Radiomorphometric analysis of the metapodial bones in the Scottish fold cats.

Scottish Fold cats (Felis catus, Linnaeus 1758) are one of the most well-known and popular cat breeds in the world, characterized by their folded ears attached to the head. Very frequently, cats fall prey of different trauma and accidents that can cause bone fractures especially in the metapodial bones. The method of radiometry is used in veterinary practice to visualize and measure different parts of the animal skeleton. The aim of this study was to assess the linear parameters derived from radiographic images of the metacarpals and metatarsals in Scottish Fold cats and additionally detecting potential sexual dimorphism. Radiographic images of 24 adult Scottish Fold cats (12 male and 12 females) of different ages and weights were analysed. Six linear measurements of the metapodial bones were evaluated to investigate any differences between the sexes. The linear radiometric measurements of the five metacarpals (MC1-5) and the four metatarsals (MT2-5) bones were larger in male metapodial bones than that of female cats. The maximum length (Ml) of the MC1 and MC2 was statistically different between sex, respectively, (p = 0.001) and (p = 0.05). The others metacarpal bones were different in mostly all linear parameters but not statistically significant. The most significant differences between sexes were observed in the parameter of width proximal end (Wp) of MC1-3 (p = 0.001) and MC4 (p = 0.05). More statistical different was MT2 and less MT3. The linear parameter of Bd of the MT4 was the most different statistically between sex (p = 0.001). The results of the study will be useful in function of comparative anatomy, in veterinary clinical practice, in zoo archaeology and in the veterinary forensic investigation.

Shape analysis of the carpal joint in healthy and septic arthritis in newborn calves.

Septic arthritis is common in newborn calves due to poor birth and housing hygiene. This study investigated the pathological deformities caused by arthritis in the carpal bones of calves using geometric morphometry. The changes in the carpal joint bones of newborn calves with septic arthritis were examined through shape analysis. The study included 20 healthy Simmental calves and 30 Simmental calves with septic arthritis. Dorso-palmar x-ray images of the carpal joint were taken, and geometric morphometry was performed on these images using 25 landmarks. The first principal components (PC1) represented 26.92% of the total variation, while PC2 represented 13.84%. One of the most significant shape changes with increasing PC1 occurred in the os carpi intermedium. The study found that it was statistically possible to discriminate between radiometric carpal joint images of Simmental calves in the control and arthritis groups using geometric morphometry. In newborn calves with septic arthritis, the trochlea radi was located more proximally. There was an enlargement of the os carpi intermedium and a tendency towards the os carpi ulnare in female calves with septic arthritis. These results indicate significant bone deformation due to septic arthritis. Geometric morphometric methods can be clinically useful, as demonstrated in this study. Researchers can statistically explore these shape analyses, opening new avenues for research in this field. This method not only enhances our understanding of morphological changes but also provides a framework for clinical investigations and discoveries in related areas.

Linear measurements and shape analysis in the calcaneus of selected dog breeds.

The vast array of dog breeds showcases a remarkable diversity that extends to osteological differences. Exploring these morphological distinctions and establishing reference data for various dog breeds are essential steps in comprehending the evolutionary changes that dogs have undergone. In this study, we conducted linear measurements of the calcaneus and performed shape analyses on selected dog breeds to elucidate distinctive characteristics among them. X-ray images of the calcaneus from six different dog breeds-Maltese Terrier, Toy Poodle, Pomeranian, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog and Golden Retriever-were utilized for this investigation. Radiological images were obtained from a medio-lateral exposure, positioned 30 cm away from the x-ray device. From these images, four linear length measurements and two angle values were extracted. Additionally, a 2D geometric morphometric analysis was conducted using 32 semi landmarks placed on the radiological images. Linear measurements were assessed using ANOVA, while principal component analysis was employed to examine shape variations across all individuals. Shape differences between species were further elucidated through canonical variates analysis. The results revealed that the Golden Retriever exhibited the highest values for linear measurements, while the Pomeranian showed the lowest. Maltese Terriers displayed the highest dorsal calcaneal angle value. Notably, there were significant differences in calcaneal body length among all breeds, except for the Toy Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Moreover, Maltese Terriers exhibited statistically distinct angular measurements compared to other breeds. Principal component analysis unveiled that the first principal component explained 32.69% of the total variation, with the cranial edge of the calcaneal body being closer to the body in individuals with higher values. Shape variations also indicated that Golden Retrievers displayed a broader range of shapes compared to French Bulldogs, which exhibited a more conservative distribution. While there was no clear breed-specific distinction according to the first principal component, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels generally showed lower values. In canonical variates analysis, distinctions in calcaneal shape between species were apparent, with Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and French Bulldogs displaying positive values for the first canonical variates. The highest Procrustes distance was observed between Maltese Terriers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Notably, allometry was found to be statistically insignificant. This comprehensive study utilized both linear and geometric morphometric analyses based on x-ray images, yielding promising results. The integration of imaging systems in veterinary anatomy research presents numerous opportunities for studying animal welfare and health, utilizing various materials such as bones and cadavers. These advancements hold the potential for further enhancing our understanding of animal morphology and well-being.

Radiographic analysis in Thoroughbreds reveals morphological changes in healthy maturing stifle joints and possible association between subchondral lesions and femoral condyle width.

OBJECTIVE: Assess femorotibial features in foals with and without medial femoral condyle (MFC) subchondral radiolucencies (SR+ and SR-). METHODS: 3 independent, sequential radiographic studies were performed. Study 1 retrospectively measured femorotibial morphological parameters in repository radiographs (SR- and SR+). Study 2 qualitatively compared drawings of intercondylar notch shape in postmortem radiographs (SR-). Study 3 prospectively measured femorotibial parameters in 1-month-old foals (SR-). In studies 1 and 3, 13 morphologic parameters were measured. Limb directional asymmetry was assessed in 2 age groups (< 7 or ≥ 7 months). RESULTS: Study 1 (SR- group; n = 183 radiographs) showed increased femoral measurements with maturation, except the distal femoral intercondylar notch width (FINwal), which decreased. In contrast, in SR+ stifles (53 radiographs), 3 femoral parameters (MFC width [MFCwpf], MFC height, or FINwal) showed no changes. Tibial plateau width alone increased with maturation in both groups. Interobserver reliability was good to excellent. Study 2 (n = 53 radiographs) confirmed a distal FINw decrease in SR- foals. In study 1, left SR- stifles in greater than or equal to 7-month-old fillies had significantly larger femoral bicondylar width and FINw, while right SR+ stifles in fillies greater than or equal to 7 months had a significantly larger MFCw. In study 3 of 1-month-old foals (n = 94 SR- radiographs), the MFCw, femoral condyle bicondylar width, and lateral femoral condyle height were all greater on the left, whereas the intercondylar intereminence space width was larger on the right. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In SR+ stifles, the distal femur exhibited divergent maturation, indicating a wider MFC in the right stifle in older foals. As SR lesions are more common on the right, this suggests a potential association with MFC morphology.

New chief scrutineer for the Canine Health Schemes.

Elizabeth 'Lizza' Baines talks through her new role at the Canine Health Schemes (CHS), leading the team of vets who score over 14,500 hip and elbow radiographs each year.

Ultrasonographic, endoscopic and radiographic examinations of the dromedary mammary glands and teats.

The aim of the present study was to examine the mammary gland of dromedary camels using ultrasonography, endoscopy and radiography. These techniques are easy to perform in the field and feasible to diagnose pathological conditions of the mammary gland. Udders of 49 slaughtered and 26 adult dromedary camels submitted for necropsy were used for the examinations. Additionally, 11 lactating female dromedary camels were selected for the ultrasonographic udder examination. The transition from the milk ducts into the udder cistern, the teat cistern and the teat canals were examined in individual udders. Teat cistern length, teat end width, teat wall thickness, teat cistern width and middle cistern wall thickness were measured using ultrasonography. The measurements resulted in mean values of the teat cistern length of 37.3 mm, the teat end width of 2.0 mm, the teat wall thickness of 4.4 mm, the teat cistern width of 8.2 mm and the cistern wall thickness of 3.5 mm. The teat wall was differentiated into three layers, a hyperechoic outer layer, a hypoechoic middle layer and a hyperechoic inner layer. The mid cistern wall was hyperechoic. Endoscopic examination is an easy to perform and practicable method for examining the inner structures of the teats of dead animals; however, the feasibility has not been shown in lactating animals yet. Ring-like folds were present in the teat cistern, which protruded horizontally into the lumen. It was also possible to visualize the branchlike transition of the teat cistern into the larger milk ducts. Radiographic examination using barium sulfate contrast medium showed that the teat cistern ends in a network of initially wide but branching and narrowing milk ducts. The two teat canals and cisterns are completely independent of each other and there is no communication between the glandular tissue of the two canals and cisterns.

Radiological measurements of the feet of normal Straight Egyptian Arabian horses in Qatar.

The Arabian horse has been identified as carrying a risk locus for equine metabolic syndrome, predisposing this breed to development of laminitis. Radigraphy of the equine foot is widely considered the main diagnostic imaging technique for evaluation of the laminitic horse. Knowledge of 'normal' breed values allows assessment of the degree and severity of radiological changes associated with laminitis. The objective of this study was to investigate the normal values for radiological measurements of the feet of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse in Qatar. The design was a clinical prospective study. Radiographs of the fore and hind feet of 10 clinically normal adult Straight Egyptian Arabian horses were taken. On the lateromedial views, 17 measurements were taken (13 distances and four angles). On the horizontal dorsopalmar/plantar views, two measurements were taken. On the dorsal 45 degree, proximo-palmarodistal oblique projections, four measurements were taken. Normal reference ranges were reported for radiological measurements of the feet of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse. Several variables showed significant differences between fore and hind feet, including hoof angle, distal wall thickness, and two proximal inner layer measurements (p < 0.05). In addition, the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse was found to have a number of measurements which varied from previously published reports. The results reported within provide a useful reference for normal radiographic measurements of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse with relevance for laminitis.

Prevalence of osteoarthritis in the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle joints of dogs older than 8 years.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in veterinary medicine. There are various causes for joints developing OA, with some of them being well investigated, while others are still a matter of speculation. In this retrospective study we examined the prevalence of OA in the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle joints in a clinic population of dogs older than 8 years, which were presented mostly due to orthopaedic complaints. Dogs were included in the study if one or more of the aforementioned joints was included in the radiographs. Radiographs were reviewed by three different observers and graded by severity. Prevalence of OA was 39.2%, 57.4%, 35.9% and 36.4% for the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle, respectively. There was no correlation between higher grades of OA and weight as well as age, but significantly higher prevalence of OA in heavier groups when grouped for weight. Sex and castration status did not affect presence of OA. As most of the examined joints were free of OA, radiographic findings suggestive of OA should not be considered normal in senescent dogs.

The emerging topic of injected cosmetic fillers in the perinasal region of dromedary camels: ultrasonographic and radiographic verification.

Background: Dermal cosmetic fillers have been commonly used in camels in the last few years in Gulf countries. Aim: This study aimed to describe the radiographic as well as sonographic findings of injected cosmetic fillers in Arabian camel perinasal region in beauty shows. Methods: A total number of (n = 11,626) Arabian camels (Camelus dromedarius) were thoroughly investigated for injection of cosmetic fillers in the perinasal area. The age of the camels was 6 months to 10 years, and their weights were 400-650 kg. In parallel, a control group consisting of 30 age/weight-matched non-injected camels was used. Of the 11,626 examined camels, 25 animals (0.0.002%) were injected with cosmetic fillers in the perinasal region. Of the 25 camels, 19 (76%) were females and 6 (24%) were males. Radiographic examinations were carried out for the 25 injected camel perinasal regions. Results: Ultrasonographic examination of the injected perinasal regions revealed precise discrimination of the filler material, which appeared hypo-echogenic in 17 camels (68%) and with anechoic spots in the remaining 8 camels (32%). Variable degrees of swelling caused by the injection of moderate and large quantities of fillers were noted by radiographic assessment, the injected cosmetic filler was precisely diagnosed in the perinasal region as grey in color having soft tissue density in obtained radiographs. Conclusion: In conclusion, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations are reliable, accurate, and non-invasive diagnostic imaging techniques that can precisely discriminate a filler agent in the soft tissues and determine the situ and size of cutaneous deposits in dromedary camels (C. dromedarius).

Radiographic identification of challenging gastrointestinal tract foreign bodies: a descriptive study of how appearance varies in air versus water to aid interpretation.

OBJECTIVE: To provide veterinarians with updated radiographic descriptions of select radiolucent foreign material in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. SAMPLE: 368 veterinarian respondents from the US. METHODS: An online survey was administered between June 18, 2023, and July 2, 2023, through a private veterinarian-based social media group. Representative commonly ingested foreign bodies were radiographed surrounded by air and water to simulate being within the gastrointestinal tract. Two examiners evaluated and qualified the opacity of the objects for each environment. RESULTS: The private social media group had a total of 3,900 members including veterinarians from all disciplines. A total of 362 small animal veterinarians (9.3% of the group) responded to the study reporting a total of 123 foreign objects that were not causing mechanical obstruction at the time of initial presentation. Sixty-eight foreign bodies were reported greater than or equal to 5 times and grouped as balls (n = 4), food (9), fabric (14), wood (3), soft plastic (14), hard plastic (18), or other (6). Most (98.5% [67/68]) objects were easily identifiable in air. In water, 23.5% (16/68) of the objects were obscured, and 39.7% (27/68) had inversion of the major opacity when compared to the opacity in air. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The opacity of some ingested radiolucent material can invert relative to air or fluid, which may reflect substantial differences in detection following repositioning. When known dietary indiscretion occurs, radiographing a sample of the material in air and water will improve the accuracy of assessment.

Prevalence of elbow dysplasia in 13 dog breeds in France: a retrospective radiographic study (2002-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of elbow dysplasia (ED) in 13 dog breeds in France. ANIMALS: A total of 18,870 elbow radiographs taken from 2002 to 2022 were evaluated by 2 independent examiners. METHODS: For each breed, the incidence of each of the 4 International Elbow Working Group scoring classes was extracted from the database. Breeds were excluded if fewer than 150 radiographs had been read for that breed. RESULTS: This study included 17,861 records for 13 dog breeds: American Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Old German Shepherd (Altdeutscher Schäferhund), American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Cane Corso, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, and Dogue de Bordeaux. The overall prevalence of ED was 11.4%, ranging from 1.1% in the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog to 32.2% in the Dogue de Bordeaux. The Dogue de Bordeaux, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Cane Corso breeds were most commonly affected by ED. The prevalence of ED was significantly higher in male dogs than in female dogs (17.5% vs 10.5%, P < .05). Joint incongruity and fragmented coronoid process were the 2 most common primary ED lesions identified. The prevalence of ED among the dogs evaluated decreased over the timeframe of the study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study help to clarify the prevalence of ED in different breeds in France. These data should be interpreted with caution as this study included a small percentage of the total number of dogs born for each breed in France over the study period.

The heart to single vertebra ratio: A new objective method for radiographic assessment of cardiac silhouette size in dogs.

Vertebral heart size (VHS) is widely determined in clinical practice as an objective method to assess the cardiac silhouette dimensions. However, a key limitation is that it is difficult to determine VHS in dogs with vertebral alterations. This retrospective, method comparison, observer agreement study sought to overcome this limitation by using the heart-to-single vertebra ratio (HSVR), by evaluating the level of agreement between VHS and HSVR, as well as the intra- and inter-observer agreement for HSVR. Three independent observers retrospectively evaluated thoracic radiographs obtained over a set time period. Exclusion criteria were the presence of alterations of the thoracic spine and the inability to clearly outline the cardiac silhouette. The lengths of the vertebral bodies, from the fourth to eighth thoracic vertebra, and VHS were measured on each radiograph. The HSVR was calculated by dividing the sum of the cardiac long and short axes by the length of each vertebral body. Eighty dogs of different breeds were included in the final analysis. Lin's concordance correlation coefficients revealed strong correlations between VHS and HSVR (0.91-0.96), and the Bland-Altman plots showed low bias (0.01-0.2) between the methods. The mean absolute errors indicated low average magnitudes of error (0.11-0.28). The intraclass correlation coefficients showed good to excellent inter-observer (0.87-0.92; P = 0.000) and intra-observer (0.87-0.99; P < .001) agreement. In the authors' opinion, this new method, which is less time consuming and more objective, could offer a valuable alternative to VHS.

An anatomical training model for cerebrospinal liquid collection and myelography in embalmed dog cadavers / Modelo anatômico para treinamento de colheita de líquido cerebroespinhal e mielografia em cadáveres de cães quimicamente preparados

In research and academic activities, guidelines are essential and imperative especially on the use of animals. Alternative methods that do not bring academic or scientific harm should also be sought. This study aimed to develop a training model for the collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and myelography in the cervical and lumbar regions in cadavers of embalmed dogs, using an alcoholic solution and curing salts for fixation and conservation. The dogs were divided into 4 grups of 8 animal each and stored between 2ºC and 6ºC, for 30, 60, 90, or 120 days. Durotomy was performed to implant two urethral catheters (one in the cranial direction and another in the caudal direction to the spinal cord access site), in the subduraracnoid space. This space was fixed via manual infusion of saline solution with a 20-mL syringe to simulate the presence of the CSF and the positive pressure, while the puncture was made. Four cadavers of each group were randomly selected for the CSF puncture from the atlantooccipital joint and in the lumbar region between L5 and L6, respectively, and four were used for CSF puncture training, in which radiographic contrast (myelography) was injected in the same locations. This model was cost-effective, did not utilize toxic products, and can preserve cadavers for up to 120 days. In this novel anatomical model, a maximum of 15 students can be trained on CSF puncture, allowing cervical and lumbar myelography and at least 30 perforations per cadaver.

É essencial e imperioso ter critério quanto ao uso de animais em pesquisa e atividades de ensino e, consequentemente, buscar métodos alternativos que não causem prejuízo acadêmico ou científico. Para que não ocorra deterioração dos tecidos, a fixação e conservação de peças anatômicas e cadáveres devem ser realizadas. Objetivou-se, com este estudo, desenvolver um modelo anatômico para treinamento de colheita de líquido cerebroespinhal (LCE) e mielografia, nas regiões cervical e lombar. Os cães foram divididos em quatro grupos contendo oito animais cada e armazenados entre 2ºC e 6ºC, por 30, 60, 90 ou 120 dias. Foi realizada durotomia para implantação de duas sondas uretrais, no espaço subaracnóide. A infusão manual de solução fisiológica com seringa de 20 mL foi utilizada para simular a presença do LCE e a pressão positiva, enquanto era feita a punção. Quatro cadáveres de cada grupo foram selecionados para a punção de LCE na articulação atlantooccipital e na região lombar entre L5 e L6, e quatro foram utilizados para o treinamento da punção de LCE e injeção de contraste radiográfico (mielografia). A técnica anatômica empregada possibilitou o desenvolvimento de um modelo visando ao ensino e pesquisa da radiologia em cadáveres de cães quimicamente preparados, a custo baixo e sem utilização de produtos tóxicos, mantidos sob refrigeração por 120 dias. Com isso, um máximo de 15 alunos podem ser treinados em punção do LCR, permitindo mielografia cervical e lombar com 30 perfurações por cadáver.

Pelvimetric characteristics in agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) bred under human care / Características pelvimétricas em cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) criadas sob cuidados humanos

The aim of the study was to establish the pattern of the agouti pelvis by obtaining external and radiographic internal pelvimetric values. Forty-three agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha), females and males bred in under human care were used. The parameters measured were the external biiliac diameter; the external biischiatic diameter; right and left external ilioischiatic diameters and radiographic internal measurements (true conjugated, the diagonal conjugated; the vertical, the sacral, sagittal, coxal tuberosity, upper biiliac, lower biiliac, and biischiatic diameter. The inlet pelvic area and the outlet pelvic area were calculated, as well the height/width ratios of the entrance area of the pelvis and the pelvic outlet area were calculated. The mean values for each body measurement of females and males were: weight 1.91kg and 2.04kg, external biiliac diameter 6.32cm and 6.30cm, external biischiatic diameter 4.34cm and 4.28cm, right external ilioischiatic diameter 9.01cm and 9.33cm, left external ilioischiatic diameter 9.13cm and 9.30cm, true conjugated 3.90cm and 3.68cm, diagonal conjugated 7.13cm and 6.91cm, vertical diameter 2.59cm and 2.45cm, sacral diameter 2.63cm and 2.44cm, sagittal diameter 3.30cm and 3.09cm, coxal tuberosity diameter 2.52cm and 2.43cm, upper biiliac diameter 6.28cm and 6.24cm, lower biiliac diameter 2.98cm and 2.58cm, biischiatic diameter 2.60cm and 2.70cm, height/width ratio - vertical/ lower biiliac diameter 0.88cm and 0.95cm, sagital/coxal tuberosity diameter 1.32cm and 1.28cm, inlet pelvic area 82.38cm and 77.83cm and outlet pelvic area 24.76cm and 20.07cm. Agouti are dolichopelvic animals, demonstrating the existence of a discrete sexual dimorphism in adults and low intensity correlations between the external and internal measures studied.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer o padrão da pelve de cutia, masculina e feminina, por meio da obtenção dos valores médios da pelvimetria externa e interna radiográfica. Foram utilizadas 43 cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha), fêmeas e machos criadas sob cuidados humanos. Os parâmetros medidos foram o diâmetro biilíaco externo; o diâmetro biisquiático externo; diâmetros ilioisquiáticos externos direito e esquerdo e medidas internas radiográficas (diâmetros conjugado verdadeiro, diagonal conjugado, vertical, sacral, sagital, tuberosidade coxal, biilíaco superior, biilíaco inferior e diâmetro biisquiático). A área pélvica de entrada e a área pélvica de saída foram calculadas , assim como foram calculadas as razões altura/largura da área de entrada da pelve e da área de saída da pelve. Os valores médios para as medidas das fêmeas e dos machos foram, respectivamente: peso 1,91kg e 2,04kg, diâmetro biilíaco externo 6,32cm e 6,30 cm, diâmetro ilioisquiático externo 4,34cm e 4,28cm, diâmetro ilioisquiático externo direito 9,01cm e 9,33cm, diâmetro ilioisquiático externo esquerdo 9,13cm e 9,30cm, diâmetro conjugado verdadeiro 3,90cm e 3,68cm, diâmetro conjugado diagonal 7,13cm e 6,91cm, diâmetro vertical 2,59cm e 2,45cm, diâmetro sacral 2,63cm e 2,44cm, diâmetro sagital 3,30cm e 3,09cm, tuberosidade coxal diâmetro 2,52cm e 2,43cm, diâmetro biilíaco superior 6,28cm e 6,24cm, diâmetro biilíaco inferior 2,98cm e 2,58cm, diâmetro biisquiático 2,60cm e 2,70cm, relação altura/largura - vertical/diâmetro biilíaco inferior 0,88cm e 0,95cm, diâmetro sagital/coxal tuberosidade 1,32cm e 1,28cm, área pélvica de entrada 82,38cm e 77,83 cm e área pélvica de saída 24,76cm e 20,07cm. As cutias são animais dolicopélvicos, demonstrando a existência de um discreto dimorfismo sexual em adultos e correlações de baixa intensidade entre as medidas externas e internas estudadas.

LTBP3 Frameshift Variant in British Shorthair Cats with Complex Skeletal Dysplasia.

We investigated a highly inbred family of British Shorthair cats in which two offspring were affected by deteriorating paraparesis due to complex skeletal malformations. Radiographs of both affected kittens revealed vertebral deformations with marked stenosis of the vertebral canal from T11 to L3. Additionally, compression of the spinal cord, cerebellar herniation, coprostasis and hypogangliosis were found. The pedigree suggested monogenic autosomal recessive inheritance of the trait. We sequenced the genome of an affected kitten and compared the data to 62 control genomes. This search yielded 55 private protein-changing variants of which only one was located in a likely functional candidate gene, LTBP3, encoding latent transforming growth factor ß binding protein 3. This variant, c.158delG or p.(Gly53Alafs*16), represents a 1 bp frameshift deletion predicted to truncate 95% of the open reading frame. LTBP3 is a known key regulator of transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) and is involved in bone morphogenesis and remodeling. Genotypes at the LTBP3:c.158delG variant perfectly co-segregated with the phenotype in the investigated family. The available experimental data together with current knowledge on LTBP3 variants and their functional impact in human patients and mice suggest LTBP3:c.158delG as a candidate causative variant for the observed skeletal malformations in British Shorthair cats. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report of LTBP3-related complex skeletal dysplasia in domestic animals.

Casuistry of radiographic examinations of wild animals in the southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 2017 to 2020 / [Casuística dos exames radiográficos de animais silvestres na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul entre 2017-2020]

A radiologia é uma importante ferramenta complementar para o diagnóstico de diversas afecções em diferentes espécies. O uso de exames complementares na medicina de animais silvestres, em especial o exame de imagem, traz inúmeras informações acerca do paciente. Este trabalho apresenta os dados obtidos por meio de um levantamento dos exames radiográficos realizados em animais silvestres entre os anos de 2017 e 2020, no Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Imagem e Cardiologia (LADIC), do Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (HCV/UFPel). Ao todo, foram avaliados 464 prontuários, sendo 293 (63,1%) de aves, 135 (29,1%) de mamíferos e 36 (7,8%) de répteis. As alterações mais encontradas nos exames radiológicos foram fratura de membros torácicos para as duas primeiras classes, e pneumonia para a última.(AU)

Thoracic radiographic features of fatal paraquat intoxication in eleven dogs.

BACKGROUND: Paraquat (1,1-dimethyl-4,4-bipyridinium dichloride) is a toxic herbicide. Accidental ingestion of paraquat in animals and humans causes respiratory failure and death. AIM: To describe the radiographic features of confirmed paraquat intoxication in a group of dogs and determines whether any identified features can facilitate this diagnosis. METHODS: Eleven dogs diagnosed with paraquat intoxication were selected from two institutions between November 2014 and August 2019 comprising five males (all intact) and six females (one intact and five spayed). The mean age was 3.9 ± 2.9 (SD) years and their mean weight was 11.6 ± 5.0 kg. The tentative diagnosis was confirmed through analysis of their urine samples using a colorimetric assay (paraquat concentation 0.39 µg/ml ranging from 0.19-0.65 µg/ml), and their clinical signs were reviewed. Thoracic radiographs were evaluated for the presence of pneumomediastinum, lung patterns (interstitial or alveolar) and their locations (caudodorsal, cranioventral, diffuse, or symmetrical), subcutaneous emphysema, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumothorax. RESULTS: The most common clinical signs were dyspnea (11/11, 100%) and anorexia (9/11, 82%). Pneumomediastinum (10/11, 91%) and symmetrically increased lung opacity (7/11, 65%) were the most common radiographic features. Pneumothorax (3/11, 27%), pleural effusion (3/11, 27%), subcutaneous emphysema (2/11, 18%), and pneumoretroperitoneum (1/5, 20%) were the less common findings. None of the dogs survived. CONCLUSION: Pneumomediastinum and diffuse or symmetrical interstitial or alveolar lung patterns are the most common radiographic features in dogs with paraquat intoxication. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In countries where this herbicide is not banned, paraquat intoxication should be considered if dogs with no history of trauma present with pneumomediastinum.

Comparison of radiographic and computed tomographic acetabular index in small-breed dogs: a preliminary study using Maltese and Shih Tzu.

BACKGROUND: The morphometry of the acetabulum is one source of information that assists in the clinical diagnosis of the hip and influences the proper selection of a prosthesis, reducing post-operative complications such as those seen in total hip replacement (THR). However, acetabular parameters in small-breed dogs are rarely reported. OBJECTIVES: To investigate acetabular parameters using radiography and computed tomography (CT) in small-breed dogs with Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs used as model breeds. METHODS: Standard calibrated, extended hip radiographs and CT images were obtained. Subsequently, acetabular width (AW) in various directions was measured using radiography and CT, whereas acetabular depth (AD) was obtained by CT. Acetabular index (AI) is a ratio calculated from AD and AW. RESULTS: The values of AW and AD were much higher in Shih Tzu than in Maltese dogs. Male Shih Tzus showed higher values of these parameters than females, while sex-based differences in most of the parameters could not be detected in Maltese. Body weight, but not age, influenced AWs and ADs. While AWs and ADs were influenced by several factors, AI was comparable among the assessed factors and between Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs (p = 0.172; 31.42 ± 1.35 and 32.60 ± 1.80, respectively). Also, AI did not vary with breed, sex, or body size. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained radiographic and CT acetabular parameters could be useful as guidelines for evaluating the acetabulum of small-breed dogs in clinical practice.

Detection of osteoarthritis in dogs by metabolic, pro-inflammatory and degenerative synovial fluid biomarkers and traditional radiographic screening: A pilot study.

Secondary osteoarthritis (OA) is a slow progressive, common disorder of synovial joints in dogs. It is characterized by a loss of balance between the synthesis and degeneration of articular cartilage components. Its diagnosis is currently based on the presence of clear radiographic changes, which only occur in the later stages of the disease. Hence, early diagnosis of OA remains a major problem. Therefore, interest in synovial fluid (SF) biomarkers has emerged. Besides pro-inflammatory and degenerative markers, i.e. tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tenascin-c (TN-C) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), metabolic parameters, i.e. pH, glucose and lactate, can potentially be used to detect OA. The current study demonstrated statistically significant differences in the SF levels of pH, glucose and lactate between OA-affected and normal joints. In addition, the in-house validated immuno-assays for TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, TN-C and MMP-2 allowed to demonstrate also statistically significant differences in the SF concentrations for all these biomarkers - except TNF-alpha - between OA-affected and normal joints. However, no correlation was found between any of these biomarkers and the currently used radiographic scoring system for OA in dogs. Future research is warranted to explore the potential of these biomarkers in the early detection of OA and in the severity characterization of this disease.