Hypertensive Cardiomyopathy as a Sequel to Hydronephrosis Induced by Transitional Cell Carcinoma.

A 10-year-old female Griffon dog was presented for evaluation due to a 5-month history of hematuria and systemic hypertension. Thoracic auscultation detected a grade II/VI left apical systolic murmur. Abdominal ultrasound revealed the presence of a heterogeneous mass at the trigonal area of the urinary bladder, extending to the left ureter cranially and caudally toward the bladder's neck. Marked left hydronephrosis and hydroureter were detected as well as mild right hydronephrosis. Cytological examination of urine sediment confirmed the presence of transitional cell carcinoma. Echocardiography disclosed marked left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, which likely developed as a consequence of systemic hypertension induced by the bilateral hydronephrosis due to bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

Prominent J wave in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The J wave has never been documented in the electrocardiogram (ECG) of cats presenting with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The present study aimed to describe the presence, morphology, amplitude, and duration of J waves in cats with HCM. It included 20 apparently healthy cats and 45 cats diagnosed with HCM based on clinical, echocardiographic, ECG, and radiographic examination. The cats were of different breeds (Persian: 40, domestic short hair: 21, Siamese: 4), ages (6.01 ± 4.34 years), sexes (male: 33, female: 32), and weights (3.30 ± 1.51 kg). The J wave was absent in the ECGs of the healthy population, but was detected in 29 out of 45 cats with HCM (63%). The J waves were observed at the QRS-ST junction in more than one limb lead of the ECG. Only positive deflections with an amplitude ≥0.05 mV were included, as measured by an ECG ruler in three consecutive heart cycles. The J waves were mainly present in leads II (n=20) and III (n=16), with amplitudes of 0.06 ± 0.02 and 0.08 ± 0.03 mV; their mean (± SD) duration was 0.16 ± 0.05 msec in lead II and 0.18 ± 0.05 msec in lead III. They occurred in both notched and slurred morphologies, with the latter being more common. In conclusion, J waves were a common finding in the ECGs of cats with HCM.

Feline aortic thromboembolism: Presentation, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes of 15 cats.

Background: Feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE) is a fatal disease where a blood clot gets lodged into the aortic trifurcation. Methods: Fifteen cats with a sudden onset of hind limb paresis/paralysis, vocalization, and pain were admitted to the surgery clinic. A full case history was obtained and clinical, orthopedic, neurologic, radiographic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examinations were performed for each cat. The treatment protocol included daily administration of multiple anticoagulant drugs with different mode of actions and meloxicam for 7 successive days. Prophylactic anticoagulant therapy (clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid) was continued for 6 months. All data were statistically analyzed and the correlation between time of admission and treatment outcome was tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The case history and clinical, orthopedic, and neurologic examinations revealed a sudden onset of hind limb paralysis (n = 12) or paresis (n = 3) associated with vocalization and pain, absence of trauma, cold and pale paws of hind limbs (n = 13, 86.7%) or cyanosed hind paws (n = 2, 13.3%), absence of femoral pulsation, shallow and rapid open-mouth respiration (61 ± 8 breaths/minutes), hypothermia (37.9°C ± 0.6°C) and tachycardia (155 ± 12 beats/minutes), with a muffled heart sound in four cats (26.7%). Radiography revealed no abnormalities in the hind limbs, pelvis, and spines, cardiomegaly in five cats (33.3%), mild pleural effusion and vascular pattern of the lung in six cats (40%), and Valentine's heart shape in four cats (26.7%). Electrocardiography (ECG) revealed an R-wave< 0.9 mV, prolongation of QRS interval in five cats (33.3%), and conduction disturbance in four cats (26.7%). Echocardiography was consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in five cats (33.3%). A statistically significant (p= 0.023) strong negative correlation (r= -0.6) was reported between time of admission and subsequent early treatment and recovery from clinical signs. The treatment was successful in nine cats (60%), while four cats (26.7) were euthanized and two cats (13.3%) were subjected to hind limb amputation, at the owners' requests. Conclusion: Clinical signs, radiography, ECG, and echocardiography are valuable for diagnosis of FATE. The outcome of the multiple anticoagulants therapy depends mainly upon early diagnosis and treatment within the first 6 hours from the onset of clinical signs.

Histologic Evaluation of Artificial Floors Under MTA and Nano-Filled Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Used to Repair Furcation Perforations in Dogs.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the tissue reaction of two repair materials for furcation perforations, nano-filled resin modified glass ionomer (Nano-FRMGI) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), used with or without an artificial floor. Methods: A total of 96 teeth in 6 dogs were used for this study. After access cavities, root canals were prepared and obturated with gutta percha using cold lateral condensation technique. Perforations were then created on the floors of the pulp chambers. The perforations divided into four groups n=24/group that were sealed with MTA alone, MTA with calcium sulphate artificial floor (CSAF), FRMGI alone and Nano-FRMGI with CSAF. All access cavities were filled with composite resin. Two dogs were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 6 month. The experimental tooth along with the surrounding alveolar bone were cut in block sections and histologically evaluated for tissue response. Data were analyzed by Chi-square (P≤0.05). Results: MTA and MTA with CSAF showed more bone and cementum apposition when compared to Nano-FRMGI at 6-month interval. MTA and MTA with CSAF showed less bone resorption, epithelium proliferation and inflammation compared to Nano-FRMGI at 6-month interval. Conclusion: MTA with CSAF or MTA-alone show better outcomes in the repair of pulp chamber floor perforation.

Ultrasonographic examination of the normal caprine neonatal brain.

Ultrasonography is a safe, rapid, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that has been previously used for imaging infants and canine neonatal brains. The purpose of the present study was to describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the brain in clinically normal caprine neonates. Ultrasonographic examination was done on 12 day-old goat kids, transverse and sagittal transcranial scans were obtained through the frontal bone. Three image planes were recorded through transverse scans including plane I (level of the caudate nucleus), plane II (level of the rostral diencephalon) and plane III (level of the caudal diencephalon). Parallel post mortem examinations were done for two kids that died a day following examination due to accidental trauma by the dam. Reliable and repeatable ultrasonographic images of the goat kid's brain were described based on the gross post mortem findings. The head of the caudate nucleus was taken as an anatomical landmark in the plane I where it appeared as a curved hyperechoic structure. In plane II, the longitudinal fissure with its characteristic umbrella-like structure was taken as a landmark, while in plane III, the laterally located hyperechoic hippocampus was taken as a landmark. Normal ultrasonographic examination of the caprine neonatal brain represented the basis for diagnosing congenital brain lesions as well as intracranial hemorrhage.

New intranasal cross-linked mosapride xyloglucan pluronics micelles (MOS-XPMs) for reflux esophagitis disease: In-vitro optimization and improved therapeutic efficacy.

Mosapride belongs to class IV in Biopharmaceutics Classification System and is used in the treatment of reflux esophagitis. It exhibits poor bioavailability due to limited permeability, solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism. In this study, intranasal mosapride-loaded cross-linked xyloglucan Pluronic micelles (MOS-XPMs) was formulated and optimized to improve the low solubility & bioavailability of MOS. The solid dispersion technique using 23 full factorial design was applied. (MOS-XPMs) (F4) had the highest desirability value (0.952) and, therefore, it was selected as an optimal system. Xyloglucan cross-linked in the shell of Pluronic micelles offered improved stability and mucoadhesiveness to MOS-XPMs. 1H NMR spectra ensured the cross-linking of xyloglucan with Pluronic micelle shell and micelle stabilization. A Pharmacodynamic study revealed that MOS-XPMs showed 1.5-fold increase in duodenal and cecal motility compared to MOS suspension and 1.7-fold increase compared to the oral marketed product. The new MOS-XPMs were shown to be successful at improving the therapeutic efficacy of mosapride.

Expression of blood hepatocyte-derived microRNA-122 in canine multicentric lymphoma with hepatic involvement.

This study was performed to evaluate the hepatocyte-derived microRNA (miR)-122 as novel diagnostic biomarker in canine lymphoma. Fifteen dogs were enrolled in this study. Dogs presented at Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University. Dogs were divided into 8 clinically healthy dogs act as control and 7 clinically ill dogs. All dogs were subjected to clinical, ultrasonographic, hemato-biochemical and ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy for cytological and histopathological investigations. On the basis of these results, 7 dogs were found to be suffering from multicentric lymphoma involving liver. Serum hepatocyte-derived miRA-122 was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in all dogs. Multicentric lymphoma involving liver manifested by inappetance for several days, depression and peripheral lymphadenopathy. Hematological examination showed significant lymphocytosis. Serum biochemical analysis revealed significant increase in ALT, AST, ALP compared to control dogs. Ultrasonography revealed hypoechoic lymphoid aggregation at area of "porta hepatis" and circumscribed hypoechoic nodule interrupt liver parenchyma. Cytology revealed infiltration of liver tissue by lymphoblast cells and histopathology revealed diffuse infiltration of hepatic sinusoids and portal area by uniform population of small lymphocytes. Serum miRNA-122 analysis showed a significant increase represented as 9.00 fold in canine multicentric lymphoma involving liver. Serum hepatocyte-derived miRNA-122 is of diagnostic value, non invasive, stable and easily measurable blood biomarker for the detection of hepatocellular injury in dogs with multicentric lymphoma involving liver.

Influence of phase of respiration on thoracic conformation at multiple vertebral levels in German shepherd dog.

This study aimed to objectively assess the influence of phase of respiration on thoracic conformation at different vertebral levels. An observational prospective study was done on 30 German shepherd dogs. Thoracic radiographs were obtained at peak inspiration and expiration; thoracic depth and width were measured at each vertebral level. The change in thoracic dimensions, and the frontosagittal and vertebral indices were calculated at each level. The level of the 10th thoracic segment was the deepest and widest level of the thorax. At the first three thoracic segments, the percentage change of thoracic depth ranged from 3.2 ± 3.0 to 5.1 ± 3.9 % and 4.2 ± 2.8 to 6.6 ± 4.9 % for thoracic width. At the 4th-9th thoracic segments, this change increased to 13.3 ± 5.0 to 19.3 ± 3.8 % in thoracic depth and 13.9 ± 6.2 to 18.8 ± 8.2 % in thoracic width. The percentage change in thoracic width was significantly greater than thoracic depth at the level of the 6th and 7th thoracic segments (P = 0.027, 0.019). Phase of respiration had an influence on thoracic conformation objectively evaluated at multiple vertebral levels.

Intranasal Surface-Modified Mosapride Citrate-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (MOS-SMNLCs) for Treatment of Reflux Diseases: In vitro Optimization, Pharmacodynamics, and Pharmacokinetic Studies.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an esophageal injury occurred when the stomach contents reflux abnormally into the esophagus. GERD complications include esophageal adenocarcinoma. Mosapride (MOS) is a safe prokinetic agent potentially used to treat GERD. Yet, its low solubility and bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism limits its applications. This study aimed to formulate MOS nanostructured lipid carriers (MOS-NLCs) via the intranasal route to improve its bioavailability. Melt-emulsification low temperature-solidification technique using 23 full factorial design was adopted to formulate MOS-NLCs. Eight formulae were prepared and assessed in terms of entrapment efficiency (%EE), particle size, and in vitro release. Glycerol addition significantly reduced the particle sizes and improved %EE and %drug released. Surface modification using chitosan was applied. The optimized MOS surface-modified nanostructured lipid carriers (MOS-SMNLCs-F7)(stearic acid, 4% glycerol, 0.5% LuterolF127, 0.5% chitosan) showed low particle size 413.8 nm ± 11.46 nm and high %EE 90.19% ± 0.06% and a threefold increase in permeation of MOS with respect to the drug suspension. MOS-SMNLCs (F7) was also evaluated for its bioavailability compared with drug suspension and commercial product. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in gastric emptying rate to be 21.54 ± 1.88 contractions/min compared with10.02 ± 0.62 contractions/min and 8.9 ± 0.72 contractions/min for drug suspension and oral marketed product respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies showed 2.44-fold rise in bioavailability as compared to MOS suspension and 4.54-fold as compared to the oral marketed product. In vitro/in vivo studies proven to level A correlation between in vitro permeation through sheep nasal mucosa and in vivo absorption. Therefore, MOS-SMNLCs could be considered a step forward towards enhancing the clinical efficacy of Mosapride.

Correlation between clinical severity and type and degree of pectus excavatum in twelve brachycephalic dogs.

The aim of the study was to correlate the clinical severity of pectus excavatum with its type and degree based on objective radiographic evaluation. Twelve brachycephalic dogs were included. Grading of the clinical severity was done based on a 6-point grading score. Thoracic radiographs were used to calculate the frontosagittal and vertebral indices at the tenth thoracic vertebra and the vertebra overlying the excavatum. Correlation between the clinical severity score and frontosagittal and vertebral indices was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Typical pectus excavatum was recorded in the caudal sternum in seven dogs, with a mean clinical severity score of 1.7 ± 1.4, whereas in five dogs, atypical mid-sternal deviation was recorded with a mean clinical severity score of 3.8 ± 0.7. A strong correlation (r=0.7) was recorded between the clinical severity score and vertebral index in the atypical form, whereas a weak correlation (r=0.02) was recorded in the typical form (P<0.05). The clinical severity and degree of pectus excavatum was poorly correlated (r=0.3) in the typical form of pectus excavatum, whereas it was strongly correlated (r=0.9) in the atypical form. Pectus excavatum in dogs is associated with compressive cardiopulmonary dysfunction, which depends mainly on the site/type of deviation rather than the degree of deviation.

Caprine neonatal spinal ultrasonography.

Spinal ultrasonography is a safe, rapid, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows visualization of the spinal cord and its surrounding meninges. The non-ossified spinous processes were used as an acoustic window for imaging the spinal cord in human and canine neonates. No available literatures have been published describing the ultrasonographic appearance of caprine neonatal spinal cord. The present study was performed on 20 one day-old goat kids. Sagittal and transverse ultrasound scans were obtained using 8MHz linear transducer. The spinal cord appeared as a tubular anechoic to hypoechoic structure within the spinal canal. The cord was surrounded by hyperechoic dura and pia matter as well as the anechoic subarachnoid space in-between. The mean sagittal diameter of the cord at the cervical region was (4.6±0.3mm), the thoracic region (3.9±0.2mm), and the lumbar region (4.3±1.1mm). The sagittal diameter of the cord at the cervical and lumbar regions was significantly wider than the diameter at the thoracic region. Identification of the normal ultrasonographic appearance of caprine neonatal spinal cord may represent the basis for diagnosing congenital spinal cord lesions.

Radiographic and ultrasonographic characteristics of ventral abdominal hernia in pigeons (Columba livia).

Five female egg-laying pigeons presented with painless, reducible, ventral abdominal swellings located between the keel and the pubis, or close to the cloaca. Based on clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examination, these pigeons were diagnosed with ventral abdominal hernia requiring surgical interference. Reduction was successfully performed under general anesthesia. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were beneficial for confirming the diagnosis and visualizing the hernial content for surgical planning. Lateral radiographs were more helpful than ventrodorsal radiographs for identification of the hernial content and its continuation with the abdominal muscles. Ultrasonographic examination offered a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allowed for the differentiation of hernia from other abdominal swellings. In addition, it played a beneficial role in identification of the hernial content and follow up after surgical interference. In conclusion, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were beneficial in the diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow up after surgical interference of ventral abdominal hernia in pigeons.

Pneumopericardium Secondary to Pneumomediastinum in a Golden Retriever Dog.

Pneumopericardium is a rare finding that has been previously reported following spontaneous, traumatic, or iatrogenic causes. A 3-year old Golden Retriever dog was admitted with respiratory distress after falling from a height. Clinical and electrocardiographic findings were nonspecific. Thoracic radiography revealed hyperinflated lung with sharp outlining of the mediastinal structures. A well-demarcated region of radiolucent gas opacity was seen surrounding the cardiac silhouette. Echocardiography revealed intense hyper-reflective shadows all over the heart. Echocardiographic measurements were within the reference range. The dog responded well to conservative medical therapy. Pneumopericardium was reported secondary to pneumomediastinum; pneumopericardium is self-limiting unless other complications develop.

Canine neonatal transcranial ultrasonography from birth until closure of bregmatic fontanelle.

Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool that has been used for diagnosis of neonatal brain diseases. The purpose of the present study was to describe the sequential ultrasonographic appearance of the normal canine neonatal brain from birth till closure of the bregmatic fontanelle. In total, 16 clinically normal neonates of mixed breed dogs were used. The bregmatic fontanelle was used as an acoustic window to record 5 transcranial scans (3 transverse, 1 sagittal, and 1 parasagittal scans) at 3, 10, 20, and 30 days of age. The appearance, echogenicity, and developmental differentiation of the structures within the cranium were described. Good images were obtained at 10 and 20 days of age. At 30 days of age, the obtained images presented poor details, as the fontanelle was small. Data obtained from this study represent the basis of brain ultrasound in neonates until 30 days of age, which could be beneficial in diagnosing congenital brain diseases.

Gastroesophageal intussusception in a 50-day-old German shepherd dog.

Gastroesophageal intussusception is a rare but life-threatening condition that requires immediate diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention. We describe the clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and gross pathologic examinations of a 50-day-old German Shepherd dog with gastroesophageal intussusception associated with esophageal dilatation. The dog was brought to the clinic 10 days after weaning with a history of regurgitation, persistent vomiting, hematemesis, and dyspnea. On admission, the dog was lethargic with signs of shock and died just before surgery. Gastroesophageal intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis in dogs with progressive vomiting or regurgitation especially at the weaning time.

Two-dimensional cardiothoracic ratio for evaluation of cardiac size in German shepherd dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate cardiac size in normal German shepherd dogs (GSD) using the two-dimensional cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) and to use this measure for diagnosing GSD with altered cardiac size. ANIMALS: One hundred clinically normal GSD as well as 46 GSD with altered cardiac size (microcardia or cardiomegaly). METHODS: The CTR was computed as the percentage area of the cardiac silhouette relative to the area of the dog's thorax. Measurements were performed using a digital software program on lateral and ventro-dorsal radiographs at the points of peak inspiration and expiration. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the CTR for diagnosing cardiomegaly or microcardia. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) CTR on lateral radiographs of normal dogs was 27.60% ± 1.10% and 30.13% ± 1.42% at the points of peak inspiration and expiration, respectively. For ventro-dorsal radiographs, mean CTR was 30.45% ± 1.39% at peak inspiration and 33.34% ± 1.46% at peak expiration. The cutoff value of the CTR for diagnosing microcardia on lateral radiographs was 22.98% (inspiration) and 25.06% (expiration), compared to 25.03% (inspiration) and 23.97% (expiration) on ventro-dorsal radiographs. Cutoff values for diagnosing cardiomegaly were 30.28% (inspiration) and 33.44% (expiration) on lateral radiographs and 36.80% (inspiration) and 37.99% (expiration) on ventro-dorsal radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: CTR may provide a clinically useful tool for evaluating cardiac size in dogs.

Clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of salivary mucoceles in 13 dogs.

Salivary mucocele is one of the causes of submandibular swelling in dogs and is due to a collection of mucoid saliva that has leaked from a damaged salivary gland. The purpose of this case series report was to describe the clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of confirmed salivary mucoceles in 13 dogs admitted to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Cairo University. The final diagnosis of salivary mucocele was based on aspirate cytology for all dogs and additional surgical excision for seven dogs. For dogs admitted from 2 weeks to 1 month from the onset of clinical signs, the cervical mucocele appeared as a round echogenic structure with a large volume of central anechoic content. The wall was a clearly identified hyperechoic structure surrounding the gland. For dogs admitted between 1 to 2 months from the onset of clinical signs, the volume of anechoic material appeared less than that seen in the acute cases. The overall appearance of the salivary mucocele was heterogenous. For dogs admitted after 2 months from the onset of clinical signs, the salivary mucocele appeared grainy or mottled, with a heterogenous appearance and a further decrease in anechoic content. For one dog that presented after 3 months from the onset of clinical signs, the salivary mucocele was hard on palpation and appeared hyperechoic with distal acoustic shadowing. Findings from this study indicated that ultrasonographic characteristics of salivary mucoceles in dogs vary depending on the chronological stage of the disease.