Bilateral pyogranulomatous otitis externa with putative cartilage destruction in a dog: A severe case of auricular chondritis?

Auricular chondritis of unknown cause was suspected in a 10-year-old male Bolognese dog with a five-month history of painful bilateral nodular and ulcerative pyogranulomatous dermatitis of the pinnae with putative auricular cartilage destruction. Pain and lesions resolved with immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone, yet the condition resulted in deformity of both pinnae and external canals.

Une chondrite auriculaire d'étiologie inconnue est suspectée chez un bichon bolonais mâle de 10 ans qui présente depuis 5 mois une dermatite pyogranulomateuse nodulaire et ulcéreuse bilatérale douloureuse du pavillon de l'oreille avec une destruction présumée du cartilage auriculaire. La douleur et les lésions disparaissent avec des doses immunosuppressives de prednisolone, mais l'affection entraîne une déformation des deux pavillons et des conduits auriculaires externes.

Suspeitou­se de condrite auricular de causa desconhecida em um cão macho Bolonhês de 10 anos de idade com um histórico de cinco meses de dermatite piogranulomatosa ulcerativa e nodular bilateral no pavilhão auricular com suposta destruição de cartilagem auricular. A dor e as lesões resolveram com doses imunossupressoras de prednisolona apesar de a etiologia ter resultado na deformidade de ambas as orelhas e condutos auditivos.

Se sospechó la existencia de una condritis auricular de causa desconocida en un perro boloñés de 10 años con historia de 5 meses de duración de una dermatitis nodular ulcerativa piogramulomatosa y bilateral en las orejas con posible destrucción del cartílago auricular. El dolor y las lesiones se resolvieron con dosis inmunosupresoras de prednisolona pero la enfermedad produjo deformación de ambas orejas y de los canales auriculares externos.

Delayed non-selective contrast-enhanced CT can reveal spontaneous contrast enhancement of the lymphatic system in cats.

The authors incidentally observed that, on delayed postcontrast CT studies, feline patients could show increased attenuation of the lymphatic system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the lymphatic system of feline patients undergoing intravenous administration of contrast medium might consistently enhance on delayed postcontrast CT studies. Feline patients that underwent CT examination for variable diagnostic purposes were included in this multicentric observational descriptive study. A 10-min delayed postcontrast whole-body CT series was obtained for all cats enrolled and the following anatomic structures were systematically assessed: mesenteric lymphatic vessels, hepatic lymphatic vessels, cisterna chyli, thoracic duct, and anastomosis of the thoracic duct with the systemic venous system. A total of 47 cats were included in the study. The mesenteric lymphatic vessels showed enhancement in the selected series in 39 of 47 (83%) patients and the hepatic lymphatic vessels in 38 of 47 (81%) patients. The cisterna chyli, thoracic duct, and the point of anastomosis of the thoracic duct with the systemic venous circulation were enhanced in 43 (91%), 39 (83%), and 31 of 47 (66%) cats, respectively. This study confirms the initial observation. The mesenteric and hepatic lymphatic system, the cisterna chyli, the thoracic duct, and its anastomosis with the systemic venous circulation of feline patients undergoing intravenous administration of iodinated contrast medium can show spontaneous contrast enhancement in non-selective 10-min delayed contrast-enhanced CT series.

Multidetector-row CT features and histopathological analysis of pericardial recesses in dogs.

At the level of pericardial reflections and near the great thoracic vessels, pericardial recesses (PRs) are present, where fluid can collect to increase the pericardial reserve volume. To date, these structures have not been described in vivo in veterinary patients. The aims of this observational and descriptive study were to describe the location and appearance of PRs in dogs, as seen with multidetector-row CT (MDCT), and to develop a dedicated imaging technique for their best visualization. Dogs who underwent MDCT examination of the whole body were included in the study and CT data were retrospectively evaluated. Dogs with any thoracic abnormality were excluded. MDCT analysis of the PR's was compared with the pathological features of PRs. PRs were identified as fluid-attenuating (10-30 HU), non-enhancing structures showing varied appearance. Two types of PRs were identified at the level of the transverse sinus of the pericardium and classified on the basis of their anatomic location: the aortic recess and the pulmonic recess. A third pericardial fluid-containing structure was seen in a little number of cases, at the level of the termination of the caudal vena cava into the right atrium. A dorsal, slight oblique multiplanar section through the aortic bulb resulted the best technique for visualization of all the recesses. Anatomo-pathological evaluation confirmed the location and the presence of pocket-like reflections of the pericardium identified with 3D-CT models. Knowledge of the CT appearance of the pericardial recesses is necessary in order to avoid their misinterpretation and subsequent unnecessary invasive investigations.

CT features of primary bone neoplasia of the thoracic wall in dogs.

Primary thoracic wall neoplasia is uncommon in dogs and the prognosis depends on tumor type. The aims of this retrospective, multi-center, observational study were to describe CT features of primary thoracic wall neoplasia in dogs and to test the hypothesis that CT features would differ among tumor types. Dogs with a diagnosis of primary thoracic wall bone neoplasia and thoracic CT study were included. CT findings recorded were as follows: dimensions, location, invasiveness, grade and type of mineral attenuation, periosteal reaction, contrast enhancement, and presence of presumed pulmonary metastases, pleural effusion, and sternal lymphadenopathy. Fifty-eight cases were included (54 ribs and four sternum). Fifty-six were malignant (sarcomas - SARC) and two were benign (chondromas - CHO). Out of the 56 malignant tumors, 41 had histological confirmation of the tumor type: 23 (56%) osteosarcomas (OSA), 10 (24%) chondrosarcomas (CSA), and eight (20%) hemangiosarcomas (HSA). The majority of rib tumors were right-sided (59%) and ventrally located (72%). Malignant masses showed severe invasiveness, mild/moderate contrast enhancement, and different grades of mineral attenuation. Sternal lymphadenopathy was significantly more frequent in dogs with OSA and HSA compared to dogs with CSA (p = 0.004 and p = 0.023). Dogs with HSA showed significantly lower mineral attenuation grades compared to dogs with OSA (p = 0.043). Primary thoracic wall bone neoplasias were more frequently arising from the ribs, with only a few cases of sternal masses. Findings can be used to help prioritize differential diagnoses for CT studies of dogs with thoracic wall neoplasia.

Right auricle aneurysm in dogs can be detected with multidetector-row CT and presents with varying morphology.

Right auricle aneurysm (RAA) has been reported to be a rare congenital or acquired condition in dogs, however published CT characteristics are limited to a small number of cases. The aim of this 13-year, single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study was to describe the prevalence and appearance of RAA in a larger group of dogs. Reports of 10,886 dogs that underwent thoracic CT examination for various reasons were reviewed. Computed tomographic data of dogs with presumed RAA (based on published imaging characteristics) were retrieved from the archive. Oblique multiplanar reformatted images were used to record RAA site, shape, and dimensions (neck, maximum height and width). Patients' sex, age, and body weight were evaluated for any association with the presence of RAA. Presumed RAA was detected in 23/10,886 dogs having thoracic CT in the selected period of time (prevalence 0.21%). Three RAA phenotypes were described: diffuse saccular dilation in 19 of 23 dogs, focal saccular dilation in three of 23 dogs, and fusiform in one of 23 dogs. The bodyweights of dogs with presumed RAA were significantly lower than those of the remaining 10836 dogs without RAA (median 8 kg [IQR 5; range 37.6] and median 16 kg [IQR 23; range 116.9] respectively; P < 0.003. Female sex was also significantly associated with RAA (P = 0.03). Findings indicated that RAA has a low prevalence in dogs, can be detected with CT, can be present in asymptomatic dogs, and can have varying appearances. In this sample of dogs, female sex and low body weight were significantly associated with RAA.

Multi-phase MULTIDETECTOR-row computed tomographic features and laboratory findings in dogs with gallbladder rupture.

Gallbladder rupture is a life-treating condition in dogs. In human medicine, multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is considered the best modality for the diagnosis of gallbladder rupture. The aims of the study were to describe MDCT features of gallbladder rupture in dogs and to determine the CT findings and laboratory data that differ between dogs with ruptured biliary tree and dogs with biliary disease with no rupture. For this single-center, cross-sectional study were considered for inclusion dogs presented from May 2010 to September 2020, with surgical diagnosis of gallbladder rupture or integrity, who underwent MDCT examination and with CBC and biochemistry results available for review. Forty-seven dogs with different diseases of the biliary tract were included. Seventeen dogs with confirmed gallbladder rupture and 30 dogs with intact gallbladder were included. Multiple MDCT findings showed statistical significance in distinguish dogs with gallbladder rupture: irregular contours of the gallbladder (p < 0.0001), discontinuation of the gallbladder wall (p = 0.0005), adhesions with adjacent organs (p = 0.005), heterogeneous enhancement of the gallbladder wall (p = 0.01), pericholecystic effusion (p = 0.001) and pericholecystic peritonitis (p = 0.001). The presence of three or more of these findings was highly indicative for gallbladder rupture (AUC = 0.921). In this study, MDCT proved to be useful in differentiating dogs with gallbladder rupture from dogs with biliary disease without rupture.

Mucopolysaccharidosis VI in a European Shorthair cat: Neurological presentation, computed tomography findings and genetic investigation.

The present case report describes the clinical signs of a 10-month-old, intact female, Domestic Shorthair cat presented with a history of chronic progressive difficulty to walk with the four limbs. The physical and neurological examinations revealed skeletal deformities, corneal opacity and a severe spastic non-ambulatory tetraparesis. Complete blood count and biochemistry profiles were unremarkable. Diffuse bone rarefaction, hyperostosis and an apparent fusion of the vertebral bodies were observed on spinal radiographs. A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) exam of the whole body of the patient was performed. Based on the medical history, clinical findings, laboratory analysis, spinal radiographs and CT findings, a lysosomal storage disorder was suspected. Genetic testing for mucopolysaccharidosis VI and VII revealed a genetic mutation, ARSB variant L476P, confirming the diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis type VI.

Multidetector-Row CT Findings in Dogs with Different Primary Parathyroid Gland Diseases.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs is a possibly life-threatening condition, characterized by the excess of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, which leads to an increase in serum ionized calcium level. The utility of computed tomography (CT) in the detection and characterization of parathyroid diseases in dogs has not been assessed to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the use of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) for the diagnosis of parathyroid disease in dogs. For this descriptive, single-center study, the database of the San Marco Veterinary Clinic was searched for dogs having a suspicion of parathyroid disease who underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT in the period from 2005 to 2021. Dogs with histopathology of the affected parathyroid gland were subsequently considered for inclusion. A total of 22 parathyroid glands were included: 12 adenomas, 8 adenocarcinomas, and two glands with hyperplasia. Several CT features were evaluated, including parathyroid gland affected, lateralization, shape, size, attenuation, and contrast-enhancement. Although the overlap between the appearance of different diseases exists, contrast-enhanced CT was a useful method for the diagnosis of parathyroid disease in dogs.

Suspected Pituitary Apoplexy: Clinical Presentation, Diagnostic Imaging Findings and Outcome in 19 Dogs.

In human medicine, pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical syndrome characterised by the sudden onset of neurological signs because of haemorrhage or infarction occurring within a normal or tumoral pituitary gland. The diagnosis is usually performed combining neurological signs and imaging findings. The aim of the present study is to describe the abnormal neurological signs, the diagnostic imaging findings, based on Computed Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and the outcome in a population of dogs with suspected PA. Clinical cases were retrospectively reviewed. Nineteen cases of suspected PA were included. The majority of dogs showed behavioural abnormalities (11/19). Neurological signs more frequently identified were obtundation (7/19), vestibular signs (7/19) and epileptic seizures (6/19). The onset of neurological signs was per-acute in 14 out of 19 cases. Data regarding CT and MRI were available in 18 and 9 cases, respectively. Neurological signs resolved in less than 24 h in seven patients. The short-term prognosis was defined as favourable in the majority of our study population. The median survival time was of 7 months from the time of PA diagnosis. This is the first description of neurological signs, imaging findings and outcome in a large group of dogs with PA.

Multiphase multidetector-row computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings in dogs with spontaneous liver lobe torsion.

Liver lobe torsion (LLT) is an uncommon condition of unknown origin in dogs. Several reports describe the clinical features and outcome, but only few of them include the imaging characteristics of this disease. The aim of this descriptive case series was to describe the ultrasonographic (US) and multidetector-row computed tomographic (MDCT) features of LLT in a group of dogs. Five dogs were included in this single-center descriptive study, having both US, CT and surgical and histological confirmation of LLT available for review. Different US appearances have been found, both hypoechoic and hyperechoic liver lobes and heterogeneous mass-like lesions, with fluid and gas content. At three-phase MDCT examination, LLT appeared as fluid- and gas-filled lesions (consistent with abscess transformation), or as hypoattenuating hypovascular lobes. Two different vascular signs were also described: whirl sign or vascular interruption were seen in all cases, allowing a correct pre-surgical diagnosis in all the cases presented. Multiphase MDCT was a helpful imaging method for the correct pre-surgical diagnosis of LLT in dogs, and its use in the suspected cases is therefore advisable.

Multiphase multidetector-row CT reveals different patterns of hepatic portal venous gas and pneumobilia.

Hepatic portal venous gas and pneumobilia (PB) are uncommon findings, indicating the accumulation of gas in the portal vein and its branches and in the biliary tree, respectively. Aims of this retrospective, descriptive study were to describe the computed tomographic (CT) features and visualization techniques of hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) and PB in a group of small animal veterinary patients. The CT data of patients with HPVG and PB were retrospectively reviewed. Thin-section multiplanar reformatting and minimum intensity projection (MinIP) views were used to assess the acquired volume dataset. The CT features recorded were as follows: amount, aspect, distribution, and localization of the gas in the liver. Five patients were included (four dogs and one cat), two presenting HPVG and three with PB. Gas in HPVG presented a peripheral location, whereas in PB was characterized by a central location. The aspect of the gas was tubular in case of HPVG and mixed tubular and rounded in PB. An analogous number of animals between the two groups showed comparable amount (mild, moderate, and severe) and distribution (diffuse and focal). Thin-section CT can detect the presence of gas in the liver, and a combination of two-dimensional and thin-slab MinIP can differentiate between HPVG and PB in dogs and cats. The distinctive features are peripheral versus central location and tubular versus rounded aspect of the gas.

Percutaneous Cava Stenting in a Dog with Symptomatic Azygos Continuation of the Caudal Vena Cava.

This report describes the successful placement of a nitinol stent within the azygos continuation of the caudal vena cava in a 2-year-old, neutered female, English Bulldog with clinical and imaging signs related to venous return chronic obstruction, renal venous thrombi, and chronic renal insufficiency. This noninvasive, interventional radiology procedure was safe and clinically effective for the patient. The clinical signs were rapidly eliminated, and three years later, the patient is still in good clinical condition, with normal renal function. Venous stenting appears to be a useful, new, minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic cavo-azygos vascular connection.

CT angiography identifies collaterals in dogs with splenic vein obstruction and presumed regional splenic vein hypertension.

Occlusion of the splenic vein, without occlusion of the portal vein, can lead to a localized, regional splenic hypertension, referred as sinistral or left-sided portal hypertension in the human radiology literature. In people, may cause gastrointestinal hemorrhages from the esophageal and gastric varices and the primary pathology usually includes pancreatitis and pancreatic neoplasms. The final diagnosis of localized splenic hypertension necessitates accompanying normal liver functions and a patent extrahepatic portal vein. Following obstruction, the resultant elevated splenic bed venous pressure causes formation of collateral routes, the extent of which depends upon the level and degree of obstruction. In this retrospective descriptive study, authors assessed the collateral pathways in dogs with isolated splenic vein occlusion and possible regional splenic vein hypertension. Out of the 46 patients initially recruited, 25 were excluded due to the presence of concomitant portal thrombosis and direct/indirect CT signs of portal hypertension. The remaining 21 dogs had clinicopathological tests suggesting normal liver function. The causes of obstruction identified included splenic pedicle torsion, tumoral splenic vein invasion, and splenic vein thrombosis. Four of 21 dogs with isolated splenic vein obstruction showed collateral pathways through the left gastroepiploic vein (4/4), left gastric vein (2/4), and splenogonadal vein (1/4). The diagnosis of isolated, regional splenic hypertension should be based on clinical, biochemical, and radiological evaluation. Computed tomography is an excellent tool to assess the collateral patterns and to determine the underlying cause.

Thyroid axis and adrenal activity in 28 day survivor and nonsurvivor dogs involved in recent road traffic accidents: A cohort study of 420 dogs.

The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the impact of a recent trauma on thyroid axis and adrenal activity in dogs and to assess the usefulness of urinary cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR), basal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (tT4), and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations in predicting outcome in dogs traumatized by a road traffic accident (RTA). An RTA exposed group of 210 dogs was evaluated within 24  hours of the trauma. Their data were compared with data from a matched group of dogs with other diagnoses. UCCR was positively correlated with the trauma severity and was higher in the exposed group than in the nonexposed group (median 101.500 vs. 21.02; p < 0.0001). tT4 values were statistically similar between the two groups, but were correlated with a trauma score, while TSH (median = 0.050 vs. 0.080 ng/mL; p < 0.0001) and fT4 (median = 15.850 vs. 17.950 pmol/L; p = 0.0037) were significantly lower for the exposed group. Nonsurvivors in comparison to survivors presented and higher median UCCR (181.800 vs. 93.850 respectively; p = 0.020), and a lower serum fT4 (12.700 vs. 16.500 pmol/L, respectively; p = 0.0046). A similar pattern had been observed for tT4. TSH levels were not predictive of survival. This study provides insights into the endocrine characteristics of dogs suffering from acute trauma. UCCR was higher while fT4 and TSH were both lower in RTA-injured dogs than in dogs affected by other conditions. Furthermore low fT4 and tT4, and a high UCCR could be useful prognostic factors in dogs affected by RTA trauma.

Splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in dogs is frequently detected on multiphase multidetector-row CT as hypervascular nodules.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is the formation and development of blood cells outside the bone marrow, and in dogs it frequently occurs in the spleen. Although splenic EMH is a relatively common condition, data regarding its appearance in veterinary medicine are lacking. Our aim was to describe different multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) features of splenic EMH in dogs. In this descriptive retrospective study, dogs with cytological diagnosis of splenic EMH and three-phase MDCT study of the abdomen were included. Multi-detector CT findings recorded were splenomegaly, appearance of the parenchyma, and mean attenuation of the spleen and lesions. Out of 89 dogs included, 55 (62%) presented multifocal nodular aspect, 14 (16%) mass, 12 (13%) diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma, and eight (9%) normal spleen. Most lesions were hyperattenuating to the parenchyma in the arterial (57/89, 64%) and portal (59/89, 66%) phases; whereas in the interstitial phase only 40 of 89 (45%) were hyperattenuating. The mean attenuations of the lesions were higher compared to the values of the adjacent spleen, and the difference of the mean attenuation between the hyperattenuating lesions and the parenchyma was significantly higher in arterial and portal phases than in interstitial phase (P < .0001). The most frequent MDCT aspect of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis consists of multiple nodules hyperattenuating to the normal spleen, best visualized in the arterial and portal phases.

Trauma-Associated Pulmonary Laceration in Dogs-A Cross Sectional Study of 364 Dogs.

In this study, we describe the computed tomography (CT) features of pulmonary laceration in a study population, which included 364 client-owned dogs that underwent CT examination for thoracic trauma, and compared the characteristics and outcomes of dogs with and without CT evidence of pulmonary laceration. Lung laceration occurred in 46/364 dogs with thoracic trauma (prevalence 12.6%). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly younger than dogs in the control group (median 42 months (interquartile range (IQR) 52.3) and 62 months (IQR 86.1), respectively; p = 0.02). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly heavier than dogs without laceration (median 20.8 kg (IQR 23.3) and median 8.7 kg (IQR 12.4 kg), respectively p < 0.0001). When comparing groups of dogs with thoracic trauma with and without lung laceration, the frequency of high-energy motor vehicle accident trauma was more elevated in dogs with lung laceration than in the control group. No significant differences were observed between groups regarding tge frequency and length of hospitalization and 30-day mortality. Similar to the human classification scheme, four CT patterns are described in dogs in this study: Type 1, large pulmonary laceration located deeply in the pulmonary parenchyma or around an interlobar fissure; Type 2, laceration occurring in the paraspinal lung parenchyma, not associated with vertebral fracture; Type 3, subpleural lung laceration intimately associated with an adjacent rib or vertebral fracture; Type 4, subpleural lesions not associated with rib fractures. Complications were seen in 2/46 dogs and included lung abscess and collapse.

Bleeding diathesis in canine multiple myeloma and prognostic implications: A cohort study in 156 dogs.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a tumor of plasma cells representing approximately 1% of all canine tumors. Clinical evident bleeding is often referred to as the main finding. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of clinical bleedings in dogs with MM and its prognostic implications compared to a population of dogs not affected by MM. Two groups of dogs (# 78 each) individually matched for breed, age and gender were considered. Group-1 (exposed) was affected by MM and group-2 (unexposed) was affected by other diseases. They were compared for bleeding and mortality at 90 days after diagnosis (relative risk, RR; attributable risk, AR). Among group-1, bleeding patients (B) were compared with non-bleeding patients (NB) in terms of mortality at 90 days (RR, AR). Incident cases of MM were 78/57,694 (0.13%). Signs of bleeding up to 30 days before the referral presentation were found in 33 (42.3%) group-1 dogs in comparison to 6 (7.7%) group-2 dogs (RR, 5.50, CI 95% 2.55-12.3, p = 0.0001; AR, 0.34, CI 95% 0.22-0.47, p = 0.0001). Epistaxis was the most frequent sign of bleeding recorded. Nineteen dogs from group-1 (24.3%) and eight from group-2 (10.2%) were non-survivors (RR = 2.37, CI 95% 1.14-5.06, p = 0.01; AR = 0.14, CI 95% 0.02-0.26, p = 0.01). Among the group-1, the B dogs, 4/33 (12.1%) were non-survivors, while 15/45 NB dogs (33.3%) were non-survivors (RR = 2.75, CI 95% 1.08-7.44, p = 0.03; AR = 0.21, CI 95% 0.20-0.38, p = 0.03). Epistaxis at diagnosis was frequent in MM dogs, and signs of bleeding were associated with a more favorable 90-day prognosis.

Computed tomography attenuation value for the characterization of pleural effusions in dogs: A cross-sectional study in 58 dogs.

CT attenuation value can help to differentiate exudate from transudate in people. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the utility of CT in characterizing pleural effusions based on attenuation values in a population of dogs having CT and diagnostic thoracentesis within 48 h of each other. The CT attenuation values were determined using four circular, same size, regions of interest (ROIs) placed on the same CT slice with the greatest quantity of fluid. Values of each ROI were recorded and the mean of the four ROIs mean values (mean of the means) was calculated and considered as the CT attenuation value of that patient. The final population included 23 proper inflammatory exudates, 15 chylous effusions, 12 hemorrhagic effusions and 8 transudates. The median of 'mean of the means' values were: exudate 19.22 HU (8.23 to 37.66 HU); chylous effusion 10.26 HU (-0.90 to 15.37); hemorrhagic effusion 31.65 HU (18.10 to 54.97), and transudate 11.20 HU, (-2.52 to 16.59). CT accurately differentiated hemorrhagic from chylous effusion (AUC 1.0, P < 0.0001) and hemorrhagic effusion from transudate (AUC 1.0, P < 0.0001); CT-values allowed good accuracy in distinguishing exudates from transudates [AUC 0.87 (95%, CI: 0.74-1.0; P < 0.0001)]. HU attenuation values did not accurately differentiate between transudates and chylous effusion. A cutoff value of 34.68 HU (sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 95%) discriminated between exudates and hemorrhagic effusions. CT-value <12.15 HU had a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 78% for identify transudate or chylous effusion.

Anomalies of the Portal Venous System in Dogs and Cats as Seen on Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography: An Overview and Systematization Proposal.

This article offers an overview of congenital and acquired vascular anomalies involving the portal venous system in dogs and cats, as determined by multidetector-row computed tomography angiography. Congenital absence of the portal vein, portal vein hypoplasia, portal vein thrombosis and portal collaterals are described. Portal collaterals are further discussed as high- and low-flow connections and categorized in hepatic arterioportal malformation, arteriovenous fistula, end-to-side and side-to-side congenital portosystemic shunts, acquired portosystemic shunts, cavoportal and porto-portal collaterals. Knowledge of different portal system anomalies helps understand the underlying physiopathological mechanism and is essential for surgical and interventional approaches.

Feline vertebral angiomatosis: two cases.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Two cats aged between 1 and 2 years were presented for paraparesis, general discomfort, back pain and urinary retention. Extradural spinal cord compression at the level of T4 and T8 was evident on CT examination and on MRI. Hemilaminectomy and partial corpectomy were performed to achieve spinal cord decompression. Histopathology of the abnormal bone tissue was suggestive of vertebral angiomatosis. After initially worsening, both cats recovered their normal gait and functional urination. Both cats have been followed-up for >1 year, without any recurrence. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This is the first report of vertebral angiomatosis with complete data (CT, MRI, surgical procedures, histopathology and >1 year follow-up) and provides important information about the prognosis of this rare vascular malformation.