Computed tomography of suppurative and neoplastic diseases involving the canine omenta and omental bursa.

The greater and lesser omenta are fused peritoneal folds that largely delimit the omental bursa (lesser peritoneal cavity). The omental bursa is a potential space within the abdominal cavity that communicates with the greater peritoneal cavity via the omental (epiploic) foramen: it is subdivided into the omental vestibule, caudal omental recess, and splenic recess. Aims of this retrospective case series study were to describe the frequencies of CT findings of dogs with confirmed inflammatory or neoplastic disease of the omenta, omental bursa, or both. The sample included seven adult, medium-to-large breed dogs. All had fluid in the greater peritoneal cavity and 5/7 (71%) dogs also had fluid in the omental bursa. Primary suppurative inflammatory disease was present in three dogs, each dog had a large abscess with central gas in either the omental vestibule (two dogs) or caudal omental recess (one dog). Both abscesses in the omental vestibule arose from the papillary process of the caudate liver lobe and were surgically removed without complication. Neoplasia was present in four dogs and either arose from omentum (hemangiosarcoma, carcinoma) or infiltrated the omentum from an adjacent organ (splenic leiomyosarcoma, gastric adenocarcinoma). Neoplasms created mass-like tumors, infiltrative tumors, or both and had variable distribution (focal, multifocal, or locally extensive). All dogs with neoplasia were euthanized. CT signs of inflammatory and neoplastic disease overlapped, but the presence of gas might prioritize abscessation. CT signs helped decide feasibility of surgery based on extent of local invasion, especially involvement of structures passing through the porta hepatis.

Unique cytologic and imaging features of a lumbosacral oligodendroglioma in a cat.

A 12-y-old castrated male domestic longhaired cat had progressive paraparesis and neurolocalization of L4-S3. MRI revealed a circumscribed intradural-extraparenchymal mass from L5 to S1 that was T2 and short tau inversion recovery hyperintense and strongly contrast-enhancing. Cytologic interpretation of a blind fine-needle aspirate obtained through the L5-L6 space was a tumor of probable mesenchymal origin. A pair of suspect neoplastic cells was seen on a cytocentrifuged preparation of the atlanto-occipital CSF sample, despite a normal nucleated cell count (0 × 106/L) and total protein (0.11 g/L) with only 3 RBCs × 106/L. Clinical signs progressed despite increasing doses of prednisolone and cytarabine arabinoside. Repeat MRI on day 162 demonstrated tumor progression from L4 to Cd2 vertebral segments with intraparenchymal extension. Surgical tumor debulking was attempted, but an L4-S1 dorsal laminectomy revealed diffusely abnormal neuroparenchyma. Intraoperative cryosection favored lymphoma, and the cat was euthanized intraoperatively 163 d following presentation. Postmortem examination was performed, and the final diagnosis was a high-grade oligodendroglioma. This case illustrates the cytologic, cryosection, and MRI features of a unique clinical presentation of oligodendroglioma.

Anatomic study of the canine bronchial tree using silicone casts, radiography, and CT.

This prospective anatomic study examined the canine lower airway lumen morphology by visual inspection, radiography, and CT of silicone casts of two dogs. Study results showed the lobar, bronchopulmonary segmental, and pulmonary lobular organization of the lungs grossly reflected in the hierarchically clustered branching structure of the bronchial tree. Study results also provided a basis for differentiating bronchial and bronchiolar patterns. Whereas images of silicone-filled bronchial lumens produced large-diameter, branching, tapering bands that radiated from the lung hilus, the pattern was different for small airways. Images of silicone-filled bronchiole lumens produced small-diameter, branching, tapering, nonradiating lines that created a speckled pattern resembling micronodules and, unexpectedly during radiography, small-diameter rings with air-filled lumens attributed to positive and negative summation shadows. Consequently, imaging patterns in dogs might be affected by pulmonary lobular morphology and might differentiate large and small airway diseases.

Spontaneous Pituitary Neoplasm in Two Female Geriatric Southern Giant Pouched Rats (Cricetomys ansorgei).

Southern giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei) are a small muroid species native to the sub-Saharan Africa. Their exceptionally developed olfactory system, trainability, and relatively small size makes them useful working animals for various applications in humanitarian work. At our institution, a breeding colony of Southern giant pouched rats is maintained to study their physiology and utility as scent detectors. This case report describes the occurrence of spontaneous pituitary neoplasms with distinct clinical presentations in 2 geriatric (approximately 7.5 y old) wild-caught female Southern giant pouched rats. The first pouched rat displayed vestibular deficits, including left-sided head tilt, ataxia, disorientation, and circling. MRI revealed a large, focal heterogeneous mass arising from the pituitary fossa. The second pouched rat presented with polyuria, polydipsia, and hyperglycemia but no neurologic signs. Examination after euthanasia revealed a prolactin (PRL)-expressing pituitary carcinoma and adenoma in the first and second pouched rat, respectively, associated with mammary hyperplasia in both animals. This is the first report of spontaneous PRL-producing pituitary tumors in Southern giant pouched rats.

Malunion of an In Utero Metacarpal Fracture in a Standardbred Mare Presenting for Dystocia.

In utero fracture and malunion of long bones is a rare condition in horses. Most foals with in utero fractures are aborted, and the identification of a fetal in utero fracture in a mare with dystocia has not been reported. A 7-year-old multiparous Standardbred mare presented to a referral center for correction of dystocia. Assisted vaginal delivery and controlled vaginal delivery attempts were unsuccessful mainly because of contracted tendons impeding mutation. As the foal was alive, a cesarean section was elected. The foal was delivered but ultimately euthanized because of the congenital abnormalities. Computed tomography of the right forelimb of the foal along with gross examination and histologic evaluation of the right metacarpus revealed the malunion of a previous in utero fracture. While a few cases have been reported of in utero fracture, many of these were in abortuses and not in fetuses at term, making this case a new presentation and potential etiology for dystocia.

Single-Port Laparoscopic Treatment and Outcome of Dogs with Ovarian Remnant Syndrome: 13 Cases (2010-2018).

Ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) is a condition resulting from incomplete removal of ovarian tissue during ovariectomy and/or ovariohysterectomy. Single-port laparoscopy (SPL) is an alternative to ventral midline laparotomy for treatment of ORS. Medical records of 13 client-owned female dogs who underwent SPL for the treatment of ORS were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate surgical technique and outcome. Dogs who had undergone a previous attempt at open ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy were included. Major intraoperative complications did not occur and conversion to open laparotomy was not required. In 1 dog, an SPL + 1 technique was used, in which an additional port was placed cranial to the single-port device to aid in dissection and tissue manipulation. Median surgical time was 45 min (range, 30-90 min). Clinical signs related to estrus had resolved in 11 of 13 dogs with a median follow-up time of 18 mo. Two of 13 dogs were lost to follow-up at 3 mo postoperatively; however, signs of estrus had resolved at time of last follow-up. SPL treatment for ORS was feasible and successful in this cohort of dogs. Reduced surgical time was found in this study compared with previous reports investigating multiple-port laparoscopic treatment of ORS.

Massive uterine lipoleiomyoma and leiomyoma in a miniature poodle bitch.

A 15-year-old, intact, female miniature poodle was presented for further evaluation of a large abdominal mass. Computed tomography was conducted to determine the origin of the mass and 2 large uterine masses were discovered. Ovariohysterectomy was performed and histopathological evaluation revealed a massive uterine lipoleiomyoma (27 × 17 × 15 cm), the largest recorded in the veterinary literature, and a smaller leiomyoma (7 × 5 × 4 cm).

Lipoléiomyome utérin massif et léiomyome chez une chienne Caniche miniature. Une chienne Caniche miniature intacte âgée de 15 ans a été présentée pour une évaluation approfondie d'une grosse masse abdominale. Une analyse par tomodensitométrie a été réalisée afin de déterminer l'origine de la masse et deux grandes masses utérines ont été découvertes. L'ovariohystérectomie a été réalisée et l'évaluation histopathologique a révélé un lipoléimomyome utérin massif (27 × 17 × 15 cm), le plus gros jamais consigné dans la littérature vétérinaire et un plus petit léiomyome (7 × 5 × 4 cm).(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Efficacy of Blunt Force Trauma, a Novel Mechanical Cervical Dislocation Device, and a Non-Penetrating Captive Bolt Device for On-Farm Euthanasia of Pre-Weaned Kits, Growers, and Adult Commercial Meat Rabbits.

The commercial meat rabbit industry is without validated on-farm euthanasia methods, potentially resulting in inadequate euthanasia protocols. We evaluated blunt force trauma (BFT), a mechanical cervical dislocation device (MCD), and a non-penetrating captive bolt device (NPCB) for euthanasia of pre-weaned kits, growers, and adult rabbits. Trials were conducted on three commercial meat rabbit farms using 170 cull rabbits. Insensibility was assessed by evaluating absence of brainstem and spinal reflexes, rhythmic breathing, and vocalizations. Survey radiographs on a subsample of rabbits (n = 12) confirmed tissue damage prior to gross dissection and microscopic evaluation. All 63 rabbits euthanized by the NPCB device were rendered immediately and irreversibly insensible. The MCD device was effective in 46 of 49 (94%) rabbits. Method failure was highest for BFT with euthanasia failures in 13 of 58 (22%) rabbits. Microscopically, brain sections from rabbits killed with the NPCB device had significantly more damage than those from rabbits killed with BFT (p = 0.001). We conclude that BFT is neither consistently humane nor effective as a euthanasia method. MCD is an accurate and reliable euthanasia method generally causing clean dislocation and immediate and irreversible insensibility, and the NPCB device was 100% effective and reliable in rabbits >150 g.

On-farm euthanasia practices and attitudes of commercial meat rabbit producers.

Appropriate and timely on-farm euthanasia is the responsibility of the producer, working together with their herd veterinarian. Unfortunately, validated methods for euthanasia of commercial meat rabbits are lacking and there are few educational materials available for producer training. Because euthanasia must be performed in a timely fashion to minimise suffering, it is critical to ensure that methods used are aesthetic, humane and effective. We surveyed Canadian meat rabbit producers for current on-farm euthanasia practices as well as attitudes towards the methods they employed and thoughts on novel euthanasia techniques. Surveys were distributed with a response rate of 26 per cent (n=26). Blunt force trauma was the most common euthanasia method used (54 per cent), followed by assisted manual cervical dislocation (31 per cent). Half of producers admitted to not having a euthanasia method in place for all age groups of rabbits, instead electing to let sick and injured rabbits die on their own. While some producers reported feeling highly skilled and satisfied with their current euthanasia method, 58 per cent reported concerns with their current method and 42 per cent desired alternative methods to be developed. Responses to additional questions on training and awareness of euthanasia resources indicated that veterinarians are not part of on-farm euthanasia planning for meat rabbits.