchi may not be applicable to dogs scanned during end expiration or to the smaller bronchi.

Thoracic computed tomography, angiographic computed tomography, and pathology findings in six cats experimentally infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection is common in endemic areas and may cause severe respiratory clinical signs. Computed tomography (CT) is an important tool to diagnose pulmonary disease, because it allows detection of small lesions and discrimination of superimposed structures. The purpose of this study was to characterize by CT and angiographic CT the pulmonary lesions in six cats before, and 48 and 81 days after inoculation with 100 or 800 A. abstrusus infective larvae. Histological examination of the accessory lung lobe was performed to determine the microscopic, pathomorphologic correlate of the CT findings. The predominant CT lesion consisted of multiple nodules of varying size distributed throughout the lungs, severity depending on infectious dose. The histological correlate of the nodular lesions was multifocal dense granulomatous to mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates, including eosinophils distributed in the parenchyma and obliterating the alveoli. Marked, multifocal, dose-dependent thickening of the bronchi and adjacent interstitial changes blurred the margins of the outer serosal surface of the bronchi and vessels. Histologically, this was due to peribronchial mixed cell inflammation. During the course of infection some of the nodular and peribronchial changes were replaced by areas of ground-glass opacity. In addition to providing detailed depiction of pulmonary lesions resulting from an infectious cause and clearly defining lesions with respect to time and severity of infection, CT allowed quantitative assessment of bronchial thickness and lymph node size during the course of disease. Findings indicated that CT characteristics of this disease are consistent with pathologic findings.

Use of indocyanine green near-infrared lymphography to detect sentinel lymph nodes in a dog with a malignant insulinoma: a case report.

Malignant insulinoma is the most common type of neuroendocrine tumor found in the pancreas of dogs. Canine insulinoma displays malignant behavior with a high rate of metastasis. The most common sites of metastases are the draining lymph nodes, which are also the primary location sites for the recurrence of functional disease. However, identifying metastatic nodes can often be complicated, as the pancreas is drained by numerous lymphatic centers, and clinical enlargement or structural changes may not always be present in metastatic nodes. Additionally, unaltered nodes are frequently small (a few millimeters) and can be hard to distinguish from the surrounding tissues. Therefore, lymphadenectomy is generally recommended for affected dogs. Unlike in human medicine, there are currently no established strategies for lymph node resection in dogs with malignant insulinoma. This report presents a technique for identifying and removing sentinel nodes using indocyanine green and near-infrared lymphography (NIRFL) during surgery. A total of six sentinel nodes were detected and resected with this method. This technique could provide a more structured approach for lymph node resection in affected dogs and potentially in humans in the future. However, its therapeutic benefits must be evaluated in a larger cohort of cases.

Diffusion tensor-based analysis of white matter in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

Introduction: The understanding of epileptic seizure pathogenesis has evolved over time, and it is now generally accepted that not only are cortical and subcortical areas involved but also the connection of these regions in the white matter (WM). Recent human neuroimaging studies confirmed the involvement of the WM in several epilepsy syndromes. Neuroimaging studies investigating WM integrity with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in canine idiopathic epilepsy are lacking. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that WM diffusion changes can be found in dogs affected by idiopathic epilepsy. Method: Twenty-six dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (15 Border Collies and 11 Greater Swiss Mountain dogs) and 24 healthy controls (11 Beagle dogs, 5 Border Collies, and 8 Greater Swiss Mountain dogs) were prospectively enrolled. Most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (17/26) were enrolled within 3 months after seizure onset. Diffusion tensor imaging of the brain with 32 diffusion directions (low b value = 0 s/mm2; maximal b value = 800 s/mm2) was performed in a 3 Tesla scanner. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS), a voxel-based approach, was used to investigate changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) in the idiopathic epilepsy group compared to the healthy control group. Additionally, FA and MD were investigated in the region of corpus callosum and cingulate white matter in both groups. Results: We observed subtle changes in WM DTI between the idiopathic epilepsy group and the healthy control group limited to cingulate WM, with a significantly lower FA in the idiopathic epilepsy group compared to the healthy control group in the region of interest (ROI) approach (p = 0.027). No significant changes were found between the idiopathic epilepsy group and the healthy control group in the TBSS analysis and in the corpus callosum in the ROI approach. Conclusion: This study supports the cingulate area as a target structure in canine epilepsy. The subtle changes only might be explained by the short duration of epilepsy, small sample sizes, and the higher variability in canine brain anatomy. Furthermore, all included dogs showed generalized tonic-clonic seizures, possibly affected by generalized epilepsy syndrome, which are also associated with less pronounced DTI changes in humans than focal epilepsy syndromes.

Intracranial Lesion Detection and Artifact Characterization: Comparative Study of Susceptibility and T2*-Weighted Imaging in Dogs and Cats.

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), an MRI sequence for the detection of hemorrhage, allows differentiation of paramagnetic and diamagnetic substances based on tissue magnetic susceptibility differences. The three aims of this retrospective study included a comparison of the number of areas of signal void (ASV) between SWI and T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI), differentiation of hemorrhage and calcification, and investigation of image deterioration by artifacts. Two hundred twelve brain MRIs, 160 dogs and 52 cats, were included. The sequences were randomized and evaluated for presence/absence and numbers of ASV and extent of artifacts causing image deterioration by a single, blinded observer. In cases with a CT scan differentiation of paramagnetic (hemorrhagic) and diamagnetic (calcification) lesions was made, SWI was performed to test correct assignment using the Hounsfield Units. Non-parametric tests were performed to compare both sequences regarding detection of ASV and the effect of artifacts on image quality. The presence of ASV was found in 37 SWI sequences and 34 T2*WI sequences with a significant increase in ASV only in dogs >5 and ≤ 15 kg in SWI. The remaining weight categories showed no significance. CT examination was available in 11 cases in which 81 ASV were found. With the use of phase images, 77 were classified as paramagnetic and none as diamagnetic. A classification was not possible in four cases. At the level of the frontal sinus, significantly more severe artifacts occurred in cats and dogs (dogs, p < 0.001; cats, p = 0.001) in SWI. The frontal sinus artifact was significantly less severe in brachycephalic than non-brachycephalic dogs in both sequences (SWI, p < 0.001; T2*WI, p < 0.001). In conclusion, with the advantages of better detection of ASV in SWI compared with T2*WI and the opportunity to differentiate between paramagnetic and diamagnetic origin in most cases, SWI is generally recommended for dogs. Frontal sinus conformation appears to be a limiting factor in image interpretation.

Reversible facial nerve paralysis in a cat suspected to be associated with systemic hypertension.

CASE SUMMARY: This report describes the appearance of facial nerve paralysis in a 16-year-old hypertensive cat. MRI was helpful in visualising and characterising mesencephalic and facial nerve lesions thought to be induced by hypertension. Neurological signs rapidly resolved under antihypertensive therapy. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Systemic hypertension is an important medical condition in geriatric cats causing damage in various target organs, including the brain. Hypertensive encephalopathy is an umbrella term for a multitude of different clinical manifestations of cerebral target organ damage. Facial nerve paralysis secondary to hypertension is recognised in human medicine, particularly in children, but so far has not been reported in veterinary medicine.

Quantification of cerebrospinal fluid flow in dogs by cardiac-gated phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in disease has been investigated with two-dimensional (2D) phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) in humans. Despite similar diseases occurring in dogs, PC-MRI is not routinely performed and CSF flow and its association with diseases is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: To adapt 2D and four-dimensional (4D) PC-MRI to dogs and to apply them in a group of neurologically healthy dogs. ANIMALS: Six adult Beagle dogs of a research colony. METHODS: Prospective, experimental study. Sequences were first optimized on a phantom mimicking small CSF spaces and low velocity flow. Then, 4D PC-MRI and 2D PC-MRI at the level of the mesencephalic aqueduct, foramen magnum (FM), and cervical spine were performed. RESULTS: CSF displayed a bidirectional flow pattern on 2D PC-MRI at each location. Mean peak velocity (and range) in cm/s was 0.92 (0.51-2.08) within the mesencephalic aqueduct, 1.84 (0.89-2.73) and 1.17 (0.75-1.8) in the ventral and dorsal subarachnoid space (SAS) at the FM, and 2.03 (range 1.1-3.0) and 1.27 (range 0.96-1.82) within the ventral and dorsal SAS of the cervical spine. With 4D PC-MRI, flow velocities of >3 cm/s were visualized in the phantom, but no flow data were obtained in dogs. CONCLUSION: Peak flow velocities were measured with 2D PC-MRI at all 3 locations and slower velocities were recorded in healthy Beagle dogs compared to humans. These values serve as baseline for future applications. The current technical settings did not allow measurement of CSF flow in Beagle dogs by 4D PC-MRI.

Increased resting state connectivity in the anterior default mode network of idiopathic epileptic dogs.

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic, neurological diseases in humans and dogs and considered to be a network disease. In human epilepsy altered functional connectivity in different large-scale networks have been identified with functional resting state magnetic resonance imaging. Since large-scale resting state networks have been consistently identified in anesthetised dogs' application of this technique became promising in canine epilepsy research. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in large-scale resting state networks in epileptic dogs compared to healthy controls. Our hypothesis was, that large-scale networks differ between epileptic dogs and healthy control dogs. A group of 17 dogs (Border Collies and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs) with idiopathic epilepsy was compared to 20 healthy control dogs under a standardized sevoflurane anaesthesia protocol. Group level independent component analysis with dimensionality of 20 components, dual regression and two-sample t test were performed and revealed significantly increased functional connectivity in the anterior default mode network of idiopathic epileptic dogs compared to healthy control dogs (p = 0.00060). This group level differences between epileptic dogs and healthy control dogs identified using a rather simple data driven approach could serve as a starting point for more advanced resting state network analysis in epileptic dogs.

Brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings in a Beagle dog with genetically confirmed Lafora disease.

Cortical atrophy has been identified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in humans and dogs with Lafora disease (LD). In humans, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) of the brain indicates decreased N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) relative to other brain metabolites. Brain 1HMRS findings in dogs with LD are lacking. A 6-year-old female Beagle was presented with a history of a single generalized tonic-clonic seizure and episodic reflex myoclonus. Clinical, hematological, and neurological examination findings and 3-Tesla MRI of the brain were unremarkable. Brain 1HMRS with voxel positioning in the thalamus was performed in the affected Beagle. It identified decreased amounts of NAA, glutamate-glutamine complex, and increased total choline and phosphoethanolamine relative to water and total creatine compared with the reference range in healthy control Beagles. A subsequent genetic test confirmed LD. Abnormalities in 1HMRS despite lack of changes with conventional MRI were identified in a dog with LD.

Resting state networks of the canine brain under sevoflurane anaesthesia.

Resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) has become an established technique in humans and reliably determines several resting state networks (RSNs) simultaneously. Limited data exist about RSN in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the RSNs in 10 healthy beagle dogs using a 3 tesla MRI scanner and subsequently perform group-level independent component analysis (ICA) to identify functionally connected brain networks. Rs-fMRI sequences were performed under steady state sevoflurane inhalation anaesthesia. Anaesthetic depth was titrated to the minimum level needed for immobilisation and mechanical ventilation of the patient. This required a sevoflurane MAC between 0.8 to 1.2. Group-level ICA dimensionality of 20 components revealed distributed sensory, motor and higher-order networks in the dogs' brain. We identified in total 7 RSNs (default mode, primary and higher order visual, auditory, two putative motor-somatosensory and one putative somatosensory), which are common to other mammals including humans. Identified RSN are remarkably similar to those identified in awake dogs. This study proves the feasibility of rs-fMRI in anesthetized dogs and describes several RSNs, which may set the basis for investigating pathophysiological characteristics of various canine brain diseases.

Mycobacterium microti: Not Just a Coincidental Pathogen for Cats.

Public interest in animal tuberculosis is mainly focused on prevention and eradication of bovine tuberculosis in cattle and wildlife. In cattle, immunodiagnostic tests such as the tuberculin skin test or the interferon gamma (IFN-γ) assay have been established and are commercially available. Feline tuberculosis is rather unknown, and the available diagnostic tools are limited. However, infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members need to be considered an aetiological differential diagnosis in cats with granulomatous lymphadenopathy or skin nodules and, due to the zoonotic potential, a time-efficient and accurate diagnostic approach is required. The present study describes 11 independent cases of Mycobacterium microti infection in domestic cats in Switzerland. For three cases, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, bacteriological results, immunodiagnostic testing, and pathological features are reported. An adapted feline IFN-γ release assay was successfully applied in two cases and appears to be a promising tool for the ante mortem diagnosis of tuberculosis in cats. Direct contact with M. microti reservoir hosts was suspected to be the origin of infection in all three cases. However, there was no evidence of M. microti infection in 346 trapped wild mice from a presumptive endemic region. Therefore, the source and modalities of infection in cats in Switzerland remain to be further elucidated.