The use of lateral arthroscopy portals for the management of a fragmented lateral coronoid process in an English Bulldog.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of unilateral lateral coronoid process fragmentation in a dog treated via lateral elbow arthroscopy portals. ANIMAL: A 9-month old male intact English Bulldog. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: The dog presented with a history of intermittent right thoracic limb lameness. Orthopedic examination on presentation was unremarkable. Computed tomography of the right thoracic limb was pursued and revealed a mineralized focus along the lateral margin of the lateral coronoid process as well as sclerosis of the medial coronoid process and subtrochlear region of the ulna. Elbow arthroscopy was performed via a lateral approach and revealed chondromalacia of the entire lateral coronoid process. Abrasion arthroplasty of the lateral coronoid process was performed. RESULTS: Complete resolution of the lameness was achieved within two weeks of surgery. At 6 weeks postoperatively, the dog remained sound and a gradual return to normal activity was recommended. At the final follow up assessment, 5 months after surgery, no abnormalities were found on orthopedic examination and the owners reported excellent limb function with no observable lameness. CONCLUSION: Lateral coronoid disease can occur as a rare component of elbow dysplasia in dogs. Abrasion arthroplasty via lateral arthroscopic portals may have resulted in a successful outcome in this case and may form an effective treatment option for lateral coronoid disease in dogs.

Comparison of the distraction index and Norberg angle with radiographic grading of canine hip dysplasia.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) radiographic grading system stands as a well-established benchmark for categorizing hip dysplasia in canines. Although more objective techniques to quantify early hip laxity in young dogs, such as the Norberg angle (NA) and distraction index (DI), have been documented, there is a scarcity of published studies that directly compare these radiographic measures. The primary objectives of this prospective, analytical study were to assess and compare the NA and DI measures with OFA grades within a cohort of dogs. Thirty dogs (57 hip joints) were evaluated, with a mean age of 5.4 ± 2.9 years and a mean body weight of 34.3 ± 7.1 kg. The discriminative power of hip dysplasia for DI and NA used OFA as a reference were compared by multivariate discriminant analysis test. Using the DI (≤0.3) 12 joints were classified as normal, using NA (≥105°) 24 joints and using OFA (≤3) 29. When comparing the discriminant power of NA with OFA resulting similar (P = .8324) with correct classifications of 81% using cross validation, however, the discriminant power of dysplasia of the DI resulted significantly greater (P = .0034) than OFA with correct classifications of only 59% using cross-validation, consequently it was possible determined that of 29 patients with OFA ≤ 3, 20 had DI > 0.3. These findings demonstrated that phenotypic healthy dogs according to OFA grading can present passive hip joint laxity, as demonstrated by radiographic evaluation with distraction. Furthermore, DI can contribute to the screening of CHD when evaluated in conjunction with OFA grading.

The use of lateral arthroscopy portals for the management of bilateral osteochondritis dissecans of the radial head in an English bulldog.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of bilateral radial head osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in a dog treated via lateral elbow arthroscopy portals. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: Six month old female spayed English bulldog. METHODS: The dog was presented for a left thoracic limb lameness localized to the elbow. Computed tomography revealed bilaterally symmetrical mineralized fragments in the lateral compartment of the elbow joint and blunting of the medial coronoid processes. The fragments were associated with a thin donation bed along the caudolateral articular surface of the radial head with moderate surrounding subchondral bone sclerosis. Bilateral elbow arthroscopy was pursued. Arthroscopy was initiated via a standard medial approach, which allowed for abrasion arthroplasty of the radial incisure and medial coronoid process but provided insufficient access to the radial head lesions. A lateral arthroscopic approach was subsequently performed and provided excellent access to the radial head for fragment retrieval and abrasion arthroplasty. RESULTS: Histopathology of the radial head fragments revealed mild cartilage degeneration and retention of cartilaginous cores within subchondral bone, consistent with OCD. Complete resolution of lameness and elbow pain were observed on clinical examination 5 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Radial head OCD can occur as a rare component of elbow dysplasia in growing dogs, and fragment retrieval with abrasion arthroplasty via lateral arthroscopic portals may be an effective treatment option.

AUSTWICKIA CHELONAE IN A WILD GOPHER TORTOISE (GOPHERUS POLYPHEMUS) AND EVIDENCE OF POSITIVE SELECTION ON THE DIPHTHERIA-LIKE TOXIN GENE.

Austwickia (Dermatophilus) chelonae is a filamentous, Gram-positive Actinobacteria in the Dermatophilaceae family. It has caused fatal granulomatous disease in diverse captive reptile species on three continents, but its presence in wild or free-ranging populations was unknown. An adult female gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) was presented euhydrated, but cachectic and infested with ticks, with two firm, encapsulated masses over the cranioventral neck and right stifle. The tortoise had moderate nonregenerative anemia and evidence of inflammation; plasma biochemistry data was within normal limits. Fine needle aspirate of the neck lesion revealed abundant necrosis and aggregates of cocci. Computed tomography delineated the masses and revealed an additional mass adjacent to the left zygomatic bone. After surgical excision, histology identified chronic granulomas with intralesional filamentous bacteria. Pan-bacterial 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing of the masses identified A. chelonae. Despite treatment with oxytetracycline and ceftazidime, the tortoise deteriorated and was euthanatized. An esophageal lesion consistent with A. chelonae was seen on postmortem examination, although it was determined that the tortoise ultimately succumbed to fungal pneumonia caused by Metarhizium robertsii, an entomopathogenic biotoxin sprayed as insect control. This case reveals A. chelonae is present in free-ranging chelonians in North America. This organism produces a toxin gene similar to diphtheria toxin, one of the most potent known biotoxins, which has not been previously identified outside the genus Corynebacterium. Novel PCR primers were designed for the toxin and rpoB genes, which were amplified and sequenced from two cases and compared with two available genomes. Selection analysis revealed that the toxin gene is under positive selection, which implies it interacts significantly with the immune system, making it a good candidate for immunodiagnostic test development.

POSTMORTEM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN A CASE OF COINFECTION OF DOLPHIN MORBILLIVIRUS AND ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS IN A JUVENILE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS).

A freshly dead juvenile bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), recovered from the waters near Sand Key, Clearwater, FL, was imaged postmortem using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging prior to conventional necropsy. The pattern of imaging findings in the brain was compatible with severe multifocal meningoencephalitis with intralesional necrosis and/or hemorrhage, and the pattern of imaging findings in the lungs was compatible with severe multifocal bronchopneumonia. The subsequent investigation included necropsy, histology, culture, and molecular diagnostics and demonstrated disseminated coinfection of dolphin morbillivirus and Aspergillus fumigatus. This is the first report documenting the cross-sectional imaging findings of this important cetacean comorbidity and demonstrates advances in modern, cooperative investigations of marine mammal mortality events.

RENAL NEOPLASIA FROM A SINGLE POPULATION OF PTEROPODID BATS.

Neoplastic diseases have rarely been reported in the family Pteropodidae, and primary malignant renal neoplasms are generally uncommon across animal species. This case series describes four cases of primary renal neoplasia: three renal cell carcinomas and one nephroblastoma in three species of pteropodid bats, specifically large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus, n = 2), straw-colored fruit bat (Eidolon helvum, n = 1), and a little golden-mantled flying fox (Pteropus pumilus, n = 1). Two of the cases were diagnosed antemortem using ultrasonography, computed tomography, and cytology; and one of these bats with a renal cell carcinoma was treated successfully with a unilateral nephrectomy. The remaining two cases were diagnosed at necropsy.

Combination of stem cells from deciduous teeth and electroacupuncture for therapy in dogs with chronic spinal cord injury: A pilot study.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that causes profound economic and emotional impact in human patients and companion animal owners. It has been shown that the neurogenic effects of the stem cells are enhanced when combined with electroacupuncture (EA) in rodent models of SCI. To determine the safety and feasibility of combining transplantation of allogenic stem cells derived from canine exfoliated deciduous teeth (SCED) and EA in dogs with chronic spinal cord injury a canine pilot clinical study was conducted. A total of 16 individuals ranging from 5 to 11 years at 3 to 18 months of injury were investigated and randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups (SCED, EA, SCED + EA, control). Mild neurological and functional improvements were seen in all 4 groups. There was no clinical progression or mortality of the cases occurred in a follow up of 7 months after procedure. The study shows that SCED transplantation and electroacupuncture were feasible, safe and potentially beneficial. However Long-term patient monitoring is necessary to rule out any delayed side effects and assess any further improvements.

Anatomic characterization of pulmonary accessory fissures in canine cadavers.

Accessory fissures in the lungs are well described in humans, considered a normal finding, being identified in 60% of autopsied lungs, and more prevalent in the right lung (Gesase, ; Nene, Gajendra, & Sarma, 2011). In dogs, interlobar fissures are well recognized, but there is the lack of anatomic characterization for accessory fissures in the accessible literature. The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the prevalence and to describe the anatomic localization of accessory fissures. The lungs from 87 dog cadavers used to teach veterinary gross anatomy were collected. Accessory fissures were characterized for each lung lobe, specific lung lobe location, orientation, length and the number of accessory fissures per lobe. Accessory fissures were recognized in 48/87 (55%) of canine lungs, all located in the periphery of the individual lobes. We found a significant association between the presence of accessory fissures and the costal surface of the lung (p < 0.0001), the right lung (p < 0.004), the right cranial lung lobe (p < 0.002) and the left cranial lung lobe (p < 0.04). Histologic results showed normal alveolar and respiratory bronchioles to the level of the accessory fissures. Our results show that accessory fissures are a common finding and should be considered a normal variant. They are more prevalent in the right lung, in the costal surface, and in the right and left cranial lung lobes. An anatomic nomenclature for accessory fissures based on the current Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria and the human literature is proposed. Further studies include a comparison among anatomical accessory fissures, and radiographic and computed tomographic images.

Laparoscopic access to the liver and application of laparoscopic microwave ablation in 2 dogs with liver neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine laparoscopic accessibility of liver lobes and access to the hilus and describe laparoscopic microwave ablation (LMWA) in 2 dogs with hepatic neoplasia. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental/descriptive case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Six canine cadavers and 2 clinical dogs. METHODS: Cadavers in dorsal recumbency underwent laparoscopic assessment of the liver. A 17 gauge MWA probe was inserted to create an ablation zone at the most proximal aspect of the hilus. The distance from the center of each ablation zone to the most proximal aspect of the corresponding hilus was determined. Two dogs with hepatic neoplasia underwent LMWA. RESULTS: All lobes of the canine liver were accessible via laparoscopy. The median (interquartile range) distances from the ablation zones to the hilus for the caudate process, left lateral, left middle, quadrate, right lateral, and right middle lobes were 2.2 (1.2-2.6), 2.1 (1-4.4), 1.5 (1.4-3.7), 2, 1, 2.5 (1-4.1) cm, respectively. Histopathologic diagnoses treated by LMWA included metastatic hemangiosarcoma and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Laparoscopic microwave ablation was technically feasible, and no complications from the procedure resulted. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic access to the hilus of each liver lobe is possible via a ventrodorsal approach provided reverse Trendelenburg and lateral rotation is used, especially for the right lateral lobe. Laparoscopic microwave ablation is feasible in some dogs with hepatic neoplasia. The indications for and efficacy of LMWA for hepatic neoplasia in dogs requires additional investigation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laparoscopic access to all liver lobes and MWA of some neoplastic lesions is feasible in a canine pilot study.

Evaluation of the potential efficacy of an ultrasound-guided adductor canal block technique in dog cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an ultrasound-guided technique for adductor canal (AC) block by describing the distribution of methylene blue around the AC, popliteal fossa, saphenous, tibial and common fibular nerves in dog cadavers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Ten mixed breed canine cadavers weighing 28.55 ± 3.94 kg. METHODS: Ultrasound scans of the AC were performed bilaterally in 10 canine cadavers. A high-frequency linear transducer was placed on the long axis of the pectineus muscle and using an in-plane technique, an insulated needle was introduced at a proximal to distal direction into the AC. Methylene blue 0.1% (0.3 mL kg-1) was administered followed by dissection. The presence of dye over the target nerves for ≥2 cm was considered successful distribution. Three of 10 cadavers were submitted to computed tomography (CT) and one of them to magnetic resonance (MR) evaluation. RESULTS: Methylene blue reached the AC in 20 (100%) and the popliteal fossa in 17 (85%) pelvic limbs. Staining was successful in the saphenous nerve (4.0 ± 1.57 cm) in 11 (55%) limbs, tibial nerve (2.65 ± 0.8 cm) in six (30%) and common fibular nerve (2.7 ± 0.9 cm) in four (20%). There was no evidence of staining around the motor branches of the femoral nerve. No intraneural or intravascular dye spread was found during dissections. Contrast distribution to the popliteal fossa was observed in three limbs (50%) in CT and in one (50%) MR image. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the tibial and common fibular nerves were not stained as often as the saphenous nerve, dye was encountered throughout the popliteal fossa near the nerves. The AC block may be useful for intra and postoperative analgesia in stifle surgery with minimal femoral motor dysfunction. However, further study is required to confirm its efficacy and safety in vivo.

Gradual attenuation of a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt with a self-retaining polyacrylic acid-silicone device in 6 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of a polyacrylic acid-silicone radiolucent self-retaining gradual occlusion device (PAS-OD) to attenuate congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSS) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Six client-owned dogs with single, congenital EHPSS. METHODS: Serum bile acids (SBA), abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) were performed preoperatively and at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Each dog was treated for EHPSS by placement of a PAS-OD. RESULTS: PAS-OD were placed without complication an average of 4.3 seconds (range, 3-7) after isolation of the shunt. Median surgical time was 38.5 minutes (range, 28-84) including concurrent procedures. All dogs recovered from surgery without complications. SBA were normal in 5 of 6 dogs at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. The shunt was completely attenuated in 2 of 6 dogs at 4 weeks and in 4 of 6 dogs at 8 weeks, without evidence of acquired shunt formation in any dog. The size and velocity of the portal vasculature were improved in 5 of 6 dogs according to 8-week postoperative CTA and ultrasonography results, respectively. The remaining dog had a persistently decreased portal vasculature size but a normal velocity according to 8-week postoperative CTA and ultrasound results, respectively. CONCLUSION: The PAS-OD led to complete attenuation in 4 of 6 dogs and partial attenuation with mild residual flow of 2 EHPSS over an 8-week period in dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The PAS-OD is a new option for gradual occlusion of congenital EHPSS over 8 weeks.

Antemortem Diagnosis of Coxiellosis in a Blue and Gold Macaw ( Ara ararauna).

A 15-year-old female blue and gold macaw ( Ara ararauna) was presented for evaluation after being found laterally recumbent, reluctant to move, and lethargic. Results of a complete blood count showed an increased number of immature heterophils with increased cytoplasmic basophilia and degranulation and the presence of a left shift. Radiographs and a computed tomography scan were performed and revealed a markedly enlarged spleen. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate of the spleen was submitted for cytologic examination and aerobic bacterial culture. While the culture revealed no growth, cytologic examination identified mononuclear phagocytes with cytoplasmic vacuoles containing structures consistent with bacteria. Pan-bacterial 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction of the splenic sample followed by direct sequencing identified a Coxiella-like agent identical to one previously isolated in the liver of a golden-mantled rosella ( Platycercus eximius). Phylogenetic analysis shows that avian coxiellosis agents and Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, represent 2 independent events of development of vertebrate pathogenicity in this group of tick endosymbionts. This report suggests diagnostic and treatment directions for coxiellosis in avian patients and indicates where further study is needed.

Assessment of the attenuation of an intra-abdominal vein by use of a silicone-polyacrylic acid gradual venous occlusion device in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the closure rate and completeness of closure for a silicone-polyacrylic acid gradual venous occlusion device placed around an intra-abdominal vein to simulate gradual occlusion of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt. ANIMALS 3 purpose-bred cats and 2 purpose-bred dogs. PROCEDURES The device was surgically placed around an external (cats) or internal (dogs) iliac vein. Computed tomographic angiography was performed at the time of surgery and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery. Ultrasonographic examinations of blood flow through the vein within the device were performed at the time of surgery and at weekly intervals thereafter. Dogs were euthanized 6 weeks after surgery, and the external iliac veins were harvested for histologic examination. RESULTS The prototype gradual venous occlusion device was successfully placed in all animals, and all animals recovered without complications following the placement procedure. The vessel was completely occluded in 2 cats by 6 weeks after surgery, as determined on the basis of results of CT and ultrasonography; there was incomplete occlusion with a luminal diameter of 1.5 mm in the other cat by 6 weeks after surgery. The vessel was completely occluded in both dogs by 6 weeks after surgery. Histologic examination of the external iliac veins obtained from the dogs revealed minimal inflammation of the vessel wall and no thrombus formation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The prototype device induced gradual attenuation of an intra-abdominal vessel over a 6-week period. This device may provide another option for gradual occlusion of extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

In vitro evaluation of bursting pressure and intestinal luminal area of three jejunostomy tube placement techniques in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pursestring, Witzel (seromuscular inversion), and seromuscular incision jejunostomy tube placement techniques in vitro. SAMPLE: Jejunal specimens from 10 dogs. PROCEDURES: Jejunal segments (50 cm) were harvested immediately prior to euthanasia from 10 mixed-breed dogs Specimens were harvested with the orad and aborad ends clamped and stored in saline (0.9% NaCl) solution-soaked towels during instrumentation. Three jejunostomy tubes were placed via 3 techniques (pursestring, Witzel, and seromuscular incision), and 2 double lumen central venous catheters were placed at each intestinal end for luminal filling and leak testing. Intestinal luminal area was measured ultrasonographically with specimens suspended in a warm undyed saline solution bath with the intestinal lumen filled with dyed saline solution (intraluminal pressure, 6 mm Hg). Leak testing was performed by means of infusion of dyed saline solution (4 mL/min) until each jejunostomy site failed. Intestinal luminal area and leakage pressure were compared between the 3 tube placement techniques. RESULTS: The Witzel and seromuscular incision techniques decreased the intestinal luminal area measured at the tube insertion site, albeit nonsignificantly. For the seromuscular incision technique, a significant decrease in intestinal luminal area at the intraluminal site of measurement was found. For 2/30 specimens (1/10 pursestring and 1/10 seromuscular incision), failure occurred at pressures within the range of previously reported peak peristaltic pressure for dogs. Failure occurred at supraphysiologic peristaltic pressures for the remaining 28 specimens, including all 10 specimens for the Witzel technique. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this in vitro study, all specimens for the Witzel technique withstood physiologic peristaltic pressures during leak testing. Both tunneling techniques (Witzel and seromuscular incision) created a decrease in intestinal luminal area. Further investigation, including in vivo testing, is indicated to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings.

Associations between 'valentine' heart shape, atrial enlargement and cardiomyopathy in cats.

'Valentine' heart shape is a common qualifier used in veterinary radiology to describe a cardiac silhouette with focal enlargement at the level of the base of the heart in feline patients. Anecdotally, this sign has been thought to be related to biatrial enlargement and also to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, to our knowledge, there has been no study performed to assess the association between cardiac chamber enlargement and cardiac disease with the 'valentine'-shaped heart. The aim of this study was to verify the association between the 'valentine' heart shape observed in ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs and the presence of singular or combined cardiac chamber enlargement, and also the presence and type of cardiomyopathy (CM) in cats. A search of the database of the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the University of Florida for cats with a radiology report of thoracic radiographs that contained the words 'valentine' and 'biatrial', and echocardiography performed within 1 week, was undertaken; 41 cases met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-two percent of the cats of the study sample had some form of CM. The 'valentine' heart shape was associated with biatrial enlargement in 41% of the patients in our study sample that had some form of CM and just 8% of cases diagnosed with HCM, suggesting that the 'valentine' heart shape has a low association with HCM or biatrial enlargement; however, it should be considered a sign of feline CM.

O papel da ultrassonografia modo B na avaliação anatômica musculoesquelética do segmento cervical da coluna vertebral de cães / The role of B-mode ultrasonography in the musculoskeletal anatomical evaluation of the cervical region of the dog spine

This study characterized the normal musculoskeletal anatomy of the cervical segment of the spine of dogs by means of B-mode ultrasonography. The objective was to establish the role of B-mode ultrasonography for the anatomical evaluation of the cervical spine segment in dogs, by comparing the ultrasonographic findings with images by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The ultrasound examination, in transverse and median sagittal sections, allowed to identify a part of the epaxial cervical musculature, the bone surface of the cervical vertebrae and parts of the spinal cord through restricted areas with natural acoustic windows, such as between the atlanto-occipital joint, axis and atlas, and axis and the third cervical vertebra. The images, on transverse and sagittal planes, by low-field magnetic resonance imaging, were superior for the anatomical identification of the structures, due to higher contrast between the different tissues in this modality. Computed tomography showed superiority for bone detailing when compared with ultrasonography. As for magnetic resonance imaging, in addition to the muscles and cervical vertebrae, it is possible to identify the cerebrospinal fluid and differentiate between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral discs. Although not the scope of this study, with knowledge of the ultrasonographic anatomy of this region, it is believed that some lesions can be identified, yet in a limited manner, when compared with the information obtained mainly with magnetic resonance imaging. The ultrasound examination presented lower morphology diagnostic value compared with the other modalities.

Este estudo caracterizou a anatomia musculoesquelética normal do segmento cervical da coluna vertebral de cães por meio da ultrassonografia modo B. O objetivo do trabalho foi estabelecer o papel da ultrassonografia modo B na avaliação anatômica do segmento cervical de cães, comparando os achados ultrassonográficos com imagens por tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética. O exame ultrassonográfico, em cortes transversais e sagitais mediano, permitiu a identificação de parte da musculatura epaxial do pescoço, superfície óssea das vértebras cervicais e medula espinhal em áreas restritas com janelas acústicas naturais, como entre a articulação atlantoccipital, áxis e atlas, e áxis e terceira vértebra cervical. As imagens, em planos transversais e sagitais, por ressonância magnética de baixo campo foram superiores na identificação anatômica das estruturas, devido ao maior contraste entre os diferentes tecidos nessa modalidade. A tomografia computadorizada se mostrou superior no detalhamento ósseo da região quando comparada ao exame ultrassonográfico. Já a ressonância magnética, além dos músculos e vértebras cervicais, permitiu a identificação do líquido cefalorraquidiano, e diferenciar núcleo pulposo e anel fibroso dos discos intervertebrais. Embora não seja objetivo direto deste estudo, com o conhecimento da anatomia ultrassonográfica dessa região, acredita-se que algumas lesões possam ser identificadas, contudo de maneira restrita, quando comparadas as informações obtidas, principalmente na imagem por ressonância magnética. O exame ultrassonográfico apresentou valor morfológico inferior.

Comparison of computed tomographic angiography and ultrasonography for the detection and characterization of portosystemic shunts in dogs.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the accuracy of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and abdominal ultrasonography in detecting and characterizing portosystemic shunts (PSS) in dogs. Medical records of 76 dogs that underwent CTA and/or abdominal ultrasonography suspected to have PSS were reviewed. Presence or absence, and characterization of PSS (when present) on CTA were reviewed by a board-certified veterinary radiologist that was blinded to the clinical findings. The abdominal ultrasonography findings were reviewed from the medical records. Visualization and description of the origin and insertion of PSS on CTA and abdominal ultrasonography were related with laboratory, surgical, or mesenteric portographic confirmation of the presence or absence of PSS. The sensitivity for detection of PSS with CTA (96%) was significantly higher than abdominal ultrasonography (68%; P < 0.001). The specificities for CTA and abdominal ultrasonography were 89% and 84%, respectively (P = 0.727). Computed tomographic angiography detected the correct origin in 15 of 16 dogs and correct insertion in 15 of 16 dogs with congenital PSS. Abdominal ultrasonography detected the correct origin in 24 of 30 dogs and correct insertion in 20 of 33 dogs with congenital PSS. Multiple acquired PSS were seen in four of five dogs and in one of six dogs on CTA and abdominal ultrasonography, respectively. Computed tomographic angiography was 5.5 times more likely to correctly ascertain the presence or absence of PSS when compared to abdominal ultrasonography (P = 0.02). Findings indicated that CTA is a noninvasive diagnostic modality that is superior to abdominal ultrasonography for the detection and characterization of PSS in dogs.

Radiographic characterization of presumed plate-like atelectasis in 75 nonanesthetized dogs and 15 cats.

Discrete discoid or linear areas of increased soft opacity have been observed within the pulmonary parenchyma in thoracic radiographs of dogs and cats. Similar radiographic findings have been described in humans and termed plate-like atelectasis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe locations and characteristics of presumed plate-like atelectasis, presence of concurrent thoracic disease(s), and presence of persistent pulmonary changes on recheck thoracic radiographic studies in a cohort of dogs and cats. Hospital records between 2004 and 2011 were searched and a total of 90 cases were included (75 dogs and 15 cats, 2-17 years of age). Plate-like atelectasis was most commonly found in left lateral radiographs. Plate-like atelectasis was observed in the cranial thorax and was oriented in a dorsocranial to ventrocaudal direction in 68 (75%) patients. Plate-like atelectasis averaged 29.6 ± 14.4 mm in length and 2.6 ± 1.3 mm in width. In 57 of the 90 patients (63%), plate-like atelectasis was the only abnormality found. Plate-like atelectasis was present in 7 of 22 cases where follow-up radiographs were available. Findings from the current study indicated that, while the etiology of plate-like atelectasis remains unknown, anatomic variations in sublobar pulmonary anatomy might account for pleural areas of atelectasis. The authors propose that the presence of plate-like atelectasis may represent areas of atelectasis that track along sublobar lung lobe separations, an area of hypoventilation or decreased collateral ventilation, and/or area of decreased localized surfactant deficiency.

Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) use human gestures but not nonhuman tokens to find hidden food.

The authors examined the ability of domestic dogs to use human body cues (gestures) and equivalent-sized nonhuman cues to find hidden food in an object choice paradigm. In Experiment 1 the authors addressed the importance of the human element of the cue, and the effects of size, topography, and familiarity on dogs' success in using cues. Experiment 2 further explored the role of the human as cue-giver, and the impact of a change in the experimenter's attentional state during cue presentation. This included a systematic test of the role inanimate tokens play as cues apart from human placement. Our results indicate that dogs are more sensitive to human cues than equivalent nonhuman cues, and that the size of the cue is a critical element in determining dogs' success in following it.