Reliability of fluoroscopic examination of nasopharyngeal dorsoventral dimension change in pugs and French bulldogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intra- and interobserver agreements in two-dimensional measurements of changes in nasopharyngeal dimensions during breathing in pugs and French bulldogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental randomized study. ANIMALS: A total of 20 French bulldogs and 16 pugs. METHODS: Four observers with different levels of experience measured the dorsoventral dimensions of the nasopharynx during inspiration and expiration on fluoroscopy videos. Measurements were performed at the maximal narrowing of the nasopharynx for the functional method and at the level of the tip of the epiglottis for the anatomically adjusted method. The intra- and interobserver agreements of the measurements, ratio of the dynamic nasopharyngeal change (ΔL), and grade of nasopharyngeal (NP) collapse (no, partial or complete) were evaluated. RESULTS: The functional method resulted in intraobserver correlation coefficients of 0.532 (p < .01) and 0.751 (p < .01) and interobserver correlation coefficients of 0.378 (p < .01) and 0.621 (p < .01) for NP collapse grade and ΔL, respectively. The anatomically adjusted method, 0.491 (p < .01) and 0.576 (p < .01) and 0.495 (p < .01) and 0.729 (p < .01) for NP collapse grade and ΔL, respectively, were being used. One observer (radiologist) achieved intraobserver correlation coefficients >0.9 for both methods. CONCLUSION: Fair interobserver agreement was found for NP collapse grade (functional method), moderate intra- and interobserver agreements were found for NP collapse grade and ΔL (both methods) while intraobserver agreement for ΔL was good (functional method). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both methods seem repeatable and reproducible but only for experienced radiologists. The use of ΔL may offer higher repeatability and reproducibility than grade of NP collapse regardless of the method used.

Evaluation of right ventricle echocardiographic variables in apparently healthy domestic shorthair cats.

Right ventricular structural and functional changes result from many cardiovascular disorders in cats. Accordingly, echocardiographic evaluation of the size and function of the right ventricle (RV) provides important prognostic information in many conditions affecting the right heart. Therefore, detection of these changes is clinically important and needs reference values to ease the diagnosis. The present study was designed to calculate structural and functional right ventricular variables in 10 apparently healthy cats (six males and four females, average age 1 year old and body weight 2.70 - 4.80 kg) with no sedation. For this purpose, The minimum, maximum, mean ± standard error of the mean of right ventricle internal dimension in systole and diastole (cm), right ventricle free wall thickness in systole and diastole (cm), fractional shortening (%), right ventricle volume in systole and diastole (mL), right ventricle area in systole and diastole (cm2), ejection fraction (%) and fractional area change (%) were measured and reported. Descriptive statistics were provided for all calculated variables. Statistical correlation of the collected variables with body weight, gender and heart rate were analyzed. Results showed that there is a significant correlation between heart rate with body weight and between systolic and diastolic RV volumes with gender. The results of the present study would help clinicians in the diagnosis of the right heart changes in DSH cats.

Ultrasonographic features of Marek's disease in a chicken.

A 4-year-old chicken was presented with a history of anorexia, depression, and blindness. An ultrasound examination of the coelomic cavity was performed that revealed splenomegaly, hepatic nodules, and hypoechoic thickening of the intestinal wall. Ultrasonography of the coelomic cavity was done and revealed splenomegaly, nodular hepatic changes, and hypoechoic thickening of the intestinal wall. A diagnosis of Marek's disease was made based on the history and extension of the abdominal organ changes and confirmed by histopathology. This study describes an ultrasonographic appearance of Marek's disease in a chicken and emphasizes the importance and benefits of ultrasonography in staging the progression of Marek's disease.

Computed tomography of the spleen in chickens.

The avian spleen is an important immune organ in birds and its size can be used as an index of immune system responses in different conditions. Based on the lack of knowledge in computed tomography of the spleen in chickens, the present study was conducted to assess the inter-and intraobserver reliability in the measurement of the spleen dimensions and attenuation, as well as the feasibility of utilization of these measurements as a predictor of different diseases. For these purposes, the spleens of 47 chickens were included in the study. Two observers measured the dimensions and attenuations of the spleen, which were finally compared with the clinical diagnosis. The results showed an excellent interobserver reliability in the length, width, and height of the spleen (ICC: 0.944, 0.906, and 0.938, retrospectively), and a good interobserver reliability was observed during the evaluation of the average Hounsfield units of the spleen (ICC: 0.818). The intraobserver reliability was excellent in all the measurements (ICC > 0.940). Additionally, no statistical differences were detected in the spleen size and attenuation between the normal and diseased groups. Based on the present results, the computed tomographic measurements of the spleen could not predict the clinical diseases of the chickens; however, the low rates of the inter- and intraobserver variability suggest the reliable utilization of these computed tomographic measurements in routine clinical application and follow-up examinations.

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular blood flow and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in apparently healthy domestic short-haired cats.

Right ventricular parameters change in many cardiovascular diseases; so, the presence of normal right ventricular parameters is necessary to diagnose these diseases. Ten clinically healthy adult domestic short-haired cats including six males and four females in the range of 2.70 to 4.80 kg were studied using echocardiography without sedation. The speed and pressure of blood flow through the tricuspid and pulmonary valves, speed of the movement of tricuspid valve and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were recorded using conventional pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and M-mode, respectively. No significant statistical differences were observed between the measured values and sex, heart rate and body weight. A positive correlation was observed between the maximum velocity of the right ventricular outflow tract and heart rate and also between TAPSE slope and body weight. With determining the normal values of PW-TDI of the right ventricle in apparently healthy domestic short-haired cats, it is expected that with providing normal reference values, the diagnosis of heart diseases especially asymptomatic heart disease be achieved as soon as possible to provide the best appropriate therapeutic management and monitoring decision about them.

Evaluation of aglepristone and oxytocin on induction of parturition in guinea pig.

BACKGROUND: Induction of parturition in guinea pigs appears to be essential because these animals have a higher rate of reproductive problems than rabbits and small rodents. OBJECTIVES: Since aglepristone (AGL) is a competitive progesterone antagonist acting through binding to progesterone receptors while oxytocin (OT) is a powerful constituent of uterine smooth muscle, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and ultrasonographic impacts of AGL and OT on guinea pig parturition induction. METHODS: In this study, guinea pigs were allocated into five groups; each included five animals on the 61st day of pregnancy. In the aglepristone group (Agle), AGL was administrated subcutaneously (SC) once daily on 2 consecutive days (Days 61 and 62 post mating). Oxytocin (OT) was administered subcutaneously once and twice at 4-h intervals on Day 62 post mating in oxytocin 1 (Oxy1) and oxytocin 2 (Oxy2) groups, respectively. The animals in the aglepristone-oxytocin group (Agle-Oxy) received AGL subcutaneously once daily on 2 consecutive days (Days 61 and 62 post mating) and OT on Day 62 post mating. The remaining sows received saline solution (0.9% NaCl) in the control group. RESULTS: According to the results, fetal heart rate, temperature, neonatal and maternal survival rates were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups (p > 0.05). Biparietal diameter of head and body weight of neonates in the Agle, Oxy2 and Agle-Oxy groups showed a significant decline, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The time interval between injection and delivery and the duration of pregnancy was significantly reduced in Agle, Oxy2, Agl-Oxy groups, compared to the control and Oxy1 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, it seems that treatment Oxy2 can induce parturition in guinea pigs without side effects and lower pain during induction of parturition.

Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation of supinator sesamoid bones in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluated the frequency of supinator sesamoid bones (SSB) on radiography and computed tomography (CT). Interobserver agreement was evaluated in the detection of the SSBs in both methods. A correlation between the existence of SSBs and elbow diseases (ED) was assessed. For these purposes, radiographs, and CT scans of 100 dogs were scored by 3 observers. RESULTS: The SSB was identified as a round to oval-shaped opacity and measured 0.5-6.56 mm × 0.5-6.2 mm. SSBs were reported in an average of 8,33% of dogs on radiographs and 26% of dogs on CT; a bilateral sesamoid bone was present in 43,52% and 76,92% of these dogs, respectively. Seventy-two percent of the SSBs was identified on CT were not detected on radiographs. The Kappa test showed a substantial agreement (κ = 0.691) and a perfect agreement (κ = 1) between the observers in the detection of SSBs on radiography and on CT scans respectively. Additionally, a weak positive correlation was detected between ED and the existence of SSBs. CONCLUSION: A supinator sesamoid bone can be detected occasionally in the evaluation of the canine elbow joints by routine radiography. CT is superior to radiography for assessing SSBs with a higher interobserver agreement. The correlation of the existence of the SSBs and ED, needs further evaluations to prove a probable pathophysiological connection.

Evaluation of thoracic vertebrae in healthy White New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus): Computed tomographic and morphometric study.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography currently has a prominent role in diagnosis and evaluation of vertebral column. On the other hand, a thorough knowledge about vertebral column property in normal state is prerequisite an accurate diagnosis of different abnormalities in this region. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present a complete and exact descriptive and morphometric evaluation of thoracic vertebrae in rabbits with computed tomography. In images which were constructed by CT, several structures and different parts of the thoracic vertebrae have been named. METHODS: Ten healthy, mature, White New Zealand rabbits were evaluated. The morphologic and morphometric parameters of the thoracic vertebrae were studied. In this study, several parameters of thoracic vertebrae, such as vertebral body height, spinous process height, transverse process length, transverse process width, etc., were measured by computed tomography. RESULTS: Some parameters, such as spinal canal height, spinal canal width, pedicle length, pedicle width, end plate width, and endplate height, had no significant difference through thoracic vertebrae but other parameters, such as vertebral body height, transverse process length, transverse process width, spinous process angle, transverse process angle, and vertebral body length, had a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a comprehensive anatomic atlas of CT anatomy of the thoracic vertebrae was produced for use by veterinary radiologists, clinicians, and surgeons. Finally, we must mention these two important points: (1) Many of the differences observed between rabbits and humans are based on the way the trunks of these two creatures are located on the ground and the differences in the way their bodies move. (2) In studies that are done by modelling humans on animals, it should be noted that the terms used in animal anatomy are different and the names are used using the principles of veterinary anatomy.

The diagnostic value of intravenous contrast computed tomography in addition to plain computed tomography in dogs with head trauma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate additional findings which can be detected by post-contrast computed tomography (CCT) in relation to plain CT (PCT) findings in patients presented with head trauma. Medical records of canine patients with the history of head trauma from three institutions were reviewed. PCT- and CCT-anonymized images were evaluated by a veterinary radiologist separately. From the categorized findings the following conclusions were drawn as: abnormalities were identified on (A) PCT but missed on CCT, (B) CCT but missed on PCT, (C) both PCT and CCT. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included. The results showed that findings identified on CCT or PCT (category A and B) but missed on the other series were limited to mild soft tissue and sinus changes. Overall, 61 different fracture areas, 6 injuries of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), 4 orbital injuries, 14 nasal cavities with soft tissue density filling, 13 areas of emphysema, 4 symphysis separations, 12 intracranial hemorrhages, 6 cerebral edema, 5 cerebral midline shifts, 3 intracranial aeroceles, 3 brain herniations and 6 intraparenchymal foreign bodies (defined as an abnormal structure located within the brain: e.g. bony fragments, bullet, teeth,..) were identified on both PCT and CCT separately (category C). Severity grading was different in 50% (3/6) of the reported cerebral edema using PCT and CCT images. CONCLUSION: The results showed that PCT is valuable to identify the presence of intracranial traumatic injuries and CCT is not always essential to evaluate vital traumatic changes.

Comparison of computed tomographic and cytological results in evaluation of normal prostate, prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia in dogs.

Prostate gland can be structurally evaluated by computed tomography (CT) with taking advantages of tomographic feature and post-contrast parenchymal changes. The current examination initiated to determine association between computed tomographic and cytological results in evaluation of canine prostate. Thirty mature male dogs were included and under gone by both CT and fine needle sampling of prostate. The cytology and CT examination results showed 18/30 (60.00%) and 15/30 (50.00%) normal prostate, 5/30 (16.66%) and 4/30 (13.33%) prostatitis and 7/30 (23.33%) and 11/30 (36.66%) benign prostatic hyperplasia, respectively. Moderate agreement has been found between cytology and final diagnosis based on pre-contrast CT images, however fair agreement was existed between cytological diagnosis and final CT interpretation according to post-contrast and both pre- and post- contrast CT series. Additionally, the internal iliac lymph node length showed statistically significant difference in prostatitis compared to normal and benign hyperplastic prostates in this study. In conclusion, the fair and moderate associations between cytology and final diagnosis based on CT images should be considered and they can be used in further investigations and clinical examinations. Also, using internal iliac lymph node length to differentiate prostatitis with normal and benign hyperplastic prostates can be used efficiently in diagnosis to choose the best method of management and have a proper follow up and prognosis.

Physical activity as an option to reduce adverse effect of EMF exposure during pregnancy.

The popularity of using wireless fidelity over the last decades increased apprehensions about impact of high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on health. Most of previous studies mentioned adverse effect of EMF on cognitive processes, but so far, no study has provided a way to control adverse effects of EMF exposure. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Wi-Fi EMF and physical activity on spatial learning and motor function in pregnant rat's offspring. Forty Albino-Wistar pregnant rats divided randomly into four groups (EMF, physical activity, combined 2.4GHZ EMF and physical activity and control groups). For assessing spatial learning in 56 post-natal days' old (PND) male offspring, Morris Water Maze (MWM) was used and to examine motor function Open-field test was taken. Although results of MWM test revealed that Wi-Fi modem EMF caused impairment in spatial learning in rats exposed to EMF but physical activity could reduce negative effect of EMF in pregnant rat's offspring who exposed during pregnancy but performed swimming. In addition, results of open-field test showed that litter's motor function in EMF group significantly declined in comparison with physical activity and combined 2.4GHZ EMF and physical activity groups. According to our findings, it can be concluded that execution physical activity individually or along with wave-exposed pregnancy can significantly progressive effect on offspring' cognitive and motor functions.

Use of 3D Ultrasonography in Diagnosing Ovarian Adenocarcinoma in a Common Mynah ( Acridotheres tristis ).

A 12-year-old female common mynah ( Acridotheres tristis ) was examined because of dyspnea and coelomic enlargement. Abdominal radiographs revealed hepatomegaly and a coelomic mass of unknown origin. Both brightness mode (2-dimensional; 2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography were performed to identify the origin of the mass. Ultrasonographic findings distinguished the mass from the liver and revealed high vascularization of the mass and a moderate increase in echogenicity of the liver. Three-dimensional ultrasonographic histogram analysis of the mass was performed. The mynah was treated with supportive care but died after 3 days. Histopathologic examination showed ovarian adenocarcinoma, with concurrent mild to moderate hepatopathy. In diagnostic imaging using ultrasound in birds, 3D ultrasonography allows perspective images of the internal organs to be obtained and is potentially superior to 2D ultrasonography in evaluating irregularly shaped objects.

Evaluation of gallbladder volume and contraction index with three-dimensional ultrasonography in healthy dogs.

Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography has been shown to be an accurate and appropriate tool for measurement of gallbladder volume in humans. Therefore, we applied this novel technique for the first time to study fasting and postprandial gallbladder volume in 10 healthy dogs and compared the results with those of 2-dimensional (2D) ultrasonography. Fasting gallbladder volumes determined by 3D ultrasonography were significantly higher than corresponding volumes determined by 2D ultrasonography (P<0.01). Additionally, gallbladder volumes were significantly decreased in the postprandial state compared with the fasting state using 3D ultrasonography (P<0.001), but 2D ultrasonography showed no significant difference (P=0.189). The Gallbladder contraction index was higher in 3D ultrasonography than 2D ultrasonography; however, it did not reach statistical significance (P=0.25). In conclusion, 3D ultrasonography was able to measure gallbladder volume in healthy dogs in this study. It is suggested that 3D ultrasonography can be used to accurately estimate gallbladder volume and contractility.