Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis in a cat.

Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis was diagnosed in a 9-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat with a history of coughing, lethargy, and anorexia. Radiographic examination revealed multiple pulmonary opacities, consolidation of left lung lobes, and enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Cytologic examination of impression smears of abnormal pulmonary tissue revealed erythrocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages, with scattered atypical lymphocytes and binucleate cells. Histopathologic evaluation of abnormal lung tissue revealed multiple, coalescing, densely cellular nodules composed of anaplastic and pleomorphic lymphocytes, with scattered binucleate and multinucleate cells. Marked infiltration and effacement of bronchiolar and vascular smooth muscle were present. These features are characteristic of lymphomatoid granulomatosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis in a cat.

Serial ultrasonographic appearance of postpartum uterine involution in beagle dogs.

Postpartum changes in uterine shape, architecture, echogenicity and diameter were determined during the serial examinations of five beagle bitches. During postpartum Week 1, the uterine horns were tubular structures composed of multiple layers of various echogenicity and had multiple, discrete enlargements with hypoechoic centers at placental sites. Diameters ranged from 1.1 to 3.8 cm at placental site enlargements, and 0.5 to 1.4 cm between enlargements. Uterine involution appeared to be completed by 15 wk post partum. At 15 weeks the uterine horns of each dog were uniform hypoechoic, tubular structures without enlargements and had a reduced diameter of 0.3 to 0.6 cm. These ultrasonographic findings are similar to previously reported gross and light microscopic descriptions of canine uterine involution.

Association between the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge and the early ultrasonographic detection of pregnancy and fetal heartbeats in beagle dogs.

The size of the gestational sac and embryonic mass as well as the embryonic heartbeat were examined ultrasonographically from Day 16 to 25 of pregnancy in 15 beagle bitches, using a 7.5 MHz transducer. Results were more consistent when gestational age was based on the day of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge than on the day of first breeding. The gestational sac was first detected at 17 to 20 d after the LH surge, when it was 1 to 2 mm in diameter and 1 to 4 mm in length. The diameter and length of the gestational sac increased exponentially. At Day 25, the mean diameter was 8.2 +/- 0.3 mm (7 to 9 mm) and mean length was 20.3 +/- 1.1 mm (14 to 24 mm). Embryonic mass and heartbeat were first detected at 23 to 25 d after the LH surge. The embryonic heartbeat was detected on the day of or the day after detection of the embryonic mass, at which time the embryonic mass was 1 to 4 mm in length and was located at the periphery of the gestational sac.

Effects of oral ursodeoxycholic acid in healthy cats on clinicopathological parameters, serum bile acids and light microscopic and ultrastructural features of the liver.

A blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) given orally, at a dose of 15 mg kg-1 per day for eight weeks, on the physical condition, haematological and serum biochemical profiles, urinalysis, total serum bile acids (TSBA) and hepatic histology of four healthy cats. There were no clinically important significant differences between the groups or within the treatment groups in clinicopathological parameters. TSBA concentrations or histology. A significant lower concentration/proportion of taurochenodeoxycholic acid was observed in the treated cats (P = 0.05). Only one treated cat accumulated measurable quantities of UDCA, and the compound appeared to be non-toxic. It did not increase the concentration of TSBA, and accumulated minimally in the serum. It should be investigated for therapeutic use in cats with hepatobiliary disease.

Effect of breed and body weight on echocardiographic values in four breeds of dogs of differing somatotype.

Eighty normal dogs of four morphologically disparate breeds (Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Miniature Poodle, Afghan Hound, Golden Retriever) (twenty of each breed), were studied by echocardiography to determine the importance of breed and weight in establishing normal echocardiographic reference ranges. Echocardiographic measurements included left-ventricular chamber dimension at systole and end-diastole, right-ventricular chamber dimension at end-diastole, interventricular septal thickness at systole and end-diastole, left-ventricular free wall thickness at systole and end-diastole, E-point septal separation, aortic root dimension at end-diastole, left atrial dimension, and fractional shortening. Analyses of covariance indicated that for all measurements except right-ventricular chamber dimension, the means were significantly different among breeds, after the differences in weight were taken into account. Echocardiographic measurements are variable even within the same breed. Breed must be considered in establishing echocardiographic measurement reference ranges. Echocardiographic values for each breed are presented.

Serum-effusion albumin gradient in dogs with transudative abdominal effusion.

A prospective clinical study in dogs with transudative abdominal effusions examined the clinical usefulness of the serum albumin-effusion albumin (SA-EA) gradient. In humans, the SA-EA gradient facilitates classification of abdominal effusion, with a gradient > or = 1.1 indicating the presence of portal hypertension. Gradient values proved useful for predicting therapeutic response to sodium restriction and diuresis in humans. Of 49 dogs evaluated, 25 had hepatobiliary disease (group 1) and 24 had other nonhepatobiliary conditions (group 2). Portal hypertension was clinically suspected in 24 of 25 dogs in group 1 and in 15 of 24 dogs in group 2. A broad range of SA-EA gradients was found. A gradient > or = 1.1 was found in 22 of 25 (88.0%) dogs with liver disease and in 14 of 24 (58.3%) dogs with other disorders. The median SA-EA gradient was higher in group 1 than in group 2, with values of 1.4 (range, 0.7-3.1) and 1.1 (range, 0.3-2.6), respectively (P < .04). Considerable overlapping of SA-EA gradients occurred between groups and among dogs with diverse conditions such that gradient values could not distinguish dogs with hepatobiliary disease from dogs with other conditions. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the SA-EA gradient in predicting portal hypertension in dogs with and without hepatobiliary disease (69.4%) exceeded that of hypoalbuminemia (57.1%). These findings suggest that portal hypertension is a predominant force in formation of transudative abdominal effusion in dogs with hepatobiliary disease and in dogs with other disorders. Whether the SA-EA gradient can be used to guide therapeutic mobilization of effusion in dogs remains to be proved.

Characterization of hepatoportal microvascular dysplasia in a kindred of cairn terriers.

Hepatoportal microvascular dysplasia (MVD), a congenital disorder of the hepatic vasculature, is described in a kindred of Cairn Terrier dogs. Cairn Terrier dogs (n = 165) were evaluated using the serum bile acid test. Affected dogs, identified by abnormal fasting or postprandial serum bile acid concentrations, were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 dogs (n = 147) were used for pedigree analysis. Group 2 dogs (n = 18) were characterized on the basis of history, physical examination, clinicopathologic studies, diagnostic imaging of the liver and portal circulation, and hepatic histopathology. Group 2 contained control dogs (n = 2), dogs with hepatoportal MVD (n = 11), and dogs with macroscopic portosystemic vascular anomalies (PVSA) (n = 5). With the exception of high serum bile acid concentrations, dogs with hepatoportal MVD were indistinguishable from control dogs on the basis of history, physical examination, clinicopathologic findings, survey abdominal radiography, abdominal ultrasound, or transcolonic scintigraphy. Contrast portography in dogs with MVD revealed abnormalities of terminal twigs of the portal vasculature with out large intrahepatic or extrahepatic shunting vessels. Histopathologic abnormalities in dogs with hepatoportal MVD were similar to those reported for dogs with PSVA. Pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal inheritance for MVD. Dogs with MVD had high serum bile acid concentrations, abnormal indocyanine green clearance, and hepatic pathology suggestive of PSVA, but they lacked characteristic clinical findings of PSVA. The clinical significance of MVD is unclear. Dogs with MVD were clinically normal when evaluated but long-term follow-up is not yet available. Dogs with hepatoportal MVD should be identified at an early age to avoid confusion in future diagnostic evaluations.

A syndrome resembling idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension in 4 young Doberman pinschers.

We describe 4 young male Doberman Pinschers (3 littermates and 1 unrelated dog) with a syndrome resembling idiopathic or noncirrhotic portal hypertension of humans. Each dog was evaluated for a hepatopathy resulting in portal hypertension, development of portosystemic collateral vessels, and hepatic encephalopathy. These dogs differ from previous reports of young dogs with hepatic insufficiency associated with portal hypertension and acquired portal systemic shunting by their lack of intrahepatic arteriovenous fistulae, portal vein atresia, or intrahepatic fibrosis. Clinicopathologic features included erythrocyte microcytosis, normal to mildly increased liver enzyme activities, increased concentrations of serum bile acids, reduced plasma indocyanine green clearance, and normal total bilirubin concentration. Abdominal ultrasonography disclosed a small liver and portosystemic collateral vessels. Radiographic imaging studies confirmed hepatofugal portal circulation and discounted hepatic arteriovenous fistulae. Histopathologic features in liver tissue from each dog were similar and consistent in all sections examined. Common findings included increased cross-sectional views of hepatic arterioles; hepatic lobular atrophy; scanty increase in connective tissue around some large portal triads; and absence of inflammation, disturbed lobular architecture, bile duct proliferation, or intrahepatic cholestasis.

Glomerular filtration rate and renal volume in dogs with congenital portosystemic vascular anomalies before and after surgical ligation.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal volume were evaluated in dogs with confirmed portosystemic vascular anomalies (PSVA) before and after surgical ligation of their PSVA. Pre- and postligation CBC, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasonography with measurement of renal volume, and per rectal scintigraphy were performed to document resolution of abnormalities consistent with portosystemic shunting. GFR was estimated by plasma 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) clearance before (n = 21) and after (n = 12) surgical correction of PSVA. Preligation 99mTc-DTPA GFR was increased (median, 5.64 mL/minute/kg; range, 3.53-8.49 mL/minute/kg; reference range, 2.83-4.47 mL/minute/kg) in 81% (17/21) of dogs. Postligation 99mTc-DTPA GFR decreased in all 12 evaluated dogs (median change = -42%; P < .001). Preligation renal volume was above the reference range for the left and right kidneys in 71% (10/14) and 69% (11/16) of dogs evaluated, respectively. Right renal volume decreased significantly (n = 5; median change, -45%; P = .03) after surgical ligation of PSVA. These findings document increased GFR and renal volume in dogs with PSVA, which may explain in part the low blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations encountered in these dogs. Knowledge of changes in GFR associated with PSVA ligation may prove helpful in the anesthetic, drug, and dietary management of affected dogs.

The clinical and metabolic effects of rapid weight loss in obese pet cats and the influence of supplemental oral L-carnitine.

The efficacy, safety, and metabolic consequences of rapid weight loss in privately owned obese cats by means of a canned weight-reduction diet and the influence of orally administered L-carnitine on rate of weight loss, routine clinical evaluations, hepatic ultrasonography, plasma amino acid profiles, and carnitine analytes were evaluated. A double-blinded placebo-controlled design was used with cats randomly divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 14) received L-carnitine (250 mg PO q24h) in aqueous solution and group 2 (n = 10) received an identical-appearing water placebo. Median obesity (body condition scores and percentage ideal body weight) in each group was 25%. Caloric intake was restricted to 60% of maintenance energy requirements (60 kcal/kg) for targeted ideal weight. The reducing formula was readily accepted by all cats. Significant weight loss was achieved by week 18 in each group without adverse effects (group 1 = 23.7%, group 2 = 19.6%). Cats receiving carnitine lost weight at a significantly faster rate (P < .05). Significant increases in carnitine values developed in each group (P < .02). However, significantly higher concentrations of all carnitine moieties and a greater percentage of acetylcarnitine developed in cats of group 1 (P < .01). The dietary formula and described reducing strategy can safely achieve a 20% weight reduction within 18 weeks in obese cats. An aqueous solution of L-carnitine (250 mg PO q12h) was at least partially absorbed, was nontoxic, and significantly increased plasma carnitine analyte concentrations as well as rate of weight loss.

Study of association between histologic features and echogenicity of architecturally normal cat kidneys.

Thirty-eight grossly and histologically normal cat kidneys were examined ultrasonographically. The echogenicity of the renal cortex was subjectively evaluated by scoring it as largely or not largely different from the echogenicity of the renal medulla and as similar or not similar to the echogenicity of the renal sinus. The presence or absence of a medullary hyperechoic band was determined. The length, width, and height of each kidney was measured. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of each kidney were examined microscopically. The amount of fat vacuoles in the tubular epithelium of the renal cortex was scored as plentiful or not plentiful. The presence or absence of a medullary band of mineral deposits within the lumina of renal tubules was determined. A plentiful amount of fat vacuoles in renal cortex was associated positively with a large difference in echogenicity between cortex and medulla (P less than 0.01) and with similar echogenicity of cortex and sinus (P less than 0.01). The presence of a medullary hyperechoic band was associated positively with a band of mineral deposits within medullary tubular lumen (P 0.01). Kidneys with a large difference in echogenicity between cortex and medulla and kidneys with a plentiful amount of fat vacuoles were not significantly different in size (P = 0.56). These groups were larger (P less than 0.01) in length, width, and height than were kidneys without a large difference in echogenicity between cortex and medulla and kidneys that did not have plentiful cortical fat vacuoles.

Accuracy of ultrasonography in the detection of severe hepatic lipidosis in cats.

The accuracy of ultrasonography in detection of feline hepatic lipidosis was studied retrospectively. The following ultrasonographic criteria were associated positively with severe hepatic lipidosis: the liver hyperechoic, compared with falciform fat; the liver isoechoic or hyperechoic, compared with omental fat; poor visualization of intrahepatic vessel borders; and increased attenuation of sound by the liver. In a group of 36 cats with clinically apparent hepatobiliary disease and in which liver biopsy was done, liver hyperechoic, compared with falciform fat, was the best criterion for diagnosis of severe hepatic lipidosis with 91% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 100% positive predictive value.

Keratan sulfate as a marker of articular cartilage catabolism and joint treatment in ponies.

Keratan sulfate (KS) is a glycosaminoglycan, distribution of which is confined mostly to hyaline cartilage. As such, it is a putative marker of hyaline cartilage catabolism. In experiment 1, a focal osteochondral defect was made arthroscopically in 1 radial carpal bone of 2 ponies, and in 2 other ponies, chymopapain was injected into the radiocarpal joint to induce cartilage catabolism. Sequential and concurrent plasma and synovial fluid concentrations of KS were measured, up to 13 months after induction of cartilage injury, to determine whether changes in KS concentrations reflected cartilage catabolism. In experiment 2, a large, bilateral osteochondral defect was made in the radial carpal bones of 18 ponies, which were subsequently given postoperative exercise and/or injected intra-articularly with 250 mg of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG). Medication was given at surgery, then weekly for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected and synovial fluid was aspirated before surgery, when medication was given, and at postmortem examination (postoperative week 17). The KS concentration was measured in these fluids to determine whether changes in KS concentration indicated an effect of joint treatment. In experiment 1, the concentration of KS in synovial fluid was highest 1 day after joint injury, and the concentration in plasma peaked 2 days after joint injury. For ponies receiving chymopapain intra-articularly (generalized cartilage catabolism), a fivefold increase over baseline was observed in the concentration of KS in plasma (peak mean, 1.2 micrograms/ml), and a tenfold increase over baseline in synovial fluid (peak mean, 2.0 mg/ml) was observed. On average, these maxima were threefold higher than values in fluids of ponies with osteochondral defects (focal cartilage disease). In experiment 2, nonexercised ponies had lower KS concentration (as a percentage of the preoperative concentration) in synovial fluid than did exercised ponies at all postoperative times, and at postoperative week 17, this effect was significant (P < 0.05). This may be related to decreased turnover of KS in articular cartilage attributable to stall confinement and late increase in turnover related to exercise. Seventeen weeks after surgery, synovial fluid from exercised, medicated ponies had significantly (P < 0.05) higher KS content than did fluid from exercised, nomedicated ponies. This indicated that exercise, when combined with medication, may increase KS release from articular cartilage. Synovial fluid from medicated joints of nonexercised ponies had significantly (P < 0.05) lower KS concentration than did synovial fluid from nonmedicated joints of nonexercised ponies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ultrasonographic appearance of the uterus, placenta, fetus, and fetal membranes throughout accurately timed pregnancy in beagles.

Serial ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 8 Beagle bitches from 20 to 60 days pregnant to determine time of first detection, appearance, and sizes of selected features of pregnancy. Gestation was timed from the day of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge. Findings related to gestational age were consistent among bitches. Gestational ages at earliest detection of the following features were: chorionic cavity at day 20; placental layers in the uterine wall at day 22 to 24; zonary placenta at day 27 to 30; embryo and heartbeat at day 23 to 25; yolk sac membrane at day 25 to 28; allantoic membrane at day 27 to 31; choroid plexus of the brain at day 31 to 35; fetal movement at day 34 to 36; skeleton at day 33 to 39; bladder and stomach at day 35 to 39; kidney at day 39 to 47; and liver hypoechoic, compared with lung, at day 38 to 42. Extra-fetal structures were measurable from day 20 or 22 through day 48. Chorionic cavity diameter increased from 0.2 +/- 0.0 cm to 3.3 +/- 0.2 cm, outer uterine diameter increased from 0.8 +/- 0.03 cm to 4.8 +/- 0.2 cm, length of chorionic cavity or zonary placenta increased from 0.3 +/- 0.03 cm to 4.9 +/- 0.05 cm, uterine wall thickness increased from 0.3 +/- 0.03 cm to 0.8 +/- 0.01 cm, and placental thickness increased from 0.1 +/- 0.0 cm to 0.5 +/- 0.05 cm. Chorionic cavity diameter, outer uterine diameter, and placental length each increased at a linear rate through day 37, after which time, each had a marked plateau in growth. Of the extra-fetal structures, chorionic cavity diameter was the most accurate for estimation of gestational age. All of the fetal structures studied increased at an increasing (second order) rate. Crown-rump length increased from 0.3 +/- 0.05 cm on day 24 to 9.2 +/- 0.2 cm on day 48. Body diameter increased from 0.2 +/- 0.03 cm on day 24 to 4.6 +/- 0.15 cm on day 60. Head diameter increased from 0.8 +/- 0.05 cm on day 34 to 2.7 +/- 0.04 cm on day 60. Of the fetal structures, head diameter was the most accurate for estimation of gestational age.

Effects of sodium hyaluronate on tendon healing and adhesion formation in horses.

Sodium hyaluronate reduces adhesions after tendon repair in rodents and dogs, and has been used in limited clinical trials in people. To evaluate its effect on tendon healing and adhesion formation in horses and to compare these effects with those of a compound of similar visco-elastic properties, a study was performed in horses, using a model of collagenase injection in the flexor tendons within the digital sheath. Eight clinically normal horses were randomly allotted to 2 groups. Adhesion formation between the deep digital flexor tendon and the tendon sheath at the pastern region was induced in the forelimbs of all horses. Using tenoscopic control, a 20-gauge needle was inserted into the deep digital flexor tendon of horses under general anesthesia and 0.2 ml of collagenase (2.5 mg/ml) was injected. The procedure was repeated proximally at 2 other sites, spaced 1.5 cm apart. A biopsy forceps was introduced, and a 5-mm tendon defect was created at each injection site. Group-A horses had 120 mg of sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) gel injected into the tendon sheath of one limb. Group-B horses had methylcellulose gel injected at the same sites. The contralateral limbs of horses in both groups served as surgical, but noninjected, controls. Horses were euthanatized after 8 weeks of stall rest. Ultrasonographic evaluation revealed improved tendon healing after NaHa injection, but no difference in peritendinous adhesion formation. Tendon sheath fluid volume and hyaluronic acid (HA) content were greater in NaHA-treated limbs. Gross pathologic examination revealed considerably fewer and smaller adhesions when limbs were treated with NaHA. However, significant difference in pull-out strengths was not evident between NaHA-treated and control limbs. Histologically, the deep digital flexor tendon from the NaHA-treated limbs had reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, improved tendon structure, and less intratendinous hemorrhage. Treatment with methylcullulose had no significant effect on tendon healing, adhesion size, quantity, or strength or on the volume and composition of the tendon sheath fluid. Sodium hyaluronate, administered intrathecally, appears to have a pharmaceutically beneficial action in this collagenase-induced tendinitis and adhesion model in horses.

Unilateral adrenalectomy as a treatment for adrenocortical tumors in ferrets: five cases (1990-1992).

Adrenocortical tumors were diagnosed in 5 adult spayed ferrets. Four ferrets had bilaterally symmetrical alopecia of the caudal femoral region, abdomen, and tail, and 1 had alopecia of the distal limbs and feet. All 5 ferrets had vulvar swelling. During abdominal ultrasonography, irregular masses, believed to involve the adrenal glands, were seen in all 5 ferrets. Unilateral adrenalectomy was performed successfully in each ferret by use of ventral midline celiotomy. On histologic examination of biopsy samples, 4 ferrets were found to have adrenocortical adenomas, and 1 ferret was found to have an adrenocortical adenocarcinoma. All clinical signs resolved after adrenalectomy, suggesting that the adrenocortical tumors had been secreting adrenocortical hormones.

Scintigraphy for diagnosis of avulsions of the origin of the suspensory ligament in horses: 51 cases (1980-1993).

The medical records of 34 horses with a diagnosis of avulsion of the origin of the suspensory ligament that had been admitted to the veterinary medical teaching hospital between 1980 and 1993 were identified. In addition to clinical examination, 21 of 34 horses had scintigraphy and radiography performed during their examination. The usefulness of scintigraphy and radiography were assessed by comparing the initial findings reported in the medical record to those obtained in a retrospective review of the images. Thirty other horses with scintigraphic lesions of the proximal aspect of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone but with a confirmed diagnosis other than avulsion of the suspensory ligament served as controls for lesion specificity. Scintigraphy (bone phase, n = 21) revealed increased uptake in all horses in both reviews. Only 14 of 21 (67%) horses radiographed, however, had at least 1 lesion during the initial radiographic evaluation that was reported to be suggestive of avulsion. When the radiographs were reviewed retrospectively, the radiologist identified 18 of 21 (86%) horses with lesions consistent with avulsion. The interpretation of scintigraphy appeared to be a more repeatable and sensitive diagnostic method than radiography. However, though scintigraphy was sensitive in identifying inflammation of the proximal aspect of the metacarpal/metatarsal region, no specific diagnosis of avulsion could be made without coincident radiography; the specificity of scintigraphy in diagnosing avulsion of the suspensory ligament was only 41% (21/51).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Suspected microscopic hepatic arteriovenous fistulae in a young dog.

Portal hypertension can develop from any disorder that obstructs portal blood flow and may cause ascites in young dogs. Anomalous hepatic arteriovenous (AV) connections are rare but should be suspected in any young dog with portal hypertension or ascites. All previous reports of dogs with hepatic AV fistulae have documented macroscopic connections between the arterial and venous systems. Identical clinical signs and histopathologic findings can develop in dogs in which a macroscopic hepatic AV connection cannot be detected. Microscopic AV connections may be responsible for clinical signs in these dogs.

Influence of patient positioning on sensitivity of mesenteric portography for detecting an anomalous portosystemic blood vessel in dogs: 34 cases (1997-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sensitivity of detecting an anomalous portosystemic blood vessel during operative mesenteric portography varied with patient positioning. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 34 dogs with a portosystemic shunt diagnosed via scintigraphy or surgery. PROCEDURE: Portograms were evaluated for a portosystemic blood vessel. Sensitivity was calculated from results obtained with dogs in left lateral, right lateral, and dorsal recumbency and from results obtained with dogs in 2 or 3 positions. Differences in sensitivity among positions and between 2 examiners were evaluated. RESULTS: Sensitivity was 85, 91, and 100% in dorsal, right lateral, and left lateral recumbency, respectively. Sensitivity was lower in dorsal recumbency than in left lateral recumbency, although differences were not significant. There was no significant difference between sensitivity of results obtained in dorsal and right lateral recumbency or right lateral and left lateral recumbency. Sensitivity for combined right lateral and dorsal positions was 97%, which was better than that in dorsal recumbency alone, although the difference was not significant. Because sensitivity in left lateral recumbency was 100%, there was no need to evaluate the improvement obtained by combining the result of this position with the results of other positions. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of mesenteric portography varied with patient positioning. The optimal position varied among patients but left lateral recumbency may be better and dorsal recumbency worse. Sensitivity may be improved by performing the test with the patient in orthogonal recumbent positions.

Accuracy of radiography of the reticulum for predicting surgical findings in adult dairy cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis: 123 cases (1981-1987).

Radiographic and surgical findings were compared in 123 cattle suspected of having traumatic reticuloperitonitis. Radiography of the reticulum proved to be a sensitive test for detection of a foreign body (FB). An abnormal FB position on a radiograph was a good predictor of FB perforation. If an FB was fully attached to a magnet, it was unlikely to be perforating the reticular wall. When abnormal reticulum size, abnormal reticulum location, and gas shadows adjacent to the reticulum were found simultaneously on a radiograph, hepatic or perireticular abscess was likely. Reticular radiography proved to be a useful diagnostic aid in cattle suspected of having traumatic reticuloperitonitis.