Assessment of MMP-9 and clinical characteristics in dogs with tracheal collapse based on cough severity and fluoroscopic findings: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal collapse (TC), a common disease in dogs, is characterized by cough; however, little is known about the serum biomarkers that can objectively evaluate the severity of cough in canine TC. Furthermore, studies elucidating the relationship of fluoroscopic characteristics with the severity of cough are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cough severity and clinical characteristics, fluoroscopic images, and new serum biomarkers in canine TC. RESULTS: Fifty-one client-owned dogs diagnosed with TC based on fluoroscopic and clinical signs were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups according to the severity of cough (grade of cough: 0, 1, and 2). Signalments, comorbidities, and fluoroscopic characteristics were compared among the groups retrospectively. The serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin-6 (IL-6), surfactant protein-A (SP-A), and syndecan-1 (SDC-1) levels were measured in all groups. No significant differences in age, breed, sex, or clinical history were observed among the groups. Concomitant pharyngeal collapse increased significantly with the severity of cough (p = .031). Based on the fluoroscopic characteristics, the TC grade of the carinal region increased significantly and consistently with the grade of cough (p = .03). The serum MMP-9 level was significantly higher in the grade 2 group than that in the grade 0 group (p = .014). The serum IL-6 level was significantly lower in the grade 1 group than that in the grade 0 group (p = .020). The serum SP-A and SDC-1 levels did not differ significantly among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of cough with the progression of TC can be predicted with the fluoroscopic TC grade at the carinal region. MMP-9 may be used as an objective serum biomarker that represents cough severity to understand the pathogenesis.

Surgical management of urethral obstruction secondary to perineal liposarcoma in a dog: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Swelling of the perineal region in male dogs is most commonly caused by a perineal hernia. Clinical signs associated with perineal hernia are constipation, tenesmus or stranguria. This case report documents a rare cause of perineal swelling created by the growth of a malignant tumour leading to urethral obstruction and subsequent stranguria. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year-old neutered male German Shepherd was presented for swelling in the perineal region and stranguria for three days. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry were unremarkable. Ultrasound revealed a heterogeneous mass in the perineal region. Retrograde urethrography showed a severe narrowing of the urethra caudal to the pelvis. A fine-needle aspirate of the mass was highly suspicious for liposarcoma. Staging was performed by computed tomography (CT) of the thorax and abdomen. Total penile amputation in combination with pubic-ischial pelvic osteotomy, transposition of the remaining urethra through the inguinal canal, V-Y-plasty cranial to the prepuce and preputial urethrostomy were performed to remove the tumour. Histopathology confirmed a well-differentiated liposarcoma with complete histological margins. Six months after the surgery the dog was doing well and there were no signs indicating local tumour recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Wide surgical excision is generally recommended for soft tissue sarcomas, however this is sometimes not feasible for large tumours. In the case reported here, tumour resection was achieved by a combination of several surgical techniques with a good clinical outcome.

Diagnostic benefits of platelet-to-lymphocyte, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, and albumin-to-globulin ratios in dogs with nasal cavity diseases.

BACKGROUND: A multimodal approach for diagnostic tests under anesthesia is required to diagnose nasal cavity pathology (NP) reliably in dogs. Blood test results may provide clues to the suspected NP. METHODS: This prospective blinded study assessed 72 dogs with chronic nasal discharge due to NPs, and 10 healthy dogs as the control group (CG). NPs were diagnosed using whole-body computed tomography (CT), upper airway endoscopy, examination of nasal mucosal swabs by bacterial and fungal culture, and histopathological examination of nasal mucosa biopsies. The exclusion criteria were the presence of any additional diseases or corticosteroid pre-treatment. In consideration of these exclusion criteria, 55 dogs entered the study. Dogs were classified into benign (benign tumors, idiopathic rhinitis (IR), and others) and malignant (carcinomas and sarcomas) NP groups. Blood count and blood chemistry tests were performed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) were calculated and compared. RESULTS: 25 dogs with malignant NP (13 and 12 with carcinomas and sarcomas, respectively) and 30 dogs with benign NP (seven with benign tumors,13 with IR, and 10 others) were included. In general, in dogs with NP there were only slight abnormalities in complete blood count. However, PLR was significantly higher in dogs with malignant NP (carcinoma and sarcoma) than in those with benign NP and in the CG. Compared with the CG, the NLR was significantly increased in all dogs with NP, and the AGR was mild but significantly lower, except in dogs with sarcomas and benign tumors. CONCLUSIONS: In dogs with nasal disease alone, there are usually no marked abnormalities in blood count. However, while mildly increased NLR and decreased AGR can be observed in almost all NPs, an increased PLR may indicate a malignant NP and can be used as an additional screening tool in dogs with nasal discharge due to nasal cavity pathology.

Significance of scattered small echogenic foci floating in urinary bladder as ultrasonography finding in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Despite the prevalence of echogenic foci floating in the urinary bladder seen in ultrasonography in dogs, surprisingly little has been written on its significance, including its potential association with urinalysis. The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of the echogenic foci floating in urinary bladders in dogs. RESULTS: - Cystosonography was performed on 45 dogs. Bladder contents were examined and divided into positive (containing echogenic particles) and negative (absent echogenic particles) groups according to the presence and absence of floating echogenic particles. Five mL of urine was collected via cystocentesis. Urine analysis and culture were done and the relationship between ultrasound evaluation and urinalysis results was investigated. In dogs with bladder echogenic particles in ultrasonography, the prevalence of hematuria, pyuria, bacteriuria, and lipiduria were 88.9%, 92.6%, 29.6%, and 70.3%, respectively. However, in dogs in which echogenic particles were not observed in their bladders, the prevalence of hematuria, pyuria, bacteriuria, and lipiduria was 77%, 50%, 5.5%, and 77%, respectively. There was a significant association between bladder debris and positive urine culture, with an odds ratio of 7.15 (95% confidence interval: 0.81-63.28) compared with matched controls. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the presence of floating echogenic particles with pyuria, and urine color ( p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present results showed the detection of bladder debris on ultrasound can be a predictor for pyuria and positive urine culture in dogs.

Assessment of tumor hypoxia in spontaneous canine tumors after treatment with OMX, a novel H-NOX oxygen carrier, with [18F]FMISO PET/CT.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia is a detrimental factor in solid tumors, leading to aggressiveness and therapy resistance. OMX, a tunable oxygen carrier from the heme nitric oxide/oxygen-binding (H-NOX) protein family, has the potential to reduce tumor hypoxia. [18F]Fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET) is the most widely used and investigated method for non-invasive imaging of tumor hypoxia. In this study, we used [18F]FMISO PET/CT (computed tomography) to assess the effect of OMX on tumor hypoxia in spontaneous canine tumors. RESULTS: Thirteen canine patients with various tumors (n = 14) were randomly divided into blocks of two, with the treatment groups alternating between receiving intratumoral (IT) OMX injection (OMX IT group) and intravenous (IV) OMX injection (OMX IV group). Tumors were regarded as hypoxic if maximum tumor-to-muscle ratio (TMRmax) was greater than 1.4. In addition, hypoxic volume (HV) was defined as the region with tumor-to-muscle ratio greater than 1.4 on [18F]FMISO PET images. Hypoxia was detected in 6/7 tumors in the OMX IT group and 5/7 tumors in the OMX IV injection group. Although there was no significant difference in baseline hypoxia between the OMX IT and IV groups, the two groups showed different responses to OMX. In the OMX IV group, hypoxic tumors (n = 5) exhibited significant reductions in tumor hypoxia, as indicated by decreased TMRmax and HV in [18F]FMISO PET imaging after treatment. In contrast, hypoxic tumors in the OMX IT group (n = 6) displayed a significant increase in [18F]FMISO uptake and variable changes in TMRmax and HV. CONCLUSIONS: [18F]FMISO PET/CT imaging presents a promising non-invasive procedure for monitoring tumor hypoxia and assessing the efficacy of hypoxia-modulating therapies in canine patients. OMX has shown promising outcomes in reducing tumor hypoxia, especially when administered intravenously, as evident from reductions in both TMRmax and HV in [18F]FMISO PET imaging.

Hydrops fetalis caused by a complex congenital heart defect with concurrent hypoplasia of pulmonary blood vessels and lungs visualized by micro-CT in a French Bulldog.

BACKGROUND: Hydrops fetalis (HF) is fluid accumulation in fetus body cavities and subcutaneous tissue. The condition has been described in various farm and companion animal species, including dogs. Most of cases result from a heart defect. Exact nature of this defect is rarely clarified. CASE PRESENTATION: A newborn, male French bulldog puppy with severe HF underwent a full anatomopathological examination to diagnose the primary cause of HF. Based on the anatomopathological examination, fetal ultrasound, and micro-computed tomography, transposition of the great arteries with hypoplasia of the ascending aorta, aortic arch interruption, ostium secundum atrial septal defect, severe tricuspid valve dysplasia, as well as hypoplasia of pulmonary vessels and lungs were diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of HF caused by severe, complex congenital heart defects with concurrent pulmonary vessel and lung hypoplasia.

Comparison of a blind and an ultrasound-guided technique for Retrobulbar anesthesia in dogs undergoing unilateral subconjunctival enucleation.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the quality of retrobulbar anesthesia using a blind inferior-temporal palpebral approach (ITP) with an ultrasound-guided supratemporal (ST) technique in dogs undergoing unilateral enucleation. ANIMAL STUDIED: Twenty-one client-owned dogs were undergoing enucleation. PROCEDURES: Dogs were randomly assigned to receive ITP (n = 10) or ST (n = 11) with 0.5% ropivacaine at 0.1 mL/cm of neurocranial length. The anesthetist was blinded to the technique. Intraoperative data included cardiopulmonary variables, inhalant anesthetics requirement, and requirement for rescue analgesia (intravenous fentanyl 2.5 mcg/kg). Postoperative data included pain scores, sedation scores, and need for intravenous hydromorphone (0.05 mg/kg). Treatments were compared using Wilcoxon's rank sum test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Comparison of variables over time were tested using a mixed effect linear model on rank. Significance was set at p = 0.05. RESULTS: Intraoperative cardiopulmonary variables and inhalant requirements were not different between groups. Dogs receiving ITP required median (interquartile range, IQR) 1.25 (0, 2.5) mcg/kg intraoperative fentanyl while those receiving ST required none (p < 0.01). Intraoperative fentanyl was required in 5/10 and 0/11 of dogs in the ITP and ST groups, respectively (p = 0.01). Postoperative analgesia requirements were not significantly different between groups; 2/10 and 1/10 dogs in the ITP and ST groups, respectively. Sedation score negatively affected pain score (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound-guided ST technique was more effective at decreasing intraoperative opioid requirements than the blind ITP approach in dogs undergoing unilateral enucleation.

Comparative evaluation of corneal and limbal epithelial thickness in brachycephalic dogs with and without corneal diseases using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate alterations in epithelial thickness during corneal degeneration, corneal pigmentation, and additional features observed through spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in brachycephalic dogs. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURES: The study used 55 eyes from 49 brachycephalic dogs that underwent OCT-containing ophthalmic examinations. The examined eyes were classified into corneal degeneration, corneal pigmentation, and normal groups according to corneal lesions. For each eye, corneal epithelial thickness (CET) in the central cornea and maximum limbal epithelial thickness (maxLET) in 4 quadrants of limbus (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal) were measured from OCT images. Additional abnormal findings on OCT images, including irregular epithelium, subepithelial hyperreflectivity, and conjunctivochalasis, were also recorded. RESULTS: The corneal degeneration group had significantly thinner nasal and temporal maxLETs than that of the normal group (p < .001). In the central corneal OCT image of the corneal degeneration group, an irregular epithelium was observed in 70.6% and subepithelial hyperreflectivity in 82.4%, both of which were significantly higher than the normal group (p < .001). In a comparative analysis, the nasal, temporal, and inferior maxLETs were significantly thinner in the corneal pigmentation group than those in the normal group (p < .001, p < .001, and p = .01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Morphological changes in the limbal epithelium were observed in dogs with corneal degeneration and corneal pigmentation. LET reduction could be associated with their pathogenesis and would be valuable as an additional parameter for corneal diseases.

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.

Morphologic impact of four surgical techniques to correct excessive tibial plateau angle in dogs: A theoretical radiographic analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine morphologic differences between four tibial osteotomy techniques used to correct excessive tibial plateau angle (eTPA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective radiographic analysis. SAMPLE POPULATION: Sixteen dogs (27 tibias) with eTPA. METHODS: Virtual corrections of eTPA were performed on sagittal plane radiographs of canine tibia using four tibial osteotomy techniques and categorized into respective groups. Group A represented the center of rotation of angulation (CORA)-based leveling osteotomy (CBLO) and coplanar cranial closing wedge ostectomy (CCWO), Group B the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and CCWO, Group C the modified CCWO (mCCWO), and Group D the proximal tibial neutral wedge osteotomy (PTNWO). Pre- and post-correction TPA, tibial length and mechanical cranial distal tibial angle (mCrDTA) were measured and compared. RESULTS: Mean TPA prior to correction was 42.67 ± 6.1°. Post-correction mean TPAs were 10.47 ± 2.1°, 6.77 ± 1.6°, 4.76 ± 1.5°, and 7.09 ± 1.3° for Groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. TPA correction accuracy in Groups A and D varied least from target TPAs. Tibial shortening was documented in Group B in contrast to other groups. The greatest mechanical axis shift was identified in Group A. CONCLUSION: Each technique achieved TPA < 14° despite having different effects on tibial morphology including alteration of tibial length, mechanical axis shift and variation in correctional accuracy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite all methods being able to correct eTPA, the choice of technique will affect morphology in unique ways and should be considered prior to surgery to consider the implications in a given patient.

Predicting tibial plateau angles following four different types of cranial closing wedge ostectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how tibial long axis (TLA) shift affects the postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) in four cranial closing wedge ostectomy (CCWO) techniques. STUDY DESIGN: In silico study. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 15 client-owned dogs. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 15 client-owned dogs were reviewed using an open-source 3D computer graphics editor. Each computer-generated 3D tibia model underwent a CCWO, with cranial cortex alignment, in 10° increments up to 70° using each of the four previously described techniques. The TLA shift, TPA and mechanical tibial length (mTL) were calculated, using trigonometry, for each model. Equations for predicting final TPA were generated with linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 433 3D computer generated tibial models were analyzed. With each technique, the TPA varied in a linear fashion within the studied range of wedge angles. The TLA shift and tibial shortening magnitude varied between the four different CCWO techniques, with maximum mTL reduction of ranging from 7.5% to 40.9%. All predicted TPAs using the generated equations were within the target range of 4-6°. CONCLUSION: A linear relationship between ostectomy wedge angle and TPA correction was observed in this study, which allowed for generation of accurate corrective equations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results allow extrapolation of the wedge angle required to reach a postoperative TPA of 5°, by considering the TLA shift. The use of the generated corrective equations may thus increase CCWO planning precision.

Influence of oblique proximal ulnar osteotomy on humeral intracondylar fissures in 35 spaniel breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of oblique proximal ulnar osteotomy (PUO) on the healing of humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) in spaniel breed dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 51 elbows from 35 spaniel dogs. METHODS: An oblique PUO was performed in dogs diagnosed with HIF. The degree of healing of HIF was subjectively and objectively assessed on preoperative and long-term follow-up CT imaging. Objective assessment was performed by measuring the bone density in Hounsfield units (HU) of a rectangular region of interest (ROI) encompassing the entire hypoattenuated humeral fissure. Major and minor complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 24 partial and 27 complete HIFs were diagnosed. The follow-up CT scan was performed at a median 18.5 months (range 10-49 months). Subjective assessment confirmed partial or complete healing of the HIF in 41 elbows (80.3%). Objective assessment confirmed a difference in mean HU of the HIF's ROI between preoperative (HU 640) and last follow-up CT images (HU 835) (p = .001). Young dogs (<14 months) had the highest increase in HU of the HIF's ROI. Major complications occurred in five dogs (6 limbs) of which four were related to the lack of healing of the fissure (7.8%). CONCLUSION: Oblique PUO resulted in partial or complete healing of HIF and pain resolution in the majority of dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study introduces an innovative approach to achieve healing of the HIF in the dog, which may help reduce the high complication rate traditionally associated with the use of transcondylar screws.

A mismatch of planning and achieved tibial plateau angle in cranial closing wedge surgery: An in silico and clinical evaluation of 100 cases.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To determine whether Oxley's modified cranial closing wedge osteotomy (CCWO) results in a tibial plateau angle (TPA) of 5° in silico, (2) compare in silico to clinical postoperative TPA and (3) determine the impact of ostectomy distalization in silico. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective radiographic in silico study. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 100 stifle radiographs; 90 dogs (small ≤25 kg = 84; large >25 kg = 16). METHODS: Tibial plateau angles were measured preoperatively (TPAPre ), after in silico planning (TPAPlan ), and postoperatively (TPAPost ). Virtual ostectomies were evaluated for plate fit. Postoperative ostectomy position was measured. Virtual ostectomies were performed 5/7.5/10/15 mm from the patellar tendon insertion in 10 dogs from each preoperative TPA category (≤20°/21-25°/ 26-30°/31-35°/>35°). Comparisons for TPAPre , TPAPost , and TPAPlan were made between small and large dogs, and the outcome to the target 5° between TPA categories and ostectomy positions. RESULTS: Mean ± SD TPAPre was 28.6 ± 6.2° and higher in small than large dogs. Mean TPAPlan was 7.6 ± 2.7°. Plate fit was appropriate in all. In silico, TPAs were greater than 5° except for cases with TPAPre > 35°. Median TPAPost was 5.5° (-4-21) and was higher in small (7°) than large (4.5°) dogs. Postoperative ostectomy position was more distal than Oxley's guidelines. When distalized >7.5 mm in silico, the magnitude of under-correction increased. CONCLUSIONS: Oxley's modified CCWO did not result in TPA of 5° in most cases. Ostectomy distalization exacerbated under-correction. CLINICAL IMPACT: Current guidelines should be modified to achieve 5° TPA postoperatively.

Evaluation of subchondral bone cysts in canine elbows with radiographic osteoarthritis secondary to elbow dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) were present in dogs with radiographic elbow osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate their relationship with radiographic OA severity. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirty-eight Labrador retrievers (total of 76 elbows). METHODS: Elbow computed tomography (CT) images of 18 young (≤2 years old) and 20 old (>2 years old) Labrador retrievers, which presented for elbow-associated lameness, were reviewed. Radiographic elbow OA was graded into four groups based on the largest osteophyte size on CT. The presence, number, and maximum diameter of SBCs were determined. RESULTS: Subchondral bone cysts were only identified in elbows with osteophytic new bone formation. The number and size of SBCs were associated with radiographic OA severity (p < .001 and p = .041 respectively). Specifically, the rate at which SBCs were present increased for both moderate and severe OA in comparison with the mild OA (moderate OA RR = 2.46, 95% CI 2.08-2.92, p < .001; severe OA RR = 5.60, 95% CI 4.79-6.55, p < .001). For dogs with severe OA, there was an increased likelihood that their SBCs were larger than SBCs from dogs with mild OA (OR = 1.056, 95% CI 1.012-1.101, p = .012). No SBCs were observed in elbows without radiographic evidence of OA. CONCLUSION: Subchondral bone cysts were identified as a feature of radiographic elbow osteoarthritis in Labrador retrievers, and their number and size were indicative of the presence and severity of radiographic elbow OA. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Subchondral bone cysts are a potential imaging biomarker for quantitative assessment for canine OA.

Clinical outcomes of 20 brachycephalic dogs with thoracolumbar spinal deformities causing neurological signs treated with spinal stabilization using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical outcomes for pugs and French bulldogs with congenital vertebral malformations, undergoing thoracolumbar spinal stabilization surgery using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides. To evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in this group of dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study. ANIMALS: Twenty dogs (12 pugs and eight French bulldogs). METHODS: Medical records searched between August 2018 and March 2021 for pugs and French bulldogs diagnosed with congenital vertebral abnormalities via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and computed tomography (CT) scan causing T3-L3 myelopathy signs that underwent spinal stabilization surgery using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides followed by a postoperative CT scan. The short-term outcome was based on the neurological grade (modified Frankel score-MFS) on the day after surgery, day of discharge, and at the follow-up examination at 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. The mid-term outcome was obtained via an online questionnaire (or direct examination in one case). RESULTS: Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria (19/20 grade 2 MFS, 1/20 grade 4 MFS). No complications were reported in the immediate postoperative period and optimal pedicle screw placement was obtained in 169/201 of screws. Twenty-four hours after surgery 16/20 dogs displayed an unchanged neurological grade. Short-term outcomes revealed a static (17/20) or improved (2/20) neurological grade. Ten owners participated in the online questionnaire. All patients were reported to be ambulatory; however, 7/10 dogs displayed abnormal gait. Neurological signs had remained static (6/10) or improved (3/10) in comparison with the dogs' preoperative status at a median of 883.5 days from the surgery. CONCLUSION: Dogs in this study had a favorable short-term outcome and mid-term outcome evaluation revealed a static/improved neurological status. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Thoracolumbar spinal stabilization surgery using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides showed a favorable outcome in brachycephalic breeds affected by vertebral deformities.

Diagnosis of medial meniscal lesions in the canine stifle using multidetector computed tomographic positive-contrast arthrography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess diagnostic value and clinical utility of multidetector computed tomographic positive contrast arthrography (CTA) for meniscal lesions in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. STUDY POPULATION: Client-owned dogs (n = 55) with cranial cruciate ligament injuries. METHODS: Sedated dogs underwent CTA using a 16-slice scanner, and subsequently received mini-medial arthrotomy for meniscal assessment. Scans were anonymized, randomized, and reviewed twice for meniscal lesions by three independent observers with varying experience. Results were compared with surgical findings. Reproducibility and repeatability were assessed with kappa statistics, intraobserver changes in diagnosis by McNemar's test, and interobserver differences using Cochran's Q test. Test performance was calculated using sensitivity, specificity, proportion correctly identified, and positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios. RESULTS: Analysis was based on 52 scans from 44 dogs. Sensitivity for identifying meniscal lesions was 0.62-1.00 and specificity was 0.70-0.96. Intraobserver agreement was 0.50-0.78, and interobserver agreement was 0.47-0.83. There was a significant change between readings one and two for the least experienced observers (p < .05). The sum of sensitivity and specificity exceeded 1.5 for both readings and all observers. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic performance was suitable for identifying meniscal lesions. An effect of experience and learning was seen in this study.

Use of real-time near-infrared fluorescence to assess gastric viability in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) for assessment of gastric viability and describe NIRF's influence on the surgeon's operative strategy in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Twenty dogs with GDV and 20 systemically healthy dogs. METHODS: Following gastric derotation, the surgeon's subjective assessment of gastric viability was recorded prior to near-infrared imaging. Changes in the surgeon's initial assessment of viability based on the visual pattern of gastric fluorescence was recorded. If nonviable (lack of defined vessels), a partial gastrectomy was performed and submitted for histopathology. The stapled gastrectomy line was imaged. Viable (defined vessels) and nonviable fluorescence intensities were compared with healthy dogs undergoing surgery for nongastrointestinal disease. RESULTS: Subjective assessment diagnosed 17 viable and three nonviable GDVs (2 fundi; 1 cardia). Near-infrared imaging demonstrated nonviable gastric fluorescence in 4 dogs (3 fundi/cardia; 1 fundus). The surgeon's margins for resection were altered in 3/20 dogs. Fluorescence intensity (cardia, fundus, body, pylorus) was lower in GDV viable (30.59%, p = .04; 38.17%, p < .01; 51.18%, p < .01; 44.12%, p= .01) and nonviable (11.00%, p < .01; 4.33%, p < .01; 57.67%, p = .22; 54.33%, p = .72) dogs compared to healthy controls (44.7%, 70.05%, 84.00%, 63.95%). Fundic fluorescence was less in nonviable gastric tissue in comparison with viable gastric tissue (p = .03). Fluorescence of the gastrectomy staple line approximated that of viable tissue. CONCLUSION: Near-infrared fluorescence can identify histologically confirmed nonviable gastric tissue. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results provide enough evidence to support the implementation of NIRF as an adjunct to gross examination of the gastric wall in dogs with GDV.

Vertebral Angiomatosis in a Dog.

A 3 yr old spayed female Cavalier King Charles spaniel was referred for insidious ataxia and paraparesis. A thoracolumbar lesion was suspected. Computed tomography showed focal osteolysis of the vertebral body and pedicles of T5. In addition, a hyperdense, extradural material within the vertebral canal, causing spinal cord compression on the right side, was present. The lesion was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. A T4-T5 hemi-dorsal laminectomy was performed to decompress the spinal cord. Histopathological examination was consistent with vertebral angiomatosis. After the surgery, the dog rapidly improved; however, 5 mo later the clinical signs relapsed. Vertebral angiomatosis is a vasoproliferative disorder, rarely reported as a cause of myelopathy in cats. This condition has not previously been reported in dogs. This case report describes the clinical features, the diagnostic findings, and the follow-up of a young dog with vertebral angiomatosis.

Findings of an Extraluminal Leiomyosarcoma of the Urinary Bladder in a Dog.

A 9 yr old male miniature poodle presented with acute diarrhea, vomiting, and a distended abdomen. A large and firm mass was palpated in the caudal abdomen. Radiography showed a large soft-tissue mass in the mid ventral abdomen. The mass was mildly contrast-enhancing and in contact with the right cranial aspect of the bladder on computed tomography. The mass was heterogeneous with minimal blood flow on Doppler examination. Surgery confirmed its origin of the urinary bladder, and it was diagnosed leiomyosarcoma on pathology. This is the first report of extraluminal leiomyosarcoma of the bladder wall with imaging characteristics using various modalities.

Classification of the quality of canine and feline ventrodorsal and dorsoventral thoracic radiographs through machine learning.

Thoracic radiographs are an essential diagnostic tool in companion animal medicine and are frequently used as a part of routine workups in patients presenting for coughing, respiratory distress, cardiovascular diseases, and for staging of neoplasia. Quality control is a critical aspect of radiology practice in preventing misdiagnosis and ensuring consistent, accurate, and reliable diagnostic imaging. Implementing an effective quality control procedure in radiology can impact patient outcomes, facilitate clinical decision-making, and decrease healthcare costs. In this study, a machine learning-based quality classification model is suggested for canine and feline thoracic radiographs captured in both ventrodorsal and dorsoventral positions. The problem of quality classification was divided into collimation, positioning, and exposure, and then an automatic classification method was proposed for each based on deep learning and machine learning. We utilized a dataset of 899 radiographs of dogs and cats. Evaluations using fivefold cross-validation resulted in an F1 score and AUC score of 91.33 (95% CI: 88.37-94.29) and 91.10 (95% CI: 88.16-94.03), respectively. Results indicated that the proposed automatic quality classification has the potential to be implemented in radiology clinics to improve radiograph quality and reduce nondiagnostic images.