Urethral entrapment by an overlapping dislocation of the pubic symphysis in a cat.

Case summary: A 1-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was referred with suspected uroperitoneum. Ultrasonography showed peritoneal effusion. CT further revealed a bilateral sacroiliac joint disruption associated with an overlapped dislocation of the pubic symphysis, resulting in an abnormal trajectory of the urethra with extramural urethral compression. An open reduction and internal fixation of the pubis with correction of the urethral trajectory was performed under general anaesthesia. The uroperitoneum was determined to originate from a cystocentesis. Relevance and novel information: This report describes an unusual case of urethral obstruction secondary to overlapping dislocation of the pubic symphysis with urethral entrapment and concurrent bilateral sacroiliac luxation. To the authors' knowledge, acute urethral obstruction owing to fractures of the pubis, without urethral laceration, has never been described.

Nasopharyngeal sialocoele with underlying auditory tube neoplasia in a cat.

Case summary: An 8-year-old cat was presented with recent signs related to upper airway obstruction. CT revealed a hypoattenuating mass, with rim enhancement, in the nasopharynx. Paracentesis yielded a viscous fluid, consistent with saliva on cytology. The sialocoele was aspirated, and surgical excision of the ipsilateral mandibular and sublingual salivary glands was performed. The sialocoele recurred 3 months later, associated with a polypoid structure in the auditory tube region. This was surgically extirpated. Histology was consistent with a tubulopapillar adenocarcinoma. Relevance and novel information: To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a nasopharyngeal sialocoele with confirmed underlying neoplasia in a cat, and the first description of CT imaging features of a nasopharyngeal sialocoele in a cat.

Lung lobe torsion in 15 dogs: Peripheral band sign on ultrasound.

The diagnosis of lung lobe torsion in dogs is usually based on radiological, endoscopic, and CT features. Few ultrasonographic descriptions have been published. The purpose of this multicenter, retrospective, and prospective observational study was to investigate the presence of a hypoechoic area forming a pulmonary band or line at the periphery of the twisted lobe on ultrasonography and assess its significance by comparing it to CT and histological findings. Fifteen dogs with lung lobe torsion confirmed surgically or postmortem were included. All had received ultrasonography and CT examinations; 13 had additional histopathological examination performed. In 14 cases, thoracic ultrasonography revealed a peripheral hypoechoic band, overlying areas of scattered, hyperreflecting interfaces in the affected lobe. On CT, central emphysema was surrounded by a peripheral, soft tissue attenuation band, affecting the periphery in 14 cases. No band was observed in one case, in which the lobe was entirely consolidated. Histological examination yielded a comparable peripheral band, consisting of a thickened visceral pleura with or without hemorrhagic necrosis of the underlying pulmonary parenchyma. This peripheral band may be related to the specific fractal organization of airways and vessels, which plays an important role in lung perfusion and ventilation and makes the lung periphery more prone to ischemia. Our findings suggest that the presence of a peripheral hypoechoic band, associated with central emphysema in a noncollapsed lung lobe on ultrasonography, is suggestive of compromised blood supply and air flow, and lung lobe torsion should therefore be suspected.

Computed tomographic features of gastric and esophageal content in dogs undergoing CT myelography and factors influencing the presence of esophageal fluid.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been reported to be a common finding in dogs under general anesthesia. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the esophageal and gastric contents in a population of dogs undergoing computed tomographic myelography (myelo-CT) examination and to evaluate the factors influencing the presence of esophageal fluid (gastric content, duration of anesthesia, body position, and intrinsic factors). METHODS: Esophageal and gastric contents of 83 non-brachycephalic dogs were retrospectively assessed based on plain and myelo-CT scans. Age, weight, breed, sex, and the time between the 2 computed tomography [CT] scans were included. RESULTS: Esophageal fluid was present in 19% (16/83) of the animals, and 14% (12/83) and 46% (37/83), respectively, had fluid or food material in their stomachs. The frequency of observing esophageal fluid on myelo-CT scans was significantly increased compared with plain CT scans (p = 0.006). The presence of gastric fluid was significantly associated with an increased frequency of observing esophageal fluid compared to other gastric contents (p = 0.049; odds ratio, 3.1). The presence of esophageal fluid was not correlated with alimentary gastric contents (p = 0.17). Increased body weight and duration of anesthesia were significantly associated with an increased frequency of observing esophageal fluid (p = 0.022, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike alimentary gastric contents, fluid gastric contents were correlated with the presence of esophageal fluid upon myelo-CT. The observation of fluid in the esophagus may be consistent with GER. This study provides data additional to pH monitoring studies of GER and may support previous studies recommending shorter pre-anesthetic fasting periods in dogs.

Intermittent urethral obstruction secondary to caudal sliding of a pelvic bladder in 3 dogs.

Three Yorkshire terrier dogs (2 males and 1 female) were presented for investigation of chronic dysuria and stranguria. Physical examination was unremarkable except for a poorly filled bladder. Biological tests, urinalysis, ultrasound, and routine radiography detected no significant abnormality, except for intermittent displacement of the bladder in the pelvis. Manual voiding cysto-urethrography showed marked caudal displacement of the bladder without perineal hernia and revealed intermittent, dynamic urethral obstruction. Obstructive kinking of the membranous urethra was observed in male dogs, and the marked caudal displacement of the bladder in the female dog was suspected to induce similar urethral obstruction, although this was not clearly visualized because of the absence of contrast filling of the obstructed urethra. All dogs showed resolution of the clinical signs following cystopexy. Key clinical message: This report documents the diagnostic value of manual voiding cysto-urethrography for the investigation of dynamic voiding disorders, especially in dogs with a pelvic bladder.

Obstruction urétrale intermittente secondaire au glissement caudal d'une vessie pelvienne chez trois chiens. Trois chiens de race Yorkshire (2 mâles et 1 femelle) furent présentés pour un problème de dysurie chronique et de strangurie. L'examen physique ne révéla rien d'anormal sauf une vessie pauvrement remplie. Des tests biologiques, une analyse d'urine, une échographie et des radiographies de routine ne détectèrent aucune anormalité, sauf pour le déplacement intermittent de la vessie dans le pelvis. Une cysto-urétrographie avec vidange manuelle a montré un déplacement caudal marqué de la vessie sans hernie périnéale et a révélé une obstruction urétrale dynamique et intermittente. Une plicature obstructive de l'urètre membraneuse fut observée chez les chiens mâles, et le déplacement caudal marqué de la vessie chez la chienne fut soupçonné d'induire une obstruction urétrale similaire, bien que ceci n'était pas clairement visualisé étant donné l'absence de remplissage par le milieu de contraste de l'urètre obstruée. La résolution des signes cliniques fut observée chez tous les chiens suite à la cystopexie.Message clinique important :Ce rapport documente la valeur diagnostique d'une cysto-urétrographie avec vidange manuelle pour l'étude de désordres de vidange dynamiques, spécialement chez les chiens avec une vessie pelvienne.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Ultrasonography of the normal reproductive tract of the female domestic cat.

The objective of this study was (1) to describe the US appearance and obtain reference values for the uterus and ovaries in nongravid and gravid queens with histologically confirmed reproductive tracts without disorders, (2) to provide US measurements of the reproductive tract compared to gross macroscopic and water-bath post-OVH US measurements in nongravid queens, and (3) to describe the sonographic appearance of the female reproductive tract during the different histopathologic phases of the reproductive cycle in nongravid and gravid queens. Ninety-three queens from a "trap, neuter, return" program were included in this study. Sonographic evaluation of the reproductive tract was performed in all queens, and measurements of the corpus uteri, uterine horns, and ovaries were recorded. Following OVH, macroscopic measurements were obtained, and a water-bath US evaluation of these tissues and measurements was recorded. Samples from the corpus uteri and both the uterine horns and ovaries were collected for histopathologic examination after all measurements had been recorded. Seventy-two reproductive tracts met the inclusion criteria by having a histopathologically confirmed normal reproductive tract. Sixty-three queens were nonpregnant and 9 were pregnant. The ovaries and uterus were sonographically visible in all queens regardless of reproductive status. The ovaries were ovoid in shape, and the uterus appeared as a tubular structure with distinct wall layers (serosa and indistinct myometrium and myometrium, or serosa, myometrium, and endometrium), with variable echogenicity of the inner layers. The layering of the uterine wall, observed during the second half of pregnancy, was described. Ovarian follicles were visible in 66/72 (92%) cats. However, the CL was only visible in 40/72 (55%) cats. The reference values of the left ovarian length, right ovarian length, uterine horn diameter, and uterine body are 7.1-13.9, 7.3-13.6, 1-5.8, and 1.5-5.3 mm, respectively, in a nongravid uterus. The uterine wall thickness during pregnancy varied from 2.4 to 6.8 mm. There was a significant positive correlation between US measurements obtained in vivo and those obtained macroscopically and in a water bath post-OVH. The body weight, follicular size, sonographic visibility of the uterine wall layering, the histopathologic luteal phase, and the active/inactive status on histopathology had a significant effect on the uterine measurements (p < 0.05). It was not possible to describe the exact US features of the reproductive tract during the different histopathologic phases. In conclusion, ultrasonographic reference values for the normal female reproductive tract in cats were determined. The results of this study indicated that the ovaries and uterus were visible in cats regardless of reproductive status.

Computed tomographic characteristics of pneumolabyrinth in a French bulldog with otitis media and externa.

A four-year-old female French bulldog was presented for evaluation of acute, left-sided peripheral vestibular syndrome. Computed tomographic (CT) examination of the head revealed the presence of air within the left cochlea and vestibule, consistent with pneumolabyrinth. This was concurrent with ipsilateral otitis media and externa. Pneumolabyrinth is an uncommon finding in humans and is most frequently due to head trauma and temporal bone fracture. This is the first report describing pneumolabyrinth in a dog, apparently of nontraumatic origin in this case.

Intra- and inter-observer variability in ultrasonographical measurements of the uterus and ovaries in healthy, non-pregnant queens.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to (1) evaluate how frequently the uterus and ovaries of healthy, non-pregnant queens are visible; (2) describe their appearance; (3) take their measurements; and (4) determine intra- and inter-observer variabilities in their measurements. We hypothesised that, using a high-frequency linear probe, the uterus and ovaries could be ultrasonographically visualised during any period of the sexual cycle and with any level of operator expertise. METHODS: Eight queens were enrolled in the study and the ultrasonographical appearance of their uterus and ovaries assessed with a high-frequency linear probe of 15-19 MHz. The diameter of the uterine horns, body and cervix in transverse and longitudinal sections, and the length of the ovaries were recorded. Three observers of different expertise level participated in the study, and the differences between the separate measurements made per queen were evaluated. RESULTS: The ovaries and the entire uterus were visualised in every queen. The ovaries were ovoid structures with submillimetric follicles during anoestrus and additional larger follicles depending on the stage of the cycle. An ovarian pattern suggesting cortex and medulla was observed in half the cases. In the uterus, the serosa was a thin hyperechoic outer rim, and layering was observed in half the cases. The cervix was difficult to identify. The intra- and inter-observer variabilities in the uterine horns and the ovaries were minimal (coefficient of variation [CV] 1.4-4.1%) compared with the differences within the queens (CV 10.9-43.4%). The longitudinal and transverse measurements of the horns and the uterine body were the same. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The ovaries and uterine horns in queens are accessible ultrasonographically at any stage of their cycle, and can be measured with low intra- and inter-observer variabilities.

Ultrasonographic characteristics of the abdominal esophagus and cardia in dogs.

Differential diagnoses for regurgitation and vomiting in dogs include diseases of the gastroesophageal junction. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to describe ultrasonographic characteristics of the abdominal esophagus and gastric cardia in normal dogs and dogs with clinical disease involving this region. A total of 126 dogs with no clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease and six dogs with clinical diseases involving the gastroesophageal junction were included. For seven euthanized dogs, ultrasonographic features were also compared with gross pathology and histopathology. Cardial and abdominal esophageal wall thicknesses were measured ultrasonographically for all normal dogs and effects of weight, sex, age, and stomach filling were tested. Five layers could be identified in normal esophageal and cardial walls. The inner esophageal layer was echogenic, corresponding to the cornified mucosa and glandular portion of the submucosa. The cardia was characterized by a thick muscularis, and a transitional zone between echogenic esophageal and hypoechoic gastric mucosal layers. Mean (±SD) cardial wall thicknesses for normal dogs were 7.6 mm (±1.6), 9.7 mm (±1.8), 10.8 mm (±1.6), 13.3 mm (±2.5) for dogs in the <10 kg, 10-19.9 kg, 20-29.9 kg and ≥30 kg weight groups, respectively. Mean (±SD) esophageal wall thicknesses were: 4.1 mm (±0.6), 5.1 mm (±1.3), 5.6 mm (±1), and 6.4 mm (±1.1) for the same weight groups, respectively. Measurements of wall thickness were significantly correlated with dog weight group. Ultrasonography assisted diagnosis in all six clinically affected dogs. Findings supported the use of transabdominal ultrasonography as a diagnostic test for dogs with suspected gastroesophageal disease.

Ultrasonographic characterization of the feline cardia and pylorus in 34 healthy cats and three abnormal cats.

A prospective study was performed in 34 fasted healthy cats to describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the cardia and pylorus. Measurements were obtained for the caudal esophageal wall thickness (Ew), cardia wall thickness (Cw), pyloric wall thickness (Pw), thickness of the pyloric muscularis (Mp), length of the thicker part of the proximal duodenal submucosa (Dl). Among the 34 cats, 24 were examined using a linear transducer, and 10 with a microconvex transducer. Ew and Cw could be measured in 70% of the cats when a linear transducer was used, in 100% of the cats when a microconvex probe was used, Pw and Mp could be measured in 100% of the cats whatever probe was used. The submucosa of the most proximal part of the duodenum was thicker in half of the cats in longitudinal section. The muscularis layer of the pylorus was triangular in longitudinal section and thicker than the muscularis of the proximal duodenum. The mean for Ew, Cw, Pw, Mp, and DI was 4.9 mm (SD = 1.1), 5 mm (SD = 0.6), 4.4 mm (SD = 0.6), 2.5 mm (SD = 0.5), and 4.7 mm (SD = 2.38), respectively. Three cats with abnormalities of the cardia and pylorus are also described to illustrate clinical implications.

Significance of a common extended mucosal interface observed in transverse small intestine sonograms.

An echogenic stripe can be seen through the mucosal layer on either side of the ultrasonographic image of a bowel loop in cross-section. The mucosa is a continuous layer surrounding the intestinal lumen; thus it should appear as a continuous hypoechoic band with no bright stripe in it. The purpose of this study was to investigate the origin of this stripe and to determine whether it is an artifact. Intestinal cross-sectional images were obtained using different transducer types and frequencies. In vivo and in vitro, different angles of insonification were used and, in vitro, bowel loops were also fluid filled during an ultrasonographic examination, to assess the potential influence of intestinal shape and position on this stripe. Some of these loops were evaluated histologically to determine if the echogenic stripe had a histologic basis. The echogenic stripe was present only when the loop was flattened. It remained on each side of the maximal cross-sectional width and disappeared when this width was parallel to the ultrasound beam, or when the bowel loop had a completely round shape and was dilated. There was no influence of transducer type, shape, or frequency on the appearance of the line. Histologically, uneven and larger distance between the mucosal villi could be seen on either side of the bowel loop corresponding to the location of the echogenic stripe seen on the ultrasonographic images. In conclusion, the occasional echogenic stripe represents an interface within the mucosa due to altered position of villi on either side of the maximal intestinal cross-sectional width in collapsed bowel segment.

Spinal subarachnoid cysts in 13 dogs.

Thirteen dogs, including 6 Rottweiler dogs, exhibiting clinical signs of spinal cord dysfunction and myelographically confirmed subarachnoid space enlargement were investigated. To characterize the lesions and to get a better understanding of their pathogenesis, different imaging techniques were used in association with explorative surgical procedures (12 dogs) and histopathologic techniques (5 dogs). All subjects underwent preoperative myelography, five of which were examined by computed tomography (CT) scanning and one by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow measurement (velocimetry). Most animals were <12 months old (7/13 dogs) and Rottweilers were over-represented (6/13 dogs). The lesions were mainly located dorsally with respect to the spinal cord (10/13 dogs) and in the cranial cervical area (8/13 dogs). MRI suggested spinal cord deviation with signs of ventral leptomeningeal adhesion opposite the enlarged space. In one dog, velocimetry confirmed that the "cyst" was freely communicating with the surrounding CSF space. Surgical investigation confirmed leptomeninges-induced ventral adhesion in 4/5 dogs. Follow-up studies, carried out from 6 months to 2.5 years postoperatively, showed there was full recovery in 8/13 dogs. This study suggests that the compression of the spinal cord is possibly not caused by a cyst. Adhesion resulting from a combination of microtrauma and chronic inflammatory processes induces a secondary enlargement of the subarachnoid space and may be a significant causative factor in spinal cord compression and dysfunction. The over-representation of Rottweilers and the young age of the animals in the study suggest a possible genetic predisposition and an inherited etiology.